..::Football III::..

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Lokeren's Gregory Mertens dies three days after collapsing on pitch

Belgian defender Gregory Mertens died on Thursday, three days after collapsing while playing for Lokeren's reserve side.

Mertens suffered heart failure on the pitch and received CPR before being transported to a hospital in Genk, where he was placed in an induced coma.
Lokeren confirmed the 24-year-old died on Thursday afternoon.The club said doctors tried to operate on the player on Tuesday, but there were more complications.

The club in Belgium's top division said, "With sadness, we announce the passing of Gregory Mertens."A statement on Lokeren's website hailed Mertens for his "quiet modesty" and said it would assist Mertens' family in any way possible.

"Now we will have to learn to live with the loss," the statement said.Earlier this week, club doctor Kris Peeters said previous tests on Mertens' heart revealed nothing unusual.

"Gregory Mertens' heart has undergone extensive tests," Peeters told RTL. "We always do that at the club, and it's necessary to be able to play in the Europa League. This very unfortunate incident could not have been predicted."Gregory Mertens is an elite athlete and is only 24 years old. That makes things difficult to accept and to understand for a lot of people."

 

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R.I.P Gregory Mertens​

 

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Lukaku, De Bruyne and Muamba lead Mertens tributes

Figures from across the world of football gave their Twitter condolences to Gregory Mertens after the Sporting Lokeren player passed away on Thursday.

The 24-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest in Monday's reserve fixture with KRC Genk and, after being resuscitated on the pitch, was in a medically-induced coma for days until his death was announced.

Former Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba was 23 when he went through the exact same situation in March 2012 against Tottenham, except he survived the cardiac arrest, and he passed on his respects.

Muamba's former club Arsenal passed a message of support to its 5.71 million followers following the central defender's death.

Mertens, who died aged 24, might not have been a household name, but the tragic circumstances of a death suffered while playing the game he and so many others love struck a chord with many players, Fiorentina defender Micah Richards among those.
Premier League leaders Chelsea, the home of Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and playmaker Eden Hazard, also paid tribute to Mertens.

Manchester City are familiar with heart-related football tragedy due to Marc-Vivien Foe's death in 2003 while playing for Cameroon, which resulted in his final club paying their respects by retiring the No.23 shirt.

Although Mertens never featured Belgium's senior team, the centre-back played for the country's youth teams up until Under-21 level and the official account of his home nation's FA also paid their respects.

 

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Totti: I'll never fight with Roma

Francesco Totti has insisted he will not fight with Roma amid rumours they do not want to extend his contract.

The veteran striker, who turns 39 this year, has played for the Giallorossi first team since 1992, winning one Scudetto, two Coppa Italia trophies and two Supercoppa Italiana titles.

Although he rarely completes 90 minutes for Rudi Garcia's men, he remains a key part of their team but reports in Italy have been suggesting lately that the club do not see a future for Totti beyond next season.

Totti took to his official social media outlet to respond to the rumours and insist he will support the club irrespective of whether he is playing on the field or watching from the sidelines.

“I want to clarify something. I never asked to change my contract,” Totti told his Facebook followers.“The owners, club and I have always been in sync on this matter. It is my passion that binds me to these colours.

“I have never been and never will be a problem for Roma. I will applaud from the pitch, from the bench and from the stands for the players who wear and will wear this shirt.

“I have always desired and dreamed of the best for this team.”Roma sit third in Serie A with five games to go – one point behind city rivals Lazio and five points clear of chasing side Napoli, who lost 4-2 to Empoli on Thursday.

 

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La Liga 2015.05.01 Fixture

La Liga 2015.05.01 Fixture

Real Sociedad Vs Levante​

 

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Scholes: Man United shouldn't sign Pogba

Paul Scholes has praised his former Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba but says that the club should not pay big money to get him back this summer.

Pogba moved to Juventus 2012 after growing disillusioned with life at United under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The midfielder will be one of the most sought after players in this summer's transfer window, with a host of top European clubs on his trail.

Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid have all been heavily linked with an interest in the 22-year-old, while Goal understands that a deal worth €80 million has been put in place with Paris Saint-Germain.

