..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Modric: Ancelotti brought out the best in me

Luka Modric believes he played the best football of his career under sacked coach Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

Despite guiding the club to Champions League last season and Club World Cup success in December, the coach's failure to win a major trophy this term saw him relieved of his duties on Monday.Modric was full of praise for the impact Ancelotti had at the Santiago Bernabeu and thinks judging the Italian on 2015's silverware haul is a big mistake.

"All I can say is that he is a great coach and person," the Croatian midfielder told reporters. "I’ve played my best football under him."He trusted me from day one. Sometimes, although you don’t win trophies, it does not mean you’re no good.

"Our season has been very bad if you look at the results, but this is the thing: either you win or you fail, there is no middle ground."Maybe it is unfair for the coach or players, but it may be the key to success at Madrid. If we had not had such bad luck with injuries, it could have been different.

"It is frustrating for me not having won La Liga yet. It is the only trophy that I have not won with Madrid, but we will do our best to win it next season.”

Injury has limited Modric to just 16 league appearances this term and he is still a long way off recovering from his latest knee problem."I've still not recovered," he added. "I can't bend my knee, it hurts when I try, so I have to continue with physiotherapy.

"Obviously the doctors weren't right when they said the recovery would be four to six weeks. It has been five weeks and I cannot run at all."

 

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In-demand Drogba considering following Lampard to MLS

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has claimed he has already received offers to join other clubs – but is tempted to join Frank Lampard in the MLS.

The 37-year-old was carried off the pitch in his final game for the club against Sunderland on Sunday, finishing his second spell at Stamford Bridge with a League Cup and Premier League double.

And the former Ivory Coast international has revealed he has not been short of offers since ending his Blues career but may yet consider following his former team-mate, Lampard, to the MLS.

"Yes, of course," he told reporters when asked about the possibility of the move.

"But I am going to take a few days, a few weeks, to think about what is good for me next. But all I want to do is play.

"Since I put it on social media [that I was to leave Chelsea] I have received some calls from other teams.

"[It is] really unusual. But it was funny and interesting also because it really showed that, maybe, I can still bring something to a team."

Despite making 40 appearances in all competitions, Drogba started just seven games for the Blues and was restricted to roles off the bench, meaning he is now seeking regular first-team football next season.

He continued: "I spoke with José Mourinho and the board and, all of us, we found an agreement.

"Next year I want to have more minutes than I am having now. I just want to play, you know, and finish maybe on a high saying that ‘I gave everything and I can’t do that any more.’

"This year I didn’t have that feeling. In fact, I felt I could still play and I still want to enjoy it before I stop. So for me to stay here and to finish with frustration, that would not have been possible."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United title challenge depends on summer signings, says Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says the club will challenge for the Premier League title next season – but only if they spend wisely in the summer.

Van Gaal spent heavily in his first season at Old Trafford in bringing Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo to the club.

And now the 63-year-old, who guided United to Champions League qualification with a fourth place finish, wants to add to his squad in the summer to ensure he can build a title-winning side.

"The board of Manchester United shall say now we have to battle for the championship," he told MUTV.

"It’s a fantastic challenge but that’s also dependable on how we can purchase very good players and how we can improve our balance in our selection.

"When you see last Sunday against Arsenal what I have to do to change I have to put players on other positions that I never play and that’s a pity because the balance in our play was not good.

"We need two players in every position and then they can perform more easily.

"The board has purchased me to win the title and my curriculum says that. Of course I want to win titles and I want to win it for the fans but also for myself.

"The biggest challenge is what your ambition is and my ambition is to give titles but it is not easy. We will fight till the end and I shall give everything in me to build a new champions team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United title challenge depends on summer signings, says Van Gaal

LVG ta oka therum giya 1kanam loku deyakEla ela

Hoda playersla set 1kak gamu​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Lazio must reach Champions League at all costs'

Lazio's Stefano Mauri said his side must reach the Champions League at all costs following their 2-1 defeat to Roma.

The Biancocelesti fell behind to Juan Iturbe's opener on Monday, but Filip Djordjevic's equaliser looked to have sealed a point, only for Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to snatch a late winner for the visitors.

Defeat means Roma secured second place and an automatic Champions League spot, while Lazio need at least a point from their final day clash against Napoli to seal third position.

