Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
9 lives wage
Luis Enrique: Barcelona exit 100 per cent my fault
Luis Enrique says he must take full responsibility for Barcelona's Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, but stressed they still have plenty left to play for this season.
An Antoine Griezmann double helped Atletico to a 2-0 win at the Vicente Calderon after Barcelona had won the first leg 2-1 at Camp Nou, ending the Catalans' hopes of successfully defending their European title.
Barca have won just one of their last five games in all competitions and now sit just three points ahead of Atletico in La Liga.Luis Enrique refused to dramatise matters, though, and urged his team to turn their attention to seeing out the domestic title and the Copa del Rey.
"I am 99.9 per cent to blame for our Champions League exit. No, make that 100 per cent. I am the coach and I am responsible," he said at a news conference.
"It was a game like we expected. We did not have any problems in the first half, even if they scored a goal in a situation where we were not fortunate."We created enough chances in the second half to get a goal. It was an exciting game. We can only congratulate Atletico and wish them the best of luck.
"I don't think Atletico were superior to us. We have played here plenty of times and have suffered more in the past. This game was further evidence that we are not going through our best spell. We are not at our best. But we still have two trophies to play for.
"The Champions League was a trophy we really wanted and we are obviously sad that we can no longer win it this season. We are always aiming high and we are proud to be favourites in every competition. We have to understand that losing is part of the game.
"We still have two important objectives left. We will still have had a great season if we win the domestic double. But we have to improve."
Luis Enrique says he must take full responsibility for Barcelona's Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, but stressed they still have plenty left to play for this season.
An Antoine Griezmann double helped Atletico to a 2-0 win at the Vicente Calderon after Barcelona had won the first leg 2-1 at Camp Nou, ending the Catalans' hopes of successfully defending their European title.
Barca have won just one of their last five games in all competitions and now sit just three points ahead of Atletico in La Liga.Luis Enrique refused to dramatise matters, though, and urged his team to turn their attention to seeing out the domestic title and the Copa del Rey.
"I am 99.9 per cent to blame for our Champions League exit. No, make that 100 per cent. I am the coach and I am responsible," he said at a news conference.
"It was a game like we expected. We did not have any problems in the first half, even if they scored a goal in a situation where we were not fortunate."We created enough chances in the second half to get a goal. It was an exciting game. We can only congratulate Atletico and wish them the best of luck.
"I don't think Atletico were superior to us. We have played here plenty of times and have suffered more in the past. This game was further evidence that we are not going through our best spell. We are not at our best. But we still have two trophies to play for.
"The Champions League was a trophy we really wanted and we are obviously sad that we can no longer win it this season. We are always aiming high and we are proud to be favourites in every competition. We have to understand that losing is part of the game.
"We still have two important objectives left. We will still have had a great season if we win the domestic double. But we have to improve."
Guardiola: I'm sorry for Ronaldo, I know he wanted Benfica in the semis
Pep Guardiola said he was "sorry" for Cristiano Ronaldo after Bayern Munich progressed to the semi-finals of the Champions League, ending the Real Madrid star's hopes of facing Benfica in the last four.
A 2-2 draw in Lisbon was enough to send the Bundesliga club through 3-2 on aggregate on Wednesday, while Madrid sealed their place the previous day against Wolfsburg.
Ronaldo admitted after his side's win on Tuesday that he fancied a meeting with the Portuguese club, but Guardiola joked that he was sad to crush the Blancos star's dream.
"I know that Cristiano would have liked Benfica in the semi-finals, I am sorry for him," the coach said to reporters after the game.
Guardiola lifted the Champions League on two occasions with Barcelona, but has fallen at the penultimate hurdle in his two attempts as Bayern boss, even though the club were European champions when he took over.
The Spaniard, though, insists he does not need a continental title with the German side for his spell there to be considered a success, as he prepares to join Manchester City ahead of next season.
"According to what I have read in Germany, if we do not win the Champions League my work will be incomplete in fans' eyes," he said.
"But in the end, us coaches are here to win titles and win as many games as possible.
"I have never won as many games in my life and I don't think I can repeat it in the future."
Guardiola, Bayern and Ronaldo will find out their Champions League rivals on Friday when the two semi-final clashes are drawn.
Pep Guardiola said he was "sorry" for Cristiano Ronaldo after Bayern Munich progressed to the semi-finals of the Champions League, ending the Real Madrid star's hopes of facing Benfica in the last four.
A 2-2 draw in Lisbon was enough to send the Bundesliga club through 3-2 on aggregate on Wednesday, while Madrid sealed their place the previous day against Wolfsburg.
Ronaldo admitted after his side's win on Tuesday that he fancied a meeting with the Portuguese club, but Guardiola joked that he was sad to crush the Blancos star's dream.
"I know that Cristiano would have liked Benfica in the semi-finals, I am sorry for him," the coach said to reporters after the game.
Guardiola lifted the Champions League on two occasions with Barcelona, but has fallen at the penultimate hurdle in his two attempts as Bayern boss, even though the club were European champions when he took over.
The Spaniard, though, insists he does not need a continental title with the German side for his spell there to be considered a success, as he prepares to join Manchester City ahead of next season.
