..::Football III::..

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Man Utd award Rooney summer testimonial

Manchester United have awarded club captain Wayne Rooney a testimonial to celebrate his 12 years at Old Trafford.

The England international is closing in on becoming the Red Devils' all-time top goalscorer despite being criticised for his performances this season, and the club have organised a game to commemorate his time with them on August 3.

Despite no opposition having yet been announced, Rooney revealed his excitement at what he says will be a "special" game.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in making this testimonial become a reality," he told the club's website.

"Most of all I want to thank the fans for all their incredible support for me and the team since I joined the club.

"The match night will obviously be special for me and my family but I hope it will be a night of celebration for all involved and that we can also deliver one or two surprises.

"Most of all I hope the fans will come out in force and help raise as much money as possible for these amazing charities, all of which are very close to my heart for different reasons."

The money raised on the evening will be donated to a number of charities that will benefit from the new Wayne Rooney Foundation.

 

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Capital One Cup Fixtures 2015.10.27

Capital One Cup Fixtures 2015.10.27

Everton Vs Norwich City

Hull City Vs Leicester City

Sheffield Wednesday Vs Arsenal

Stoke City Vs Chelsea​

 

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Serie A Fixture 2015.10.27

Serie A Fixture 2015.10.27

Bologna Vs Inter​

 

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Real Madrid could sign Vardy, says Ranieri

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy could join Real Madrid or other another of Europe's biggest clubs if his valuation is met, manager Claudio Ranieri has admitted.

Vardy has scored 10 goals in as many matches to lead the Premier League goalscoring charts and help the high-flying Foxes sit just three points away from league-leaders Manchester City.

The 28-year-old, who began his career playing non-league football, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid by reports in Spain and Ranieri, who initially dismissed speculation, concedes he could depart.

He told a press conference on Monday: "It is important Jamie enjoys it here but I can also understand if he wants to go to find a great club but it would cost a lot.

"If Real Madrid or some big names want to buy him they have the money to buy him."The valuation is made by the owners not me.

"Not many teams can buy him now.

"But nobody asks [for] him, he is very happy here and we don’t want to sell him – it is clear."

The England international signed a new three-year contract at Leicester last summer yet Ranieri may offer him fresh terms at the end of the current campaign to secure his future with the club.

He said: "He is happy with us, he is happy with his contract and that is important - maybe at the end of the season [we will offer a new contract]."

 

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Ibrahimovic takes swipe at his critics

Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has suggested criticisms of his recent performances in the French media do not affect him because he cannot understand the language.

The 34-year-old has come under fire for a series of lethargic displays - coach Laurent Blanc called on him to improve after a disappointing showing in the 0-0 draw with Real Madrid in the Champions League last week - but was on target, and provided an assist for Edinson Cavani, in the 4-1 triumph over Saint-Etienne on Sunday.

After being replaced by Lucas Moura in the 70th minute, the Swede stuck his tongue out in a defiant gesture to television cameras.

Ibrahimovic then took his response a stage further in the mixed zone following the game, with a sarcastic comment to media.

"It's good to win after the defeat against Real Madrid. We didn't lose? But it looked that way," he commented.

After being asked to respond to the critics, Ibrahimovic replied: "The problem is that I do not understand French, so I do not give them any importance."

Victory over Saint-Etienne sent PSG seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1, with their next fixture away at Rennes on Friday.

 

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Neymar and Suarez making up for Messi absence


Losing the best player in the world to injury could have been a disaster for Barcelona but the form of Neymar and Luis Suarez has helped to soften that blow.

In the five games the Argentina international has been on the treatment table, his fellow forwards have racked up five and seven goals, respectively, in that time.

Neymar, who scored four in one game against Rayo Vallecano, has also added five assists while Suarez has contributed one.

Barca coach Luis Enrique fell over himself in praise of the pair after his side's latest victory against Eibar, which left them level on points with La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Can the 'SN' in 'MSN' keep them firmly in the title mix until Messi comes back?

 

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Lyon's Umtiti wants 'dream' move to England or Spain

Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti admits he would relish the chance to play in Spain or England in future.

The 21-year-old was linked with a possible move to Chelsea prior to the start of the season, while Real Madrid have also been rumoured to be monitoring his progress in Ligue 1.

Umtiti insists his focus is on continuing his development at Stade de Gerland in 2015-16 but has opened the door to a future move to La Liga or the Premier League.

