..::Football III::..

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Vertonghen: Tottenham must keep Lloris to show ambition

Jan Vertonghen has urged Tottenham to keep hold of Hugo Lloris, insisting that if the club want to continue growing then they must not sell the goalkeeper.

Lloris was one of Spurs' most impressive performers last season, prompting links with Manchester United as a replacement for possible Real Madrid-bound David De Gea, while PSG are also monitoring the situation.

But Vertonghen, whose Belgium side take on Lloris' France in a friendly on Sunday, says Tottenham must keep their top performers to show ambition, having yet again missed out on Champions League qualification.

"He's a great guy, great captain, great goalkeeper and a brilliant player for us," he told Sky Sports. "He's the captain, very important and this season he was one of our best players.

"He's been outstanding for us and if you want to continue growing as a club you have to keep your best players and Hugo is one of them.

"I hope Tottenham can keep him. It will be a sign for everyone next year that we want to compete in the Premier League.

"We ended the season well in the last two games and we didn't expect to finish fifth. Hopefully we can continue to push for fourth.

"We've got four big teams ahead of us at the moment but we have to find a way to beat them."

 

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Verratti bid claims 'completely untrue' - Real Madrid

Real Madrid have rubbished rumours that they have lodged a bid with Paris Saint-Germain for Marco Verratti, insisting that they have not even made an enquiry about the availability of the midfielder.

The Italy international is considered one of the most talented young playmakers in the game and has been repeatedly been linked with a host of top clubs, including Los Blancos.

Indeed, it was even reported on Thursday that Madrid, who appointed Rafael Benitez as their new coach on Wednesday, had made an offer for the 22-year-old.
However, the Spanish side moved quickly to deny making any approach for Verratti.

"In light of the rumours spread by various media outlets concerning an alleged offer on the part of Real Madrid for the player Marco Verratti, the club states that Real Madrid have not made any contact with PSG or the player's agent, and therefore these rumours are completely untrue," a club statement read.

PSG paid a reported €12 million to prise Verratti away from his native Pescara in the summer of 2012 and he has since played a key role in the club's three successive Ligue 1 titles, as well as this season's domestic treble.Last week, Madrid also moved to deny they had made an approach for in-demand Juventus star Paul Pogba.

 

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Cleverly leaving Manchester United for Everton

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has agreed a deal to join Everton this summer.

The England international is out-of-contract at Old Trafford, and he was told some months ago that he would not be handed fresh terms by manager Louis van Gaal.

Goal understands Cleverley received offers from four Premier League sides, including Aston Villa - where he has just completed a season-long loan spell.

And though the 25-year-old has previously admitted he would be open to staying at Villa Park, the opportunity to stay in the north-west with the Toffees proved to be a determining factor.

Roberto Martinez previously worked with Cleverley during a year-long loan spell at Wigan Athletic, and he pushed hard to persuade him to join him on Merseyside having previously held talks with him regarding a move back in September.

A source confirmed to Goal: "Roberto has had Tom in his sights for more than 12-months and was disappointed not land him on-loan last summer, but the deal fell through late on - now he has got his man and he is delighted."

Cleverley is understood to have agreed a five-year deal with the Toffees, and will officially become an Everton player on July 1 when the transfer window opens.

 

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Good Luck Cleverly!​

 

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Benfica announce Jesus exit

Primeira Liga champions Benfica have confirmed that they have begun searching for a new coach after ending negotiations with current boss Jorge Jesus over a contract extension.

The 60-year-old has won three titles and five league cups with the club since arriving at the Estadio da Luz in 2009, but the two parties failed to agree terms on a new deal, meaning the Portuguese will become a free agent at the end of the month.In a statement to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission, Benfica confirmed that talks were now "closed regarding a possible renewal of the contract that end on June 30, 2015".

The announcement added: "As a result, Benfica have begun preliminary talks on the potential candidates to replace the head coach."

Benfica's announcement comes after reports in Portugal linked Jesus with a move to city rivals Sporting Lisbon, with whom the former midfielder started his professional career.

While nothing official has been announced, Sporting did confirm on Thursday that current coach Marco Silva has had his contract terminated.

