..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Gerrard in advanced talks with Liverpool

Steven Gerrard has enjoyed productive talks with Liverpool over a coaching position, but has made it clear he wants a meaningful role rather than a symbolic one.

The 36-year-old has discussed the possibility of helping shape the club’s future generation with Academy director Alex Inglethorpe, with the dialogue at an advanced stage.

Liverpool’s former captain wants any role to hinge on what he could offer, how much he could learn and ensuring he’d be making a substantial contribution - not to be based on who he is.

Inglethorpe, who recently signed a new long-term deal with the Reds having enjoyed success in his position, feels the same way. He believes the capabilities of the player with the club's third-most appearances in history extends well beyond being a brilliant example to the youngsters. It will also afford him the chance to soak up information from one of his greatest influences Steve Heighway, who guided him to Liverpool’s first team.

Following his LA Galaxy exit, Gerrard has multiple other offers to consider while he takes a little break and spends time with his family.

He must first decide whether he wants to pull down the curtain on his playing career, or if he accepts one of several options to continue until the end of 2016-17 at least.

Signed up for punditry duties, the retired England international also has the opportunity to travel around Europe to learn from the game’s elite managers as he completes a UEFA A coaching licence. The FA has also been in contact with him over prospects at international level and assistance with his badges.

“I've got options on the pitch, off the pitch and I've got a bit of thinking to do over the next two, three weeks,” Gerrard said, with his old managers Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Newcastle’s Rafael Benitez both reportedly interested in resurrecting a working relationship.Whatever decision Gerrard makes in the short-term, it is apparent Liverpool will be his eventual destination.

Last November, he made a return to the club he first joined in 1987 to stay in shape at Melwood during the MLS off-season.Gerrard did not merely use the complex to elevate his fitness though, observing and noting down Jurgen Klopp’s methods from close quarters.

"In a short space of time I took a lot away. Tactically, I tried to pick up what he wanted to get out of every player in the team," he told Goal in an exclusive. "I tried to analyse what would be the qualities he wants to make a successful Jurgen Klopp team. I stuffed in as much as I could learn as possible.

“From just those two to three weeks training with the team and doing gym work at Melwood, I could clearly see his principles and how he wants the team to play in the future.

“All the coaches I've worked with at Liverpool, I tried to log notes on their way of working, things I felt they did right or wrong, how they handled different situations. "For someone like me who wants to stay involved in the game when I retire, I think it's very important to keep that sort of information on the various approaches to management."


Gerrard also revealed his Liverpool 'farewell' in May 2015 was far from finite. “I didn't want to say goodbye to the team and to the supporters and never look back,” he said.“I always hoped the doors would be open for me and I'm grateful that they are because the club has been a huge part of my life and will continue to play a big part.”

It is now only a matter of when Gerrard will return to serve Liverpool, rather than if that’s the case.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I'll 'fly helicopter over Nice' if we win Ligue 1 - Balotelli

Mario Balotelli has promised to "fly a helicopter over Nice" should the Ligue 1 side mastermind a shock title triumph this season.

The 26-year-old has so far gone some way to silencing his many doubters this season by contributing six goals in as many league games, helping his Nice team-mates to the top of the table, three points clear of champions Paris Saint-Germain.
And while the Parisians remain favourites to lift the trophy come May, Balotelli revealed he already has plans in place should they pull-off a Leicester City style title win."There's still a long way to go, but if we do win the title, I'm going to fly a helicopter over Nice." he told Mediaset.

"I'm happy here [at Nice]. I've settled in very quickly in this fantastic place. There are a lot of youngsters in the team and the coach is very good and I've found everything favourable."

Balotelli moved to Nice to revive a career that looked all but dead and buried after a frustrating spell in Liverpool where he found playing-time hard to come by under Jurgen Klopp.He was bought by previous manager Brendan Rodgers, and admits he never truly settled in the city.

"I know that it's half-an-hour from Manchester, but I don't know it very well." said the Italian.

"Nice's support is better than Liverpool's, which doesn't mean that the fans are better, but that there is more warmth in their support. [Liverpool] did me a favour by selling me."

There is already speculation linking Balotelli with a move back to Italy with the striker having only penned a one-year-deal with the French club.But Balotelli insists despite some near-misses with big Italian clubs in the past, his only focus is in the south of France.

