..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Ferguson: Chelsea can't sack Mourinho, he's one of the best ever

Sir Alex Ferguson says Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich would be "foolish" to sack Jose Mourinho, hailing him as one of the best coaches the game has ever seen.

The reigning Premier League champions have been in abysmal form this term, with Saturday's 1-0 defeat to newly-promoted Bournemouth the latest disappointing result.

Mourinho's men have picked up just four points from their last six league games, leaving them sitting just two points above the relegation zone after 15 matches.

Speculation over the Portuguese coach's future continues to increase, but former Manchester United manager Ferguson feels the club should stick by him.

"Abramovich has sacked so many coaches in the last 10 years that I am sure he has learned from it," the Scotsman is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"He has to trust and have confidence that Jose can turn it around.

“There is no point in sacking one of the best coaches of all time, he’s won the European Cup twice, he’s won the league in each country he’s managed in, he’s won the big trophies.

"It would be foolish to take that step to sack him. That would be bad management. It’s not leadership, that."

The 73-year-old pointed out that Chelsea's current predicament is the first time Mourinho has ever really struggled in his career, but he has backed him to turn the situation around.
“I’ve been watching Jose and I’ve spoken to him a couple of times. It’s the first time he’s been confronted with non-success.

"If you look at his whole career it’s been nothing but a rise all the time, so for the first time in his life he’s had to deal with bad publicity, adversity, and thats a challenge but there are signs he is getting back to a balanced level even though they lost on Saturday.

“For Jose, all good leaders will eventually find a solution. He will find a solution and I think he will get back to normal. It’s not looking great at the moment, but I know the guy and work he has done in football and I can’t see it lasting long.

"There are not many teams who can continue that, for instance Manchester City won the League and then lost it the next year, Chelsea won the league and are now having a bad spell.

"It is very difficult to maintain and continue success for five, six, seven years, very, very difficult.

“The key is to avid complacency."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benitez responds to Lewandowski rumours

Rafa Benitez has refused to comment on speculation linking Real Madrid with a move for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.

The Poland international has been in sensational form for Bayern this season and plundered 14 Bundesliga goals in as many games for the champions.

But, rumours have gathered pace that Madrid are planning to launch a bid for Lewandowski after the player's agent reportedly watched the La Liga club's win over Getafe.

However, Benitez kept his cards close to his chest when questioned on the subject ahead of his side's final Champions League group stage fixture against Malmo.

"Lewandowski? This is a press conference about the Champions League game," he said. "I won't comment on that."

Madrid have already booked their spot in the knockout stages ahead of Tuesday's contest. However, they will again be without centre-back Sergio Ramos, who has missed the last four games with a shoulder problem.

"Ramos is not ready for the game," he added. "I think he will be ready for the game versus Villarreal [on Sunday]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hecking: Manchester United have to win

Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking believes Manchester United will have to beat his side on Tuesday if they are to remain in this season's Champions League.

United visit the Volkswagen Arena in second place in Group B, needing a win to guarantee a place in the knockout stages.

Third-placed PSV are a point back and host CSKA Moscow at the Philips Stadion, meaning the pressure is on Louis van Gaal's men.

Hecking told reporters: "It won't be an easy game for Manchester United. It's not only difficult because it's an away game; the make up of the group is also very difficult for them.

"They have to win. They can't rely on the fact PSV won't win against CSKA. In my opinion PSV will win. So it is a very difficult situation for United. But they have great experience in the Champions League. They have faced similar situations in the past where they have had to handle a lot of pressure.

"It's a new situation for us but we are in a great position and that is not something we are willing to give up."

United have been criticised this season for a lack of attacking fluency, with Saturday's 0-0 draw with West Ham at Old Trafford was the fifth time in the last nine games that they have failed to score.

Hecking, however, is wary of United's know-how in similar situations and expects a tough game.

He added: "Manchester United have many great players within their squad. [Juan] Mata, [Anthony] Martial, Bastian Schweinsteiger, I don't how many games he has played in the Champions League, Memphis Depay... These are all players who have shown many times that they can play in a great way.

"But that doesn't count on Tuesday. It's only important that we show United that we can eliminate them. That's the way we’ll start the game."

