..::Football III::..

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Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid: Title hopes die despite Ronaldo hat-trick

Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes were ended despite a 4-1 victory at Espanyol as Barcelona condemned them to second place with a win at Atletico Madrid.

A Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick and one from Marcelo halted Real's run of three consecutive winless games in all competitions and spared the blushes of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, whose terrible error allowed Christian Stuani to equalise.

But Barcelona's 1-0 success at the Estadio Vicente Calderon in the penultimate game of the season saw them crowned champions and confirm Real as runners-up to complete a miserable week that also saw Carlo Ancelotti's side denied a place in the UEFA Champions League final by Juventus, increasing the pressure on the Italian coach.

Ancelotti made two changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Juventus in midweek, drafting in Navas for only his sixth Liga appearance of the season, with regular first choice Iker Casillas relegated to the bench.

Ancelotti also brought in Pepe for the injured Sergio Ramos in the Real back four.
Early chances were limited in a cagey opening spell and Ronaldo should have done better when a looping Daniel Carvajal cross set him up for a free header, but his effort hit the side netting.

On the occasions that the visiting front three did manage to carve out a chance, they found the Espanyol rearguard in good form, with Alvaro Gonzalez sliding in to deny Ronaldo as he skipped into the box, and Hector Moreno shackling Karim Benzema with a similarly clinical challenge moments later.

Espanyol striker Sergio Garcia felt he should have had a penalty when pushed inside the box from behind by Pepe, but his claims were waved away by referee Juan Martinez Munuera as a goalless first half left both sides somewhat frustrated.
Real finally broke the deadlock shortly before the hour mark after a sweeping move that began with Pepe threading a pass to Benzema, who found Ronaldo in plenty of space and the league's top scorer made no mistake, slotting his 43rd goal of the season low into the corner of the net.

Real's evening almost turned completely sour when a backpass from Pepe saw Navas take a touch that allowed Stuani to steal the ball from him and Sergio Garcia teed the Uruguayan up for an equaliser.

But Real were soon back in front through Marcelo's thunderous shot high into the net after a one-two with Ronaldo, who then made it 3-1 with a clinical finish after he was set up by substitute Javier Hernandez.

Ronaldo grabbed his seventh hat-trick of the season with a simple header at the far post in the final minute of the game, but it mattered little for Real.

 

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Van Gaal: I can't persuade De Gea to stay at Manchester United

Louis van Gaal has admitted that David de Gea faces a difficult decision regarding his Manchester United future but says that he cannot force him to stay at the club.

United and La Liga giants Real Madrid will go head-to-head this summer in the battle to secure De Gea, with the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, who has arguably been Van Gaal's stand-out performer in the 2014-15 campaign, out of contract in 2016.

And when asked about De Gea's future following United's 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, Van Gaal remained cautious and insisted that the player will ultimately decide where his future lies.

He told reporters: "A transfer is an individual thing, it is a process. He has to decide. We have given a fantastic contract [offer], we want that he stays. He's had a fantastic season.

"I analyse also his position. He is Spanish, he is a Spanish international, still behind [Iker] Casillas, now a Spanish club is coming. His girlfriend is Spanish. His father and mother come every two weeks to watch him. It is difficult for him."

Asked if Madrid had made an offer for De Gea, Van Gaal added: "I don't know. I don't think I can persuade him [to stay]. He knows everything that he has at the moment at Manchester United.

"I don't have to say something in benefit of Manchester United because he can feel it every day. Unbelievable that reaction [from the United fans after he was substituted against Arsenal]. When he is going, he is losing that. Here he has a lot of credit. He has to decide."

Regarding Victor Valdes and whether the former Barcelona goalkeeper could become his new No.1, Van Gaal said: "You have to wait and see, I cannot say anything about transfers. First I shall talk with the players and at the end with the media and not upside down."

 

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Van Gaal: I can't persuade De Gea to stay at Manchester United

Mokada persuade karanna bariOna kamak thiyanawanam karanna bari deyak naha.De Gea apita godak watinawa​

 

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Atletico Madrid 0-1 Barcelona: Messi strike seals Liga title

Lionel Messi scored the decisive goal as Barcelona secured the first part of a potential treble by winning La Liga with a 1-0 victory at Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Barca had looked destined to bring the title back to Catalonia ever since Luis Suarez's winner against Real Madrid in March, and the Catalans did exactly what was required a year to the day after Atletico won the crown at Camp Nou.

