..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger issues warning to Ronaldo over Ballon d'Or

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned Cristiano Ronaldo over his claims that he is the best player in world football, stating that his pursuit of individual awards could ruin his career.

The Real Madrid star insists that he believes he is better than Lionel Messi and has spoken of how important the Ballon d'Or is to him.

And Wenger believes such an obsession with individual accolades could damage him, but refused to say if he feels the Portuguese is better than his Barcelona counterpart.

"He is the best player in the world - with Messi," he told reporters. "Messi has a little advantage on assists.

"But I would go for nobody because it is not my problem at the moment.

"I’ve seen careers being destroyed because players are too obsessed with individual rewards.

“I can tell you that maybe another day but it encourages selfishness. And it encourages people inside the game to go more for their own gain when others are in a better position.

“You can be No.1 in the world in March and no.250 in May. Sport is always moving."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta sympathetic towards Benzema

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta says he hopes Karim Benzema can overcome his current off-field problems as quickly as possible.

Benzema was on Thursday charged with complicity in an attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal conspiracy as part of an investigation into an alleged sex-tape plot involving France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

Former Lyon striker Benzema has received the full backing of Madrid and trained following his return to the Spanish capital.

Despite the rivalry that exists between the two clubs, Iniesta is adamant no-one at Camp Nou is taking any pleasure from Benzema's troubles.

"I hope the matter gets resolved as soon as possible," he told AS. "It's never nice to see a fellow professional embroiled in these problems."

Madrid and Barca are joint leaders of La Liga, having taken 24 points from their opening 10 games, with the first Clasico scheduled for November 21 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And the midfielder is optimistic his side can triumph on enemy soil even if star forward Lionel Messi fails to recover from a knee injury in time.

"There is a definitive feeling that we are getting better in time," said Spain international said.

"The game against Madrid comes at a good time as we are stronger defensively. Madrid are a direct rival in the battle for the title but we need to overcome all teams, not just Real Madrid.

"Before we can centre on the Madrid game, we need to think about this weekend’s game against Villarreal. This will be a tricky one against a good team."
Barca have coped well in Messi's absence - the Argentine sustained his injury against Las Palmas on September 26 - with Neymar and Luis Suarez coming to the fore.

Nevertheless, Iniesta is looking forward to having the four-time Ballon d'Or winner back.

"Straight away we notice his absence. We may win games without him, but when he plays it's done in a better way and the fans appreciate things more. He's a unique player irrespective of the results we are securing currently," he said.

"We just want Leo to get 100 per cent fit again."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Calhanoglu: Man United and Barcelona hard to turn down

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has admitted that he would find it hard to reject Manchester United or Barcelona, should either of the two clubs make an offer.

Calhanoglu has established himself in the Bayer side over recent years, capturing attention with some remarkable free-kicks, and has been widely linked with a move away from the Bundesliga.

But speaking after the club's Champions League defeat to Roma, the midfielder suggested he would consider an offer from both clubs, although no approaches have been made by either United or Barcelona.

"Barcelona and Manchester United are huge clubs. It would be difficult to turn them down but I have not said anything about any transfers or anything of the sort," he told Turkish broadcasters Lig TV.

The 21-year-old also acknowledged his head would be turned if Champions League holders Barcelona made a move, but says any talk of a move to Camp Nou is just speculation.

"I have not said anything and there is nothing to talk about, but of course if Barcelona made an offer I would have to consider it," Calhanoglu added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: I look for what is beautiful in man

Arsene Wenger says he tries "to get out there what is beautiful in man" in his coaching style.

The Arsenal manager is renowned for his adherence to a passing game, but an inability to challenge for the Premier League title in recent years has seen him come under scrutiny.

The Frenchman admits that he is "naive", but says he looks for beauty in the way his team plays.

"I am only a guide," he told L'Equipe when explaining his relationship with his players.

"I allow others to express what they have in them. I have not created anything. I am a facilitator of what is beautiful in man.

"I define myself as an optimist. My constant battle in this business is to get out there what is beautiful in man. We can at this level portray me as naive.

"At the same time, it allows me to believe it and it often gives me reason."

Wenger revealed that he no longer reads from a book of prayers ahead of matches, as he did earlier in his career, before giving his thoughts on the importance of religion.

"Unfortunately today, the prayers works less! At the same time, fortunately, it means that my team does not necessarily need God to win," he said.

"The only time possible for happiness is the present. The past gives regrets and future uncertainties.

