..::Football III::..

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Liverpool 3-0 Exeter City: Reds cruise through FA Cup replay

Joe Allen, Sheyi Ojo and Joao Texieira scored to secure a comfortable 3-0 victory for Liverpool over Exeter City and secure an FA Cup fourth-round tie against West Ham.

Allen's 10th-minute tap-in calmed any early nerves at Anfield on Wednesday and although the hosts had to wait for further reward for their dominance, substitute Ojo's curling effort after 74 minutes sealed their progress.

Teixeira added further gloss to the scoreline with a calm finish with nine minutes to go, although the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for the return of Jon Flanagan.

The Liverpool full-back, finally fit after battling back from a serious knee injury, came on as a 51st-minute substitute to make his first appearance for the club since May 2014.

League Two outfit Exeter - who held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw in the original third-round tie at St James Park - battled bravely but rarely threatened to become the first side from the fourth tier to knock the Reds out of the competition.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once again rested the vast majority of his first-team squad although Allen, Ibe and Simon Mignolet were all included in the starting XI having sat out the draw in Devon on January 8.

Allen broke the deadlock by slotting home from close range after Brad Smith had cut the ball back from the left byeline.

Christian Benteke - who captained the Premier League side at St James's Park but saw Jose Enrique handed the armband for the replay - twice failed to find the target with close-range headers before the break.

Ibe, meanwhile, forced a pair of saves out of Bobby Olejnik with shots from outside the area before Cameron Brannagan was also denied by the Exeter goalkeeper after having a go from distance.

Flanagan's introduction early in the second half delighted the home fans and the Anfield faithful were on their feet again when Ibe's left-footed drive struck the crossbar and bounced down, but the whole ball did not cross the line.

Olejnik kept his side in the contest by diving at the struggling Benteke's feet on the hour mark but the underdogs did not have the bite to find an equaliser in front of their raucous travelling support.

Teenage winger Ojo - who had replaced Allen - finally put the game to bed when he was given too much room to pick his spot superbly from the right-hand side of the penalty area.

Good work from Benteke then set up the chance for Teixeira to score in front of the Kop.

 

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Athletic 1-2 Barcelona: Munir & Neymar put Catalans on top after first leg

First-half goals from Munir El Haddadi and Neymar gave Barcelona a slender lead in their Copa del Rey quarter-final tie against an aggressive Athletic Bilbao with a 2-1 first-leg win at the San Mames.

Munir and Neymar, who attracted numerous fouls for his flamboyance, helped ensure the absences of Lionel Messi, rested after picking up a knock at the weekend, and the suspended Luis Suarez were not too sorely felt, but Aritz Aduriz scored late on to raise Athletic's hopes ahead of next week's return encounter.

Barca were 6-0 winners over Ernesto Valverde's side on Sunday and, despite being put on the back foot in the opening exchanges, opened the scoring when Munir slotted home from Ivan Rakitic's exquisite cross with 18 minutes played.
Midway through the half Neymar capitalised on goalkeeper Iago Herrerin's failure to claim a pass and Xabier Etxeita's slip to convert for the fifth successive match against Athletic with a simple finish.

Athletic grew frustrated as Luis Enrique's side tightened up after the break and Aduriz - banned for last weekend's clash - was fortunate to avoid a card after clearly dragging his foot across the back of Neymar after chopping down the Brazilian, who had just flicked the ball over his head.

The match soon began to resemble the fractious nature of the pair's encounter in last season's Copa del Rey final, before Aduriz gave the hosts a glimmer of hope by punishing Dani Alves' error to score in the 89th minute.

Athletic refused to give Barca time and space in possession early on, but Herrerin was forced into the first save, adjusting his feet well to turn Neymar's dipping, deflected effort behind in the 15th minute.Luis Enrique's team were ahead just three minutes later when Arda Turan released Rakitic down the right and Munir slid home from the Croatian's brilliant cross.

Barca doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Neymar latched onto Sergi Roberto's throughball and made the most of sloppy defending to slot into a vacant net.

Tempers flared when Athletic felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty seven minutes before the interval when Aduriz fell under pressure from Javier Mascherano, but the referee did not consider there to be a foul.

The fiery nature of the game continued in the second half and Aduriz could have been dismissed for dragging his foot over Neymar's back, while Aymeric Laporte and Etxeita were shown yellow cards for rash challenges on Sergio Busquets and Aleix Vidal.Chances were few and far between as cheap and reckless fouls dominated the match, but Athletic mounted a late surge.