Messi, Suarez and Neymar have led the way for Barca, scoring 79 goals between them in La Liga, and, fittingly, it was the former who sealed the title with a typically clinical finish just after the hour mark.Suarez missed out due to a hamstring injury picked up in midweek, and Barca were less fluid than usual in attack without the Uruguayan.

But Messi's brilliance eventually shone through 25 minutes from time, as he beat Jan Oblak from inside the area after taking a sublime touch from Pedro's pass for his 54th goal in as many games this season.

Neymar should have doubled Barca's lead shortly after, but the Brazilian's wild shot from Messi's perfect throughball mattered little as Barca wrapped up their seventh title in the last decade, with Copa del Rey and Champions League finals still to come.Atletico made it clear early on that they would not relinquish their title without a fight, enjoying a particularly bright opening 10 minutes.

But Oblak was called into action to twice deny Messi, before the Argentina captain then grazed the roof of the goal with a free-kick after Diego Godin had brought down Dani Alves.

Alves then went close himself just before the interval, though Oblak confidently turned his speculative long-range drive over.

Atletico began the second period better, and Godin went close to putting the home side ahead in the 51st minute, heading just over following a fine delivery from Koke.

Fernando Torres was the next to try his luck, and the striker forced Claudio Bravo into a crucial save at his near post.But Barca finally broke the deadlock with 65 minutes on the clock, Messi proving decisive yet again.

The 27-year-old received a pass inside the area from Pedro, coolly dragged the ball past a defender with his first touch and duly stroked it beyond Oblak's reach through a crowd of players.The in-form Neymar then uncharacteristically spurned a one-on-one chance that could have put the game - and title - beyond doubt.

Guilherme Siqueira's long-range effort three minutes from time had Bravo scrambling and Barca hearts in mouths, but the Catalans held on with relative comfort to earn Luis Enrique the title in his first season in charge.

 

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Barcelona beat Atletico to win La Liga

Barcelona have been crowned champions of La Liga after beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.

Diego Simeone's side claimed the title with a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou on the final day of last season, but Lionel Messi's second-half goal saw Barca gain revenge this time around by winning the Primera Division at the Calderon.

Luis Enrique's men took a four-point lead over fierce rivals Real Madrid into the 37th round of matches and their victory in the capital means they have won La Liga with one game to spare.

Champions in five of the last seven seasons including this one, the Catalans now have 23 Primera Division titles and this trophy is the first for coach Luis Enrique.

But there is likely to be more to come as the Blaugrana meet Athletic Club at Camp Nou in the final of the Copa del Rey on May 30 and are also in action against Juventus in the Champions League showpiece on June 6.

While Barca triumphed in Madrid, Real were winners in the Catalan capital as they beat Barca's local rivals Espanyol 3-1, but their win counted for little and Los Blancos have now won La Liga only once in the last seven seasons since 2008.

 

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Congratulations Barcelona!

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Liga title is the most important, says Busquets

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets believes that sealing the Liga title is the best measure of his side's quality.

With Barca in the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals against Athletic Bilbao and Juventus respectively, the Catalans could go on to win the treble this term.

However, the midfielder believes that dominance in the Primera Division was the most important target for the campaign, having sealed the trophy with a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

"La Liga is the most important - we play against everyone home and away," Busquets was quoted as saying by AS."The Champions League is more prestigious but this is more important. Last year we struggled a lot, we weren't at the right level to be champions.

"This year we're on the right track. This is the first bit. Now it's time to celebrate because it's the hardest competition. You play against everyone."You can't win every year but there is no end to this cycle. We are a very young team, This is an historic day.

"Now we have one title but we are missing two. It's an historic season."

 

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Luis Enrique: Liga win is not personal redemption

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has denied that winning La Liga is vindication for his methods.

The former Celta Vigo coach was heavily criticised earlier in the season, particularly when he left Lionel Messi on the bench for January's loss at Real Sociedad.