"According to what I have read in Germany, if we do not win the Champions League my work will be incomplete in fans' eyes," he said.
"But in the end, us coaches are here to win titles and win as many games as possible.
"I have never won as many games in my life and I don't think I can repeat it in the future."
Guardiola, Bayern and Ronaldo will find out their Champions League rivals on Friday when the two semi-final clashes are drawn.
UEFA Europa League 2nd Leg Fixtures 2016.04.14
UEFA Europa League 2nd Leg Fixtures 2016.04.14
Shakhtar Vs Braga
Sparta Praha Vs Villareal
Sevilla Vs Athletic Bilbao
Liverpool Vs Dortmund
De Bruyne a key addition for City - Fernandinho
Fernandinho believes Kevin de Bruyne has been a key addition for Manchester City this season.
Belgium international De Bruyne signed from Wolfsburg in a club-record move reportedly worth £55million in August and has managed to make an instant impact, despite a campaign interrupted by a serious knee injury.
The attacking midfielder clinched City a place in the Champions League semi-finals with the only goal against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory.Speaking ahead of the quarter-final encounter in Manchester, Fernandinho lauded the impact De Bruyne has had since his arrival.
He told Omnisport: "De Bruyne came very well this season, his first season here. I think he was one of the key players that City signed, for his dynamic game, the way he plays with goals, assists, and he is a player who also helps marking."He has a really cool dynamic on the field. He is a player who doesn't hold the ball too, he plays easy, he plays fast, finishes well and comes very well in the area.
"And outside the pitch, he is a sensational and spectacular person. I love to joke with him because, as he has lived with many Brazilians before, he speaks many words in Portuguese."
The fans were criticised for providing a lack of vocal support during the victory over PSG, with BT Sport pundit and former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand claiming "they didn't start singing until the 76th minute", when De Bruyne broke the deadlock.However, Fernandinho enjoys the support from the City faithful and believes they regularly show gratitude to the players.
"It is very nice to see the affection of the fans to the players, it's respect that comes from since the players were arrived here and the club was still growing, creating their style of play, their philosophy, and today you can see the gratefulness of the fans and this is really cool," he said.
"The fans of Manchester City [do] not live the moment, they know what the player did in the past, what he is doing in the present and what they can do in the future."
Fernandinho believes Kevin de Bruyne has been a key addition for Manchester City this season.
Belgium international De Bruyne signed from Wolfsburg in a club-record move reportedly worth £55million in August and has managed to make an instant impact, despite a campaign interrupted by a serious knee injury.
The attacking midfielder clinched City a place in the Champions League semi-finals with the only goal against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory.Speaking ahead of the quarter-final encounter in Manchester, Fernandinho lauded the impact De Bruyne has had since his arrival.
He told Omnisport: "De Bruyne came very well this season, his first season here. I think he was one of the key players that City signed, for his dynamic game, the way he plays with goals, assists, and he is a player who also helps marking."He has a really cool dynamic on the field. He is a player who doesn't hold the ball too, he plays easy, he plays fast, finishes well and comes very well in the area.
"And outside the pitch, he is a sensational and spectacular person. I love to joke with him because, as he has lived with many Brazilians before, he speaks many words in Portuguese."
The fans were criticised for providing a lack of vocal support during the victory over PSG, with BT Sport pundit and former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand claiming "they didn't start singing until the 76th minute", when De Bruyne broke the deadlock.However, Fernandinho enjoys the support from the City faithful and believes they regularly show gratitude to the players.
"It is very nice to see the affection of the fans to the players, it's respect that comes from since the players were arrived here and the club was still growing, creating their style of play, their philosophy, and today you can see the gratefulness of the fans and this is really cool," he said.
"The fans of Manchester City [do] not live the moment, they know what the player did in the past, what he is doing in the present and what they can do in the future."
Iniesta admits to Barcelona doubts
Andres Iniesta admits Barcelona are doubting themselves after a difficult run of form was compounded by a Champions League exit on Wednesday night.
Luis Enrique's men have won just one of their past five matches in all competitions and bowed out of Europe after a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
That completed a 3-2 aggregate victory for Atletico and ended Barca's title defence, leaving them to focus on La Liga and the Copa del Rey.And Iniesta concedes that even Barca's star-studded squad are beginning to question their abilities.
"Difficult times like this always generate doubts but we have to turn the page and focus on what we have left," he said.
"We're not in very positive form. We have to find strength from somewhere because what we still have to play for is very nice too."Barca were denied a late penalty after a Gabi handball was ruled to have taken place outside the area, despite replays suggesting it was inside.
But Iniesta has refused to use that as an excuse, saying: "It's not a question of whether the referee was right or wrong. That would solve nothing."It is difficult to take in because we’re out of such a nice tournament."
Andres Iniesta admits Barcelona are doubting themselves after a difficult run of form was compounded by a Champions League exit on Wednesday night.
Luis Enrique's men have won just one of their past five matches in all competitions and bowed out of Europe after a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
That completed a 3-2 aggregate victory for Atletico and ended Barca's title defence, leaving them to focus on La Liga and the Copa del Rey.And Iniesta concedes that even Barca's star-studded squad are beginning to question their abilities.
