Hoda defence 1kak nathuwanam Chelsea lata gemak denna amarui
anith 1ka thawath pattama gemak thiyana match 1kak Chelsea kiyanne
anith 1ka thawath pattama gemak thiyana match 1kak Chelsea kiyanne
Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
Wolfsburg 1-4 Napoli: Higuain and Hamsik inspire emphatic win on Benitez's birthday
Hoda defence 1kak nathuwanam Chelsea lata gemak denna amarui
Koke: Mandzukic deserves credit for defending Carvajal over bite claim
Koke believes that Atletico Madrid team-mate Mario Mandzukic deserves credit for defending Dani Carvajal over claims that the Real Madrid defender bit the striker during Tuesday's Champions League clash.
Uefa looked set to open an inquiry into images of Carvajal seemingly moving his mouth towards Mandzukic's outstretched arm during the second half of the 0-0 draw at the Vicente Calderon.
However, the Croatia international promptly defused the situation by taking to Twitter the following morning to say: "There was no controversy: no bite, no nothing."Koke feels that Mandzukic should be lauded for his old-school attitude to on-field clashes.
"It's to Mandzu's credit that he did what he did, by saying there was no bite," the midfielder is quoted as saying by AS. "I think it's great he came out in [Carvajal's] defence."There's no point in going on about it. What happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch."
Koke is instead looking forward to next week's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, believing that Atletico still have every chance of progressing to the semi-finals thanks to the away-goals rule."There are no favourites, but if there were it would be Madrid," the Spain international added. "They won the competition last year and they're playing at home.
"But we're still in it. We'll give it everything to go through. It's 0-0 and they're in front of their own fans but, at the end of the day, it's 11 against 11 and if we score it'll count as double."From the first leg we learned that they will come out with a lot of intensity, as we saw during the first half.
"In the second half we were able to match that intensity. They are a great team and we will have to come out as strong as them or even more so."
Hart: Manchester City players have let Pellegrini down
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart feels Manuel Pellegrini's squad have let their manager down this season.
The Premier League champions have fallen away in the quest to defend their title, with City now fourth in the table and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea having played a game more than Jose Mourinho's side.
And England international Hart feels it is the players, not the under-fire manager, who are to blame for their poor results.
"That's a team of winners," Hart told Sky Sports. "When you don't win, it's going to be difficult. We want to win, we've got high standards.
"People have been disappointed in their own performances, we've let the manager down a few times in certain games and we've baffled ourselves a little bit because we feel like we've got the quality to beat anyone and that's not been the case.
"[Pellegrini] has got principles that we work to, that we train to and, like I say, we've let him down a few times in that case."
Pellegrini's future has come under the spotlight in recent weeks, and reports of him being close to the sack have intensified following the news that Jurgen Klopp will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the campaign.
But Hart believes the Blues could not have asked for more from their manager as they look to finish the season on a high.
"[Pellegrini] has been great. He's hard, he kind of says it how it is and you can't ask for much more than that from a manager.
"He obviously has the underlying goal that we've got a season to complete and we need to stick together and we need to work hard.
"I think he understands we've all got the same goals, we all want to achieve and we're going to work together as a unit, as players and staff to finish the season well."
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart feels Manuel Pellegrini's squad have let their manager down this season.
The Premier League champions have fallen away in the quest to defend their title, with City now fourth in the table and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea having played a game more than Jose Mourinho's side.
And England international Hart feels it is the players, not the under-fire manager, who are to blame for their poor results.
"That's a team of winners," Hart told Sky Sports. "When you don't win, it's going to be difficult. We want to win, we've got high standards.
"People have been disappointed in their own performances, we've let the manager down a few times in certain games and we've baffled ourselves a little bit because we feel like we've got the quality to beat anyone and that's not been the case.
"[Pellegrini] has got principles that we work to, that we train to and, like I say, we've let him down a few times in that case."
Pellegrini's future has come under the spotlight in recent weeks, and reports of him being close to the sack have intensified following the news that Jurgen Klopp will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the campaign.
But Hart believes the Blues could not have asked for more from their manager as they look to finish the season on a high.
"[Pellegrini] has been great. He's hard, he kind of says it how it is and you can't ask for much more than that from a manager.
"He obviously has the underlying goal that we've got a season to complete and we need to stick together and we need to work hard.
"I think he understands we've all got the same goals, we all want to achieve and we're going to work together as a unit, as players and staff to finish the season well."