"I'm very ambitious, I have quite a few goals, but I've still got many things to learn with Lyon," he told RMC.

"Going abroad is a dream, there are very great clubs that you dream about. England? Everyone admires that league. Spain, too.

"I would say I prefer the Spanish game, but to be honest, I don't have a real preference."

Centre-back Umtiti has been ever-present in the Lyon side so far this season.

 

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Hulk targets 10 more years at Zenit

Zenit star Hulk, 29, says he could spend another 10 years at the club should the Russian champions decide to offer a new contract.

The Brazil international is enjoying one of his strongest spells of form since moving to St Petersburg in 2012, having registered 10 goals and 15 assists in just 17 games so far this season.

The former Porto forward has been linked with a potential move in January as a result of his impressive form but he insists he is happy to extend his spell in Russia.

"As I've said, I'm very happy here," Hulk said via the club's official website.

"I love St Petersburg, Zenit and the fans.

"My contract ends in 2019 but, if the club and the fans want it, I'm happy to extend until 2025."

Hulk has credited his upturn in form to a feeling of having adapted to life in Russia after admitting he struggled in the early part of his spell at Zenit.

"At first I was not very happy here," he said.

"I'm grateful for the support of general director Maxim Mitrofanov and club president Alexander Dyukov, who persuaded me to stay.

"I finally feel completely adapted to both the city and the club. Now, this is my home. I have a great relationship with the fans, with the other players, with a club that makes me feel confident."

 

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Smalling: Man United fans call me Mike!

Chris Smalling is making a name for himself at Manchester United this season, but that hasn't stopped the club's supporters from using a slightly different moniker for the defender.

Smalling has been affectionately referred to as "Mike" by fans ever since manager Louis van Gaal forgot his name during a press conference on United's pre-season tour of America earlier this summer.

In discussing the captaincy role, the Dutchman said "the first captain is Wayne Rooney, the second captain is Michael Carrick and last year the third captain was Mr. Mike Smalling, sorry, I mean Chris Smalling."

And while the 25-year-old has shaken off his fringe player tag to become a key member of Van Gaal's side this term, the England international feels his new nickname may be a little more difficult to get rid of.

"The players don't call me Mike, but a lot of the fans do," he told reporters.

"Even if you go to Russia or wherever, it's "Mike! Mike! Mike!"

"It's going to stick with me forever, that one."

Unlucky Mike...I mean, Chris.

 

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Smalling: I needed to step up to fill Vidic-Ferdinand void

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling believes the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand from have forced him to "step up" his standards.

Vidic and Ferdinand left the club in 2014, bringing to an end a partnership that helped to bring five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup to Old Trafford over seven years.

United boss Louis van Gaal has been criticised for failing to spend big on defensive reinforcements in the past but Smalling is confident he can step up to the void left by the former Red Devils pair.

"I think with two of the older players going in Vida and Rio there was a case where you need someone to step up," he told reporters. "I saw that as my opportunity to step up and touch wood it will keep going.

"Being around players like that and training with them and knowing how they go about their business on a day-to-day basis, as soon as those two left there was a big void that someone had to step up and I have tried to do my best to try and make an impact as much as they have.

"I knew when I did get a consistent run that I could go from height to height. At the moment I am getting confident and I am just looking forward to the next game, to putting down a marker and keep building."

Smalling has been praised for his form by both Van Gaal and captain Wayne Rooney, who has compared his international team-mate to the very best defenders in the world based on his performances this season.

"When you hear such good praise, especially from Wazza and the manager, you just want to show them that it's not just words that are meaningless," the 25-year-old said.

"He says a lot of things that I try to take on board and I think he wants you to express yourself, and when he shows a trust in you I just want to repay it and do as well as I can."

 

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AC Milan dealt Menez blow

AC Milan forward Jeremy Menez has been ruled out of action until the new year after suffering a setback in his recovery from injury.

The 28-year-old has made just one appearance so far this season after being forced to undergo an operation to correct a back problem.

However, head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has now revealed Menez could be sidelined until February 2016 as a result of an infection following the surgery.

"Menez has an infection in the area he was operated on, he is taking antibiotics," said Mihajlovic. "He will be out until January or February."
Mihajlovic hinted at a potential deal for Kevin-Prince Boateng once the transfer window opens, however, after the Ghanaian impressed during his time training with the club.
"He's training well, in January he will decide what to do," he said. "He's a player with quality and personality.

