..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: I earn a lot for doing nothing!

Louis van Gaal says he has so many assistants at Manchester United it leaves him with hardly anything to do.

The Dutchman led United back into the Champions League last season and has guided them to fourth in the Premier League this term – two points adrift of leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

Van Gaal believes the role of the coach has changed since he made his managerial bow at Ajax in 1991, joking that he does not have to do much work for his hefty pay cheque.

"I'm from a time where [the coach] did everything," he told The Telegraph.

"Now I'm the manager and I have a sports science department, I have a scouting department, I have a medical department, I have assistant managers, I have assistant coaches.

"I don't do anything - nothing! I delegate. I delegate, and I earn a lot of money."

The 64-year-old declared his football philosophy is more about educating players, rather than enhancing their physical capabilities.

"When you see my press conferences, I'm discussing my philosophy a lot," Van Gaal added.

"Sometimes, the media is not very proud of it. But, sometimes, they are crazy for it because I explain a lot.

"It takes always a little bit of time to transfer the message. I'm training in the brain - a lot of things in the brain - because football is not a sport of legs, it is a sport of brain, and tactics.

"All the players have to sustain that process and that's not easy. Praise is better than to be negative, it is true. But, sometimes, I'm sorry, you have to be negative also."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man United exile Valdes closing in on Espanyol move

Victor Valdes’ nightmare spell as a Manchester United outcast is set to end, with the Spanish goalkeeper on the verge of securing a free transfer to Espanyol, Goal can reveal.

The former Spain international has not played since May after falling out with United manager Louis van Gaal, who claimed that Valdes had refused to play in an Under-21 fixture towards the end of the 2014-15 season.

Valdes has since been forced to train with apprentices, and Goal revealed he was recently banned from entering the club’s Carrington grounds when his first-team colleagues were on site.

But now the impasse looks set to end with Valdes is in advanced negotiations with Espanyol over a January transfer.

United’s willingness to allow him to leave six months from the end of his Old Trafford contract means the goalkeeper is free to walk away after just two appearances in a United shirt, and the 33-year-old is keen to complete his move back to the city of Barcelona ahead of the Spanish holidays.

His family remained in the area following his move to Manchester back in January, and Valdes is understood to be delighted at the prospect of a move which promises to fall into place on both a personal and professional level.

Valdes made his name as part of the all-conquering Barcelona team of the last decade, winning six league titles and three Champions Leagues during his 12 years in the Blaugrana first team.

The Spain international has received significant support in his personal battle with Van Gaal from key Spanish players, with Barcelona legend Xavi – who also played under the Dutchman at Camp Nou – insisting it would be best for all concerned if Valdes were to find a new club.

“They are two strong characters, but it’s a difficult situation for Victor,” said the Al Sadd midfielder.

“I’m sad for him. He's a great professional, a good person. He’s training, he’s working hard. He’ll return to football. It’s better for Victor to be playing football.”


Valdes is likely to arrive at Espanyol as coach Sergio Gonzalez’s first choice ahead of the current number one, 20-year-old Pau Lopez.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Arsenal's players want Szczesny back'

Per Mertesacker claims the Arsenal players would like to see Wojciech Szczesny return to the club.

The 25-year-old joined Roma on a season-long loan in July after he lost his place as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper to Petr Cech.

The Serie A club are keen to keep Szczesny but Mertesacker believes the Poland international still has a future at the club.

"Wojciech wants to compete. I think he's a good goalkeeper and he can still develop," Mertesacker said in an interview with JD Sports.

"The team wants him back - that's good for him.

"He's shown great character already in this team and I think he has got a bright future."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sturridge: I'm fit and ready to go

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is plotting his return to action after declaring himself “fit and ready to go.”

The 26-year-old returned to full training on Tuesday afternoon following a knee injury sustained last month. He picked up the problem when colliding with Jordon Ibe in a session at Melwood on October 15, and has not yet featured under new manager Jurgen Klopp.

Sturridge has made just two 90-minute appearances this season and is targeting a comeback as soon as possible. However, the club have adopted a risk-averse approach with the England international, preferring to ease him back in an effort to prevent further sideline spells.