"Before I joined Milan I was meant to go to Juventus, but then there were a few problems and the transfer didn't go through," he said."[Sinisa] Mihajlovic is right that the only reason I did not explode last year was because of physical problems.

"I love Napoli and Neapolitans -- my daughter lives there, but coming back to Italy is not part of my plans at the moment. I'm only thinking about Nice and France."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bartomeu 'convinced' Messi will retire at Barcelona

Barcelona firmly believe that superstar forward Lionel Messi will remain at the club until he retires, says Josep Maria Bartomeu amid conflicting reports over the progress of contract negotiations.

Securing the future of the Argentina captain, whose deal expires in June 2018, is a high priority for the Spanish champions.

Sources close to Messi this week reportedly rejected suggestions that an impasse has been reached in talks between the two parties nd club president Bartomeu, speaking at the announcement of a lucrative new shirt sponsorship , indicated that he is "convinced" that the 29-year-old will choose to stay at Camp Nou.

"We are convinced Messi will finish his career [at Barcelona], as it has to happen, he is our leader and we are very relaxed thinking [about] his renewal," he told the press."He's the player who has brought us success all these years."

Messi has been speculatively linked with a move to join former coach Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in recent months, while he has previously hinted at the possibility of playing in his native Argentina before hanging up his boots.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Terry could leave Chelsea for Man Utd'

Chelsea captain John Terry could join Manchester United if he does not get more games for the Blues, says his former first-team coach, Ray Wilkins.

The ex-England skipper has struggled to regain his place in Antonio Conte's team after coming back from an ankle ligament injury suffered against Swansea City in September.

And despite reported interest from several Chinese Super League clubs, Wilkins, who made over 300 appearances combined for both clubs, believes that Terry's next destination is more likely to be a bit closer to home - with his old boss, Jose Mourinho, potentially interested in a reunion.

"I couldn't agree more [that Terry will snub a move to China]," he told talkSPORT. "I don't think China will be on John's radar.

"What about Old Trafford? He's not playing for Chelsea but I think he still has plenty to offer. There will be someone out there who would love to have him."

It looked as though Terry would leave Chelsea last summer after talks over a new contract no longer appeared likely but, to some surprise, in May the club legend agreed a deal to stay until the end of the 2016-17 season.

But with Conte switching to a more fluid three-man defence, it may be that the centre-back's trophy-filled era at Chelsea could finally be coming to an end.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

All James needs is affection - Roberto Carlos

James Rodriguez just needs a little affection in order to start proving his class at Real Madrid, according to club legend Roberto Carlos.

The Colombia international has often been on the periphery for Zinedine Zidane's side this season and spoke this month of his desire for more playing time.

For his part, the French coach publicly spoke of James' importance to the team, but the demanding Santiago Bernabeu faithful have at times shown their impatience at his ailing form.

However, Roberto Carlos, who won four LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues in more than a decade at Madrid, jumped to the 25-year-old's defence.

"If James was as bad as some people say, he wouldn't be the Colombia captain," said Roberto Carlos, speaking at an event organised by Mahou. "People can discuss about what he does, but he's playing for the best team in the world."He needs affection, I needed it for a time. He has to think about what he can improve.

"He has to trust on himself, he's a phenomenon. Sometimes Zidane needs him, sometimes he needs Isco. It's his decision. What I see in training is that he's doing very well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ivanovic to fight for Chelsea contract amid Barcelona rumours

Branislav Ivanovic wants to extend his contract at Chelsea despite being linked with a move to Barcelona in January, Goal understands.

Barca are looking to sign a right-back in January as a replacement for Aleix Vidal, who is considered surplus to requirements. However, a source has told Goal that rumours linking Ivanovic away from Stamford Bridge are "rubbish".

The Spanish champions will instead look to sign Shakhtar Donetsk's Darijo Srna to replace Vidal on a short-term basis in January before targeting a bigger deal in the summer, with Arsenal's Hector Bellerin, Southampton's Cedric Soares and Valencia's Joao Cancelo on their list.

Ivanovic, who had previously been linked to a move to Crystal Palace and West Ham, has not been seeking a move away from west London to any club.