"Man quickly realised this and created the religion. It forgives him what he has done wrong in the past and told him for the future not to worry."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: I'm to blame, not the players

Louis van Gaal has urged disgruntled Manchester United fans to direct their frustrations at him rather than the players, adding that supporters must understand the difficulties of breaking teams down.Sections of the home support voiced their displeasure at United's lack of attacking play as the hosts eventually claimed a 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday thanks to Wayne Rooney's late header.

It ended a run of three goalless draws, including a League Cup exit on penalties to Middlesbrough, but Van Gaal called on the fans to be more supportive.

"Yes I think supporters have to support the players or they make it difficult for the players to play at Old Trafford," he said."Up to now they have been fantastic so I can't complain at the fans. I can only advise the fans to criticise the manager and not players. It's very difficult to play for Manchester Utd with a lot of pressure.

"And when you can taste it in Old Trafford because of all the yelling, it's not good for my players."Then it's better to whistle the manager, I can cope with it. I have a lot of experience."

Rooney's header ended his run or four games without a goal in all competitions, also putting him joint second in the club's all-time scorers alongside Denis Law.

Having toiled in front of goal for much of the win at Old Trafford, Van Gaal added: "I think we have attacked for 85 of the 90 minutes so we have given a lot of entertainment and it's depending on when the goals come that [determines whether] everyone is happy."When you analyse games, you know it is difficult to disorganise a team defending with 10 people behind ball. You have to take that into account always. Analyse the game.

"Because then we have more difficulties and they are counting on counter-attacks always and also they have players in who are fast and so on. But nevertheless, CSKA tried this tactic and they only created one chance.

"So I'm very happy with our defensive organisation and very happy with the way we attacked because in the end we won a difficult game against a difficult team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: I'm to blame, not the players

Oka therum giya 1kanam loku deyak.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Memphis returns to Netherlands squad

Memphis Depay has been called up to the latest Netherlands side, despite coach Danny Blind initially leaving him out.

The Oranje boss had left the Manchester United forward out of his provisional squad for the upcoming friendlies against Wales and Germany because of injury, but added that he did not contribute enough to the team.

However, Blind has now included the 21-year-old in his final selection, while Arjen Robben returns to the team after recovering from his injury.

Blind has stood by his decision to leave Robin van Persie out of the squad, bemoaning the striker's poor performances at Fenerbahce.

Meanwhile, Feyenoord midfielder Marko Vejinovic gets his first call up and Jordy Clasie returns to the side after making his first appearances for Southampton.

The Dutch side take on Wales on 13 November and Germany four days later in their first games since they failed to qualify for Euro 2016.

Full Netherlands squad:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Maarten Stekelenburg (Southampton), Kenneth Vermeer (Feyenoord).

Defenders: Jeffrey Bruma (PSV), Virgil van Dijk (Southampton), Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle United), Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord), Jairo Riedewald (Ajax), Kenny Tete (Ajax), Joel Veltman (Ajax).

Midfielders: Riechedley Bazoer (Ajax) Daley Blind (Manchester United), Jordy Clasie (Southampton), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Marko Vejinovic (Feyenoord), Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle United).

Attackers: Bas Dost (Wolfsburg), Eljero Elia (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (Manchester United), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Luuk de Jong (PSV), Quincy Promes (Spartak Moscow), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: I might not watch Chelsea's clash with Stoke


Jose Mourinho admits he does not know if he will watch Chelsea's clash with Stoke City after rejecting the chance to appeal his stadium ban.

Mourinho saw his appeal against a suspended stadium suspension relating to comments made to the media rejected on Thursday, and he insists he "already knows the result" of a potential second appeal after being punished for his behaviour during the club's 2-1 loss to West Ham.

The Blues boss will travel with the side to the Britannia Stadium before leaving the team in the hands of his assistants, and claims he has made no plans as to where he will watch the match.
"I have no plans, maybe I sit in street corner with my iPad, I don't know," he told reporters.

"If I cannot contact with the game maybe I don't even watch the game. I can't contact with the game so what's the point? Live score, results, maybe."

Mourinho, though, says the Blues are well-prepared for every eventuality, with the Portuguese having thoroughly briefed his backroom team.

"If the first 10 minutes we are playing with seven men they are not prepared for that, they have to decide themselves. The game isn't predictable, you don't know the direction but we can try to reduce that and that we did," he added.
"The most incredible scenarios that you can imagine, let's go to extreme scenarios. At half-time winning 4-0, at half-time losing 4-0 and in between those you have 1000 options. Be dominating and controlling the game, being dominated and not having control, having problems in this area, in that area, injuries, four red cards, we went through all these different scenarios and they are prepared.