The Argentine went on to score the title-clinching goal against Atletico Madrid on Sunday and though there is still speculation over his future, the former Barca and Real Madrid midfielder does not think he has sent a message to his employers.
"It's not about redemption," the Asturian said after the game. "There's no chance that a coach of a big team won't get criticised. It's something we already knew about, it's part of the job."I have nothing to say about my future until the end of the season."

The 45-year-old congratulated his players on the victory but warned them that celebrations cannot last too long, with the Champions League and Copa del Rey finals to come.

"I want to congratulate them. It's a nice job because you have the opportunity to bring happiness to many Catalans. I hope it's the beginning of the cycle. The message is to enjoy this season. Those who did onot participate are important too.

"I started this journey 10 months ago, with the club in a special situation. We made many changes. I've tried to do my best. There are still two titles before we know what grade we get."La Liga is the trophy of regularity. Real Madrid have been at a high level and we are pleased to win the title.

"The club will tell us how we can celebrate. We will rest for a couple of days then think about the Copa del Rey final, a very special game."

 

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Roma 2-1 Udinese: Nainggolan & Torosidis send hosts second

Roma's hopes of finishing second in Serie A and qualifying automatically for the Champions League were boosted when they came from behind to beat Udinese 2-1 on Sunday.

After a sedate opening, Stipe Perica gave the visitors the lead, striking home from close range before Radja Nainggolan drew Rudi Garcia's side level on the stroke of half-time and Vasilis Torosidis proved to be an unlikely hero with a winner after the break.

Roma needed to win to leapfrog city rivals Lazio, who led them by just two points in the table at the start of play. However, after an opening 20 minutes which saw both sides probe, it was the visitors who took the lead.

After some dozy defending from Kostas Manolas, Cyril Thereau ran into the box from the left wing and forced a save from Morgan De Sanctis, but he could only bundle the ball into the path of Perica, who gleefully smashed the loose ball home.

Falling behind sparked the hosts into life. Francesco Totti had already forced a fine save from Orestis Karzenis with a powerful free kick when the veteran captain brilliantly picked out Nainggolan at the far post and the Belgian had plenty of time to pick his spot and level proceedings.

Though time was rapidly running out before the break, Udinese were a whisker away from restoring their lead when Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa gave away a free kick in a promising position. Guilherme stepped up and slammed his effort off the top of the crossbar and over.

The second half started with the defences on top once more as both sides probed for an opening but to no avail. Ironically, it was an error at the back which allowed the hosts to complete the turnaround.

Udinese failed to clear their lines after a Roma attack, with Silvan Widmer slicing a clearance, allowing Torosidis to pounce and scramble the ball home.

After taking the lead, Roma were the dominant force in the clash but failed to kill off the visitors, twice striking the woodwork late on, firstly through Nainggolan's back-heeled effort and secondly through Jose Holebas, who strode into the box and smashed a shot off the bar.

However, the misses did not prove costly and Roma moved second by a solitary point with two games left to play. Udinese, meanwhile, remain comfortable in mid-table.

 

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Ancelotti: Champions League is most important

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says the Champions League remains his most important competition but insists he is still determined to bring the Liga title to the Bernabeu after a 4-1 win over Espanyol was not enough to prevent Barcelona from sealing the crown in 2014-15.

The deposed European champions have fallen short in the league during both of the Italian's seasons in charge, finishing third last term and second this time out.
And, after watching Barcelona pip them to the post thanks to a victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, the former AC Milan boss' resolve has only been strengthened, despite speculation over his future beyond this summer.

"I would like to win the most important competition, which is the Champions League," he said at a press conference"However, I would also like to win La Liga. This year we came very close and we will try again next year."

Madrid were knocked out of Europe by Juventus in midweek and Ancelotti says he found it hard to lift his troops for the trip to Cornella El-Prat, which was decided by Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick and a strike from Marcelo.

The coach added: "The team reacted well and had a very good attitude. It was not easy to motivate the players after Wednesday and I am grateful. Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed good work in this game.

"Now we have to prepare professionally for the last game right up until the last minute. We have to keep our heads held high, although the team has not won, they have battled."The overall assessment of the season is not positive because Real Madrid play to win and we haven't managed it.

