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Juve could walk to Serie A title again - Eriksson
Sven-Goran Eriksson fears Juventus are set to continue their domination of Serie A, though he hopes a team can challenge them to the title in 2016-17.After winning a fifth consecutive Scudetto, the Bianconeri have lured last season's league top goalscorer Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli for €90 million.
The Argentine's transfer follows on from the signing of Miralem Pjanic from Roma, while Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca have also linked up with Massimiliano Allegri's team.
While Eriksson acknowledged the growing gap between Juve and their rivals, the 68-year-old Swede - who guided Lazio to Serie A success in 2000 - believes it might not be all black and white.
"It might be a one-horse race, like it has been for so many years," Eriksson - now in charge of Chinese Super League juggernaut Shanghai SIPG - said in an interview with Omnisport.Sven-Goran Eriksson fears Juventus are set to continue their domination of Serie A, though he hopes a team can challenge them to the title in 2016-17.
After winning a fifth consecutive Scudetto, the Bianconeri have lured last season's league top goalscorer Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli for €90 million.The Argentine's transfer follows on from the signing of Miralem Pjanic from Roma, while Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca have also linked up with Massimiliano Allegri's team.
While Eriksson acknowledged the growing gap between Juve and their rivals, the 68-year-old Swede - who guided Lazio to Serie A success in 2000 - believes it might not be all black and white.
"It might be a one-horse race, like it has been for so many years," Eriksson - now in charge of Chinese Super League juggernaut Shanghai SIPG - said in an interview with Omnisport.
Sven-Goran Eriksson fears Juventus are set to continue their domination of Serie A, though he hopes a team can challenge them to the title in 2016-17.After winning a fifth consecutive Scudetto, the Bianconeri have lured last season's league top goalscorer Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli for €90 million.
The Argentine's transfer follows on from the signing of Miralem Pjanic from Roma, while Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca have also linked up with Massimiliano Allegri's team.
While Eriksson acknowledged the growing gap between Juve and their rivals, the 68-year-old Swede - who guided Lazio to Serie A success in 2000 - believes it might not be all black and white.
"It might be a one-horse race, like it has been for so many years," Eriksson - now in charge of Chinese Super League juggernaut Shanghai SIPG - said in an interview with Omnisport.Sven-Goran Eriksson fears Juventus are set to continue their domination of Serie A, though he hopes a team can challenge them to the title in 2016-17.
After winning a fifth consecutive Scudetto, the Bianconeri have lured last season's league top goalscorer Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli for €90 million.The Argentine's transfer follows on from the signing of Miralem Pjanic from Roma, while Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca have also linked up with Massimiliano Allegri's team.
While Eriksson acknowledged the growing gap between Juve and their rivals, the 68-year-old Swede - who guided Lazio to Serie A success in 2000 - believes it might not be all black and white.
"It might be a one-horse race, like it has been for so many years," Eriksson - now in charge of Chinese Super League juggernaut Shanghai SIPG - said in an interview with Omnisport.
Guardiola: I still love Ribery despite jibes
Pep Guardiola says he still loves Franck Ribery despite criticism from the Bayern Munich winger over his coaching methods.Guardiola departed Bayern at the end of last season to take over at Manchester City having led the Bavarians to three consecutive Bundesliga titles.
However, his exit was not met with despair in all quarters, with Ribery claiming the former Barcelona boss lacked experience."Pep hasn't had a long career as manager. He is a young coach," Ribery told Bild this week.
"He lacks experience. Sometimes he talks too much. Football is very simple."
Ribery has also said he feels more trusted by new Bayern head coach Carlo Ancelotti, but Guardiola took the comments on the chin and insists he holds no ill will towards the former France international.
"About Ribery I must say I love him very much," he told a news conference.
"It's good that Ribery says I'm young. I'm here to learn."
Pep Guardiola says he still loves Franck Ribery despite criticism from the Bayern Munich winger over his coaching methods.Guardiola departed Bayern at the end of last season to take over at Manchester City having led the Bavarians to three consecutive Bundesliga titles.