The 32-year-old is on a rolling one-year contract, as is club policy at Chelsea for players over the age of 30 and didn't renew his deal until late January last year. He is said to be open to talks to extend for a further season.

However, the Chelsea vice-captain has found first-team opportunities hard to come by after being sidelined following the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, with Antonio Conte switching to a 3-4-3 formation.

Conte has been adamant that Ivanovic remains in his plans in recent weeks despite an impressive five-game win and clean-sheet run in the league in his absence.
He remains a popular figure in west London having won every major honour with Chelsea, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona sponsorship the key to new Messi deal

Josep Maria Bartomeu did not want to leave anybody out. The Barcelona president fielded questions over the club's new shirt sponsorship agreement with Japanese firm Rakuten on Wednesday, but also paid tribute to the current contract with Qatar Foundation and Qatar Airwarys.

"They made the club sustainable," the 53-year-old said. Those deals also allowed Barca to offer new contracts to their prized player, Lionel Messi, and something similar should now happen with this new agreement, which is worth €55 million per season over four years starting in 2016-17.

"We are all convinced that Messi will finish his career at Barcelona," Bartomeu said on Wednesday - just as he has stated on a number of occasions previously.

Negotiations with the Argentine are not yet underway, with Barca keen to straighten themselves out financially before sitting down with their five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

And it is worth remembering that Messi agreed to receive €20m later on in a lopsided deal when his contract was last renewed a year-and-a-half ago, meaning he will be paid an extra €10m both this season and next - thereby recovering the funds the club was unable to pay him previously.

However, the agreements with Nike and Rakuten have put Barca in a much stronger position economically and initial contact has been made with Messi's people, even though there is still no firm offer - only Bartomeu's public display of affection when he is questioned on the matter.

"We are very relaxed," the president insisted when asked about the Argentine's situation. Socios are keen for the matter to be resolved, though, especially amid mischievous reports from the Madrid media of the player being unhappy that he has been made to wait.

With Neymar recently renewed and a deal for Luis Suarez in the pipeline, Barca's brilliant forward line looks set to stay together for some time to come. And with the funds now secured, talks with Messi over a fresh contract should start soon.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giggs backs Stones to emulate TWO centre-back stars

Manchester City defender John Stones can be as good as Rio Ferdinand and Gerard Pique, according to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.

The centre-back became the world's second most expensive defender when he left Everton for City in a deal worth £47.5 million during the summer and has featured in every Premier League and Champions League game since.

However, after struggling at times last season under Roberto Martinez, Stones' performances have again lacked the consistency this term which prompted Jose Mourinho to bid £40m for him in the summer of 2015.

Giggs, though, sees no reason for concern and noted the emergence of Rio Ferdinand and Gerard Pique, both of whom made mistakes in their early careers before winning all before them in the domestic games.

"It is all about balance," Giggs told ITV. "You look at all the great centre-halfs – Rio Ferdinand and Gerard Pique – they all made mistakes when they were younger, but centre-halfs and defenders mature with age.

"He's [Stones] learning on the job. If he can cut those mistakes out he's going to be a top player."

Stones is next in action on Saturday when City travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho needs at least three years to deliver success at United - Neville

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville feels Jose Mourinho needs at least three years to bring the club back to its glory days.

Mourinho has endured an indifferent start to life at Old Trafford with United struggling for form, particularly in the Premier League in which they currently occupy sixth place.

The Portuguese has taken much of the flak for the Red Devils’ inconsistent displays but Neville, who won eight league titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, has urged the club to support their manager.

Ferguson's replacement David Moyes was sacked after 10 months while Louis Van Gaal was given his marching orders in May after serving two years of a three-year contract.

“It's important that the club can stick by Jose for three years, let him do the work. It's going to be tough, you can see that at the moment,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“The other clubs are spending big money, have their house in order, good teams as well. And Manchester United are not going to have it all their own way unfortunately.

“It was great watching the club win titles and being part of that all the time, but the reality of it is that it was never going to go on forever, this period was always going to come, but they're going to have to fight through the difficult times, and do it in the right way if you like, and that means stability with the management team.

