Juventus lagen niyama comeback 1kak early season back to back defeats walin passe
Dan top of the Serie A.
Dan top of the Serie A.
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..::Football III::..
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Klopp admits defeat is sh*t, but Liverpool showed fight at Wembley
There was no ninth League Cup triumph for Liverpool, nor a first trophy in English football for Jurgen Klopp. Penalties, which had twice worked in their favour already in the competition this season against Carlisle in the first round and Stoke in the semi-final, had no happy ending at Wembley.
It was Manchester City with the silver lining and champagne-soaked scenes after the shoot-out. The defeat will long sting for Liverpool, who were desperate to signal a new era under Klopp by earning honours early into his reign.
The manager himself will know that there is no solace in finishing second best, but the Merseysiders can take comfort in the fact they fought to take the match to penalties when City were in the ascendancy.
Before Philippe Coutinho’s 83rd-minute strike and after Fernandinho’s 49th-minute opener, Pellegrini’s men looked certainties to secure victory in normal time. But Liverpool did not roll over and it took stellar goalkeeping from unlikely hero Willy Caballero in the shoot-out to ensure City’s evening was golden.
In the aftermath of the loss, Klopp admitted he did not want to focus on positives as it’s important to “feel the defeat.” He was, as usual, honest in saying it was “sh*t” and “rubbish” that Liverpool weren’t the winners.
His players will be similarly downbeat. Mamadou Sakho had to cover his face to hide his emotion after being forced off the field following a clash of heads. Daniel Sturridge held back tears after his legs, stifled by cramp, took him up Wembley’s step as a runner-up. Coutinho, who had his shirt off in celebration after his crucial goal, dropped to his knees in agony following his unsuccessful stuttered penalty. Every Liverpool player will feel every bit the loser on Sunday, but they showed evidence of why their rebuild under Klopp will have much happier times.
The German has demanded ‘fighting football’ from day one and while it won’t immediately seem like it, his side had their gloves on at Wembley. Rewind to Liverpool’s previous appearance at the national stadium, which was against Aston Villa last season, and the difference is stark.
They were meek in that semi-final defeat, but got stuck in against City. Adam Lallana was picking fights with Yaya Toure, Simon Mignolet didn’t hide after criminally allowing Fernandinho’s opener to creep under him, Lucas was immense in the still unfamiliar centre-back role, and Kolo Toure came on for Sakho and battled hard.
Klopp showed that he could be unflinching too: the defensive change was unpopular but necessary given Sakho's head collision, he hooked Alberto Moreno who was rash and caught out of position too often, and he again kept £32.5 million Christian Benteke on the bench.
Ahead of the encounter, Klopp was adamant that success in the final would not be a cure-all for the Reds and that defeat shouldn’t detract from the work they have done and will continue to do.
After the encounter, he insisted: “You always have to strike back. We can say all of these things, but you know you can fall down and then you have to stand up.
"That’s the truth, but it’s completely normal – only silly idiots stay on the floor and wait for the next defeat.”
Liverpool must respond. How apt that the first chance they get to do so will be against City.
There was no ninth League Cup triumph for Liverpool, nor a first trophy in English football for Jurgen Klopp. Penalties, which had twice worked in their favour already in the competition this season against Carlisle in the first round and Stoke in the semi-final, had no happy ending at Wembley.
It was Manchester City with the silver lining and champagne-soaked scenes after the shoot-out. The defeat will long sting for Liverpool, who were desperate to signal a new era under Klopp by earning honours early into his reign.
The manager himself will know that there is no solace in finishing second best, but the Merseysiders can take comfort in the fact they fought to take the match to penalties when City were in the ascendancy.
Before Philippe Coutinho’s 83rd-minute strike and after Fernandinho’s 49th-minute opener, Pellegrini’s men looked certainties to secure victory in normal time. But Liverpool did not roll over and it took stellar goalkeeping from unlikely hero Willy Caballero in the shoot-out to ensure City’s evening was golden.
In the aftermath of the loss, Klopp admitted he did not want to focus on positives as it’s important to “feel the defeat.” He was, as usual, honest in saying it was “sh*t” and “rubbish” that Liverpool weren’t the winners.
His players will be similarly downbeat. Mamadou Sakho had to cover his face to hide his emotion after being forced off the field following a clash of heads. Daniel Sturridge held back tears after his legs, stifled by cramp, took him up Wembley’s step as a runner-up. Coutinho, who had his shirt off in celebration after his crucial goal, dropped to his knees in agony following his unsuccessful stuttered penalty. Every Liverpool player will feel every bit the loser on Sunday, but they showed evidence of why their rebuild under Klopp will have much happier times.
The German has demanded ‘fighting football’ from day one and while it won’t immediately seem like it, his side had their gloves on at Wembley. Rewind to Liverpool’s previous appearance at the national stadium, which was against Aston Villa last season, and the difference is stark.
They were meek in that semi-final defeat, but got stuck in against City. Adam Lallana was picking fights with Yaya Toure, Simon Mignolet didn’t hide after criminally allowing Fernandinho’s opener to creep under him, Lucas was immense in the still unfamiliar centre-back role, and Kolo Toure came on for Sakho and battled hard.
Klopp showed that he could be unflinching too: the defensive change was unpopular but necessary given Sakho's head collision, he hooked Alberto Moreno who was rash and caught out of position too often, and he again kept £32.5 million Christian Benteke on the bench.
Ahead of the encounter, Klopp was adamant that success in the final would not be a cure-all for the Reds and that defeat shouldn’t detract from the work they have done and will continue to do.
After the encounter, he insisted: “You always have to strike back. We can say all of these things, but you know you can fall down and then you have to stand up.
"That’s the truth, but it’s completely normal – only silly idiots stay on the floor and wait for the next defeat.”
Liverpool must respond. How apt that the first chance they get to do so will be against City.
Lyon 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Darder stunner ends PSG's record run
Paris Saint-Germain's record 36-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1 came to an abrupt end as they went down to a 2-1 defeat at Lyon on Sunday.
Lyon were irresistible in the first half and stunned the visitors when Maxwel Cornet's slick early strike was followed up by a wonderful individual goal from Sergi Darder.PSG had to respond and they did raise hopes of a comeback that would preserve an undefeated sequence that has run since March 2015 when Lucas Moura struck a curler early in the second half, but the home side held on for a famous victory.
Laurent Blanc's men remain 23 points ahead of second-placed Monaco at the top of the table with 10 games to play, but their hopes of going the whole top-flight campaign without defeat are over.
Lyon had lost to PSG four times this season – in the reverse Ligue 1 fixture and in three cup competitions – but move up to third place in the table with a triumph that extends their unbeaten run at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
The hosts came storming out of the traps and took the lead after 13 minutes. Alexandre Lacazette chipped an excellent pass to Cornet, who cut inside from the left and finished impressively into the bottom corner.Lyon bombarded PSG's goal in search of a second and Thiago Silva almost headed into his own net as he defended a corner.
Lacazette and Darder then tested away goalkeeper Kevin Trapp with long-range efforts, before the visitors' Thiago Motta was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after striking the face of Jordan Ferri during a clash in midfield.
Rachid Ghezzal was also denied by Trapp, before he dragged a shot inches wide after beating Thiago Silva's challenge in the culmination of a superb passing move that involved Ferri and Lacazette.
PSG, playing without injured duo Angel Di Maria and Marco Verratti, finally responded towards the end of the first half, with Thiago Silva's header from a Lucas corner well saved by Anthony Lopes.