Klopp is thus unlikely to risk Sturridge against Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday evening.

While the forward has not been available for any of the German trainer’s line-ups thus far, he has been encouraged by his experiences under him thus far.

Speaking at the Liverpool FC Signature Collection launch at the Titanic Hotel on Wednesday evening, he said: “I’m fit and ready to go. It’s going to be a great time for me.

“It’s been exciting under the new manager. He’s been really good. I’ve been back training now for the past couple of days and I was training under him when he first arrived.

“It’s an exciting time to be at the club and I’m enjoying working with him and his style of football.

"It’s important for us to understand what he wants us to do.”

Sturridge believes Liverpool can take advantage of an unsettled top-tier this season, if they are able generate consistently good performances.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world in terms of competitiveness," he said. "There are teams up there this season you wouldn’t have expected. And I think it has been more open than ever at moment.

"It’s up for grabs this season, there isn’t real favourites for the title or top four. It will come down to who can be the most consistent.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nolito no closer to signing new Celta deal

Nolito has revealed he will not sign a new contract with Celta Vigo until a "specific detail" is resolved during negotiations.

The Spain international is tied to his current employers until the end of the 2019 season, though Celta's concern is that the player's current buyout figure stands at €18 million.

Nolito's form has been exceptional so far this campaign - he has scored seven La Liga goals, including finding the net in home games against both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Celta sporting director Miguel Torrecilla hoped to convince Nolito to pen an extension that would push his release clause up to €25 million, but so far the two sides have failed to come to an agreement.

"There is a detail that is not resolved and while it is not settled, I will not sign. I have a three-and-a-half year contract and a [release] clause of 18 million", Nolito said.

Having returned from national team duty, Nolito will be back in action for his club on Saturday, as Celta travel to Deportivo La Coruna.

He admits to growing weary of speaking about the speculation surrounding his future, insisting he wants to put the matter to bed and focus instead on what he is doing on the field.

"If someday I'm wanted by a team, [they can] come speak with Celta and pay what you have to pay," he added.

"No more [on this matter]. I want to be quiet. No one has called me, or, to my knowledge, Celta either."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pato reiterates desire for European return

Alexandre Pato has reiterated his desire to secure a transfer to a European side.

The former AC Milan striker's loan spell with Sao Paulo comes to an end next month and president of his parent club Corinthians, Roberto de Andrade, previously said they are "praying to sell" him.

Pato, who has been linked with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, said he would be cheering for Palmeiras against Santos in the Copa do Brasil final, even though such a result could potentially rob Sao Paulo of a place in the Copa Libertadores next year.

"Santos are a great club, but I will be supporting Palmeiras," Pato said.

"[President] Paulo Nobre is a good guy and has done a great job at Palmeiras. We have to rely on our own work."

The 26-year-old insisted his decision was not based on a possible transfer to the Allianz Parque as he remains focused on returning to Europe.

"I have not talked with anyone from Palmeiras. I see what happened in Palmeiras as an example. A lot was changed and they improved," he added.

"It's not because I praised the president that I have an ulterior motive.

"I hope to return to Europe."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Beckham: No.7 shirt should not be a burden for Depay

David Beckham believes the Manchester United No.7 shirt should inspire Memphis Depay rather than intimidate him.

Some of the best players in the history of club have worn the number, including Eric Cantona, George Best, Cristiano Ronaldo and Beckham himself.

But the former England captain insists he never felt any pressure attached to the shirt despite its illustrious past.

"I don’t see it as an intimidation, I see it as an honour," Beckham said.

"When you get given the No.7 shirt it doesn’t matter who has worn it in the past or what that player has achieved in the past.

"At the end of the day it is a special shirt to wear but I don’t think personally that it comes with any pressure. It always was an inspiration for me.

"It was never my shirt. It was George Best’s, Bryan Robson’s, Eric Cantona’s. The only reason I wanted to wear the No.7 shirt was because of these players.

