..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United star Jonny Evans attracting interest from Everton

Everton are considering a summer move for Manchester United centre-back Jonny Evans, Goal understands.

The defender has been in and out of United manager Louis van Gaal's first-team plans this season due to a spate of injuries and, more recently, a six-game ban for spitting at Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse.

The Toffees have been monitoring Evans's team-mate, Adnan Januzaj, in recent weeks with a view to a loan deal for next season and Roberto Martinez is also an admirer of the Northern Ireland centre-back.

Everton will be restricted in what they can spend this summer but would be interested in doing a deal if United are willing to part with Evans for around €14 million.

The 27-year-old has been at United for nine years and part of the first-team setup since 2008 following loan spells at Royal Antwerp and Sunderland.

He challenged Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic for a starting berth at centre-back during Sir Alex Ferguson's final years as manager but has been beset by injury problems during his last two seasons.

Under David Moyes, he played in fewer than half of his club's Premier League games due to recurrent calf problems and, in the current campaign, has so far featured in just 13 of United's 34 league games.

Van Gaal has been running the rule over his squad all season but has been paying close attention to his defensive options.

Brazilian right-back Rafael, for example, is considered expendable and is likely to leave the club in the off-season.

Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Evans have all been under extra scrutiny this season as Van Gaal assesses which of the three senior centre-backs he inherited from Moyes he will take into the coming campaign.

Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels is the Dutchman's priortity target for the centre of defence this summer, while Van Gaal has recently handed Smalling a contract extension until 2019 after being won over by his improving performances throughout the campaign.

Both Evans and Jones's contracts are due to expire at the end of the 2015-16 season, which will also embolden Everton in their pursuit of the former.

 

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Llorente: Juventus can shock Real Madrid

Fernando Llorente believes Juventus have what it takes to spring a surprise against Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Serie A champions last made it to the final of the competition in 2002-03, when they were beaten by AC Milan on penalties, and Llorente has set his sights on shocking Madrid.

"We will need a perfect performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League," Llorente told reporters.

"I am confident that we are more than capable of causing them a few problems, though."Llorente featured from the start in Juventus' 3-2 win over Fiorentina on Wednesday for the first time since the 1-0 loss against Parma on April 11.

He scored once as Massimiliano Allegri's men edged one step closer to the Serie A title and was delighted with his return to the starting XI.

"I hadn't played in a while and Wednesday's goal was important for me."We were four points off the title, now it's just one. We'll look to wrap it up as soon as possible and then we'll think about the Champions League.

"Could I start against Madrid? I scored last year against them, but the coach has many options. I'm ready to give my all if I get the nod."

 

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I expect to leave Liverpool - Glen Johnson

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson says he doesn't expect to still be at the club next season as he approaches the final months of his contract.

While the England international stopped short of calling an end to his Reds career on Wednesday, the 30-year-old conceded that it is unlikely that he will earn a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of June.

Johnson has started Liverpool's last three Premier League matches but was left on the bench for the previous 15 games.

The former Chelsea and Portsmouth defender has played 17 Premier League matches, including 13 starts this term, and doesn't anticipate extending his stay at Anfield.

"Of course [I expect to leave at the end of the season], I have no contract," Johnson told The Liverpool Echo.

"I don't think that will change but we have to wait and see.

"I have always been professional all season, always wanted to play and that's still what I'm doing. I've got four more games and then let's see what we do in the summer."

Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United with four games remaining, which leaves Rodgers's side with only a slim chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

With just one point collected in their past three fixtures, the Reds must bring in reinforcements if they want to challenge for the title in 2015-16, according to Johnson.

"Every team is going to try and do their business in the summer to try and make themselves stronger for the following the season," he said. "The club needs to do that too.

"We have some fantastic young players but we say the same every year – we always have some good young players coming through. The club has got some business to do in the summer."

 

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Bayern do not need Robben to beat Barcelona - Friedrich

Former Germany international Arne Friedrich believes Bayern Munich do not need Arjen Robben to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Netherlands international is out for the rest of the season with a torn calf suffered during Bayern's defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal semi-final on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Robert Lewandowski is also in doubt for the first leg against Barcelona on May 6 after suffering a broken nose and jaw in the same game.

