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    Zidane is a risky appointment - Valdano


    The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as coach of Real Madrid is a "risky" one, according to their former general manager Jorge Valdano.

    Zidane was announced as the club's new manager on Monday following the sacking of Rafael Benitez, who lasted just seven months in the job.

    The Frenchman spent six years as a player for the Spanish giants and began his coaching career at the club, taking over the Real Madrid Castilla side in 2014.

    However, Valdano believes Zidane's lack of experience makes it a risky appointment. "Zidane taking over is such a risky move because of his lack of experience," he told El Larguero. Valdano also gave his thoughts on why he believes the Benitez and Madrid relationship did not work out.

    "Benitez had troubles implementing his precise ideas in a squad with too many attacking midfielders," he said."Benitez also made more of an effort to accommodate the club than the club made to accommodate Benitez."
     

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    Neymar chants were not racist - Espanyol president

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    Espanyol president Joan Collet has reiterated that chants directed at Neymar in Saturday's clash against Barcelona were in no way racist. Barca captain Andres Iniesta said after the game Neymar was the subject of racist taunts during the clash with their local rivals at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat, which ended scoreless.

    And while Neymar says he did not hear any such chants, Collet rubbished claims that they were racist, re-assuring everyone that even Cristiano Ronaldo gets the same treatment.

    "I was there, on the pitch, and I saw nothing," he said. "I hear those chants of 'uh, uh, uh' every Sunday, even about Cristiano Ronaldo, and I have never interpreted them as imitating a monkey.

    "That's how it went. But if we must sanction anyone, you'd have to demonstrate that it was the sound of a monkey. And it wasn't."

    The president also said he was "surprised" that Barca have reportedly asked the league for images and to investigate the incident. "In Cornella there were heaps of their directors with me and none of them said anything," he added.

    "If there is anything, we'd have to accept the sanction, and Espanyol is in line to punish anything that's.
     

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    Boateng officially completes Milan return

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    AC Milan have re-signed midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng on a free transfer.
    Boateng's return the San Siro - believed to be on a six-month contract until the end of the season - was confirmed via the Serie A on Monday.

    The 28-year-old German-born Ghanaian, who first represented Milan between 2010 and 2013, had been training with Sinisa Mihajlovic's men with a view to a deal since September, though his Schalke contract was not terminated until last month.

    He did not make a single appearance for Schalke in 2015-16, having been suspended following May's 2-0 Bundesliga defeat to Cologne.In his first spell at Milan, Boateng won the Scudetto in his debut season and amassed 10 goals in 74 league appearances.

    Milan are sixth in the Serie A standings this term, eight points adrift of leaders Inter, as they prepare to host Bologna on Wednesday.
     

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    'Benitez was sacked now to reduce Real Madrid's compensation fee'

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    Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon claims that the timing of Rafa Benitez’s sacking was in order to reduce the amount of compensation paid to the Spaniard.

    Benitez was sacked just seven months into his three-year contract, with Zinedine Zidane appointed as his successor on Monday evening.

    “They sacked Benitez now because before January 15, they have to pay only one year's salary. After that, they have to pay two. That is the truth,” Calderon told talkSPORT.

    “They have done it now because of only that. Only one month before the chairman [Florentino Perez] said Benitez was the solution and not the problem.”

    Calderon also insists that Jose Mourinho, not Zidane, was Madrid’s first-choice replacement for Benitez.

    “Zidane has come because he is here,” said the former Madrid president.

    “The chosen one was Mou [Mourinho] but he decided not to come now. He didn't want to come now. I am quite sure he was asked. They wanted Mourinho to come now. They thought it was a risky decision for Zidane to come now.

    "I hope he can be as good a coach as he was a player – that would be fantastic. He has been coaching for only one-and-a-half years a second division team and he was [Carlo] Ancelotti's assistant – that is his only experience.

    "It is similar to Gary Neville but in a more difficult situation – Real Madrid is not Valencia. We have fantastic players but do we have a team to win the Champions League or the league?”
     

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    Verratti to Bayern more likely than Madrid or Barca - agent

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    Marco Verratti is more likely to join Bayern Munich over Real Madrid or Barcelona, according to his agent, though he insists a move will not happen any time soon.The midfielder has blossomed into one of Europe's highest-rated since he joined Paris Saint-Germain from Pescara in 2012, which has seen him linked with moves to Manchester United, Madrid and Barca.

    Verratti recently revealed his desire to reunite with his former PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti, who will take over at Bayern in the summer, and Di Campli believes a transfer to the Bundesliga champions at some stage in the future is more likely than a move to either La Liga side.