"The No.7 shirt is a special shirt for Man United. It always has been and it always will be."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG to wear commemorative shirts

Paris Saint-Germain have announced they will wear special shirts to commemorate the victims of the attacks in France's capital on Friday.

French officials have said at least 129 people were killed in Paris, with hundreds others injured after what appeared to be co-ordinated terror attacks.

Three fatalities were reported outside the Stade de France, where the hosts were playing Germany in an international friendly.

In response, PSG have confirmed, via Twitter, that the words 'Je suis Paris' will be printed beneath the club crest in a show of support for the victims.

The Ligue 1 champions play Lorient at Stade Yves Allainmat on Saturday in their first fixture since the tragedy.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nasri: I’m out until February

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has announced via his Instagram page that he does not expect to play competitively in the next three months.

The 28-year-old picked up a hamstring problem 28 minutes into his side’s 5-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth last month, though initially manager Manuel Pellegrini had hoped for the Frenchman to return to action against Liverpool this weekend.

Such hopes have, however, been scotched, with the former Marseille and Arsenal man announcing that he will not return until February.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you strong. I’ll be back better than ever in three months,” he told his social media followers.

The hamstring problem is the latest in a series of issues that have plagued him over the course of 2015. In January he missed three games due to a groin problem, while another groin problem prematurely ended his campaign last season.

As well as the encounter against Jurgen Klopp’s side at the Etihad Stadium, Nasri will also miss, among others, Premier League matches with Arsenal, Everton and Southampton.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hodgson: Rooney the ultimate professional

England head coach Roy Hodgson has praised Wayne Rooney's professionalism after his captain was utilised in an unfamiliar role in the international friendlies against Spain and France.

Rooney was a second half substitute in Alicante on Friday before starting on the right wing at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, with Hodgson eager to experiment with his squad.

And Hodgson has praised the Three Lions captain, while insisting that he was not dropped for the clash with La Roja after a disappointing run of form at Manchester United.

"He is the ultimate professional," Hodgson said. "He wasn't dropped [against Spain].

"We realised with all the players we have missing that there was going to be an element of experimentation in these two matches.

"We had a plan for the France game, which might have had an even bolder tactical set-up than the one we used. But when we lost Fabian Delph that threw it out a bit.

"It meant asking Rooney to play in a slightly different position because I wanted to see him, [Raheem] Sterling and [Harry] Kane on the pitch together.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal STILL unsure of his best attack - Manchester United's season so far

The buzzword around Old Trafford is ‘philosophy’. Since succeeding David Moyes as Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal has regularly impressed on anybody who will listen the need to follow a distinct model in all areas of football.

Right now the Dutchman appears to have found a formula which is slowly leading United in the right direction. But his side remain anything but convincing and are certainly not playing the type of football which will buy him time should he fail to bring silverware to the club sometime soon.

After meeting his target in his first campaign in charge by leading United back to the Champions League, the next goal has to be a trophy. Yet there is no compelling evidence yet that they are in a position to have a real run at the Premier League, while even a semi-final spot in Europe this term would be seen as a massive positive.

Twelve games into the season, United sit only two points off the top of the table. Yet that only tells half of the story of what has transpired since they beat Tottenham on the opening day of the season.

That nervy 1-0 win set the tone, with an identical outcome at Aston Villa and a scoreless draw against Newcastle following before they were turned over at Swansea. All those games, though, came before the transfer deadline, and when the window slammed shut they originally appeared to be a far more cohesive outfit.

The shambles that was the handling of the David de Gea situation – which saw United shorn of their star goalkeeper for the first six games and then left in a childish squabble with Real Madrid when a transfer to Spain fell through – somehow ended happily for the Red Devils when the No.1 signed a new long-term deal. To add to that, Anthony Martial’s recruitment quickly turned from big-money gamble to superstar addition in the eyes of the watching world.