 

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Zidane: Ancelotti knew what to expect at Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane insists he is not bitter about Real Madrid's decision to replace Carlo Ancelotti as coach with Rafael Benitez - but admits he felt "bad" about the manner of the Italian's exit.

Ancelotti won the Copa del Rey and Champions League last year but was sacked after Los Blancos failed to defend either title this term, as well as being beaten to the Liga title by great rivals Barcelona.

Zidane worked alongside the 55-year-old before taking charge of Real Madrid Castilla last summer and was saddened by the way in which his former boss was dismissed, but said he would have been aware of the risks involved with coaching in the Spanish capital.

"I feel bad for Carlo because of all he has done, but he knew what was in store for him at Real Madrid and that something like this could happen," the World Cup winner told RMC.

"I like him a lot as a person and as a coach. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to work with him; he supported me and always spoke kindly about me. I enjoyed working alongside him. He gave me many tips, like to be myself."

Zidane was even touted as a potential successor to Ancelotti but was reportedly overlooked after a poor season with Castilla which ended with Real's reserves failing to gain promotion to the Segunda Division.

The ex-France international says he remains determined to coach at the highest level but conceded he is not yet ready to make the step up and was thus happy to commit to at least one more season with Castilla.

"I'm happy to be in Madrid," he stated. "Real are my club. There is a beautiful story between us and it will continue.

"I'm going to stay on for one more season at Castilla. That's what I want to do for now. I'm enjoying a few days off but I'll soon be back to get ready for next season.
"This year I'm going to have more players to choose from, because Real Madrid C will no longer exist and that will leave around 60 players to make up a squad of 23. That's the job awaiting me as of next week.

"In terms of the Madrid job, we will see what happens in the future. This was not the time for me and I'm going to take things slowly for the time being."Meanwhile, the ex-Juventus ace admitted that he is desperately hoping that his old side can upset Barcelona in Saturday's Champions League final in Berlin.

"In a final, we know that anything can happen, especially with the Italians," he added.

"While Barca are the favourites, I hope that Juve can do something great. They defeated Real in the semis and it would be great to see this legendary club at the top again."

 

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'Manchester City interested in Kondogbia' - agent

Manchester City are the only Premier League side to have enquired about the availability of Geoffrey Kondogbia, according to the Monaco midfielder's agent.

The France international has been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United, but Jonathan Benbaron has insisted City are the sole English outfit chasing the 22-year-old's signature.

They are joined by Real Madrid, Juventus and Inter in pursuit of Kondogbia, who impressed for the Ligue 1 outfit as they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Benbaron believes his client could well be on the move this summer, though would not reveal how far along any discussions were with any of the interested parties.

"The player appeals to a lot of clubs around Europe," he told FC Internews.

"In addition to interest from Inter, there's also Juventus, Manchester City and Real Madrid. A lot of teams have contacted us, but I can't reveal how far along the various talks are.

"Will he leave this summer? Everything is possible in football."

 

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Bartomeu urges Dani Alves to sign 'good deal' at Barcelona

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has urged Dani Alves to sign a new contract with the club, insisting that the defender has been offered a “good deal” to stay.

The Brazil international is out of contract at the end of the season and his future has become a major talking point as 2014-15 has progressed, with his ex-wife and agent Dinorah Santa Ana publicly critical of the Camp Nou side’s handling of the affair.

Paris Saint-Germain are amongst the clubs who have been linked with a swoop for Alves, but their coach Laurent Blanc recently said that the 32-year-old was just “playing games” with Barcelona and expected him to stay in Catalunya.

Bartomeu insists that the right-back has been presented with an attractive proposal to remain with Barca, who he joined from Sevilla back in 2008, winning 18 trophies to date.

“We have presented Alves with a renewal offer that is respectful towards him,” the president told beIN Sports.

“He knows exactly what the offer is, but it is his decision. If he asks me, I would say ‘sign it’ because it is a good deal with Barcelona, which I consider to be the best club.”

Bartomeu went on to give further backing to coach Luis Enrique, saying he could not understand why there continues to be speculation over whether the former Celta Vigo boss would still be in charge next season.He continued: "Luis Enrique has a contract with the club and he has done a good job.