    "It would be less complicated for Marco to play for Bayern one day than to join Madrid or Barcelona," he told Corriere dello Sport."Both Spanish sides have too many ties with Qatar to do something that could upset PSG."

    However, the 23-year-old's representative insists his immediate future remains in the French capital, revealing it is only a matter of time before he will sign an extension, with his current deal due to expire in June 2019
    "We have agreed terms over a new deal," he added.

    "It is only a matter of putting it down on paper. Marco will stay with PSG for a long time, at least until 2020.

    "This is already the fourth time he has signed a contract renewal since joining PSG.
    "He now has to show again that he is worth his wages."
     

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    :cool:Guardiola: I'm leaving Bayern Munich for the Premier League


    Pep Guardiola admits that the reason why he has chosen not to extend his contract with Bayern Munich is because he wants to manage in the Premier League.

    Goal understands Manchester City are confident that Guardiola will opt to join them next summer, with the Spaniard key to their transfer plans next summer.

    Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Guardiola, whose deal with Bayern expires at the end of the season, but the 44-year-old insists he has not decided his next move.

    "The reason I have not extended my contract is simple. I want to manage in the Premier League,” said Guardiola.

    "I haven't decided on a new club yet.

    "I'm very happy and grateful to Bayern for the trust they've shown in me but I need a new challenge. I have an opportunity to work in England. I think I'm at the right age and I feel it is the right move for me."

    Carlo Ancelotti has already been appointed as Guardiola's successor and the Spaniard insists his side will remain a success under the Italian.

    "Coaches come and go but I think Carlo Ancelotti is a perfect choice to take over and I wish him the very best," said Guardiola.

    "The squad won trophies under Heynckes and for me too. They'll be successful with Ancelotti in charge as well."
     

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    IN FULL: Guardiola reveals Premier League move after Bayern Munich exit

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    Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his decision to quit Bayern Munich is because he wants to manage in the Premier League.

    The 44-year-old will leave the German champions at the end of the season, while Goal understands that Manchester City believe they are favourites to land the Spaniard ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United.

    Below are the key quotes from Guardiola's revealling press conference on Tuesday...

    WHY HE IS LEAVING BAYERN MUNICH...

    "I want to manage in the Premier League. That's the only reason why I didn't extend my contract.

    "I need a new challenge. Once I have a new contract the club will communicate it. At the moment, I can't say anything more. I haven't decided on a new club yet.

    "I'm very happy and grateful to Bayern for the trust they've shown in me but I need a new challenge.

    "I have an opportunity to work in England. I think I'm at the right age and I feel it is the right move for me.

    "I haven't spoken to many players yet. But Thomas Muller already said it: 'No matter who is our manager, we want to win everything.' They are amazing professionals and I have no doubt they will do the best for themselves and the club."

    WHO HE WANTS TO BRING WITH HIM TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE...

    "All players will remain in Munich. Thiago was the only exception. I'm happy when they all will remain in Munich."

    ON HIS EXIT...

    "I'm sorry if Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, or the club, are disappointed. I hope you are not angry with me. It's not about money, or the family, or the city. It's all about me trying a new situation.

    “And I also believe that it is good for the club. I think it is not good, if ever the same person in in the same position. I think I have a good relationship with my players and the club. I do not want to lose that."

    ON CARLO ANCELOTTI’S APPOINTMENT...

    "Congratulations to the club and to Carlo. I think that is a perfect decision. I wish Carlo all the best. He is a very intelligent person. I think everything will be fine for Bayern Munich. And everything will be fine for Carlo Ancelotti.

    "I will work to leave him the best squad possible. This squad won with [Jupp] Heynckes, won with me and will win with Carlo."

    ON HIS DECISION TO MOVE TO ENGLAND...

    "I want to experience the atmosphere, the stadiums, the emotions. Why to England? It's my feeling at the moment. I have the opportunity to go to England and I feel that this is the perfect moment right now.

    "From the beginning of the season I said to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge that it might be best for everyone if we are the last year together. We agreed that we talk about that later. But I wanted that the club had enough time to look for a new coach. That's why we spoke in September and October. Then the decision was made at the Christmas party."

    ON HIS TIME AT BAYERN MUNICH...

    "I feel very grateful for Bayern for this great opportunity. After my last game people can analyse what I have achieved here. What I want is to help my players understanding football through my eyes.