The Portugal international then got down well to keep out Zlatan Ibrahimovic's stinging shot, with Lucas flagged offside after he fired the rebound against the post.
Lyon got a deserved second goal in first-half stoppage time when Darder displayed brilliant skill to collect Rafael's cross, flick the ball over Thiago Silva and divert a deft finish past Trapp.
Blanc brought on Javier Pastore at half-time, with that change having the desired effect as the playmaker drove into the box after a one-two with Edinson Cavani, a move that allowed Lucas to seize on the loose ball and curl a left-footed shot into the far corner.
Lyon, who had forced Trapp into a good save from Cornet's deflected effort prior to that strike, came close to restoring their two-goal advantage when the 19-year-old's cut-back led to Ferri striking wide.The match should have been put to bed when Ghezzal collected Ferri's sweeping cross, but the Algeria international failed to beat Trapp, who was fast off his line.
Ibrahimovic had the ball in the net at the other end, but was denied by a close offside call, before Trapp again had to save from Ghezzal as Bruno Genesio's men held on without any major scares.
Paris Saint-Germain's record 36-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1 came to an abrupt end as they went down to a 2-1 defeat at Lyon on Sunday.
Lyon were irresistible in the first half and stunned the visitors when Maxwel Cornet's slick early strike was followed up by a wonderful individual goal from Sergi Darder.PSG had to respond and they did raise hopes of a comeback that would preserve an undefeated sequence that has run since March 2015 when Lucas Moura struck a curler early in the second half, but the home side held on for a famous victory.
Laurent Blanc's men remain 23 points ahead of second-placed Monaco at the top of the table with 10 games to play, but their hopes of going the whole top-flight campaign without defeat are over.
Lyon had lost to PSG four times this season – in the reverse Ligue 1 fixture and in three cup competitions – but move up to third place in the table with a triumph that extends their unbeaten run at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
The hosts came storming out of the traps and took the lead after 13 minutes. Alexandre Lacazette chipped an excellent pass to Cornet, who cut inside from the left and finished impressively into the bottom corner.Lyon bombarded PSG's goal in search of a second and Thiago Silva almost headed into his own net as he defended a corner.
Lacazette and Darder then tested away goalkeeper Kevin Trapp with long-range efforts, before the visitors' Thiago Motta was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after striking the face of Jordan Ferri during a clash in midfield.
Rachid Ghezzal was also denied by Trapp, before he dragged a shot inches wide after beating Thiago Silva's challenge in the culmination of a superb passing move that involved Ferri and Lacazette.
PSG, playing without injured duo Angel Di Maria and Marco Verratti, finally responded towards the end of the first half, with Thiago Silva's header from a Lucas corner well saved by Anthony Lopes.
The Portugal international then got down well to keep out Zlatan Ibrahimovic's stinging shot, with Lucas flagged offside after he fired the rebound against the post.
Lyon got a deserved second goal in first-half stoppage time when Darder displayed brilliant skill to collect Rafael's cross, flick the ball over Thiago Silva and divert a deft finish past Trapp.
Blanc brought on Javier Pastore at half-time, with that change having the desired effect as the playmaker drove into the box after a one-two with Edinson Cavani, a move that allowed Lucas to seize on the loose ball and curl a left-footed shot into the far corner.
Lyon, who had forced Trapp into a good save from Cornet's deflected effort prior to that strike, came close to restoring their two-goal advantage when the 19-year-old's cut-back led to Ferri striking wide.The match should have been put to bed when Ghezzal collected Ferri's sweeping cross, but the Algeria international failed to beat Trapp, who was fast off his line.
Ibrahimovic had the ball in the net at the other end, but was denied by a close offside call, before Trapp again had to save from Ghezzal as Bruno Genesio's men held on without any major scares.
Neville left seething after Valencia loss: The referee was a joke
Gary Neville was scathing of Jesus Gil Manzano, with the Valencia coach labelling the referee "a joke" after the club's four-match winning streak came to an end against Athletic Bilbao.Neville felt Valencia were denied two penalties in Sunday's 3-0 loss at home to seventh-placed Athletic in La Liga.
Valencia's appeals for a penalty following a challenge on Andre Gomes from Xabier Etxeita were waved away by Gil Manzano in the first half, while shouts for handball fell on deaf ears after the break.
And speaking afterwards, Neville slammed the match official, telling reporters: "I thought the referee was a joke. It was embarrassing we didn't get two penalties."I've not blamed referees in any of our games, but I thought his management of the game was awful. Some of the things he did were incredible.
"We've been a very soft coaching staff towards referees, we've tried to be respectful because we know it's a difficult job, but I don't understand how we didn't have one of two penalties, one for Andre Gomes, the other for the handball."I don't have a clue. And he booked three of our players and I don't know how many fouls they had compared to us.
"There were three factors in the defeat: first the referee, secondly we missed chances, and third, we didn't react to conceding the first goal."Valencia are 12th in the standings, seven points above the drop zone after 26 rounds.
And despite the defeat, Neville - whose Valencia will lock horns with Athletic in the last 16 of the Europa League - added: "I enjoyed watching us play, we were a team that looked confident, we looked like we were a team in control, and Bilbao had problems with us.
"I was amazed we didn't go 1-0 or 2-0 up, I was amazed we didn't get a penalty. It feels like a terrible day and it is, but it wasn't the story of the day for me."We leave here with a bad feeling, but I'd argue that was the best we played in the first 70 minutes. The problem is we haven't taken our chances."
Gary Neville was scathing of Jesus Gil Manzano, with the Valencia coach labelling the referee "a joke" after the club's four-match winning streak came to an end against Athletic Bilbao.Neville felt Valencia were denied two penalties in Sunday's 3-0 loss at home to seventh-placed Athletic in La Liga.
Valencia's appeals for a penalty following a challenge on Andre Gomes from Xabier Etxeita were waved away by Gil Manzano in the first half, while shouts for handball fell on deaf ears after the break.
And speaking afterwards, Neville slammed the match official, telling reporters: "I thought the referee was a joke. It was embarrassing we didn't get two penalties."I've not blamed referees in any of our games, but I thought his management of the game was awful. Some of the things he did were incredible.
"We've been a very soft coaching staff towards referees, we've tried to be respectful because we know it's a difficult job, but I don't understand how we didn't have one of two penalties, one for Andre Gomes, the other for the handball."I don't have a clue. And he booked three of our players and I don't know how many fouls they had compared to us.
"There were three factors in the defeat: first the referee, secondly we missed chances, and third, we didn't react to conceding the first goal."Valencia are 12th in the standings, seven points above the drop zone after 26 rounds.
And despite the defeat, Neville - whose Valencia will lock horns with Athletic in the last 16 of the Europa League - added: "I enjoyed watching us play, we were a team that looked confident, we looked like we were a team in control, and Bilbao had problems with us.
"I was amazed we didn't go 1-0 or 2-0 up, I was amazed we didn't get a penalty. It feels like a terrible day and it is, but it wasn't the story of the day for me."We leave here with a bad feeling, but I'd argue that was the best we played in the first 70 minutes. The problem is we haven't taken our chances."
I hit it as hard as I could - Bonucci describes Derby d'Italia volley
Leonardo Bonucci described his technique in scoring a Derby d'Italia goal for Juventus against Inter , insisting he just hit the ball as hard as he could.Bonucci put Juve into the lead shortly after half-time, smashing a volley past Samir Handanovic from four yards after a poor defensive header by Danilo D'Ambrosio.