After Marc-Andre ter Stegen made a great save from Sabin Merino's header, Aduriz pulled one back for the hosts when he fired inside the near post after Mikel San Jose had collected Dani Alves' weak clearance.There was almost an equaliser in the final minute of normal time, but Ter Stegen reacted quickly to keep out Sabin's flick.

 

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Lazio boss unsure over Anderson's move to Manchester United

Lazio coach Stefano Pioli admits he is unsure whether Manchester United will complete a deal for Felipe Anderson this month.

Goal understands that United’s £35 million chase for the Brazilian has stalled as the midfielder is currently involved in a dispute with Lazio over bonus payment.

The 22-year-old, who has five goals and one assist in 20 Serie A appearances this season, featured as a second-half substitute in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Juventus in the Coppa Italia.

“Any answer I give will be interpreted,” replied Pioli when asked if Anderson is heading to United in the winter transfer window.

“All I know is the club has not told me anything, Felipe Anderson is working to find his best form.

“There’s no news, but I coach the squad and do not control transfers.”

 

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Neymar refuses to criticise referee after bruising Athletic clash

Barcelona star Neymar refused to criticise referee Jose Luis Gonzalez Gonzalez despite suffering a number of fouls in his side's Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg win over Athletic Bilbao.

Neymar added to Munir El Haddadi's opener midway through the first half but came in for rough treatment from Ernesto Valverde's side, who Barca beat 2-1 following Aritz Aduriz's late strike.

The Brazil captain was accused of showboating in the two team's Copa del Rey final clash last season and he drew Bilbao's ire once again on Wednesday.

After having the ball flicked over his head by Neymar in the second half, Aduriz scythed him down before stepping over the fallen Barca forward and dragging his foot across his back.

The incident went unnoticed by the officials, but the 23-year-old labelled the referee's display as "normal".

"When the match ends, everything is left on the pitch. At times they played hard and at others they did not," said Neymar."The referee is there to see it. I think the refereeing has been normal."

Neymar expects a tricky second leg at Camp Nou next week following Aduriz's late strike."That goal may complicate the tie, but we had a great game and now we have to win the return leg," he added.

"But the goal is dangerous because they are a good team with players who can be decisive. We must be vigilant."

 

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Neymar gives glimpse of bright future in Messi and Suarez absence

With Lionel Messi rested and Luis Suarez suspended, Barcelona began Wednesday's Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao with Neymar as their main man. And the Brazilian didn't disappoint.

Playing without either of his illustrious fellow forwards for the first time since Suarez signed from Liverpool in the summer of 2014, Neymar gave Barca fans a glimpse of the future. Messi, 28, and Suarez, who turns 29 on Saturday still have plenty of time ahead, but the Brazilian is only 23 - and one day all of this will be his.

Fresh from finishing third at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Zurich last week, the former Santos attacker is considered by most as the next winner of the prestigious prize after eight years of domination by Messi - five wins - and Cristiano Ronaldo - three triumphs - since 2008.

"I believe Messi will win the Ballon d'Or one day," Messi told France Football in an interview published in the build-up to this match. And another Argentine, 1986 World Cup winner and former Real Madrid striker Jorge Valdano, said this week: "Neymar will win the Ballon d'Or in the next three years."

On this evidence, it is only a matter of time. Neymar was a key part of Barca's spectacular success as they won the treble in 2014-15, but his numbers are already superior in the current campaign. Goal ratio, dribbling, passing, assists, chances created - the Brazilian is better at all of it so far this term.

"Neymar didn't even need a recovery session after the last game," Luis Enrique had said before this match. "He is in perfect shape. This season his level is higher than it was before."

On Wednesday, the Brazilian almost scored with a shot that deflected off Inaki Williams and went agonisingly wide early on, but did net what turned out to be the winner as he took up a pass from Sergi Roberto just inside the area and coolly converted as he left both an Athletic defender and the goalkeeper on their feet.
Neymar has humiliated many a defender over the past two seasons and tends to bring out the worst in his rivals. In the final of the Copa del Rey at Camp Nou between these two teams in May, his attempted 'lambretta' move was met with angry responses from Athletic's defenders. But on Wednesday, he was pushed, kicked and harassed all evening by the Basques - probably because that was the only way they could stop him.