Despite that, however, Friedrich - capped 82 times by Germany - believes Bayern will advance."Robben is hurt and I think he's a very important player. He would have helped Bayern certainly," he told reporters.

"But I also think Bayern will get through. German teams have always managed to eliminate individualists."Bayern have so much quality and the team is very unified. Therefore, I believe that Bayern will reach the final."

Bayern and Barcelona last met in the Champions League in 2012-13, when the Bundesliga giants recorded a 7-0 aggregate win before going on to win the competition.

 

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Guardiola to blame for Bayern defeat, says Matthaus

Former Germany star Lothar Matthaus believes Pep Guardiola's team selection was to blame for Bayern Munich's DFB-Pokal semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

The Bavarians were beaten 2-0 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 at the end of extra-time, with all four of their penalty takers missing from the spot.

Matthaus has since reflected on the game and felt Guardiola made a string of errors in both his selection and substitutions on the night that ultimately cost his side dearly."I really rate Guardiola and I think he is the perfect guy for Bayern, but he got it all wrong against Dortmund," Matthaus told Bild.

"Why did Rafinha play on the left? And why did [Philipp] Lahm not start on the right wing like against Porto? Why did [Xabi] Alonso not start as No.6? Why were [Juan] Bernat and [Medhi] Benatia played out of position? [Thomas] Muller as a false nine?

"Had all of them played in their natural position, Bayern would not only have dominated, but they would have decided the game.

"Why did Pep take off Thiago and Muller? They were two certainties when it comes to penalties. He apparently thought the game would not go to penalties."

 

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Depay is '99.9%' certain to move to the Premier League - Arnesen

Memphis Depay is "99.9 per cent" certain to join a Premier League club from PSV, according to former Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen.

The Netherlands international has been in stellar form for the Eredivisie champions this season, netting 21 goals in 28 league appearances for Phillip Cocu's side.

Those performances have attracted the attention of a number of clubs around Europe, with Depay the subject of strong interest from both Liverpool and Manchester United.

Arnesen, also a former PSV sporting director, says that he has no idea which club Depay will join but believes the forward would shine in England.

"For me, it's 99.9 per cent [that Depay will move to the Premier League]," he told Perform at the Sporting Directors' Summit at the Etihad Stadium.

"Yes, he will [be a success]. I've seen him many times this season and he is going from strength to strength, even though he's only 21-years-old.

"It's difficult to stop him. It will, of course, take time because it's totally different than in Eredivisie. The level is so much higher here, playing much more games, so he needs to be protected.

"Don't expect too much in the beginning but he's definitely the big talent and he'll be good in the Premier League.

"I don't know where he wants to go. I've seen a lot of players coming into the Premier League from Holland who didn't achieve because the level is so high in the Premier League but Depay can do very well."

 

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Wenger: I was absolutely mad before I joined Arsenal

Arsene Wenger says that he had to change from a fiery figure on the touchline in his Monaco days to a more serene coach when he took over at Arsenal.

The 65-year-old recalls that he struggled to control his temper in his early days as a manager, having been in charge of the principality club between 1987 and 1994 after a three-year spell at Nancy.

Over his long stay in north London, the Frenchman says that he has calmed down a lot.

He told Arsenal's official website of his behaviour at Monaco: "I was an absolute firebomb, I was absolutely mad!

"You learn to express your ideas better with time, to anticipate problems better than you used to so you are not so surprised as you were when you were young. You take a bit more distance with what is happening. At a club like Arsenal, you could not exactly behave like I behaved at the start.

"I have learned to dominate my devils. I am not sure I have mellowed in my resolute attitude but, in the way I express my feelings and beliefs, certainly I have changed."

Jean Petit was Wenger's right-hand man at Monaco and feels that his old boss still has the competitive streak that makes him a top-level manager.

"He does not like wrong decisions," Petit remarked. "He just does not like losing but he has calmed down with age.

"At the start of his career in France, when things were not going well, he tended to shout and get a bit too angry but he was always measured.

"When we used to come into the office, we were always looking for things to move football forward. We didn't do anything crazy. That said, we liked to have a laugh and Arsene is a very nice and fun guy."

