..::Football III::..

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We can't fear Barcelona, we're Real Madrid - James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez insists Real Madrid must put aside their recent 3-2 defeat to Sevilla when facing Barcelona in El Clasico in a fortnight, stating his side have nothing to fear.

Los Blancos saw their unbeaten start to life under Rafael Benitez ended on Sunday at Ramon Sanchez Pijuan, allowing Barcelona to go three points clear at the top of La Liga following their 3-0 win over Villarreal earlier.

However, James - who celebrated his comeback from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a goal against Sevilla - states his side must simply focus on stating united and bouncing back with victory in the Clasico.

"It's easy to name names now, but when the team wins, we do it together, and when we lose, we also lose together," he told reporters after the match. "We'll have to see what happens and be ready for our next match.

"They're [Barcelona] on form, but we have nothing to fear, we're Real Madrid. It's going to be an interesting match.

"I felt good [coming on against Sevilla]. I hadn't played for 60 days. I want to contribute and help the team win."

Rodriguez has been called up for Colombia's 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Argentina.

And, despite previous disputes between his club and country over his fitness levels, the playmaker has indicated he is ready to play in the upcoming internationals.

"I'll be there with them [Colombia]," the 24-year-old confirmed.

 

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Moyes got sacked

 

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Mertesacker feels Arsenal must improve

Per Mertesacker believes Arsenal must improve if they are to challenge for the Premier League title this campaign, but feels they showed character in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

Arsenal were trailing the north London derby 1-0 at half-time following Harry Kane's goal, but Kieran Gibbs eventually helped them to a draw after the break.

Sunday's result saw Arsenal move level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table and Mertesacker is determined to keep improving.

"We want to be involved throughout the season, competing at the top until the last second," the German defender told the official Arsenal website.

"We promised ourselves to do better than last season, not to drop a lot of points too early. It's an interesting position we are in, but we still have room for improvement.

"When you look at the first half we need to manage to play a lot better. We lost our creativity and our way to play a bit, but how we came back shows that we have got a good mentality and level of character in the squad. That's important for the Christmas period coming up.

"It's really important that, even if we suffer sometimes, we can come back. We showed mental strength. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we'll get more energy because it's important while having injured players."

 

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Ronaldo will make the difference in the Clasico - Casemiro

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has defended Cristiano Ronaldo against recent criticism and is confident the Portugal star will be in great form for the Clasico with Barcelona on November 21.

Ronaldo has netted eight goals in 11 La Liga appearances so far this term, but failed to find the net in seven of those games.

The 30-year-old put in an underwhelming performance in Sunday's 3-2 loss to Sevilla, yet Casemiro believes there is no reason to worry.

"Cristiano is in very good form," the Brazilian midfielder told the official Madrid website.

"I'm positive that he's going to have an excellent game against Barcelona because he's the best player in the world.

"We're unhappy with the result against Sevilla, but we have to start thinking about the Clasico now.

"There's no better match to that for bouncing back. We're capable of winning.


"We're Real Madrid and we've already shown in La Liga and the Champions League that we're capable of playing well."

Madrid sit second in the table heading into the Clasico with 24 points from 11 games, trailing Barcelona by three points.

 

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Arsene Wenger reveals how he can tell the personality of a man

Arsene Wenger believes he can tell the personality of a man... just by looking at what watch he is wearing.

In an extensive interview with L'Equipe's Sport & Style Magazine, the 66-year-old touched upon his passion for watches and how they can be reflective of a person's identity.

"It is not really an obsession. It is a joy. It can explain the personality of a man," said the Arsenal manager.

"It was the first piece of jewellery I had in my life. At the time, when you did your Communion at the age of 14, your godfather would give you a watch. It was very formal. I got a “Lip” that day. The watch, it was my first big present.

"It marked my journey from life as a child to an adult. I could have started smoking at that age If I had wanted to. My father did not tell me that it was not allowed. I was in the world of grown-ups. Because physically I was capable to work with my arms as a man. It was like that in the countryside world. I like to look at the watches that people wear.

"It is a true revealer for who they are. For training, I have an all-terrain watch, I do not wear the one that is on my wrist today. I associate the watch that I will wear with the clothes that I am wearing. It is my only form of jewellery."