If fellow summer signings Bastian Schweinsteiger, Matteo Darmian, Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin have flickered rather than shone so far, the Frenchman hit the ground running with a spectacular September. Four goals in almost no time helped to make United a potent force, and they momentarily took over at the top of the Premier League for the first time since winning their 20th league title in 2013.
Yet the importance of the 3-0 hammering at Arsenal which followed cannot be underestimated. The result had been coming in a lot of ways, with the lack of a defensive screen and almost non-existent mobility in their own half being no surprise to regular United watchers.

Van Gaal’s response since then has been to bolster his back line at the expense of their previous potency, but while such an approach has delivered a string of turgid displays it has certainly made United a more formidable prospect than the one which rolled up to the Emirates and had its belly tickled in the opening 20 minutes as Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil made hay.

Further embarrassment might well have followed with a penalty shoot-out loss to Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup, but United have at least made steady progress in the Champions League and got back on their feet to some extent in the league.

They head into a favourable Christmas run-in having not conceded in 555 minutes, but only Jesse Lingard’s recent introduction has helped them to finally find holes in opposition defences after a period of 404 minutes without a goal themselves. All the while Wayne Rooney continues to struggle, and his difficulties are fast becoming one of the key narratives of United’s campaign.
One goal every four or five games has been enough so far to keep the England skipper in his club boss’ good books, but there remain question marks as to whether the team is being hindered rather than helped by the decision to keep Rooney on a longer leash.

There are a number of imponderables. Why has it taken the addition of Lingard to give United a new edge? Why has Depay struggled so badly? Does the manager really see Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger as a suitable duo to sit in front of his defence in huge games against quick attacking players? Would United cope if Anthony Martial should be ruled out for any significant period?

The biggest question of all though is this: Can United win by following Van Gaal’s philosophy?

Paul Scholes has become the 64-year-old’s biggest critic of late, complaining that the team are not currently playing ‘the Manchester United way’, and many others have been left wondering whether the manager will be made to pay for the lack of risks being taken on a weekly basis.

A man not afraid of attracting critics, Van Gaal is likely to stick with his philosophy come what may. United fans can only hope that his belligerent beliefs are well placed.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger reveals Alexis and Ozil contract plans


Arsene Wenger has revealed that Arsenal are yet to open contract negotiations with star players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil but that they will begin in earnest in 2016.

Ozil has been the Gunners' standout performer in 2015-16 following a slow start to his career at the Emirates Stadium, where he has resided since his club record move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013.

Former Barcelona forward Alexis, on the other hand, was an immediate star for Arsenal as he scored 25 goals en route to FA Cup success and a third-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Alexis is believed to be keen to tie himself down to a new and improved deal that would make him the best paid player at the north London club.

Wenger is in no rush to open negotiations with the Chilean attacker or Ozil, though, and he says such talks are likely to start in the latter half of the current campaign ahead of the summer transfer window.

"We have not started to talk about that with Mesut Ozil,” Wenger told reporters on Thursday. "With Sanchez it is the same situation.

"At the end of the year they have two and a half years on their contracts and we have some time. We are not in a hurry and we of course want them to stay.

"We will start the negotiations at some stage but at this point we have not started. From the new year to the summer we will certainly start it with all the players who have two years to go at the end of the season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale: I feel strong and am ready for battle with Barca

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale says he feels strong despite an injury-hit season and is ready to do battle with Barcelona this weekend.

Los Blancos welcome the Catalan side to the Bernabeu on Saturday for the much awaited first Clasico of the campaign, with Bale playing up the significance of the fixture.

The Welshman has been restricted to just six league appearances this term because of a calf problem, but he returned to the side for the defeat to Sevilla before the international break.

“I’ve been out injured for six weeks and I’ve not had the chance to play as much as I’d have liked, but I feel strong, in form and ready for the battle,” he told Bwin.

“[Madrid and Barca] are the two biggest sides in Spain. The rivalry is immense.

“It’s been there for many years and we always compete for La Liga, the Champions League and all the other titles with each other.

“There’s an incredible rivalry, which adds pressure on the pitch and makes the games really emotional.”

One of Bale’s finest moments in a white shirt came against Barca when he scored the winning goal in the Copa del Rey final during his first season in Spain.