“I think we're judging Jose Mourinho on a moment. You hear ridiculous things like: "Has he lost his magic?" He won the league 18 months ago, he's one of the most successful managers of all time and he's only young in management terms.

“If Manchester United go and win the next four matches, Mourinho will be a genius again, they'll say, and we're very quick these days to shoot managers, coaches, players down, particularly those who have built up enough credit to prove it over a long period of time.

"Ultimately, let him do his job, let him deliver. There's nothing to suggest he's not going to deliver here yet, in my mind. There's evidence to suggest it's going to be tough, tougher than he thought.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wayne Rooney is not finished - Neville

Gary Neville says Wayne Rooney still has plenty to offer Manchester United, even if he is no longer an undisputed starter.

The England captain has been in and out of the team since the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager and has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent months.

Neville feels the 31-year-old's changing role is a natural development, though, and has stressed it is now up to Rooney whether he can adapt to his new circumstances.

"It is not the end of Rooney. I just believe he is entering into a different phase of his career where he is not going to play every week, and his contributions are going to be different than they were previously," Neville told Sky Sports.

"At the moment, the way Rooney fits into the jigsaw is that he plays some games and does not play others. He has arrived at that period in his career where ultimately, that is how it is going to be for him. But that is not a criticism, that is just a happening. That is what happens to all players as they get into their 30s.

"It is a personal choice that United players have had to decide previously; are they happy with those 25-30 games a season, or do they want to get out and play every week? That is something Rooney has to decide over the next six, 12 months or whatever that will be. It is not a choice Manchester United can make, as long as he has a contract. It is his choice.

"But you have got to remember, he has only been out of the team for four weeks. He will still be in the mindset of fighting to get back into the team and playing every game. His performances have not been up to his level for the past eight to 12 months. Mourinho has left him out in the past months, he has put other players in, and it is for Rooney to fight his way back into the team." Rooney has netted twice in 15 appearances in all competitions for United this term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Morata to miss Madrid derby through injury

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out of this weekend's derby against Atletico Madrid and could see him miss the clash with Barcelona on December 3.

The 24-year-old suffered a knock in Spain's 2-2 friendly draw with England on Tuesday and underwent a series of tests on Wednesday to determine the extent of his injury.Madrid have now revealed the attacker has been diagnosed with a muscular problem in his right hamstring and faces a spell on the sidelines.

"After tests carried out on our player Alvaro Morata at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital prior to the training session held Wednesday, he has been diagnosed with a grade two muscle injury in his right hamstring," a statement on the club's official website reads."His recovery will continue to be assessed."

It is not yet known exactly how long Morata will be sidelined, but reports from Spain suggest he could be unavailable for up to a month.The former Juventus man has netted eight goals in 17 appearances in all competitions for Madrid this term.

Morata's injury leaves Zinedine Zidane short of options ahead of the game against Atletico, with Karim Benzema still recovering from a muscular problem.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giggs, NOT Ronaldo, is Bale's greatest ever team-mate

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has revealed that compatriot Ryan Giggs is the greatest player he’s ever played with.

The 27-year-old fulfilled a dream by linking up with the Manchester United legend twice while on international duty with Wales, including a 3-0 win over San Marino in 2007 when both scored.And speaking during a Q&A session with Foot Locker, Bale labelled Giggs his hero.

"For me the greatest player is Ryan Giggs. He was my hero growing up and is a legend in world football. It also helps he’s a fellow Welshman,” he said.The confession is bound to upset club mate Cristiano Ronaldo with whom he has won the Champions League twice alongside.

A former Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo is regarded as one of the best players to ever grace the game having chalked up a total of 371 goals for Real.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Griezmann told me he will play in Madrid derby - Juanfran

Atletico Madrid have received a boost ahead of Saturday's derby against Real Madrid, with Juanfran claiming star forward Antoine Griezmann will be fit to play.

Griezmann's La Liga derby participation has been cast into doubt after suffering heavy bruising to his foot during France's World Cup qualifying win over Sweden last week.

But Atletico defender Juanfran revealed Griezmann - who has eight goals and five assists in 14 games in all competitions this season - is set to face Zinedine Zidane's visitors.

"I have asked Griezmann this morning if he will play the derby and told me that yes, he will play," Juanfran told Partidazo COPE.