 

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Pique: Barcelona winning p****s people off

Gerard Pique has hit out at Angel Torres following the Getafe president's claims that Barcelona players vandalised the dressing room after their Liga encounter on October 31.

A number of Barcelona players, including Pique, dressed up to celebrate Halloween after Barca's 2-0 win at Coliseum Alfonso Perez and interrupted Getafe midfielder Victor Rodriguez's post-match press conference.

Though the Barca players apologised and said the interrutpion was a mistake, the Getafe chief slammed them for their behaviour and claimed they also left the dressing room behind in a mess, with red paint being smeared over mirrors, toilets and bathroom tiles.

Pique is not impressed by Torres' claims, though, and has insisted the photos of the vandalised dressing room are false, while accusing the Getafe boss of trying to damage Barcelona's image.

"We'll dress up again next year. People get p***** off when we win and enjoy ourselves," the Spain defender was quoted as saying by Marca.

"We already knew that Angel Torres is a Real Madrid fan and wants to be their president one day. The photos they leaked are fake."

Pique also had his say on the upcoming Clasico on November 21 and stressed the Catalan side are not getting carried away, regardless of their fine form in recent weeks.

"We're heading to the Bernabeu in our best form of the season, but that doesn't mean anything," he added.

"It'll be a special game. It's one of those matches that we footballers are always up for."

 

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Ozil & Giroud nominated for Premier League Player of the Month

Arsenal duo Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud lead the nominations for October's Premier League Player of the Month award.

Ozil has been in record-breaking form recently and chalked up six assists in four appearances during October, while also finding the net in the win over Manchester United.

Giroud has benefitted from such service, scoring three times in four games, and joins his team-mate on the shortlist.

Kevin De Bruyne provides sturdy competition, having found his feet following his move to Manchester City from Wolfsburg, scoring once and providing four assists of his own during his second month at the Etihad Stadium.

Jamie Vardy, the Premier League’s top scorer, is also nominated after scoring five goals in four matches for Leicester City.

Making up the list are Watford’s Odion Ighalo and Stoke City’s Jack Butland, with the winner set to be announced on November 10.

 

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Debuchy drops hint he could leave Arsenal

Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy has hinted that he could move away from the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window.

The France international has spent large parts of the season on the substitute's bench, unable to take Hector Bellerin's place in the Gunners starting line-up.

Debuchy has returned to the starting line-up in recent weeks, playing in the defeats to Sheffield Wednesday and Bayern Munich, with Bellerin out of action due to a groin problem.

But the 30-year-old is thought to be frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities, suggesting he will remain concentrated until the transfer window opens in January.

"I am dealing with it. I am trying to stay strong," Debuchy told Canal+ when asked about his lack of opportunities.

"We are going to remain concentrated until December, after that I will see."

 

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Smalling hails Manchester United's defence

Chris Smalling has hailed Manchester United's defensive strength following their 2-0 win over West Brom on Saturday.

Louis van Gaal's men have kept five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions and Smalling has expressed his delight at being part of such a strong defensive unit.

"Over the last year we have had a very good record and in the last month we've had many clean sheets and as a back four, that's really pleasing," Smalling told MUTV.

"We've been able to do that even when we've had a few changes in the back four and have stuck together. Everyone knows their jobs so it's great to be a part of such a good defensive unit, especially knowing that we've always got that chance of scoring at the other end if we can keep it tight.

"I think a lot of managers say that it starts from the front and us as defenders know it helps our job when the front two strikers put that pressure on. If they can do that it makes our job a lot easier. You know that without the whole team working together, it's a very hard job for the defenders, so everyone plays a part."

United have the best defensive record in the Premier League after 12 games, conceding just eight times so far, with Manchester City and Arsenal having let in nine apiece.

 

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Ozil has become a leader - Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger praised Mesut Ozil in the wake of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham, saying the Germany playmaker has developed into one of his team's leaders.

Ozil played a key role in Arsenal claiming a point from the north London derby, as he teed-up Kieran Gibbs' 77th-minute equaliser, taking his assist tally for the season to 10 in 11 Premier League outings.

The 27-year-old's development has not gone unnoticed by Wenger and the Arsenal boss is delighted to see him take on extra responsibilities.

"Mesut was outstanding again," Wenger told Arsenal Player.

"He has grown into a very great player as he has added commitment, leadership qualities and responsibility.

"I’m very pleased with his development."