“I don't see why he wouldn't stay when he has done an excellent job and has another year left on his contract."Barcelona’s Champions League final against Juventus in Berlin on Saturday is fast approaching and the 52-year-old admitted he was starting to feel tense.

“It is a big and historic final,” said Bartomeu. “Juventus are a very tough opponent who play good football.“I am nervous but at the same time I am very confident in my team.”

Victory over Juve would seal a treble for Barcelona, a feat they have not achieved since Pep Guardiola’s debut season as coach in 2008-09.

 

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Giroud: Henry jibe hurt my pride

Olivier Giroud admits Thierry Henry’s criticism of his attributes hurt his pride but says that such statements are merely “part of the game”.

Henry claimed earlier this season that Arsenal needed to recruit a marquee striker in order to win the Premier League, while casting doubt on Giroud’s ability to lead the line in a title-chasing team.

"I think Giroud is doing extremely well but can you win the league with him? I wouldn't think so," he told Sky Sports after Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Chelsea.

The France international, who is currently preparing to face Belgium on Sunday, scored 19 goals in 2014-15, including a strike in the 4-0 FA Cup final win over Aston Villa, and says that Henry’s jibe hit him hard.

"I will never win unanimous support,” he told reporters. “Apparently Titi (Henry) corrected himself recently.

"He said that he was thinking about competition, that he wanted Arsenal to have many strikers who can score goals.

"He was a little brutal at the time, so it caused a fuss, but that is what he's asked to do as a pundit and I didn't lose any sleep over it.

"Of course, it hurts your pride - it brings into question the work you do every day. It irritates you, and I was a little annoyed, but I quickly put it behind me. I talked to the coach (Wenger) and the most important thing is to have the support of the people around you, who have faith in you, the staff, my team-mates.

"We can only answer on the pitch and that is also why the FA Cup was important."

 

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Di Maria: I will be at Manchester United next season

Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria has insisted he will stay at Old Trafford next season amid reports he could be sold

The Argentina international joined United for a British record fee of £59.7 million (€82m) from Real Madrid last summer, but struggled to replicate the form he showed in the Spanish capital during his first campaign in the Premier League.

His poor performances and good displays from Juan Mata and Ashley Young meant he did not start a Premier League match after March 4, leading to reports linking him with moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

But Di Maria is hoping to return to his best following the Copa America, and plans to be playing under Louis van Gaal rather than elsewhere.

"I have just finished my first season playing for Manchester United," he told The Sun.

"It was a hard season for me. I think it was hard because it was another country and another league, and this league is harder than the Spanish one. So, I couldn't adapt myself as I wanted to.

"Now I will play the Copa America and then I will move back to Manchester for next season and do my best there."

 

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Gundogan is like a modern Xavi and would be perfect for Barcelona, says Riedle

Former Borussia Dortmund star Karl-Heinz Riedle believes Ilkay Gundogan would be the perfect signing for Barcelona amid ongoing rumours that the Catalans are keen to sign the Germany international.

The 24-year-old recently announced that he will not extend his current contract with BVB - which is due to expire in June 2016 - and he is widely expected to leave the Signal Iduna Park outfit this summer.

Gundogan hinted last month that Barcelona and Bayern Munich could be potential destinations for him, while Manchester United have also shown an interest in luring him away from the DFB-Pokal runners-up.

Riedle has little doubt the gifted midfielder has what it takes to succeed at Europe's finest and has advised him to make the move to Camp Nou if the chance arises.

"I think it's a real pity that he will leave Dortmund, but I can only congratulate him if he joins Barcelona," Riedle told Goal.

"Barcelona are the club that perfectly fit his style of play. He is a sensational player when he is 100 per cent fit. I think we have not seen the best of Gundogan just yet. He can add something to any team.

"I have rarely seen a more intelligent player out there and who has better skills than Gundogan. I have no doubt that he would fit right in at Barcelona.

"He is a bit like a modern Xavi. He organises and dictates the pace of the game. He is probably already one of the best in the world in this aspect of the game."