Mauri said to Sky Sport Italia: "The game went badly today and it will not be easy, but we have one more round left and have performed at a very high level throughout the campaign.“We deserved something more against Juventus in the Coppa Italia and the same is true here.

“We deserve to be in the Champions League and must get the result against Napoli at all costs."We said all week that we wanted to get second place, as the preliminary round is tough, but now we are in this position we’ve got to get third."

Lazio were beaten 2-1 by Juventus after extra-time in the Coppa Italia final last Thursday and face Napoli in their final Serie A game on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti thanks Madrid after sacking

Carlo Ancelotti says he will remember his time as Real Madrid coach with fondness, despite being sacked by the club on Monday.

Madrid president Florentino Perez announced that Ancelotti had been relieved of his duties at the Santiago Bernabeu in a short press conference, bringing to an end his two years at the club.

Ancelotti then took to Twitter to express pride at his work in the Spanish capital, which saw him guide the side to their 10th Champions League crown and the Copa del Rey last season.

However, the Italian has paid the price for failing to win a major trophy this term, though he did at least win the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup earlier in the campaign.

Madrid confirmed they will announce Ancelotti's successor next week, with Napoli boss Rafa Benitez the favourite for the job.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Benitez 99 per cent certain to join Real Madrid'

Carlo Ancelotti's agent Ernesto Bronzetti says Napoli boss Rafa Benitez is "99 per cent certain" to take over at Real Madrid.

The La Liga club announced the sacking of the Italian on Monday and also confirmed they would unveil his successor next week.

Madrid president Florentino Perez refused to shed any more light on Ancelotti's potential replacement but admitted a Spanish speaking coach would be his preference.

Goal revealed last week that Benitez is top of the club's shortlist and it appears only to be a matter of time before Benitez is appointed at the Bernabeu."Rafa Benitez is 99% certain to take charge of Real Madrid," Bronzetti told Rai Sport.

Regarding the former AC Milan boss' dismissal, he added: "Ancelotti wants to take a year off. The team was concerned at the news and some of the players cried when he announce his departure."

Benitez won the Coppa Italia last season but has failed to mount a serious title challenge in Naples this term, with his side set to finish in a disappointing fourth spot.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Perez ge ammata......... shick mechara hoda manager kenekwa sack kara ney

Mamath kiyanne Ancelotti sack karapu 1ka moda wadak kiyala brohama year 1kema Champions League,La Liga & Copa Del Rey win karanna bahane.

Last year 1ke Ancelotti Real Madrid lawa kochchara titles walata guide kalada.Meh sareth League 1ka chater place 1kaka newei neh Real Madrid inne.2nd place

Ithin ahema welath Ancelotti wa sack karapu 1kanam recommend karanna puluwan deyak newei
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[Wolverine GTR]

Departing Falcao thanks Manchester United fans

Radamel Falcao has expressed his gratitude to Manchester United fans after his frustrating spell at Old Trafford came to an end.

United confirmed that Falcao, who spent the 2014-15 season on loan from Monaco, will not extend his stay with the club after a goalless draw at Hull City on the final day of Premier League season.

The Colombia endured a difficult first experience of English football due to a combination of injuries and failing to secure a regular place in Louis van Gaal's starting line-up.

Falcao now returns to his parent club Monaco and it remains to be seen where he will be playing at the start of next season, as several teams have been linked with the 29-year-old.

The former Atletico Madrid man showed his appreciation on Monday for the backing he was given by fans during his time at United.

He wrote on his Instagram: "I wanna thank Manchester United and all its fans for every word and gesture of support they gave me in every match. I'll never forget it!!"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Falcao ta yanna wechcha 1ka gana nam dukaiFalcao loan karagattha dawase mama hithuwe Falcao wa kohomahari permanent deal 1kak karagani kiyala

But Falcao ta kochchara chances dunnath successful une nahane

Anyway Good bye & Good luck Falcao!
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[panchaz]

Mamath kiyanne Ancelotti sack karapu 1ka moda wadak kiyala brohama year 1kema Champions League,La Liga & Copa Del Rey win karanna bahane.