Arsenal have collected 16 points from their last six Premier League matches and Wenger is optimistic about their title chances.

He added: "In the last six league games we have had five wins and one draw and we have shown again that this team has great mental resources, which is quite important for the future."

 

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Hernandez has 'exceeded all expectations' at Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Michael Schade says Javier Hernandez has "exceeded all expectations" so far this season after signing from Manchester United.

The Mexico international joined the Bundesliga side for a fee reported to be just over €8 million in August after struggling for form and fitness at Old Trafford over the previous two seasons, spending much of last term on loan at Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old has hit the ground running in Germany, however, scoring 10 times in all competitions so far in 2015-16, form which has seen him linked with a possible January move back to the Premier League with Chelsea.

Schade claimed Hernandez has created an "unbelievable hype" for Leverkusen among fans in Mexico and has proven a hugely valuable signing on both a sporting and commercial level.

Speaking at the SPONSORs Clubmanager Summit 2015, Schade said: "He is a complete merchandise package.

"He is a legend in Mexico. The media hype he has created is unbelievable. He has exceeded all our expectations, for the Bayer company, too."

Leverkusen are eighth after 12 matches of the Bundesliga season.

 

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LVG karapu thawath moda wadak thamai Chicharito sell karapu 1ka​

 

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Neymar is La Liga's most decisive player - Marcelino

Villarreal coach Marcelino believes Barcelona forward Neymar is the "most decisive player" in La Liga.

The Brazilian scored twice – the second of which was a sublime flick and volley – as the Catalan giants defeated Marcelino's side 3-0 at Camp Nou.

The result sent Barca three points clear of Real Madrid – who suffered their first defeat under Rafael Benitez at Sevilla as they lost 3-2 – at the top of La Liga.

Neymar has now scored 11 goals in 10 top-flight appearances this season and Marcelino believes he is rapidly becoming one of the league's most influential players.

"Neymar is very decisive, especially because of how clearly he's thinking in front of goal and in his all-round game," the Villarreal coach said.

"He's in great form, is getting better and better, and although he's still young, you can make a case for him being the most decisive player in the league right now."

All three of Barca's goals against Villarreal came in the closing 30 minutes of the match and Marcelino felt the result flattered Luis Enrique's side.

"Until the first goal, they were dominant, but we had set out our stall well and weren't being unduly troubled," he said.

"After they opened the scoring, that's when we really came under the cosh. They deserved the win, but I still think the scoreline was harsh."

 

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Mata hails Neymar masterstroke

Manchester United attacker Juan Mata voiced his admiration for Neymar in the wake of the Brazil international's wondergoal in Barcelona's 3-0 win over Villarreal on Sunday.

The 23-year-old led his team to victory after a difficult first half and netted twice after the break, with his second goal a particular highlight.

Neymar produced an audacious flick over the head of a hapless Villarreal defender after being set up Luis Suarez, before spinning and volleying past Alphonse Areola, and Mata was in awe of the forward's spectacular move.

"On top of the table, Barcelona were successful in a complex game against Villarreal, a very competitive and talented side," Mata wrote in his blog.

"Once again, Neymar showed how lethal he is. A top-class player. His second goal was a master stroke."

Whereas Barcelona saw off Villarreal, Real Madrid were beaten 3-2 by Sevilla and Mata was impressed by Unai Emery's men's performance.

"Meanwhile, Real Madrid were defeated in Sevilla," the Spaniard added.

"The local team was intense and competitive, and [Yevhen] Konoplyanka, spectacular."

 

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Chelsea can still compete for top four - Kane

Tottenham striker Harry Kane insists Chelsea should not be written off in the race to finish in the Premier League's top four this season.

The reigning champions have suffered seven defeats in their opening 12 league matches this term and sit 13 points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United.

Spurs, by contrast, have not lost since their opening day trip to Old Trafford and a 1-1 draw at Arsenal on Sunday means they are just three points off the Champions League qualification places going into the international break.

Kane, however, believes Chelsea are more than capable of turning their season around to compete for the coveted top spots on the table, with the two teams set to meet at White Hart Lane on November 29.

"Obviously they're not playing very well at the moment but I wouldn't write them off," he said.

"They were champions last year for a reason. We've just got to concentrate on ourselves, try not to think about the teams around us. We're playing very well, we're got great belief and we've just got to keep trying to move up that table."