Verratti: Messi more beautiful to watch than Ronaldo & Hazard
Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti says Lionel Messi is the toughest player he has faced and the most captivating to watch, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Eden Hazard.
The Ligue 1 champions have faced Barcelona three times in this season's Champions League alone, with Messi helping the Catalans to a 3-1 win at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Though he missed that match through suspension, Verratti is in no doubt that the Argentine is the best opponent he has ever faced, ahead of Real Madrid sensation Ronaldo and Chelsea favourite Hazard, formerly of Lille."Yes, the toughest and the most beautiful to watch," he told L'Equipe when asked if Messi was his sternest adversary.
"I have played against greats, like Ronaldo and Hazard. But I love watching Messi's touch of the ball, his style."
Verratti has regularly been earmarked as Italy's long-term successor to Juventus stalwart Andrea Pirlo and the 22-year-old says he would love to emulate the playmaker's career."Our style of play is still a bit different," he said when asked if he agreed with the comparisons.
"Pirlo has won everything: the World Cup, the Champions League... it's a great honour to be compared to him. I hope to have his career."
The former Pescara youngster also admits is habit of attempting to play out of danger has landed him in trouble with his team-mates in the past.
"There are times when it is worth taking risks," said Verratti. "That's my style of play. If you lose the ball in those few seconds, it's dangerous, but if you succeed you can damage your opponent."At the beginning, yes [they reproached me]. Thiago Silva, among others. But now they often tell me to keep doing it because it helps the defenders or attackers retrieve the ball."
Finally, Verratti said the backing from PSG's supporters has left him convinced he made the right decision to join the club in 2012 - but refuted the idea that he has already become 'the boss' of Laurent Blanc's midfield.
He continued: "In football today, there is no boss. Football has changed - you need a great team, not just one player. No one can make the difference alone.
"I didn't expect it here because there are great champions here and I'm abroad. When you hear your name like that, in the stadium, it makes you think you made the right choice to sign. The best way to thank the fans is to play as much as possible and stay as long as possible."
Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti says Lionel Messi is the toughest player he has faced and the most captivating to watch, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Eden Hazard.
The Ligue 1 champions have faced Barcelona three times in this season's Champions League alone, with Messi helping the Catalans to a 3-1 win at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Though he missed that match through suspension, Verratti is in no doubt that the Argentine is the best opponent he has ever faced, ahead of Real Madrid sensation Ronaldo and Chelsea favourite Hazard, formerly of Lille."Yes, the toughest and the most beautiful to watch," he told L'Equipe when asked if Messi was his sternest adversary.
"I have played against greats, like Ronaldo and Hazard. But I love watching Messi's touch of the ball, his style."
Verratti has regularly been earmarked as Italy's long-term successor to Juventus stalwart Andrea Pirlo and the 22-year-old says he would love to emulate the playmaker's career."Our style of play is still a bit different," he said when asked if he agreed with the comparisons.
"Pirlo has won everything: the World Cup, the Champions League... it's a great honour to be compared to him. I hope to have his career."
The former Pescara youngster also admits is habit of attempting to play out of danger has landed him in trouble with his team-mates in the past.
"There are times when it is worth taking risks," said Verratti. "That's my style of play. If you lose the ball in those few seconds, it's dangerous, but if you succeed you can damage your opponent."At the beginning, yes [they reproached me]. Thiago Silva, among others. But now they often tell me to keep doing it because it helps the defenders or attackers retrieve the ball."
Finally, Verratti said the backing from PSG's supporters has left him convinced he made the right decision to join the club in 2012 - but refuted the idea that he has already become 'the boss' of Laurent Blanc's midfield.
He continued: "In football today, there is no boss. Football has changed - you need a great team, not just one player. No one can make the difference alone.
"I didn't expect it here because there are great champions here and I'm abroad. When you hear your name like that, in the stadium, it makes you think you made the right choice to sign. The best way to thank the fans is to play as much as possible and stay as long as possible."
Hazard can reach Cristiano Ronaldo's level, says Ferreira
Former Chelsea defender Paulo Ferreira believes Eden Hazard can reach the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Belgium international has been a pivotal figure in Chelsea's Premier League title campaign this season, with 12 goals and eight assists in 31 appearances.
And Ferreira, who made over 200 appearances for the Blues, insists Hazard is on the right track to become the world's best player.
"They are different players in my opinion but if he keeps doing like he's doing he has a good chance to reach that level as well," Ferreira told talkSPORT.
"I'm very pleased to have a player like him. This is the type of player you need in the squad, doing very well in every game and helping the team.