However, his exit was not met with despair in all quarters, with Ribery claiming the former Barcelona boss lacked experience."Pep hasn't had a long career as manager. He is a young coach," Ribery told Bild this week.
"He lacks experience. Sometimes he talks too much. Football is very simple."
Ribery has also said he feels more trusted by new Bayern head coach Carlo Ancelotti, but Guardiola took the comments on the chin and insists he holds no ill will towards the former France international.
"About Ribery I must say I love him very much," he told a news conference.
"It's good that Ribery says I'm young. I'm here to learn."
Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Atletico Madrid: Godin settles close tie
Tottenham suffered their second International Champions Cup defeat of the week as they went down 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in Melbourne.
Mauricio Pochettino's side, beaten 2-1 by Juventus on Tuesday, lost to last season's Champions League finalists by virtue of a first-half goal from Diego Godin.
Spurs looked livelier in attack than they had against Juve and hit the crossbar and post in the first half before Godin prodded in what proved to be the winner five minutes before the break.
Jan Oblak made two fine saves in the second half, but Atleti began to assume some control as the match wore on, as Pochettino and Diego Simeone made a number of substitutions.
Substitute Amath Diedhiou twice came close in the closing minutes for Atleti, but Godin's goal was enough to give them a win ahead of Sunday's friendly match with Melbourne Victory. Tottenham twice hit the woodwork in a first half in which they showed plenty of endeavour against a strong Atleti starting line-up.
Josh Onomah rattled the crossbar with a fierce half-volley from six yards out, before Erik Lamela steered a shot onto the post after being teed up by Vincent Janssen.
Atletico recovered their composure as the half wore on, and they snatched the lead five minutes before the interval. Anton Walkes failed to clear Gabi's flighted free-kick, and Godin was on hand to prod the ball past Michel Vorm and into the net.
Spurs were the dominant side early in the second period, and it took a fine reflex stop from Oblak to deny Ryan Mason, who let fly on the half-volley after surging into the penalty area.
Oblak then denied Janssen a first Tottenham goal as he tipped the Dutch striker's free-kick around the right-hand post, after Mason had been felled on the edge of the box.
Atleti looked more comfortable as both teams called on a number of substitutes, and Diedhiou came close to a second for Simeone's side with a deflected shot that dipped just over the crossbar, before another effort that bounced wide.Tottenham could not muster a final chance to level the scores, and they will now prepare for a clash against Inter in Oslo next week.
Tottenham suffered their second International Champions Cup defeat of the week as they went down 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in Melbourne.
Mauricio Pochettino's side, beaten 2-1 by Juventus on Tuesday, lost to last season's Champions League finalists by virtue of a first-half goal from Diego Godin.
Spurs looked livelier in attack than they had against Juve and hit the crossbar and post in the first half before Godin prodded in what proved to be the winner five minutes before the break.
Jan Oblak made two fine saves in the second half, but Atleti began to assume some control as the match wore on, as Pochettino and Diego Simeone made a number of substitutions.
Substitute Amath Diedhiou twice came close in the closing minutes for Atleti, but Godin's goal was enough to give them a win ahead of Sunday's friendly match with Melbourne Victory. Tottenham twice hit the woodwork in a first half in which they showed plenty of endeavour against a strong Atleti starting line-up.
Josh Onomah rattled the crossbar with a fierce half-volley from six yards out, before Erik Lamela steered a shot onto the post after being teed up by Vincent Janssen.
Atletico recovered their composure as the half wore on, and they snatched the lead five minutes before the interval. Anton Walkes failed to clear Gabi's flighted free-kick, and Godin was on hand to prod the ball past Michel Vorm and into the net.
Spurs were the dominant side early in the second period, and it took a fine reflex stop from Oblak to deny Ryan Mason, who let fly on the half-volley after surging into the penalty area.
Oblak then denied Janssen a first Tottenham goal as he tipped the Dutch striker's free-kick around the right-hand post, after Mason had been felled on the edge of the box.
