..::Football III::..

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Azpilicueta pledges future to Chelsea

Cesar Azpilicueta has pledged his long-term future to Chelsea, insisting he has no intention of leaving Stamford Bridge.

The 26-year-old has become an integral part of the Blues' first team since joining the club four years ago, making 37 appearances in all competitions this season.

And when asked about a potential return to Marseille, the club he left to join Chelsea in 2012, Azpilicueta ruled out a move away from west London any time soon, stating he is very happy with the reigning champions. "I plan on staying another few years at Chelsea," he told French radio station RMC. "I'm very happy there. I'm not thinking about leaving the club. I'm only thinking of [playing for] the Blues.

"Marseille made a big impact on me and gave me the chance to discover Europe. I felt very good over there.

"But if I have to leave it would be for a club where I could develop even more than at Chelsea."Azpilicueta, who is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's finest out-and-out defenders, has regularly featured at left-back during his time at Chelsea.

However due to club captain John Terry picking up an injury, Branislav Ivanovic has shifted infield to fill in at centre-back, allowing Azpilicueta the chance to shine in his favoured right-back role in recent weeks.

 

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Arsenal lack the hunger to be champions - Alexis

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez believes the Gunners lack the hunger required to win silverware on a regular basis.

Arsene Wenger's side missed the chance to close the gap on leaders Leicester City on Wednesday after being defeated by Swansea City and remain six points behind the Foxes.

That defeat followed losses to Barcelona and Manchester United the previous week as Arsenal's season threatens to derail completely.

And ahead of Saturday's crucial north London derby against second-placed Tottenham, the Chile international has hinted that the Emirates Stadium outfit do not have the right mentality to win the title.

"I think we can win the Premier League with the players we have," he told Directv Sports. "That said, we lack a certain hunger. We need to step out onto the pitch as if we're already 1-0 up."

"We lack self-belief, that we can actually be champions. I remember a game against Manchester United last year. The lads looked hungry for silverware as we took to the pitch. We crushed them in the first 20 minutes and went 2-0 up. We were hungry and brimming with confidence that day."

 

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'Guardiola wanted Arsenal move - with Thierry Henry as his assistant'

It appears Piers Morgan has turned from Arsene Wenger’s chief critic to the man with the inside track at Arsenal.

The Gunners’ 2-1 defeat at home to Swansea City sent the television show host into another meltdown, with the #WengerOut hashtag getting another airing on Twitter.

But amid the calls for the Arsenal boss to quit the club, Morgan revealed a nugget of information that he’d been sitting on.

Yes, you've not misread anything, according to Morgan, Pep Guardiola was apparently keen to replace Wenger at Arsenal, and the dream package would’ve been complete as he wanted Thierry Henry as his assistant.

It seems that Morgan felt this news was of such magnitude that it needed a day (or a bad result) before being revealed to the world.

We trust this information would have been released if Arsenal had managed to beat Swansea on Wednesday night...

 

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Marcus Rashford wins Manchester United’s Player of the Month for February - after playing just 170 minutes

Marcus Rashford has already been rewarded for his stunning start at Manchester United by winning the club’s highly coveted Player of the Month award for February - despite only playing 170 minutes of first-team football.

The 18-year-old bagged a double in his superb senior debut in a 5-1 win over FC Midtjylland in the Europa League before following that up with another two goals in the 3-2 win over Arsenal last Sunday.

And that was deemed worthy of being named as the club’s best player for February ahead of several first-team regulars including Juan Mata, who played 590 minutes last month, Jesse Lingard (595 minutes), Ander Herrera (351 minutes), David De Gea (360 minutes) and Anthony Martial (420 minutes).

An England call-up should be just around the corner, then.

 

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Congratulations Rashford!

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Rayo Vallecano 1-5 Barcelona: Record-breaking visitors move eight points clear

Barcelona moved eight points clear at the top of La Liga with a 5-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano that saw Luis Enrique's side make history by going 35 games unbeaten, beating Real Madrid's Spanish record.

