..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: Man Utd need signings - but it won't be easy!

Louis van Gaal wants to add to his Manchester United squad in the upcoming transfer window but says January is a "more difficult" market than the summer.

United sit third in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday's home game against West Ham but, despite being just one point adrift of leaders Manchester City, Van Gaal has faced criticism for his side's functional and often underwhelming recent performances.

The club have scored just seven goals in their last nine matches in all competitions and are suffering with a raft of injury problems, leading to speculation that Van Gaal may attempt to bring in more firepower when the transfer window reopens next month.

However, speaking at his pre-West Ham media conference on Friday, Van Gaal sounded a warning about his chances of strengthening the squad before the end of the season.

"They are always contact injuries and you cannot afford that. We have a lot of contact injuries and also long-lasting injuries so that's our problem," the Dutchman explained.

"So we are looking [at players for January] but as you know it is not so easy to buy players and in January it is more difficult. We are looking but it is not for sure."

Van Gaal also revealed that captain Wayne Rooney is out of Saturday's match and may miss next week's crucial Champions League trip to Wolfsburg due to a "nasty" ankle injury, while defender Marcos Rojo is facing a spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in training.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: Man Utd need signings - but it won't be easy!

Ow onama deyak lesi naha thamai habai try kaloth karanna barith naha​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola laughs off Real Madrid link

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has laughed off suggestions he could replace Rafael Benitez at Real Madrid.

Benitez is under pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu following their 4-0 Clasico humbling by Barcelona last month while speculation persists about a difficult working relationship with a number of the club's senior players, including Cristiano Ronaldo.

Madrid president Florentino Perez has publicly backed the former Liverpool and Inter boss but rumours persist that his days in the Spanish capital could be numbered.

One name that has been thrown up as a potential replacement is Guardiola, who has yet to commit to extending his Bayern deal that expires at the end of the season and has also been linked with Manchester City and Manchester United.

The 44-year-old was quick to dismiss the subject at his Bayern media conference on Friday, however.

He laughed: "No, no, that would not be good. We would not fit together.

"No, there is nothing to report for you journalists."

Guardiola enjoyed great success with Madrid's arch-rivals Barca, winning three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey crowns, two Champions Leagues and two FIFA Club World Cup trophies between 2008 and 2012. He has also been an outspoken supporter of Catalan independence.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ribery in Bayern squad for Gladbach clash

Pep Guardiola has included Franck Ribery in his squad for Bayern Munich's Bundesliga match away against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.

The former France international last featured for Bayern in the Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk back in March and has since been out of action due to an ankle problem.

Ribery recently resumed training and Guardiola has deemed him fit enough to add him to his squad for this weekend's encounter.

"The most important thing is that Franck is pain free," the Bayern coach said at a news conference.

"Ribery laughed all the time on Thursday during training. That is the greatest gift for me as a coach.
"Of course it will take some time until he is 100 per cent fit again after seven months on the sidelines due to injury."

Bayern were initially expected not to rush the 32-year-old back into action after his lengthy absence, but they fast-forwarded his comeback after Douglas Costa and Arjen Robben were both ruled out of Saturday's trip to Gladbach with muscular problems.

Furthermore, the reigning Bundesliga champions will be without David Alaba (ankle), Thiago Alcantara (knee), Juan Bernat (groin) and Mario Gotze (adductor).

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: I am not always like a constipated person

Arsene Wenger insists he does have a lighter side, despite admitting he can sometimes seem "constipated" when fulfilling his role as Arsenal manager.

The 66-year-old has been in charge of the Gunners since 1996 and has been known for his intense rivalries with the likes of Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.

But Wenger has insisted he is more jovial away from work than the image he projects when coping with the stress of managing Arsenal in the Premier League.

"With my job, I am often stressed, so I might appear a bit like a constipated person," he told Le Parisien.

"But it is true [that I have a sense of humour], it is an aspect of my personality that people do not know about.

"I like to laugh when I am with my friends and to let my humorous side reign free, something that I obviously cannot do in front of the media.

"You know that you can quickly cause irreparable damage when you have my job. I am more interested in controlling that."

Wenger reflected fondly on his past battles with Ferguson, but was less eager to discuss the challenge of competing with Chelsea boss Mourinho.

"We went up against each other quite often when he [Ferguson] was still a manager, but the intensity of the battle has left respect and it is always a pleasure to see him again," the Frenchman.

Asked about his relationship with Mourinho, he said: "I would prefer not to talk about it."

Wenger also reiterated it was hard to see him working anywhere else when he finishes up as Arsenal boss.

He continued: "It seems to me that it would be difficult, I am 66 and I still have a year and a half left on my contract.

"I will see what happens after. One small step after the other, it is more like that for me at the moment."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Schneiderlin: Teams go on the defensive against Manchester United

Morgan Schneiderlin believes Manchester United's struggles in front of goal boil down to the defensive tactics that opponents employ.