And even though Aritz Aduriz - one of those guilty of kicking the forward to pieces - pulled back a goal late on following a mistake by Dani Alves, Barca have the upper hand in this tie and will be confident of progressing to the last four as they head back to Camp Nou for the return leg next week.

Neymar's goal at San Mames means he now has 20 from his 25 appearances this term and he has also set up 17 for his team-mates. Last season, the Brazilian netted 39 times in his 51 games while assisting others on seven occasions. He has already improved the latter and is on target to better his goal tally this time around as well.
Asked afterwards about the treatment he received from Athletic's players during the game, Neymar said: "Sometimes it's normal, on other days less so."

It was diplomatic response and coach Luis Enrique must be concerned that one such kick could injure his player one day. At the moment, however, there appears little chance of that. Neymar is just too good for them all - and in the return leg he should have Messi and Suarez back alongside him.

Even without them, though, the Brazilian is starting to look like every bit the eventual heir to Messi the club hoped he would be when they signed him in 2013. The MSN trio ensures an exciting present for Barcelona, but Neymar's remarkable rise shows there's also a bright future too in years to come for the Catalan club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Deloitte Money League: Madrid top standings as Manchester United fall

Real Madrid have been named as the richest club in the world for the 11th successive season, while Manchester United have fallen from second to third as Barcelona take their place.

Paris Saint-Germain have leapfrogged Bayern Munich into fourth while nine Premier League outfits find themselves in the top 20, highlighting the financial clout of the English top flight.

The Deloitte Money League 2016, published on Thursday, reports that these elite sides generated over £5 billion (€6.6bn) in revenue last term, which represents a rise of 8 per cent from 12 months previous.

At the very summit of the standings, though, are the two Clasico giants, whose on-field success has translated to strong performance off it. Real Madrid lead the way with £439m (€577m) followed by Barcelona at £426.6m (€560.8m)

“For the first time, the top three clubs in the Football Money League have all passed the €500 million revenue mark,” Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said. “Real Madrid once again delivered a strong financial performance, buoyed by growth in their commercial revenue. The planned redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabeu will help to continue the growth in matchday income in the coming years.

“FC Barcelona’s on-pitch achievements in the 2014-15 season have translated to financial success. The European champions have climbed to second place at the expense of Manchester United, with revenue growth across all areas of the business - matchday, broadcast and commercial.”

While the Old Trafford club, who generated £392.2m (€519.5m), have not performed well on the park, away from it the picture remains a rosy one, to such an extent that they have been tipped to overtake the Spanish duo in 12 months.

“Despite a reduction in revenue year-on-year, the fact that Manchester United remain in the top three of the Money League demonstrates the underlying strength of the club’s business model,” said Tim Bridge, Senior Manager at Deloitte.

“The return to Champions League football, as well as the commencement of a number of significant commercial partnerships, will only strengthen the business in 2015-16. With this in mind, it would not be surprising to see United top next year’s Money League for the first time in 12 years, with the club forecasting revenues of around £500m (around €650m).”

 

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Neville slams Spanish press after 'false' claims of berating his Valencia players

Gary Neville has hit out at a Spanish journalist after it was reported that he had told his players that they were "not fit to wear the shirt".

Neville is alleged to have privately slammed his players after Sunday’s 2-2 draw at home to Rayo Vallecano.

Ahead of Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash with Las Palmas, Neville asked in his press conference if the journalist was present, but when he learned that the reporter was not there, the Valencia boss replied: ”Surprise surprise.

“I accept anything that is said by the media but there is a line that is sometimes crossed.

"There was a report after the game that I said in the dressing room to the players that they are not fit to wear the shirt.

"This is wrong and it needs to be reported that it is wrong. It is absolutely not correct. There are a lot of young players and they do not need to be reading that."

 

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Lewandowski is a candidate to join Madrid, admits Bayern chief

Honorary Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer claims Robert Lewandowski is a candidate to join Real Madrid.

Lewandowski, who joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2014 on a free transfer, has established himself as one of the best strikers in Europe. His average scoring rate of a goal every 1.5 games at Bayern has seen him attract plenty of attention from other clubs.

Amid reported interest in Lewandowski from the Premier League, Beckenbauer has opened up speculation about a move to La Liga under Zinedine Zidane.

"Robert Lewandowski has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Real Madrid," Beckenbauer told DPA.