Alvaro Morata then sealed a 16th win in 17 Serie A matches by converting a late penalty he won himself after being fouled by Miranda, moving the hosts four points clear of Napoli at the top of Serie A.But modest Bonucci insisted he was "fortunate" his strike went in.
"When I saw the ball come towards me, I tried to hit it as powerfully as possible," the centre-back told Mediaset Premium . "I was fortunate to keep it down and not hit Samir Handanovic."We simply had to win, regardless of the fact we were facing Inter.
"Two draws in a row were too many, we had to get back to winning ways.""Inter are a tough side and they will continue to challenge for third place."
Juve drew their previous Serie A game 0-0 at Bologna and battled back from 2-0 down against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.Massimiliano Allegri's men face Inter again on Wednesday in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, with Juve taking a 3-0 lead to San Siro.
Bonucci added: "Now we just have to keep marching forward and our heads are already on Wednesday because, despite winning the first leg 3-0, Inter will get off to a strong start.
"We, however, will start even stronger."Did we put pressure on Napoli? No, we are the leaders, so we are only interested in our results."
Leonardo Bonucci described his technique in scoring a Derby d'Italia goal for Juventus against Inter , insisting he just hit the ball as hard as he could.Bonucci put Juve into the lead shortly after half-time, smashing a volley past Samir Handanovic from four yards after a poor defensive header by Danilo D'Ambrosio.
Alvaro Morata then sealed a 16th win in 17 Serie A matches by converting a late penalty he won himself after being fouled by Miranda, moving the hosts four points clear of Napoli at the top of Serie A.But modest Bonucci insisted he was "fortunate" his strike went in.
"When I saw the ball come towards me, I tried to hit it as powerfully as possible," the centre-back told Mediaset Premium . "I was fortunate to keep it down and not hit Samir Handanovic."We simply had to win, regardless of the fact we were facing Inter.
"Two draws in a row were too many, we had to get back to winning ways.""Inter are a tough side and they will continue to challenge for third place."
Juve drew their previous Serie A game 0-0 at Bologna and battled back from 2-0 down against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.Massimiliano Allegri's men face Inter again on Wednesday in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, with Juve taking a 3-0 lead to San Siro.
Bonucci added: "Now we just have to keep marching forward and our heads are already on Wednesday because, despite winning the first leg 3-0, Inter will get off to a strong start.
"We, however, will start even stronger."Did we put pressure on Napoli? No, we are the leaders, so we are only interested in our results."
Allegri praises 'admirable' Juventus performance in Derby d'Italia win
Juventus put in an "admirable" performance by beating Inter 2-0 in the Derby d'Italia on Sunday, head coach Massimiliano Allegri said.The Serie A champions got back to winning ways in Turin after back-to-back draws thanks to goals from Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata.
Allegri was happy with his side's showing as they recorded an eighth successive league clean sheet to move four points clear of title rivals Napoli, who play Fiorentina on Monday."The lads did really well and it was important to take home the victory," Allegri told Mediaset Premium.
"This was an admirable performance after the intense Tuesday night game with Bayern Munich."Inter are a tough side and they will continue to challenge for third place."
Allegri is already looking forward to another match against Inter on Wednesday, with Juve taking a 3-0 lead from the first leg into their Coppa Italia semi-final at San Siro."We have moved them further away from the top, but we are already thinking about Wednesday's Coppa Italia semi-final," he said.
"I realised in the first leg that our season was changing."Now we have one less obstacle on our path to the Scudetto, we remain top of the table and there are 11 left.
"The more we win, the less we have left to do."Allegri also praised the impact of his substitutes, with Morata winning and converting a penalty just three minutes after coming on.
"Players coming off the bench can be decisive," he said. "At the end of the season whether you played more or less, everyone contributed and everyone wins."
Juventus put in an "admirable" performance by beating Inter 2-0 in the Derby d'Italia on Sunday, head coach Massimiliano Allegri said.The Serie A champions got back to winning ways in Turin after back-to-back draws thanks to goals from Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata.
Allegri was happy with his side's showing as they recorded an eighth successive league clean sheet to move four points clear of title rivals Napoli, who play Fiorentina on Monday."The lads did really well and it was important to take home the victory," Allegri told Mediaset Premium.
"This was an admirable performance after the intense Tuesday night game with Bayern Munich."Inter are a tough side and they will continue to challenge for third place."
Allegri is already looking forward to another match against Inter on Wednesday, with Juve taking a 3-0 lead from the first leg into their Coppa Italia semi-final at San Siro."We have moved them further away from the top, but we are already thinking about Wednesday's Coppa Italia semi-final," he said.
"I realised in the first leg that our season was changing."Now we have one less obstacle on our path to the Scudetto, we remain top of the table and there are 11 left.
"The more we win, the less we have left to do."Allegri also praised the impact of his substitutes, with Morata winning and converting a penalty just three minutes after coming on.
"Players coming off the bench can be decisive," he said. "At the end of the season whether you played more or less, everyone contributed and everyone wins."
Pellegrini: I'd rather have lost League Cup final than leave Caballero out
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says he would rather have lost the League Cup final than left Willy Caballero out of his starting XI after the goalkeeper was the hero in a 3-1 shoot-out win.
The Chilean came under pressure to drop No.2 Caballero for regular goalkeeper Joe Hart but the Argentinian - who struggled in the 5-1 FA Cup fifth-round loss to Chelsea last weekend - repaid his manager's faith by saving three penalties before Yaya Toure struck the winning spot-kick at Wembley Stadium.
The 34-year-old denied Lucas Leiva, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana, with Pellegrini insisting he never considered dropping his usual cup goalkeeper for the final.
"If you asked how I would prefer to win, I would have preferred to win it this way," he told Sky Sports. "First of all because I prefer to lose the title than to lose my word. It was impossible for Willy Caballero not to play tonight.
"A lot of media were waiting to criticise me if Willy made a mistake and I trust him a lot. I was very happy to win the title for the fans, for the club, for the players, for the club but more than all for Willy.
"I just said I prefer to lose the title than to lose my word. We are very happy."City remain in the hunt for the Premier League and are expected to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a 3-1 first-leg win over Dynamo Kiev in the round of 16 in midweek.
Pellegrini was criticised for prioritising Europe over the FA Cup, as a weakened XI bowed out at Stamford Bridge but hopes the silverware won at Liverpool's expense can be the springboard for more success.
"We are working very hard and just in the middle of the season, it is very important for this team to continue fighting for the other titles," added the Chilean, who will be replaced by Pep Guardiola."We deserved to win the game, we missed chances. It is a very important moment because we played very well for this complete cup and finally to win a title at Wembley is always very special.
"Now we are not thinking about me leaving, we are thinking about the next game against Liverpool [on Thursday], we need to continue fighting for the title of the Premier League. We are nine points behind the leaders but with a game in hand.
"Now it is very important to try to discount those points and continue in the Champions League. It is very, very special, especially when I had to take a very difficult decision with the players and go out of the FA Cup."But this title and what we did in Ukraine in midweek I think supports my decision."
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says he would rather have lost the League Cup final than left Willy Caballero out of his starting XI after the goalkeeper was the hero in a 3-1 shoot-out win.
The Chilean came under pressure to drop No.2 Caballero for regular goalkeeper Joe Hart but the Argentinian - who struggled in the 5-1 FA Cup fifth-round loss to Chelsea last weekend - repaid his manager's faith by saving three penalties before Yaya Toure struck the winning spot-kick at Wembley Stadium.