Riedle also had his say on the future of Jurgen Klopp following the successful coach's decision to leave Dortmund and he feels the 47-year-old is destined to take charge of a major club.

"I don't want to recommend him to any club in particular, but I cannot imagine him taking over a club like Stoke City. A major club from La Liga or the Premier League would fit him.

"Jurgen would take care of himself anywhere. Of course, things were easy for him in Germany because he was very popular and dealt with the media in sublime fashion. This might be a bit more tricky in England or Spain, but he is a great coach and will find his feet anywhere."

The 1996-97 Champions League winner then went on to discuss Saturday's Champions League final between Barcelona and Juventus and feels Luis Enrique's men are the team to beat.

"I would say Barcelona are slight favourites, perhaps 60-40. But don't underestimate Juventus. That would be a huge mistake. Anything is possible for Juventus on a good day. And Barcelona occasionally look vulnerable in defence.

"It will be a great final. It's huge for Juventus to be back after some difficult years. This is better than an all-Spanish final. And we get to see the best player this planet has ever seen in Lionel Messi.

"But if you eliminate Messi, you've already taken a huge step in the right direction."

 

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Buffon deserves a Champions League win - Maldini

Paolo Maldini is backing Juventus to win the Champions League final in the hope that former Italy team-mate Gianluigi Buffon gets a "deserved" European title.

The 46-year-old was the AC Milan captain in the 2003 final when the Rossoneri beat Buffon and Juventus on penalties in Manchester, but he admits he will be cheering on the Bianconeri on Saturday when they take on Barcelona in Berlin.

"Of course I'll be supporting Juve, I have friends playing for them," Maldini told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I have had everything in my life, and while teasing can be fun I will not be rooting against my own.

"Besides, Buffon deserves it since he has been the best goalkeeper of the last three decades and is an icon of world football. He is always smiling and always calm. Often he is criticised on the basis only of his age, since the same mistake 10 years ago would be forgiven… I know that from experience!"

Maldini is one of the most storied players in the Champions League's history, appearing in a record eight finals and winning five, and he admits there is no experience quite like a first European showpiece.

"Yes, the emotion is stronger the first time around. You take everything in as you never known if it will happen to you again. I then went on to play in eight finals, but you have to take it all in your stride.

"If the group is not ready the tension can be a bad thing. It is important to have a coach who can speak with assurance and calmness, and then there are also the leaders in the side. In Berlin Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez will be crucial."

Pirlo appeared alongside Maldini in three finals for Milan and the former skipper admits he had an ulterior motive when getting in touch with his old team-mate recently ahead of his fourth such showpiece."I needed two tickets…," he added.

 

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Mourinho driving Chelsea bid for Falcao

Chelsea are attempting to negotiate a deal to sign Radamel Falcao, with Jose Mourinho convinced he can return the Colombia international to the prolific goalscoring form that preceded his ill-fated move to Manchester United.

Goal understands Mourinho is driving the deal for Falcao, who is available this summer after Louis van Gaal decided not to exercise a €55 million option to convert the striker's season-long loan at Old Trafford into a permanent transfer.

Falcao is keen to remain in the Premier League and work with Mourinho, having been convinced that the Chelsea manager will deploy him in a manner that Van Gaal refused to during a season in which he was regularly substituted, sidelined and even suffered the indignity of being instructed to play for United's Under-21 side by e-mail.

Monaco - who recruited Falcao from Atletico Madrid two summers ago for a fee of €60m - do not have the budget to accommodate the 29-year-old's wages under current Financial Fair Play regulations and are open to either a full transfer or a loan to Chelsea.

At present, Monaco's negotiations with the Premier League champions are focused on which players Chelsea are prepared to offer to them in exchange for Falcao.

If a deal can be agreed between the two clubs, Falcao will replace Didier Drogba as one of the three elite strikers Mourinho wants to work with as he attempts to defend the Premier League title and guide Chelsea to Champions League success.

Mourinho is aware of the manner in which Van Gaal damaged Falcao's confidence last season and is confident that, under his management, the striker can be rehabilitated into the kind of forward who arrived at United with a record of 156 goals from 200 European club appearances.

