..::Football III::..

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Depay explains reasons behind his 'difficult' time at Manchester United

Memphis Depay admits he is finding life difficult on the bench for Manchester United but has vowed to win back his place in Louis van Gaal’s side.

The 21-year-old has struggled for form in recent weeks and was an unused substitute in United’s 2-0 win at home to West Brom before the international break.

Depay concedes he found his start at Old Trafford “a bit easy” but is adamant that he can get back to the level he showed at PSV last season.

“Of course it’s difficult when you’re on the bench but it’s going better right now and it’s also going better on the training pitch,” Depay told NOS.

“So if I get my chance to play, I will take it.

“I think lots of things changed. I’m in a new club right now, it’s a different level [to the Eredivisie]. Such things are playing a big role and you’re trying to find your way and it was a bit easy at the start but then I fell back and you could see it in the way I played.

“But you can assume that I’m busy with working on that and getting back to the top.

“I feel fit and I’m trying to show on the training ground that I’m doing my best to perform well. People are used to see me score and that shall also come, it just takes a bit longer now but you’ll have to find that form again.”

 

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Depay'll be back!

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Mirallas: I could leave Everton in January

Kevin Mirallas has admitted that he will look to leave Everton in January if he is not afforded more game time by manager Roberto Martinez.

The winger has not started a Premier League fixture for the Toffees since the opening day of the season and is now deeply concerned about his prospects of making the Belgium squad for Euro 2016.

Indeed, Mirallas was only added to the panel for the upcoming friendlies against Italy and Spain because of the injury-enforced withdrawal of Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

Consequently, while Mirallas would like to remain at Everton, he is willing to request a move during the January transfer window in order to boost his hopes of representing his country in France next summer.

"At this point, I see my future at this club but if I’m still in the same situation in January, something will have to happen," the 28-year-old attacker told HLN Plus.

"I have not yet talked to my agent. I'm concentrating fully on Everton.
"But, in football, you are sometimes faced with situations that you did not foresee.

"In relation to the national team, I'm staying calm, because there are still a few months to go [until the Euros].

"But if the situation drags on, I’ll be asking questions in January because if I am not playing, it will be hard to win a place in the 23 for the European Championship.

"But I'll now try especially hard to become a starter at Everton again. If I do that, I see no problem."

 

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Del Bosque: Spain tried to naturalise Messi

Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque has admitted that the country's football federation (RFEF) tried to persuade Lionel Messi to declare for La Roja.

Barcelona star Messi was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina but moved to Catalunya when he was just 13.

In certain cases, a person can be granted Spanish citizenship if they have been living in the country for five years or more, as happened with Brazil-born striker Diego Costa.

Consequently, the RFEF made an effort to naturalise Messi only to find that the forward had no intention of turning his back on his native Argentina.

"There was an attempt but he decided to stick with the country of his birth," Del Bosque told The Guardian. "He remained steadfast [in his refusal to change nationality].

"That’s a phenomenon that we cannot turn our back on or pretend doesn’t exist.

"But we don’t know where the next Messi or the next Ronaldo is going to come from: it could be one of those who arrives here from another country looking to make a better life."

Messi, who has spent his entire professional career at Barca, led Argentina to the finals of both the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Copa America but the 28-year-old has yet to lift a major trophy with his country.

Spain, meanwhile, won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, as well as the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

 

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Del Bosque: Costa is not a problem for Spain

Vicente del Bosque insists Chelsea striker Diego Costa is “not a problem” for Spain as they prepare to face England in Alicante on Friday.

Costa has scored just once in nine appearances since opting to play for La Roja over the country of his birth, Brazil, in 2014.

He has recently been criticised by Spain fans for failing to fit into the team's passingstyle, with the likes of Alvaro Morata and Paco Alcacer impressing in the lone striker role.

However, Spain head coach Del Bosque stands by his decision to bring Costa into the squad before last summer’s World Cup.

“Our midfield is good on the ball, with players whose touch is good, so we need forwards who create space, who move, who commit defenders, occupy them, and Diego does that,” he told The Guardian.

“How can Costa be harmful for us? We have him so he can get in behind, run channels, pull wide - he is not a problem for us.