The 34-year-old denied Lucas Leiva, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana, with Pellegrini insisting he never considered dropping his usual cup goalkeeper for the final.
"If you asked how I would prefer to win, I would have preferred to win it this way," he told Sky Sports. "First of all because I prefer to lose the title than to lose my word. It was impossible for Willy Caballero not to play tonight.
"A lot of media were waiting to criticise me if Willy made a mistake and I trust him a lot. I was very happy to win the title for the fans, for the club, for the players, for the club but more than all for Willy.
"I just said I prefer to lose the title than to lose my word. We are very happy."City remain in the hunt for the Premier League and are expected to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a 3-1 first-leg win over Dynamo Kiev in the round of 16 in midweek.
Pellegrini was criticised for prioritising Europe over the FA Cup, as a weakened XI bowed out at Stamford Bridge but hopes the silverware won at Liverpool's expense can be the springboard for more success.
"We are working very hard and just in the middle of the season, it is very important for this team to continue fighting for the other titles," added the Chilean, who will be replaced by Pep Guardiola."We deserved to win the game, we missed chances. It is a very important moment because we played very well for this complete cup and finally to win a title at Wembley is always very special.
"Now we are not thinking about me leaving, we are thinking about the next game against Liverpool [on Thursday], we need to continue fighting for the title of the Premier League. We are nine points behind the leaders but with a game in hand.
"Now it is very important to try to discount those points and continue in the Champions League. It is very, very special, especially when I had to take a very difficult decision with the players and go out of the FA Cup."But this title and what we did in Ukraine in midweek I think supports my decision."
Tuchel lauds calm Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel praised his team for staying calm in their hard-fought 3-1 win over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
The Bundesliga's second-placed team needed an 80th-minute goal from Henrikh Mkhitaryan to level proceedings before Adrian Ramos and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck to thwart the 10-man visitors.Tuchel said not panicking was crucial for his men, who are eight points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich and 15 clear of Hertha Berlin in third.
"We gave a lot physically. I am pleased that we remained calm, but played at a good tempo and raised the pressure on our opponent," he said."Then of course you have to score as well to lift your mood, that of the players and the fans."
Ramos headed in a cross from Lukasz Piszczek to put Dortmund ahead five minutes after Mkhitaryan's equaliser.
Earlier Sebastian Rudy, who opened the scoring for Hoffenheim in the first half to initially mark his 26th birtdhay in style, was sent off just before the hour mark.Tuchel said Hoffenheim were a better side than their second-bottom position in the table suggested.
"It was a great feeling and Adrian's was a great goal to witness. It was a very important win and a good win," he said."We know what we achieved and are very pleased with the result.
"Hoffenheim are playing a lot better than they were four weeks ago and their position of second to last in the table is not an accurate reflection of the team's abilities."
Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel praised his team for staying calm in their hard-fought 3-1 win over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
The Bundesliga's second-placed team needed an 80th-minute goal from Henrikh Mkhitaryan to level proceedings before Adrian Ramos and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck to thwart the 10-man visitors.Tuchel said not panicking was crucial for his men, who are eight points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich and 15 clear of Hertha Berlin in third.
"We gave a lot physically. I am pleased that we remained calm, but played at a good tempo and raised the pressure on our opponent," he said."Then of course you have to score as well to lift your mood, that of the players and the fans."
Ramos headed in a cross from Lukasz Piszczek to put Dortmund ahead five minutes after Mkhitaryan's equaliser.
Earlier Sebastian Rudy, who opened the scoring for Hoffenheim in the first half to initially mark his 26th birtdhay in style, was sent off just before the hour mark.Tuchel said Hoffenheim were a better side than their second-bottom position in the table suggested.
"It was a great feeling and Adrian's was a great goal to witness. It was a very important win and a good win," he said."We know what we achieved and are very pleased with the result.
"Hoffenheim are playing a lot better than they were four weeks ago and their position of second to last in the table is not an accurate reflection of the team's abilities."
Klopp: Only idiots stay on the floor, Liverpool will strike back
Jurgen Klopp believes it is important for Liverpool to feel the full pain of their League Cup final defeat to Manchester City and use it to strike back as they target future success.
The Reds were floored 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley after Philippe Coutinho’s late strike cancelled out Fernandinho’s opener and forced the fixture into extra-time on Sunday evening.
Typically, the 48-year-old delivered an honest post-match assessment, admitting it felt "sh*t" and "rubbish" to be runners-up rather than the winners.
"At the moment I don't feel the positives," Klopp admitted. "I'm a human being, after all.
"It's not my first big defeat. I've had defeats before and I've had wins before. I know how it goes. Do you think I will now go home, close the door and stay there for the next four weeks?
"Yes, it's normal to be down. But it's okay. You have to feel a defeat, you can't say 'oh it wasn't important' because it was. We lost a final, so it's not too good.
"You always have to strike back. We can say all of these things, but you know you can fall down and then you have to stand up. That’s the truth, but it’s completely normal – only silly idiots stay on the floor and wait for the next defeat.
"Of course we will strike back – 100 per cent. We struck back today in the game. But for this and the next time we are in a final, you have to feel how it is when you lose.
"Not everybody has to learn it like this – I won my first final. It’s really not the best moment, but that is all. Tomorrow morning we can change everything, but now we can change nothing. That’s the big difference.
"But don’t worry, we will go on, we will get better and that’s how it is. We have to go the hard way – that’s how it is. Nothing is easy in this moment, but we can see if we carry on working really hard then there is new light at the end of the tunnel.
"That’s really, really important and that’s what we know. We will stay in the race, there is no doubt about this – but tonight we feel rubbish."
Klopp felt Liverpool had a really strong first half, but admitted they were too open for periods in the second 45, which allowed City to exploit space and counter dangerously.
He also agreed that his charges should have struck their spot-kicks better with Lucas, Coutinho and Adam Lallana all being thwarted by Willy Caballero during the shoot-out.
"In the second half, we conceded an early goal and were not too lucky," the manager said.
"Then they had two counter-attacks with [Sergio] Aguero; that’s normal with their quality. We opened too early, to be honest, and we didn’t protect our own offensive actions too well.
"That’s why we changed. With these changes, we changed something in the game – we were really in the game, controlled the game, had good direction and stayed patient.
"You could see it was really more than possible that we could score the goal. We scored the goal and we could have scored the second one.
"Extra-time, we saw, is never the best time in the game because all the players have a few kilometres in their legs.
"Then you have the penalty shoot-out. You need a little bit of luck. Of course, we need to shoot a little bit better than we did. We know how it works but today it was not too difficult for their goalkeeper.
"We were not too lucky as Simon [Mignolet] was really close two or three times. That’s how it is and at the end, we have to accept we lost."
Jurgen Klopp believes it is important for Liverpool to feel the full pain of their League Cup final defeat to Manchester City and use it to strike back as they target future success.
The Reds were floored 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley after Philippe Coutinho’s late strike cancelled out Fernandinho’s opener and forced the fixture into extra-time on Sunday evening.
Typically, the 48-year-old delivered an honest post-match assessment, admitting it felt "sh*t" and "rubbish" to be runners-up rather than the winners.
"At the moment I don't feel the positives," Klopp admitted. "I'm a human being, after all.
"It's not my first big defeat. I've had defeats before and I've had wins before. I know how it goes. Do you think I will now go home, close the door and stay there for the next four weeks?