United paid a loan fee of €10m to sign Falcao from Monaco for a year and, according to a source familiar with the deal, the total cost of securing the Colombian for last season's campaign amounted to €35m, once after-tax wages and other costs were factored in.

 

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Van Nistelrooy reveals the secret to stopping Messi, Neymar and Suarez

Former Manchester United goal machine Ruud van Nistelrooy has offered Juventus some advice on how to stop Barcelona's fabled front three in this weekend's Champions League final.

Luis Enrique's men are favourites for the clash in Berlin mainly thanks to their all-star front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar who have broken all kinds of scoring records this season.

"I have found the secret to stop them and it could be good information for their opponents," Van Nistelrooy told Goal at the #ChampionTheMatch event organized by Heineken in Mexico City.

"I think the only way to stop Messi, Neymar and Suarez is to block the other eight players of the team. You must stop the passes coming into them."When Neymar, Suarez and Messi are functioning, Barcelona have the best attack in the world."

Van Nistelrooy enjoyed an illustrious career, scoring almost 400 goals for club and country as he starred for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and PSV.

The Dutchman commented on the decision by his former club United to allow Juventus star Pogba to leave for Italy on a free transfer in 2012.

"It is easy to say it was a mistake in hindsight," he noted.

"If you see the player that he has became, then obviously United should never have let him go, but when he left he was very young. A team makes its decisions and sometimes it can go the other way."The former striker also revealed his favourite team-mates from his career as well as his toughest opponents.

"I played against so many good defenders in my career, the best I remember playing against were Milan's backline of Cafu, Jaap Stam, Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini and Dida. They were the strongest," he stated.

"The best partnership I had in attack was with Raul at Real Madrid or with Luc Nilis at PSV. Paul Scholes made be a better player and striker at Manchester United."

 

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Simeone: Barcelona are much more complete under Luis Enrique

It will be a fascinating final. No two teams in the Champions League have been more consistent this season than Barcelona and Juventus. Two strong sides, with very different styles, meet in Berlin – and both of them are going for a treble.

Barcelona have had a magnificent season. Their attacking strength and growth in defence has helped them to achieve so much already in 2014-15.

Their attacking potential is impressive. Be it on the counter-attack, in individual moves finished by Neymar, Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez, or in their passing play, they have so many tools with which to decide a match.

Between December and now, they have improved immensely. The great virtue of Luis Enrique and the club was to get their excellent individuals gelling as a team. Messi returned to the right wing, with Luis Suarez in the position where he has thrived his whole career. Neymar as well. That has made the team much more complete and it’s the great thing about football: if the best players understand better how to play as a team, everything is much stronger.

That's what happened at Barcelona as the coach and the players understood what was best for the team and the collective – not only individuals. When that happened, the collective became much stronger – and they haven't looked back.

Messi scored another wonderful goal in the final of the Copa del Rey last Saturday. Year after year, he continues to surprise us. Last season, he perhaps lacked the consistency we have become accustomed to from him. But this year, he is at such a high level that we expect something different from him every week.

In the final of the Copa del Rey, he showed once again what a great player he is. If you don't control him from the first instant, he makes things even harder for you because he sees things before anyone else. That's why he is the best in the world.

It is impossible to control him in any case. You try to control him with spaces, looking at where he can get to and where he is dangerous. But he moves inside and outside, down the wing, on the left. It's very difficult to think about controlling a player who is uncontrollable. There's no way.

But it's only one game and Juventus have as much chance as Barcelona. Anything is possible over 90 minutes and Juventus have their weapons, too: they are strong defensively, very good at dead balls and have a powerful attack. They are capable of playing an extraordinary game.

We all talk about Barcelona's brilliance, but let's not forget that Juventus have won the Coppa Italia and their league as well. Italian teams are used to competing in the big tournaments like this. We have seen it in World Cups, in European Championships and now in the Champions League too.

This game for Juventus is interesting because it is probably the last for a group of footballers who have been working towards this moment for several seasons. It looks like Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Paul Pogba could be moving on in the summer – and they will want to sign off with a win.

The midfield battle will be key. Arturo Vidal and Roberto Pereyra, if he plays, can help Juventus in the transition between defence and attack. Barcelona press high up the pitch, so their role in moving the ball forward quickly and with quality will be vital.