This weekend's derby will be the final league match between the two Spanish capital giants at the Vincente Calderon, as Atletico prepare to move to their new stadium next season.

And fourth-placed Atletico are only eyeing victory in their attempt to close the gap on league-leading Madrid, who are two points clear atop the standings.

Juanfran added: "It will be the last derby at the Calderon and will be special for us.
"We feel that we will win. We are only thinking about winning."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool can't stop Coutinho joining Barcelona - Lawrenson

Mark Lawrenson has called on Liverpool to put a contingency plan in place as he suggests the Reds can do little to prevent Philippe Coutinho from joining Barcelona.

The Brazil international has been in sparkling form this season, with his efforts drawing admiring glances from across Europe.

Barcelona have been heavily linked with making an approach at some stage, with the Catalan giants forever in the market for creative talents of Coutinho’s ilk.Liverpool are understandably reluctant to consider the prospect of losing a key figure, but Lawrenson believes they need to prepare for the worst.

"Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid to a certain degree, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich are the clubs continually successful in Europe," he said at a special Men United Arms Q&A event for Prostate UK in Preston.

"You can't keep those top players if those clubs come in for them."I don't think, apart from arguably Manchester City, anyone can stop them."The clever thing is to plan for it. Rather than say 'Coutinho might be going, what are we going to do?', you have something in place already."

Another of those to have been generating plenty of transfer talk at Anfield of late is Daniel Sturridge.

The England international has struggled to nail down a regular role in Jurgen Klopp’s ‘gegenpressing’ system, with the hard-working Roberto Firmino often preferred ahead of him.

Lawrenson acknowledges that the 27-year-old may be open to offers from elsewhere, but feels Liverpool should resist any interest for now as they have few alternatives of Sturridge’s quality in the final third.

He added: "It is a fantastic position for the club to be in."It's like Klopp 1, Sturridge 0 because when Klopp came the questions were about how he was going to get him fit and now he is fit he can't get in the side."But you don't do anything with him at the moment. You can bring him on and he will score you a goal out of nothing.

"You can't get players like him, he is different to what Klopp has and he would make one of the top team's stronger so why would you sell him?"The only way you get rid of Daniel Sturridge is if you have someone lined up to come in.

"It's not a problem for Klopp - but it may be for Sturridge."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

First Suarez & now Coutinho?​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger on Ibrahimovic suspension: It was Rashford who killed us last year!

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down the significance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic missing Saturday's crunch clash with Manchester United, suggesting he is more concerned with Marcus Rashford.

The England international striker announced himself to the Premier League with two goals against the Gunners in last season's meeting at Old Trafford, a game United won 3-2.

Swedish striker Ibrahimovic picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in United's 3-1 win over Swansea City last time out, meaning he'll miss the game against Wenger's side on Saturday.

As a result, Rashford could be the direct replacement for the 35-year-old and lead the line at Old Trafford when the two sides meet in the early kick-off.

And Wenger is well aware of the United youngster's potential to cause his defence major problems, pointing out it was Rashford, and not Ibrahimovic, who was decisive in last season's fixture.When asked about Ibrahimovic being absent, Wenger told reporters: "The guy who killed us last year was Rashford.

"I watched him against a Danish team (FC Midtjylland) in midweek [prior to last season's Manchester United - Arsenal game] and he scored and I thought this guy could be dangerous."His movement was good and he was strong. He took everyone by surprise."

"I watched him against a Danish team (FC Midtjylland) in midweek [prior to last season's Manchester United - Arsenal game] and he scored and I thought this guy could be dangerous."His movement was good and he was strong. He took everyone by surprise."

Rashford has scored 12 goals in all competitions since making his first-team debut against Midtjylland in the Europa League back in February.

Wayne Rooney is another option for United boss Jose Mourinho to consider in attack ahead of Saturday's game, although he has only scored two goals in all competitions for the Red Devils this season.

The England skipper was dropped from the starting XI for five league games in a row before he picked up two assists after being brought back in for the win over Swansea.

