..::Football III::..

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Lahm: Bayern must improve

Philipp Lahm has stressed that Bayern Munich must improve in the wake of their underwhelming DFB-Pokal victory over Nottingen on Sunday.

Goals from Arturo Vidal, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski earned the Bundesliga champions a 3-1 victory at the home of their fifth-tier opponents, yet Lahm has acknowledged that Pep Guardiola's men were by no means at their best.

"The most important thing is that we have progressed to the next round and that nobody got injured," the former Germany international was quoted as saying by Kicker.

"But it is clear that we will have to play better next time. Thank god we immediately scored a second goal after they equalised. You never know what can happen in football."

Bayern open their Bundesliga campaign at home against Hamburg on Friday, with HSV likely to be low on confidence after crashing out of the DFB-Pokal following a shock defeat to Carl Zeiss Jena.

Nevertheless, Lahm has warned his team-mates not to take the game lightly.

"Hamburg's Pokal exit will not affect Friday's game," the versatile defender added. "HSV will do everything within their powers to get off to a good start in the Bundesliga.

"It is up to us to ensure the three points remain in Munich."

 

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Wenger: Arsenal will not panic buy after West Ham defeat

Arsene Wenger has ruled out rushing into the transfer market after Arsenal's shock defeat to West Ham unless he can bring in an "exceptional" new signing.

Petr Cech is the only new face to arrive at the Emirates Stadium during the transfer window and the goalkeeper endured a miserable Premier League debut for his new club following his switch from Chelsea.

Goal understands that Arsenal are not ready to give up on a big-money move for Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, while Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Chelsea goalkeeper coach Christophe Lollichon.

Wenger, however, is not planning a knee-jerk reaction to such a disappointing start to the Premier League campaign and told reporters: "I would like to think that we are responsible to buy the players and the coaches, not the media. When you're a pro footballer, you have to face your responsibilities and not always look at something else.

"We have to look at ourselves and think we were not good enough [against West Ham] and not to think that these kinds of things are solutions for us.

"We were not good enough, we were not convincing. And that's basically it. West Ham played well. Congratulations to them and hopefully we can bounce back quickly.

"Again, I can only repeat what I already said. If an exceptional solution turns up, we'll do it. But after a defeat like that, it's important not always to think we take a solution from outside."

 

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Rodgers praises Liverpool debutants after Stoke victory

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to the contributions made by his five debutants in Sunday's 1-0 win at Stoke City in their opening fixture of the Premier League season.

Rodgers started with four of his close-season recruits as Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez lined up in defence with James Milner among the midfielders tasked with providing chances for £32.5million man Christian Benteke.

Roberto Firmino came off the bench to add attacking impetus with the game goalless late on, but it was one of Liverpool's existing stars – Philippe Coutinho – who snatched the points with a long-range stunner but Rodgers was quick to praise the efforts of his new stars.

"The players that we brought in have that character," Rodgers told reporters.

"Look at Benteke up front; people talk about him only being a player that can play off a long ball, but you saw his quality today – his set-up of the game, his movement, his strength, his power and that ability in the air.

"Of course you should have that at 6'4", but he was outstanding today.

"Young Joe Gomez, at 18 years of age, playing against a really good player in Jonathan Walters, I thought he handled it and as the game wore on he became even stronger.

"Nathaniel Clyne has been outstanding since he came in, James Milner with that experience.

"And the boys that were on the bench and came on, Firmino and the other guys, have all settled in really well. It's a team that certainly has that personality, but of course you’ve got to show it in the game and they did that."

 

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Bojan is still weeks away from Stoke return, reveals Hughes

Stoke City attacker Bojan is still a "couple of weeks" away from featuring in the Premier League, according to manager Mark Hughes.

Bojan, 24, suffered a knee injury in January in a cruel blow after he had impressed in his start to life at the Britannia Stadium following his move from Barcelona and still needs to regain his fitness before returning to the side.

And Hughes has revealed that, while he would love to have the Spaniard back in the team, he is unwilling to rush him back after such a long spell on the sidelines.