But Scholes says that his former club should not put themselves in the running to bring Pogba back to Old Trafford.

"As for United, I don't feel they should go back to sign Pogba for the sums being talked about, having lost him for the compensation payment," he wrote in the London Evening Standard.

"I understand that Chelsea did the same when they bought back Nemanja Matic from Benfica but his fee was nothing like the numbers quoted for Pogba. It would feel wrong to me."

Scholes saw plenty of potential in the future France international, although he believes that his own decision to come out of retirement at the start of 2012, when the youngster was on the fringes of the first team, may have ultimately influenced the thinking behind his exit.

The former England man also feels that Pogba's representatives' wage demands as well as the hesitance of Ferguson and the United youth coaches also contributed to one of Europe's hottest properties walking away for almost nothing.

"He had the confidence to come up to senior players and seek out advice," Scholes said. "He was dedicated that way. He was absolutely desperate to make it as a footballer and he grabbed every chance he had to learn.

"He was a very good footballer: technically excellent and he knew how to strike a ball. He spoke to me about improving his range of passing so, after training, we would spend time pinging the ball to each other from 50 yards' distance. He had stronger suits to his game than his long passing - his power, his technique in close quarters, his athleticism - but he was determined to get better at what he thought was the weaker part of his game.

"While he obviously had bags of potential, he was not really playing well enough in that period up to Christmas 2011 to warrant a place in the first team squad on a permanent basis, let alone start games.

"The home game to Blackburn Rovers on December 31, 2011... had been a key moment in Paul's thinking. Injuries meant that the manager played Michael Carrick in defence and in midfield he selected Rafael Da Silva alongside Park Ji-Sung. Paul was on the bench and very frustrated that he had not started the match.

"So by the time I came back into the side in January he might well have made up his mind that he was leaving but I don't suppose it helped having an old boy come back into the team in front of him. The reality was that he had not played well enough to deserve a regular place before then because, if that had been the case, our manager would undoubtedly have selected him.

"The understanding in the dressing room was that Paul's advisors just asked for too much money for his next professional deal. They wanted first team money for a player who was not in the first team at that stage. United felt that was not right and stuck to their principles."

 

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Ronaldo's goal obsession makes him world's best - Chicharito

Real Madrid striker Javier Hernandez has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo's desire to score goals and feels that particular mentality makes him the best in the world.

The Portugal international received his fair share of criticism following his reaction to Alvaro Arbeloa's goal in the 3-0 win over Almeria on Wednesday, with Ronaldo angrily kicking the ball rather than celebrating with his team-mate.

However, Chicharito feels it is the prolific attacker's hunger for goals that makes him stand out from the rest and sees it as a positive rather than a negative characteristic.

"Is Ronaldo obsessed with scoring? He’s not the best in the world for nothing," the Mexico international told Cadena Ser."He doesn’t conform, he always wants more. And without that mentality, you can’t be the best.

"He does not get angry when you do not pass him the ball. Against Almeria I saw two white shirts in the box and it was Arbeloa who got the first touch."

The Manchester United loanee has been in sublime form since replacing the injured Karim Benzema in the starting XI, but he realises he could return to the bench once the Frenchman shakes off his physical problems.

"I don’t pick the starting XI and I can’t choose myself. I understand that because there is a world-class squad at Real Madrid and only 11 can play."All you can do is play, or wait. It’s part of football."

Much has been said and written about the 26-year-old's future at Madrid in recent weeks, but he has stressed that he is focussing on his performances on the pitch for now.

"Right now I’m getting to play but I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow it will be announced that I am signing for Madrid or going to another club."I’m in the best club in the world and the last thing on my mind is the future; I’m enjoying this moment."

 

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Thiago: I am not Pep's darling

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has insisted that Pep Guardiola does not give him any special treatment because of their time together at Barcelona.

The 24-year-old made his first-team debut at the Catalans under Guardiola in 2009, before the successful coach lured him to Munich in the summer of 2013.
"Of course, Pep and I have known each other for a long time and know what to expect from each other," Thiago told Sport Bild.

"But I have never liked it when people say I am Pep Guardiola's darling. This is simply not true. We have 25 players and the coach can count on all of us."Of course, his calls during my recovery from injury were very important to me.