However, Beckenbauer has squashed any potential rumours about Thomas Muller, insisting his future is with the reigning Bundesliga champions. "[Muller] has assured he wants to continue at Bayern, which will make the fans want him even more," he said.

Bayern are on track for a third successive Bundesliga crown, holding an eight-point gap over Dortmund in the table.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Thawa 12 days thiyanawa Winter Transfer window 1ka close wenna​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pereira: I'm frustrated at Man United

Manchester United starlet Andreas Pereira has reiterated his desire to leave the club on loan after admitting he is "frustrated" at his lack of playing time.

The midfielder has played just 78 minutes of Premier League football this season, with most of his outings coming in the League Cup, which United exited after just two games following a penalty shootout defeat to Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

Pereira, 20, has said he was willing to bide his time at United, but now wants a loan move in order to get the game time he needs to impress Brazil coach Dunga in time for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

"I'm doing my work for United, but of course, I have to show up for the Brazil staff, so I need to play more and have more opportunities," he told Globo Esporte.

"To play in the Olympics is a big dream."

Pereira said that while the lack of game time was frustrating, he could not accuse his club manager Louis van Gaal of completely ignoring him.

"He asks me to continue to work hard, that the one day the opportunity will appear," he continued.

"Of course I get frustrated sometimes because I'm not playing, but the coach always talks to me.


"I am a United player. I do not know if they want to loan me out, but I'm working for more opportunities."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pereira pattama talent 1kakdigin digatama 1st team chance 1ka denna thiyenne.nathnam wenna Pogba ta una wage wadak thamai​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gerrard urges Klopp patience

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said it is important Jurgen Klopp is given time to build his own team at Anfield.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss has been in charge of Liverpool since October but has failed to drastically improve the club's indifferent league form.
Since arriving in the Premier League, Klopp has picked up 19 out of a possible 42 points, with the club sitting in ninth position in the league table.

Wins against Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as a promising 3-3 draw against Arsenal have given Liverpool supporters moments of joy, but these have been set back by losses to Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and most recently against rivals Manchester United.

But Gerrard, who has spent time training with the Merseyside-based club in recent months, believes Klopp needs to be given time to make the Liverpool squad his own.

The former England international, who now plays in the MLS with Los Angeles Galaxy, told reporters on MLS media day that it was too early to pass judgement on the German.

"I think we need to give Klopp a couple of transfer windows and more time and maybe a full preseason with the team to get used to each other and get his stamp on the way he wants to play and his tactics," he said.
"I think it's patience at Liverpool, but I'm very confident that Jurgen Klopp can improve things and bring success to the club because he's a fantastic manager.

"It's a results business. They need to prove that they belong in the top four by playing well and finding consistency.

"Liverpool, it's very difficult for them to compete with Manchester City and Chelsea, but that's the same for 90 percent of the clubs around the world because some people and owners are a lot richer than others.

"That's just the way of life. I don't think it has a huge effect because Liverpool have got fantastic players, a good team, a good manager.

"There's no excuses. You've got to go on and compete with the best. That's just the way it is at Liverpool. The expectations are high."

 

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Pochettino: Kane one of world's best strikers


Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has ruled out signing another striker after labelling Harry Kane "one of the best strikers in the world".

The Argentine said if he was to sign another striker to support Kane, he would have to be the right fit for the squad for fear of disrupting what is a strong team unit.

Kane scored 31 goals in all competitions last season and has another 15 in 29 appearances this time around.

Pochettino, speaking after his side's 2-0 FA Cup third round replay win over Leicester City, said: "[Kane is] one of the best strikers in the world.

"If we get another offensive player we need to bring the right one, who will fight for us.

"Because if you take the wrong decision, maybe you break the balance in the squad and changing room."
For that reason, Pochettino said there would be few candidates he would be willing to approach about coming to White Hart Lane.

"We are proud of the changing room that we have built, and their performances and how they believe in how they play," he added.

"Games like this show me that we are going the right way and have taken the right decisions in the past.

"I can understand that when you don’t score people can be worried, but we have enough quality.

"We can improve, yes, and if we find the right player, then okay. But if not, I am very happy with the squad that we have."

Tottenham will now take on Colchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup, but not before resuming Premier League duties with a tricky trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

 

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Liverpool begin talks for Chelsea target Alex Teixeira

Liverpool have begun negotiations over a move for Shakhtar Donetsk forward Alex Teixeira, Goal can confirm.