"What I think is important is for them to feel protected by the fact that it is my responsibility and it is just for the players to play and for the assistants to be with them and be supportive."

Chelsea were knocked out of the League Cup by Stoke on penalties, but rubbished the suggestion that his side would go in search of revenge, insisting they have nothing to avenge.

"Revenge for what? What's the problem? Why? We played a good game, people were nice to us, our supporters were fantastic, no problems between supporters, a great football match, a good referee, a good show for everyone," he added.

"One team scores one more penalty, one team left happy, one team left unhappy, everything was normal, revenge for what?"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pellegrini: Silva nearing his return


Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says David Silva could return to action after the international break.

The playmaker is back in light training as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury he picked up while playing for Spain against Luxembourg in a Euro 2016 qualifier last month.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque named his squad for the forthcoming friendlies against England and Belgium on Friday and did not include Silva.

And speaking ahead of Sunday's trip to Aston Villa, Pellegrini confirmed Silva remained short of fitness and is targeting the home match against Liverpool on November 21.

"Silva's ankle is not 100 per cent," Pellegrini said. "I hope after these 15 days he will be okay.

"The Spanish national team know David cannot play and so there is no problem."

Sergio Aguero remains on the sidelines alongside Silva, while Pellegrini does not believe Fabian Delph and Gael Clichy are fit to start despite returning to the bench for Tuesday's 3-1 Champions League win against Sevilla.

"Clichy and Delph are back, but maybe not ready to start," he said.

"We hope that all of the players will have recovered after the break as we play a lot of games. I hope then we can rotate more."

Delph, recalled to Roy Hodgson's England squad this week, joined City in a close-season move from Villa – performing a controversial U-turn having initially stated his intention to remain at the club.
The 25-year-old can expect a frosty reception on his return to Birmingham, but Pellegrini believes that would be unfair.

"I hope he will not receive any jeers," he added. "He played a lot of years for Aston Villa.

"Aston Villa wanted to sell him. He continued being a player that gave a lot for Aston Villa. I don't think Villa fans will forget that.

"It's good for Fabian to play for England. He played some minutes in the Champions League and maybe he will play some on.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Blanc tight-lipped on Ronaldo exchange

Laurent Blanc refused to elaborate upon his exchange with Cristiano Ronaldo during Paris Saint-Germain's meeting with Real Madrid in midweek, claiming the media were overstepping boundaries.

The Portuguese has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu in recent months, with PSG touted as potential suitors.

Following Madrid's 1-0 triumph over the French side in their Champions League meeting on Tuesday, Ronaldo was pictured talking into Blanc's ear on the touchline before later winking at president of the Parisian club Nasser Al Khelaifi.

Reports suggested that the 30-year-old was expressing his desire to work with the PSG coach, who remained tight-lipped in the face of what he deemed overly inquisitive questioning.

"Journalists are a breed apart," Blanc said.

"When I see people on the street speaking to each other in their ears, I do not want to know what they say.

"Does it interest you because it was someone famous? If you spoke in my ear, I would say nothing about it.

"You are more curious than normal people. I will not talk about it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Shaw walks without crutches at Man Utd's early Christmas party

Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw has been pictured walking without crutches for the first time since the double leg-break which has threatened to end his season.

Shaw suffered the injury during the first half of United's 2-1 Champions League defeat to PSV in Eindhoven in September, and has been chronicalling his gradual recovery on social media in recent weeks.

But this week he attended United's early Christmas party at the Aparthotel in Manchester with the rest of the first-team squad, and on arrival he was spotted walking freely for the first time since his leg-break nightmare.

Manager Louis van Gaal has spoken at length recently about his pleasure at Shaw's progress, but the Dutchman says he will not set the £30 million former Southampton star any target dates.

"Luke is progressing well and is doing as well as we could have hoped at this stage," Van Gaal told the official United matchday programme for Tuesday's clash with CSKA Moscow.

"We are not putting any timings on his recovery or a return, as it is important we allow nature to take its course.

"Luke is working hard during his recuperation to keep his body in the best possible condition. He is receiving plenty of messages of encouragement from supporters, which I know he appreciates."

The United boss chose to bring forward the club's annual festive celebrations in order to avoid a backlog of events in December.

The first team will fly to Germany to play Wolfsburg on December 8 and then head for another lengthy trip to Bournemouth the following Saturday as part of a six-match schedule in the final month of the year

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Szczesny: I'm not stupid... Arsenal HAD to buy Cech for £10m

Wojciech Szczesny does not blame Arsene Wenger for replacing him with Petr Cech, saying that former Chelsea goalkeeper was a bargain for Arsenal.