They motivated me. He is a great coach and I am very grateful to him."

The Spain international mised the final weeks of last season and the opening months of the current campaign due to injury and a further setback delayed his return even further, but he has been in fine form in th eight games he has played since recovering, although he has made it clear that he is not at his best just yet.
"I never had any doubts that I would return. I was desperate to make my comeback and I endured a difficult year.

"I am back on the pitch again and that's the only thing that matters now.
"I am by no means at 100 per cent yet. I am on the right track, though."

 

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Carrick is part Scholes, part Pirlo and part Busquets - Neville

Gary Neville has hailed Manchester United's "unsung hero", Michael Carrick, describing him as part Paul Scholes, part Andrea Pirlo, part Sergio Busquets and also likening him to a piano.

The midfielder has missed United's last two games - losses to Chelsea and Everton following a six-game winning streak - and the former defender feels that the 33-year-old's absence has been key.

United's win percentage drops from 72.2 per cent with Carrick to 37.5% without and Neville says that the England international is an inspiration for the younger generation with his composure and cultured approach.

"I'd say Carrick has the qualities of a Scholes or Andrea Pirlo, and of a Sergio Busquets," Neville told the Daily Mirror.

"Busquets does more defending and Pirlo is more of a rhythm player, like Scholes. Michael is a mix between the two. It's unfair to say he is the same as either, but he has those qualities.

"He's critical for Louis van Gaal and he's a very important player for England in the next 12 months leading up to Euro 2016. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have retired and now Carrick has an opportunity.

"I describe him as a piano. You can go into a bar and listen to rock music but Carrick is more like a piano player. He's peaceful. He's calm, he brings composure to everyone else around him.

"That's important for young players. We want cultured players, players who can see the game, who are intelligent, who understand the game and be a coach out on the pitch. That's what he is.

"The reality is Michael Carrick will be remembered incredibly well by Manchester United players that played with him but he'll only be respected when he finishes. He's an unsung hero."

Neville, who is part of England's coaching staff, also pointed the finger at past Three Lions bosses and their use of central midfielders, adding that Carrick's abilities will only be appreciated once he has retired.

He added: "We shoe-horned Paul Scholes to the left wing and it might be the same with Michael Carrick.

"In four years' time we will think, 'What a hell of a player he was'. No other country would ever do that."

 

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Benteke too expensive for most clubs - Sherwood

Tim Sherwood admits that he will not prevent Christian Benteke leaving Aston Villa, but insists whoever wants him will have to pay a lot of money.

Villa will demand over €40 million for their in-form striker, who has nine goals in his last eight games, with Sherwood keen to deter bids for the Belgian with a hefty price tag.

The Villans boss accepts that keeping an unhappy player would be bad for morale but, with his own eye on bringing in new talent, knows that he will need funds to bolster his squad come the summer transfer window.

"If a player doesn't want to play for the club any more and the club he wants to go to meets the valuation, it's best to let them go. It will be just a market value - what's out there," he told reporters.

"I don't want to talk about selling Christian when I've got no intention of doing that, so it would have to be a lot of money for someone to get him off us.

"We are looking for players ourselves so we know how much other clubs are looking for for their players.

"He'll be too expensive for a great deal of people in the Premier League. We want to keep our best players - and he's certainly one of those."

 

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Mourinho: Man City should have lost points for FFP breach

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has once again hit out at Financial Fair Play, arguing that clubs who breach the rules, such as Manchester City, should be docked points, not handed a fine.

Manuel Pellegrini's side, likely to be dethroned as champions by Chelsea on Sunday, were handed a large fine last year, with Uefa capping their spend and reducing their squad size.

Mourinho, though, does not believe that the sanctions go far enough and says that FFP favours the biggest, more established sides over the Blues, who have been forced to offload numerous big-name players to balance the books.

"Clubs should be punished with loss of points. Our owner Roman Abramovich wants to fulfil FFP. He doesn't want to enter these dynamics of paying the fine," Mourinho explained to the official magazine of the Portuguese FA.