    “Maybe some players are a little bit better after my time here. Of course we will try again to win the Champions League. But I focus on my players. I'll do my best until the last day. Maybe I have not enough quality but I'll do my best. It's a dream to come here every day."

    ON WINNING TITLES THIS SEASON...

    "No club ever won the Bundesliga title four times in a row. You don't understand how hard it is to win it. In 51 games at home we lost only once - that shows how strong these players are.

    "Losing only once in 51 home matches in three years here is better than winning the Champions League for me.

    “Winning the Champions League would make my time here complete."

    ON ZINEDINE ZIDANE’S APPOINTMENT AT REAL MADRID...

    "I wish Zizou the best. He knows everything about football, about the club, about the medias. I do not wish him the perfect success, because I'm a fan of Barcelona."
     

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    Zidane backs 'upset' Bale and promises him 'affection and support'

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    Zinedine Zidane understands Gareth Bale’s disappointment at Rafael Benitez’s dismissal, but has promised the Welshman he has his full support. Benitez was sacked as Real Madrid manager on Monday with former France international Zidane taking his place.

    It’s led to reports in England that Bale is re-considering his future in the Spanish capital, with Manchester United prepared to pay £75 million to bring him back to the Premier League.

    However, Zidane, speaking at his first press conference as Los Blancos manager on Tuesday, says Bale has his backing.
    “I understand Gareth might be upset with Rafa leaving,” the 43-year-old admitted, “but he will get same affection and support from me as from Rafa.”

    “He is an important player and a key player for the squad - he’s phenomenal and we’re going to give him all the care and support he needs.”

    Zidane also confirmed that none of Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema need to fear for their places in the team.

    “Yes, I will play with all three. Clearly that’s the idea,” he responded when asked if he would persist with the front three which failed to keep Benitez in a job.
     

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    Benitez exit will not affect Bale - Toshack

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    Former Wales and Real Madrid boss John Toshack has dismissed suggestions that Gareth Bale could leave the Santiago Bernabeu for Manchester United following the dismissal of Rafa Benitez.

    Bale enjoyed a close relationship with Benitez following the latter's arrival at the Bernabeu ahead of the 2015-16 campaign and the 55-year-old's exit has reportedly unsettled the Wales international, with United believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

    Nevertheless, Toshack is adamant Benitez's departure will not influence Bale's situation in the Spanish capital.

    "I don't see Benitez's exit affecting Gareth at all," Toshack told BBC."I don't see that as a problem."

    Madrid opted to part company with Benitez following Sunday's 2-2 draw with Valencia, replacing him with Zinedine Zidane, and Toshack feels the ex-Napoli coach always faced an uphill task to succeed at the Bernabeu.

    "Benitez was up against it right from the off," he added. "Right from the minute he walked through the door something was not quite right. I don't think his face fitted.

    "I think he'll be looking to take a bit of a rest season, probably until the end of this season and maybe look at something next pre-season."
     

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    :cool:Rooney named England Player of the Year

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    Wayne Rooney has retained his England Player of the Year award after a record-breaking 2015.

    Three Lions captain Rooney scored five times in eight appearances last year, breaking the national team goalscoring record previously held by Bobby Charlton when he scored his 50th international goal against Switzerland in September.

    Manchester United forward Rooney claimed 37 per cent of the vote carried out by the England Supporters Club.

    Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland took the young player gong, scooping 54 per cent of the vote, after captaining Gareth Southgate's Under-21 side to the European Championship finals in the Czech Republic.
     

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    Vidal and Arda to make Barcelona debuts in Espanyol Copa clash

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    Luis Enrique has confirmed Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan will make their Barcelona debuts in Wednesday's Copa del Rey match against Espanyol.

    Arda joined Barca from Atletico Madrid ahead of the 2015-16 campaign, while Vidal made his way to Camp Nou from Sevilla, but the Catalans' transfer ban has prevented either from playing so far this season.

    The duo were registered on Monday, though, and are now raring to go after spending the first half of the season on the sidelines.

    "Arda and Vidal will both be involved on Wednesday," Luis Enrique said at a news conference. "I do not know yet how many minutes they will play, but they are both in great shape and excited to make their debut.

    "They are both very versatile players who could play in a number of positions.Aleix can play as a wing-back, a winger and even in midfield. They are both more than capable of doing well. They have remarkable individual quality and can give us a lot defensively as well."

    The Barcelona coach also had his say on Neymar's performances this season and hailed the progress the Brazil captain has made since his arrival at Camp Nou in 2013.