Andre Schurrle, who has experience of playing in England with Chelsea, says he has the utmost respect for United, despite their current troubles in front of goal.

The Germany international said: "The respect is always there, no matter which opponent you face. Manchester United have a great name in football history and a top team. But we saw at Old Trafford that we can compete against them. Unfortunately it was not enough for a point, but I am sure that when we play at home we can win against them."

Schurrle is looking forward to meeting up with national team colleague Schweinsteiger but admits it is odd not to see him in Bayern Munich colours.

"It is a bit strange seeing him when you only know him with the FC Bayern shirt or from the German national team. But when you talk to him you can see that he likes it, so it is nice to see him again and to play against him and Manchester United," he said.

"But we play at home and won’t give him any gifts."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ferguson: Things are looking up for Liverpool under Klopp

Sir Alex Ferguson is in no doubt that Jurgen Klopp will produce a huge upturn in Liverpool's fortunes.

Former Manchester United manager Ferguson, who led the Red Devils to 13 Premier League titles and five FA Cups, says he does not want to see the Anfield side successful but finds it hard to speak negatively about the former Borussia Dortmund boss.

The 73-year-old has been impressed by Klopp's personality and is confident there will be a big impact at Liverpool.

"I am worried about him because the one thing United do not want is Liverpool to get above us," he said at the TechCrunch Disrupt London event.

"I know him quite well from the coaching seminars. He is going to make a difference at that club with his personality, drive and knowledge. Things are looking up there.

"He is a fantastic personality, with those big white teeth always showing. Even at Newcastle when they lost the second goal he goes over to Steve McClaren to congratulate him. That is class, that. And the work he did at Borussia Dortmund."

Seventh-placed Liverpool are six points behind United in fourth after 15 games of the Premier League season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

It's weird seeing Schweinsteiger at Man Utd - Schurrle


Wolfsburg attacker Andre Schurrle has admitted he still finds it strange seeing Bastian Schweinsteiger in a Manchester United shirt.

The midfielder brought an end to a 17-year spell with Bayern Munich in the summer to reunite with Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Schweinsteiger had won eight league titles, one Champions League crown and a Club World Cup during his time with the Bavarian giants and Schurrle feels it is unusual seeing him in a different shade of red than that of the Bundesliga club.

"It's a bit strange seeing him when you've only known him as a Bayern Munich or Germany player," he said. "But when you talk to him you can really tell he's enjoying it at Manchester."
Wolfsburg host the Red Devils in a decisive Champions League tie on Tuesday in their final Group B clash as they look to book a place in the last-16 of the competition, and while Schurrle has respect for Schweinsteiger and United, he maintains that his side will go all out to upset them in midweek.

"We won't be giving him any gifts. His calmness and experience make him stand out," he added. "He's basically experienced every situation in football and has achieved so much as a player. We have to take special care not to give him freedom."

"We saw at Old Trafford that we can compete with them and play our own game against them. I'm sure playing at home we can win against them."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: The goals WILL come

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has pledged that his side will start to find the net more regularly in the weeks ahead.

The Red Devils have been critised for their lack of potency, and did little to silence their doubters at the weekend, when they were held to a scoreless draw at home to West Ham.

But speaking in a press conference ahead of the Champions League clash against Wolfsburg, Van Gaal insisted that sooner or later they would break the drought.

"I have the experience as a manager that the goals will come," he told reporters.

"When you create chances you can finish those chances and we have that belief - it is a matter of time and I hope we can prove that tomorrow."

The club have endured mixed fortunes so far in the 2015-16 season, but after 15 games lie just three points shy of Premier League leaders Leicester City.
And Van Gaal insisted that his players are performing to expectations, with only two games as exceptions.

"I am pleased with the squad, when I have to reconsider our season I will say our matches against Arsenal and Crystal Palace were the matches when we were not the better team," he pointed out.

"I know we must score more goals. As a manager I know we must score, but when you ask about the team's performance I am satisfied."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: The goals WILL come

Kawada withara wage weida danne naha neda​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ferguson reiterates backing for Valencia boss Neville

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he spoke to Gary Neville shortly after the former Manchester United defender agreed to become the new coach of Valencia.