"Difficult times like this always generate doubts but we have to turn the page and focus on what we have left," he said.
"We're not in very positive form. We have to find strength from somewhere because what we still have to play for is very nice too."Barca were denied a late penalty after a Gabi handball was ruled to have taken place outside the area, despite replays suggesting it was inside.
But Iniesta has refused to use that as an excuse, saying: "It's not a question of whether the referee was right or wrong. That would solve nothing."It is difficult to take in because we’re out of such a nice tournament."
I'll never top my Bayern stats, says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola believes he will never be able to top the level of dominance he has enjoyed at Bayern Munich.
Guardiola's time at the Allianz Arena is drawing to a close, with the Spaniard having agreed to take over at Manchester City this summer.Bayern romped to the Bundesliga title in both of Guardiola's first two seasons in charge, and are on course to retain their domestic crown once again this term.
The Bavarian giants qualified for their fifth-straight Champions League semi-final on Wednesday by securing a 3-2 aggregate victory over Benfica - an achievement labelled "incredible" by their outgoing head coach.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have beaten Bayern comfortably in the last four of Europe's premier club competition during Guardiola's reign, and the 45-year-old has been criticised in some quarters for his failure to marry domestic supremacy with continental glory.
However Guardiola has now questioned whether he will be able to better the figures he has posted in Germany.
"About what I have read in Germany over the last two or three months - they say that if we don't win the Champions League it will be an unfinished job," said the former Barca boss.
"But for managers, obviously we are for winning titles, and as many matches that we can, and the stats I have got in the last few years - I don't think I'll be able to get them again in my whole life as a manager."
Guardiola could come up against his future employers City in the Champions League semi-finals, with Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid also potentially waiting in Friday's draw.
Pep Guardiola believes he will never be able to top the level of dominance he has enjoyed at Bayern Munich.
Guardiola's time at the Allianz Arena is drawing to a close, with the Spaniard having agreed to take over at Manchester City this summer.Bayern romped to the Bundesliga title in both of Guardiola's first two seasons in charge, and are on course to retain their domestic crown once again this term.
The Bavarian giants qualified for their fifth-straight Champions League semi-final on Wednesday by securing a 3-2 aggregate victory over Benfica - an achievement labelled "incredible" by their outgoing head coach.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have beaten Bayern comfortably in the last four of Europe's premier club competition during Guardiola's reign, and the 45-year-old has been criticised in some quarters for his failure to marry domestic supremacy with continental glory.
However Guardiola has now questioned whether he will be able to better the figures he has posted in Germany.
"About what I have read in Germany over the last two or three months - they say that if we don't win the Champions League it will be an unfinished job," said the former Barca boss.
"But for managers, obviously we are for winning titles, and as many matches that we can, and the stats I have got in the last few years - I don't think I'll be able to get them again in my whole life as a manager."
Guardiola could come up against his future employers City in the Champions League semi-finals, with Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid also potentially waiting in Friday's draw.
Barca are in a slump - Pique
Gerard Pique has admitted that Barcelona are in a slump after the their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
An Antoine Griezmann brace saw Atletico claim a 2-0 win at the Vicente Calderon, as they reached the semi-finals courtesy of a 3-2 aggregate victory.
And Pique conceded after the match that his side are encountering some difficulties with their form after winning just one of their past five matches.
"We are in a little slump. You're not always at your best. Things go better or are worse," he told AS.
"The team was hungry to score but the ball would not go in. This is football. We believe that we are very good, but not always at our best."
Pique hopes his team can respond by winning La Liga - which they current lead by three points - and the Copa del Rey, but admits that the European exit represents a huge blow.
"I will not deny that it has been a very hard blow that we did not expect," Pique said.
"We have to get up. We play the league and cup and they are two very nice competitions we expect to win."
Gerard Pique has admitted that Barcelona are in a slump after the their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
An Antoine Griezmann brace saw Atletico claim a 2-0 win at the Vicente Calderon, as they reached the semi-finals courtesy of a 3-2 aggregate victory.
And Pique conceded after the match that his side are encountering some difficulties with their form after winning just one of their past five matches.
"We are in a little slump. You're not always at your best. Things go better or are worse," he told AS.
"The team was hungry to score but the ball would not go in. This is football. We believe that we are very good, but not always at our best."
Pique hopes his team can respond by winning La Liga - which they current lead by three points - and the Copa del Rey, but admits that the European exit represents a huge blow.
"I will not deny that it has been a very hard blow that we did not expect," Pique said.
"We have to get up. We play the league and cup and they are two very nice competitions we expect to win."
Icardi rules out Inter exit amid Premier League links
Mauro Icardi has stressed he has no intention of leaving Inter any time soon as he is happy with life at the Serie A side.
The Argentina international striker has recently been linked with a move away from San Siro, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United all believed to be keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, who has netted 14 league goals this season.However, Icardi is determined to stay put and challenge for silverware with Inter.
"It's the same story every year. Every year I read that I am leaving Inter," Icardi told Corriere della Sera. "But I am happy here. I enjoy being Inter captain, being the club's striker and to score goals here.