 

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AC Milan keep faith in Inzaghi

AC Milan have confirmed that they are not set to sack head coach Filippo Inzaghi after the side suffered another disappointing loss on Wednesday night, going down 3-1 at home to Genoa.

The coach has never seemed far away from the exit at San Siro as the Rossoneri have been underwhelming throughout the campaign, and those rumours emerged again after the latest defeat. Indeed, it had been expected that the 41-year-old would be sacked on Thursday, with youth team coach Christian Brocchi poised to take charge until the season's end.However, Milan have stuck by their former striker, with Milan Channel reporting that Inzaghi will remain as coach unless there is a big change in the club's plans.

With the club said to be close to being taken over by Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol, it is believed that they have held off firing Inzaghi until the deal is completed.

Inzaghi's team currently sit 10th in Serie A and are winless in their last four league games with five matches left to the campaign.

 

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Gundogan will not sign new Dortmund deal

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Ilkay Gundogan will not sign a new contract with the club, opening the door for the Germany international to depart at the end of the season.

The midfielder has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United in recent weeks, with talk of a €30 million summer move emerging.“Borussia Dortmund and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and will not collaborate any further longer than June 30, 2016,” a statement released by the club reads.

“Gundogan has decided not to renew his contract, valid until that time with eight-time German champions.”

Although he remains contracted to Dortmund for another year, it may well be that the club elect to sell rather than risk losing him for nothing on a Bosman move next summer.The 24-year-old has struggled with injury over the last few years. He suffered a back problem in week one of the 2013-14 Bundesliga campaign, which ruled him out for the rest of the season and the opening two months of the current term.

The player has featured in 28 games in all competitions this season, scoring three goals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gundogan wa Manchester United ganna puluwan unoth nam patta​

 

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Messi: I'm going to be a father again

Lionel Messi has revealed that he will become a father for the second time.

The Barcelona star and girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo celebrated the birth of Thiago, their first child, in November 2012, and revealed on Facebook that they will become parents once more.

The 27-year-old posted a picture of the pair's son kissing his mother's stomach, with the Argentine adding the message: "Can't wait to welcome you into our world!!! We love you! Thiagui, mum and dad," to the post.

He also posted the same picture on Instagram, saying "Waiting for you baby! We love you".

There has been no announcement as to when the child is expected or how far along Roccuzzo is in her pregnancy.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Messi!​

 

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I'd rather win the Champions League than La Liga - Casillas

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas says he would rather win the Champions League than La Liga this season.

Madrid meet Juventus in the semi-finals of Europe's premier club competition, starting with Tuesday's first leg in Turin, while they trail Barcelona by two points in the Primera Division with five rounds remaining.

Carlo Ancelotti's men will be the first team to retain the Champions League title in its current format should they reach and win the final in Berlin in June and the 33-year-old says he would rather do that than win a first league crown in three years.
"In La Liga we don't depend on ourselves and in Europe we do," Casillas said at an event organised by Hyundai in Madrid on Thursday. "So I would pick the Champions League.

"The boss said it the other day. It's easier, within reason, to win the Champions League. We have a greater opportunity to compete on our own merit. The four semi-finalists have a 25 per cent chance. We depend on ourselves."

And Casillas, who has won the competition three times with Madrid, added: "The Madrid fans are very keen on the Champions League. Winning the European Cup twice in a row has never been achieved in the modern day. It's an exciting challenge."

Before facing Juve next week, Madrid face a tough trip to Sevilla in La Liga, with Unai Emery's on-form side unbeaten at the Sanchez Pizjuan in over a year.

"They are very strong at home," Casillas said. "They are in the semi-finals of the Europa League and fighting to qualify for the Champions League. It will be a very special game for the spectators. Let's hope we can win the three points.

"Our objective is to make things difficult for Barcelona. Winning the three points in Seville would give us the hope to keep on fighting."

Asked to choose a special memory from his career which includes an array of trophies with Madrid and Spain, Casillas said: "First, the European Cup in 2000. It was incredible because I went from playing in the fourth tier to the Primera Division and then we won the Champions League."Then there is the World Cup as well. Those trophies have a different taste to the others."

 

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Schneiderlin out for remainder of season

Morgan Schneiderlin has been ruled out for the rest of Southampton's season due to a knee injury sustained against Tottenham.

