..::Football III::..

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Ronaldo SLAMS Real Madrid team-mates after derby defeat to Atletico

Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed his Real Madrid team-mates after Saturday’s derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, claiming they would be top of the table if others were on the same level as him.

Antoine Griezmann’s second-half strike sealed a 1-0 win for Atletico which has left Zinedine Zidane’s side nine points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who also have a game in hand.

And in an explosive interview after the loss at the Santiago Bernabeu, Ronaldo blamed his team-mates for Madrid's failing title challenge and believes criticism directed at his own performances is unfounded.

"If everyone was as good as me, maybe we would be first,” said Ronaldo.

"I do not want to belittle anyone but when they are not the best it is difficult to win. I like to play with Karim, Bale and Marcelo.

"I do not mean that Jese, Lucas [Vazquez] and [Mateo] Kovacic are not good, they are very good, but to win a competition you need the best and that has been our main problem this year.

“I don’t know if it was poor preparation in the first half of the season but we’re having a lot of injuries and that hurts us.

“We had more chances and we deserved to win but football is like that.

“From what the press says it seems like I am doing sh*t but the numbers and statistics do not lie. They are there.”

 

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Ramos defends Ronaldo over Real Madrid team-mate outburst

Sergio Ramos has backed Cristiano Ronaldo after he criticised his Real Madrid team-mates following Saturday's derby defeat at home to Atletico Madrid.

Zinedine Zidane's men slipped to a 1-0 loss thanks to Antoine Griezmann's goal at the start of the second half, which has left the team nine points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

After the match, Ronaldo claimed that Madrid would be top if others were playing at his level, but Ramos insists the Portugal international did not intend to offend.

"If anyone knows Cristiano, it is me," said Ramos.

"I don't think he wanted to attack any of his team-mates but perhaps he did not express his opinion in the best way.

"As captain I feel proud of my team-mates' work and in difficult times we must emphasise this. But everyone is free to have an opinion.

"I think when results go against you there are more negative opinions. It is tough, you lose a derby and the league becomes almost impossible. We still have the Champions League and we are hoping to play well there."

Ramos went on to underline that he was pleased with the team performance, particularly from the younger members of the squad.

"We are very proud of the work done by Jese, Lucas Vazquez, who are dying for a chance and when they are out there they show that," he said.

"I feel proud of all my team-mates. The results have not been good but that is when we have to come together the most.

"I know Cristiano very well and he perhaps did not express himself in the best manner."

 

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Ronaldo backtracks on Real Madrid team-mate outburst

Cristiano Ronaldo has moved to clarify his outburst after Real Madrid’s defeat to Atletico Madrid by claiming that he was referring to his team-mates’ fitness levels, rather than their ability.

After Saturday’s loss at the Santiago Bernabeu, Ronaldo appeared to criticise his Madrid team-mates by claiming that they were not performing at the same standard as him.

"If everyone was at my level, we would be first,” said the 31-year-old.

"I do not want to belittle anyone but when they are not the best it is difficult to win. I like to play with Karim, Bale and Marcelo.

"I do not mean that Jese, Lucas [Vazquez] and [Mateo] Kovacic are not good, they are very good, but to win a competition you need the best and that has been our main problem this year.”

Sergio Ramos quickly moved to defend Ronaldo’s comments, and the Portugal international now insists he was bemoaning Madrid’s injuries, rather than their performances on the pitch.

“When I say that I mean the physical level, not the game. I am not better than any of my team-mates,” Ronaldo told Marca.

Defeat to Atletico has left Madrid nine points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who could stretch that advantage to 12 with a win over Sevilla on Sunday.

 

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Hiddink loving doing hard work for Chelsea successor

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink insists he is loving doing the hard work in getting the club back on track for his successor.

The London club are on a run of 11 Premier League games without defeat, producing an impressive resurgence after languishing near the relegation zone when Hiddink was appointed as Jose Mourinho's replacement until the end of the season in December.