"Of course, I want to win trophies, but I want to do it here at Inter, like so many did before me. Next year we will be gunning for the Serie A title and to qualify for the Champions League."
Icardi then went on to reveal two of his former idols, while also voicing his admiration for two compatriots."When I was little, [Gabriel] Batistuta was my idol," he added.
"Then I joined Barcelona and I really liked [Samuel] Eto'o. He always popped up in the right positions in the area."I also enjoy watching [Paulo] Dybala. The way he moves in between the lines and is moving behind the striker.
"I envy [Gonzalo] Higuain for his fine form this season, scoring a goal a game. But we are quite similar types of players."
Mauro Icardi has stressed he has no intention of leaving Inter any time soon as he is happy with life at the Serie A side.
The Argentina international striker has recently been linked with a move away from San Siro, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United all believed to be keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, who has netted 14 league goals this season.However, Icardi is determined to stay put and challenge for silverware with Inter.
"It's the same story every year. Every year I read that I am leaving Inter," Icardi told Corriere della Sera. "But I am happy here. I enjoy being Inter captain, being the club's striker and to score goals here.
"Of course, I want to win trophies, but I want to do it here at Inter, like so many did before me. Next year we will be gunning for the Serie A title and to qualify for the Champions League."
Icardi then went on to reveal two of his former idols, while also voicing his admiration for two compatriots."When I was little, [Gabriel] Batistuta was my idol," he added.
"Then I joined Barcelona and I really liked [Samuel] Eto'o. He always popped up in the right positions in the area."I also enjoy watching [Paulo] Dybala. The way he moves in between the lines and is moving behind the striker.
"I envy [Gonzalo] Higuain for his fine form this season, scoring a goal a game. But we are quite similar types of players."
Liverpool was Klopp’s destiny - agent
Jurgen Klopp moving to Liverpool was his destiny, according to his agent.
Klopp took the reigns at Anfield in October following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers, having left Borussia Dortmund the previous summer.
The former Mainz defender also managed his boyhood club between 2001 and 2008 and his representative, Marc Kosicke, feels that the link between the clubs - they all sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone as their anthem - meant he was fated to join the Reds."It's a pretty good match," he told Goal in an exclusive interview.
"It's a bit like destiny that it has been Liverpool the new club for Klopp. Every club where Jurgen was manager until now the fans singing "You'll never walk alone" before the games. It was like that in Mainz and Dortmund. And Liverpool is the cradle of that song."
Kosicke admits that both he and Klopp felt that the 48-year-old could be on the club's shortlist were Rodgers to be sacked, but says that he did not immediately agree to the job, instead taking time to negotiate.
"We had the feeling that we could imagine Jurgen to be a candidate there if something happens. Then Brendan Rodgers was sacked and the CEO contacted us. He asked for a meeting with Jurgen and the owners if we are interested," he added.
"He found Liverpool very interesting but we had a bit of free time ahead of us and some other plans. He wanted to go to the Caribbean with his family, watch the Super Bowl and go skiing. We also had planned an educational trip to the USA to look at other sports.
"He was aware: If we agree with Liverpool everything would be cancelled. So he wasn't totally euphoric and persuasiveness from Liverpool were necessary. They had to convince him of their structures and their visions. Finally the personal things fitted and he said to himself: I want to go there!"
Jurgen Klopp moving to Liverpool was his destiny, according to his agent.
Klopp took the reigns at Anfield in October following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers, having left Borussia Dortmund the previous summer.
The former Mainz defender also managed his boyhood club between 2001 and 2008 and his representative, Marc Kosicke, feels that the link between the clubs - they all sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone as their anthem - meant he was fated to join the Reds."It's a pretty good match," he told Goal in an exclusive interview.
"It's a bit like destiny that it has been Liverpool the new club for Klopp. Every club where Jurgen was manager until now the fans singing "You'll never walk alone" before the games. It was like that in Mainz and Dortmund. And Liverpool is the cradle of that song."
Kosicke admits that both he and Klopp felt that the 48-year-old could be on the club's shortlist were Rodgers to be sacked, but says that he did not immediately agree to the job, instead taking time to negotiate.
"We had the feeling that we could imagine Jurgen to be a candidate there if something happens. Then Brendan Rodgers was sacked and the CEO contacted us. He asked for a meeting with Jurgen and the owners if we are interested," he added.
"He found Liverpool very interesting but we had a bit of free time ahead of us and some other plans. He wanted to go to the Caribbean with his family, watch the Super Bowl and go skiing. We also had planned an educational trip to the USA to look at other sports.
"He was aware: If we agree with Liverpool everything would be cancelled. So he wasn't totally euphoric and persuasiveness from Liverpool were necessary. They had to convince him of their structures and their visions. Finally the personal things fitted and he said to himself: I want to go there!"
Forget Italy, I want to retire at Leicester - Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri wants a new seven-year contract with Premier League champions-elect Leicester City - not the soon-to-be-available Italy job.
Italian Ranieri has been touted as a possible successor to national-team coach Antonio Conte, who will take over at Chelsea after Euro 2016, due to his stunning achievement of taking Leicester to the brink of their first top-flight title.