"He definitely needs another couple of weeks because he isn’t quite up to speed for Premier League football just yet," he told Stoke City Player.

"He would have loved to have been involved I’m sure, but we want to make sure he is fit and ready when we do bring him back into the squad.

"I’m sure it won’t be long until he is ready and available to go again."

 

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Demichelis: Manchester City are title favourites

Manchester City are favourites to reclaim the Premier League title this season, according to centre-back Martin Demichelis.

City celebrated Manuel Pellegrini's first season as manager with a double of the Premier League and League Cup in the 2013-14 campaign.

They failed to match the same standard last term and finished eight points adrift of Chelsea but, speaking ahead of their league opener at West Brom on Monday, Demichelis is confident of returning to the top of the pile.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Argentinian said: "There are tough teams every year involved in the fight and what we want to do is beat them so we know that teams such as Chelsea, United and Arsenal are going to be there."

"We will fight against them and our intention is to win, yes, we are favourites."

Demichelis, who penned a one-year contract extension in March, says the whole team is desperate to be more consistent this term.

"We left in a way we didn't like, we could have made it, we weren't as regular as we were in the previous season," the 34-year-old added.

"We have the quality and we are a good squad and we want to bring all this energy back onto the pitch this season."

 

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Chelsea set to land Stones for £30m

Chelsea will make a £30 million bid for John Stones on Monday as they close in on a deal for the Everton defender, Goal understands.

The Blues have had previous bids of £20m and £26m rejected by Everton but believe their next offer will be enough to land the highly rated centre-back.

Everton are anticipating the offer on Monday and there is now an acceptance that Stones will be sold should Chelsea bid £30m, despite the public stance that the England international will stay at Goodison Park.

Chelsea face rivals Manchester City on Sunday and hope to sign Stones in time for their trip to the Etihad Stadium.

Stones, 21, has made it clear to Everton that he would like to move to Stamford Bridge having been chased by the Premier League champions all summer.

Chelsea are understood to have prepared a five-year contract offer worth £100,000 a week for Stones, who has been identified by Jose Mourinho as the perfect replacement for 34-year-old captain John Terry.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has been angered by Chelsea's public pursuit of Stones but praised the youngster despite his mistake for the second goal conceded in the 2-2 draw with Watford on Saturday.

Martinez said: “He loves Everton, he loves the club and the team and he is an incredible professional, so no I don't think you would ever expect him to sulk – he will always react professionally."

Stones joined Everton for £3m from Barnsley in 2013 and is expected to leave for a 10 times that sum after becoming a key member of Martinez’s squad over the last two seasons.

 

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Hecking: De Bruyne can do better than Manchester City!

Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking remains confident that Kevin de Bruyne will stay at the Bundesliga side, claiming that a move to Manchester City isn't enought to tempt the Belgian to leave the club.

Goal understands that Manuel Pellegrini's side are determined to get their man and have launched a £45 million bid for the midfielder, which includes £40 million up front and the remaining £5 million in add-ons.

However, Hecking believes that the 24-year-old will remain a Wolfsburg player, stating that it would possibly be different if the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich had shown interest in the Belgian.

"I expect Kevin to stay. With all due respect for Manchester City, it would be different if Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich made a move," he told Kicker.

"I would understand a departure then."

Meanwhile, Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs was of a different opinion, suggesting De Bruyne would have to consider offers from elsewhere.

"I think that interested clubs have turned Kevin's head a bit. We are talking about incredible sums here," Allofs added.

"I understand that all this is on Kevin's mind. He will have to listen to offers. We cannot expect him to just ignore those offers.

"The transfer window remains open for three more weeks. Any interested clubs that still feel they have a chance of signing him will get involved."

 

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Dzeko not Roma's last arrival, says Sabatini

Roma director Walter Sabatini has revealed that the Serie A side could make an even bigger signing than Edin Dzeko before the close of the transfer window.

The Giallorossi have already brought in Mohamed Salah and Wojciech Szczesny this summer, while Dzeko is poised to complete his move from Manchester City in the coming days.