The France midfielder was forced off in the 90th minute as Southampton drew 2-2 with Spurs on Saturday to remain in contention for a Europa League spot.

Groin issues have limited Schneiderlin to 26 appearances so far this season – a figure he will end the season on due to his latest injury.

"It's the ligaments of his left knee and that's a shame because he's out for the last part of the season," boss Ronald Koeman told reporters.

"He's a key player so it's disappointing. It's a knee injury. It's not five months but at least four or five weeks."

Despite being the subject of serious interest from north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal as a host of key players departed St Mary's last summer, Schneiderlin remained and has blossomed under Ronald Koeman.

His impressive form in a campaign that has seen the south-coast club surpass expectations has garnered wider praise and both Arsenal and Tottenham remain interested in luring him from St Mary's this summer.

Koeman will also have to make do without winger Dusan Tadic for Saturday's trip to Sunderland due to a groin injury.

 

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Pearson apologises for 'ostrich' jibe

The journalist that Nigel Pearson called an "ostrich" has received an apology from the Leicester City manager.

Pearson launched into an extraordinary rant after Wednesday's 3-1 Premier League loss to Chelsea, comparing reporter Ian Baker to the bird that is widely - and incorrectly - thought to bury its head in the sand.

The City boss - who also labelled Baker "stupid" and "daft" after taking exception to one of his questions about criticism of his players - was in front of the media again on Thursday ahead of the match against Newcastle and said sorry for his outburst.

He said: "Apologies for last night. I think it is right to do it in front of the cameras and hope it does not ruin our relationship."

Baker later tweeted to confirm that he had accepted the apology.

 

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Southampton give Clyne 10 days to decide future

Nathaniel Clyne has been given 10 days to decide whether he wants to sign a new contract with Southampton.

United have ramped up their interest in the 24-year-old and are willing to use Javier Hernandez as part of a potential deal in the summer window.

Clyne’s current contract expires at the end of next season and Southampton manager Ronald Koeman admits the club are keen to resolve the right-back’s future.

"We’re still speaking with Clyne and his agent, but of course we have to know in 10 days," the Dutchman told reporters.

"The club is doing an offer the maximum what we can do and then we expect the player’s answer.

"I’ve spoken to Clyne, he’s very happy and of course there is some interest but nobody has really bid for the player. All the players are happy with how the team is doing.

"But it’s football, you never know. In football if you go in your last season of contract, we don’t like that."

 

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Guardiola to blame for Robben injury - Helmer

Former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund player Thomas Helmer believes Pep Guardiola played his part in the injury which has seen Arjen Robben's season ended prematurely.

The Dutch attacker made his first appearance after a month out with injury when he came on in the DFB-Pokal semi-final against Dortmund, only to be replaced less than 15 minutes later with a thigh injury. Bayern subsequently lost the match on penalties.

Robben has since been ruled out for the remainder of the season and Helmer believes Guardiola should never have brought him on so soon after his recovery, blaming the Spaniard for the injury and the defeat.

"Guardiola had his share of responsibility in the problems," he wrote in his column for TZ. "Bayern dominated the ball and their opponents, everything was under control, but suddenly BVB were courageous and had great opportunities.

"I was very surprised by Guardiola's substitutions. Why did he bring Arjen Robben on in such a tight game? I thought the risk after his long injury was too great.

"I didn't understand taking Thomas Müller off either. He is always good for a goal, even if he has not had a great game. I also don't know why Mario Gotze, who replaced Robben, did not play from the beginning. In previous matches, he was always in the starting XI. Why not give him confidence in a game with his former club? It surprises me."

Robert Lewandowski is a doubt for his side's Champions League semi-final first leg with Barcelona because of an injury he picked up on Tuesday, and Helmer feels that would be a "disaster" for the Bavarian side.

"Holger Badstuber's injury was the first disaster, Robben's season being over was the second. If Robert Lewandowski can't play against Barcelona, ​​it would be the third disaster.

"Since the injuries to Robben and Franck Ribery, he is the main man in their attack. This game will be decided on the defensive side of things, I think. And there Bayern still have enough quality."

 

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Messi's matured a lot since World Cup, says Martino

Lionel Messi has matured a lot since the last World Cup, according to Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino.