"FFP benefits clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, who have a big fan base and get huge revenues on sponsorship and merchandising. At Chelsea, for instance, we refuse to pay any fine. We live with what we produce.

"I feel really well about that. It forces us to be better, to manage our resources better, to live with what we create. It forces us to think more. We have to sell in order to buy, to be aware of what you sell and what you buy."

Mourinho also spoke of his love for the Premier League, ranking it as the best division in the world, but, despite enjoying the famously gruelling Christmas fixture list, feels that a winter break is needed.

"England will always have the most spectacular league. There's no Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern, it’s true, but as a league it's the most spectacular," the Portuguese continued. "The product they sell is appealing. Many millions watch Sunderland against Newcastle, for example.

"In Europe, there are several factors that can explain it. The first is Christmas. I love to play during that period, no matter how hard it is for my family.

"It's a bit like the actor who has a theatre play on Christmas Day — people want to go to the theatre on that day. But I can't agree that there's no break after that superhuman period. Get to February and English teams are struggling."

Mourinho also touched upon his relationship with former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and revealed that the pair regularly meet up now that they are no longer in opposing dugouts.

Asked if he missed his rival, he replied: "Not the man, we talk more often now, on the telephone and even personally. We met in London and Paris. But I miss a bit my opponent Alex Ferguson. I always asked him a lot of questions.

"I remember a chat we had when he was still coaching, before Manchester United-Real Madrid in March 2013. We both had butterflies in our stomachs and I asked him: 'Does this ever change?' He told me: 'No! It will be like this until the end!' I told him that was my plan. Now I ask him if he's fine, if he's happy and if he regrets. And he's happy."

 

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Barcelona have held Pogba talks with Juventus, admits Braida

Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida has admitted that he has held talks with Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta over a potential move for Paul Pogba.

The France international is continually being linked with a move away from the Serie A champions and Paris Saint-Germain have already reached an agreement with Juventus over a €80 million transfer fee.

A transfer to the Ligue 1 champions is by no means a certainty just yet, though, as Pogba is keeping his options open and Barcelona have now confirmed they are keen to sign the 22-year-old, too.

"We like Pogba, we like him a lot. But that's needless to say. All the big clubs like a champion such as Pogba," Braida told Tuttosport."Marotta is a friend of mine and we talk about a lot of things. We have also discussed Pogba.

"He is still young, but already shows things of the highest level. It would be a hugely important operation for Barcelona, a very interesting one."Our situation is complicated, though. We can not register any new players until 2016 because of the Fifa sanction.

"It could be an option to agree terms for a transfer in 2016. That's one of the potential options.

"It also depends on what Luis Enrique and what the board at Barcelona want. I am waiting for the green light from the club. Until then, I am working on it and sowing the seeds."Braida then went on to acknowledge that Barcelona are also keeping a close eye on Italy international Matteo Darmian, currently under contract with Torino.

"Darmian is another player we like. I remember him from my time at Milan, when he was still very young."He has since become a great player and has been capped for Italy. He has made enormous progress at Torino.

"He is a serious guy, who is very humble and always behaves exemplary. He is a good player."Darmian, 25, has a contract with Torino until June 2017.

 

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Wenger tells Mourinho to show respect

Arsene Wenger has hit back at Jose Mourinho’s recent taunts by suggesting the Chelsea boss lacks respect for his fellow managers.

The Portuguese, set to win the Premier League this weekend, ridiculed Arsenal’s defeat to Monaco in the build-up to their clash at the Emirates Stadium, before mocking their decade-long wait for the title after Sunday’s 0-0 draw.

While Wenger did not rise to Mourinho’s bait, he was keen to stress the importance of respect among the managers – something the Chelsea boss could "improve" on.

"The biggest thing of managers is to respect each other and some people have to improve on that," said Wenger when asked about the taunts. "Everybody lives with his own internal problems and I live with mine and that is enough."

Wenger believes his side have improved this season and are much closer to challenging for the title next term.

"We have to look at it in a realistic way," he continued. "I feel we have made progress and so I look at it in a positive way because what you want in the season is your team to become better.

"We faced a big challenge because Chelsea didn't drop their level and thats why we didn't catch them but overall we feel we have made progress.