“We’ve not had much luck with him but there’s nothing that goes against our style. Now we’re choosing between him, Morata and Paco Alcácer; in principle those are the three for the future.”
Del Bosque also backed Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea to follow in the footsteps of Iker Casillas, with the pair battling it out to be first choice at international level.

“He has the ability to emulate [Casillas, yes,” Del Bosque said about the 25-year-old.

“We forget sometimes that he has spent four or five seasons as Manchester United’s goalkeeper.

“And if you look at the other keepers they’ve had, that’s la leche [the business] - this is the goal defended by [Peter] Schmeichel, [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Fabien] Barthez: three great goalkeepers.

“Then along comes this kid and, bit by bit, establishes himself. But look, it’s very difficult to do what Iker has done, in terms of quality and quantity.”

Both Costa and De Gea will hope to be involved later this week against their team-mates and Premier League rivals when Spain take on England.

 

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Bale isn't on Ronaldo or Messi's level - Van der Vaart

Rafael van der Vaart says he never expected Real Madrid to sign Gareth Bale and has described Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as "suffocating".

Attacking midfielder Van der Vaart played with Madrid forward Bale during his time at Tottenham. The Dutchman left White Hart Lane for Hamburg in 2012, with Bale moving to the Santiago Bernabeu for a world-record transfer fee in September 2013.

Bale has enjoyed success with Madrid, winning the Champions League, Copa del Rey, Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup with the club.

However, Bale was criticised for his performances last season and has been limited to just seven appearances so far this campaign due to injuries.

And, in an interview with Canal Plus, Van der Vaart said: "I never thought Bale would end up playing at Madrid. Bale isn't like [Cristiano] Ronaldo or [Lionel] Messi; that's another level."

Asked about his move from Madrid to Tottenham, which came three months after Mourinho's appointment as coach, Van der Vaart added: "Mourinho is a very good coach; he's suffocating, but he knows what he wants.

"He told me they were going to sign [Mesut] Ozil and that it was best that I left for another team in England or wherever."

The 32-year-old rose through the ranks at Ajax where he was a team-mate of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who left Dutch club for Juventus in 2004 shortly after Van der Vaart had allegedly accused the Swede of injuring him intentionally in a friendly between Sweden and Netherlands in 2004.

On his relationship with the Paris Saint-Germain striker, Van der Vaart said: "He's a very cocky guy, like me, and there are times when somebody says something to you that you don't like and you get into a fight.

"We sometimes had problems although when we played together we did well."

 

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Valencia undergoes foot operation

Manchester United defender Antonio Valencia has undergone an operation to cure a foot injury sustained in last month's Premier League clash with Manchester City.

The Ecuador international came off in the second half of the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford and missed the Capital One Cup defeat to Middlesbrough, as well as Saturday's league victory over West Brom.

Valencia had hoped to make swift recovery but the injury required surgery and Valencia posted a picture of himself in hospital after going under the knife on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old had an operation back in May on an ankle injury that ruled him out of his nation's Copa America campaign.

 

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Get well soon Valencia!​

 

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Depay: I'm a team player

Netherlands winger Memphis Depay has rejected Danny Blind's suggestion that he is not a team player and insists he is working as hard as ever to rediscover his best form.

The 21-year-old inspired PSV to the Eredivisie title last season but has struggled to adapt to the Premier League since joining Manchester United for €27.5 million during the summer.

Netherlands boss Blind claimed last week that Depay "does not always function for the team" but still included the the forward in his squad for the upcoming friendlies with Wales and Germany.

"When I spoke to Danny Blind [after linking up with Netherlands], it was a very good conversation," the Red Devils forward told NOS.

"I think I’m a team player and the other players in the team also think that.

“I don’t think I’m in a difficult path of my career, as the media says. I just think my form isn’t very good right now.

"But I'm still working hard and, just because I'm not displaying the same form that I showed at the World Cup or last season, it doesn’t mean that I'm not working hard.

"I feel good again right now and other people don’t see what I’m doing in the training , so people think I’m not busy with football.

"But that’s not true."

 

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Nolito cannot rule out Barcelona move

Celta Vigo star Nolito has refused to rule out a potential January return to Barcelona.

