..::Football III::..

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Fabregas expects upturn in Chelsea form after Maccabi victory

Cesc Fabregas is confident that Chelsea's 4-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv will herald the start of an improved run of form.

Jose Mourinho's men headed into their first Group G Champions League fixture on the back of picking up just four points in the opening five Premier League games, compounded by a shock 3-1 defeat to Everton on Saturday.

But there were no signs of struggle on Wednesday night, though, as goals from Willian, Oscar, Diego Costa and Fabregas secured a straightforward victory at Stamford Bridge.

"When you're Chelsea and you don't win, people start getting nervous and the players feel it," Fabregas told BT Sport.

"We're a big club and like all big clubs we need good results and performances. Hopefully it's the start of a big run."

Centre-back Gary Cahill echoed his team-mate's sentiments, claiming the result was just what Chelsea needed ahead of Saturday's clash with London rivals Arsenal.

"It's a big confidence boost," he said. "We knew we needed a win and it was the perfect game for us.

"It was a convincing win and a clean sheet. That was everything we were looking for."

 

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Mourinho bounces back… now he must drop hopeless Hazard

Jose Mourinho did his job against Maccabi Tel-Aviv, and the ghost of Rosenberg past has been laid to rest for now. Crisis or no crisis Chelsea were always likely to coast to victory at Stamford Bridge and their 4-0 victory simply emphasises the complete gulf in quality between the two sides.

With Willian, – luckily, even he’ll admit – Oscar, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas all on target, this was a routine victory as Chelsea faced a team so clearly many rungs below them on the footballing ladder.

And yet Mourinho will have come away with a dilemma; he must now decide whether he will stick with his team from this victory or again wield the axe. He made six changes prior to the clash, with the likes of Costa, Nemanja Matic and John Terry all benched following the weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Everton. Eden Hazard may have played himself into significant trouble on Wednesday.

The Belgian simply was not at the races and struggled to get the better of Yuval Shpungin throughout the evening. A first-half penalty miss will be remembered and retweeted again and again – the Belgian took his eye off the ball prior to taking the kick and ballooned his effort high into the Matthew Harding Stand - but this was a performance that hinged on more than just a missed spot-kick.

The dazzling dribbling that made Hazard the best player in the country last season has deserted him, as has the clinical touch that saw him plunder 19 goals in all competitions. There were no shoulder shimmies, no jaw-dropping displays of skill; this was the performance of a player well aware of his own poor form, as he repeatedly passed up the chance to gamble in an attempt to make something happen.

Come the end of the game it mattered little, such was Chelsea’s dominance, but Hazard can ill-afford to go missing in such games under Mourinho’s management.

From the moment he skied his penalty Mourinho attempted to catch the eye of the Belgian but, like a naughty schoolchild, he simply refused to look in his manager's direction.

Taking matters into his own hands, Hazard looked to swap positions with the effective Oscar but his limitations on the night were further exposed by the Brazilian’s effervescent display. Where Oscar would dummy a defender and look to shoot, Hazard would attempt a trick and lose the ball.

And it is not just domestically where Hazard is struggling. An undisputed starter for Belgium at international level, the winger was savaged by manager Marc Wilmots after a disappointing display against Cyprus. Despite scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory, Hazard was labeled “the worst player on the pitch”, and his form has, as yet, shows no signs of improving.

"I thought about substituting him, but in the last 10 minutes he always has the ability to do that. At the World Cup, this was the case,” Wilmots said.

"I obviously expect more from him, but he will grow as the season progresses."

Mourinho will expect more too. The two have previous, and famously clashed when Hazard criticised the club’s style of play in 2014, while the Belgian was the chief protagonist in the Eva Carneiro row last month. That has still not been resolved.
On Wednesday, Mourinho again reminded onlookers that he has a flagrant disregard for reputations when it comes to picking his starting XI. Branislav Ivanovic, Matic, Terry and Costa all started the game on the bench and it would be little surprise were Hazard to be among the stiffs when Arsenal come to visit this Saturday.