However, Sabatini has now revealed that he is still working on making more high-profile arrivals before the end of the month.

"Dzeko is a great player, but I hope Roma's best transfer is still to come," he told Corriere dello Sport.

"I am very happy with this move, but the market is not closed yet for Roma.

"We are working hard to make the squad ready to challenge for top honours."

The Serie A outfit have been heavily linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain defender Lucas Digne, while Barcelona's Adriano remains a target for the Romans as well.

 

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Vidal does not fit Guardiola's philosophy, says Kahn

Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has questioned the Bundesliga champions' decision to bring in Arturo Vidal as he feels the Chile international does not fit head coach Pep Guardiola's philosophy.

The Bavarians made a move for the former Juventus star after losing Bastian Schweinsteiger to Manchester United and eventually got their man for an initial transfer fee of €37 million.

Although Kahn feels that Vidal has specific qualities, Kahn is not convinced the 28-year-old is the right man for Guardiola's side.

"Vidal brings a certain aggression and special mentality to the team," the ex-German goalkeeper was quoted as saying by Kicker.

"But he does not really fit into Pep Guardiola's philosophy."

Vidal made his official Bayern debut in the German Supercup defeat to Wolfsburg, before scoring his first goal for the Bavarians in the 3-1 DFB Pokal win over Nottingen at the weekend.

He previously enjoyed a successful spell in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen between 2007 and 2011.

 

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Lloris continues Tottenham comeback with Under-21s outing

Hugo Lloris continued his recovery from injury after playing the full 90 minutes in Tottenham's 4-1 win against Everton in their opening Premier League Under-21 match of the season.

The Frenchman fractured his wrist in mid-July and, despite recovering quickly, he was deemed not fit enough to start the senior side's clash with Manchester United on Saturday.

Michel Vorm lined up between the sticks at Old Trafford instead, conceding to a Kyle Walker own goal in a 1-0 defeat, as the club's usual No.1 watched on from the bench.

However, Spurs fans will be glad to see the 28-year-old back in action for a full match as Tottenham goalkeeper nears a return to full fitness - and the starting XI - having also enjoyed a brief cameo in a friendly against AC Milan.

Lloris has been linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the summer but talk of a transfer away from White Hart Lane slowed down after news of his injury broke, with United moving instead for Sergio Romero.

Tottenham's next Premier League fixture is at home against Stoke City on 15th August, a game the former Lyon shot-stopper could now be fit in time for.

Meanwhile, Alex Pritchard also started against Everton, having picked up an injury during the Under-21 European Championships, and began staking his claim for a first-team place with a first-half brace.

 

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Schweinsteiger plans Man Utd Oktoberfest trip

Bastian Schweinsteiger is keen to show his new Manchester United team-mates a good time in Munich, courtesy of a visit to Oktoberfest.

The renowned German beer festival is held annually in Munich and attracts visitors from around the world.

Schweinsteiger, signed from Bayern Munich last month, has proposed a team trip for United - but is unsure whether it will get the go-ahead from manager Louis van Gaal.

"I once said to Wayne [Rooney, United's captain], if we have the time, I want to invite the team to Oktoberfest," Schweinsteiger told Sky Deutschland.

"I do not know if we have that much time, and if it has the coach's approval."

Schweinsteiger made his competitive United debut as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Tottenham in their Premier League opener.

 

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Tottenham step up £35m triple attacker swoop

Tottenham are hopeful of agreeing a deal worth £10.6 million to sign striker Clinton N'Jie from Lyon as they plan a spending spree before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

The north London club are also in discussions with Manchester United about Javier Hernandez and West Brom over Saido Berahino as manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to drastically improve his forward options.

Spurs have been locked in talks with Lyon over a deal for N'Jie and are understood to be close to agreeing a fee for his transfer to White Hart Lane.

The Cameroon international can play either as a central striker or as a winger and Spurs believe his blistering pace would add a new dimension to Pochettino's pool of attackers.

Discussions between Tottenham officials and Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas have mainly centred on the structure of the transfer, which will include several performance-related add-ons.