Likewise Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets because they will compensate for the attack by adding the balance Barcelona have had this season. That has allowed Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Suarez and Messi to showcase their attacking qualities - but they wouldn’t be able to do so as effectively without that support from midfield.

Also in midfield, this will be the last time we see Xavi and Pirlo together in a big match like this one. They are two wonderful footballers and I would advise any young players to watch them: the way they compete, their behaviour on the pitch, their movement, personality and the way they live this sport.

They have played the game with a style that is completely different from any other footballer in their position over the last few years - and they have left their mark on Italian and Spanish football.

There is also the prospect of a fantastic duel between Messi and Tevez. One of the two will be champion again – and that makes us Argentines happy.

All in all, it will be a great spectacle.

 

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Barcelona have faced nothing like Juventus - Lippi

Juventus' 1996 Champions League-winning coach Marcello Lippi believes the Bianconeri will present Barcelona with their toughest tactical proposition in some time when the two sides meet in the 2015 final in Berlin on Saturday.

Lippi, who also led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, has told Goal that the Serie A champions have qualities that Barca have yet to face under Luis Enrique, making them something of an unknown quantity to the Catalans.

"These are the best two teams in Europe this season, but when a team gets to this point in a continental competition there are no certainties," explained Lippi. "In my opinion, Luis Enrique and his side have not faced a team so compact, sturdy and so willing to defend as Juventus.

"But the Bianconeri also know how to counter-attack with speed when they regain possession, and this could be a factor in how the game turns out. Barcelona are favourites, of course, but I don't think it will be as easy for them as many seem to think.

"The Catalans have Martians in their attack in Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, and that will make life very complicated for Allegri. But Juve are organised and tough, and we mustn't forget that Buffon is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. I expect a more balanced game than most seem to think it will be."The 67-year-old added that he sees something in this Juve side that he has seen somewhere before.

"This Juve is growing similarly to my side back in the 1990s, first in Italy and then in Europe. Perhaps before long they will find themselves winning the Club World Cup just as we won the Intercontinental Cup in 1996. I would be delighted if Allegri were to win the trophy. I am not envious as they are all feelings I experienced and they are intoxicating."

And Lippi agrees that Juve have shown a flexibility in their Champions League campaign which bodes well ahead of the final.

"I have no doubt about it, just look at the things we've seen from this side. In Dortmund, for example, Juventus really took the initiative, showing superiority and a real awareness of their potential. Then against Madrid they got on top in the home leg, and while they were forced to suffer a little in the return that is normal for any side at the Bernabeu. They could even have won that game when you consider some of the chances they created.

"After three league titles, Allegri has come in and really added something. He has removed any anxieties from the squad and they have grown tactically. They now play in two different shapes without any transitional issues. This I how huge teams function.

"Luis Enrique has had a similar impact at Barcelona, and has got the best out of Suarez, Neymar and Messi while at the same time they recognise that he is the leader. We all know how the Blaugrana play, the way they use the ball so well and are hard to break down, but they have never faced a team like Juventus, who are so willing to defend so Messi and company will find it difficult "Juve, though, must believe in themselves and take advantage of Barca's weaknesses. They must not be in awe of the opposition, and remember that all of the pressure is on Barcelona. I expect Juve to be tactically astute, and in 90 minutes anything can happen."

The former Napoli and Inter boss, who had two separate spells in charge of both Juve and the Italian national side, insists there is no set way to prepare for a final.
"Everyone has their own way to prepare for such an event. The important thing is to be focused on the goal, on the field. In a final you have to expect that there will be slight deviations to the general rules, but the only important thing is the result."

 

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'Best in history' Messi is an example for everyone - Puyol

Lionel Messi is the best player in history and leads by example with the way he sacrifices himself for the sake of Barcelona, according to Carles Puyol.

The former Blaugrana captain says the Argentine shows the way with his selfless approach to the game, putting the club in with a great chance of beating Juventus in Saturday's Champions League final.

"For me, he is the best player in history," Puyol told L'Equipe. "It is difficult to have an opinion on players from the past as I have only seen them on videos, if at all. But Leo has been the best for so many years and with amazing regularity, and if anything he continues to improve.