"He's a talented player and he can decide games."
Unique Ancelotti has a special bond with his players - Verratti
Carlo Ancelotti's ability to build relationships with his players sets him apart from most other coaches in the game, according to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti.
The Real Madrid coach - who won the Champions League in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu - has come under scrutiny this season, with his side trailing Barcelona in La Liga, already out of the Copa del Rey and facing a battle against Atletico Madrid in Europe.Verratti was brought to PSG from Pescara during Ancelotti’s reign in France and won the Ligue 1 title under his fellow Italian in his debut season.
The 22-year-old feels few coaches can match the popular former Chelsea and AC Milan boss because of the special bond he builds with his players.Verratti told L'Equipe: "Ancelotti immediately understood me and put me in the right situation to adapt quickly.
"I was 18 and, at that age, it is difficult. He helped me a lot off the field, too. He advised me on how to behave. You can say he was a father to me in the footballing world.
"He is a good person, someone who has a great relationship with all of his players.
"Often, when a player loses his starting place, he is a little left out. Ancelotti spoke to everyone as a person, not just in a coach-to-player way. That doesn't happen often in football."
Verratti was suspended for PSG’s 3-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of their quarter-final tie and the midfielder acknowledged it is a tough task to win Europe's elite club competition, even if the last-16 victory over Chelsea gave the squad a boost.
He continued: "A qualification like that [against Chelsea] gives us confidence. It reinforces our belief that we can be one of the biggest in Europe.
"It is one of the club's goals, but it is difficult to win the Champions League."PSG travel to face Nice in Ligue 1 on Saturday knowing a victory can move them back above title rivals Lyon at the top of the table.
Carlo Ancelotti's ability to build relationships with his players sets him apart from most other coaches in the game, according to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti.
The Real Madrid coach - who won the Champions League in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu - has come under scrutiny this season, with his side trailing Barcelona in La Liga, already out of the Copa del Rey and facing a battle against Atletico Madrid in Europe.Verratti was brought to PSG from Pescara during Ancelotti’s reign in France and won the Ligue 1 title under his fellow Italian in his debut season.
The 22-year-old feels few coaches can match the popular former Chelsea and AC Milan boss because of the special bond he builds with his players.Verratti told L'Equipe: "Ancelotti immediately understood me and put me in the right situation to adapt quickly.
"I was 18 and, at that age, it is difficult. He helped me a lot off the field, too. He advised me on how to behave. You can say he was a father to me in the footballing world.
"He is a good person, someone who has a great relationship with all of his players.
"Often, when a player loses his starting place, he is a little left out. Ancelotti spoke to everyone as a person, not just in a coach-to-player way. That doesn't happen often in football."
Verratti was suspended for PSG’s 3-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of their quarter-final tie and the midfielder acknowledged it is a tough task to win Europe's elite club competition, even if the last-16 victory over Chelsea gave the squad a boost.
He continued: "A qualification like that [against Chelsea] gives us confidence. It reinforces our belief that we can be one of the biggest in Europe.
"It is one of the club's goals, but it is difficult to win the Champions League."PSG travel to face Nice in Ligue 1 on Saturday knowing a victory can move them back above title rivals Lyon at the top of the table.
I have no interest in Real Madrid, says Lopetegui
Porto boss Julen Lopetegui insists he has "no interest" in considering the Real Madrid coaching job.
Carlo Ancelotti's future with the European champions has become shrouded in speculation lately, with Madrid trailing Barcelona in La Liga and facing a fight to continue their Champions League defence after a 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in the quarter-final first leg.
Lopetegui, who masterminded a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, has emerged in the Spanish media as a potential candidate to succeed Ancelotti at Santiago Bernabeu, but the 48-year-old says he is happy at the Dragao.
"There is no interest in that," he told a press conference when asked about the Madrid rumours.
"I'm very happy to be coach of FC Porto. I feel very happy to be heading a three-year project. I'm at a great team."Lopetegui's side resume domestic duties against Academica on Saturday.
Porto boss Julen Lopetegui insists he has "no interest" in considering the Real Madrid coaching job.
Carlo Ancelotti's future with the European champions has become shrouded in speculation lately, with Madrid trailing Barcelona in La Liga and facing a fight to continue their Champions League defence after a 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in the quarter-final first leg.
Lopetegui, who masterminded a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, has emerged in the Spanish media as a potential candidate to succeed Ancelotti at Santiago Bernabeu, but the 48-year-old says he is happy at the Dragao.