Hiddink witnessed his side come from behind to claim a 2-1 win at Southampton on Saturday in a game preceded by speculation Chelsea are close to sealing a deal with Italy boss Antonio Conte to take charge after Euro 2016.

When asked if he is doing the hard work for the next man to take the job at Stamford Bridge, Hiddink said: "Yeah but I love it. I love it to work with the guys, especially when they respond as they did today [Saturday].

"No I'm not thinking 'oh I do the hard work and the next one can sit in this chair and put on a cigar' that's not how it works.

"You know my affection for the club from my previous spell and even before that because when I was working as a technical director and manager at PSV we had already the contacts with Chelsea.

"I love to do the hard work and if they can continue on the level they are used to then I'll be proud."

 

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Ronaldo: Barcelona would not be top if they had Real Madrid's injury luck

Cristiano Ronaldo admits the title race is nearly over but claims Barcelona would not be top of La Liga if they had the same injuries in attack as Real Madrid.

A 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday has left Zinedine Zidane’s men adrift of top spot by nine points, while Barca could increase that to 12 with a win over Sevilla on Sunday.

In an explosive interview after the derby defeat, Ronaldo criticised his team-mates for the club’s failed title challenge this season but insists Barcelona would be in a similar position if they had as many injuries to key players.

“The league is almost over, but we're still in the Champions League, a different competition, it gives us another enthusiasm,” said Ronaldo.

"I don’t know if it is because of bad preparation at the start of the season, but we are having many injuries, and that is hurting us

"For example if Barca had Neymar, [Luis] Suarez and [Lionel] Messi almost always injured, Barca wouldn't be where they are now.”

 

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Manchester United defender Smalling hoping to be fit for Arsenal game

Manchester United's Chris Smalling is hoping to be fit to play against Arsenal, the club he grew up supporting, in the Premier League on Sunday.Smalling missed United's 5-1 Europa League victory against Midtjylland on Thursday and is not certain to be available to return at Old Trafford.

But the 26-year-old, who has been one of United's most consistent players this season, is desperate to be ready for Arsenal's visit."I always look forward to these games," Smalling told United Review.

"It's no secret that I was an Arsenal supporter growing up, so this fixture is even bigger for me and especially given it involves two of the biggest teams in the country.

"I hope I can step out onto the field."I was disappointed to miss the other night, but I'm hoping to be okay to play this game."

Smalling went on to highlight three of his most memorable matches against Arsenal.
"The one at the Emirates when [Wayne Rooney] scored [in November 2014]; that was a good away win," the England international added."We've had some very good performances at home as well. The 8-2 [in August 2011] was a great day.

"When Welbz [Danny Welbeck] scored the winner for them in the FA Cup last season, that was a bit of a killer blow, but overall I feel like we've done quite well against them."

 

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Milan send warning to Barcelona: Donnarumma is 'priceless'

AC Milan's teenage goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is 'priceless', chief executive Adriano Galliani has warned.

Barcelona are among the clubs reported to be interested in signing the 17-year-old, who became Milan's first-choice goalkeeper earlier this season, although Goal understands that reports of a €35 million offer from the Spanish champions are not true.Donnarumma kept a clean sheet as Milan maintained their fine form with a 1-0 Serie A win against Torino on Saturday and Galliani insisted the club is not looking to sell the goalkeeper.

"Does Donnarumma have a price-tag? No," he told Mediaset Premium."There are these rumours about Barcelona, but he is our goalkeeper and we are really counting on Gigio.

"Nobody else in Europe has a regular starting goalkeeper this young. "I saw Gigi Buffon on his debut, he was older than Gigio and there's a lot of work to be done before he reaches his level, but he does have great potential."

 

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Wenger: 'Fantastic' Martial can make a difference from anywhere

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is wary of the threat posed by Anthony Martial as he prepares to take his side to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday.