"He had some problems with his knee but he's been doing well up until now. He could play in the attacking midfield role. He can play out wide, in midfield - he can do different roles, and do them well."

 

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Mihajlovic: Balotelli still can't run

AC Milan head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic says Mario Balotelli still can't run as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.

The Liverpool loanee showed some encouraging glimpses of form last month and scored in the 3-2 victory over Udinese, but a persistent groin problem has kept him sidelined since the 1-0 defeat to Genoa on September 27.

Mihajlovic says Balotelli is continuing to work on strengthening the muscle but admits he cannot say when he will be available.

"The groin pain comes and goes. The doctors are trying everything to solve the problem," he said.

"He is working to strengthen the painful part, he's trying everything but he can't run. I don't know when he can come back."

Milan got back to winning ways on Sunday against Sassuolo and Mihajlovic is refusing to give up hope of a Champions League spot, despite the fact his side sit in 10th place.


"Of course I believe," he said. "If Juve believe in a Scudetto comeback, we can make a comeback to the Champions League.

"The team is more compact now. Before, we didn't attack and defend, but now it's better. But the goal is to concede fewer chances than before.

"We must try to win. I want to see the spirit of the last few minutes against Sassuolo. They responded well straight after the goal and tried to play, and were rewarded in the end."


Gianluigi Donnarumma became the youngest goalkeeper to start a Serie A match on Sunday at the age of 16 years and eight months, and Mihajlovic hinted that he could keep his place against Chievo on Wednesday.

"I didn't take off Lopez because he conceded a goal against Torino, but because, at the moment, Donnarumma looks better to me," he added. "We have two great goalkeepers with great personality, who are very reliable."

 

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Karanka: I learnt from Van Gaal & Mourinho

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka says Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal and Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho have both had an influence on his career.

The former Spain centre-back spent five years at Real Madrid during his playing days and came up against the Dutchman when he was in charge of Barcelona.Karanka also worked under Mourinho as his assistant between 2010 and 2013 - who was on Van Gaal's staff at Camp Nou.

With Boro and United set to meet in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday, the 42-year-old spoke of the role both men have played in his formative years as a coach.

"I played against Van Gaal’s team when he was at Barcelona and Jose was his assistant,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday.

"He is an interesting coach and he is particularly interesting for me because I have learned with Jose and Jose learned from Van Gaal.

"I took the lessons from Jose so I feel I have learned from van Gaal too."Karanka also admitted his players will need no additional motivation for the trip to Old Trafford as they bid to cause a shock and dump United out of the competition.
"The game against Manchester United is special," Karanka told a news conference.

"The players don't need extra motivation because to play against [United] is motivation enough and everyone wants to play."

 

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Mourinho the right man for Chelsea - Lampard

Frank Lampard insists Jose Mourinho is still the right man for Chelsea, and is convinced the under-fire coach can turn around the Premier League champions’ stuttering season.

Mourinho is under increasing pressure after being charged with misconduct by the FA following his dismissal during Saturday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham – a result which leaves the champions 15th in the table having lost five of their 10 league fixtures this season.

The former Real Madrid boss received a public vote of confidence last month, though Chelsea have now planned to review Mourinho’s position during the international break in two weeks' time.

But Lampard – who was one of Mourinho’s star players during the Portuguese’s first spell at Stamford Bridge – says club owner Roman Abramovich should back the coach given his trophy record in West London.

Asked if Mourinho was still the right man for Chelsea, New York City FC midfielder told ITV: "For sure, his record speaks for itself; he's the most successful manager in Chelsea's history.

“There will be a combination of things, I'm sure he'll be pulling his hair out and wanting to turn the corner.

“They've had a difficult start - we don't expect that from Chelsea as they've set such high standards over the last 10 or 15 years, but I think they'll come back.

“Maybe players are out of form a little bit at the same time, but you're talking [about] top quality players, top manager and a top club.

"For me it's a matter of time before they turn it around. Whether they can win the league again, I know it will be very difficult.”Lampard - who collected an OBE at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday for his services to football - won three league titles, four FA Cups, the Champions League and Europa League trophies during his Stamford Bridge career.

The former England international committed to join new MLS franchise New York City in summer 2014, but spent the 2014-15 campaign on loan at Chelsea's rivals Manchester City before eventually moving to NYCFC this year.