"We had a good first half to the season but the second half was more difficult. I have to congratulate Barcelona and my fellow coach Luis Enrique."

Ancelotti also singled out midfielder Luka Modric's long-term injuries as a reason for his side's failures in the league this term."We have been hurt by injuries, especially Modric," he said.

"The team played well with James, Isco and Toni Kroos and have had a lot of victories with that system but Modric has missed practically all of the season and that has hurt us."

 

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People thought Barcelona were dead - Alba

Jordi Alba has hailed his Barcelona team-mates' exploits this season, saying they have proven those who wrote them off wrong.

The Catalans sealed the Liga title with a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, having trailed Real Madrid for much of the season.They could stiill go on to add the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles to their trophy haul this term and Alba has revealed the extent of the dressing room harmony which has fired them to success.

"They thought we were dead but we have had a great season," he told Barca TV.
"The truth is that I am very happy. The atmosphere is the best I can remember and hopefully this is just the beginning. This is a great day with lots of joy. This title cost us a lot so I'm very happy and you cannot ask for more."This is a day to savour but we don't know what will happen in the Champions League and Copa del Rey."

Barca face Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final on May 30 before clashing with Juventus in the Champions League showpiece on June 6.

 

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Benfica retain Primeira Liga title

Benfica retained their Primeira Liga title on Sunday after Tiago Caeiro's late strike ensured Porto were held 1-1 at Belenenses.

Jorge Jesus' side knew that all they had to do against Vitoria de Guimaraes was match or better their arch rivals' result this weekend and they secured a goalless draw.

A goal just before half-time from the prolific Jackson Martinez looked to have given second-placed Porto a victory that would have closed the gap to only a point with just one game remaining, but there was a late twist.

Caeiro came off the bench to equalise five minutes from time at Estadio do Restelo and ensure Belenenses' Lisbon rivals have secured back-to-back titles, becoming champions of Portugal for a 34th time thanks to their three-point lead, which cannot be overhauled on the only remaining matchday of the season due to their head-to-head record.

Benfica celebrated in style on the pitch at the final whistle after learning that Porto had been denied by Caeiro, meaning they can go into next Sunday's clash with Maritimo next Sunday without the tension of the title being at stake.

Porto had won three titles in a row before last season, but it is now Benfica who have emerged as the dominant force in Portuguese football.

While Benfica will be toasting another title, Gil Vicente must prepare for life in the Segunda Liga after they were beaten 2-1 at already-relegated Penafiel.

Guedes put bottom side Penafiel in front just after half-time, but Joao Vilela gave the visitors hope when he levelled after 67 minutes.A draw would still not have been enough to keep Jose Mota's charges up and David Mbala added insult to injury by scoring a winner in stoppage time to seal their fate.

While the Barcelos outfit's four-year stay in the top tier is at an end, Arouca are safe despite slumping to a 2-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Vitoria Setubal, who were also in danger of suffering the drop.Academica were also in the mire, but can look forward to another season in the Primeira Liga despite a 3-2 loss at Pacos de Ferreira.

Adrien Silva scored twice as third-placed Sporting Lisbon hammered Sporting Braga 4-1, while Maritimo dished out a 4-0 hammering to Rio Ave and Estoril drew 1-1 at Moreirense.

 

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Neville urges Manchester United to sign Bale in potential De Gea deal

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has urged the club to test Real Madrid's resolve with a bid for Gareth Bale should the Spanish giants make an offer for goalkeeper David De Gea.

De Gea has been strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu as he approaches the final year of his contract, but United moved to deny reports emanating from Spain on Saturday that Real had agreed a deal to acquire the 24-year-old.

Real are believed to have identified De Gea as the long-term successor to Iker Casillas, and United manager Louis van Gaal admitted on Sunday that De Gea faces a "difficult" decision over his future, though he admits that the club have already lined up potential replacements.

Bale is a long-standing target of United's, with the club having made an offer to sign the forward from Tottenham before he joined Real, and Neville believes that Van Gaal's side should look to finally acquire the Welshman if Real table a concrete approach for De Gea.

"Real Madrid are particularly aggressive," he said in his Sky Sports podcast.

"They have been previously and once a player only has a year left on his contract Manchester United have a decision to make if Real do come for him, as it looks like they will.

"Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool will all want Gareth Bale. So if you are going to give Real a player I think it would make sense to try and get Bale and steal him in return for De Gea."

Neville has stressed that United should be doing everything within their power to keep De Gea, but he senses that the 24-year-old's future has already been settled.

"You saw the fans, they were singing his name (in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday)," he added. "They are singing his name in appreciation of the season he's had.

"He's been Manchester United's player of the season and they'll be saying, 'please stay'.

"With his form this season I was always hopeful he'd stay but with the wave of noise in the press it just looked to have an inevitability about it."

 

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Neville urges Manchester United to sign Bale in potential De Gea deal

Bale newei De Gea apita watinne​

 

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Real Madrid drop down to pot two in Champions League seedings

Real Madrid will be in pot two of the Champions League group stage draw for the first time since 2010-11 thanks to their failure to win the competition or La Liga this term.

Carlo Ancelotti's side failed to defend their Eueropean crown, with Juventus eliminating them 3-2 on aggregate at the semi-final stage in midweek.Barcelona, meanwhile, were confirmed as Primera Division winners on Sunday and, under Uefa's new system, Madrid will not be among the top seeds.

In previous years, the pots were decided by each team's coefficient ranking but the governing body has ruled that winners of the top seven leagues and the European champions will now fill pot one.

As Juventus and Barcelona, the two Champions League finalists, have already won their domestic titles, one spot will be granted to the Eredivisie - the eighth-ranked league in 2013-14.

The drop means Madrid could end up facing the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Juventus or Paris Saint-Germain in the group stages next season.Other pot one regulars who will have to make do with a place in pot two include Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Porto and Arsenal.

The final for the 2015-16 Champions League takes place at San Siro in Milan on May 28.

 

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Bony an important part of Manchester City's future, insists Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini has backed Wilfried Bony to be a success at Manchester City after the Ivorian scored on his first return to former club Swansea City on Sunday.

Bony scored his side's fourth goal in a 4-2 victory at the Liberty Stadium, with City staving off a Swans fight-back to secure a top-three Premier League finish and maintain their bid to finish second.

Bony - hampered by injuries since his £28 million move to the Etihad Stadium - received a warm reception from the Swans fans when he was introduced as an 85th-minute substitute and subsequently rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, with Pellegrini lavishing praise on the 26-year-old.

"That was the reception that he deserved because he was a very important player here in Swansea," he told reporters.

"He was very unlucky maybe this year when we bought him because he started by going to the Africa Cup of Nations and he came back with a lot of games in his body.

"After that he had an important injury in his ankle and his knee in the same leg, so he stopped for about three or four weeks.

"After that we won five games in a row and I didn't want to make changes during this moment, but I'm absolutely sure we bought the player that we need.

"I am absolutely sure that he will be an important player in our future."

With City 3-2 up following Yaya Toure's second strike of the game, Joe Hart pulled off a sensational save to deny Federico Fernandez an equaliser, much to Pellegrini's delight.

"It was a beautiful save in a very important moment," added Pellegrini. "He has improved a lot this season.

"Bringing Willy Caballero was good for him because he has more competition.

"But the most important thing is that he has an open mind. He is just 27 and he must improve in a lot of things and he is working hard to do it. We have seen the result of that this season.

"I think he is starting the peak of his career."

 

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Mourinho: Chelsea's best trophy this season is Loftus-Cheek!

Jose Mourinho says that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is Chelsea’s best academy success, not their clutch of silverware, and has hinted that the 19-year-old midfielder will be a regular in the first-team squad for the 2015-16 season.

Loftus-Cheek has broken into the first-team picture at Stamford Bridge this campaign, making two Premier League appearances – against Manchester City and Liverpool – whilst also featuring in the Champions League victory over Sporting Lisbon.

Mourinho admits that “academies are a process”, but says that Loftus-Cheek has proven himself to be the finest graduate of the system in 2014-15, rating his emergence above the youth side's many title wins.

“It starts with the facilities but it ends with the co-operation between the academy and the first team. At this moment we are working well. The players are the best witness of that work and they feel it. We know we are going in the right direction,” he told reporters.