"When you fight for the championship you win some games because you smell you can do it that you don't win if you're fourth or fifth."

On the injury front, Mathieu Debuchy remains a doubt with a hamstring problem and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also unavailable, but Abou Diaby is in full training and Mikel Arteta is closing in on a return, though still needs "more time".

 

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Dani Alves will stay at Barcelona, says Rexach

Charles Rexach is confident Dani Alves will stay at Barcelona beyond the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.

The Brazil international has an expiring contract with the Camp Nou side and talks over a new deal have so far been unsuccessful.

Dani Alves' agent, Dinorah Santana, revealed in April that Barcelona's latest renewal offer was unsatisfactory and that negotiations had broken down, with the 31-year-old expected to be heading for the exit in the summer.

However, Rexach remains hopeful that an agreement will eventually be reached.
"I am one of those people who still sees him here next season. I'm convinced Dani Alves will remain at Barcelona," Rexach, a member of Barcelona's technical commission told Esports Cope.

The right-back joined Barcelona from Sevilla in the summer of 2008 and has since made over 300 appearances in all competitions for the Catalans.

He was part of the illustrious team that won La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Supercopa de Espana, European Supercup and Club World Cup in 2009.

 

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Van Gaal very different to Ancelotti & Ferguson - Hernandez

Real Madrid striker Javier Hernandez says that Carlo Ancelotti, is "liberal" and similar to Sir Alex Ferguson, whereas Manchester United's Louis van Gaal is very different and is "strict on discipline".

Hernandez is on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu from United and his Old Trafford future looks bleak, with Van Gaal seemingly having decided that the Mexican will not form part of his plans.

Indeed, some comments, supposedly made by the Dutchman, surfaced in Spain this week claiming that Hernandez's recent goals in the Spanish capital make no difference to his chances of success in Manchester.

And while the veracity of the quotes is in doubt, the striker is careful to focus on his football.

"I don't know if he said that or not," Hernandez told AS. "An English newspaper printed some comments once – just before a derby, they printed things which I didn't say.

"If he did say that, then that is his opinion and you have to respect that. If not everyone in the world adores Cristiano and Messi, imagine what it's like for those of us who are several steps further down the scale."

The Mexico international was asked about the differences between Ancelotti and Van Gaal and he believes the Italian is a bit more hands on with his players.

"They are very different," he remarked. "Ancelotti has a bit more contact with us and he is more relaxed. Van Gaal likes routines, timetables are always very rigid. He's very strict on discipline. Ancelotti is more like Ferguson, he's more liberal."

Hernandez had struggled for game time in Madrid before injuries to Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema thrust him into the first team at the start of April.

After scoring the decisive goal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid and following that up with a double away to Celta on Sunday, he is finally enjoying some recognition but admits that his morale has suffered this season.

Asked if his situation had made him feel depressed, he replied: "More frustrated than depressed because I wanted to help the team.

"It’s not much fun being in that situation. I didn't say what I say with any intention. I especially remember my parents and my sister, who came with me on this European adventure.

"My cousin, Paola, who is in Tabasco, helped me when things were going badly. I asked myself if I really had the talent to be a player at Real Madrid and they told me, 'don't be silly, if you are there it's because you should be there'. Right now I am happy."

 

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Iniesta: Nothing is impossible for Guardiola

Andres Iniesta has warned his Barcelona team-mates not to underestimate Bayern Munich in their Champions League semi-final tie irrespective of their injury worries as he has little doubt Pep Guardiola will come up with a solution for his side's problems.

The Bundesliga champions will be without the likes of Arjen Robben, Holger Badstuber and David Alaba in the first leg of their semi-final encounter next week, while Robert Lewandowski and Franck Ribery are doubtful, too.

Bayern recovered from a 3-1 first-leg defeat to Porto, winning 6-1 in Munich, and Iniesta feels that performance shows that Bayern remain a force to be reckoned with despite their injuries, adding that the form of the day will be decisive on Wednesday's encounter at Camp Nou."There is no such thing as a good result after the first leg against a team coached by Guardiola," Iniesta was quoted as saying by Sport.