N’Jie, 21, would add much-needed speed to the Spurs squad and has been identified as a potential star of the future by the club’s recruitment team. Last season, he scored seven goals and provided seven assists for Lyon.

Spurs lost their Premier League opener against Manchester United 1-0 on Saturday and Pochettino spoke after the match about the need to sign at least one new forward to support Harry Kane.

Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, is due to return from holiday in Florida on Monday and will look to push through the club’s planned transfer business.

Spurs could sign as many as four players before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

In addition to N’Jie, they are also in talks to sign Manchester United striker Hernandez and Berahino from West Brom, while Pochettino is keen to add a defensive midfielder to his side too.

Hernandez would cost around £10m and is keen on a switch to White Hart Lane, with an official bid understood to be imminent as Spurs rival West Ham for the Mexican, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid. United, meanwhile, have been told to forget about any hopes of signing Spurs sensation Kane this summer.

Tottenham have not given up on Berahino and hope that West Brom will drop their £25m asking price for the England under-21 international.

The Baggies have signed Rickie Lambert this summer and are also close to bringing in Salomon Rondon from Zenit St Petersburg, which has led to speculation that they are preparing for Berahino’s departure.

Tottenham are willing to pay around £15m for the 22-year-old, with Manchester City also monitoring his situation following the summer departures of Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic.

Spurs have already signed Toby Alderweireld, Kevin Wimmer and Kieran Trippier this summer, while January signing Dele Alli joined the squad having been loaned back to MK Dons last season.

But Pochettino is keen to complete his squad having shifted several unwanted players including Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Younes Kaboul and Benjamin Stambouli. Emmanuel Adebayor, Aaron Lennon and Roberto Soldado are still expected to leave the club before the end of the month.

 

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Costa risks Mourinho wrath with Ibiza nightclub trip

Jose Mourinho may have been in no mood for partying after watching Chelsea kick off the defence of their Premier League crown with a 2-2 home draw with Swansea, but star striker Diego Costa had other ideas.

The Spain international reportedly took the two-day break afforded to the squad by Mourinho after Saturday's Stamford Bridge stalemate to kick back in Ibiza at an Avicii concert on Sunday night at Ushuaia Ibiza.

The Chelsea boss, though, might have preferred for his star striker to have spent the time off resting his troublesome hamstrings, rather than partying the night away...

 

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De Bruyne waiting on Manchester City talks with Wolfsburg - agent

Kevin De Bruyne is waiting to discover whether Manchester City and Wolfsburg have reached an agreement for his transfer back to the Premier League, his agent has confirmed.

Goal understands that Manuel Pellegrini's side are determined to get their man and have launched a £45 million bid for the midfielder, which includes £40m up front and the remaining £5m in add-ons.

Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking remains confident that De Bruyne will stay after claiming that a move to City isn't enough to tempt the Belgium international to leave, though the 24-year-old's agent Patrick De Koster says they are waiting on more information from the clubs.

"Kevin remains a Wolfsburg player, and is focused on his job at the club,” De Koster told reporters. “I have read a lot of nonsense in the media.

"We are waiting to discover whether any agreement has been reached between clubs. That is for the clubs to decide, and not for us. There is no medical planned at this stage, and he is happy at Wolfsburg."

De Bruyne has starred for Wolfsburg since a transfer from Chelsea in January 2014 after failing to become a regular at Stamford Bridge.

The playmaker scored 10 goals and created 20 more last season to help Wolfsburg finish runners-up in the Bundesliga and also land himself Germany's Player of the Year award.

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs earlier suggested that De Bruyne would have to consider offers from elsewhere, saying: "I think that interested clubs have turned Kevin's head a bit. We are talking about incredible sums here.

"I understand that all this is on Kevin's mind. He will have to listen to offers. We cannot expect him to just ignore those offers.

"The transfer window remains open for three more weeks. Any interested clubs that still feel they have a chance of signing him will get involved."

 

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Chelsea appeal Courtois red card

Chelsea will appeal against the red card shown to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Swansea City at Stamford Bridge.

