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..::Football IV::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
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LA Liga Fixtures 2017.04.16
LA Liga Fixtures 2017.04.16
Leganes Vs Espanyol
Valencia Vs Sevilla
Real Betis Vs Eibar
Granada Vs Celta Vigo
Leganes Vs Espanyol
Valencia Vs Sevilla
Real Betis Vs Eibar
Granada Vs Celta Vigo
Bundesliga Fixtures 2017.04.16
Bundesliga Fixtures 2017.04.16
Werder Bremen Vs Hamburg
Darmstadt Vs Schalke
Werder Bremen Vs Hamburg
Darmstadt Vs Schalke
Full Time
Manchester United 2 Vs 0 Chelsea
Manchester United Goal(s)
M.Rashford 07'
A.Herrera 49'
Manchester United Goal(s)
M.Rashford 07'
A.Herrera 49'
Well played everyone!
Berbatov confirms he held talks with Sunderland
Dimitar Berbatov has revealed that he held talks with Sunderland over a possible move on a free transfer.
The former Tottenham and Manchester United striker has been without a club since he left Panathinaikos in 2016, having previously spent a season with Monaco.
And now 36-year-old Berbatov insists he would be interested in playing the Premier League again and that he was in discussions to join David Moyes's Sunderland.
He told Sky Sports: "I want to play. I had a conversation with a couple of managers at Sunderland. In the end nothing happened."When you play football for so long, and I'm in good shape, football for me is my life. I'm still looking to play.
"Of course [I was responsive to Sunderland]. At this stage in my life it's only about football. Just to play a little bit more. One more game, one more year. Just to enjoy the team-mates, the football, the pitch, the fans. Nothing came of it. Sometimes it is what it is.
"The Premier League is the place every player wants to come and play. When you've been part of it, it's that feeling you want to go back and do it again. We'll see."
Dimitar Berbatov has revealed that he held talks with Sunderland over a possible move on a free transfer.
The former Tottenham and Manchester United striker has been without a club since he left Panathinaikos in 2016, having previously spent a season with Monaco.
And now 36-year-old Berbatov insists he would be interested in playing the Premier League again and that he was in discussions to join David Moyes's Sunderland.
He told Sky Sports: "I want to play. I had a conversation with a couple of managers at Sunderland. In the end nothing happened."When you play football for so long, and I'm in good shape, football for me is my life. I'm still looking to play.
"Of course [I was responsive to Sunderland]. At this stage in my life it's only about football. Just to play a little bit more. One more game, one more year. Just to enjoy the team-mates, the football, the pitch, the fans. Nothing came of it. Sometimes it is what it is.
"The Premier League is the place every player wants to come and play. When you've been part of it, it's that feeling you want to go back and do it again. We'll see."
Deulofeu 'absolutely an option' for Barcelona
Barcelona are keen on bringing winger Gerard Deulofeu back to Camp Nou.Deulofeu, a product of the club's famed La Masia academy, made six senior appearances for Barca – all as a substitute – before season-long loan stints at Everton and Sevilla.
He joined the Premier League side permanently in 2015, with Barcelona inserting a buy-back option that appeared unlikely to be activated when he fell out of favour under Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park and joined AC Milan for the rest of this season.But Deulofeu has been a revelation for the Rossoneri in Serie A and his form earned an international recall – one the 23-year-old grasped by scoring a maiden Spain goal in last month's 2-0 friendly win in France.
His progress has not gone unnoticed at Barca, with sporting director Robert Fernandez giving serious thought towards activating a clause with Everton that is widely reported to stand at €12million."Deulofeu, yes, it's absolutely an option for the future," he told TV3.
"The club are considering bringing him back to play for the first team."Barcelona are on the brink of elimination from the Champions League after losing the first leg of their quarter-final 3-0 at Juventus, while a squad revamp could be on the cards when head coach Luis Enrique steps down at the end of the campaign.
Barcelona are keen on bringing winger Gerard Deulofeu back to Camp Nou.Deulofeu, a product of the club's famed La Masia academy, made six senior appearances for Barca – all as a substitute – before season-long loan stints at Everton and Sevilla.
He joined the Premier League side permanently in 2015, with Barcelona inserting a buy-back option that appeared unlikely to be activated when he fell out of favour under Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park and joined AC Milan for the rest of this season.But Deulofeu has been a revelation for the Rossoneri in Serie A and his form earned an international recall – one the 23-year-old grasped by scoring a maiden Spain goal in last month's 2-0 friendly win in France.