"Guardiola has already shown that nothing is impossible for him."It might sound like a cliche, but the fact is that it is not really about the opponent in the semi-finals. It's all about the form of the day."

Wednesday's match will see both Guardiola and Thiago Alcantara return to Camp Nou and Iniesta is looking forward to meeting up with his former coach and colleague.

"Guardiola has played a huge role in Barcelona's history, both as a player and as a coach. He has marked an extremely successful era. People will never forget what he achieved here.

"Thiago's fine performances against Porto really pleased me. He has had so much bad luck in recent years. It is always difficult to get back to your best, but he is already showing his class again."

 

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Messi, Suarez and Neymar keep Barcelona on path to excellence - Bartomeu

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu is delighted with the Catalans' performances so far this campaign and feels that Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar can keep them on the path to excellence.

The Camp Nou side failed to pick up any silverware in 2013-14, but still have a shot at winning the treble this term.

Barca currently hold a two-point lead over Real Madrid in the Liga table, meet Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals and take on Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final.And Bartomeu believes the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez will fire them to glory.

"The team is highly motivated, we've managed to put together the best front line in the world, and all under a new coach," Bartomeu was quoted as saying by Marca.
"The season so far has been excellent. Based on the results, we're back on the path to excellence.

"We're top of the league and we're in the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich, which will be exciting. In addition, we're through to the Copa del Rey final, which will be played here at the Camp Nou.

"We will also have the chance to welcome Pep Guardiola back to the Camp Nou, and we'll receive him with honours."

 

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Guardiola: I'm not to blame for Robben injury

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has insisted that Arjen Robben was ready to play against Borussia Dortmund in the wake of Thomas Helmer's claims that the Spaniard is to blame for the winger's latest injury.

The Netherlands international made his Bayern comeback in the DFB-Pokal semi-final defeat against BVB on Tuesday after a five-week injury layoff, but lasted just 15 minutes before he was taken off again with another injury.

Robben underwent a series of tests on Wednesday to determine to extent of his latest physical problems and was diagnosed with a muscle tear that will keep him out of action for the remainder of the season.

Helmer was quick to point his finger in Guardiola's direction following Robben's setback, but the Bayern coach refuses to accept any blame.

"I obviously would never play someone without discussing it with the physio and doctors first," Guardiola said at a press conference."Arjen is an incredibly important player for us and he was fit."

The Bayern boss then went on to discuss the situation of Robert Lewandowski and made it clear that they will not take any risks with the Poland international for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first-leg against Barcelona."We will have to wait and see how his situation develops. He has a concussion and a broke nose. That is quite complicated in the first few days.

"The doctor is always in charge. If he says it's a risk, then Lewandowski will not play."

Guardiola was also questioned about a potential move for Ilkay Gundogan following Dortmund's announcement that the midfielder will not sign a contract renewal at the Signal Iduna Park, but he stressed that any decisions regarding transfers will be taken by Matthias Sammer and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"A potential move for Gundogan is not an issue for me. Sammer and Rummenigge are in charge of transfer issues."

 

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Liverpool consult American specialists on Sturridge injury, says Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Liverpool have consulted specialists in the United States amid reports that Daniel Sturridge is to undergo a hip operation.

Sturridge's season has been blighted by injuries, which have restricted the England international to just 18 appearances in all competitions.

The former Chelsea man has struggled with calf, thigh and now hip problems and his return date is unclear.

"We've found some underlying issues related to Dan's problems," the manager told reporeters. "Staff here are liasing with great medics in America.

"Daniel wants to be available, it is unfortunate for him on the back of how fantastic he was last season."

Sturridge's last Liverpool appearance came in the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Blackburn Rovers on April 8, when he was substituted after 85 minutes in a 1-0 win.

Reds boss Rodgers also confirmed that another man who has struggled with long-term injury problems, Jon Flanagan, will be unavailable until December.

"He's been a huge miss for us," the Northern Irishman lamented. "There was a time last season when he was arguably the best full back in the league."

Liverpool will welcome back Lucas Leiva from the treatment table ahead of their meeting with QPR, he added, while captain Steven Gerrard will be back after his rest against Hull City. However, Mario Balotelli and Mamadou Sakho are also among those who miss out.