“This year, the most important title for the academy was Ruben, not the Uefa Youth League or the FA Youth Cup. It was Ruben: the best trophy. I’m excited but I keep emotional control. If I don’t I’d lose the players or help them go the wrong way but, yes, I am excited – but with stability. At this minute, that’s what they need.”

Mourinho has been tipped to strengthen his squad this summer, but he insists that any potential new signings will not block Loftus-Cheek’s path to the first-team.

“Maybe he’ll end up being better than anyone I buy and, if that is the case, he’ll play and the one I buy won’t,” he added.

 

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Chadli: Manchester United want Kane? That does not surprise me!

Nacer Chadli says it is no surprise that Manchester United are interested in signing Tottenham star and “big talent” Harry Kane.

Louis van Gaal has made the 21-year-old one of his key targets this summer, but Spurs have no intention of selling their top scorer, who is tied down to a five-year contract.

Team-mate Chadli has seen Kane’s progress first hand and believes he has now established himself as one of the Premier League’s top strikers, which will naturally prompt interest from other clubs.

“I’m not surprised because he’s a big talent,” said Chadli of United’s rumoured interest.

“He’s scored 30 goals or more this season so he’s proved himself in the Premier League and at international level, so it’s normal that big clubs want to get him.

“He’s still young, Harry, and I think it’s not a decision for me to take. He’s an adult and he’s big enough to take his decisions. He still has a long contract with Spurs so we’ll see [what happens].”

Chadli’s goal against Hull City at the weekend took him to 11 for the season – second only to Kane in Spurs’ squad, and more than compatriot Romelu Lukaku.

The former Twente winger believes he is finally settled in English football, but hopes to improve even further next season.

“I came from Twente and people expected a lot from me,” he continued. “When you’re not fit you want to prove yourself and sometimes you force yourself a bit too much and it’s not happening - with injuries and stuff like this, it’s difficult.

“I had two injuries during last season. I had an ankle injury and a hamstring injury so I missed six weeks twice and to come back is always difficult.

“I feel there were some improvements this season because I was fit all year long, almost. For me it was important to play games in a row and to adapt myself also to the Premier League.

“It’s a totally different competition. When you come even from Spain or Germany sometimes you have to adapt because the speed in the game is so different.

“I think I’ve played more this season and I’ve had confidence from the staff and the players as well. I’m fully fit so for me it’s important to play like this and improve even more for next season.

“I always want to do more, I’m never happy with what I do because I know I have more in myself to show, and I want to do that.”

 

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Rodgers: Liverpool lack leaders and quality

Brendan Rodgers admits that there is a lack of quality and leadership within the Liverpool squad and says that the departure of Steven Gerrard will leave a huge void at Anfield.

The Reds were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace in Gerrard’s final home game on Saturday, with the former England international set to join LA Galaxy this summer.

Rodgers’s side have struggled this season and are guaranteed to miss out on Champions League football, with Manchester United now seven points clear of the Reds with one game of the season remaining.

Although Liverpool finished second in the Premier League last season, Rodgers admits that there is currently a shortage of quality at Anfield.

“That’s what we have to find – the answers to that,” he said. “You have to find the solutions. It is an incredible lot of experience, game management and quality gone out of the team but it is something we will find I am sure.

“Stevie has a huge influence in the changing room and a star quality. Of course it is something that will be missed, but if you want to be the big player at a club like this you have to step up and make the contribution in the big games.

“That is the idea next season. I am sure that will be the case.

“We have players with good character and if we can throw in some quality with that it is important.

“We need threat at the top end of the field because too many have disappeared for us, you only need to look at the number of goals.

“We have to find ways to get those goals back, the creativity and offensive threat while staying disciplined in our defending.”

Rodgers admits that he understands the supporters’ frustrations at the club’s performances this term, and insists that he intends to recruit players “who will make the difference” when the transfer window reopens.

“Listen, I can understand the supporters’ frustration this season when you think of the journey we were on last year,” he added.

“The quality of the football and the game they were watching has not been there this season.

“As a supporter you want to turn up and see the team win and win well and at times that has not been the case.

“It is a big challenge for us so from a manager’s perspective there is a sense of reality in what we lost but rightly so the supporters want to see the team improving.”

 

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#visca el barca