Last year 1ke Ancelotti Real Madrid lawa kochchara titles walata guide kalada.Meh sareth League 1ka chater place 1kaka newei neh Real Madrid inne.2nd place

Ithin ahema welath Ancelotti wa sack karapu 1kanam recommend karanna puluwan deyak newei
​

sirawta machan mey Perez hu**ta pisu dan ethin kauru eida danne naha eelagata Klopp wa gattoth hodai Benitez nam hariyanne naha machan

 

[Wolverine GTR]

sirawta machan mey Perez hu**ta pisu dan ethin kauru eida danne naha eelagata Klopp wa gattoth hodai Benitez nam hariyanne naha machan

Ow bro Benitez nam anemandaath kiyana widiyata Benitez thamai favourite.

Perez last 12 years athulatha managers la 9k sack karala thiyanawaPuduma sack kirillak neh
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I was angry with Ancelotti - Casillas

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has admitted he didn't always see eye to eye with Carlo Ancelotti following the coach's sacking on Monday.

The club captain lost his place to Diego Lopez after an injury during Jose Mourinho's final season at the Santiago Bernabeu and failed to win it back under the Italian the following term, though he has been No.1 this campaign.

And he has now revealed that he was angered by the original snub but wished Ancelotti well for the future after reflecting on the coach's departure.He told Cadena SER: "It is a demanding club and the president and the board have made ​​the best decision.

"But I thank Carlo for what he has done for me, even though last year I was angry because he did not play me much."He is a noble person and I wish him well. Madrid will always be his home."

Casillas's own future has been the subject of great speculation following reports Madrid will move for Manchester United keeper David de Gea this summer.

However, the 34-year-old is convinced he will still be at the club next season and has no intention of giving up his shirt without a fight."I am sure that I will continue here next season. Sure. I can't imagine I will not be at the club next season. I want to finish my career here.

"If things were not working I would have to leave, but now I feel good and I am strong. I will face the coming season as if it were my first here, that's my challenge."
Casillas was booed by his own supporters in several games towards the end of the season following a number of high-profile mistakes.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex Ferguson predicts more success for Mourinho and Chelsea

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Jose Mourinho and Chelsea to continue dominating English football after winning the Premier League title this season.

The Portuguese was named Barclays Manager of the Season after guiding Chelsea to a first league title in five years, having spent a Premier League record 274 days in first place, while also winning the League Cup.

Mourinho did not collect the award in person on Tuesday as it clashed with Chelsea's on end-of-season gala, but his former rival Ferguson was full of praise for the recipient.

"He's a successful man, a winner," Sir Alex said at the League Managers' Association awards. He deserves the award. I thought he had the best squad. John Terry played every game.

"Champions will always be the ones to beat. Jose knows his squad well. He's settled. It's going to be a very successful few years for Chelsea.

He added: "There's a change in Jose, he's looking at the long term and what's coming through ... the next few years are going to be sore for us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea's Moses could return to Stoke City, admits Hughes

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has not ruled out a close-season swoop for Chelsea loanee Victor Moses after being impressed by the winger this season.

Moses played 19 games in the Premier League before a hamstring injury in April ended his campaign and saw him return to the Blues to recover.

However, such was the 24-year-old's impact at the Britannia Stadium, Hughes would be keen to see him back next season.

"Those are options you can pursue, because you can get good players in and not commit huge chunks of money," Hughes told the Stoke Sentinel .

"We've done okay ourselves with loans over the last couple of years.

"It was good to see Victor back at the ground for the final game of the season. I thought it was important he came, along with Bojan, because they have obviously played their part in our season as well as those on show for the last game.

"He's back at Chelsea now, but hopefully we can still do something. We'll have to see."

Stoke finished the campaign with a 6-1 demolition of Liverpool on Sunday, securing ninth place and a record haul of 54 points.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Galliani: We want Ancelotti back at Milan

AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani will fly to Vancouver for dinner with Carlo Ancelotti in an attempt to persuade him to become the club's new coach.

The Italian was sacked by Real Madrid on Monday, but Milan have made no secret of their desire to bring him back to San Siro for a second spell in charge, six years after his exit.

Galliani told the media on Tuesday: "I won't give up, I have told him to say yes to our offer. I am going to Vancouver to convince him.

"I have a mandate from the president to bring Carlo to Milan. He is part of our history and family, I met him 28 years ago in Rome."Ancelotti has already stated he will undergo a cervical operation in Canada before embarking on a 12-month sabbatical.