The Brazil international has also attracted interest from Chelsea but the Reds are hopeful of stealing a march on their Premier League rivals and have already dispatched a delegation, headed by chief executive Ian Ayre, to Florida to commence talks.

The Ukrainian club value the 26-year-old at £29 million, a fee which Chelsea are understood to be reluctant to pay, although they do remain interested in the player.

Shakhtar are currently in America participating in the Florida Cup, where Teixeira was left out of the squad who played out a 1-1 draw with Corinthians on Wednesday due to injury, according to his coach, Mircea Lucescu.

Jurgen Klopp has remained guarded about his intentions to strengthen a squad who have struggled for goals this season but, with Teixeira having registered 22 goals in 15 league appearances this season, he would certainly represent a welcome addition.

The German manager again offered his support to Christian Benteke, who came in for major criticism from former Liverpool striker Michael Owen for his performance against League Two side Exeter City in Wednesday’s 3-0 FA Cup third-round replay victory.

Klopp revealed on Tuesday that Daniel Sturridge, who has not featured since a substitute appearance against Newcastle in early December, is still not ready to make his latest comeback and has fielded Roberto Firmino as his main striker in Liverpool's most recent matches against Arsenal and Manchester United.

 

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Wenger: Ozil is back, Alexis a strong possibility

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Mesut Ozil will be available for selection to play against Chelsea on Sunday, adding that Alexis Sanchez will be closely assessed in the lead-up to the clash.

The Premier League leaders have been without Sanchez since late November owing to a hamstring problem, while Ozil missed last week's 0-0 draw at Stoke City with a foot inflamation and illness.However, both are set to be fit for the weekend, while Francis Coquelin and Danny Welbeck are also on the way back after respective knee injuries.

"Compared to last week at Stoke, we have no big problems. Ozil is available and with Sanchez the next two days will be decisive," Wenger said.

"This time we feel he will make it to be available for selection.

"[Coquelin is] back training today ahead of schedule. Welbeck will be back in training next week and [Tomas] Rosicky will play tomorrow with the Under-21s."
Having injured his hamstring at Norwich City in November, Sanchez suffered a setback during training in mid-December and Wenger is eager to avoid taking any risks with the Chile international.

"The doubt is he has been out for a long time," he added."The tests are one thing, training is another and then the intensity of the game you can never repeat.

"I am cautious with him because we can't afford to have a setback as it would mean a long period out. We don't want to take this gamble. The signs in training are positive.

"We have done well in their absences and without big players, but it's a good opportunity to have everyone back in front of an important schedule as we want to do well in the FA Cup and the Champions League.

"It's good to have everyone back. Strikers give you goalscoring and I feel sometimes when you have 70 minutes gone and a strong bench it gives you a big chance."

 

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Wenger prepared for 'intense battle' despite Mourinho absence

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not feel Chelsea's struggles or their decision to part company with Jose Mourinho will make this weekend's Premier League meeting any less important.

Wenger and Mourinho shared a feisty rivalry, which manifested itself both on the touchline and during media conferences, before the Portuguese left Stamford Bridge in December amid a disastrous title defence.

Chelsea sit 14th in the Premier League while Wenger's men lead the way, but the Frenchman expects a typically hard-fought contest at the Emirates Stadium.

Asked whether Mourinho's absence would take any sting out of the fixture, Wenger said: "No. I look at the quality of the players on the pitch and never at who is on the bench."You look at the characteristics of the team and the players. We don't analyse the character of the manager on the other side.

"It will be an intense game as usual because that is what you get in the Premier League. Overall, because of the players on the pitch, it will be an intense battle regardless of who is on the bench."

Mourinho has never lost a Premier League game against Wenger and previously mocked his fellow manager's lack of a league title since 2004 when he described the Arsenal boss as a "specialist in failure".

Interim boss Guus Hiddink has suggested that relegation remains a threat for Chelsea and it was put to Wenger that such a fate would in fact make the Stamford Bridge outfit specialists in failure.But Wenger joked: "Look, I see where you want to take me, but I am not ready to travel.

"They are not in the title race, no, but they are direct rivals because of the quality of their team and I think this season is exceptional for them."They will be back. Nobody can predict [what has happened to Chelsea], but it can happen to anyone.

"Confidence can go quickly. There has been bad luck and the league is more difficult than ever, so once you lack confidence it can happen to anyone."I think [Hiddink] has gone a bit overboard. I don't believe that. If you look purely at maths [then maybe], but the team has too much potential."