The Gunners suffered a disappointing result in their Champions League clash on Wednesday as they ended their 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb with 10 men following Olivier Giroud’s sending off.

But they will surely raise their game for the upcoming derby, a game that is likely to be overshadowed by the deeply unpleasant rivalry between Mourinho and Wenger. The two men clearly do not like each other and each will be desperate to get one over the other.

Wenger will have a plan to deal with Hazard, but he should not need one, as Mourinho simply must wield his axe once more.

The Belgian may well be saved by the fact that Willian limped off on Wednesday, and that Pedro could also miss out, but Loic Remy proved his worth on the wing and Oscar is more than capable of filling in for his team-mate.

Hazard, on current form, is not good enough to get into this Chelsea side – a damning indictment given their form. Mourinho will be keener than ever to beat Wenger and, as it stands, the best way to do that is to drop Hazard.

Victory against Maccabi does not change the fact that Chelsea need to turn their domestic form around immediately. Hazard's place is under threat, and he should know as much. This performance was not good enough.

 

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'Wenger's hurting Arsenal by not starting Walcott'

Former Manchester United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand has criticised Arsene Wenger's decision to leave Theo Walcott on the bench against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

The England forward was left out of the starting XI as the Gunners boss rang the changes in Croatia for the Champions League group stage opener, with Olivier Giroud, who was preferred in attack to Walcott, sent off after only 40 minutes.

Walcott was eventually introduced as a second-half substitute and scored as Arsenal fell to a 2-1 defeat and Ferdinand believes that Wenger made the wrong call in not opting to feature the 26-year-old from the start.

He told BT Sport: "They've got to give Theo a chance [up front]. He's been there all these years, he's mooted about wanting to be a centre forward. I think Wenger is hurting Arsenal by not giving him a sustained period playing up front.

"Give him a chance to prove himself, if he can't do it then go out and buy someone."

Gunners legend Ian Wright added: "I would've started Walcott just because he played against Stoke, scored a very good goal. Came on tonight again and scored a very good goal. He's got the momentum.

"At the moment Giroud doesn't seem to be in the right place. Booed off for France the other week. It's just not quite happening for him. It's Theo's time. Arsenal have to find a way to play to Theo's strengths."

 

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Mourinho: I'd forgotten what winning felt like!

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho joked that he had forgotten what winning felt like after watching the Blues cruise to a 4-0 Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv at Stamford Bridge.

The Premier League champions went into the clash having tasted victory just once this season, against West Brom at the Hawthorns, and having lost their last two games in a row.

Eden Hazard missed an early penalty for the Blues but goals from Willian, Oscar, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas gave a much-changed Chelsea side a morale-boosting victory.

"I forgot the feeling, for so long we don't win a game, so good, it's a good feeling," Mourinho told reporters.

"The penalty we missed, I think, was a big test for us because when everything goes against you, red cards, penalties, decision, luck, injuries, and you start a game you have to win and after five minutes you miss a penalty I think it's a great test of the team's character.

"I think it was good we had an extra negative so I'm happy with the performance and the result."

Chelsea now turn their attentions to Arsenal who they welcome to Stamford Bridge on Saturday and Mourinho feels victory was vital ahead of taking on the Gunners.

"I can imagine waking up tomorrow after a defeat, to train at Cobham after a defeat, two days before a derby against Arsenal, I can imagine how difficult it would be for everyone after a defeat so the victory is very important," he added.

"In the last two seasons we didn't start well at home - against Basel and Schalke - we put ourselves in a position where we have to go away and win points. In this moment, these three points, give us a good situation."

Defeats for Arsenal, Manchester United and City mean Chelsea are the only English team to taste victory in the Champions League so far this season but Mourinho says that does not make him happy.

"No I think it's sad, I think it's bad. I'm not happy with that. I want City, United, Arsenal to lose in the Premier League, I don't want them to lose in the Champions League," he explained.

"Season after season it's difficult for English teams to be successful, when you can make 12 points and you make only three it's bad news for the English game."