Rooney hit the headlines this week after The Sun allegedly accused him of being drunk after leaving the England team hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Former Everton striker Rooney has since apologised for the "inappropriate" nature of the images that were carried by the newspaper, although it remains unclear if the 31-year-old will keep his place at club level following the accusations.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger vows to 'fight' Man Utd, not Mourinho

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal's visit to Manchester United on Saturday will not descend into a fight between himself and Jose Mourinho.

Arsenal travel to Old Trafford with Wenger still seeking a first league win over United manager Mourinho, with whom the Frenchman has a famously tempestuous relationship.

The Gunners can at least temporarily move to the top of the Premier League with a victory in a fixture that saw Arsenal beaten 3-2 last season.But Wenger is not focused on his personal battle with Mourinho, telling a pre-match media conference: "I don't think I have to describe our relationship.

"He will fight for his team and I will fight for mine and that is completely normal.
"It's Arsenal against Man United, you do not consider that you play against the manager. You play against the team.

"Some wins have been decisive at Old Trafford but this would just be strengthening our position in the league for what we want to achieve. We have played only 11 games so I believe that there is no position at the moment with the big clubs that is definite."We are on a very strong run of 16 unbeaten games, we had a little hiccup against Tottenham and we want to restart to win our games again.

"For us it's a very important game because in the league we know we had an opportunity against Tottenham to go top of the league and we want to respond straight away with a positive result."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho Vs Wenger​

 

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Klopp: We think Coutinho's future is at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has revealed he is not concerned by Barcelona’s interest in Philippe Coutinho as the Brazilian is settled at Liverpool and the club creates “an atmosphere nobody wants to leave.”

The 24-year-old, who has already managed six goals in all competitions this season and has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers, is the latest target of a charm offensive from the Spanish giants.

Having scouted Coutinho when he was at Vasco, before more heavily monitoring his progress on loan at Espanyol, Barcelona feel the spellbinding star has developed enough to make the switch to Camp Nou. The Reds have no intention of sanctioning a sale for one of their premier assets, who is contracted until the summer of 2020.

Signed for £8.5 million at the end of January 2013, the Brazil international is happy on Merseyside, where he is idolised and his young family feel comfortable.

And Klopp thinks Coutinho will continue to captivate audiences as a Liverpool player.“My feeling and my opinion is that he feels really well here,” the Reds boss said at Melwood.“We all hope and think his future is here in Liverpool. Everyone forgets when you talk about Phil, that he’s still very young.

“You’re saying now that he’s the player Brazil always dreamed of, but he’s only 24 now, with a long way to go and lots of space for development. “Of course, he’s now at the stage where his skills - with a mixture of the experiences he’s had - give you more consistency. “With the team-mates he has, he’s getting better and better. And he’s only just starting.

“The very, very good players, you want them to stay long term. The average players, sometimes you want them to stay, sometimes not.

“It’s all about us - the club is not the problem and the owners are not the problem - it’s about creating a perspective that nobody wants to leave. “At the end, it will not be about money. If there’s a club who can pay double, then I’ll bring the player to them because who I am to say to them - ‘no, no, don’t think about your family, the kids, the grandkids and then their kids’ and all this stuff. I don’t know a lot of clubs in the world who can do this.

“For us, first of all, we don’t think about money or talk about money. We have to create an atmosphere around the club that nobody wants to leave. In this moment, I’m not worried about anything. The players like to be here, it’s a job we’re doing and they like this.”

 

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Milan need a champion - Gullit

Ruud Gullit has praised a young and in-form AC Milan side, but believes they still need a "champion" in the team.

Milan head into the Derby della Madonnina against arch rivals Inter on Sunday having won eight of their opening 12 Serie A games in a superb start that has left them third in the table, five points adrift of leaders Juventus.

Teenager Manuel Locatelli scored a superb winner when Vincenzo Montella's side beat Juve 1-0 last month, while youngsters Alessio Romagnoli, Suso and M'Baye Niang have all established themselves in the side.

Yet while Milan's relatively inexperienced side have flourished, Gullit - who won three Scudetti and two European Cups in his playing career at San Siro - feels they are lacking a difference maker.

"Milan are a lot better than they have been recently," Gullit told La Gazzetta dello Sport."They have young Italians and a style of play. The players know what they have to do, and the games are better.

"What do Milan need? Time. Time for these youngsters to gain experience. After that, a champion who can change the game. But for that you need money."