"Yes, it's normal to be down. But it's okay. You have to feel a defeat, you can't say 'oh it wasn't important' because it was. We lost a final, so it's not too good.
"You always have to strike back. We can say all of these things, but you know you can fall down and then you have to stand up. That’s the truth, but it’s completely normal – only silly idiots stay on the floor and wait for the next defeat.
"Of course we will strike back – 100 per cent. We struck back today in the game. But for this and the next time we are in a final, you have to feel how it is when you lose.
"Not everybody has to learn it like this – I won my first final. It’s really not the best moment, but that is all. Tomorrow morning we can change everything, but now we can change nothing. That’s the big difference.
"But don’t worry, we will go on, we will get better and that’s how it is. We have to go the hard way – that’s how it is. Nothing is easy in this moment, but we can see if we carry on working really hard then there is new light at the end of the tunnel.
"That’s really, really important and that’s what we know. We will stay in the race, there is no doubt about this – but tonight we feel rubbish."
Klopp felt Liverpool had a really strong first half, but admitted they were too open for periods in the second 45, which allowed City to exploit space and counter dangerously.
He also agreed that his charges should have struck their spot-kicks better with Lucas, Coutinho and Adam Lallana all being thwarted by Willy Caballero during the shoot-out.
"In the second half, we conceded an early goal and were not too lucky," the manager said.
"Then they had two counter-attacks with [Sergio] Aguero; that’s normal with their quality. We opened too early, to be honest, and we didn’t protect our own offensive actions too well.
"That’s why we changed. With these changes, we changed something in the game – we were really in the game, controlled the game, had good direction and stayed patient.
"You could see it was really more than possible that we could score the goal. We scored the goal and we could have scored the second one.
"Extra-time, we saw, is never the best time in the game because all the players have a few kilometres in their legs.
"Then you have the penalty shoot-out. You need a little bit of luck. Of course, we need to shoot a little bit better than we did. We know how it works but today it was not too difficult for their goalkeeper.
"We were not too lucky as Simon [Mignolet] was really close two or three times. That’s how it is and at the end, we have to accept we lost."
Inter must take responsibilty and give more - Zanetti
Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti has called for the team to give more after goals from Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata sealed a 2-0 win for Juventus in the Derby d'Italia.Roberto Mancini's Inter saw their faint Serie A title hopes dealt a blow in Turin on Sunday and they now trail defending champions Juve by 13 points.
Inter are also five points off third place - Serie A's final automatic Champions League qualification spot - after extending their poor 2016 form that has seen the Milan club win just three of their 10 league games since the mid-season break, at which point they topped the table.
Zanetti accepted that Inter's players must "take responsibility" for recent below-par results, stating: "It is a very tough defeat to swallow, unfortunately it was due in part to the strength of our opponents and also our own fault."However, the time has come for the team to take responsibility and give something more. From here to the end of the season they must give everything they've got.
"We must get back to being solid and have more certainties, after that we can take it one game at a time."It's the only way to emerge from this moment, which sadly has been going for a while."
Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti has called for the team to give more after goals from Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata sealed a 2-0 win for Juventus in the Derby d'Italia.Roberto Mancini's Inter saw their faint Serie A title hopes dealt a blow in Turin on Sunday and they now trail defending champions Juve by 13 points.
Inter are also five points off third place - Serie A's final automatic Champions League qualification spot - after extending their poor 2016 form that has seen the Milan club win just three of their 10 league games since the mid-season break, at which point they topped the table.
Zanetti accepted that Inter's players must "take responsibility" for recent below-par results, stating: "It is a very tough defeat to swallow, unfortunately it was due in part to the strength of our opponents and also our own fault."However, the time has come for the team to take responsibility and give something more. From here to the end of the season they must give everything they've got.
"We must get back to being solid and have more certainties, after that we can take it one game at a time."It's the only way to emerge from this moment, which sadly has been going for a while."
Klopp: Sakho wanted to stay on after clash of heads
Jurgen Klopp admitted Mamadou Sakho did not initially agree with his substitution in Liverpool’s League Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.
The centre-back had to be replaced after 25 minutes following a clash of heads with team-mate Emre Can as the Reds suffered a 3-1 penalty shoot-out loss on Sunday evening.
Despite clearly being dazed after the collision, Sakho was determined to continue and flung his water bottle in anger when he was told he would need to come off with Kolo Toure his replacement.
The France international understandably did not want his first final appearance at Wembley to be cut short, but Liverpool rightly opted for the safety-first route.
"In the situation, we had to make the decision," Klopp explained.
"At half-time, he said it was the right decision, but when we took him off he said it was the wrong decision.
"He had a knock against his head and in this moment you should not ask the player.
"Everybody understood and thought it was better to take him off. He was struggling in this moment and it was not too healthy."
On the 26-year-old’s current condition, Klopp said: "I’m not too sure at this moment, but he looked better after the game."
Jurgen Klopp admitted Mamadou Sakho did not initially agree with his substitution in Liverpool’s League Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.
The centre-back had to be replaced after 25 minutes following a clash of heads with team-mate Emre Can as the Reds suffered a 3-1 penalty shoot-out loss on Sunday evening.
Despite clearly being dazed after the collision, Sakho was determined to continue and flung his water bottle in anger when he was told he would need to come off with Kolo Toure his replacement.
The France international understandably did not want his first final appearance at Wembley to be cut short, but Liverpool rightly opted for the safety-first route.
"In the situation, we had to make the decision," Klopp explained.
"At half-time, he said it was the right decision, but when we took him off he said it was the wrong decision.
"He had a knock against his head and in this moment you should not ask the player.
"Everybody understood and thought it was better to take him off. He was struggling in this moment and it was not too healthy."
On the 26-year-old’s current condition, Klopp said: "I’m not too sure at this moment, but he looked better after the game."
Pique: I'd bet an arm Neymar will never join Real Madrid
Gerard Pique is so confident Barcelona striker Neymar would refuse to join Real Madrid that he would be willing to bet "an arm or a hand" it will never happen.
The Brazilian is yet to extend his current deal at Camp Nou which has led to speculation surrounding his future while former Madrid defender Roberto Carlos has claimed he could persuade the 24-year-old to move to the Bernabeu.
The Madrid giants were interested in signing the attacker from former club Santos back in 2013, with Spanish press reported in January that Los Blancos are continuing their pursuit.
However, club team-mate Pique is adamant the deal would never go through, stating via Periscope: “I’d bet an arm or a hand that Ney will never join Madrid.“He likes Barcelona very much, he’s in love with the club and I think he’ll stay here for many years."
Pique, 29, also spoke about his own future with Barca and suggested he may be open to a move to Major League Soccer when the time is right but ruled out joining Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
"I’d try another League in the future, when I have only a few years of my career left," he said. "Maybe [the United States of] America, but no-one knows what will happen in the future.
"My love for [former club Manchester] United is too strong to go to City, so I don’t see myself in their shirt, even though Pep is a great coach."
Gerard Pique is so confident Barcelona striker Neymar would refuse to join Real Madrid that he would be willing to bet "an arm or a hand" it will never happen.
The Brazilian is yet to extend his current deal at Camp Nou which has led to speculation surrounding his future while former Madrid defender Roberto Carlos has claimed he could persuade the 24-year-old to move to the Bernabeu.
The Madrid giants were interested in signing the attacker from former club Santos back in 2013, with Spanish press reported in January that Los Blancos are continuing their pursuit.
However, club team-mate Pique is adamant the deal would never go through, stating via Periscope: “I’d bet an arm or a hand that Ney will never join Madrid.“He likes Barcelona very much, he’s in love with the club and I think he’ll stay here for many years."