The 29-year-old, who spent two years at Camp Nou with the B team, has previously insisted he would not depart Balaidos before the end of the season.

However, the in-demand Spain international says that while he is happy with life in Vigo, there is always a chance he could depart during the January transfer window.

"Things are good, I'm calm. I have my feet on the ground. I try to stay out of it and to be disconnected from the talk about my future," Nolito told Sportium.

"What has to happen will happen. You can never say you won't drink the water, but right now I love it in Vigo. I have to respect Celta. Things are going very well. We'll see what happens."

Nolito believes time away from the fringes of the Barca first team has served him well but he has expressed his gratitude to current Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique for his advice during his spell as B team head coach.

"I've improved hugely in a physical sense and I have a maturity from playing in La Liga for several years," Nolito added.

"Luis Enrique is one of my sporting parents. At Barca B he made me realise I could earn a living in this business. He insisted I lose weight and looked after myself to safeguard my ability.

"His advice was very important for me to take a step forward in my career."

Regardless of his future club, Nolito is keen to continue his strong form this season in order to give himself the best possible chance of making Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad for Euro 2016.

"My aim is to continue having a good season with Celta in order that they continue to rely on me," he added. "The national team is the ultimate for any player. To go to the Euros would be a dream. I'm proud to wear the shirt."

 

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Depay: I've gained weight since joining Manchester United... but it’s all muscle

Memphis Depay has revealed that he is five kilograms heavier after joining Manchester United - but insists it is all muscle.

The 21-year-old has admitted to suffering a dip in form since his summer move to Old Trafford, while he has also hit back at suggestions from the Netherlands boss Danny Blind that he is not a team player.

Depay admits his change in weight did come as a surprise and says he is continuing to work on his explosive speed.

"Since I’ve played for Manchester United, I gained 5 kilos. And that's not fat! Just muscle. It's bizarre,” Depay told De Telegraaf.

“It also has to do with the heavy schedule in England. Now I weigh 85 kg. When I first stood on the scales I thought: 'OK, is this correct?' My body is still developing. Now I'm a little more heavy, so I have to work on that. I'm working a lot on my coordination and starting speed.

"I eat very well at home, it's all cooked for me. I have my own cook. People don't know what I have to do to be fit and be a part of the national team. The work I do, what I have to do in this profession."

 

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Chelsea must stick with Mourinho - Di Matteo

Roberto Di Matteo has urged Chelsea to stick with Jose Mourinho as he feels the Portuguese remains one of the best managers in the world.

Mourinho's position has come under fire following the reigning champions' underwhelming start to the season, with Chelsea sitting 16th in the Premier League table after 12 games.

Nevertheless, Di Matteo believes stability is vital for Chelsea and has reminded Mourinho's critics of his success in 2014-15.

"I really hope Mourinho is going to stay long term, stability is so important for the club," Di Matteo was quoted as saying by London Evening Standard.

"We have short memories but only four months ago we won the double.

"Chelsea have been so successful for the last 15 years and it can happen that you have a bad year, but there is so much quality in the team and the club has one of the best managers in the world."

Di Matteo made over 100 appearances for Chelsea between 1996 and 20002 before retiring at Stamford Bridge.

He returned to the club as assistant manager in 2011, eventually becoming caretaker manager following the dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas and guiding them to Champions League glory and the FA Cup.

 

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Odegaard keen to learn from Ronaldo

Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard is keen to learn from Cristiano Ronaldo and has revealed the Portugal international is always happy to give him tips to improve his game.

Odegaard joined Madrid from Stromsgodset in January 2015 and made his official first-team debut in the 7-3 win over Getafe in May, replacing Ronaldo for the final 30 minutes of the game.

He has since mainly been plying his trade with the Madrid Castilla reserve team, but is eager to follow the example of the three-time Ballon d'Or winner when he trains with the first team.

"We train together from time to time so I try to learn as much as possible from him," the youngster said.

"He's given me lots of tips. There are a lot of things you can pick up from a player as good as him."

Ronaldo last week described the 16-year-old as one of the most promising youngsters around in the game and Odegaard is delighted to be held in such high esteem by his illustrious team-mate.