"There is no interest in that," he told a press conference when asked about the Madrid rumours.
"I'm very happy to be coach of FC Porto. I feel very happy to be heading a three-year project. I'm at a great team."Lopetegui's side resume domestic duties against Academica on Saturday.
'Bayern played like they were on sleeping pills'
Bayern Munich played against Porto as though they had taken sleeping pills, according to former Germany star Franz Beckenbauer.
The Bundesliga champions found themselves two goals down inside 10 minutes at the Estadio do Dragao in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, and a further defensive lapse saw them eventually lose 3-1.
The club's honorary president admits he was left feeling "angry" after watching their performance and says their fate in this year's tournament is sealed unless every player steps up his game in the second leg.
"It was one of those days, all the players didn't show their real performance," he told reporters at an event to mark the club's new media agreement with MSN.
"Sometimes you say 'the left-back plays bad' or 'the goalkeeper made a mistake'. But in this game all the players… nada!
"After 10 minutes you are 2-0 down in the quarter-final in the Champions League, so many mistakes. I never saw this before. I thought they took sleeping pills! Porto were much faster, real power. It made me angry.
"If they played like that again, no chance [they can go through]. But they can win 2-0 or go to extra-time. They have a chance. Last year we had the same problem, playing excellent in the Bundesliga and then we had two bad days and were out of the competition."
Beckenbauer also believes Bayern could struggle in the latter stages of European competition if they are not given a stern enough test throughout the season in the Bundesliga.
"[Bayern's dominance] is maybe a little problem in the Bundesliga when Bayern leads the league by 20 to 25 points, but this year it's different – we are only 10 points ahead of Wolfsburg!" he said."And after the disaster of a few days ago, and with six or seven games left, it’s not over yet.
"The dominance of Bayern Munich is not a problem but… if you want to win the Champions League you need a strong league with a lot of players. Internationally, Bayern Munich belongs to the top teams but to win the Champions League… you saw the game probably two days ago, we are far, far away. With this performance, you don't win anything."
Ibrahimovic's 'anti-France' ban reduced to three games
Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has had his four-game ban for his verbally abusing a referee reduced to three matches.
The Sweden international was caught on camera lashing out at match official Lionel Jaffredo after PSG's 3-2 loss at Bordeaux on March 15, causing huge controversy by labelling France "a s**t country" during his foul-mouthed tirade.
Indeed, Ibrahimovic was roundly criticised for his outburst, with even France's Prime Minister weighing into the argument.
The 33-year-old apologised for his comments and argued that he would not have signed a new contract with PSG if he truly did not enjoy life in Ligue 1.
However, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) decided to ban Ibrahimovic for four games, which the forward described as "a disgrace to the game".
PSG also felt the ban was disproportionate and took their case to the French National Olympic and Sport Committee (CNOSF), who on Friday decided to reduce the suspension to three games.Therefore, while Ibrahimovic will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 meetings with Nice, Lille and Metz, he will be available for the May 2 trip to Nantes.
"Paris Saint-Germain is happy that the LFP has accepted the 17 April proposition by the CNOSF's conciliators, concerning the striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic," the club said in a statement."The player also confirms he has accepted the conciliatory proposition to reduce his suspension to three matches.
"The capital club takes this opportunity to invite the other actors of French football: club presidents and players, to focus on the end of the season rather than meddle in the matters of Paris Saint-Germain."Paris Saint-Germain respects all clubs and refuses to pass comment on their affairs and asks the same in return."
PSG are currently two points behind table-toppers Lyon but have a game in hand on their title rivals.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has had his four-game ban for his verbally abusing a referee reduced to three matches.
The Sweden international was caught on camera lashing out at match official Lionel Jaffredo after PSG's 3-2 loss at Bordeaux on March 15, causing huge controversy by labelling France "a s**t country" during his foul-mouthed tirade.
Indeed, Ibrahimovic was roundly criticised for his outburst, with even France's Prime Minister weighing into the argument.
The 33-year-old apologised for his comments and argued that he would not have signed a new contract with PSG if he truly did not enjoy life in Ligue 1.
However, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) decided to ban Ibrahimovic for four games, which the forward described as "a disgrace to the game".
PSG also felt the ban was disproportionate and took their case to the French National Olympic and Sport Committee (CNOSF), who on Friday decided to reduce the suspension to three games.Therefore, while Ibrahimovic will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 meetings with Nice, Lille and Metz, he will be available for the May 2 trip to Nantes.