 

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Rooney should not be Manchester United's No.9, says Van Nistelrooy

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy believes Anthony Martial should get the nod as the Old Trafford side's starting striker ahead of Wayne Rooney.

Martial, who became the world's most expensive teenager after signing for United on transfer deadline day for an initial £36m, made an immediate impact for his new club scoring on his debut in a 3-1 win over Liverpool.
England and United star Rooney has been United's No.9 in the opening weeks of the 2015-16 campaign but after missing his previous two matches owing to injury, Van Nistelrooy believes former Monaco youngster Martial is a better option up front.

"If Martial keeps doing what he did against Liverpool he could be a revelation. On the other side, is it really realistic to expect that from him? Hopefully for United he can be the one," the Netherlands assistant told reporters.

"He looks like the out and out striker that is needed.

"Wayne Rooney is playing in that position but I don't think he is an out and out striker. Obviously he can fulfil that role and score his goals but it would be a good combination if Martial was up front and Rooney was just off him. That would be a good strike force.

"I didn't know anything about Anthony but it could be one of those unexpected successes. He needs time, but he looks like he has a lot of quality."

 

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Wenger unhappy with Giroud after dismissal

Arsene Wenger criticised Olivier Giroud after the France international was given a red card in Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in Champions League Group F.

Giroud received two yellow cards in the first half in Zagreb after wasting a number of golden opportunities to give Arsenal an early lead.

His first caution came for dissent after he had been adjudged to have fouled Domagoj Antolic, while the second was brandished for swinging his leg at Ivo Pinto just before the break.

Wenger felt his striker had been unfortunate to receive two bookings for the incidents, but conceded Giroud should have controlled his temper better to avoid the first caution.

"The first yellow for Olivier Giroud is a foul for us and the second is an accident," he told BT Sport.

"The first one he was unlucky, but he should not have protested at all.

"They [Dinamo] got away with obvious fouls many times.

"But we have to take it on the chin."

Despite the defeat Wenger remains confident his side can turn their fortunes around in the group, and challenge Bayern Munich for top spot.

He added: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the competition. We were a bit unlucky. We faced a Zagreb team who were committed.

"We gave it all until the end but unfortunately couldn't come back.

"But we have enough games to come back. We focus to win our next home game and I'm sure we can beat Zagreb at home."

 

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Suarez unimpressed with Roma's negative approach

Luis Suarez was unimpressed with Roma's negative approach as they frustrated Barcelona in a 1-1 Champions League draw at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday.

The Uruguay international gave Barca the lead with a header from close range after a cross from Ivan Rakitic, but Alessandro Florenzi's wonder strike from almost 50 metres meant the Catalans eventually had to settle for a point in their opening Group E clash.

Suarez was not happy with Roma's tactics after the game, although he did not want to look for excuses for his side's underwhelming performance in the Italian capital as they got the defence of their trophy under way.

"We know how Italian sides are: they sit back and it's hard to break them down," Suarez told reporters.

"We controlled possession and had a lot of chances, but they scored from distance, which was a slice of luck.

"We did all we could to win, but we didn't have any luck. We can't look for excuses."

Barcelona resume Champions League action at home against Bayer Leverkusen on September 29. The Bundesliga side beat BATE Borisov 4-1 on matchday one.

 

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Luis Enrique disappointed with Roma draw

Luis Enrique felt his Barcelona side failed to get what they deserved after being held to a 1-1 draw by Roma in their Champions League opener.

The defending champions took the lead in the Italian capital when Luis Suarez nodded home Ivan Rakitic's cross in the 21st minute.

However, a sensational long-range lob from Alessandro Florenzi pegged back the visitors before the break.

Barcelona piled on the pressure in the second half but, despite several close calls including Lionel Messi clipping the crossbar, were unable to score a second goal.

"When you play in these competitions with the physical and technical level there is and you meet a closed off side it's difficult, even if we did have our chances," Barca coach Luis Enrique told reporters.

"I think it was a game in which we deserved the win."

The biggest disappointment for Barcelona, however, was the leg injury suffered by Rafinha.