United have been out-scored by all of their top-five rivals, with boss Louis van Gaal coming under criticism for a supposedly boring style of play.

However, Schneiderlin does not agree that United are guilty of playing with a safety-first approach, citing stubborn opponents as the real reason behind that perception.

"Every team we come up against is putting 10 people behind the ball and defending for their lives," Schneiderlin told Manchester United's official website.

"I know there is criticism but we let people do their talking. Our job is to deliver by winning games. I've seen teams win the Premier League with good, solid defences and not conceding goals. Football is like that sometimes.

"But, of course, we need to work on our formation to try to score goals and win games."

United will be looking to return to winning ways on Saturday when they host West Ham after back-to-back draws against PSV and Leicester City.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nice 0-3 Paris Saint-Germain: Ibrahimovic & Cavani on target in simple win

Paris Saint-Germain got back to winning ways in Ligue 1 as a goal in each half from Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped them see off 10-man Nice 3-0 at the Allianz Riviera.

Having seen their run of nine straight league victories come to an end with a 0-0 draw at Angers on Tuesday, Laurent Blanc’s side responded in style to open up a 16-point gap at the top of the table.

Back in the team after sitting out the midweek fixture, Ibrahimovic laid on the first for Edinson Cavani before making it 2-0 from the spot, with Niklas Hult sent off for the hosts after denying the Swede a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Ibrahimovic's second of the night arrived 15 minutes after the break, ensuring PSG would record a sixth straight league league triumph over their opponents.

Nice had actually looked dangerous when it was 11 against 11 – Hatem Ben Arfa had three long-range attempts with his favoured left foot, while Mathieu Bodmer headed a great chance straight at Kevin Trapp in the visiting goal.

However, PSG seized control of the game in a crucial 10-minute period before the interval.

Cavani broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, tapping into an empty net after Ibrahimovic had unselfishly driven the ball across the face of the goal to find his unmarked team-mate, rather than take on a tricky shot with his left foot.

When Cavani tried to return the favour just before the break, the Swede was denied a simple tap-in at the far post due to Hult dragging him down inside the area.

After Hult was shown a straight red card, Ibrahimovic converted the penalty, doubling PSG's advantage and leaving Nice in damage control mode.

Benjamin Stambouli headed over the crossbar when left all alone from six yards out straight after the half-time break, while Angel Di Maria saw a shot deflected wide when Yoan Cardinale had been left completely wrong-footed by the touch off his own player.

The third did eventually arrive just after the hour, Ibrahimovic this time deciding to go for goal from a tight angle with his right foot. Stood a yard off his line expecting another cross, Cardinale was unable to stop the low drive going in at the near post.

However, the striker missed out on the chance to help himself to a hat-trick, as Blanc withdrew him with 13 minutes remaining. He was whistled off by the home crowd, though the wry smile on his face suggested he did not mind the cat calls one bit.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lazio 0-2 Juventus: Dybala magic seals away win

Paulo Dybala's brilliant strike confirmed Juventus' renaissance after a tough Serie A start, as the champions vanquished Lazio 2-0 in Rome.

The Argentine had been at the heart of Juve's opener after just seven minutes, when his shot deflected off Santiago Gentiletti and into the defender's own net.

And still in the first half, he teed himself up and struck with a fantastic volley from 20 yards out which doubled the visitors' advantage.

An out of sorts Lazio lacked the attacking strength to pull one back, failing to get a shot on target until the 70th minute, while Juventus seemed happy to defend their lead.

The victory was Massimiliano Allegri's side's fifth consecutive Serie A win as they continue to climb up the table after an underwhelming start to the season.

Lazio, meanwhile, have now gone six matches in a row without victory, losing five of them.

Antonio Candreva crafted the first chance in the fifth minute, the Italy international trying his luck from outside the area after cutting inside from the left, but his shot went just wide.

Juventus went a goal up just two minutes later after some unfortunate defending from Lazio. Mauricio failed to properly clear Alex Sandro's cross from the left, deflecting it straight into the path of Dybala, and the former Palermo star powerfully fired it across the face of goal, with Gentiletti deflecting it into the net.

The home side looked dangerous after a corner kick from the left, with Stefan Radu beating his marker to the ball, only to see his header go harmlessly wide.

Dybalaremained Juventus' main threat in the first half and the 22-year-old doubled the visitors' lead in spectacular fashion in the 32nd minute, collecting Mario Mandzukic's pass, juggling the ball onto his left foot and firing beyond Marchetti.
Radu felt he should have been awarded a penalty after a challenge from Andrea Barzagli early in the second half, but referee Luca Banti was having none of it and waved play on.

Dybala could have doubled his personal tally around the hour mark, but Gentiletti did just enough to force the attacker out wide and his shot from a narrow angle went comfortably wide.