The Foxes sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with just five games remaining, and their 64-year-old boss has his heart set on retiring at King Power Stadium.
When asked by Kicker about the rumours surrounding the Italy post, Ranieri replied: "I'm very happy here and don't think about a change. I think Leicester will be my last destination as a manager."I hope they will give me a long-term contract - six or seven years. And then I will finish my career here."
Ranieri was also quizzed on the key to Leicester's success, given this time last year the Midlands club were involved in a relegation dogfight."We don't have secrets," he said. "We only act as no-one would have expected."
Claudio Ranieri wants a new seven-year contract with Premier League champions-elect Leicester City - not the soon-to-be-available Italy job.
Italian Ranieri has been touted as a possible successor to national-team coach Antonio Conte, who will take over at Chelsea after Euro 2016, due to his stunning achievement of taking Leicester to the brink of their first top-flight title.
The Foxes sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with just five games remaining, and their 64-year-old boss has his heart set on retiring at King Power Stadium.
When asked by Kicker about the rumours surrounding the Italy post, Ranieri replied: "I'm very happy here and don't think about a change. I think Leicester will be my last destination as a manager."I hope they will give me a long-term contract - six or seven years. And then I will finish my career here."
Ranieri was also quizzed on the key to Leicester's success, given this time last year the Midlands club were involved in a relegation dogfight."We don't have secrets," he said. "We only act as no-one would have expected."
Mihajlovic wishes 'great guy' Brocchi well at AC Milan
Sinisa Mihajlovic says Cristian Brocchi is a "great guy" and has wished his successor at AC Milan good luck.
Mihajlovic was fired on Tuesday following a run of five Serie A games without a win, a sequence of results that has left Milan well adrift of the third and final Champions League place and facing an uphill struggle to qualify for the Europa League.
However, the Serb - who led the club to next month's Coppa Italia final, where they will face Juventus - bears no ill-feeling towards Brocchi, who has been promoted from Milan's youth set-up to coach the first team until the end of the season.
"I would like to thank all the Milan fans who have always been nice to me," Mihajlovic, who represented Milan's city rivals Inter during his playing days, told Corriere dello Sport."I hope that Cristian will do well and that the team can get to Europe and win the Italian Cup. Brocchi is a great guy. "
Brocchi's first game in charge sees Milan visit Sampdoria on Sunday.
Sinisa Mihajlovic says Cristian Brocchi is a "great guy" and has wished his successor at AC Milan good luck.
Mihajlovic was fired on Tuesday following a run of five Serie A games without a win, a sequence of results that has left Milan well adrift of the third and final Champions League place and facing an uphill struggle to qualify for the Europa League.
However, the Serb - who led the club to next month's Coppa Italia final, where they will face Juventus - bears no ill-feeling towards Brocchi, who has been promoted from Milan's youth set-up to coach the first team until the end of the season.
"I would like to thank all the Milan fans who have always been nice to me," Mihajlovic, who represented Milan's city rivals Inter during his playing days, told Corriere dello Sport."I hope that Cristian will do well and that the team can get to Europe and win the Italian Cup. Brocchi is a great guy. "
Brocchi's first game in charge sees Milan visit Sampdoria on Sunday.
De Gea may be the world's best, says Fosu-Mensah
Tim Fosu-Mensah hailed the performance of David de Gea against West Ham, describing the goalkeeper as "maybe the best in the world".
The 18-year-old defender impressed as Manchester United battled to a 2-1 victory at Upton Park on Wednesday to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
De Gea made a string of fine stops as Louis van Gaal's men preserved their advantage, with Fosu-Mensah paying tribute to the Spain international as well as some of the team's senior players.
"David is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, maybe the best," he told the club's official website."It's very good to have a goalkeeper like that in your team. He can save you points or save you in the cup.
"I think players like Michael Carrick, Daley Blind and Chris Smalling kept the team together in order to win this match. It was very important because they give confidence to everyone on the pitch.
"I saw [Cheikhou] Kouyate score and thought 'no, no' but then I saw the linesman's flag so I was relieved it was offside.
"It was a very big game and a great win. I'm happy we won this game and that we can go to Wembley for the semi-finals. It's very special because it was a huge occasion."The tie saw Fosu-Mensah make only his third start for United and the Netherlands youngster is relishing the first-team opportunities.
He continued: "I have not really faced an atmosphere like that but I'm getting used to it more and more. It's great for my development to obtain such experience."I went from right-back to left-back and I do my best in every position and just do what I can for the team."
Sparta Prague 2-4 Villarreal (agg 3-6): Bakambu shines again as Yellow Submarine sail through
Cedric Bakambu scored twice as Villarreal earned an exhilarating 4-2 win at Sparta Prague to reach the Europa League semi-finals for the third time in their history.Bakambu followed up his brace in the first leg at El Madrigal with another double at Generali Arena on Thursday as Villarreal secured a 6-3 aggregate victory.
The forward's fifth-minute opener set the visitors on their way and, although a depleted Sparta responded brightly, two quick-fire goals before half-time essentially ended the hosts' hopes.