The Brazilian came on as a second-half substitute, but his involvement proved short-lived as a tackle by Radja Nainggolan meant he had to be replaced just a minute after his introduction.

"Without doubt, this has been the most unpleasant news of the night. I think it has also affected the pace of the game," Luis Enrique added.

"It looks bad and that's a very ugly information for us."

 

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'Stay strong mate' - Sporting world reacts after sickening Shaw leg break

Luke Shaw suffered a horrendous leg break during Manchester United’s 2-1 loss to PSV on Tuesday, and was instantly inundated with well-wishing messages from fellow sporting stars.

Louis van Gaal revealed that the left-back was crying in the dressing room after being stretchered off, and a number of well-known sporting personalities expressed their sympathy towards the 20-year-old.

Hector Moreno quickly posted a message of his own before the likes of tennis star Andy Murray, Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale, and former Barcelona star Patrick Kluivert all took to social media.

 

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UEFA Europa League Group Stage Fixtures 2015.09.17

UEFA Europa League Group Stage Fixtures 2015.09.17

Fenerbahçe VsMolde
Ajax Vs Celtic
Bordeaux Vs Liverpool
Sion Vs Rubin Kazan'
Qabala Vs PAOK
Borussia Dortmund Vs Krasnodar
Midtjylland Vs Legia Warszawa
Napoli Vs Club Brugge
Rapid Wien Vs Villarreal
Viktoria Plzeň Vs Dinamo Minsk
Slovan Liberec Vs Sporting Braga
Groningen Vs Olympique
Dnipro Dnipro Vs Lazio
Saint-Étienne Vs Rosenborg
Sporting CP Vs Lokomotiv Moskva
Skënderbeu Korçë Vs Beşiktaş
Fiorentina Vs Basel
Lech Poznań Vs Belenenses
Anderlecht Vs Monaco
Tottenham Hotspur Vs Qarabağ
APOEL Vs Schalke 04
Asteras Tripolis vs Sparta Praha
Partizan Vs AZ
Athletic Club Vs Augsburg ​

 

[rcccc]

Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 Arsenal: Giroud red card leaves Gunners in lurch

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Giroud red & Arteta pissu kelinawa
wenger striker & dm gaththa nathi nisa thama me lesiyen win karanna puluwan match kanne.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi toasts Champions League century... but promises there's more to come

Lionel Messi has promised Barcelona fans "more magic" after making his 100th Champions League appearance in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Roma.

Champions League holders Barca opened their 2015-16 account in the competition with a point in the Italian capital, with Alessandro Florenzi's wonder goal from the halfway line cancelling out Luis Suarez's opener.

Messi went close late on after hitting the crossbar for Luis Enrique's side, but the 28-year forward - who becomes the youngest-ever footballer to reach a century of Champions League games - says he is still hungry for more success.

The Argentina captain took to Facebook after the game to write: "I'm really happy to have played 100 games in the best club competition in the world. There have been a lot of European nights to remember and there are many more magic nights to come."

The forward joins an illustrious list of names - 33, in all - who have hit triple digits in terms of Champions League appearances, including qualification matches.

Messi has won four Champions League titles with the Blaugrana, though he is still 57 appearances off former Camp Nou teammate Xavi as the competitions' record appearance maker.

Messi led Barca to glory in last season's Champions League, finishing as joint-top goalscorer alongside Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo as well as the top creator with six assists.

Barca currently top La Liga with three wins from as many games.

 

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Vela hints at Real Sociedad departure

Carlos Vela has revealed that he considered leaving Real Sociedad during the summer and says that he could still leave the club in a forthcoming transfer window.

The Mexico international was heavily linked with a move to MLS last month, after international team-mate Giovani Dos Santos joined LA Galaxy, while West Ham were also credited with an interest.

Vela stayed put, however, though the 26-year-old has refused to rule out a move in the future.

"There are always options, in every transfer window. This summer, I had the most options of moving to another club but nothing happened in the end," Vela is quoted as saying by AS Sport.