Pique, 29, also spoke about his own future with Barca and suggested he may be open to a move to Major League Soccer when the time is right but ruled out joining Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
"I’d try another League in the future, when I have only a few years of my career left," he said. "Maybe [the United States of] America, but no-one knows what will happen in the future.
"My love for [former club Manchester] United is too strong to go to City, so I don’t see myself in their shirt, even though Pep is a great coach."
Suarez: I'd love to have Messi's left foot and Neymar's pace
Luis Suarez has revealed the traits he would take from his fellow South American forwards at Barcelona - Lionel Messi's left foot and Neymar's pace.
The Catalans' front three have produced some sublime football this season, scoring 59 Liga goals between them as Barca target success in the Spanish top-flight, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
And Suarez admits he would relish being as strong on his left side as Messi and as quick across the ground as Neymar.
"I'd love to have Messi's left foot, which is one-of-a-kind in the world, remarkable" he was quoted as saying by Marca, before going on to praise Neymar's speed and 'joie de vivre'.
"All of the players have a great relationship and it shows, we're always laughing amongst ourselves and hugging - it's not just us three. It's not about affection, it's about support.
"We don't plan anything; it all just comes naturally. We just enjoy ourselves and if we're happy, we're able to do that."
Barcelona, who are eight points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, take on Rayo Vallecano on Thursday.
Luis Suarez has revealed the traits he would take from his fellow South American forwards at Barcelona - Lionel Messi's left foot and Neymar's pace.
The Catalans' front three have produced some sublime football this season, scoring 59 Liga goals between them as Barca target success in the Spanish top-flight, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
And Suarez admits he would relish being as strong on his left side as Messi and as quick across the ground as Neymar.
"I'd love to have Messi's left foot, which is one-of-a-kind in the world, remarkable" he was quoted as saying by Marca, before going on to praise Neymar's speed and 'joie de vivre'.
"All of the players have a great relationship and it shows, we're always laughing amongst ourselves and hugging - it's not just us three. It's not about affection, it's about support.
"We don't plan anything; it all just comes naturally. We just enjoy ourselves and if we're happy, we're able to do that."
Barcelona, who are eight points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, take on Rayo Vallecano on Thursday.
Koeman welcomes boost to Europa League hopes
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman says Manchester City's Capital One Cup win was good news for every club fighting for European qualification.
Should City manage to qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top four, which remains a big possibility, an additional Europa League berth that would have gone to them as League Cup winners will instead be allocated on the basis of league performance.
And therefore City's triumph over Liverpool was music to the ears of Koeman, whose side are currently seventh in the Premier League table and in the mix to secure a spot in the European qualification places.
Asked if City's win at Wembley on Sunday was good news for Southampton, the Dutch manager said: "Yes, because normally Man City will finish in the first three or four clubs in the league in my opinion.
"That of course makes it interesting [in the race] for fifth or sixth position in the table. It is interesting for the rest of the teams to get an opportunity to get into Europe."
Southampton, who lost to Chelsea last time out in a result that ended their six-game unbeaten streak, are away at south coast rivals Bournemouth on Tuesday but will likely have to cope without Shane Long.The in-form forward has netted in his last two games but was forced off with an injury in the second half against the reigning champions.
"Shane Long was injured, but it is not a hamstring injury after the result of the scan and that is good news," said Koeman."But it will be difficult for him to be available because Saturday to Tuesday is very short. We still have training on Monday afternoon but he is doubtful.
"He is doing well, in good form and full of confidence. He is creating a lot of dangerous moments in our attack and scoring goals. You like to always have everybody available but injuries are part of football."We have a strong squad with good competition and if he can't start we will play another striker in his position."
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman says Manchester City's Capital One Cup win was good news for every club fighting for European qualification.
Should City manage to qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top four, which remains a big possibility, an additional Europa League berth that would have gone to them as League Cup winners will instead be allocated on the basis of league performance.
And therefore City's triumph over Liverpool was music to the ears of Koeman, whose side are currently seventh in the Premier League table and in the mix to secure a spot in the European qualification places.
Asked if City's win at Wembley on Sunday was good news for Southampton, the Dutch manager said: "Yes, because normally Man City will finish in the first three or four clubs in the league in my opinion.
"That of course makes it interesting [in the race] for fifth or sixth position in the table. It is interesting for the rest of the teams to get an opportunity to get into Europe."
Southampton, who lost to Chelsea last time out in a result that ended their six-game unbeaten streak, are away at south coast rivals Bournemouth on Tuesday but will likely have to cope without Shane Long.The in-form forward has netted in his last two games but was forced off with an injury in the second half against the reigning champions.
"Shane Long was injured, but it is not a hamstring injury after the result of the scan and that is good news," said Koeman."But it will be difficult for him to be available because Saturday to Tuesday is very short. We still have training on Monday afternoon but he is doubtful.
"He is doing well, in good form and full of confidence. He is creating a lot of dangerous moments in our attack and scoring goals. You like to always have everybody available but injuries are part of football."We have a strong squad with good competition and if he can't start we will play another striker in his position."
Pato in line for Chelsea debut at Norwich
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink says Alexandre Pato is fit enough to make his Premier League debut against Norwich City on Tuesday.
The Brazilian has not featured for the Blues since arriving on a six-month loan deal from Corinthians in January due to a lack of match fitness - his last competitive match coming for former loan club Sao Paulo in November.
But with Chelsea facing a hectic schedule over the next few weeks, Hiddink has revealed that the 26-year-old could make his Blues bow at Carrow Road this week.
"He is eager and we now have the strikers where there is a healthy competition in a very good atmosphere," said the Dutchman, who acknowledged he could rest Diego Costa during the next few games.
"Diego is number one but the others have stepped up, I'm happy, for instance, with Bertrand Traore. Although he's a young guy, the others might have more status, but I'm not looking at that.
"At the moment to be fair to everyone, [the younger players] are a bit ahead [of Pato] at this moment because I like fair competition and fairness among themselves.
"But he and Remy are also in a position to compete. Pato is not ready for 90 minutes but he is able to play a part of the game. We consider also the chances for some of the younger guys.
"We'll see this afternoon what the damage is for the injured players."
Hiddink has also confirmed that Radamel Falcao and captain John Terry have both returned to individual training after muscle injuries, while adding his confidence that Pato can make an impact before the end of the season.
"Let's hope so, in the near future," he added. "We have games coming up but like I said before it's best to have a loan in his situation.
"That way he can get used to us and the club can make a proper judgement on him in performances and training, then it's for mutual parties the best thing."
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink says Alexandre Pato is fit enough to make his Premier League debut against Norwich City on Tuesday.
The Brazilian has not featured for the Blues since arriving on a six-month loan deal from Corinthians in January due to a lack of match fitness - his last competitive match coming for former loan club Sao Paulo in November.
But with Chelsea facing a hectic schedule over the next few weeks, Hiddink has revealed that the 26-year-old could make his Blues bow at Carrow Road this week.
"He is eager and we now have the strikers where there is a healthy competition in a very good atmosphere," said the Dutchman, who acknowledged he could rest Diego Costa during the next few games.
"Diego is number one but the others have stepped up, I'm happy, for instance, with Bertrand Traore. Although he's a young guy, the others might have more status, but I'm not looking at that.
"At the moment to be fair to everyone, [the younger players] are a bit ahead [of Pato] at this moment because I like fair competition and fairness among themselves.