Atleti looked more comfortable as both teams called on a number of substitutes, and Diedhiou came close to a second for Simeone's side with a deflected shot that dipped just over the crossbar, before another effort that bounced wide.Tottenham could not muster a final chance to level the scores, and they will now prepare for a clash against Inter in Oslo next week.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to make his Manchester United debut on Saturday after being named in a 23-man squad for the friendly with Galatasaray in Gothenburg.
The giant Swede moved to Old Trafford on a free transfer in early July, signing a one-year deal with an option for an extra year after leaving Paris Saint-Germain
And after taking an extended summer break following international duty with Sweden at Euro 2016, Ibrahimovic joined training for the first time on Thursday at United's Carrington training complex.
Having impressed new boss Jose Mourinho in practice, Ibrahimovic has been selected among 23 names to make the trip to his homeland for Saturday evening's fixture.
Among those not included in the travelling squad are nine players who have allegedly been told they have no future at the club under Mourinho.Tim Fosu-Mensah, Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Andreas Pereira, Adnan Januzaj, Will Keane and James Wilson have all been encouraged to look for roles elsewhere by the Portuguese, and none of them have been included in the trip.
Chris Smalling continues his rehabilitation from injury, meaning he misses the 19:30CET kick-off at IFK Gothenburg's Ullievi Stadium.
Rooney: Mourinho impact already huge
Wayne Rooney has hailed the positive impact Jose Mourinho has made since starting work as Manchester United manager and feels the club are ready to challenge for top honours again in 2016-17.
Mourinho replaced Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford following United's failure to qualify for the Champions League last term, and Rooney has nothing but praise for the former Chelsea boss.
"It's always great to get a new manager but when you get someone in the stature of Mourinho he's great to work under and he's brought a winning mentality back to the club," the club captain told Key 103. "He's come in, he's been great with the players. The training has been hard but enjoyable. We're ready, we're working hard.
"We know it's a big season for us. He's made, in my opinion, some great signings who have gelled in really well with the squad so it's exciting times.
"Manchester United as a football club, we have to win and we have to deliver for him. There's pressure on the players but we're ready and I think this season we'll give a real challenge on all fronts."United are in action against Galatasaray on Saturday as their pre-season campaign takes them to Sweden.
Wayne Rooney has hailed the positive impact Jose Mourinho has made since starting work as Manchester United manager and feels the club are ready to challenge for top honours again in 2016-17.
Mourinho replaced Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford following United's failure to qualify for the Champions League last term, and Rooney has nothing but praise for the former Chelsea boss.
"It's always great to get a new manager but when you get someone in the stature of Mourinho he's great to work under and he's brought a winning mentality back to the club," the club captain told Key 103. "He's come in, he's been great with the players. The training has been hard but enjoyable. We're ready, we're working hard.
"We know it's a big season for us. He's made, in my opinion, some great signings who have gelled in really well with the squad so it's exciting times.
"Manchester United as a football club, we have to win and we have to deliver for him. There's pressure on the players but we're ready and I think this season we'll give a real challenge on all fronts."United are in action against Galatasaray on Saturday as their pre-season campaign takes them to Sweden.
No deal between Manchester United & Juventus for Pogba, says Raiola
Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola insists no deal has been agreed between Manchester United and Juventus for the midfielder.
United are ready to set a new world record transfer fee in order land the 23-year-old, with a €110 million bid already offered to the Serie A champions.
Pogba has fuelled speculation with a series of hints on social media, while United’s chances of landing their former academy star were given a boost earlier this week as Real Madrid pulled out of the race, but Raiola maintains that nothing has been finalised.
“Journalist = parrots,” he posted on Twitter. “No deal done between clubs.
“It’s a game between Italy press and UK press who announce it first and who is worse.”
Inter want more than €60m for Icardi - Thohir
Inter are holding out for offers of more than €60million for Mauro Icardi, according to club president Erick Thohir.
The club captain has been tipped to make a move to Napoli to replace new Juventus signing Gonzalo Higuain, with his wife and agent, Wanda Nara, claiming that Inter had failed to offer him a sufficiently improved contract.
Thohir said this week that Inter had already rejected a bid from Maurizio Sarri's side for the striker, insisting that they had no desire to sell him to a Serie A rival.