"You always have to study offers and I did think about the ones I received – including the chance to be closer to my country but right now, the market has closed and I am a Real Sociedad player. I'm committed to this club.

"I spoke to [chairman] Jokin [Aperribay] as I always have done when I have received offers or have any doubts. Communication has never been an issue - we were in contact throughout the summer.

"I didn't tell him that I was planning to leave or anything like that; we just spoke about my situation. I am happy at this club and in this city but sometimes you have to think ahead to the future so that you are prepared when a cycle comes to an end.

"I have always supported team-mates who have moved on to further their careers and will continue to do so. I'm happy with my team mates and I'm happy living in San Sebastian but if one day I need to leave, it will be because I need something different – not because I don’t want to play for Real Sociedad."

Vela added: "All I know that I will be happy here at La Real until January and when the winter window opens, we'll see what happens when the winter window opens or next summer because there will always be options. You never know what will happen."

 

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Guardiola: I love Gotze

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Mario Gotze and admits he understands the midfielder's frustration with his playing time.

Gotze has only started one Bundesliga match so far this season but scored Bayern's second goal in the 3-0 win over Olympiacos on Wednesday after being named in the starting XI for their opening Champions League Group F fixture.

Guardiola insists he has no doubt over the World Cup-winning midfielder's ability or attitude but says it is hard to find a place in his regular line-up given the form of Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, who scored twice against the Greek champions.

"I love Mario Gotze, he's a top player. He has massive quality and a good attitude," Guardiola said.

"But I have Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller. I can understand that he is disappointed, but I'm here to help him."

Gotze himself believes Bayern can be hugely satisfied with their victory, even though they led by a solitary goal until the 89th minute.

"Three points against a good opponent, so we can be really happy," said Gotze. "Muller obviously scored an outstanding goal."

Bayern return to Bundesliga action against Darmstadt on Saturday.

 

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Moreno made 'brilliant challenge' on Shaw - Keane

Hector Moreno's leg-breaking tackle on Luke Shaw was a “brilliant challenge,” according to ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

Shaw, 20, suffered a double fracture of his right leg in the clash with PSV Eindhoven defender Moreno during United’s 2-1 Champions League defeat on Tuesday.

The England international is expected to be out for a long spell following an operation in the Netherlands, but Keane believes Moreno made a genuine attempt to win the ball.

“I thought it was a brilliant challenge,' Keane told ITV Sport. “I love the physical side of the game.

“You can always tell by player reactions and none of the United lads at the time - and players are best judges because they are nearest the tackle - didn't react over the top thinking it was a bad challenge, obviously at the end of it.

“And when players are travelling that speed, defending like that, injuries are going to happen. I'm surprised there are not more like it. It was more of an accident at the end with his trailing foot.”

Moreno - who went on to score PSV's equaliser and was later named Uefa's man of the match - insists he didn’t mean to injure Shaw, while the full-back was inundated with well-wishing messages from fellow sporting stars.

Louis van Gaal revealed that the left-back was crying in the dressing room after being stretchered off, and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino said that Shaw was still in tears on Wednesday during a phone call.

Keane also criticised United's defence during the 2-1 defeat at PSV, as they let a 1-0 lead slip for a second consecutive away performance after falling to the same fate at Swansea.

"Defensively I still think United are all over the place,' Keane added. "The money United have invested, going forward they will be fine and in midfield they are not too bad but I think they are crying out for centre-halves - definitely one, possibly two.

"As long as [Daley] Blind and even [Chris] Smalling - I'm not sure about him - or either [Phil] Jones are playing centre-half, particular in the Champions League against bigger teams [they will struggle].

"It was a poor result, poor performance and giving away bad goals. They had chances to get something out the game. Disappointing night for United."

 

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New Barcelona deal for Neymar 'on track' - director

Both Neymar and Rafinha are getting closer to agreeing new contracts with Barcelona , according to the club's technical director Robert Fernandez.

Reports in Spain and England linked Manchester United with a shock move for Brazil star Neymar during the transfer window, though Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu dismissed them as "just rumours".