    "Neymar's development has been amazing," Luis Enrique added."He was still very young when he arrived at Barcelona, but he has made a lot of progress and has developed incredibly fast."
     

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    No January movement likely for Man City - Pellegrini

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    Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini does not expect to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

    City face Everton in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final on Wednesday, and are currently third in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Arsenal.

    But Pellegrini does not feel that the squad requires any fresh bodies in order to compete for silverware.

    "Probably no one will come and probably no one will go out," he said at his pre-match media conference.

    "We have the correct squad for the season, so are not thinking about any special player or position.

    "We have a lot of games - fortunately we have most of the squad fit so we can make some changes to see which players start which games."

    City are still in all four competitions with their FA Cup campaign yet to get under way and a Champions League last-16 tie against Dynamo Kiev to come next month and Pellegrini insists his team will fight for each title.

    He said: "We must beat Everton, then we can think about the first title and then we think about the best way to start the FA Cup - we must focus game by game regardless of the competition.

    "Maybe it is impossible to win all of the competitions but your attitude and desire and having a winning mentality indicates you must believe you can."

    The Chilean has also revealed that Sergio Aguero is set to face the Toffees, and has brushed off concerns over his fitness.

    "Bony has a kick in his calf so maybe he's not fit for tomorrow. In a few days more he should be fine to come back," Pellegrini said.

    "Sergio played three games in a week which was no problem for this moment. The last injury was not a muscle injury, just a pain in his heel.

    "He's fit and the best way for him to recover his best performance is to play games."
     

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    Guardiola revealed his Premier League decision... at Bayern Munich's Christmas party

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    Christmas parties are usually the chance to unwind after a long, arduous year at work - but not for Pep Guardiola.

    The 44-year-old revealed on Tuesday that his decision to quit Bayern Munich at the end of the campaign in order to move to the Premier League.

    And he has now claims that he chose Bayern’s Christmas party as the time to inform the club’s chiefs of his plans for 2016, but admits his desire to join an English side was made clear at the start of the campaign.

    "From the beginning of the season I said to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge that it might be best for everyone if we are the last year together,” said Guardiola.

    “We agreed that we talk about that later. But I wanted the club to have enough time to look for a new coach. That's why we spoke in September and October. Then the decision was made at the Christmas party.

    "I want to experience the atmosphere, the stadiums, the emotions. Why to England? It's my feeling at the moment. I have the opportunity to go to England and I feel that this is the perfect moment right now.”
     

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    Stoke City 0-1 Liverpool: Ibe gives Reds vital advantage

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    Liverpool will head into the second leg of their League Cup semi-final tie against Stoke City with a slim advantage thanks to Jordon Ibe's first-half goal at the Britannia Stadium.

    Ibe's cool finish after Joe Allen had diverted Adam Lallana's cut-back into his path proved decisive for the eight-time winners in a match of few clear-cut opportunities.

    On a run of just two wins in seven games, Liverpool produced a much-improved performance to head back to Merseyside with a lead ahead of the return fixture on January 26.

    The only negative for Jurgen Klopp was the lengthening of an already problematic injury list, with Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren both substituted due to hamstring complaints.

    Stoke, who are bidding to make the final for the first time since 1972, had more possession but struggled to make an impact going forward, with substitute Jonathan Walters wasting a glorious late chance.

    Mark Hughes's men were unchanged while Klopp made three alterations, bringing in Kolo Toure, Allen and Lallana as Christian Benteke dropped to the bench and Mamadou Sakho missed out through injury.

    Liverpool were dominant in the early stages, with Roberto Firmino and Lallana keeping Jack Butland busy with two saves from powerful long-range efforts.

    The visitors' momentum threatened to stall when Coutinho limped off after attempting a cross and Lovren pulled up soon after following a sliding tackle.

    But Liverpool got the goal their play deserved in the 37th minute. James Milner, on for Lovren, released Lallana down the right and his cut back to Allen was sliced across the six-yard box to Ibe, who made no mistake from close range.

    Stoke's best chance of the half went begging when Marko Arnautovic headed wide from close range after Glen Johnson's cross from the right.

    Just before the break, Simon Mignolet had to get down well to deny Johnson as he stabbed a shot through a crowded box.

    Referee Anthony Taylor was unmoved when Glenn Whelan went down under pressure from Alberto Moreno early in the second half as the hosts began to look more threatening.

    At the other end, Allen was denied a spot-kick after being bundled over by Whelan as Milner saw a goal-bound shot blocked on the line by Erik Pieters.