"Paris Saint-Germain is happy that the LFP has accepted the 17 April proposition by the CNOSF's conciliators, concerning the striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic," the club said in a statement."The player also confirms he has accepted the conciliatory proposition to reduce his suspension to three matches.
"The capital club takes this opportunity to invite the other actors of French football: club presidents and players, to focus on the end of the season rather than meddle in the matters of Paris Saint-Germain."Paris Saint-Germain respects all clubs and refuses to pass comment on their affairs and asks the same in return."
PSG are currently two points behind table-toppers Lyon but have a game in hand on their title rivals.
Costa could be fit for Chelsea-Arsenal clash
Jose Mourinho has revealed that Diego Costa will return to training with the rest of the Chelsea squad next week and is in contention to face Arsenal on April 26.
Costa, who has scored 19 goals so far this season, has not featured for the Blues since sustaining a recurrence of his hamstring injury against Stoke City earlier this month.
The Spain international will again watch on from the sidelines as Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, but Mourinho says he could be involved at the Emirates Stadium in nine days' time.
"[Costa] is progressing very well. I think he has a chance for the next weekend," he told reporters.
"Our target was for Diego to play in the last four matches. Arsenal is the sixth match to the end so if he doesn't play [against] Arsenal or Leicester [the following Wednesday], it is not a problem.
"He starts training with the rest of the squad next week."
Chelsea sit seven points clear of the Gunners at the top of the Premier League and have a game in hand on Arsene Wenger's side.
Jose Mourinho has revealed that Diego Costa will return to training with the rest of the Chelsea squad next week and is in contention to face Arsenal on April 26.
Costa, who has scored 19 goals so far this season, has not featured for the Blues since sustaining a recurrence of his hamstring injury against Stoke City earlier this month.
The Spain international will again watch on from the sidelines as Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, but Mourinho says he could be involved at the Emirates Stadium in nine days' time.
"[Costa] is progressing very well. I think he has a chance for the next weekend," he told reporters.
"Our target was for Diego to play in the last four matches. Arsenal is the sixth match to the end so if he doesn't play [against] Arsenal or Leicester [the following Wednesday], it is not a problem.
"He starts training with the rest of the squad next week."
Chelsea sit seven points clear of the Gunners at the top of the Premier League and have a game in hand on Arsene Wenger's side.
Negredo: Valencia can beat Barcelona
On-loan Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo sees no reason why his side cannot beat Barcelona on Saturday.The Blaugrana have won 21 of their last 23 games in all competitions and currently sit two points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
However, Valencia are unbeaten in 10 matches in La Liga, so Negredo and his colleagues are feeling quietly confident ahead of their trip to Catalunya.
“We know it will be very difficult to win at the Nou Camp but my team-mates won there last year, why not this year too?” the Manchester City-owned attacker told reporters on Friday.“It demands a lot of us. We have to be focused for 90 minutes but we will try to get the three points.”
Negredo's sentiments were echoed by Che defender Ruben Vezo, who insists that Valencia have nothing but victory on their minds.
“We’re going out to win at the Nou Camp on Saturday, as we always have," the Portuguese stated. “It is our goal, Valencia will always go out to win and we will do."
On-loan Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo sees no reason why his side cannot beat Barcelona on Saturday.The Blaugrana have won 21 of their last 23 games in all competitions and currently sit two points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
However, Valencia are unbeaten in 10 matches in La Liga, so Negredo and his colleagues are feeling quietly confident ahead of their trip to Catalunya.
“We know it will be very difficult to win at the Nou Camp but my team-mates won there last year, why not this year too?” the Manchester City-owned attacker told reporters on Friday.“It demands a lot of us. We have to be focused for 90 minutes but we will try to get the three points.”
Negredo's sentiments were echoed by Che defender Ruben Vezo, who insists that Valencia have nothing but victory on their minds.
“We’re going out to win at the Nou Camp on Saturday, as we always have," the Portuguese stated. “It is our goal, Valencia will always go out to win and we will do."
Blanc: Cavani was bad against Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has sparked fresh doubts about Edinson Cavani's future after claiming that the striker had a "bad game" against Barcelona and that his regular goal droughts are "inexplicable".
The capital club suffered a 3-1 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with the Catalans, with Cavani failing to step up to the mark in the absence of PSG's star forward, the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Cavani, who has not scored in Ligue 1 since January 18, copped plenty of flak for his performance at the Parc des Princes and Blanc has conceded that the Uruguay international had failed to do his job."For a striker, his value is related to his goals and our strikers didn't score against Barca, so it's disappointing," the World Cup winner told reporters on Friday.