His progress has not gone unnoticed at Barca, with sporting director Robert Fernandez giving serious thought towards activating a clause with Everton that is widely reported to stand at €12million."Deulofeu, yes, it's absolutely an option for the future," he told TV3.
"The club are considering bringing him back to play for the first team."Barcelona are on the brink of elimination from the Champions League after losing the first leg of their quarter-final 3-0 at Juventus, while a squad revamp could be on the cards when head coach Luis Enrique steps down at the end of the campaign.
West Brom 0 Liverpool 1: Firmino shines amid Hawthorns toil
Liverpool stayed on course for a top-four finish in the Premier League as Roberto Firmino gave them a 1-0 win at West Brom.Tony Pulis' side have inconvenienced other Champions League aspirants of late, beating Arsenal 3-1 and holding Manchester United to a 0-0 draw.
But they were unable to lay a glove on Liverpool for much of a listless encounter, and what is normally an area of strength for Albion proved to be their downfall.
Firmino was allowed too much room to net his 11th Premier League goal of the season as the hosts' set-piece defending failed them in first-half stoppage time.
Jurgen Klopp's side provided few of the thrills normally associated with the division's top scorers, with Sadio Mane's void in attack one they will struggle to fill over the closing weeks, but Liverpool never looked like letting their control slip during the second period.They return to third place, two points above Manchester City having played a game more.
West Brom midfielder Claudio Yacob carelessly coughed up possession inside his own half in the 15th minute, allowing Philippe Coutinho to scamper towards goal and play in Firmino, who dragged wide left footed.Nacer Chadli should have added to his five goals for Albion but swung a boot at fresh air after Matt Phillips hooked the ball towards him at the back post.
Coutinho stretched to volley off target on the end of Firmino's raking 24th-minute pass but Liverpool were struggling for fluency – Adam Lallana's ongoing absence through a hamstring injury being keenly felt in midfield.
Phillips was the provider once more for the hosts when Hal Robson-Kanu found space between the Liverpool centre-backs but scuffed tamely at goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.With a forgettable half meandering towards its conclusion, Klopp's men took the lead in stoppage time.
Chris Brunt pulled back Divock Origi, earning a booking for his troubles, and the Northern Ireland international's indiscipline was punished when Lucas Leiva flicked on James Milner's delivery from the right and Firmino headed home.
Liverpool almost added a wonderful second 11 minutes into the second period.Georginio Wijnaldum slid a nicely weighted pass into Firmino's path and the goalscorer chipped across the West Brom box, where Milner charged forward from left-back to volley over.
West Brom's dour form in front of goal meant Liverpool were scarcely tested until 10 minutes from time.Phillips collected a return pass from Salomon Rondon after the substitute powered towards the opposition penalty area, but Mignolet stood firm to block his effort behind.
Pulis' men would go no closer to getting on terms – the Arsenal win before last month's international break standing as the only game in the last seven where they have found the net.
Goalkeeper Ben Foster ventured up for a stoppage-time corner to try and improve this record but found himself stranded on the right wing. Liverpool substitute Alberto Moreno eyed up West Brom's unguarded goal but, like all other attempts during the second half, his shot was off target.
Liverpool stayed on course for a top-four finish in the Premier League as Roberto Firmino gave them a 1-0 win at West Brom.Tony Pulis' side have inconvenienced other Champions League aspirants of late, beating Arsenal 3-1 and holding Manchester United to a 0-0 draw.
But they were unable to lay a glove on Liverpool for much of a listless encounter, and what is normally an area of strength for Albion proved to be their downfall.
Firmino was allowed too much room to net his 11th Premier League goal of the season as the hosts' set-piece defending failed them in first-half stoppage time.
Jurgen Klopp's side provided few of the thrills normally associated with the division's top scorers, with Sadio Mane's void in attack one they will struggle to fill over the closing weeks, but Liverpool never looked like letting their control slip during the second period.They return to third place, two points above Manchester City having played a game more.
West Brom midfielder Claudio Yacob carelessly coughed up possession inside his own half in the 15th minute, allowing Philippe Coutinho to scamper towards goal and play in Firmino, who dragged wide left footed.Nacer Chadli should have added to his five goals for Albion but swung a boot at fresh air after Matt Phillips hooked the ball towards him at the back post.
Coutinho stretched to volley off target on the end of Firmino's raking 24th-minute pass but Liverpool were struggling for fluency – Adam Lallana's ongoing absence through a hamstring injury being keenly felt in midfield.