After Samuel Castillejo struck home from the edge of the area, a deflected header from Bruno Soriano all but put the tie to bed with 45 minutes still to play.
Bakambu's second of the night arrived in the 49th minute, a neat close-range finish taking the forward's tally in this season's competition to nine goals in 11 appearances.
The hosts restored some pride as Borek Dockal and Ladislav Krejci scored consolation goals, but the task proved too much and Zdenek Scasny's men ended an impressive European campaign with a first home defeat in 18 matches across all competitions.
Villarreal made the early breakthrough when Bakambu finished clinically from Manu Trigueros' wonderful defence-splitting through-ball.Sparta attempted to muster a quick response and Dockal tested Villarreal goalkeeper Alphonse Areola with a left-footed drive.
Dockal then opted to shoot from a tight angle on the right when caught between going for goal and finding a team-mate, succeeding only in firing his effort beyond the far post to let the visitors off the hook.
Krejci missed Sparta's best first-half chance, though, with the winger side-footing wide after his late run was picked out brilliantly from Kehinde Fatai's cross.Villarreal made Sparta pay for their profligacy as two goals in three minutes shortly before the break put Marcelino's men in the driving seat.
First, Castillejo aimed a left-footed shot beyond David Bicik to double Villarreal's lead, before turning provider with an in-swinging corner that Bruno converted via a heavy deflection.Bakambu scored again four minutes into the second half, as he held off the challenge of Tiemoko Konate inside the area to knock home a cross.
Dockal's low drive from the edge of the area in the 65th minute reduced the arrears and gave the Sparta faithful something to shout aboutAnd the home fans were on their feet again when Lukas Julis' low cross from the right allowed Krejci to cut the deficit in half six minutes later.
Buoyed by the two goals, Sparta put up a spirited showing in the closing stages as they attempted to mount an unlikely comeback.However, the damage had already been done and the Liga side held firm to book their entry in the last four.
Cedric Bakambu scored twice as Villarreal earned an exhilarating 4-2 win at Sparta Prague to reach the Europa League semi-finals for the third time in their history.Bakambu followed up his brace in the first leg at El Madrigal with another double at Generali Arena on Thursday as Villarreal secured a 6-3 aggregate victory.
The forward's fifth-minute opener set the visitors on their way and, although a depleted Sparta responded brightly, two quick-fire goals before half-time essentially ended the hosts' hopes.
After Samuel Castillejo struck home from the edge of the area, a deflected header from Bruno Soriano all but put the tie to bed with 45 minutes still to play.
Bakambu's second of the night arrived in the 49th minute, a neat close-range finish taking the forward's tally in this season's competition to nine goals in 11 appearances.
The hosts restored some pride as Borek Dockal and Ladislav Krejci scored consolation goals, but the task proved too much and Zdenek Scasny's men ended an impressive European campaign with a first home defeat in 18 matches across all competitions.
Villarreal made the early breakthrough when Bakambu finished clinically from Manu Trigueros' wonderful defence-splitting through-ball.Sparta attempted to muster a quick response and Dockal tested Villarreal goalkeeper Alphonse Areola with a left-footed drive.
Dockal then opted to shoot from a tight angle on the right when caught between going for goal and finding a team-mate, succeeding only in firing his effort beyond the far post to let the visitors off the hook.
Krejci missed Sparta's best first-half chance, though, with the winger side-footing wide after his late run was picked out brilliantly from Kehinde Fatai's cross.Villarreal made Sparta pay for their profligacy as two goals in three minutes shortly before the break put Marcelino's men in the driving seat.
First, Castillejo aimed a left-footed shot beyond David Bicik to double Villarreal's lead, before turning provider with an in-swinging corner that Bruno converted via a heavy deflection.Bakambu scored again four minutes into the second half, as he held off the challenge of Tiemoko Konate inside the area to knock home a cross.
Dockal's low drive from the edge of the area in the 65th minute reduced the arrears and gave the Sparta faithful something to shout aboutAnd the home fans were on their feet again when Lukas Julis' low cross from the right allowed Krejci to cut the deficit in half six minutes later.
Buoyed by the two goals, Sparta put up a spirited showing in the closing stages as they attempted to mount an unlikely comeback.However, the damage had already been done and the Liga side held firm to book their entry in the last four.
Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 Braga (agg 6-1): Record-breaking Srna leads rampant hosts into semis
Dario Srna marked an emotional night with a goal as he broke the Shakhtar Donetsk appearance record in their 4-0 Europa League quarter final victory over Braga.
The Croatian full-back, making his 486th appearance for the Ukrainian giants, scored after 25 minutes at L'viv Arena to increase Shakhtar's lead in a tie that had swung heavily in their favour with a 2-1 victory in the first leg in Portugal.
The home side added a second shortly before half-time when Ricardo Ferreira put through his own goal, but Braga coach Paulo Fonseca was left fuming at the break after his side were denied a penalty when Ahmed Hassan was brought down with the tie still poised at 2-1.
Viktor Kovalenko added a third goal early in the second half to make certain of Shakhtar's place in their first Europa League semi-finals since 2009, when they went on to win the competition, and a second Ferreira own-goal made the scoreline emphatic.