Courtois, 23, was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver for denying Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis a clear goalscoring opportunity in the 52nd minute of Saturday's match with Chelsea 2-1 ahead.

Gomis then stepped up to beat Asmir Begovic from the penalty spot to earn a point for Garry Monk's side, and deny Jose Mourinho's side a win in the first game of the defence of their Premier League crown.

Courtois' appeal will be heard by the Football Association on Tuesday, with the goalkeeper currently set to miss Sunday's game against expected title rivals Manchester City at the Ethiad Stadium if the one-match ban is upheld.

Former top flight official Mark Halsey said on Monday morning that it makes "perfect sense" for Chelsea to appeal the decision, writing for Goal's Referee's Column: "Jose Mourinho should appeal... he has nothing to lose.

"The penalty was clear but whether or not to issue a red card was a very difficult decision for Michael Oliver, who is a talented young referee.

"He has to judge whether an obvious goalscoring opportunity has been denied, so when the incident occurs he's got to consider a number of factors in a matter of seconds: the distance to the goal, the likelihood of Gomis keeping control of the ball, the direction of play and the location and number of defenders in close proximity.

"When you think of the incident in terms of those criteria, is there doubt? I have to say yes. Gomis has touched the ball away from goal and taken himself wide, and Gary Cahill is potentially in a position to cover."

 

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Pedro should follow his heart - Alves

Dani Alves says Pedro should listen to his heart as he decides whether to stay at Barcelona or join Manchester United.

The forward has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford following the Premier League side's sale of Angel Di Maria.

A host of Barca stars have expressed their hope Pedro will remain although the front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez looks set to limit his playing opportunities again this term.Alves told Monday's Uefa Super Cup news conference: "Ultimately the decisions don't come to me, they are for other people.

"The more people interfere, the harder the decision is. Of course if I had to make the decision it would be for him to stay here for many more years.

"It's down to him and his heart but if he stays we'll be delighted, if not we'll respect his decision."If you feel you're not wanted at a club you have to go. Let's hope he doesn't make that decision."

Alves appeared set to leave Camp Nou himself before signing a new two-year deal in June."You say I had a foot out of the door, luckily it was my strongest foot so I'm back here," he added.

"I shall continue doing what I've always done, which is to give everything I can. Then things happen as the season progresses."Barcelona take on Sevilla in the Uefa Super Cup on Tuesday night in Tbilisi.

 

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Pedro's future will be sorted soon - Luis Enrique

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says the future of Manchester United target Pedro will be sorted soon.

Barca and United have already agreed a fee that will see the winger move to Old Trafford in the near future.

The Catalan club are in action against Sevilla in the Uefa Super Cup in Tbilisi on Tuesday night and Pedro is expected to feature after Neymar was ruled out due to illness.

Barca are also keen on signing Celta Vigo forward Nolito as a possible replacement for the winger, but will only push through a deal once Pedro's move to Old Trafford has been finalised.Pedro is keen to leave as he seeks more first-team opportunities and there is a gentleman's agreement allowing the player to depart for a cut-price of €30 million.

Neymar's mumps, which will also see him miss the Spanish Supercopa double-header against Athletic Club on August 14 and 17, could hold up the move slightly, but Luis Enrique admitted on Monday: "Pedro's future will be resolved shortly because there is not long to go until the transfer market closes."

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Sevilla, he added: "The season is about to start and it's time to focus. Every competition is a challenge and we will have to see what we do and what our rival does to see who deserves the title."

Barca won the treble last season and will now look to replicate the six titles won in 2009 by Pep Guardiola's great Blaugrana side as they compete in the Spanish and European Super Cups and the Club World Cup at the end of the year."Our work has gone to plan and we arrive in a good moment," Luis Enrique said.

In Neymar's absence, the Asturian coach lined up his side with Pedro in attack in Monday's training session - alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

And on the Uruguayan, he said: "Suarez had a spectacular year. He was very important for us and few could have matched him. He will have the same role again this season."