"Cavani had a bad game. Like all goalscorers, he is angry when he doesn’t score.
"There are players like that, who go some weeks without scoring. It's inexplicable.
"But I see is that he created chances, so that's a good sign."
Cavani has been heavily linked with an exit from PSG in the summer but Blanc will be hoping he rediscovers his goalscoring touch against Nice on Saturday. PSG are again without Ibrahimovic and are trailing Ligue 1 leaders Lyon by two points - albeit with a game in hand.PSG will also be without a number of other key players."Thiago Silva is out, even though his thigh injury [suffered against Barca] isn't as bad as expected," Blanc added.
"He underwent exams today so we’ll have confirmation of the nature of his injuries soon.
"Marco Verratti is suspended and Ibra also. I hope the list of absentees will stop there.
"David Luiz did not train yesterday. Like the other players, he finished the Barca game in a high state of exhaustion.
"The Champions League has a particular scent, which we love tasting. But we must be prepared and determined in the league."
Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has sparked fresh doubts about Edinson Cavani's future after claiming that the striker had a "bad game" against Barcelona and that his regular goal droughts are "inexplicable".
The capital club suffered a 3-1 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with the Catalans, with Cavani failing to step up to the mark in the absence of PSG's star forward, the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Cavani, who has not scored in Ligue 1 since January 18, copped plenty of flak for his performance at the Parc des Princes and Blanc has conceded that the Uruguay international had failed to do his job."For a striker, his value is related to his goals and our strikers didn't score against Barca, so it's disappointing," the World Cup winner told reporters on Friday.
"Cavani had a bad game. Like all goalscorers, he is angry when he doesn’t score.
"There are players like that, who go some weeks without scoring. It's inexplicable.
"But I see is that he created chances, so that's a good sign."
Cavani has been heavily linked with an exit from PSG in the summer but Blanc will be hoping he rediscovers his goalscoring touch against Nice on Saturday. PSG are again without Ibrahimovic and are trailing Ligue 1 leaders Lyon by two points - albeit with a game in hand.PSG will also be without a number of other key players."Thiago Silva is out, even though his thigh injury [suffered against Barca] isn't as bad as expected," Blanc added.
"He underwent exams today so we’ll have confirmation of the nature of his injuries soon.
"Marco Verratti is suspended and Ibra also. I hope the list of absentees will stop there.
"David Luiz did not train yesterday. Like the other players, he finished the Barca game in a high state of exhaustion.
"The Champions League has a particular scent, which we love tasting. But we must be prepared and determined in the league."
Van Gaal: Winning the Premier League is possible but not logical
Louis van Gaal says that it is still possible for Manchester United to win the league, but admits that such an eventuality would not be "logical".
United sit eight points behind leaders Chelsea - who have a game in hand - ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge, where they could further cut the deficit this Saturday.
Van Gaal does not expect to win the trophy in his first season at Old Trafford, but has vowed to push the Blues all the way in their final seven matches of the campaign.
"It is not logical [to win the league], but is possible," said the United boss. "It is more whens and ifs, and I don't believe in whens and ifs, I believe in facts.
"We are behind Chelsea but we have to play them, Arsenal do also, so we can lay pressure on Chelsea's shoulders, then you never know.
"We have seen in previous Premier League seasons [it has been done], so it is always possible, but it is not logical. I think that Chelsea will be satisfied with a draw."
United head into the clash with the Blues with a defensive injury crisis, but will be confident of picking up a result, having won six consecutive Premier League fixtures.
Louis van Gaal says that it is still possible for Manchester United to win the league, but admits that such an eventuality would not be "logical".
United sit eight points behind leaders Chelsea - who have a game in hand - ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge, where they could further cut the deficit this Saturday.
Van Gaal does not expect to win the trophy in his first season at Old Trafford, but has vowed to push the Blues all the way in their final seven matches of the campaign.
"It is not logical [to win the league], but is possible," said the United boss. "It is more whens and ifs, and I don't believe in whens and ifs, I believe in facts.
"We are behind Chelsea but we have to play them, Arsenal do also, so we can lay pressure on Chelsea's shoulders, then you never know.
"We have seen in previous Premier League seasons [it has been done], so it is always possible, but it is not logical. I think that Chelsea will be satisfied with a draw."
United head into the clash with the Blues with a defensive injury crisis, but will be confident of picking up a result, having won six consecutive Premier League fixtures.