The result extended Shakhtar's run of consecutive wins in the competition to five, and few sides will relish being handed a trip to Ukraine in the draw for the last four.
Braga, wearing luminous yellow, started brightly and Luiz Carlos would have been clean through on goal if Srna had not cut out Rafa Silva's throughball.The home crowd grew impatient as their side sat back and absorbed the early pressure from Braga, who had strong claims for a penalty waved away when Olexandr Kucher felled Hassan as the striker broke into the box.
The visitors' strong start was undone after 23 minutes when goalkeeper Matheus felled Kovalenko in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.
The stadium fell quiet as the club's greatest servant stepped up to take the kick, and Srna made no mistake, burying the penalty in the bottom corner of the net beyond the outstretched hand of the diving Matheus.
Facundo Ferreyra almost added a quick second when he latched onto Taison's slide-rule pass and chipped a delicate shot onto the outside of the post, but the Argentine striker was in the right place to turn Srna's cross into the net via Ferreira's knee just before half-time.
Kovalenko's hard work throughout the first half paid off early in the second when he got on the end of another Srna cross and angled a shot into the net off the palms of Matheus to put the semi-finals out of Braga's reach.
Taison flashed the ball across the face of goal to Ferreyra but the chance went begging, and Kovalenko had a goal disallowed when the Argentine was caught offside.
Braga's night of misery was complete with 18 minutes left on the clock, when Taison carried Shakhtar forward in a superb sweeping move that ended with Ferreira bundling his second own-goal of the game into the net.
Dario Srna marked an emotional night with a goal as he broke the Shakhtar Donetsk appearance record in their 4-0 Europa League quarter final victory over Braga.
The Croatian full-back, making his 486th appearance for the Ukrainian giants, scored after 25 minutes at L'viv Arena to increase Shakhtar's lead in a tie that had swung heavily in their favour with a 2-1 victory in the first leg in Portugal.
The home side added a second shortly before half-time when Ricardo Ferreira put through his own goal, but Braga coach Paulo Fonseca was left fuming at the break after his side were denied a penalty when Ahmed Hassan was brought down with the tie still poised at 2-1.
Viktor Kovalenko added a third goal early in the second half to make certain of Shakhtar's place in their first Europa League semi-finals since 2009, when they went on to win the competition, and a second Ferreira own-goal made the scoreline emphatic.
The result extended Shakhtar's run of consecutive wins in the competition to five, and few sides will relish being handed a trip to Ukraine in the draw for the last four.
Braga, wearing luminous yellow, started brightly and Luiz Carlos would have been clean through on goal if Srna had not cut out Rafa Silva's throughball.The home crowd grew impatient as their side sat back and absorbed the early pressure from Braga, who had strong claims for a penalty waved away when Olexandr Kucher felled Hassan as the striker broke into the box.
The visitors' strong start was undone after 23 minutes when goalkeeper Matheus felled Kovalenko in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.
The stadium fell quiet as the club's greatest servant stepped up to take the kick, and Srna made no mistake, burying the penalty in the bottom corner of the net beyond the outstretched hand of the diving Matheus.
Facundo Ferreyra almost added a quick second when he latched onto Taison's slide-rule pass and chipped a delicate shot onto the outside of the post, but the Argentine striker was in the right place to turn Srna's cross into the net via Ferreira's knee just before half-time.
Kovalenko's hard work throughout the first half paid off early in the second when he got on the end of another Srna cross and angled a shot into the net off the palms of Matheus to put the semi-finals out of Braga's reach.
Taison flashed the ball across the face of goal to Ferreyra but the chance went begging, and Kovalenko had a goal disallowed when the Argentine was caught offside.
Braga's night of misery was complete with 18 minutes left on the clock, when Taison carried Shakhtar forward in a superb sweeping move that ended with Ferreira bundling his second own-goal of the game into the net.
Liverpool 4-3 Borussia Dortmund (5-4 agg): Lovren caps sensational comeback as Reds dump out BVB
Liverpool completed a sensational comeback to dump Borussia Dortmund out of the Europa League, having been three goals down midway through the second half.
Although Jurgen Klopp's side came into the match with the advantage of having scored in Germany, Dortmund wiped it out almost instantaneously when Henrikh Mkhitaryan rifled home in the fifth minute, picking up the rebound from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's effort.
Aubameyang got in on the action less than five minutes later, conjuring a blistering finish after being released down the right flank by Marco Reus, and Liverpool were in shock.
The damage was contained there until half-time, however, and Divock Origi got the hosts back into it just after the break with a low shot underneath Roman Weidenfeller - but Dortmund restored their two-goal cushion when an incredible Mats Hummels pass found Reus to score.
Liverpool suddenly needed to find three more but, midway through the half, Philippe Coutinho completed a fine run by firing into the bottom corner from outside the box and Anfield erupted when Mamadou Sakho got the final touch on a corner with just over 10 minutes to go.Just when it looked like that would not be enough, Dejan Lovren headed home in injury time to send the home fans - and Klopp - into raptures.