According to Kane, Tottenham's form so far in 2015-16 proves they belong among the elite.

"It shows that we can be up there with the big teams," he said of Spurs' recent results. "We probably deserved to win against Liverpool, we beat [Manchester] City and probably maybe deserved to win [against Arsenal] as well.

"We've got a great defensive unit. They've been playing very well and not conceding a lot of goals and I think our team will always score goals as well – we've got a lot of players who create chances and score goals.

"It's just about doing things right and keeping our heads and keep trying to get better."

 

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Guardiola could leave Bayern Munich for Manchester City - Sagnol

Former Bayern Munich defender Willy Sagnol believes Pep Guardiola could leave the Bundesliga champions for Manchester City at the end of this season.

Guardiola's contract with the club is due to expire in June and the former Barcelona coach is yet to commit his future to the Allianz Stadium outfit.

Bayern, according to chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, will open talks with their head coach during German football's winter break.

Sagnol though would not be surprised if Guardiola walks away from the club at the end of what is his third campaign in charge.

"Guardiola should leave Bayern if he feels that he has done everything he could," Sagnol told Kicker.

"He should start a new project if that's the case. Coaches always think about projects.

"I reckon Manchester City would be a bigger challenge for him than Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain. There is still plenty of work to do there. They have not won any major trophies yet."

Guardiola has guided Bayern to consecutive Bundesliga titles since his appointment in 2013, while also winning the DFB-Pokal, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.

 

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Conte: Pirlo may not make Italy Euro 2016 squad

Antonio Conte has suggested Andrea Pirlo may be too old to represent Italy at Euro 2016.

The midfielder made just three appearances during his country's qualification campaign for the European Championships and has been left out of the latest Italy squad for friendlies against Belgium and Romania.

According to Conte, Pirlo's absence is due to a lack of game time in recent weeks, with the veteran having played his most recent match with New York City on October 25.

However, the head coach acknowledged there is now some doubt about the 36-year-old's ability to contribute to the national team.


"The absence was expected, he had stopped playing for more than two weeks and there is the need for me to make assessments," Conte said.

"He is a player who I hold in high regard, but I must be cold in my analysis.

"We will see how he is, but he will be 37 in May. I have to start to look around and consider the possibility that I can't take him to the European Championships."

Conte also offered his opinion on the state of Serie A, claiming competition at the top of the table is welcome after four years of Juventus dominance.
"Fiorentina being top of the table is important for Italian football," he said.

"When you do things right, in every way, the results arrive. I congratulate Fiorentina and coach Paulo Sousa, although they seem less well-equipped than the usual big teams.

"Then there are Napoli and Roma who are doing well and Juventus and AC Milan, who are recovering.

"It's a league that's good for the supporters."

 

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Ferguson's promise that clinched Manchester United's move for Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that his move to Manchester United was sealed after Sir Alex Ferguson promised to play him in half of the games during his first season at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid’s record scorer joined United at the age of 18 and went on to win three Premier League titles as well as the Champions League during his time in England.

Ronaldo was also close to joining Arsenal before his move to United but Ronaldo admits it was Ferguson’s pledge that influenced his decision.

"With United I have a great passion," Ronaldo told a press conference in London.

"What Jorge did for me at 18 with the words of Ferguson was a dream. To play in Sporting and move was "wow, what is that?

"When Ferguson wanted me and said I'd play 50 per cent of the games that was unbelievable. I took that decision because Jorge helped me. The last word from Ferguson was key also."

 

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Moyes sacked by Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad have confirmed that they have sacked David Moyes as their head coach.

The ex-Manchester United boss only joined the Liga outfit a year ago but, after leading them from 15th to 12th place by the end of the 2014-15 campaign, they now sit 16th and are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

"Real Sociedad have decided to cancel the contract of first-team coach David Moyes. His assistant Billy McKinley was also released from the Txuri Urdin," read a club statement released on Monday.

"The Txuri Urdin entity would like to thank both David Moyes and Billy McKinlay for their contribution, professionalism and dedication they have shown during their time in charge of the first team, and wish them all the best in their professional and personal futures."

Real, who were beaten by relegation rivals Las Palmas on Friday, have won only two games in La Liga this season, picking up a total of nine points from a possible 33.

 

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Moyes ta ayeth wade set wela​