Neville took the reins at Mestalla on December 2 in what is his first managerial role, following the resignation of Nuno Espirito Santo from the Liga club.

Ferguson, who managed Neville at United throughout his entire playing career at club level, revealed the advice he gave during a personal visit from his former captain.

"I spoke to him; he came over to my house. And I said 'be yourself, trust your conviction, like you've done throughout your playing career and it has never let you down'. And I think that will help him," Ferguson said at the TechCrunch Disrupt London event.

Neville signed a contract with Valencia until the end of this season and watched from the stands during their 1-1 draw with Barcelona on Saturday.

He takes charge for the first time against Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday, with the Spanish outfit needing a win to progress to the knockout stages while hoping that Gent fail to beat Zenit St Petersburg in the other match in Group H.

The 40-year-old will combine his duties with his England coaching role under Roy Hodgson and, while Ferguson believes Neville has taken a leap of faith in accepting the job, the former United manager is confident that he has the characteristics to succeed in Spain.

"Typical Gary, that he has got the courage to do something like this. It's a big step for him from owning Salford City to managing Valencia," he added.

"But he has got the football experience and he has got the role with England which will help him too.

"But the most important thing he has got is an incredible determination about him and he is a good decision-maker. He is prepared to make a decision. He has that positive attitude and he is a winner, an absolute winner, and I think he will do well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Schweinsteiger hit with FA charge

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has been hit with a Football Association (FA) charge for an altercation with West Ham defender Winston Reid.

Saturday's Premier League goalless draw at Old Trafford was overshadowed by the incident in which the Germany international appeared to strike the centre-back with his forearm.

Referee Mark Clattenburg and his assistants missed the altercation and the FA have subsequently opted to take retrospective action for an "alleged act of violent conduct".

An FA statement read: "Bastian Schweinsteiger has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

"The Manchester United midfielder was involved in an incident with West Ham United's Winston Reid in the 40th minute of the game on Saturday 5 December 2015.

"The matter was referred to a panel of three former elite referees who each reviewed the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they considered it a sending-off offence.

"For an FA charge to follow the decision by the panel must be unanimous."

Schweinsteiger's actions were criticised by both Reid and West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, who stated that the former Bayern Munich man should have been shown a red card.

"He deserved to be sent off, but it's impossible for the ref to see everything. No matter how many referees you have, sometimes they can't see," Bilic said in the aftermath of the game.

"I'm sure if he did see it, it would have been a straight red. Of course we are disappointed but it happens. He just didn't see it."

Reid added: "It was a red card. He knows what he's done – he's elbowed me in the face. The referee couldn't see it, so we move on."

Schweinsteiger has until midday on Thursday to reply to the charge and could face a three-match ban if found guilty.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Misfiring Martial must be given time - Van Gaal


Louis van Gaal has given his backing to Anthony Martial despite his poor goalscoring form, insisting the Manchester United striker needs time to be successful.

United manager Van Gaal has come in for criticism due to his side's failure to break teams down in recent weeks, United have scored just one goal in their last three games and had only one shot on target in last Saturday's 0-0 draw with West Ham.

Since scoring four goals in his first four games following a big money move from Monaco, Martial has netted just once more, finding the net in a 1-1 Champions League draw with CSKA Moscow back in October.
However, ahead of their crucial final Champions League group stage clash with Wolfsburg, Van Gaal said: "I think he [Martial] is very talented but we have to say also he is just 20.
"We have to give him time and that's always difficult when you are playing for a team like United because the expectations are very high, but I'm very convinced that he shall continue with his performances and also that he shall score at the right moment again.

"He doesn't need that pressure to score every match."

United will be knocked out of the competition if their result at the Volkswagen Arena is bettered by Group B rivals PSV, who face CSKA.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace: Late Lukaku saves Toffees

Romelu Lukaku rescued a point for Everton as they drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace, who moved into the Premier League's top six after an enthralling finale at Goodison Park.

Alan Pardew's side came into Monday's game fresh from a 5-1 drubbing of Newcastle United last time out and took all three points from their last trip to Merseyside – a 2-1 win over Liverpool on November 8.

Despite being second-best for long periods, the London club took the lead 14 minutes from time.