The Rossoneri's open pursuit of the coach also comes despite the fact current boss Filippo Inzaghi remains in charge of the club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benitez one of the best coaches in the world - Del Bosque

Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque has labelled Rafa Benitez "one of the best coaches in the world" as he prepares to become the new boss of Real Madrid.The Napoli boss is top of the club's shortlist to replace Carlo Ancelotti after he was sacked on Monday for failing to win a major trophy this season.

The 55-year-old has endured a disappointing term himself in Naples, with his side sat in fourth place in Serie A with one game remaining, but Del Bosque says he is a top coach.

"It's not my decision to say whether Rafa Benitez is the right man to coach Real Madrid, but he is one of the great coaches of football."

Del Bosque, who had two spells in charge of Madrid in the 1990s, also praised Ancelotti but refused to comment on the decision of the Florentino Perez to relieve him of his duties."Both personally and professionally, he was a man who left his mark on Spanish football," he added.

"I cannot answer [if the decision to sack him was the right one], it is a matter the club has decided."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Costa can become the new Drogba for Chelsea' - Cahill

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has backed Diego Costa to become the next Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge after the Ivorian announced his departure from the club.

Drogba's second spell in west London ended on Sunday as the Blues celebrated their Premier League title win with victory over Sunderland.

Costa netted his 20th Premier League goal of the season in the 3-1 win over the Black Cats, and Cahill feels the Spain international has what it takes become as big a hero with the club's fans as Drogba.

"I know it's the second time Didier's been here but obviously it's sad that he's played his last game for the club," he told the club's official website.

"He said a few words before we left the hotel, it was only brief but it was good.

"I'm sure one day we'll see him back at the club. I don't think he's gone forever but probably from a playing point of view that was his last game.

"They're big shoes to fill but Diego couldn't have started his Chelsea career any better.

"He's had a couple of injuries but nevertheless his goalscoring ratio has been phenomenal.

"He'll be a big player here and with Diego in the team you're a far better side."

Cahill also admitted that Blues boss Jose Mourinho has made it clear how difficult it will be to defend the crown that Chelsea won so impressively this term.

"He's told us it will be a lot harder to win it next season, he's drilling that into us and as players that's a good thing," Cahill added.

"It's important for us to take his advice as someone who's been there and done it and no doubt it will be tough because teams always want to beat you when you're champions, like Man City have found this season.

"You don't need to be told it's hard. I know how hard it's been this season, even though we've been at the top all the way through.

"I'm sure other teams will strengthen in the summer and that will make it even harder for us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid to pay Ancelotti €4 million

Real Madrid will pay Carlo Ancelotti €4 million in compensation after sacking him on Monday, Goal understands.

The former AC Milan coach was relieved of his duties after failing to win a major trophy this season, with Napoli boss Rafa Benitez set to be named his successor next week.But, Ancelotti's pain at losing his job has been softened by the confirmation he will receive 50 per cent of salary from the final year of his contract.

The 55-year-old had hoped to be paid his entire annual wage, but a clause in the contract he signed upon joining the club in 2013 allowed Madrid to pay him half of his €8m yearly income.

He is now free to take charge of another club, but will instead take 12 months off as he prepares to undergo surgery on a cervical problem, as confirmed by his agent Ernesto Bronzetti on Monday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kolo Toure signs Liverpool extension

Liverpool have handed new contracts to Kolo Toure and Andre Wisdom.

The 34-year-old was nearing the end of a two-year contract penned when he joined from Manchester City in 2013 and has now agreed an extension, reportedly for one season.

Toure made 24 appearances in his first year at Anfield before adding a further 21 this campaign following the arrivals of Dejan Lovren and makeshift centre-back Emre Can.

"Liverpool is a great club for me to stay at. Liverpool is going to be massive. I love Premier League football and I played all my years here and if I can finish here it would be great," Toure recently told reporters.

"My kids go to school here and they are half-English, and that is important as well. I play for Liverpool right now, and I am very happy. If it was to carry on, I'd be more than happy."

Meanwhile, fellow defender Wisdom has also agreed a contract extension with the club - reportedly running until 2019 - after spending a mixed season on loan at West Brom.