Ivan Rakitic opened the scoring midway on 22 minutes, the Croatia international taking advantage of a goalkeeping error from Juan Carlos who fumbled a cross allowing the midfielder to take a touch before firing into an empty net.

Just over a minute later and Barcelona had doubled their lead, Lionel Messi driving forwards and swapping passes with Neymar before tucking it past Carlos at his near post.

Rayo's task was made ever harder when Diego Llorente was sent off for a high challenge on Rakitic shortly before the break and Messi made the extra man count 10 minutes in the second half, grabbing his second of the evening after Luis Suarez's shot had hit the post.

Although Manucho grabbed one back for the hosts, they were dealt another blow when Manuel Iturra saw red for a foul on Sergio Busquets and although Luis Suarez missed the subsequent penalty, Messi scored his third of the evening just minutes after.

Arda Turan then completed the scoring in the 85th minute, heading home Jeremy Mathieu's cross at the far post for his first Barcelona goal.

Barca's Claudio Bravo was the first goalkeeper to be tested when he was forced into a diving save to keep out Adrian Embarba's effort from distance in the fourth minute.

However, Rayo's good work in the opening 20 minutes was undone as - after denying Messi with near-post save - Juan Carlos gifted Barca the opener by fumbling the subsequent corner into the path of Rakitic to turn into an empty net.

And the hosts were given a mountain to climb just a minute later, Messi slotting into the bottom-left corner from Neymar's return pass, although replays suggested the Brazil captain may have been marginally offside when he received the initial ball down the left from the Argentina forward.

Rayo refused to lie down, though, and spurned a glorious chance to pull a goal back when Quini headed Embarba's left-wing cross wide from close range.

However, any hope of a comeback was all but extinguished three minutes before half-time, Llorente seeing red for a high and rash challenge on Rakitic.

An angry Paco Jemez came out to confront referee Inaki Vicandi Garrido following the half-time whistle and his mood will only have worsened when Messi put Barca three to the good eight minutes after the restart.

Neymar - suspended for the Barca's next match against Eibar after picking up a late booking - and Suarez both spurned decent chances early in the second half, with the latter then seeing his volley strike the right-hand post, only for Messi convert on the rebound despite Juan Carlos getting a hand to his shot.

Embarba was involved as Rayo quickly responded, his inswinging cross headed back across goal by Bebe for Manucho to convert.

Neymar struck the crossbar from a free-kick after Rakitic had been fouled on the edge of the area.

Iturra then hacked down Sergio Busquets from the rebound but Suarez was denied by Juan Carlos from 12 yards, although the shot-stopper was soon picking the ball out of his net twice more.

Messi latched onto a Busquets pass to roll home his third and Arda added yet more gloss to the scoreline by turning in Jeremy Mathieu's cross at the far post.

 

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Barcelona surpass Real Madrid to set new unbeaten record

Barcelona have now gone 35 matches unbeaten in all competitions after claiming victory over Rayo Vallecano on Thursday evening, setting a new Spanish record in the process.

The Catalan giants, who top the Liga table, tied Real Madrid's long-standing record on Sunday courtesy of a 2-1 win over Sevilla at Camp Nou, but have now gone one better by extending their streak even further.

Los Blancos had held the record since the 1988-89 season, when Leo Beenhakker's Madrid side - which featured the likes of Hugo Sanchez and Emilio Butragueno - notched 25 wins and nine draws, but Barcelona have improved on those figures with 29 victories and six draws.

Rayo were unlikely to cause Barca many problems in their pursuit of the record, having not beaten them in 14 years, and so it proved to be as Lionel Messi bagged a hat-trick in a comfortable 5-1 win.

Barcelona's current run has already seen them surpass the 29-match streak set by Pep Guardiola's all-conquering squad in 2011, with the current side not losing since Sevilla secured a 2-1 win all the way back in October.