 

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Suarez rates Sergio Ramos as his toughest opponent

Barcelona star Luis Suarez has ranked Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos the toughest defender he has ever encountered in the game.

The duo went head-to-head twice last season following the Uruguay international's transfer from Liverpool to Camp Nou, and Ramos has earned Suarez's respect with his no-nonsense style defending.

"He's the toughest defender that I've come up against," Suarez told Mundo Deportivo.

"That's one of the reasons why there is added importance on the goal I scored against Real Madrid [during Barcelona's 2-1 victory in March] at Camp Nou."

Suarez netted a hat-trick at the weekend to help Barcelona to a 3-1 win over Eibar, and is pleased with the Catalans' results without the injured Lionel Messi.

He added: "I'm very happy with the goals on Sunday as they helped the team whilst Leo is still out. He's our most important player and it's important to win without him in the side currently.

"Leo is doing fine; he's focusing on his recovery plan and is pleased with how things are going. He's also pleased that the team can still win without him playing."
Suarez's feats at the weekend saw him take his tally to 10 goals in 14 appearances in all competitions this season.

 

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Rooney: Smalling one of top three centre-backs in the world


Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has suggested that team-mate Chris Smalling is "one of the top three centre-backs in the world".

Smalling, who has established himself as a regular fixture in Louis van Gaal's United side, was tipped by his manager to eventually take over the captaincy from Rooney.

And with the Red Devils skipper likewise heaping praise on the defender, the 25-year-old looks to have a ringing endorsement from England's record goalscorer.

The England international featured as United met local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford, with the central defender a crucial component in a solid defence that has been a hallmark of Van Gaal's side this season.

Sunday's goalless stalemate was Smalling's 10th appearance in the league and 16th in all competitions, as he has started every game for the Old Trafford side so far.

 

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Garcia unmoved by Roma title talk

Roma coach Rudi Garcia is choosing to remain calm amidst talk of his side being the favourites to win the Serie A title this season. The Giallorossi leapfrogged Fiorentina when they beat Paulo Sousa's men 2-1 away from home last weekend to go top of league.

Garcia will be hoping talk of title favouritism will not affect his players' frame of mind ahead of Wednesday's match at home to Udinese."We're not moved by being made favourites," Garcia told a press conference on Tuesday.

"I like the attitude of the lads. They're top because they deserve it."At this point the table doesn't matter, you have to take it one game at a time and the right attitude is to always think that the next one is the most important."

The 51-year-old Frenchman also told reporters that his side will not set out merely to retain top spot, but actively seek a bigger lead.

"We will not defend the first place, we want to attack the three points," he said.
"We want to make sure win as many games as possible because winning makes us feel good in the standings."Garcia was keen to stress how much of an effort his side have made to earn top spot on the table, with every player working hard to earn their places in his starting XI.

"The star is the team, I think, also because we have great players," the former Lille boss concluded."But the star must remain the team. If everyone plays for the team, the team then helps the individuals to shine."

 

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Klopp counting on Firmino talent: He was Bundesliga's best

Jurgen Klopp believes Roberto Firmino was the best player in the Bundesliga at one stage last season, and states he can become a vital player for Liverpool yet.

Firmino has come under fire after failing to impress at Anfield since his £28.7million move from Hoffenheim in the off-season after making just three starts in all competitions for Liverpool this term.However, Klopp believes the 24-year-old could be a key figure in his side, as Liverpool prepare to face Bournemouth in the League Cup on Wednesday.

"He's a skilled player. I'd say a year ago for a few months for sure he was the best player in the Bundesliga," Klopp said.

"From the first day everyone could see he can become a very, very good player... when I heard Liverpool took him, I thought 'good choice'.

"He needed time when he came in but... he's strong with the ball, physically strong, fast in a good football way, gets his body between opponent and ball."So he is an important player for us and I hope he can play tomorrow."

With Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke out injured, and 20-year-old Divock Origi having made three starts in seven days, the Brazil international could be deployed as a striker against Bournemouth."What kind of player is he? He is in the Brazil national team, and the last game I think he played as a nine, so he can play there," Klopp said.

"But usually he plays as an offensive midfielder or second striker. He can come in from the wing, he can play in the centre."He has quality and I think everyone recognises that."

 

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Wolfsburg 1-3 Bayern Munich: Muller stars in impressive DFB-Pokal victory

Bayern Munich claimed a comfortable 3-1 win over Wolfsburg on Tuesday to advance to the third round of the DFB-Pokal.