Gianluigi Buffon was tested for the first time with 20 minutes to play when Marco Parolo unleashed an opportunistic shot from 30 yards out, but the experienced goalkeeper comfortably saved the free-kick.

Allegri's side are now just four points off the summit ahead of a return to Champions League action when they visit Sevilla on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: Alexis could have been killed!


Alexis Sanchez could have been killed in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Norwich, according to Arsene Wenger.

The Chilean international was nudged into a cameraman's pit by the Norwich defender last Sunday and Bennett tweeted afterwards that he was just trying to stop himself.

However, Wenger criticised the 25-year-old and feels the incident could have ended in catastrophe.
“When Sanchez was pushed into the boards on the side of the field, that did not shock anybody,” Wenger told reporters

“It is absolutely dangerous to have a camera there. He could have killed him.

"Bennett did not need to push him like he did."

Sanchez injured his hamstring during the game and is expected to be out of action for several weeks as a result.

While there had been calls for the French coach to rest the ex-Barcelona attacker prior to the match, he insists Sanchez was fully fit heading into the game.

"I tested him before it and said, ‘If you have the slightest muscle problem tell me, I don’t play you.’ He said he had no problem at all, the tests were all positive.

“You cannot say the player is a super player, and when he doesn’t play that you don’t suffer. We have no Sanchez in any cupboard at the club. We have to compensate by finding different qualities.

“Every injury gives you a bigger chance to be injured again. That is the biggest problem in our sport, you lose confidence in your body. I had players who, after two or three injuries, subconsciously refused to sprint."

The Gunners were dealt another injury blow this week as it was revealed that Santi Cazorla could be out of action for three months, though Wenger admitted he is still unsure how long the Spaniard oculd be out for.

“It could be a rupture,” Wenger added. "I have to wait until we have a complete assessment from the specialist.

"We know his lateral collateral ligament has been touched, he might have a capsular problem as well.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho open to new Hazard roles: He can be a 9, 10, 7 or 11

Jose Mourinho believes that Chelsea star Eden Hazard can adapt his game to play anywhere in the attacking third with enough study and application.

The Portuguese has focused on giving the Belgian statistical reports on how he performed playing upfront in last weekend's 0-0 draw against Tottenham - a role in which the reigining Premier League Player of the Year starred in.

And Mourinho thinks that he will be able to coax similar kinds of performances from Hazard, who he believes has a major role to play in Chelsea's ambitions this season.

“His performance last week was good in every aspect,” Mourinho told reporters. “He got the feedback. Even written feedback because we analysed his performance in great detail and I thought it was good for him to get it in a written document with graphics on every aspect.

“That was unusual, yes. It had everything. Lots of everything - my feedback, my vision, numbers, figures, stats. Stats, for me, mean very little on their own. It was so impressive he needs that feedback and to know his efforts were recognised by myself.

“He knows how good he was. Hopefully he can build from now. The good is coming. The decisions, the Euros at the end of the season and the Champions League next week. The Premier League is crucial for us too - every point important because we want to finish top four. He knows how much we need him.

“With that attitude and dynamic, playing with the ball and attacking them, he can play in every position. He can be 9, 10, 7 or 11.”

The English champions hosts Bournemouth on Saturday and Mourinho could have Hazard's compatriot Thibaut Courtois back for the game, with the trainer predicting his return will be a major boost for the Blues.

Courtois is Courtois. To miss Courtois for a couple of matches, we knew we had good protection in a good goalkeeper [Asmir Begovic]," he concluded.

"But to lose your best goalkeeper for three months and 19 matches in all competitions. 19 matches without the best goalkeeper in the world. It was hard for us. Now we are again in a super situation by having the best and a very good one."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho open to new Hazard roles: He can be a 9, 10, 7 or 11

Playmaker role 1kata thamai Hazard hodama​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I'm no genius' - Klopp denies Liverpool title chances

Jurgen Klopp has played down the impact he has made since his appointment at Liverpool, claiming he is not a genius.

The reinvigorated Merseysiders have won seven of their past eight matches and take on a depleted Newcastle side at St James' Park on Sunday.

The German manager admitted he has not set his Liverpool players any precise targets about winning the league, instead urging them to enjoy their time on the pitch.

"We didn't have a Borussia Dortmund plan and say, 'OK, give us three years and we'll win the German title.' We don't have that plan here either," he said.

"We just always try to learn and understand more about the players. It is not our job to find a new way to play football. For this you need a genius and we are not.

"We try to make the best with the players we have and at this moment we don't know what is best. We only know about the way to go.

"There are another 30, 35 games to go this season and I don't know how long it will take and I don't think about that."
Liverpool's purple patch has seen them close the gap to leaders Manchester City to six points, with Klopp revealing he has encouraged his players in order to rebuild their previously forlorn confidence.