 

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Victor Valdes announces Man Utd departure

Victor Valdes has announced his imminent departure from Manchester United via Instagram.

Valdes had been linked with a loan move to Belgian side Standard Liege, with reports suggesting Man Utd would help supplement the Spaniard's wages.

The 34-year-old has endured a rocky time at Old Trafford, with boss Louis van Gaal leaving the shot-stopper out of his squad following a refusal to represent the Red Devils' U21 side.

Valdes has been told that he has no future in Manchester under Van Gaal's reign, though now looks set end his nightmare with the club and continue his career elsewhere.

The former Barcelona keeper took to social media to post a message that reads: “Thank you all for your support during these months of hard work for me, I will never forget! See you soon!”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Good bye & Good luck Valdes!

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Liverpool bank £42.3m more in latest Money League report

Liverpool increased their revenue by 17 per cent in 2015, earning a total of £298.1 million, placing them ninth in the latest Deloitte Football Money League report.

The 19th edition of the financial study, which is once again topped by Real Madrid, sees the Reds occupy the same spot as the previous year. However, the Merseysiders recorded an £42.3m increase of income, with the growth largely due to participation in the 2014-15 Champions League.

Liverpool exited at the group stage, but having not featured in the prestigious competition since 2009-10, the club saw an upturn in both matchday revenue (£11.7m at 26%) and broadcast income (£21.9m at 21%).

Despite average league attendances at Anfield marginally dipping, the four European home games, as well as three extra domestic fixtures due to cup runs, ensured a rise in matchday takings. Commercial receipts were also bolstered, swelling by £8.7m.However, the Anfield outfit did lose out on £4.7m Premier League prize money due to their fall down the standings from second place in 2013-14.

With the redevelopment of the club's home expected to be completed during the next campaign, matchday revenue is expected to further strengthen as the ground’s capacity increases to 54,000.

The Reds' broadcasting figures will drop significantly, though due to non-participation in the Champions League this season, before ballooning when the new Premier League TV rights deal comes into effect in 2016-17.

Arsenal (£331.3m) and Chelsea (£319.5m) are Liverpool’s closest Premier League competitors on the list. Manchester United are the best performing English team, and trail only Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The trick for the Reds to consistently grow their income and move up the Money League would be to ensure they return and remain in Europe’s premier club competition. That would be the best way to complement the extra revenue from a redeveloped Anfield as well as the new Premier League TV rights deal.
If Liverpool’s progress on the pitch, so will their finances.

 

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Guardiola: I can handle the pressure of Bayern finale

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola will draw on his experience at Barcelona as he prepares for the final few months of his time with the Bundesliga champions.

Guardiola is to leave Bayern at the end of the season – stating his desire to work in the Premier League – and sees his side begin the second half of their title defence against Hamburg on Friday with an eight-point cushion.

With Bayern on course to win a fourth straight Bundesliga crown, the remainder of Guardiola's tenure will be judged on whether he can claim the Champions League and, to a lesser extent, the DFB-Pokal to match the treble of predecessor Jupp Heynckes.

Ottmar Hitzfeld also guided Bayern to European success in 2001 and, amid talk of claiming three pieces of silverware this term, Guardiola said: "I'm okay with that pressure, perfectly fine.

"Maybe we will win the Champions League, but no matter how the season ends Jupp Heynckes and Ottmar Hitzfeld will always be more important for the club than I.

"They are German, they were here longer. I know the pressure from my time in Barcelona and I can deal with it."

Bayern, who face Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League, suffered a surprise friendly defeat to Karlsruhe on Saturday in preparation for their trip to Hamburg and will be wary of repeating their losing return to league action from a year ago.In 2015, Bayern kicked off the Hinrunde with a 4-1 reversal at Wolfsburg and Guardiola acknowledged his side's current state remains something of an unknown.

"I do not know at what level my team is playing. We need two or three games until I know that, even after the game in Hamburg I will not know," he added."We have worked on our ability to press. Our style of play is, for example, against Ingolstadt quite different to that against Frankfurt. We must be able to deal with different situations.

"I would prefer it, of course, if both teams wanted to win and it goes back and forth. But every coach has his players with whom he must work."I hope the second half of this season will be as good as the second half of last season, but instead with a full squad in the decisive games."

Guardiola will be without long-term injury absentees Mario Gotze and Franck Ribery, but David Alaba and Arjen Robben are fit.