Manager Luis Enrique, though, is paying no attention to his side's latest milestone, explaining before the match: "The record doesn't mean anything to me right now. It will only mean something if this streak helps us win titles at the end of the season."

The result leaves Barca eightpoints clear at the top of the table as they close in on a second successive La Liga title, while they already have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals after beating Arsenal at the Emirates.

 

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Congratulations Barcelona!​

 

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Eden Hazard faces forfeit for quiet Chelsea season

It looks like Eden Hazard could pay the price for his poor form for Chelsea this season.

The Belgium international’s brother, Thorgan, has revealed that the sibling with the fewest goals and assists this season has to buy dinner for the other two.

“We have a competition every year also with my other brother who plays in Hungary [Kyllian],” Thorgan told The Set Pieces.

“It’s a simple one, too – the player with the fewest goals and assists at the end of the season buys dinner for the other two brothers.

“I need to score and give assists because I don’t want to pay. For the moment it’s a big competition between us.”

Thorgan’s current total for Borussia Monchengladbach is seven, while Kyllian, who plays for Ujpest, is one ahead on eight. Currently leading the way is Eden with 10 for Chelsea.

If Eden’s form begins to pick up in the final stages of the season, now we know why..

 

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Man Utd's Europa League clash with Liverpool moved back

Manchester United's upcoming Europa League second-leg clash with Liverpool has been moved back to 20:05 GMT on March 17.

The last-16 match was originally scheduled to kick off at 6pm but will now take place at a more conventional time for midweek games in England.

Trafford Council had appealed to Uefa to change the kick-off time due to the large crowds that are expected in Manchester during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations while worries over rush hour traffic compounded the issue.

Reports suggested the necessary safety personnel would not be available to cover the match at its original kick-off time, with a statement from Trafford Council reading: "Following an approach from Manchester United, Trafford Council’s Safety Advisory Group have written to Uefa, highlighting that it would not be safe to hold this fixture at 6pm with spectators in the stadium."

The pair of matches will see United and Liverpool take each other on in European competition for the first time in their history as they look to book a place in next season's Champions League by winning the tournament.

 

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Ronaldo: I dream of scoring 'impossible' goal

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his ambitions to score a goal "after beating all 11 opponents" ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga clash with Celta Vigo.

The Portuguese superstar, 31, has netted over 500 career goals for club and country during his career but is continuing to strive for more memorable strikes.
Ronaldo admits his ideal goal is near-fantasy in its difficulty of execution but says he will try to make it happen one day.

“I’ve scored a lot of beautiful goals," he told a press conference at the launch of his new aftershave. "What I dream of doing is being able to score after beating all 11 opponents. It’s a PlayStation goal, I think it’s almost impossible to do, but we’ll see.”

Ronaldo won the Fifa Puskas Award for his vicious long-range strike against Porto in the Champions League in 2009, granted to the player judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant goal over the course of the previous 12 months.

 

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No Tottenham offer for Muslera, insist Galatasaray

Galatasaray have denied a report linking Tottenham with a move for goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Spor Alemi and Sporcope claimed the Uruguay goalkeeper was a target of the Premier League side on Thursday but his current club have moved to dismiss the speculation.

"No offers have been received from Tottenham Hotspur nor have negotiations taken place for our goalkeeper Fernando Muslera," Galatasaray tweeted.

Galatasaray have been handed a one-year ban from European competitions for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations, leading to rumours that many of their highest-earning players could be sold.

 

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Hernandez: Sir Alex Ferguson still texts me before big games

Bayer Leverksen striker Javier Hernandez has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson still texts him to show support ahead of important matches.

The Mexico international, 27, was not given the chance to impress Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal and was sold to the Bundesliga club in August last year for a deal worth a reported £7.3 million after spending the previous campaign on loan at Real Madrid.

However, the striker shared a much better relationship with former manager Sir Alex, who brought him to English football as a youngster from Liga MX side Guadalajara in 2010.