Phillips was the provider once more for the hosts when Hal Robson-Kanu found space between the Liverpool centre-backs but scuffed tamely at goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.With a forgettable half meandering towards its conclusion, Klopp's men took the lead in stoppage time.
Chris Brunt pulled back Divock Origi, earning a booking for his troubles, and the Northern Ireland international's indiscipline was punished when Lucas Leiva flicked on James Milner's delivery from the right and Firmino headed home.
Liverpool almost added a wonderful second 11 minutes into the second period.Georginio Wijnaldum slid a nicely weighted pass into Firmino's path and the goalscorer chipped across the West Brom box, where Milner charged forward from left-back to volley over.
West Brom's dour form in front of goal meant Liverpool were scarcely tested until 10 minutes from time.Phillips collected a return pass from Salomon Rondon after the substitute powered towards the opposition penalty area, but Mignolet stood firm to block his effort behind.
Pulis' men would go no closer to getting on terms – the Arsenal win before last month's international break standing as the only game in the last seven where they have found the net.
Goalkeeper Ben Foster ventured up for a stoppage-time corner to try and improve this record but found himself stranded on the right wing. Liverpool substitute Alberto Moreno eyed up West Brom's unguarded goal but, like all other attempts during the second half, his shot was off target.
Manchester United 2 Chelsea 0: Mourinho's men blow title race wide open
The Premier League title race was blown wide open as Ander Herrera scored one and assisted another for Marcus Rashford in Manchester United's 2-0 win over leaders Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Chelsea's lead over closest rivals Tottenham remains at just four points with six matches to play after Antonio Conte's men lost for the second time in their last four games.
Jose Mourinho made four changes to his side, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic – described by the manager as "very tired" – among the players dropping to the substitutes' bench.
But United made a fast start, Rashford putting them ahead after only seven minutes with a controversial strike after Chelsea had claimed for handball against Herrera in the build-up.
The Blues were already without the injured Thibaut Courtois before they lost an unwell Marcos Alonso in the warm-up and were struggling to make an impression before Herrera's strike deflected in off the wing-back's replacement, Kurt Zouma, early in the second half.
And a subdued Chelsea – 4-0 winners in the reverse fixture – could not find a way back into the game, failing to register a shot on target, as Mourinho celebrated his first victory over his former side in three attempts since his sacking last season.The win moves United, who are now 22 league games unbeaten, up to fifth, four points behind Manchester City with a game in hand.
Rashford, starting up front alongside Jesse Lingard in Ibrahimovic's absence, had already struck wide from a good opening before he made the early breakthrough, netting for a second league game running.
Chelsea were furious that Herrera was not penalised for an apparent handball as he intercepted Nemanja Matic's pass and the Spain international then sent Rashford racing clear with an excellent throughball, allowing the striker to convert with a cool finish past Asmir Begovic into the far corner.
Ashley Young, United's captain after coming in as one of Mourinho's alterations, saw his cross-shot only just evade Rashford in the Chelsea box and then fired wide from Paul Pogba's pass as the hosts' lightning start continued.
Chelsea were frustrated at the other end and did not manage a shot in anger until Diego Costa, who was booked for fouling Pogba before scuffling with Marcos Rojo, finally hit one wide in stoppage time.
United doubled their advantage four minutes into the second half, with Herrera – dismissed in last month's FA Cup meeting between the sides – the scorer on this occasion.
After initially having a cross blocked by David Luiz, Young dispossessed N'Golo Kante at the corner of Chelsea's box before being challenged by Zouma. The ball then fell into Herrera's path and his drive took a huge deflection off the defender to beat Begovic.
United threatened to run riot as Lingard blasted over from Rashford's pass, with the striker then firing into the side netting after being set up by Michael Carrick, who had come off the bench for his 450th United appearance.
Chelsea, who brought on Cesc Fabregas and Willian for Victor Moses and Matic, saw Pedro shoot off target with one effort and have another attempt deflect wide as David de Gea continued to be unoccupied.
The lively Rashford was denied by a smart Begovic save at his near post after impressively outmuscling David Luiz, with a third United goal looking more likely than a comeback from the visitors.
Rashford came off to a standing ovation in the closing stages, Ibrahimovic getting a late run-out as Chelsea were forced to turn their attention to next week's FA Cup semi-final against in-form rivals Tottenham, a side who represent a huge threat to their league hopes as well.