"But he and Remy are also in a position to compete. Pato is not ready for 90 minutes but he is able to play a part of the game. We consider also the chances for some of the younger guys.
"We'll see this afternoon what the damage is for the injured players."
Hiddink has also confirmed that Radamel Falcao and captain John Terry have both returned to individual training after muscle injuries, while adding his confidence that Pato can make an impact before the end of the season.
"Let's hope so, in the near future," he added. "We have games coming up but like I said before it's best to have a loan in his situation.
"That way he can get used to us and the club can make a proper judgement on him in performances and training, then it's for mutual parties the best thing."
Wenger must go if Arsenal lose out to Leicester or Spurs – Merson
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson says manager Arsene Wenger must be sacked if Leicester City or Tottenham beat them to the Premier League title.
Arsenal have not been crowned champions since 2004 and are five points adrift of Leicester following Sunday's 3-2 defeat at an injury-hit Manchester United, while Spurs stayed within two points of Claudio Ranieri's surprise leaders after a 2-1 comeback victory.
Wenger's men take on Swansea on Wednesday before a crucial London derby against Spurs, and Merson – who played in the Frenchman's maiden season at the Gunners helm in 1996-97 – feels the 66-year-old's near 20-year tenure at Arsenal should come to an end if they lose out to this year's shock title contenders."If Man City don't win the league and Tottenham or Leicester do then Arsene Wenger has to go," he told Sky Sports.
"If you're sitting there telling those fans – loyal Arsenal fans – that they don't need any new players at the start of the season and then you don't win the league in front of Leicester or Tottenham then I don't see how you can justify it.
"If Man City win the league he can turn around and say 'they've got all the money in the world and can go and buy whoever they want, so would whoever I bought have made much difference?'."But if Leicester or Tottenham win the league after he said they didn't need any players then I don't see how he can keep his job.
"People may say there's nobody better than him, but there's a thousand managers who could come in and get Arsenal in the top four."A thousand managers would come to Arsenal and say 'don't give me a penny, but if I get Arsenal in the top four then pay me 10 million quid'.
"Every football manager in the world would take that deal. Arsenal are always going to get in the top four."If Leicester or Tottenham win the title then I just don't see how he can keep his job."
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson says manager Arsene Wenger must be sacked if Leicester City or Tottenham beat them to the Premier League title.
Arsenal have not been crowned champions since 2004 and are five points adrift of Leicester following Sunday's 3-2 defeat at an injury-hit Manchester United, while Spurs stayed within two points of Claudio Ranieri's surprise leaders after a 2-1 comeback victory.
Wenger's men take on Swansea on Wednesday before a crucial London derby against Spurs, and Merson – who played in the Frenchman's maiden season at the Gunners helm in 1996-97 – feels the 66-year-old's near 20-year tenure at Arsenal should come to an end if they lose out to this year's shock title contenders."If Man City don't win the league and Tottenham or Leicester do then Arsene Wenger has to go," he told Sky Sports.
"If you're sitting there telling those fans – loyal Arsenal fans – that they don't need any new players at the start of the season and then you don't win the league in front of Leicester or Tottenham then I don't see how you can justify it.
"If Man City win the league he can turn around and say 'they've got all the money in the world and can go and buy whoever they want, so would whoever I bought have made much difference?'."But if Leicester or Tottenham win the league after he said they didn't need any players then I don't see how he can keep his job.
"People may say there's nobody better than him, but there's a thousand managers who could come in and get Arsenal in the top four."A thousand managers would come to Arsenal and say 'don't give me a penny, but if I get Arsenal in the top four then pay me 10 million quid'.
"Every football manager in the world would take that deal. Arsenal are always going to get in the top four."If Leicester or Tottenham win the title then I just don't see how he can keep his job."
Lavezzi: I rejected Inter, Chelsea & Manchester United
Ezequiel Lavezzi has revealed he turned down the chance to sign for Inter, Chelsea and Manchester United in order to move to the Chinese Super League.
Lavezzi departed Paris Saint-Germain in January for a contract reportedly worth €15 million per season, and claims he joined Hebei China Fortune to be part of a project which has seen the likes of Jackson Martinez, Ramires and Alex Teixeira make similar moves.
The Argentine attacker had been courted by several elite European clubs during his spell with Ligue 1 champions PSG but saw significant positives in exposing himself to Asian culture and opted for a move to the Far East.
“I could have signed for Inter, Chelsea or Manchester United,” the 30-year-old told Canal+.“But I made the decision to go to China. It’s an important choice for my career, I’m sure I’ll face many challenges here.
“I like the project to develop this club. It was that which convinced me to come to Hebei, as well as the financial aspect.“I’m also fascinated by Chinese culture, so to come and play here is definitely an interesting challenge.”
Former Napoli forward Lavezzi admits his international career has almost certainly been brought to an end by his move away from a major club competition, but feels he has made the correct decision.
“Yes, it’s likely that experience is over," he said. "But I’ve already made the decision to come here and I want to do my best for my new club.”
Ezequiel Lavezzi has revealed he turned down the chance to sign for Inter, Chelsea and Manchester United in order to move to the Chinese Super League.
Lavezzi departed Paris Saint-Germain in January for a contract reportedly worth €15 million per season, and claims he joined Hebei China Fortune to be part of a project which has seen the likes of Jackson Martinez, Ramires and Alex Teixeira make similar moves.
The Argentine attacker had been courted by several elite European clubs during his spell with Ligue 1 champions PSG but saw significant positives in exposing himself to Asian culture and opted for a move to the Far East.
“I could have signed for Inter, Chelsea or Manchester United,” the 30-year-old told Canal+.“But I made the decision to go to China. It’s an important choice for my career, I’m sure I’ll face many challenges here.
“I like the project to develop this club. It was that which convinced me to come to Hebei, as well as the financial aspect.“I’m also fascinated by Chinese culture, so to come and play here is definitely an interesting challenge.”
Former Napoli forward Lavezzi admits his international career has almost certainly been brought to an end by his move away from a major club competition, but feels he has made the correct decision.
“Yes, it’s likely that experience is over," he said. "But I’ve already made the decision to come here and I want to do my best for my new club.”
Yaya Toure wants to work with Guardiola at City, says brother Kolo
Yaya Toure wants to work with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City next season despite reports to the contrary, according to the midfielder's brother Kolo.
Rumours have been rife that Yaya Toure will depart the Etihad Stadium since news broke this month that Bayern Munich coach Guardiola will replace Manuel Pellegrini at the end of the campaign.
The Ivory Coast star played under Guardiola at Barcelona, but he was sold to City by the Spaniard ahead of the 2010-11 campaign.
However, former City defender Kolo Toure - who was on the losing Liverpool side against his brother in Sunday's League Cup final - does not believe that necessarily means the end for his younger sibling in Manchester."Everybody wants to play for Pep," he is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.
"He is a top manager. They know each other very well and I don't think it will be a problem if they keep working together."I guess Yaya wants to play for Pep but it depends on what he is thinking and what Pep is thinking.
"It is a difficult question. He is my younger brother but I leave him to take his decisions for his career."
Yaya Toure wants to work with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City next season despite reports to the contrary, according to the midfielder's brother Kolo.
Rumours have been rife that Yaya Toure will depart the Etihad Stadium since news broke this month that Bayern Munich coach Guardiola will replace Manuel Pellegrini at the end of the campaign.
The Ivory Coast star played under Guardiola at Barcelona, but he was sold to City by the Spaniard ahead of the 2010-11 campaign.