Bundesliga champions Bayern dominated from start to finish at the Volkswagen Arena on Tuesday, and were three goals to the good at half-time thanks to a brilliant attacking display.Muller netted twice with clinical finishes, but could just as easily have had a hat-trick if it were not for Diego Benaglio's heroics in the Wolfsburg goal.

Costa opened the scoring after 15 minutes with an unstoppable drive from just outside the box, and the Brazilian winger was a constant menace throughout.
Dieter Hecking's Wolfsburg were more solid at the back after the break and claimed an injury-time consolation through Andre Schurrle, but their defence of the trophy came to an early end as Bayern outclassed them.

Bayern could have opened the scoring after just five minutes, when Muller saw an effort saved by Benaglio, but it did not take long for Pep Guardiola's side to take the lead in style.Muller passed to Costa outside the area, and the former Shakhtar Donetsk man danced past his marker before firing in a powerful shot into Benaglio's top-left corner from 20 yards.

Wolfsburg were unable to cope with Bayern’s attacking play and they doubled their advantage in the 20th minute. Costa had his shot blocked after some great work from Kingsley Coman, but David Alaba picked up the loose ball before setting up Muller, who coolly slotted home with the inside of his right boot.

The rampant visitors rubbed even more salt in Wolfsburg's wounds in the 34th minute. Alaba sent in yet another superb cross from the left after a fine team move, and Muller spectacularly volleyed home at the far post to make it 3-0.

Thiago Alcantara could have made it four shortly before the break after another fine attack down the left, but the Spain midfielder shot just wide from the edge of the box, before Muller was denied a first-half hat-trick when Benaglio parried away his superb effort from Costa's pinpoint cross.

Wolfsburg threatened for the first time immediately after the break, yet Daniel Caligiuri shot just wide after cutting inside from the right.Arjen Robben came off the bench halfway through the second half and the Netherlands star nearly made it 4-0 within 60 seconds of his arrival. Costa once more curled in a delightful cross from the left, only for the 31-year-old to head just wide.

The home fans did have something to shout about in stoppage time when substitute Schurrle finished well after collecting Maximilian Arnold's pass, but it was too little, too late, as Bayern eased through.

 

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Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 Arsenal: Woeful Gunners crash out of League Cup

Arsenal suffered a League Cup humiliation at the hands of Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, who eased to a 3-0 win at Hillsborough to progress to the fourth round.

Ross Wallace, Lucas Joao and Sam Hutchinson scored to make it a night to remember for the hosts and left Arsenal rueing the loss of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott to injury.

Buoyed by a fine recent run, Arsene Wenger named an experimental XI featuring the likes of Glen Kamara, Alex Iwobi and Joel Campbell, with only Oxlade-Chamberlain, Petr Cech and Olivier Giroud retaining their place from the side that beat Everton on Saturday.

The Frenchman was left scratching his head before 20 minutes had passed, though, as first Oxlade-Chamberlain and then the man who replaced him, Walcott, were both forced off with suspected muscle injuries.

Oxlade-Chamberlain lasted just five minutes before Walcott, who initially attempted to play on, was withdrawn for Ismael Bennacer a quarter of an hour later.

And Wenger's expression was considerably more pained by half-time, with Wednesday 2-0 ahead thanks to excellent goals from Wallace and Joao.

They took the lead in the 27th minute when Daniel Pudil worked his way down the left wing before sending in a superb low pull-back that Wallace expertly curled into the bottom corner.

Carlos Carvalhal's men continued to look a threat thereafter and almost grabbed a second when Jeremy Helan wriggled through on goal and forced a good save from Cech.

The goalkeeper was powerless moments later, however, as Wallace sent in a delicious centre that Joao nodded home.

Whatever Wenger said to his side at half-time hardly had the desired effect, as the buoyant hosts added a third six minutes after the restart.

Barry Bannan delivered a lovely free-kick to the back post, with Tom Lees - who looked marginally offside - sending a controlled volley across goal for Hutchinson to poke home.

Not content with three, Wednesday continued to push forward and almost netted again when Joao nodded narrowly wide from Bannan's centre.

Arsenal did not force goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith into a difficult save until the 70th minute, when Per Mertesacker saw his close-range header turned over the crossbar.

It proved the only real moment of Arsenal resistance as Wednesday cruised to victory.