But the Indonesian businessman, who remains in his role at San Siro despite having sold a majority stake in the club to Suning Holdings Group, has suggested that an offer of over €60m could be enough to tempt them in to selling.
"All of us are hoping that number goes over €60m," he told the media in New York when asked about a reported new bid from Napoli. "But for us, that isn't important at the moment."Inter will be here for hundreds of years yet. Inter is made of individuals who can change. This happens every year."
Thohir did stress again that Icardi was a vital part of the side, however, adding: "He's a very important player for the team, he's our captain. We're building a team and we have to look at the dynamic."The future of head coach Roberto Mancini has also been called into question, with reports suggesting he has grown frustrated over a lack of transfer activity so far in pre-season.
Thohir has admitted that he does not always see eye-to-eye with Mancini but insists their working relationship remains strong."The relationship with Mancini is good, although we've had some disagreements," he said.
"There are some differences in views, but the important thing is to work for the team."
Inter are holding out for offers of more than €60million for Mauro Icardi, according to club president Erick Thohir.
The club captain has been tipped to make a move to Napoli to replace new Juventus signing Gonzalo Higuain, with his wife and agent, Wanda Nara, claiming that Inter had failed to offer him a sufficiently improved contract.
Thohir said this week that Inter had already rejected a bid from Maurizio Sarri's side for the striker, insisting that they had no desire to sell him to a Serie A rival.
But the Indonesian businessman, who remains in his role at San Siro despite having sold a majority stake in the club to Suning Holdings Group, has suggested that an offer of over €60m could be enough to tempt them in to selling.
"All of us are hoping that number goes over €60m," he told the media in New York when asked about a reported new bid from Napoli. "But for us, that isn't important at the moment."Inter will be here for hundreds of years yet. Inter is made of individuals who can change. This happens every year."
Thohir did stress again that Icardi was a vital part of the side, however, adding: "He's a very important player for the team, he's our captain. We're building a team and we have to look at the dynamic."The future of head coach Roberto Mancini has also been called into question, with reports suggesting he has grown frustrated over a lack of transfer activity so far in pre-season.
Thohir has admitted that he does not always see eye-to-eye with Mancini but insists their working relationship remains strong."The relationship with Mancini is good, although we've had some disagreements," he said.
"There are some differences in views, but the important thing is to work for the team."
Jose Mourinho has revealed that Timothy Fosu-Mensah was only omitted from Manchester United's squad to face Galatasaray due to a minor injury concern.
Widespread reports on Thursday said the United boss had informed nine players, including veteran Bastian Schweinsteiger, that they will not be part of his plans for the coming season.
Netherlands youth international Fosu-Mensah was one of the players allegedly told they can find a new club, sparking huge discontent from United fans on social media, who see the 18-year-old as one of the brightest young talents at Old Trafford.
However, Mourinho says the versatile midfielder has been left out of the party travelling to Gothenburg for Saturday's game as a result of a small injury worry.
"Fosu-Mensah is not so much injured," Mourinho told MUTV. "But he has this little thing that we want to be careful with given that he is young. He is separate from the group until he is 100 per cent back."
Defender Chris Smalling was another absentee from the 23-man squad, with Mourinho confirming he has suffered a recurrence of problem picked up last season."Chris Smalling has had a recurrence of an old injury from the previous season," he said. "We shall see what happens, but already he is suspended for the first [Premier League] game against Bournemouth."
United suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their last match, before the scheduled clash with Manchester City in Beijing was called off due to concerns about the pitch.Mourinho had his squad training again the day they landed after returning from China, and the former Chelsea boss has hailed their commitment to his worth ethic.
"The players have been fantastic in their attitude," he said. "We have done a number of double training sessions, but I am not worried about them being tired on Saturday as the reality is we have to work and are looking at the [Galatasaray] game as one more training session because the players need minutes - we will need to recover from that too."
Man City get tough with Everton over Stones valuation
Manchester City are ready to get tough with Everton in their pursuit of John Stones.
Pep Guardiola identified Stones as a priority target months ago, and the 22-year-old’s desire to play for the Catalan coach at the Etihad Stadium has forced other potential suitors to back away from negotiations.