The France international has been a huge hit for Louis van Gaal’s side since his big-money summer move from Monaco, scoring 10 goals already this season.

Martial missed the midweek Europa League win over Midtjylland after picking up a hamstring problem in the warm-up and is a doubt for the visit of the Gunners, with Marcus Rashford expected to deputise after his debut double.

But Wenger took the opportunity ahead of the fixture to praise the 20-year-old, who he feels will prove to be a shrewd investment by the Red Devils.

"He [Martial] is a player who can make an individual difference from anywhere," Wenger told reporters. "He can take a ball in the middle of the park, take it past two or three players and create differences.

"He has had a big impact at Manchester United and over a longer distance it will be a fantastic buy."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal are on a different level - Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes his side's upcoming opponents Arsenal are "on a different level" compared to the rest of the Premier League.

The third-placed Gunners head to Old Trafford on Sunday looking to close the five-point gap to league leaders Leicester following their title rivals 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

United, with just one win in their last four league games, must achieve a positive result in order to maintain their challenge for a Champions League qualification.

However, their Dutch boss feels Arsenal will be particularly difficult to beat, citing October's comprehensive defeat in the build-up to the clash, with Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott all scoring within the opening 20 minutes.

"They were the only ones to beat us 3-0," Van Gaal said. "They are at a different level."He added: “Arsenal are one of the best teams in the Premier League but Arsenal are not always consistent.

"The big challenge for us is to put in another big performance so soon after the last one. We played our European game on Thursday while Arsenal played on Tuesday, so we are not in a good position, but we will see."

United - sixth in the table - have the opportunity to close the six-point gap to Manchester City in fourth due to their cross-city rivals' involvement in Sunday's League Cup Final at Wembley.

 

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Gullit SLAMS Depay: He wants to be a footballer and a style icon

Ruud Gullit has urged Memphis Depay to concentrate on his football and stop trying to become a “style icon”.

The Dutch winger has struggled to secure a regular role at Manchester United following his £25 million arrival from PSV last summer, and has been criticised for arriving at training in a Rolls Royce.

And Gullit, who won league tiles with four different teams, as well as the European Championship with Netherlands in 1988, insists Depay needs to focus on improving his performances under Louis van Gaal.

“What I see with Memphis is a boy who wants two things at the same time,” Gullit told the Sunday Mirror.

"He wants to become a really good footballer, but at the same time he wants to be a global superstar and a style icon.

"I think to myself, 'boy oh boy, do it in the right order. You have to perform, perform and perform again.'

"Once Memphis has won a lot of trophies then I don't care if he wants to be as crazy as Dennis Rodman - or even crazier.

"My question to him is: how do you want to be remembered in life?

"As an odd character with a hat and a Rolls Royce? Or as a footballer?"

 

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Van Gaal: Depay convinced me of his quality in 10 minutes

Louis van Gaal has revealed that he needed just 10 minutes to be convinced by Memphis Depay’s quality.

The 22-year-old joined Old Trafford in a £25 million deal from PSV last summer but has failed to replicate his stunning final season in the Eredivisie under Van Gaal.

Arguably Depay’s best performance in a United shirt came in Thursday’s 5-1 win over FC Midtjylland, and Van Gaal admits he has not been concerned by the player’s subdued start to life in the Premier League.

“The first time I saw him was in the first year for me as national coach in Holland,” said Van Gaal.

"He came into the squad to substitute for a player from PSV and he played only for 10 minutes, but I said to my colleague: ‘He is a player - he can play’.

"And then, the next year, he scored 20 goals at PSV and was the most important man for them.

"In those ten minutes I saw his purpose and his action and that gave me the conviction that he could play at the highest level.

"But he still has to improve his choices on the pitch and that's because the speed of the Premier League is much higher than in other countries.
"Of course I can help him with that. I have always defended him and I haven't despaired that we wouldn't see the real Memphis Depay.