'Manchester City can recover' - Pellegrini defiant amid Klopp rumours
Manuel Pellegrini insists his Manchester City team can recover from their slump beating West Ham on Sunday.
The Premier League holders have made a poor fist of defending their title, slipping to fourth in the standings and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.
Pellegrini has thus come under intense pressure and Jurgen Klopp's announcement that he will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer has turned up the heat on the Chilean.
However, with six games of the season remaining, Pellegrini insists he is not feeling any extra anxiety about his job prospects, and says his sole aim is to guide City to Champions League qualification.
"My pressure is always the same, to win every game for this team to play in the way I like the team to play,” he told reporters.
“Last year there was more pressure when we were fighting for the title. The pressure is for us to recover our normal performance and that’s not the same as fighting for the title.
“It’s more important than ever to have the fans, the players and the staff together as one. We are one club.
“We are thinking about the next game against West Ham on Sunday and that’s the only thing on our minds.”
Goal understands that City are set to embark on a major squad overhaul this summer, with as many as 14 players set to leave, but Pellegrini says he "trusts" his squad to turn around the club's form.
He added: “The players always have my support – I have trust for the group. I hope we will score goals and stop conceding easy goals. With trust, we can recover.
“My responsibility is for the whole team. I choose the players and I always trust them. Results are my responsibility.
“Players have responsibility too but I choose the players.
“It’s important to be in the Champions League. Every time you finish a season you must analyse whether you’re winning or losing.
“If we lost the last six games we won’t have the same conclusions as if we win the next six.
“Maybe you can finish second or eighth – it’s impossible to analyse before the end.”
Manuel Pellegrini insists his Manchester City team can recover from their slump beating West Ham on Sunday.
The Premier League holders have made a poor fist of defending their title, slipping to fourth in the standings and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.
Pellegrini has thus come under intense pressure and Jurgen Klopp's announcement that he will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer has turned up the heat on the Chilean.
However, with six games of the season remaining, Pellegrini insists he is not feeling any extra anxiety about his job prospects, and says his sole aim is to guide City to Champions League qualification.
"My pressure is always the same, to win every game for this team to play in the way I like the team to play,” he told reporters.
“Last year there was more pressure when we were fighting for the title. The pressure is for us to recover our normal performance and that’s not the same as fighting for the title.
“It’s more important than ever to have the fans, the players and the staff together as one. We are one club.
“We are thinking about the next game against West Ham on Sunday and that’s the only thing on our minds.”
Goal understands that City are set to embark on a major squad overhaul this summer, with as many as 14 players set to leave, but Pellegrini says he "trusts" his squad to turn around the club's form.
He added: “The players always have my support – I have trust for the group. I hope we will score goals and stop conceding easy goals. With trust, we can recover.
“My responsibility is for the whole team. I choose the players and I always trust them. Results are my responsibility.
“Players have responsibility too but I choose the players.
“It’s important to be in the Champions League. Every time you finish a season you must analyse whether you’re winning or losing.
“If we lost the last six games we won’t have the same conclusions as if we win the next six.
“Maybe you can finish second or eighth – it’s impossible to analyse before the end.”
Mourinho: Why are Chelsea disliked? Because we're 'boring'
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says the reason his team are disliked and targeted on social media is because they are boring.
A study by anti-discrimination group Kick It Out detailed the Blues as the most abused Premier League team, being the subject of around 20,000 of an estimated 134,400 negative posts made between August and March.
Of all posts directed at teams, 28 per cent are race-based while 26% centre around gender but when asked by reporters why he thought his team were targeted, Mourinho had other findings.
"I think it is because we are boring - we have been top of the league since day one," Mourinho told reporters. "That is something people in this country don't like.
"Everyone would love the Premier League to be like the Championship where four teams are separated by a couple of points.
"I know that would be the ideal scenario in the Premier League, but we are trying not to allow that to happen."
One of the biggest stories during the week was Jurgen Klopp announcing he will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season, prompting much speculation over the manager's next destination.
Mourinho added: "The only thing I know is he's not coming to Chelsea and he told me that personally."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says the reason his team are disliked and targeted on social media is because they are boring.
A study by anti-discrimination group Kick It Out detailed the Blues as the most abused Premier League team, being the subject of around 20,000 of an estimated 134,400 negative posts made between August and March.
Of all posts directed at teams, 28 per cent are race-based while 26% centre around gender but when asked by reporters why he thought his team were targeted, Mourinho had other findings.