Szczesny, 25, joined Roma on a season-long loan deal in the summer after Cech left Chelsea for London rivals Arsenal in a £10 million deal.

The Poland international admits that though he wanted to stay at the Emirates and challenge Cech for the No.1 role, he understands why Wenger signed the 33-year-old Champions League winner.

“I'm not stupid – if you buy one of the world's best goalkeepers it's not to keep him on the bench,” he told Polish website futbolfejs.pl.

“I actually wanted to stay and challenge him for the spot but after a conversation with Wenger it was obvious that I should be looking for new opportunities.”

Szczesny – who joined Arsenal as a youth player in 2006 - likened Cech’s fee to signing Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo on a cheap deal, and says Wenger must always put Arsenal above any individual player's concerns.

When questioned whether Wenger should have stuck with him instead of prising Cech from Chelsea, Szczesny replied: “Are you joking? For that little money? Of course he had to!

“If someone offered him Cristiano Ronaldo for a good price, he would have to buy him. The manager has to think about the club and its fortunes.

“Why would Wenger not do it? Because Wojciech Szczesny, who grew up at the club, is here? Let’s be serious – Wenger has to consider the overall good of the club first.”

Roma have had a strong start this season as they sit third in Serie A after 11 games, although former Juventus keeper Stefano Tacconi recently described Szczesny as an "uncontrollable lunatic" who could cost the Giallorossi points this season.

The keeper says that while he is enjoying life in the Italian capital, it is only a temporary move for now – and there is no decision to be made if Arsenal want him back next summer.

“From 16-years-old until now I have lived in London,” he added. “I grew up there, Arsenal is my home. In addition, I still have a valid contract, which will be in force even after the loan at Roma.

“I know it would be easier for me to play and say after two months in Rome that I love Rome. I’m having a great time here, we have a strong team and I believe that together we shall succeed.

“But if Arsenal call me back, then I have to go back to London. And neither I nor Roma have anything to say. If someone does not understand, it's not my problem. But I will give 100 per cent in training and in matches for Roma. There is no doubt."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes under pressure as he approaches one-year anniversary at Real Sociedad

Goals from Jonathan Viera and Sergio Araujo helped Las Palmas beat Real Sociedad on Friday night as the pressure increased on David Moyes.

La Real have now won just once in their last six outings and are only outside the bottom three courtesy of their goal difference.

However, if Malaga and Granada win this weekend, they could go into the international break sat in the relegation zone.

Former Manchester United manager Moyes was brought to the club to push for the European places — but their position in the table remains exactly the same as when the Scot was appointed.

Despite a win over Barcelona in January, Moyes has endured a largely frustrating time in Spain so far.

In the summer he was given money to spend and he signed Asier Illarramendi from Real Madrid and Jonathas from Elche.

The money invested, though, has not resulted in an improvement in the side’s performances.

As the 52-year-old closes is on his one-year anniversary in the job next week (November 11), the defeat to Las Palmas was his 38th game in charge, the statistics from his time in charge are not overly encouraging.
And it’s unlikely things are going to get easier any time soon.

After the international break, La Real welcome Sevilla to Anoeta, before ending the month with a daunting trip to Catalonia to take on Luis Enrique’s Barça.

They can then turn their attention to the Copa del Rey, with Eibar and Getafe then to follow in the league.

Will Moyes still be in charge by the time the San Sebastian side make the trip to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, though?

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo: I'd like to play a year in MLS

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he is "definitely thinking" about leaving Real Madrid for a year in MLS, despite his agent Jorge Mendes saying the star will end his career at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo, 30, has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and his former club, Manchester United, although Mendes said earlier on Friday that Ronaldo "will finish his career at Real Madrid, for sure."

However, the Portugal international says he would consider offers to play anywhere in the world, suggesting that a year in the United States - where the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo have moved in recent years - would be tempting.

"I am not closing the door on any league anywhere in the world," he told FHM Magazine. "I'm definitely thinking about playing in the USA for a year. I've always said living and playing there is a possibility."

Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record fee of £80 million, and has spoken of how Sir Alex Ferguson and his former United team-mates helped him become the player his is today.

"There I was treated in the same way as a son is treated by a father," he said. "I had some incredible moments. I'm still in touch with [Rio] Ferdinand, Nani, Anderson, [Nemanja] Vidic, [Patrice] Evra... and with [Ryan] Giggs, who is now the assistant manager. I have some amazing memories."