"He needs time like every player needs time. When you analyse all the players who have come to United, they need time to adapt to the culture of England and the Premier League and I have always said that.

"Perhaps the player who hasn't needed that is Anthony Martial.

"Memphis had a fantastic match against Midtjylland but he also has to show that against Arsenal, because they are at another level.

"But I didn't give up on him - nor did I give up on Adnan Januzaj, because I recognise their quality and their talents."

 

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Juventus welcome back Chiellini for Inter clash

Juventus have confirmed defender Giorgio Chiellini is fit to return for their clash with Inter in Serie A on Sunday.Chiellini has been unavailable for Juve's last three games with a muscle problem picked up in the 2-0 win against Frosinone.

However, the31-year-old has been named in Massimiliano Allegri's 23-man squad for the visit of Inter.Kwadwo Asamoah and Alex Sandro have also been included in the Juventus squad for the game.

A win would stretch Juventus' lead from Napoli at the top of the table to four points, with Maurizio Sarri's side visiting Fiorentina on Monday.

 

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Wenger: Arsenal are not serial chokers

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger denied the Premier League title hopefuls are serial chokers, insisting clubs tapping up his players has cost the north Londoners in the past.

The Gunners have earned an unwanted reputation of notoriously faltering at pivotal stages of the season as they look to win their first Premier League crown since 2004.Arsenal are in another promising position this term, five points adrift of leaders Leicester City, with a game in hand against Manchester United on Sunday.

And Wenger feels the Londoners are in a much better place to end their Premier League drought.

"We have lost once or twice the championship but you could say that about Manchester United as well, and any team," Wenger told reporters."We usually finish strongly in the second part of the season."

Arsenal's biggest collapse came in 2011, when they were second and four points behind United in February, only to fade away and finish 12 points adrift in fourth position.

"At that time we were losing momentum, this time it's the opposite: we are chasing and gaining momentum," the Frenchman said."We had two difficult games recently [a 0-0 draw with Hull City in the FA Cup and a 2-0 defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League] but overall the psychological situation is different.

"Also, we were very young at that time … and the mood of some players was more to get the next contract somewhere else than to win the championship because at the time we had to sell our players. When we went into April some of the players were tapped up to go somewhere else and it was difficult to maintain the focus. That's not the case at the moment.

"All the players are focused and want to win and have great solidarity. It's down to showing how good we are. The psychological situation is different today. Spirit-wise, I cannot criticise. In 2010, I would say we lost it because the spirit was not what it should be because of individual tap-ups.

 

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Klopp: I am greedy and I want the League Cup!

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he is "greedy" for the League Cup as he prepares to take on Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday.

The German is expecting a tough test against a City side that looked back on top form in their midweek Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev.

Klopp is hoping to land his first trophy with the Reds after just five months in charge against a side coached by Manuel Pellegrini who is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

"Man City will do something else and Manuel Pellegrini can do something else. That’s it, that’s how it is in football, nothing is for all time. You have to accept it," he told reporters."City are in a good moment and it will be a very difficult game, but I am greedy and I want to win the cup."

The former Borussia Dortmund coach still has decisions to make over his squad, with yet more off-season signings expected at Anfield.But Klopp said money was not a worry, insisting there were other ways to build a strong squad.

"I am patient enough. I would like to win every game and I am really, really, really disappointed after a defeat," he added"But next morning the sun shines again. You have the chance to use it, this defeat and that’s what I love in this job.

"It's not about transfers. Right player, big money, I don't care. If we have it take it, use it. If we don't have it, don't say we have not enough money. Try a different way. That's all."

 

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Zidane hints at Real Madrid departure after Atletico defeat

Zinedine Zidane was less than impressed with Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, and suggested his position could come under threat at the end of the season.

Antoine Griezmann settled the derby with a clinical finish in the 53rd minute at Santiago Bernabeu, as Real fell nine points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who host Sevilla on Sunday.