"It's great to hear that from the best player in the world."

 

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Rivaldo: Neymar deserves to win Ballon d'Or

Barcelona forward Neymar deserves to be crowned the best player in the world, according to Brazilian great Rivaldo.

Neymar has taken La Liga by storm this season, scoring 11 goals in 10 league matches as Barca top the table.

The pick of Neymar's goals came last week, when he produced a sublime flick and volley to lead Barca to a 3-0 win Villarreal.

Neymar's performances have earned the praise of former Barca and Brazil international midfielder Rivaldo, who has backed the 23-year-old national team captain for the Ballon D'Or.

"I would like to say that it has been good to see Neymar playing for Barcelona, and especially with the number 11 shirt, which I know very well," Rivaldo wrote via Instagram.

"I do not know who will be 2015 best player in the world, but in my humble opinion, respecting Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi and others, Neymar deserves to be the best in the world."

 

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England can win Euro 2016 - Eriksson

Sven-Goran Eriksson has suggested that England can win Euro 2016 but indicated that manager Roy Hodgson is being judged against a different set of criteria than he was during his time at the helm.

Eriksson led England between 2001 and 2006 as the country's first foreign manager, reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002 and 2006 as well as the last eight at Euro 2004.

His successor Steve McClaren failed to reach Euro 2008 while Fabio Capello presided over a dismal 2010 World Cup campaign that saw England limp through the group stage before exiting in the second round.

Following a run to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 under Hodgson, England were dumped out in the group stages at the World Cup last year, an outcome Eriksson feels he would not have survived.

And, though the former England manager believes expectations are now lower due to a run of disappointing displays, he feels the Three Lions still have a chance.

"I think it's possible for England to win the European Championship," he told The Mirror.

"Holland is not there, France are the hosts but not as strong as years ago. Italy, Spain, you [have to] look at them … Germany, of course, are always strong. But why not England?"

The Swede also indicated that, during his time as manager, the expectation was to reach the final, but now the nation is happy with a quarter-final place.

"It was never a discussion to reach the quarter-finals, it was always you had to reach the final. And to win the final," he added.

"I don't think that discussion exists anymore and it is seen as fine to reach the quarter-final.

"England had some years where they didn't qualify and went out early in tournaments.

"If that had been my time, they would've sent me out in the English Channel.

"The expectations are lower, and that's good for the team. During my time there was pressure, pressure, pressure in the big tournaments. The players felt it and sometimes it was too much.

Hodgson's men will go into Euro 2016 off the back of a 100 per cent record in qualification, boasting 10 wins from 10 with just three goals conceded.

"England are on the right away again. They won all their European Championship qualification games and got there in style," Eriksson continued.

"They have a lot of younger players. That's good for the national team, it's good for Hodgson, and good for English football.

 

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Silva targets Liverpool return after stepping up recovery

Manchester City playmaker David Silva has stepped up his recovery from injury and is targeting a return to first-team action against Liverpool after the international break, Goal understands.

Silva has been on the sidelines since the start of October when he injured his ankle while playing for Spain against Luxembourg in a Euro 2016 qualifier.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini initially hoped the 29-year-old would be back “within 15 days”, and there were even rumours he could have been fit for the Manchester derby on October 25.

His recovery took longer than expected, however, and he even struggled through a practise match last week.

But the former Valencia man has shown improvements in training this week and it is hoped he will be able to play some part against Jurgen Klopp’s men at the Etihad Stadium on November 21.

Sergio Aguero, who was reduced to tears after picking up a hamstring injury 24 hours before Silva was struck down, revealed earlier this week that he too is hoping to return against the Reds.

The Argentina striker posted pictures of his recovery to his Twitter account and later gave a detailed update in an interview with City’s official website.

“I don’t think I’m too far away now. Physically, I feel good and I’ve kept as fit as I can during my lay-off.
I still need to work hard for another week and if not this week, then maybe next, I hope to start training with the rest of the lads and so my target is Liverpool.

“I’ll take things slowly and not rush into anything, but I’m not far away.”

With the Liverpool clash coming six weeks after the pair picked up their respective injuries, however, substitute roles may be a realistic expectation.