Despite the legendary coach retiring from football, the Scot is eager to maintain his relationship with certain players, as Hernandez revealed their close bond.

"For me he is the best," he told BBC Sport. "He gave me the chance to make my dream come true to play, first of all in Europe, then one of the biggest clubs in the whole of football history."So I am very glad, very happy to him. I always say that, to cameras and to outside, that for me Alex Ferguson is a very important person in my life.

"I keep in touch, yes. When we played in the Champions League for the Atletico Madrid game we texted. I saw him two games before and we have a lot of contact.

"When I was going to [Real] Madrid on loan I spoke with him in person. I went into his house and spoke very well and we keep in contact as good as we can, obviously because he has a lot of things to do as well and to rest and be with his family, that is why he retired. And me, I am in another country and I trying to do my best too."

Hernandez admitted he was hurt when Van Gaal told him former team-mate Wayne Rooney would be United's main striker - effectively leaving him as back-up - but claims he holds no grudge towards the experienced Dutch boss."Of course it is disappointing that any person in the world doesn’t give you 100 percent confidence," he said.

"But I say thank you to him in the face now - and I always said it - that he was very honest. He told me that if I get a good offer and the club like it and I like it, he would be happy to let me go."

 

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Barcelona promise 'intense' transfer summer but stay quiet on Marquinhos talk

Barcelona are in for an "intense" summer when it comes to the transfer market, according to economic vice-president Susana Monje, who refused to shed light on a rumoured move for Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos.

The Spanish side saw a two transfer window ban come to an end in January, allowing them to hand debuts to last year's signings, Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan.

And with the reigning Champions League and Primera Division champions recently having been linked with a move for Marquinhos and the likes of Juventus star Paul Pogba, Monje admits that there will be a lot of movement around the club come the close-season.

"We never comment on likely signings and interest as we can't make public the things we are working on during the season," she told Movistar+.

"Our technical secretary follows many players and they will let you know on our interest when the time comes.

"They will let you know which players they are considering. It will be an intense summer, for sure."

 

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Neymar matches Ronaldinho's Barcelona record

Barcelona were once again in stellar form as they thrashed Rayo Vallecano 5-1 to move eight points clear at the top of La Liga with 11 games left to play.

The victory also saw Luis Enrique's side surpass Real Madrid to set a new Spanish record of 35 games unbeaten which has stood since the 1988-89 season.

Lionel Messi was again the star for the visitors as he netted a hat-trick, with Ivan Rakitic and Arda Turan also on target. Luis Suarez was left frustrated, though, after seeing his second-half penalty saved.

Neymar was another man who failed to find the back of the net although his assist for Messi's first goal means the Brazilian does reach a landmark.

The 24-year-old now has 10 assists for the season in La Liga and becomes the first Brazilian to reach double figures for both goals (18) and assists in the Spanish league since Ronaldinho in 2005-06.

 

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Hodgson refuses to rule out selecting Rashford for Euros

Manchester United starlet Marcus Rashford's whirlwind start to first-team football could be set to continue, with Roy Hodgson claiming he could name him in his England squad for Euro 2016.

The 18-year-old striker shot to prominence in the last week with four goals in three starts under Louis van Gaal and is now in the frame for a senior international call-up.

Having previously featured for the England Under-16 and Under-18 sides, Three Lions boss Hodgson claims he could now be willing to hand Rashford his first cap, but is wary of expecting too much.

“I hope he is allowed to develop as an 18-year-old should and people don’t try to put him under enormous pressure," he said at a Uefa international coaches workshop."I would neither rule him in or rule him out. I just hope he can do well.”

Rashford is reportedly in line for a new contract at Old Trafford following the past week's impressive exploits, and the England boss is glad to see him shine, having been convinced of his ability for some time.

He added: “I have been watching Rashford for two years, so I have known about him for a long time. He is in our system."That is wonderful and long may it continue. I hope he has a good end to the season.