    Stoke pressed again when Joselu's shot deflected off Toure and just over the crossbar, but the best chance was still to come.

    The injury-hit visitors had Toure limping through the final few minutes with cramp and almost paid the price when Walters raced through to shoot wide of the far post at the death.
     

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    Pellegrini: Forget body language, Yaya runs more than anybody

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    Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has urged the critics to lay off midfielder Yaya Toure.

    The Ivory Coast international was branded a "joke" by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher following his efforts during the defeat at Arsenal in December, and many City fans agreed.

    Toure's detractors both in the press and on the terraces have tended to focus on his perceived lack of work-rate over the years, but Pellegrini has hailed the midfielder's importance and insists he deserves much more credit.

    “He’s not only scoring important goals," the City boss told the press. "He’s scored important goals in the last few games, but I think that Yaya gives very good play to our team.

    "He’s the midfielder [playing] where there are the most amount of passes, trying to make the last and decisive pass, so I think he’s a very important player. A lot of media criticise his body language and the way he runs, but if you had all the statistics of Yaya after every game, he’s the one player that runs more.”

    Toure will be 33 by the end of the current season and many pundits have suggested that he should be rested at times in order to reap the best of his talents in the biggest matches.

    While Pellegrini admits that the former Barcelona man could perhaps benefit from some time on the sidelines, he has clearly been swayed by the midfielder's work ethic.

    “I think that every player must always want to play every game," he added. "That’s a good mentality. Yaya always tries to play.

    "Maybe for the amount of games we must play, it’s not good for him to play every game. But I’m very happy with the mentality of those players that they are always ready to play.”
     

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    Klopp admits Liverpool may move for defenders

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    Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool may need to think about turning to the January transfer market to solve their lack of personnel in defence.
    Mamadou Sakho was ruled out of the first-leg of the club’s League Cup semi-final victory over Stoke on Tuesday night with a minor knee injury.

    The manager revealed the Frenchman has suffered a reaction to the late tackle by Sunderland’s Jermain Lens a week ago.

    Then, 34 minutes into the encounter at the Britannia, Dejan Lovren had to be replaced due to a hamstring concern. That left Liverpool with a centre-back pairing of 34-year-old Kolo Toure and midfielder Lucas.

    The duo performed brilliantly against Mark Hughes’ men, but at the end of the game, the Ivorian pulled up with cramp. With Martin Skrtel already hamstrung, Klopp currently has no available centre-backs.

    Asked if he’d look to fix that in the winter window, the 48-year-old said: “In this moment, with no centre-back fit, I think it’s a situation where you have to think about that.

    “Two weeks ago, we had three centre-backs, which is a good situation. When Liverpool started we had five, including Joe Gomez. Now we have nil.

    “We could have waved the white flag, and said ‘okay, no team against Stoke. We need this week to prepare for the game against Arsenal so play someone else against Stoke and against Exeter.’ “That’s not possible, so we tried everything for this game and the boys did well.”

    Liverpool have been linked with Schalke's Joel Matip, who is stalling on an extension, but that deal would only be likely on a pre-contract basis with the player joining in the summer.

    It is not just in defence where the Liverpool squad is lacking. Christian Benteke is the club's only fit striker, and he provides a stylistic problem for Klopp.

    Playmaker Philippe Coutinho also limped off in the first half against Stoke with a hamstring issue, while captain Jordan Henderson is dealing with an ongoing heel condition.


    With fixtures flooding in and fatigue quickly and ruthlessly having an effect, the window may present Klopp with the only chance to be able to consistently field a strong 11 over the next few months.
     

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    Luis Enrique plays down past Zidane clash: I respect him as a colleague

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    Barcelona coach Luis Enrique insists he does not remember any on-field clashes with Zinedine Zidane and has respect for the new Real Madrid boss.

    Following Zidane's announcement as successor to the sacked Rafael Benitez on Monday, footage of the Frenchman and Luis Enrique having a fracas during a Clasico meeting in 2003 resurfaced.Luis Enrique grabs Zidane's throat, while the Frenchman has the former Barca captain by the face.

    However, Luis Enrique said he cannot recall the incident in question. "I don't have an opinion about him as a coach. I haven't had the time to go over it," he said.

    "We don't really know each other. I don't really have a bad memory of anyone I've played against. "Everyone defends their own team and I don't have a good or bad memory of anything.

    "I haven't seen the images and I don't remember any exchange with Zidane, but for sure we were defending our teams."I respect him as a colleague."Luis Enrique and Zidane will meet for the first time as managers on April 3.
     
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