 

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West Brom 0-3 Manchester City: Yaya Toure stars on Sterling debut

Two first-half goals from Yaya Toure and a header from Vincent Kompany helped Manchester City seal a comfortable 3-0 victory over West Brom on Monday evening.

Toure opened the scoring after nine minutes as his shot went through the legs of David Silva before Craig Dawson's deflection took the ball past Boaz Myhill.

The 32-year-old midfielder added his second 15 minutes later as he met Wilfried Bony's lay-off with a neatly curled effort into the corner of the net.

Kompany wrapped up the victory in the second half with a fine header at the near post from Silva's corner.

City's £49 million summer signing Raheem Sterling was handed his official debut, while Sergio Aguero made a late appearance from the bench.

West Brom, meanwhile, handed debuts to Rickie Lambert, James McClean and James Chester.

City began the match on the front foot and were quickly rewarded for their spell of pressure.

Having received the ball from a Jesus Navas cutback on the edge of West Brom’s box, Toure scuffed an effort that trickled past Myhill following deflections from Silva and Dawson.

Toure’s second was the result of a well-worked move by City as the Ivorian received Bony’s perfectly weighted lay-off on the edge of the area and placed his effort beyond the reach of Myhill.

Another Dawson deflection saw Bony’s shot drift wide shortly after the half-hour mark, while Sterling missed a golden opportunity to mark his debut with a goal as he failed to beat Myhill after being sent through one on one.

West Brom, who announced the club-record signing of Salomon Rondon from Zenit earlier on Monday, barely threatened during a miserable first half and when Saido Berahino did eventually find the net just before the break, he was flagged offside.

After the break, Sterling again saw a tame effort kept out by Myhill, while Lambert curled a free-kick narrowly over the bar, and Berahino squandered a great chance at the other end.

Victory was sealed for City in the 59th minute when Kompany escaped Lescott to head Silva's corner beyond Myhill from a tight angle.

 

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I'm smart enough to be Manchester United's centre-back, insists Blind

Daley Blind insists he is “smart enough” to be Manchester United’s regular centre-back.

The 25-year-old was paired with Chris Smalling in United’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Saturday, but has primarily played at left-back and in central midfield since his arrival from Ajax last summer.

Louis van Gaal has already stated his preference to play a left-footed central defender and Blind maintains he is capable of filling the role.

“I’ve said many times before that I just want to play,” Blind told MUTV.

“If you see what everyone can add to the team, then it's a real battle for places and everyone had to fight for a position.

“I got a chance on this occasion and I tried my best. Of course, people always say I don't have the height or the power but I think I'm clever enough and smart enough.

“I think we did well at the back, together with Chris [Smalling], Luke [Shaw] and Matteo [Darmian], and we got a clean sheet so I was happy.”

 

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Iniesta targets Barcelona sextuple

Andres Iniesta believes Barcelona have the potential to complete a clean sweep of all six major trophies ahead of meeting Sevilla in Tuesday's Uefa Super Cup.

The Blaugrana won a European and domestic treble last season. Now they are seeking to add the Super Cup, Supercopa de Espana and Club World Cup to their trophy cabinet.The midfielder has already achieved such a feat with the club before in 2009 under Pep Guardiola and he is hoping to do so again.

"When you win the treble it gives you an idea of what you can go on and achieve," he told reporters. "We know it won’t be easy. Tomorrow we will take the first step.

"We know our opponents quite well and they have a great coach. You have to approach the game knowing it will be tough. We are excited at the possibility of winning six titles but for the moment we’re thinking about tomorrow’s game."The World Cup winner has been named the club's new captain this season and he says he is happy to take on the armband.

“It’s a new season, a new responsibility. It has not changed the hope of having another great year. Now I am first captain but I am lucky to be sharing a dressing room with great friends and fellow professionals."

Iniesta also had praise for team-mate Lionel Messi and admits he hopes Pedro, who has been linked to a move to Manchester United, stays at Camp Nou.“The opportunity to have Messi on your team gives you almost surefire guarantees. I hope that in this new season we can continue in the same way.

“I hope Pedro can continue with us because he is a world-class player.”