"You can't always play with a miserable face – OK, that's how I play tennis but that's my problem," he joked.

"I don't expect someone to go into a one-on-one situation with a big smile on their face but, you know what I mean, it's important to be able to enjoy what you are doing.

"That is best for everybody. Football always looks only like work in difficult times. Football is always hard work, but it looks easier when you are on a good run and that is enough to enjoy."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal to quit Manchester United if he feels chemistry is gone

Louis van Gaal has revealed that he is ready to quit as Manchester United manager if he feels he no longer has a connection with his players.

The Dutchman has received significant criticism in recent months following United's underwhelming performances despite them sitting third in the Premier League table.

Van Gaal's side are just one point off the pace from leaders Manchester City, and have qualification for the Champions League knockout stages in their own hands.

The Dutch boss is confident that he still has the backing of the players, and has made it clear he would immediately throw in the towel the moment he felt that was no longer the case.

"The most important thing in my opinion is the chemistry between players and staff," he explained to reporters. "That chemistry is the most important thing and when I have the feeling that the chemistry is there, I will always work to my utmost best.

"But when I have a single feeling that it is not like that, I'm the first coach that quits and I have proved that already with my former clubs and former jobs.

"I don't think there is another coach who decides to quit himself because of the money aspect, but I am like that.

"It's fantastic that people are saying when I'm gone, 'Oh, he was very good, he gave structure and was the basis for other things'. But the most important thing for me as a trainer, coach and manager is the chemistry between me and my players and my board.

"It should be good and otherwise I would be gone."

United resume Premier League action at home against West Ham on Saturday, having been held 1-1 at joint leaders Leicester City last time out.

The Red Devils' Champions League group stage campaign concludes with Tuesday's visit to Wolfsburg, who they will replace at the summit of Group B with a win.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal to quit Manchester United if he feels chemistry is gone

Loku deyak oka thamai wennath one

Oya kiyana chemistry eka nathi una kiyala ikmanata LVG ta hithena tharamata team 1kata hodai​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gotze: It would be great if Guardiola stayed at Bayern Munich


Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze says he hopes Pep Guardiola will stay with the Bundesliga giants beyond the end of the season, but he remains unsure if he will.

The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City.

Gotze, currently sidelined with a groin injury, said he had no idea if Guardiola would extend his stay, but he hopes the former Barcelona coach remains in charge.
"You can't look into his head. The coach and the club have to decide. It's difficult to give a prognosis," he said.

Asked about what made Guardiola, who has led the club to two league titles, so special, Gotze said it was obvious in Bayern's performances.

"We all saw it. Especially during the last two-and-a-half years," he said.

"We played successful football and the way that we play suits the team and football itself. A big part of that is because of the coach.

"We would be happy if he stayed. He's got a philosophy that suits us very well and that's why it would be a good thing if he stayed."
Bayern visit fifth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday looking for a sixth straight win in all competitions.

Gotze said he was intrigued by the clash against what he described as one of the league's better teams.

"Gladbach are definitely one of the toughest opponents. They always play good football," he said.

"It will be a tough match, especially away at Borussia Park. But like I said, the team is in good shape. We are on a run. That's why I hope and think that we will win."

Costa has quickly adapted to life at Bayern, scoring two goals and providing seven assists in 12 Bundesliga games so far this season.

But the Brazilian is unavailable for Saturday's clash Borussia Monchengladbach due to injury.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2015.12.05 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2015.12.05 Fixtures

Stoke City Vs Manchester City

Arsenal Vs Sunderland

Manchester United Vs West Ham

Southampton Vs Aston Villa

Swansea Vs Leicester City

Watford Vs Norwich City

WBA Vs Tottenham

Chelsea Vs Bournemouth

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Good Luck Manchester United!
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

LA Liga 2015.12.05 Fixtures

LA Liga 2015.12.05 Fixtures

Real Madrid Vs Getafe

Granada Vs Atletico Madrid

Valencia Vs Barcelona

Deportivo Vs Sevilla

Real Bestis Vs Celta Vigo
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Serie A 2015.12.05 Fixtures

Serie A 2015.12.05 Fixtures

Torino Vs Roma

Inter Vs Genoa
​

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Real are banging drums!
4-0 only gone 40 mins!!!
Ronaldo is playing well!
Nice back header for bale's goal and superb goal from a nice through ball by kroos.
Benzema 2 goals
Form is back Barca bitches!

Okkomala pattata play karanawa. Kroos, Modric, Rodriguez patta
Loving the game
Ronaldo apahu team player kenek widihata play karanawa. me widihata january wenakan play karoth Ballon D'or dinanna puluwan.
Thawa hoda assists tikakui hoda free kick ekakui long shot marvellous goal ekakui gahuwoth aniwa ganna puluwan wei