Some Madrid fans called for president Florentino Perez to resign during the game, although those chants were swiftly drowned out by whistles from Perez's supporters.

And with hopes of a first Liga title since 2012 seemingly fading away, Zidane conceded his job may come under pressure.

"Next year there might be changes, players and coach. But for now we must keep going as we have something to aim for," Zidane said in his post-match news conference."La Liga is not over, but it was difficult before the game. Now even more. But we will continue, we will not throw in this season.

"Today is very hard, a very hard blow, to lose at home to Atletico Madrid. It is difficult. The truth is I am not happy with the game, I cannot be happy with the defeat, with what happened, the game we played.

"Of course it is a difficult moment, it always screws you to lose a derby at home. But we must be professional and think about the next game.

"They [Atletico] played on Wednesday [in the Champions League], had less time to recover, and look at the game they played. So it is a mental question - we lacked a bit of everything."We were not ready for the game - as we thought we were. We had to run more, against a rival who had played on Wednesday.

"I have the responsibility. The players play, but I have the responsibility. I must look for solutions so it does not happen."Zidane also explained the half-time substitution of Karim Benzema, who had been ineffective in the opening 45 minutes and was replaced by Borja Mayoral.

"Benzema had a problem, he was feeling pain. He could not sprint, we did not want to take a risk. So he was changed," the coach said.

 

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Cech: Wenger talk convinced me to join Arsenal

Petr Cech has revealed that a discussion with Arsene Wenger helped sway his move from Chelsea to Arsenal last summer.

After losing his place to Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge, the 33-year-old made the decision to join up with the Gunners to aid their title bid this term.

And Cech believes consistency will be the key if Arsenal are to win their first Premier League title since 2004.

“When I met him [Wenger], he explained how things were working and organised at the club and I liked what he told me,” Cech told Canal+.

“I knew the team had the potential to be a contender but we have to be able to be consistent and not drop points and lose games. This season is really a tough one, because we have to be at 100 per cent or anything can happen.

“When I am training I like when people are serious, they give 100 per cent, the intensity must be at the right level. You have to train as you would play in during the game. It helps and improve everybody in the team. I also like to work in a pleasant atmosphere as well.”

 

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Lampard: I worry about Chelsea when Terry leaves

Frank Lampard says he worries about the future of Chelsea after John Terry leaves the club.

The Blues captain is expected to depart Stamford Bridge in the summer having revealed in January that his current deal would not be extended.

Lampard, who left the club 2014 after more than a decade of service in west London, feels the club is in danger of losing its identity.

"I do worry about where the real personalities of the team are," Lampard told the Daily Mail.

"To be a big team, you have to have big personalities. I don't want to sound like I am harking back to the days of me and John and Ashley Cole and Petr Cech and Didier Drogba but I do see a team now where John is the last mainstay of that identity.

"We had a fantastic spirit at Chelsea. We are kind of famous for it now. People criticised us for it to try to take away the gloss of what we were doing. Maybe Chelsea are looking for a more beautiful way now.

"The club has been trying to push it down that route with the players they have recruited over the last four or five years.

"The problem is if you fall in the middle, somewhere between tough and beautiful. It's nice football at times but it's not that nice and it's not really winning games. It's not beautiful, beautiful stuff.

"They need to buy two or three big players. Because being 11th in the Premier League is ridiculous for Chelsea."

 

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Barclays Premier League 2016.02.28 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2016.02.28 Fixtures

Manchester United Vs Arsenal

Tottenham Vs Swansea

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[Wolverine GTR]

Good Luck Manchester United!

Big clubs ekka play karana widiyath ekka thamai balanna wenne Manchester United performance kohomada kiyalaLast matches 2ke play kala wage hodata play kaloth hoda fight 1kak denna puluwan ada match 1keth​

 

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Capital One Cup 2016.02.28 Fixture

Capital One Cup 2016.02.28 Fixture

Liverpool Vs Manchester City

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