It had been expected that City would pay Everton’s £50 million asking price in a bid to incorporate Stones into their squad as soon as possible ahead of the new Premier League season.
But senior City sources are now insistent that they will not budge on their valuation of the England defender, which is in the region of £40m.
It is understood Everton are aware of that stance and, as far as City are concerned, the ball is now in the Merseysiders’ court.
Director of football Txiki Begiristain had been with the club in China for their curtailed International Champions Cup campaign.
He has also been brokering deals for Schalke’s Leroy Sane and Palmeiras’ Gabriel Jesus, and there is a confidence within the club that those deals will soon be completed.
City have been haggling over Sane’s price with their Bundesliga counterparts but all parties are keen to reach an agreement and the two respective valuations are not wildly different.
The Stones saga, however, could now run on past the start of the Premier League campaign.
City were similarly insistent one year ago that they would not meet Liverpool’s demands for Raheem Sterling, nor Wolfsburg’s for Kevin De Bruyne.
The club eventually signed Sterling for £45m rising to a potential £49m depending on a number of factors, while De Bruyne was signed for £54m but only after the 2015-16 season had started.
Everton stood firm in the face of several big-money bids, which neared £40m, for Stones from Chelsea last summer.
City, though, are likely to pursue a deal through to completion given their travails in landing Guardiola’s top defensive targets so far this summer.
The Blues want two central defenders and had initially identified Athletic defender Aymeric Laporte alongside Stones.
Despite negotiations taking place between the clubs and reports that personal terms had been agreed, Laporte eventually elected to sign a new deal at San Mames.
That has forced City to look elsewhere, and with little success so far.
Guardiola is a long-term admirer of Leonardo Bonucci, but Juventus are also demanding around £50m for a player seven years older than both Laporte and Stones.
Manchester City are ready to get tough with Everton in their pursuit of John Stones.
Pep Guardiola identified Stones as a priority target months ago, and the 22-year-old’s desire to play for the Catalan coach at the Etihad Stadium has forced other potential suitors to back away from negotiations.
It had been expected that City would pay Everton’s £50 million asking price in a bid to incorporate Stones into their squad as soon as possible ahead of the new Premier League season.
But senior City sources are now insistent that they will not budge on their valuation of the England defender, which is in the region of £40m.
It is understood Everton are aware of that stance and, as far as City are concerned, the ball is now in the Merseysiders’ court.
Director of football Txiki Begiristain had been with the club in China for their curtailed International Champions Cup campaign.
He has also been brokering deals for Schalke’s Leroy Sane and Palmeiras’ Gabriel Jesus, and there is a confidence within the club that those deals will soon be completed.
City have been haggling over Sane’s price with their Bundesliga counterparts but all parties are keen to reach an agreement and the two respective valuations are not wildly different.
The Stones saga, however, could now run on past the start of the Premier League campaign.
City were similarly insistent one year ago that they would not meet Liverpool’s demands for Raheem Sterling, nor Wolfsburg’s for Kevin De Bruyne.
The club eventually signed Sterling for £45m rising to a potential £49m depending on a number of factors, while De Bruyne was signed for £54m but only after the 2015-16 season had started.
Everton stood firm in the face of several big-money bids, which neared £40m, for Stones from Chelsea last summer.
City, though, are likely to pursue a deal through to completion given their travails in landing Guardiola’s top defensive targets so far this summer.
The Blues want two central defenders and had initially identified Athletic defender Aymeric Laporte alongside Stones.
Despite negotiations taking place between the clubs and reports that personal terms had been agreed, Laporte eventually elected to sign a new deal at San Mames.
That has forced City to look elsewhere, and with little success so far.
Guardiola is a long-term admirer of Leonardo Bonucci, but Juventus are also demanding around £50m for a player seven years older than both Laporte and Stones.
Fosu-Mensah is staying at Manchester United, insists agent
Timothy Fosu-Mensah’s agent has rubbished reports claiming that Jose Mourinho has told him to leave Manchester United.
The 18-year-old, along with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Adnan Januzaj, was one of nine players reportedly deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford this summer, despite impressing under Louis van Gaal last season.