The 26-year-old rates it among his best ever goals and appreciates that his speed - which left Marc Bartra behind on that occasion - is a major asset for Rafael Benitez’s side.

“That’s among my favourite goals in my career and I’m sure it’s one which will stay in my memory for a long time,” he reflected.

“My pace and power scare a lot of defenders, which is always a bonus for us. I just want to do my best, work hard and help the team win.”
Going into Saturday’s fixture, Barca have a three point lead over Madrid at the top of the table following the first defeat of the Benitez era at the Sanchez Pizjuan two weeks ago.

Bale, though, has been happy with his side’s performances so far this season.

“Until now we have been in good form and we have only lost one game, although I think there’s still room to improve,” he added.

“I hope that as the season goes on, we continue improving our form and that brings us the league title.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Origi: We can beat anyone if we play with big hearts

Divock Origi believes Liverpool can get the better of league-leading Manchester City on Saturday if they stick to Jurgen Klopp’s ‘emotional football’ script.

The manager has encouraged his squad to play from their hearts as much as their heads on the basis that overthinking the game can produce unnecessary pressure and lead to a collapse in composure.

“His instructions are very clear and he makes it easy to understand what he wants from us,” Origi told Goal at the launch of the Liverpool FC Signature Collection.

“He is always reminding us to play with a big heart and to enjoy the game, but we have to respect it too.

“The way the team played against Chelsea was good, and we can be much better. City have had a great start and [have] big players, but if we do what we know we can and play how the manager asks, we can get the result.”

Origi started Klopp’s first four games as Liverpool boss but enjoyed only one victory - in the League Cup against Bournemouth - with Rubin Kazan, Southampton and Tottenham all holding the Reds to draws.

The 20-year-old displayed plenty of energy, industry and enthusiasm in his performances but is still yet to register his first goal for the club and has seen only three minutes of action in the three games since.

Origi has acknowledged the need to continue to refine his game but has the backing of Klopp, who revealed he tried to sign the striker for Borussia Dortmund before he left Lille for Anfield.

“There’s a lot of parts that I can still learn and improve on,” Origi admitted. “I’m still young so there is many things to work on, and I will do so. I have to also enjoy the game, sometimes we forget that because we are focusing on so many things, but that joy is important.

“I practice a lot. I put myself in a lot of scoring situations in training, and try to see where I’m going wrong or what small things can make a big difference. It’s better to work on fixing things rather than worrying. I get confidence when I’m learning, so that helps me stay positive when maybe things aren’t going my way.”

Of Klopp's long-term interest in him, he added: “It helps in a big way to have someone who believes in you, who knows your game and knows how to get the best out of you.
“He has given me great belief and confidence in myself and I hope the way I progress will show that. I have to keep growing and pushing myself. The aim is to always be learning and to become the best player I can be."

While the Liverpool project remains a work in progress, Origi has already won 16 caps for a Belgium team that appears ready to challenge at next summer's European Championship.

Marc Wilmots' side qualified for Euro 2016 as winners of their group, winning seven out of their 10 games to rise to first place in the Fifa world rankings.

“I always looked at the team and thought we have enough quality to be among the best teams in the world,” said Origi.

“We have so many talented players with many different strengths. But to actually be ranked number one is a great surprise. We’ve come a long way and I’m proud to be part of such an amazing group.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

James dismisses Clasico fitness concerns

Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has dismissed suggestions that he is not fully match fit ahead of this weekend's Liga showdown with Barcelona.

The 24-year-old has featured just three times in all competitions for Madrid so far this term due to a muscular injury.

He made his comeback in the 3-2 defeat at the hands of Sevilla before the international break, but played just 27 minutes as there were doubts over his fitness.

Nevertheless, James completed both of Colombia's World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Argentina this month and has stressed that he is ready for the Clasico.

I’m fine. I was training well in Madrid before I joined the national team and even then I was able to play a full 90 minutes," the attacking midfielder was quoted as saying by AS.

"I started and completed the whole game against Chile and Argentina.

"Those who say I am not fit can keep talking; I’m absolutely fine."