Scott Dann – scorer of the winning goal in the victory at Anfield – headed in a Jason Puncheon corner to seemingly put Palace on course for three points.

But, after Everton had hit the woodwork for the third time through Lukaku, the Belgian pegged the visitors back in the 81st minute.

Lukaku turned in Gerard Deulofeu's right-wing cross to net his 50th goal for Everton on his 100th appearance for the club to seal a result that sends Palace up to sixth and Roberto Martinez's men up to ninth.

Palace made the brighter start to proceedings and were almost rewarded for their early dominance in the 15th minute, but Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was equal to Connor Wickham's header from Yannick Bolasie's near-post cross.

Lukaku then went agonisingly close to punishing Palace's profligacy at the other end, the Belgium striker turning into space just outside of the 18-yard box only to see his low effort cannon off the inside of the left-hand post.

By that point Palace's command of the contest had begun to slip away and Pardew's men required some last-ditch defending to preserve parity as Everton cranked up the pressure.

Everton remained in the ascendancy after the break but continued to spurn opportunities, Ross Barkley nodding Arouna Kone's right-wing cross wide nine minutes after the restart.

For all their superiority, Everton were fortunate not to be caught cold by Bolasie, who was allowed to surge into the box from inside his own half and arrow a low shot towards goal that Howard kept out with his legs.

Palace were again saved by the woodwork on the hour mark as Barkley's free-kick from the left was headed onto the inside of his own crossbar by Wickham, who was grateful to see the ball bounce down without crossing the line.

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey frustrated Everton by brilliantly turning a fierce Tom Cleverley volley over, before Howard denied Puncheon with an excellent stop of his own.

Dann looked to have won it as he rose highest from the subsequent corner to power home and Palace's luck certainly seemed to be in when Lukaku's thunderous volley clattered the bar.

Yet Everton finally found the goal their play deserved as the former Chelsea man popped up to level from point-blank range for his ninth goal in as many league games, with Jordon Mutch going close in stoppage time for Palace in a thrilling finish.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool tracking Serbian starlet Grujic

Liverpool are among a clutch of top European clubs interested in signing Red Star Belgrade starlet Marko Grujic, Goal can confirm.

The Reds sent representatives to watch the 19-year-old on Sunday, and he didn't disappoint as he inspired Red Star Belgrade's emphatic 7-2 win over Cukaricki.

Goal understands that Inter are favourites to sign the promising midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Roma.

Liverpool are, however, keeping an eye on developments, with Jurgen Klopp having previously stated his preference for signing young players with potential.

Grujic would certainly fit into that category but the Merseysiders know they face a battle to secure his services.

Should they succeed in luring him to Anfield, Liverpool would likely allow the teenager to spend a season on a loan with his current club, as was the case with Divock Origi and Lille.

Red Star are thought to be after £5 million at minimum if they are to part with a player they consider to be a key asset.

The Serbia youth international has five SuperLiga goals and assists in 2015-16 and was also part of his country's Under-20 World Cup winning squad this year.

Klopp has stated that he does not want his employers to make any panic decisions in the transfer market, with any potential deal for Grujic representing an investment for the future.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti reveals interest in managing Man Utd

Carlo Ancelotti has confessed that he would like to return to the Premier League and indicated that managing Manchester United would be an interesting proposition.

The 56-year-old, who has been out of work since leaving his role at Real Madrid in May 2015, has previously expressed his interest in returning to management in the Premier League.

Ancelotti had been linked with a return to England - and the hot-seat at Old Trafford - in 2014 after David Moyes' dismissal, yet saw Louis van Gaal instead land the position.

But he has now revealed his interest in managing the Old Trafford club.

"Of course, for every manager, they would all think of managing Manchester United," he told The Independent.

"But I have no regrets about staying at Real because I really enjoyed Madrid. I would like to come back in a club with a good project, but, of course, one that is competitive.

"When I went to PSG, it was a club with a really good project. They were not a club with a tradition like Milan or Madrid, but they wanted to grow and are still on this path now.
"But, the Premier League is the best in the sense of atmosphere, ambience. It is also competitive, so I would like to come back, especially for the atmosphere.”