But the right-back’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, insists that United have no plans to sell the Dutch defender.
"There is no truth in it. These reports are complete rubbish,” Barnett told IB Times.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah’s agent has rubbished reports claiming that Jose Mourinho has told him to leave Manchester United.
The 18-year-old, along with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Adnan Januzaj, was one of nine players reportedly deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford this summer, despite impressing under Louis van Gaal last season.
But the right-back’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, insists that United have no plans to sell the Dutch defender.
"There is no truth in it. These reports are complete rubbish,” Barnett told IB Times.
Atletico refuse to give up on Costa
Atletico Madrid continue to show an interest in Diego Costa despite Chelsea’s refusal to entertain offers, Goal understands. The Blues have issued a hands-off warning to the La Liga club as they attempt to retain the services of the 27-year-old, who scored 16 goals last season in all competitions. But Antonio Conte's men remain in the market for a striker despite already signing Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, with Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku both potential targets this summer. Costa joined Chelsea from Atleti for a fee of £32 million in 2014, having scored 64 goals in 134 appearances for the Spanish giants.
Diego Simeone's side are launching a concerted effort to acquire their former charge, despite Chelsea's insistence that they will not sell Costa, who has missed a number of training sessions due to a back injury. Costa is a doubt for his side's opening Premier League game against West Ham on August 15 and will subsequently miss Chelsea's marquee friendly clash with Real Madrid, though Conte insists his problem is only a minor one.
“In the last few days he had a pain in the back and for this reason he didn’t train and didn’t play," Conte said. “When Costa trained with us I have always seen the right attitude but in these days he didn’t train with us."
"It’s important to see the players doing the training session. If I don’t see a player doing the training session I can’t put them in the game. These are my rules and it’s important to understand this."
“My concept is very clear. I want to see my players doing the work in the training session. If someone is injured or there is some problem and I don’t see the player in the training session it is impossible to think of putting him in the starting XI or on the bench."
The 27-year-old's absence leave Batshauyi with a chance to start his first game for the club following his move from Marseille.
Atletico Madrid continue to show an interest in Diego Costa despite Chelsea’s refusal to entertain offers, Goal understands. The Blues have issued a hands-off warning to the La Liga club as they attempt to retain the services of the 27-year-old, who scored 16 goals last season in all competitions. But Antonio Conte's men remain in the market for a striker despite already signing Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, with Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku both potential targets this summer. Costa joined Chelsea from Atleti for a fee of £32 million in 2014, having scored 64 goals in 134 appearances for the Spanish giants.
Diego Simeone's side are launching a concerted effort to acquire their former charge, despite Chelsea's insistence that they will not sell Costa, who has missed a number of training sessions due to a back injury. Costa is a doubt for his side's opening Premier League game against West Ham on August 15 and will subsequently miss Chelsea's marquee friendly clash with Real Madrid, though Conte insists his problem is only a minor one.
“In the last few days he had a pain in the back and for this reason he didn’t train and didn’t play," Conte said. “When Costa trained with us I have always seen the right attitude but in these days he didn’t train with us."
"It’s important to see the players doing the training session. If I don’t see a player doing the training session I can’t put them in the game. These are my rules and it’s important to understand this."
“My concept is very clear. I want to see my players doing the work in the training session. If someone is injured or there is some problem and I don’t see the player in the training session it is impossible to think of putting him in the starting XI or on the bench."
The 27-year-old's absence leave Batshauyi with a chance to start his first game for the club following his move from Marseille.
Klopp: No more unwanted players at Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp insists that he is happy with his current Liverpool squad and is adamant that he no longer has any unwanted players on his books.The German coach took charge at Anfield last October and has chopped and changed personnel in order to challenge for silverware in 2016-17.
The Reds have signed Loris Karius, Ragnar Klavan, Sadio Mane and Joel Matip this summer, and have also sold Joe Allen, Jordon Ibe, Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure, among others, and Klopp maintains that there is a "special quality" about the current side."This is my squad now, after all the transfers, this time it is my team," Klopp is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.