James' only full game for Madrid in 2015-16 so far was the 5-0 Liga win over Betis on August 29, in which he scored twice and set up another goal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

As good as they hoped, but the real tests are yet to come - Bayern Munich’s season so far

They are almost perfect, but the doubts persist. For Bayern Munich, records and accolades in autumn will, by the spring, give way to the real test of the latter stages of the Champions League and the ongoing contractual wrangles with Pep Guardiola.

Bayern under Guardiola are a team accustomed to sweeping through their Bundesliga opposition. Every goal conceded and every spell of possession given to the opposition is, in itself, a blot on Guardiola’s almost perfect copybook. But there aren’t too many blots.

11 wins from 12 games has given the Bavarians a five point lead over nearest rivals Borussia Dortmund. Until a disappointing 0-0 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern had produced 10 wins from their opening 10 games of the season, getting agonisingly close to Tottenham Hotspurs’ record of winning the opening 11 games of league campaign during the 1960-61 season.

Prior to the Frankfurt game, their had been whispers that Guardiola’s side could become the first team to win all 17 matches ahead of the winter break. The club’s heady ambition demonstrates the formidable cast of players on display at the Allianz Arena.

So far, so good for the current Bundesliga champions, but there is one perennial issue troubling the Bayern boardroom.

Guardiola, the coach that Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness worked tirelessly to recruit in 2013, is yet to sign a contract extension in Bavaria. The former Barcelona coach’s current deal expires at the end of the 2015-16 season, with those in the corridors of power at the Allianz Arena reportedly frustrated with Guardiola’s apparent intransigence.

Talks had been scheduled for the current set of international fixtures, but they have now been delayed until the winter break, prolonging the doubt around Sabener Strasse.

Bayern are desperate to hold onto their prized coach, but it appears that Guardiola is yet to fasten onto a decision in his own mind. Even Josep Maria Orobitg, the Bayern coach’s agent, admitted that Guardiola’s thought process is a mystery.

Speaking to the local newspaper TZ, Orobitg said: “Pep is very happy in Munich. It's a beautiful city, and his family feels at home. But in the end, he now makes the decision by himself. Not even I know what Pep is up to.”

The key stakeholders at the Allianz Arena are all resolutely determined that Guardiola is unlike any other coach that they have had; they appreciate his genius. But the Champions League is one area that the Catalan coach has failed to utilise his methods as spectacularly as in the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal.

Twice his side have made it to the semi-final stage - and twice they have been beaten. Real Madrid brushed the Bavarians aside in the 2013-14 campaign and then a Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona proved too much for Bayern last season. Blistering form before christmas is one exposition of Bayern’s power but the real test will come in March, April and May as Europe’s true elite meet in the latter stages of the Champions League.

Encouragingly for Guardiola’s side, their three toughest opponents to date have been swept aside in crushing victory. In the Champions League, Arsenal were on the end of a 5-1 defeat at the Allianz Arena, despite winning 2-0 in what now looks like an anomaly at the Emirates Stadium. In the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg have also each been dispatched 5-1, meaning that the three season-defining results so far have all ended with a triumphant victory.
Against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, Bayern’s crushingly powerful team displays made their opponents appear befuddled, looking slightly out of place on the same pitch as the Bavarians. But in the Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg the story was different. Robert Lewandowski netted five goals in nine second-half minutes, flipping the scoreline from 1-0 to 5-1, marking a stand-out performance in the Poland striker’s career.

Lewandowksi’s rampaging display against Wolfsburg captured the imagination, but the forward’s form has been scintillating all season. The former Borussia Dortmund man has a remarkable 14 goals from 11 Bundesliga matches, tussling with Pierre-Emerick Auabmeyang for European Golden Boot and further establish himself as on of the world’s most complete forwards.

While Lewandowski’s performances have helped propel Bayern to the top of the Bundesliga once more, a raft of new recruits have re-moulded the squad into the shape that Guardiola wants. Of these new signings, the explosive Douglas Costa has adapted to life in Bavaria with the most verve. Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk during pre-season, there had been doubts about the level that the Brazilian could reach, but after a string of impressive displays, including leaving Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin chasing his shadow for much of their clash, Costa is firmly planted in the Bayern first-team.