Bartomeu also confirmed the club would begin talks with Neymar over an extension to his current contract, which is due to expire in 2018.

And Fernandez has revealed that discussions over deals with Neymar and midfielder Rafinha are progressing promisingly, telling TV3: "They're on track. They're very important players who will be at Barcelona for many years."

Fernandez was also keen to praise Barca's 2-1 Liga win over Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon last weekend and warned that Luis Enrique's side can expect further Champions League tests following their 1-1 draw with Roma on Tuesday.

"The great performance of the whole team at the Calderon was superb, against a very tough team in a tough stadium," he added.

"The other two opponents [BATE and Bayer Leverkusen] deserve respect and you shouldn't draw conclusions to soon."

 

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Buffon alongside Zoff as greatest - Rossi

Paolo Rossi has described Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon as the greatest goalkeeper of all time alongside the legendary Dino Zoff.

Buffon earned widespread plaudits for his performance in Juve's 2-1 Champions League win at Manchester City on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old pulled off a string of important saves, including crucial stops from David Silva and Wilfried Bony, to help Massimiliano Allegri's men claim all three points at the Etihad Stadium.

Goals from Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata turned things around in the final 20 minutes after Giorgio Chiellini's own goal had beaten Buffon and given City the lead.

Afterwards Allegri said that Buffon is "perhaps the best ever" keeper - and that sentiment has been echoed by former Juve striker Rossi, who won the 1982 World Cup alongside Zoff and was team-mates with him at Juve.

Rossi - who won two Serie A titles and the European Cup with Juve - told Corriere dello Sport: "Gigi [Buffon] and Zoff are the greatest ever.

"[They are] so different in character but similar in personality. Two absolute leaders, men guiding the whole team."

 

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Mourinho: I am fanatastic if I win or lose

Jose Mourinho has hit back at his recent critics by likening himself to Wayne Rooney, and claims that he is a "fantastic manager" whether Chelsea win or lose.

Mourinho has been under pressure in recent weeks as Chelsea have struggled early on in defence of their Premier League title, trailing leaders Manchester City by 11 points after just five games of the season.

The Stamford Bridge side recovered from two conseucitve league defeats to beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-0 in their opening Champions League group game on Wednesday, and Mourinho says observers should not be so quick to judge managers and players such as Rooney based on form.

"There are people who are not happy with so many successes," the coach told reporters.

"Wayne Rooney was a disaster, then he beats the record with England and he's suddenly the best player in the history of English football. Rooney is a fantastic player when he's not scoring goals or when he is.

"I am a fantastic manager when I'm not winning matches and I'm a fantastic manager when I am.

"You like 'up and down,' but it's not like that. The pundits get big money not to say easy things. They have to be geniuses in their analysis or they don't deserve the money they get."

Mourinho also thanked Chelsea fans for their support on Wednesday, saying: "It shows that they don't read papers or they don't have short memories: if they don't read papers they'll support me, if they don't have short memories they'll support me.

"There's an easy way for them to think, which is: 'We won four premier Leagues, three with him and one with his team, so this guy is not bad. Let's support him, and we have a chance to win a fifth.'"

Chelsea face Arsenal on Saturday, and Mourinho added: "For all of us to have woken up again after a defeat and two days before a London derby against Arsenal, I could imagine how it would feel."

 

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Mahrez not thinking about Arsenal and Barcelona - agent

Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez is not thinking about potential interest from Arsenal or Barcelona, according to his agent.

The 24-year-old has bagged four Premier League goals and two assists this season and has been one of the Foxes' outstanding performers in their rise to second in the table.

Reports have suggested both Arsenal and Barcelona are monitoring the Algeria international's progress but agent Kamel Bengougam has stressed he is happy at Leicester.

"Riyad is very happy at Leicester and he just signed a new contract at the club last month," he told ESPN FC.

"Riyad is not thinking about the rumours and is focused on his season with Leicester and wants to continue his fine form."

Mahrez, who joined from Le Havre in January 2014, has 11 goals and 10 assists in 56 appearances in all competitions for Leicester.

 

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Mahrez patta​