"There are probably no players here anymore I don't want. There are no signings I didn't want, we have not sold anyone I didn't want to."And if you have seen them in training, there is a special quality that we did not have last year.
"I'm not afraid of making decisions, it's part of the job. I am pretty sure I cannot make all the decisions everyone likes, but I have to be convinced about it."I am happy with my team now, and I can say is we will be a challenger, we will fight for everything, for every cup and what will happen in the end we will see.Certainly at the moment we should not look for excuses and say things like 'I need another year' or things like that. "We will give 100 per cent and see what happens. We built this team to be successful."
Jurgen Klopp insists that he is happy with his current Liverpool squad and is adamant that he no longer has any unwanted players on his books.The German coach took charge at Anfield last October and has chopped and changed personnel in order to challenge for silverware in 2016-17.
The Reds have signed Loris Karius, Ragnar Klavan, Sadio Mane and Joel Matip this summer, and have also sold Joe Allen, Jordon Ibe, Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure, among others, and Klopp maintains that there is a "special quality" about the current side."This is my squad now, after all the transfers, this time it is my team," Klopp is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.
"There are probably no players here anymore I don't want. There are no signings I didn't want, we have not sold anyone I didn't want to."And if you have seen them in training, there is a special quality that we did not have last year.
"I'm not afraid of making decisions, it's part of the job. I am pretty sure I cannot make all the decisions everyone likes, but I have to be convinced about it."I am happy with my team now, and I can say is we will be a challenger, we will fight for everything, for every cup and what will happen in the end we will see.Certainly at the moment we should not look for excuses and say things like 'I need another year' or things like that. "We will give 100 per cent and see what happens. We built this team to be successful."
Higuain out to emulate Del Piero at Juventus
New Juventus signing Gonzalo Higuain is keen to follow in the footsteps of club icon Alessandro Del Piero following his €90 million transfer from Napoli.
The Argentina international signed a five-year deal with Juventus this week to end all speculation about his future and he has now revealed that club legend Del Piero has always been one of his idols.
Del Piero enjoyed domestic and European success during his 19-year career at the Turin club and Higuain said during a Q&A with Juventus fans: "Del Piero is a player who I have always enjoyed watching."Del Piero has been an inspiration for me throughout my career."
Compatriot Paulo Dybala, meanwhile, has made it clear that Higuain was desperate to seal a move to the Serie A champions.
"I got to know Gonzalo in the national team, that's how our friendship began," the Juventus forward said at a news conference."We exchanged plenty of messages over the past few days and he told me how much he wanted to play here.
"He'll be happy now and we're delighted to welcome a footballer of his calibre to this club."
New Juventus signing Gonzalo Higuain is keen to follow in the footsteps of club icon Alessandro Del Piero following his €90 million transfer from Napoli.
The Argentina international signed a five-year deal with Juventus this week to end all speculation about his future and he has now revealed that club legend Del Piero has always been one of his idols.
Del Piero enjoyed domestic and European success during his 19-year career at the Turin club and Higuain said during a Q&A with Juventus fans: "Del Piero is a player who I have always enjoyed watching."Del Piero has been an inspiration for me throughout my career."
Compatriot Paulo Dybala, meanwhile, has made it clear that Higuain was desperate to seal a move to the Serie A champions.
"I got to know Gonzalo in the national team, that's how our friendship began," the Juventus forward said at a news conference."We exchanged plenty of messages over the past few days and he told me how much he wanted to play here.
"He'll be happy now and we're delighted to welcome a footballer of his calibre to this club."
Zidane: Ronaldo unlikely to play Madrid La Liga opener
Zinedine Zidane does not expect Cristiano Ronaldo to be fit for Real Madrid's first game of the season next month.
The Portuguese superstar captained his country to an unlikely Euro 2016 success earlier in July but suffered a knee injury in the final after a heavy tackle from France's Dimitri Payet.
The forward has taken plenty of pre-season snaps in the gym as he enjoys his extended holiday, but is yet to join Real Madrid training ahead of the new season.