With Bayern’s own “football god”, Bastian Schweinsteiger, moving to Manchester United ahead of the season and Franck Ribery struggling with injury problems, Guardiola managed to recruit Arturo Vidal and Kingsley Coman from Champions League runners-up Juventus. Vidal has fitted quite seamlessly into the battling role vacated by Schweinsteiger, but it is the electric Coman who has most impressed the football world. The young France international has exceptional talent and promise, dazzling the Arsenal defence in the 5-1 win, and gives Bayern that crucial back-up for the often injured Arjen Robben and Ribery.

The news signings have added to an already dominant Bundesliga-winning squad to push Bayern on this season. It looks increasingly likely that another German league triumph is on the horizon, but the Champions League is regarded as the true yardstick of quality in football. Guardiola’s Bayern have, thus far, failed to deliver an era-defining performance in the latter stages of the competition.

The remainder of this season will hinge on the club’s performances in the Champions League, with the landscape likely to be shaped by Guardiola’s pending contract decision, one way or another.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Martinez tells Barcelona: Stones is going nowhere

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has told Barcelona they will not succeed with any potential bid for John Stones in the January transfer window.

The England defender was courted by Chelsea in the summer and recent reports have suggested the European champions are also monitoring his progress.

Martinez was asked about the speculation ahead of Everton's match against Aston Villa on Saturday and made it clear to any potential suitors that the Toffees would not be open for business midway through the season.

"None of our best players will be leaving in January - I am not worried at all," he told reporters. "The focus is clearly on trying to be strong together and having real continuity in the group.

"From our point of view the window in January will be to see if there is anything that could help the squad in place but we don't look to be really involved in this window - both to buy or sell players.

"January is right in the middle of the season. As you can imagine, we are not in a position where we have to make financial decisions. As I have said many, many times, we do not have to balance any books.

"So the focus is clearly on trying to be strong together and having a real continuity in the group between now and the next international break.

"We want continuity. The signs we have shown so far have been impressive. We are looking to develop that. It is our time to show what we can do."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Martinez Everton innakam Stones ta kawadawath transfer wenna dena 1kak naha wage​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘Fellaini should leave Manchester United in January’

Marouane Fellaini has been told to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window by Belgium boss Marc Wilmots.

Fellaini has played just 499 minutes of football for United this season, while Goal understands that the club are not planning contract talks with the 27-year-old, whose current deal expires in 2018.

"A player who does not play for his club is annoying for a coach," Wilmots told Le Soir.

"Fellaini could play to support the attack, as the No.6. He has very good technique, very good ability to track back and recover.

“Maybe he will try to find a new challenge in January, if it is possible."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo should think about leaving Real Madrid - Laporta

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta says the time has come for Cristiano Ronaldo to consider leaving Real Madrid.

Ronaldo has hit 13 goals for Madrid this season, but has struggled in recent games and is out of form ahead of the Clasico clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

"I'm not surprised by everything that's happening," Laporta told reporters at a padel event for former players and staff of Real and Barca in the capital on Thursday.

"Cristiano is a player who is at the point in his career when he should consider other options. The market is strong at the moment and there is a lot of money in the Premier League. He has been at Real Madrid for many years and perhaps he should look at other avenues. At his age, it's the right time."
Laporta led Barca between 2003 and 2010, a period that became the most successful in the club's history and one that laid the foundations for the team's current success. And he believes the Blaugrana will have the edge in the Clasico.

"I think Barcelona will win because we have the better team," he said. "At the Santiago Bernabeu we have always played good games. It will be a great game and we will win. Barcelona arrive in better shape and our forwards are on form."

Asked if Lionel Messi will return on Saturday after almost two months out, the 53-year-old said: "I don't have information on that, but if he feels good, he'll play."

And he added: "Neymar is happy playing with Messi. For me, he's at Cristiano's level. There's a good atmosphere in the dressing room and you can tell."