The tie had appeared dead and buried as Liverpool fell behind inside five minutes.
A quick break saw Shinji Kagawa – one of the visitors' two changes from the first leg – and Gonzalo Castro combine to set up Aubameyang, whose volley from six yards was pushed away by Simon Mignolet, allowing the onrushing Mkhitaryan to side-foot home the rebound.
It was quickly two for Dortmund after Reus impressively surged forward and found Aubameyang with a precise pass. The Gabon international did the rest, taking one touch prior to finding the top corner with a powerful finish.
Origi – selected ahead of Daniel Sturridge in attack as at Signal Iduna Park – had a shot deflected wide and Adam Lallana miskicked badly from a good opening as the hosts attempted to reply.Origi flicked another effort wide and Roberto Firmino – Liverpool's only change from the tie in Germany - was off-target with a diving header.
At the other end, Aubameyang could not quite get enough on a sliding attempt and Simon Mignolet got down sharply to keep out Kagawa as Klopp's men, despite having made a spirited response, went into half-time with it all to do, having failed to test Dortmund keeper Weidenfeller.
Liverpool got back into the tie two minutes and 34 seconds after the restart when great midfield play from Emre Can resulted in Origi being sent through on goal and the Belgium international took one touch before slotting under Weidenfeller.
Hopes of a home comeback appeared to have been dashed by Reus in the 57th minute. Hummels brought the ball out from the back and slipped a great pass through to his Dortmund and Germany team-mate to convert with a confident first-time finish, prompting wild celebrations from Thomas Tuchel.
Klopp brought on Sturridge and Joe Allen just after the hour mark and Liverpool did strike with 24 minutes remaining. Coutinho played a neat one-two with James Milner and impressively found the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Klopp was ecstatic on the touchline with 12 minutes remaining when an unmarked Sakho stooped low to head home a low Coutinho corner from inside the six-yard box, putting the Reds one goal away from the semi-finals.
And a famous comeback was complete when Sturridge found Milner, whose perfect cross to the back post was powered home by Lovren as Anfield erupted.
Liverpool completed a sensational comeback to dump Borussia Dortmund out of the Europa League, having been three goals down midway through the second half.
Although Jurgen Klopp's side came into the match with the advantage of having scored in Germany, Dortmund wiped it out almost instantaneously when Henrikh Mkhitaryan rifled home in the fifth minute, picking up the rebound from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's effort.
Aubameyang got in on the action less than five minutes later, conjuring a blistering finish after being released down the right flank by Marco Reus, and Liverpool were in shock.
The damage was contained there until half-time, however, and Divock Origi got the hosts back into it just after the break with a low shot underneath Roman Weidenfeller - but Dortmund restored their two-goal cushion when an incredible Mats Hummels pass found Reus to score.
Liverpool suddenly needed to find three more but, midway through the half, Philippe Coutinho completed a fine run by firing into the bottom corner from outside the box and Anfield erupted when Mamadou Sakho got the final touch on a corner with just over 10 minutes to go.Just when it looked like that would not be enough, Dejan Lovren headed home in injury time to send the home fans - and Klopp - into raptures.
The tie had appeared dead and buried as Liverpool fell behind inside five minutes.
A quick break saw Shinji Kagawa – one of the visitors' two changes from the first leg – and Gonzalo Castro combine to set up Aubameyang, whose volley from six yards was pushed away by Simon Mignolet, allowing the onrushing Mkhitaryan to side-foot home the rebound.
It was quickly two for Dortmund after Reus impressively surged forward and found Aubameyang with a precise pass. The Gabon international did the rest, taking one touch prior to finding the top corner with a powerful finish.
Origi – selected ahead of Daniel Sturridge in attack as at Signal Iduna Park – had a shot deflected wide and Adam Lallana miskicked badly from a good opening as the hosts attempted to reply.Origi flicked another effort wide and Roberto Firmino – Liverpool's only change from the tie in Germany - was off-target with a diving header.
At the other end, Aubameyang could not quite get enough on a sliding attempt and Simon Mignolet got down sharply to keep out Kagawa as Klopp's men, despite having made a spirited response, went into half-time with it all to do, having failed to test Dortmund keeper Weidenfeller.
Liverpool got back into the tie two minutes and 34 seconds after the restart when great midfield play from Emre Can resulted in Origi being sent through on goal and the Belgium international took one touch before slotting under Weidenfeller.
Hopes of a home comeback appeared to have been dashed by Reus in the 57th minute. Hummels brought the ball out from the back and slipped a great pass through to his Dortmund and Germany team-mate to convert with a confident first-time finish, prompting wild celebrations from Thomas Tuchel.
Klopp brought on Sturridge and Joe Allen just after the hour mark and Liverpool did strike with 24 minutes remaining. Coutinho played a neat one-two with James Milner and impressively found the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Klopp was ecstatic on the touchline with 12 minutes remaining when an unmarked Sakho stooped low to head home a low Coutinho corner from inside the six-yard box, putting the Reds one goal away from the semi-finals.
And a famous comeback was complete when Sturridge found Milner, whose perfect cross to the back post was powered home by Lovren as Anfield erupted.
- Status