"Originally it was all about superb pieces of play, but now he is a rounded player. Sometimes when you have so many good players it is difficult for them to sacrifice themselves for their team-mates. But when you see how Leo goes about his work you know that if the best player in the world can do it, then others will do it too."

The partnership that Messi has struck up with Luis Suarez and Neymar has captured plenty of headlines, but Puyol insists that coach Luis Enrique deserves a lot of credit for the way the team has functioned during his first season in charge at Camp Nou.

"We talk a lot about three of the best players in the world, but it is not just about them. When you look at the whole team, such as the strength of the defence, this is to the coach's merit. There has been a real evolution in Barca's game. Early on in the season there were times when their play was stretched, but that is something they have really improved."To manage the dressing room is not easy, because players we can be selfish. Take me, for example: I had the chance to play regularly under all my coaches, but if ever I was left out I would be in his face asking why.

"Luis is very attentive, he always cares about you when you have problems, and I think he is the same as a coach. He has no double standards, and we can see the team is working well."

The 37-year-old believes, though, that beating Juventus will be no easy feat.
"This year I was lucky enough to go to Italy and I was amazed by the way that Juventus work. They opened the doors of the club and even the dressing room. They have a fantastic operation and a magnificent stadium, and their current success is no accident."

 

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Benitez: Real Madrid must be patient

Rafael Benitez has pleaded for patience from Real Madrid fans, insisting that it will take time for him to make a real impression in his new job as the club's head coach.

The Spaniard admitted it was a dream come true to be handed the job when he was unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, but he has urged the Madrid faithful to give him some breathing space as he looks to find the right formula.

"In my experience, the Real Madrid fans want their team to play well and win, and we will try to do that," Benitez told Real Madrid TV. "At the beginning there is always an adjustment phase for the coach and the players. As such, I ask for a little patience.

"The Real Madrid fans known we have a great team, and if they are on our side we will be even stronger. Our strength has to be the public, the Bernabeu, and the quality of the players and the coach. If we come together we can be difficult to beat."

The 55-year-old added that he hopes his team can be successful in all areas of the pitch, despite differing reviews of his approach in the countries in which he has coached so far.

"In Spain they said I was defensive but Italians say I'm too attacking. I like my teams to have a balanced attack and a good defensive approach. The teams that win titles are normally those that don’t concede many goals. That's the aim," he said.

"You have to treat the ball well because we have a lot of quality. From there, we can create chances and score goals but a balanced approach means we will not be hurt by counter-attacking. We can defend well by being very offensive."Benitez believes he can help the Madrid players using the lessons he has learned in his 22-year coaching career.

"With age and the experiences I’ve had I can pass on a few things. I will try to exploit the qualities the players have and if we can correct minor details or give that touch of experience that can help them then we will. I hope I don’t really need to though, as the quality they have means that perhaps it is not necessary."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi doesn't scare us - Morata

Alvaro Morata says the prospect of facing Lionel Messi in the Champions League final does not scare him and his Juventus team-mates.

The Bianconeri face Barcelona on Saturday in the European showpiece at the Olympiastadion in Berlin and, while Morata accepts that Messi is one of the world’s greatest players, he insists there is no fear in the Turin side's dressing room.

"He does not scare us, other things in life scare me," Morata told Marca. "We all respect Messi and he is one of the best players in the world. He and Cristiano Ronaldo are above everyone else, but we have a great defence that he has to negotiate."

The former Real Madrid striker admits his previous spell with Real Madrid makes the match-up with Barcelona an even greater event.

"I would be lying if I said it is not a special motivation. I grew up at Real Madrid and played their a long time. I have many friends there and a Juventus victory would make both camps happy."Morata came on as a substitute in Madrid's final victory in 2014, and he says the experience is one he would love to repeat.

"Our team is very motivated. We know it is a Champions League final and we could make football history by winning. Playing a Champions League final is a special feeling. We know it will be very difficult to win because we face a team that is in great form and I think we will have to play a great game to win."They have a great team. We have a chance to win, but they are the favourites."