Now, Zidane has ruled Ronaldo out of the UEFA Super Cup clash against Europa League winners Sevilla as well as casting doubt over his availability for the first league game of the season against Real Sociedad on August 21."Cristiano is out for the Super Cup. For the first game of the season, we'll see," the Real Madrid coach said.
"His injury needs one month and then he has to prepare, because he will not be at his best after a month without doing anything."Between the Super Cup and the league opener will be 10 days. We'll see. He'll be with us, but I don't think he will play the first match [of the league season]."
Zidane is less concerned about Karim Benzema ahead of the Super Cup, but said the striker would not play in Madrid's International Champions Cup match against Chelsea on Saturday."His discomfort does not go away, but it is better and hopefully he can play a little in the third game. It is important to play a little before the cup," he said.
Zinedine Zidane does not expect Cristiano Ronaldo to be fit for Real Madrid's first game of the season next month.
The Portuguese superstar captained his country to an unlikely Euro 2016 success earlier in July but suffered a knee injury in the final after a heavy tackle from France's Dimitri Payet.
The forward has taken plenty of pre-season snaps in the gym as he enjoys his extended holiday, but is yet to join Real Madrid training ahead of the new season.
Now, Zidane has ruled Ronaldo out of the UEFA Super Cup clash against Europa League winners Sevilla as well as casting doubt over his availability for the first league game of the season against Real Sociedad on August 21."Cristiano is out for the Super Cup. For the first game of the season, we'll see," the Real Madrid coach said.
"His injury needs one month and then he has to prepare, because he will not be at his best after a month without doing anything."Between the Super Cup and the league opener will be 10 days. We'll see. He'll be with us, but I don't think he will play the first match [of the league season]."
Zidane is less concerned about Karim Benzema ahead of the Super Cup, but said the striker would not play in Madrid's International Champions Cup match against Chelsea on Saturday."His discomfort does not go away, but it is better and hopefully he can play a little in the third game. It is important to play a little before the cup," he said.
PSG make approach for Real Madrid forward Jese
Paris Saint-Germain have discussed a potential move for Jese with Real Madrid during the two clubs' respective pre-season tours of the United States.
Goal can confirm a Cadena SER report on Thursday revealing the French champions' approach for the 23-year-old forward, who scored five goals in La Liga last season.Madrid are open to the idea of Jese leaving the club this season on a one-year loan deal or with a buy-back clause in order to gain more first-team experience.
That does not, however, necessarily open the door to a move to PSG, who would rather sign the Spaniard outright after making him their new priority in terms of bringing players to Parc des Princes.New PSG coach Unai Emery tried to bring Jese to Sevilla during his time in Andalusia and is now searching for depth in attack behind first-choice striker Edinson Cavani.
Emery is willing to be patient and consider promoting promising youngsters Jonathan Ikone and Jean-Kevin Augustine to more prominent roles, however, with the club having ended their interest in Inter star Mauro Icardi.Jese's agent, Gines Carvaja, has held talks with Madrid transfer chief Jose Angel Sanchez over his client's future amid interest from English clubs but PSG are able to offer the most attractive financial package.
Paris Saint-Germain have discussed a potential move for Jese with Real Madrid during the two clubs' respective pre-season tours of the United States.
Goal can confirm a Cadena SER report on Thursday revealing the French champions' approach for the 23-year-old forward, who scored five goals in La Liga last season.Madrid are open to the idea of Jese leaving the club this season on a one-year loan deal or with a buy-back clause in order to gain more first-team experience.
That does not, however, necessarily open the door to a move to PSG, who would rather sign the Spaniard outright after making him their new priority in terms of bringing players to Parc des Princes.New PSG coach Unai Emery tried to bring Jese to Sevilla during his time in Andalusia and is now searching for depth in attack behind first-choice striker Edinson Cavani.
Emery is willing to be patient and consider promoting promising youngsters Jonathan Ikone and Jean-Kevin Augustine to more prominent roles, however, with the club having ended their interest in Inter star Mauro Icardi.Jese's agent, Gines Carvaja, has held talks with Madrid transfer chief Jose Angel Sanchez over his client's future amid interest from English clubs but PSG are able to offer the most attractive financial package.