The Madrid forward also put other Premier League clubs on potential alert as he praised the fans in the English top flight, adding: "They are incredible. For me, they are some of the best in the world. They are polite, they respect you, they motivate you and they cheer you on. I love them."

Earlier on Friday, Laurent Blanc refused to elaborate upon his exchange with Ronaldo during Paris Saint-Germain's meeting with Real Madrid in midweek. The forward was pictured talking into Blanc's ear on the touchline before later winking at president of the Parisian club Nasser Al Khelaifi.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger 'angry' Arsenal let Kane go

Arsene Wenger has admitted he was “angry” when he found out that Arsenal let Harry Kane leave the club as a youngster.

Kane, 22, was on Arsenal’s books as an eight-year-old back in 2001, but the Gunners let the youngster go and he eventually signed for their fierce rivals Tottenham in 2004.

The forward progressed through the ranks at White Hart Lane and starred for Spurs last season with 21 Premier League goals, while also rising to prominence at international level with England.

Wenger praised Kane ahead of Sunday’s North London derby at the Emirates Stadium, and rues losing the forward – linked with Manchester United and Bayern Munich of late – after only being made aware of his early days at Arsenal via newspaper reports last year.

“I didn’t know, I read it in the papers [last year],” Wenger told reporters. “I found it quite funny, you know, and you are always a bit angry as well because I asked: ‘Why did he go?’

"But at nine years of age, boys can move here and there. Some people move from Tottenham to Arsenal. At youth level, because their parents find a different job, they often move somewhere else.

"How good can he be? I don't know. I don't know who you could compare him with but I think he can be a top player. He has top qualities and I think he will make a great career."

Asked whether he had ever considered signing Kane, Wenger replied: “Once a player is at Spurs, you do not even consider him any more to be on your radar because you do not, historically, have many transfers from one club to the other.

“Sol Campbell? He was free - Campbell was out of contract. We didn’t negotiate any price.”

The Gunners are facing an injury crisis ahead of Sunday’s derby - Jack Wilshere, Hector Bellerin, Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky, Danny Welbeck, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott all out injured, while Laurent Koscielny is a doubt after missing Wednesday’s 5-1 Champions League drubbing at Bayern.

The French coach said he was worried about his squad’s fitness issues ahead of a busy festive fixture list.

“I am very concerned, honestly, because we are only in November and to have so many players out,” he added.

“Knowing we go into the Christmas period soon, I am concerned. At the moment, we have too many players out.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal still wants attacking signings for Manchester United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has once again underlined his desire to add more pace and creativity to his forward line.

The Red Devils have come under fire for scoring just twice in their last four games in all competitions and supporters at Old Trafford have become increasingly frustrated with the style of football on offer in recent weeks.

Having allowed Angel Di Maria to depart for Paris Saint-Germain before the start of the season and losing out to Chelsea in a pursuit of Pedro, Van Gaal previously admitted that United are lacking quality out wide.

And the former Netherlands boss has hinted at possible transfer activity by again calling for reinforcements in those positions.

"We have to score more goals, I agree with that, but only one more than the opponent," he said.

"That's what I am thinking. And, of course, we still need players with more creativity and pace on the wings.

"That I have said five months ago, three months ago and now I am saying it again, but we need that, so we are still in a process."

United play West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday and Van Gaal accepts that expectations are high at the club and has challenged his players to cope with the pressure of sustaining a title challenge this season.

"I think when you play for Manchester United you believe that you have to be top of the league," he added.

"That's the culture of the club also. All the players who are coming here feel that but it is also a pressure. You have to cope with that pressure.

"But, of course, when I came here we were seventh and last year we were very close. And also, this year we are closer than last year.

"We still have to play a lot of matches, but we have much more points, we are more stable, we are having less goals against us than last season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2015.11.07 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2015.11.07 Fixtures

Bournemouth Vs Newcastle

Leicester City Vs Watford City

Manchester United Vs WBA

Norwich City Vs Swansea

Sunderland Vs Southampton

West Ham Vs Everton

Stoke City Vs Chelsea

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

La Liga 2015.11.07 Fixtures

La Liga 2015.11.07 Fixtures

Celta Vigo Vs Valencia

Levante Vs Deportivo

Eibar Vs Getafe

Rayo Vallecano Vs Granada

Malaga Vs Real Betis
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Serie A 2015.11.07 Fixtures

Serie A 2015.11.07 Fixtures

Hellas Verona Vs Bologna

AC Milan Vs Atalanta
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time

Manchester United 2 Vs 0 WBA

Manchester United Goal(s)

J.Lingard 52'
J.Mata 90+1'



​