"I think it is because we are boring - we have been top of the league since day one," Mourinho told reporters. "That is something people in this country don't like.
"Everyone would love the Premier League to be like the Championship where four teams are separated by a couple of points.
"I know that would be the ideal scenario in the Premier League, but we are trying not to allow that to happen."
One of the biggest stories during the week was Jurgen Klopp announcing he will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season, prompting much speculation over the manager's next destination.
Mourinho added: "The only thing I know is he's not coming to Chelsea and he told me that personally."
Fabinho flattered by Barcelona link
Monaco full-back Fabinho admits he is flattered to hear rumours suggesting he is a prime target to replace Dani Alves at Barcelona.
The Brazilian has emerged as a key component in Leonardo Jardim's side since joining from Rio Ave on loan, originally in the summer of 2013.
With Dani Alves' future at Camp Nou uncertain, Barcelona have moved to identify potential replacements, with Fabinho reported in some sections of the media to be on their shortlist.
And the 21-year-old concedes that talk of Barca interest is encouraging, though he says he is not sure where his future lies."I saw in a newspaper that I was on a list of five full-backs who interest Barcelona, but I have not said anything," he told a press conference.
"I don't know about my future. It is good when your name is associated with Barcelona but I am focused on Monaco.
"Barcelona are stronger with all their stars. We are a very young team, with less experience. Barcelona are always there to win it all."Fabinho has made 46 appearances in all competitions for Monaco this season, scoring twice.
Monaco full-back Fabinho admits he is flattered to hear rumours suggesting he is a prime target to replace Dani Alves at Barcelona.
The Brazilian has emerged as a key component in Leonardo Jardim's side since joining from Rio Ave on loan, originally in the summer of 2013.
With Dani Alves' future at Camp Nou uncertain, Barcelona have moved to identify potential replacements, with Fabinho reported in some sections of the media to be on their shortlist.
And the 21-year-old concedes that talk of Barca interest is encouraging, though he says he is not sure where his future lies."I saw in a newspaper that I was on a list of five full-backs who interest Barcelona, but I have not said anything," he told a press conference.
"I don't know about my future. It is good when your name is associated with Barcelona but I am focused on Monaco.
"Barcelona are stronger with all their stars. We are a very young team, with less experience. Barcelona are always there to win it all."Fabinho has made 46 appearances in all competitions for Monaco this season, scoring twice.
Stoke set to sign Barcelona youngster El Ouriachi
Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed that the club are closing in on the signing of 19-year-old Barcelona forward Mohamed El Ouriachi.
Marc Muniesa and Bojan have both swapped Camp Nou for the Britannia Stadium since the Welshman took over at the club in 2013, and they now appear to be on the verge of luring a third Barca star to the Premier League.
Earlier this week, El Ouriachi's agent suggested a deal for his client to join the Potters had been agreed and Hughes has now confirmed as much.
"There is a hope that we can conclude that deal," he said at a press conference on Friday. "We are trying to improve the quality of the Under-21 group and Moha, from Barcelona, is one that we feel we can get over the line.
"We are actively looking to improve the quality of that group, because if they can impress there then they will push to get in my squad.
"Moha is predominantly left-footed, he has good pace and he ticks a lot of the boxes that I like in a player.
"We are hopeful that we will get it concluded and then get him here and push him towards the first team."
Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed that the club are closing in on the signing of 19-year-old Barcelona forward Mohamed El Ouriachi.
Marc Muniesa and Bojan have both swapped Camp Nou for the Britannia Stadium since the Welshman took over at the club in 2013, and they now appear to be on the verge of luring a third Barca star to the Premier League.
Earlier this week, El Ouriachi's agent suggested a deal for his client to join the Potters had been agreed and Hughes has now confirmed as much.
"There is a hope that we can conclude that deal," he said at a press conference on Friday. "We are trying to improve the quality of the Under-21 group and Moha, from Barcelona, is one that we feel we can get over the line.
"We are actively looking to improve the quality of that group, because if they can impress there then they will push to get in my squad.
"Moha is predominantly left-footed, he has good pace and he ticks a lot of the boxes that I like in a player.
"We are hopeful that we will get it concluded and then get him here and push him towards the first team."
Barclays Premier League 2015.04.18 Fixtures
Barclays Premier League 2015.04.18 Fixtures
Crystal Palace Vs WBA
Everton Vs Burnley
Leicester City Vs Swansea
Stoke City Vs Sothampton
Chelsea Vs Manchester United
- Status