The Barcelona forward skippered the national side to the final of the tournament in Brazil, with his goals in the group stage proving particularly important.

Messi will be back in international action this summer at the Copa America in Chile, this time under the guidance of Martino – his former Barca boss who replaced Alejandro Sabella after after the Albiceleste's loss to Germany in the showpiece.

"We are facing a much more mature Messi, who is much better equipped mentally and this has a lot to do with what happened at the last World Cup,” he told Diario Popular.

“We might have fewer spectacular players individually than other Copa America rivals, but we have players who participate more for the team than others. For me that is good.”

Angel Di Maria was one of the best players for Argentina at World Cup 2014 and, though his form has nosedived with Manchester United this season, Martino has no plans to drop the winger from his team.“Obviously it's costing Di Maria and abrupt changes [like his transfer from Real Madrid last year] often affect footballers detrimentally,” he added.

“Anyway, I'm not worried about him because it's not the form of the player that concerns me, but the relationship he has with the team. Form is temporary.”

Martino also branded Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi the greatest in his position in the world, along with reserving praise for his Argentina team-mate Ezequiel Garay.

“You cannot deny the excellent impact that Otamendi and Garay have brought to this team,” he added. “I think that Otamendi is now the best centre-back in the world, he just doesn't get much attention.”Argentina have been drawn with Uruguay, Paraguay and Jamaica in their Copa America group.

 

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Arsenal? There's no better place than Madrid - Casillas

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas says he has no intention of quitting the Santiago Bernabeu this summer for Arsenal or any other club, claiming he is in the "best possible place".

Casillas is 33 and has spent his entire career at Madrid, but the club captain has come in for criticism over the last few seasons and considered leaving the Spanish side last summer.

On his way into a promotional event in Madrid on Thursday, Casillas was asked about a possible to Arsenal by a reporter from Spanish show El Chringuito, but replied: "Where am I going to be better off than here?"

The Madrid goalkeeper later looked ahead to his side's Champions League clash against Juventus and his latest match-up with Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon.

"It's a very difficult match, like all of our games," he said. "Pirlo and Buffon are two players who are recognised throughout the world. They are the pillars of Juve and Italy. I have played against them many times and had some good results, but also some sad moments."

Now an experienced head after so many years and trophies with Madrid and Spain, Casillas claims his motivation is different these days.

"Your motivation varies from when you are young to when you are a veteran," he said. "After so many years, you see the joy that you transmit to the fans and that is something unique."

The Madrid-born shot-stopper also took time to send a message of support to Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament on Wednesday.

"Sergio Asenjo was injured again last night and it's a tough moment for him, so I want to send him a message of support," he said. "All my best wishes to him and I am sure he will come back stronger."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Empoli 4-2 Napoli: Three own goals as Benitez's men see UCL hopes dented

A first-half flurry from the Serie A hosts secured their top-flight future while simultaneously leaving the Partenopei in top-three limbo Napoli's surge towards Serie A's Champions League spots was halted on Thursday as they went down 4-2 at Empoli.

Three consecutive wins had left Rafa Benitez's side five points off third-placed Roma ahead of their game in hand at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.However, the Spaniard could only watch on in horror as a woeful defensive showing - including two own goals - led to a sound beating.

Empoli captain Massimo Maccarone opened the scoring with a fierce low shot in the eighth minute before Riccardo Saponara's cross ended up in the net after Napoli goalkeeper Mariano Andujar's parry cannoned into Miguel Britos' face to double the advantage in comical fashion.

It was three before the break via Saponara, the former Milan man acrobatically turning home on the rebound after Andujar thwarted Manuel Pucciarelli.

Vincent Laurini scored a carbon-copy own goal with 25 minutes to go, giving Napoli hope of a comeback.

But those ambitions were extinguished 10 minutes from time as another clumsy own goal, this time from Raul Albiol, left Andujar stranded.

Marek Hamsik lashed the game's best goal past Luigi Sepe in stoppage time but it was scant consolation for Benitez.

Victory takes Empoli up to 15th in Serie A, mathematically out of the drop zone's reaches after an impressive campaign back in the top flight that has seen them lose just nine times so far.