Ancelotti, who won the league title, FA Cup and Community Shield during a three-year spell in England with Chelsea, has stated he wants to return to management next summer.

He said: "I will continue to wait [to join a club]. If I don’t find a club with a good project, I can wait.

"What will I do? Watching games, fishing, all these things. But let us see next summer. I will not take a job in mid-season, but I would like to work again next summer."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti reveals interest in managing Man Utd

Ancelotti or Guardiola thamai ganna one

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Carragher blasts Manchester City's defence

Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City will need to splash more cash in the off-season after blasting the club's two newest defensive players.

Manuel Pellegrini's side went down 2-0 to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday with Marko Arnautovic scoring two early goals, costing them top spot in the Premier League table.

Central defender Nicolas Otamendi cost the club over £30million in August, whilst partnering centre-back Eliaquim Mangala cost the club almost £40m last season.

Despite the club's huge financial outlay, Carragher is worried that neither can perform without their injured captain.

"Of course they miss [Vincent] Kompany, but all those players are in their thirties," Carragher said on Sky Sports.

"And in terms of City and the bigger problem going forward, they have spent big money in the attacking areas in [Raheem] Sterling and [Kevin] De Bruyne, because they felt they lacked pace.

"And I think they have both done OK, they have both done well.

"I think they may have this problem again in the summer because of the age of those players and the youngest one they have got is Mangala, who is not good enough.

"He has been here 18 months and had his time and I think City know that as well; they tried to move him on to Valencia.

"And Otamendi has come in as well, another one in his twenties, who is still yet to show us what we think he may be capable of. But he is struggling as well.

"So it looks like in the summer they could be needing one or two players, but you think of the money they have spent, £70m on two centre-backs, and they can't play without Kompany."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Leicester can win the Premier League - Ferguson

Leicester City are capable of winning the Premier League this season, according to former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Claudio Ranieri's men are top of the table after 15 games and hold a two-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal.

Star striker Jamie Vardy leads the scoring charts with 14 goals, including a record 11-game scoring streak, and Ferguson believes the club's form mean could go all the way this season.

"This is a team with fantastic vitality, speed, energy," Ferguson said at a conference on Monday.

"At the moment Leicester are the best team in the league, without a doubt. But the question is, how long will it last? Have they the resources to continue through the season?

"Back in 1992-93 when we won the Premier League for the first time, Norwich led the whole season until the middle of March. But we beat them at their own ground and won the league.

"So, for a small club, historically, like Leicester City, they have a challenge. How far can they go with this present squad, can they last the whole season?"

If they are to compete for top spot at the end of the season, Ferguson says Ranieri will have to be in the owner's ears about adding depth to their squad in the January transfer window.

"What is the manager Claudio Ranieri saying to the owners? What is his view in terms of adding to the squad?" Ferguson continued.

"If I were him I’d want an investment in January because this is a big opportunity. They could win the league, the way they are playing, and they have goals in their team.

"Have they got the money? I think they have. Do the owners trust the coach? He has to pick the team, and by adding more players to it, he gives himself a problem.

"At the moment he can pick the same team because he has a limited squad and is doing very well. But if he wants to win the league I think he should add to it. And I think there may be a great chance."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Leicester can win the Premier League - Ferguson

Season's 2nd half 1kath meh wagema play kaloth Leicester City lata EPL 1ka win karanna loku chance 1kak thiyanawa​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Champions League Group Stages Final Matchday Fixtures 2015.12.08

UEFA Champions League Group Stages Final Matchday Fixtures 2015.12.08

PSG Vs Shaktar

Real Madrid Vs Malmo

PSV Vs CSKA

Wolfsburg Vs Manchester United

Benfica Vs Atletico Madrid

Galatasaray Vs Astana

Manchester City Vs Borussia Monchengladbach

Sevilla Vs Juventus

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wolfsburg v Manchester United ada thanikarama final match 1kak wagema thamai.aniwa win karannama one match 1kak.​

Dan thiyana form 1kath ekka Manchester United mona karaganida mandakohomath pattama gemak denna wenawa win karanna.Wolfsburg home play karana widiya godak hodaiMartial ekka play karanna Depay up front dammanam hodai.​

Anyway Good luck Manchester United!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]