However, former City defender Kolo Toure - who was on the losing Liverpool side against his brother in Sunday's League Cup final - does not believe that necessarily means the end for his younger sibling in Manchester."Everybody wants to play for Pep," he is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.
"He is a top manager. They know each other very well and I don't think it will be a problem if they keep working together."I guess Yaya wants to play for Pep but it depends on what he is thinking and what Pep is thinking.
"It is a difficult question. He is my younger brother but I leave him to take his decisions for his career."
Schneiderlin sees signs of Martial in rampant Rashford
Marcus Rashford's magnificent early impact with Manchester United has reminded Morgan Schneiderlin of the start made by Anthony Martial at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old striker scored twice on his debut in the Europa League last-32 second-leg victory over Midtjylland and followed that up with another double in his Premier League bow against Arsenal on Sunday.
Schneiderlin is yet to see too much of Rashford in training, but has likened his start to that of big-money signing Martial, who netted on his debut against Liverpool and scored four times in his opening four appearances."It is amazing for him," the former Southampton midfielder told MUTV about Rashford.
"He reminds me a bit of Anthony, the way that he started, scoring against Liverpool and against Southampton. It is the same for Marcus; he is a very good player.
"He didn't train [with the first team] many times, but when he did train we could see straight away that he had this quality. "He showed it again on Sunday and I hope he continues like that because he is an exciting prospect for the football club."
Schneiderlin was singled out by manager Louis van Gaal for praise after the Midtjylland win, and the Frenchman is content with his maiden season at United so far.
"I try to do my best," he added. "I had good spells before, in October and November and then I didn't play as much. But for me it's an honour to walk out, to keep going and of course now I feel a bit better. "It was a case of getting used to this. I'm feeling good and I need to carry on; hopefully I will carry on like this.
"You have to show that [desire] week in and week out, but even more so when we have a lot of injuries and a lot of young players that are not known. "Everyone wants to show that they deserve a place at Manchester United and everyone wants to fight for the badge."
Juan Mata was another to shower praise on the new United sensation. "With such a good team performance it's never fair to highlight this or that player, but of course all of us are very happy for Marcus Rashford," he said on the club's official website.
"He's played just a few minutes with the first team and has already scored very important goals, showing his great potential and giving us a hint of the bright future that I'm sure he has and that I wish to him"
Marcus Rashford's magnificent early impact with Manchester United has reminded Morgan Schneiderlin of the start made by Anthony Martial at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old striker scored twice on his debut in the Europa League last-32 second-leg victory over Midtjylland and followed that up with another double in his Premier League bow against Arsenal on Sunday.
Schneiderlin is yet to see too much of Rashford in training, but has likened his start to that of big-money signing Martial, who netted on his debut against Liverpool and scored four times in his opening four appearances."It is amazing for him," the former Southampton midfielder told MUTV about Rashford.
"He reminds me a bit of Anthony, the way that he started, scoring against Liverpool and against Southampton. It is the same for Marcus; he is a very good player.
"He didn't train [with the first team] many times, but when he did train we could see straight away that he had this quality. "He showed it again on Sunday and I hope he continues like that because he is an exciting prospect for the football club."
Schneiderlin was singled out by manager Louis van Gaal for praise after the Midtjylland win, and the Frenchman is content with his maiden season at United so far.
"I try to do my best," he added. "I had good spells before, in October and November and then I didn't play as much. But for me it's an honour to walk out, to keep going and of course now I feel a bit better. "It was a case of getting used to this. I'm feeling good and I need to carry on; hopefully I will carry on like this.
"You have to show that [desire] week in and week out, but even more so when we have a lot of injuries and a lot of young players that are not known. "Everyone wants to show that they deserve a place at Manchester United and everyone wants to fight for the badge."
Juan Mata was another to shower praise on the new United sensation. "With such a good team performance it's never fair to highlight this or that player, but of course all of us are very happy for Marcus Rashford," he said on the club's official website.
"He's played just a few minutes with the first team and has already scored very important goals, showing his great potential and giving us a hint of the bright future that I'm sure he has and that I wish to him"
Cristiano Ronaldo apologises to Real Madrid team-mates for outburst
Cristiano Ronaldo apologised to his Real Madrid team-mates ahead of a training session on Monday and attempted to clarify comments he made following the derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, Goal understands.
Some 40 hours after losing 1-0 to rivals Atletico, Real's player were reunited on Monday in the Valdebebas training complex. Zinedine Zidane had scheduled training for 11am following a day off, and in the meantime plenty had been said since match official Clos Gomez blew for full time at the Bernabeu.
Almost all was negative, and much had to do with Ronaldo's outburst in the mixed zone.
"If all my team-mates were at my level, we might be first," he said. There was also criticism for the club's medics, their preparations in pre-season and the team's current performance, as well as a rousing defence of his own talent and statistics. The consensus was that Ronaldo had shown arrogance and disrespect to his team-mates in his attempt to highlight his own performances.
Ronaldo himself tried to explain on Saturday night that he had been taken out of context, despite the strong words he used. But Monday was the day when he would see those faces he apparently disrespected just 36 hours prior.
And Goalunderstands that, before training, Ronaldo sought to 'justify himself' to the dressing room, claiming that he "expressed himself poorly" and did not "wish to annoy any team-mates."
Ronaldo's Madrid team-mates, meanwhile, are understood to have played down the significance of the Portugal international's outburst.
Without a doubt, bridges will need to be mended amongst the players in the Madrid dressing room, and this was a good start to a tough week. Wednesday brings a visit to Levante minus Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and perhaps Pepe as well. On Saturday Celta Vigo come to the capital, as a forerunner to the massive Champions League clash against Roma on Tuesday.
It is a moment in which the team's unity will be tested - and to see if Ronaldo's apology has as much of an effect as the outburst that preceded it.
Cristiano Ronaldo apologised to his Real Madrid team-mates ahead of a training session on Monday and attempted to clarify comments he made following the derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, Goal understands.
Some 40 hours after losing 1-0 to rivals Atletico, Real's player were reunited on Monday in the Valdebebas training complex. Zinedine Zidane had scheduled training for 11am following a day off, and in the meantime plenty had been said since match official Clos Gomez blew for full time at the Bernabeu.
Almost all was negative, and much had to do with Ronaldo's outburst in the mixed zone.
"If all my team-mates were at my level, we might be first," he said. There was also criticism for the club's medics, their preparations in pre-season and the team's current performance, as well as a rousing defence of his own talent and statistics. The consensus was that Ronaldo had shown arrogance and disrespect to his team-mates in his attempt to highlight his own performances.
Ronaldo himself tried to explain on Saturday night that he had been taken out of context, despite the strong words he used. But Monday was the day when he would see those faces he apparently disrespected just 36 hours prior.
And Goalunderstands that, before training, Ronaldo sought to 'justify himself' to the dressing room, claiming that he "expressed himself poorly" and did not "wish to annoy any team-mates."
Ronaldo's Madrid team-mates, meanwhile, are understood to have played down the significance of the Portugal international's outburst.
Without a doubt, bridges will need to be mended amongst the players in the Madrid dressing room, and this was a good start to a tough week. Wednesday brings a visit to Levante minus Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and perhaps Pepe as well. On Saturday Celta Vigo come to the capital, as a forerunner to the massive Champions League clash against Roma on Tuesday.
It is a moment in which the team's unity will be tested - and to see if Ronaldo's apology has as much of an effect as the outburst that preceded it.
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