With Wilfried Bony struggling with a hamstring injury of his own, that could mean Raheem Sterling is an option to start up front against his former employers, who he left in controversial circumstances during the summer.

 

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Wenger: Real Madrid have an addiction to headlines

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit out at Real Madrid for their high player turnover, suggesting the club has an "addiction to headlines."

Mesut Ozil, who joined the Gunners during the summer transfer window in 2013, left Madrid as Gareth Bale was signed, while Angel Di Maria joined Manchester United in 2014 following the arrival of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos.

Such an approach is at odds with Wenger's philosophy - the Gunners boss signed only Petr Cech ahead of the 2015-16 season - and the Frenchman believes buying and selling players every summer does not lead to consistent success.

“[Real Madrid] have entered the modern path," Wenger said in an interview with L'Equipe Style and Sport. "They need new faces. [They have an] addiction to headlines.

“For me, consistency in the results depends on the cohesion within the club. Throwing everything out, all the time only makes sense if you have hyper unlimited revenue. Then you can win. If not you’re done.”

Wenger also indicated it was important to him to leave Arsenal in a position of good health and sustainability when he finally departs the club.

“My great pride will be, the day I leave, that I’m leaving a good squad, a healthy situation and a club capable of performing in the future. I could have thought: I’m here for four or five years, we win everything, I leave and leave the club on the verge of bankruptcy.

“For me, consistency at the highest level is the true sign of a great club. Real Madrid didn’t win the title for 21 years before [Alfredo] Di Stefano’s arrival in 1953 after all.”

 

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Herrera: Van Gaal not as tough as he looks

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has hailed his relationship with Louis van Gaal and claims the Dutchman is not as tough as he appears.

Van Gaal has received plenty of criticism in recent weeks, with several former United players claiming the team are too defensive under the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach.

Nevertheless, Herrera is adamant Van Gaal only wants what is best for the club and believes he is the right man for the job.

"He's a very demanding person, very forward and very sincere, which I value a lot," Herrera told Catalunya Radio.

"To the press, he might seem a bit tough, but I think he's a good guy and I think he wants what's best for the club.

"On a personal level, I have a very good relationship with him. I know he can look tough from outside the club, but from within, he's the right guy to help us improve."

Van Gaal guided United to fourth place and back into the Champions League in his first season in charge at Old Trafford.

They are fourth on the table after 12 league matches this term, trailing leaders Manchester City and Arsenal by two points.

 

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Sneijder: Van Persie not finished

Netherlands playmaker Wesley Sneijder believes Robin van Persie still has a role to play with the national team and has urged the Fenerbahce striker to respond after being dropped.

National team coach Danny Blind opted to leave Van Persie out of his squad for the international friendlies against Wales and Germany this month, claiming the forward is not fit enough to compete at the highest level.

However, Sneijder feels the former Manchester United and Arsenal man still has the potential to be a key figure and has advised the 32-year-old to prove Blind wrong.

"Van Persie should be part of the team if he is fully match fit," Sneijder told Algemeen Dagblad.

"But it is not up to me to determine whether someone is fit or not.

"I was in a similar situation two years ago and there are two things you can do. You can either throw in the towel or you work your arse off and prove everybody wrong. I did the latter and I hope Robin will do the same.

"You are going through hell if something like this happens. First you lose the captaincy and then everything just seems to slip through your fingers."
Van Persie is the Netherlands' all-time leading goal-scorer with 50 strikes from 101 appearances.

 

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Isco withdraws from Spain squad

Isco has withdrawn from the Spain squad due to a muscle injury, it has been confirmed.

The Real Madrid midfielder was included in Vicente del Bosque's group for the friendlies against England and Belgium this month.

However, after experiencing discomfort and failing to complete training with the rest of the squad he has opted to return to his club.

"[Isco] carried out an individual training session, separate from the team, due to the discomfort felt upon arriving to the practice," a statement said.


"After undergoing several medical tests and after analysing the results, and sharing them with his club, Isco has left the national team meet-up."

Isco will now focus on recovering in time to feature in Madrid's Clasico meeting with Barcelona on November 21.