“He plays for the Under-18 team, so we are delighted that a player playing for our Under-18s, players who we believe in and who we think have got a bright future, are getting chances in the first team at club level.“Scoring four goals in three games is a great achievement and if he can keep that up, it is great for Manchester United and England.

“Let’s hope the lad, at 18 years of age, gets a chance to develop in the same way as Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Paul Scholes... you can name as many as you like."

 

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Serie A Fixture 2016.03.04

Serie A Fixture 2016.03.04

Roma Vs Fiorentina​

 

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Man Utd plan 'wall of white' for Liverpool tie

Manchester United are planning to create a "wall of white" for next Thursday's Europa League round-of-16 first leg at Liverpool by offering free away shirts to travelling fans.

The great rivals will meet for the first time in European competition when United make the short journey to Anfield next week, with the return leg the following Thursday.

And United stated in an e-mail that fans making the trip will receive a complimentary jersey, should they wish to claim one, in a bid to "generate the best possible atmosphere at Anfield".

United will start delivering the shirts from the beginning of next week.

Sunderland were involved in a similar promotion last week when they offered free away shirts for the club's Premier League trip to West Ham.

 

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Hiddink: Sometimes I have to put Costa on a leash

Guus Hiddink says he may need to limit Diego Costa's game time to keep the Chelsea striker in peak physical shape, claiming he has to "put him on the leash" at times.

Costa has been pivotal to Chelsea's resurgence under Hiddink, netting 10 goals and contributing six assists in his last 14 appearances.

His performances have helped Chelsea go from surprise strugglers to potential Champions League contenders, with Hiddink's men now eight points adrift of the top four with 10 games left to play.

Hiddink had previously hinted that Costa may be rested against Stoke City this weekend and, while he has now said the Spain international will start, the Dutchman is keen to ensure the former Atletico Madrid forward is not overworked.

"He [Costa] won't have a full game. We monitor them with the data. He is in perfect physical shape, but we must not give him an overload in games, but he is difficult to stop," Hiddink said.

"He wants to play every game - but I must be careful with that. Tomorrow [Saturday] he will start.

"There is always a danger of going over. If i share those figures with him, he can be rational too. Sometimes I have to put him on the leash.

"Big clubs know you must have a regular season, then in March and April everyone is queuing up, the rewards are there. You have to be there on top as a team and as a player."

Chelsea's top-four hopes have been boosted by a run of three straight league defeats for defending champions Manchester City.

However, with Manchester United, West Ham, Stoke City, Liverpool and Southampton also seemingly in the running, Hiddink knows Chelsea still have plenty of work to do.

"Others are knocking on the door, like West Ham. There are more candidates for fourth position than the teams losing recently," Hiddink added.

"Stoke are close as well. Even more reason we need a serious approach."

 

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Van Gaal on Rashford's England chances: Age is not important

Louis van Gaal has played down Roy Hodgson's comments regarding a potential England call-up for Marcus Rashford, but says "it is never too early" to pick a young player.

The Manchester United striker, 18, made his bow for the senior team little over a week ago, but has found the net four times in only three outings and has been billed as one to watch as a result.

His manager, who has experience of international football with the Netherlands international team, has said that Hodgson should not rule out a call up for the forward purely because of his age."It is never too early," he told reporters. "I have said that also a lot of times in press conferences.

"Age is not important. I have said that, maybe you remember that.

"Age is not important, it's the quality."

Van Gaal also suggested the prospect of Rashford playing for England had only been created by media questions put to Hodgson.

He said: "I think that Mr. Hodgson has answered the question of the media and now you are asking again.

"Who is paying a lot of attention to that? That is the media, that is not Hodgson or I. We have to answer the questions, so this is my answer to you. You are putting the question and then you are saying that Hodgson is telling something. No, he is answering questions."

Rashford, who scored a double on his Premier League debut against Arsenal last weekend, could feature for United on Sunday, as they continue their quest for a top-four finish against West Brom away from home.