No Hazard, no Chelsea: Mourinho's tactical masterclass on how to stop PL leaders
When Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Chelsea in March it was Ander Herrera’s sending-off which had tilted the Stamford Bridge clash in the home side’s favour. Jose Mourinho’s reshaped formation which had until then both kept Chelsea at bay and caused a few problems was quickly undermined once the Spaniard had been shown a 30th-minute red card.
So the reaction was somewhat curious on Sunday when Mourinho was widely slated on social media upon the release of a similar-looking teamsheet for the league clash with Antonio Conte’s side at Old Trafford. Despite this time having 28-goal Zlatan Ibrahimovic available for selection, the Portuguese again went for a back three and counted on the pace of Marcus Rashford in attack.
But his most crucial decision was employing Herrera as a man-marker on Eden Hazard, and the midfielder delivered his most telling contribution of the season in leading United to a 2-0 victory over the league leaders.
It was a Mourinho masterclass of the highest order, and while many had considered his selection to be an admission that their top-four assault was all-but over the reality was that the Portuguese was actually handing the remainder of the Premier League a timely blueprint on how to stifle the previously-imperious Chelsea attack.
In shutting off Hazard, United controlled the supply line to Diego Costa and killed much of Chelsea’s effectiveness. Herrera rarely ventured more than a couple of yards out of Hazard’s shadow and it left Conte’s side with few clues as to how to breach Mourinho’s reinforced defence.
With no Marcos Alonso on the left Chelsea had little in the way of energy in support of Hazard, while there were few alternatives in terms of opening up the United back three on the ball with Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante offering nothing as passing outlets.
Knowing how reliant his old club are on the Belgian, Mourinho believed that by pinning Herrera to Hazard for the duration his side could close off all avenues to their own goal and look to hit Chelsea on the break. His plan worked to perfection, and it just so happened that Herrera was at the heart of United's goals too.
First the Spaniard made the most of a favourable handball decision to burst past a static opposition and fire a ball into the path of Rashford, who tucked the ball across Asmir Begovic. Then he drilled home a shot himself with the aid of a deflection off Kurt Zouma as a complacent Chelsea back line failed to respond when Ashley Young’s cross wasn’t fully cleared.
Herrera is a big favourite on the Old Trafford terraces for his constant shows of commitment, yet it is arguable that United have never really found the very best of him until his performance on Sunday. Before Chelsea came to town there had been the odd excellent offensive showing coupled with occasional energetic defensive displays, but this was Herrera in all-rounder mode and he could hardly have been more influential.
And in doing so he and Mourinho have provided the key to unsettling what had previously appeared to be an unstoppable title juggernaut. Chelsea were neutered in attack, having their first shot in first-half stoppage time, constantly stretched at the back and also bullied for long stretches as Marcos Rojo, Eric Bailly, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba went toe-to-toe with Chelsea’s imposing forces.
Mourinho hasn’t got everything right since arriving at Old Trafford – far from it. He has looked like a man still getting to know his squad to some extent at times as United have been left playing catch-up in the race for fourth place. But on Sunday he showed that nobody knows Chelsea better than he does, and when his plans are followed to the letter he can still be the Premier League’s master tactician.
Mourinho has now beaten every Premier League team he's faced as a manager
Jose Mourinho can now say that he's beaten every single Premier League team he's faced as a manager after Manchester United's stunning 2-0 victory over Chelsea.
The Red Devils outclassed Mourinho's former club on Sunday and, while the result could help shake up the top of the table, it also serves to complete the Portuguese's Premier League ledger.
That the mark was set in a game against the club who employed him for two successful stints will only add to the delight for Mourinho.
While United are well off the pace set by Chelsea this year, the Blues are now just four points ahead of Tottenham after Mourinho's history-making victory.
Jose Mourinho can now say that he's beaten every single Premier League team he's faced as a manager after Manchester United's stunning 2-0 victory over Chelsea.
The Red Devils outclassed Mourinho's former club on Sunday and, while the result could help shake up the top of the table, it also serves to complete the Portuguese's Premier League ledger.
That the mark was set in a game against the club who employed him for two successful stints will only add to the delight for Mourinho.
While United are well off the pace set by Chelsea this year, the Blues are now just four points ahead of Tottenham after Mourinho's history-making victory.
Title race is ON! Chelsea risk Premier League collapse after Man Utd shocker
Chelsea risk throwing away the Premier League title after their former manager Jose Mourinho exposed their weaknesses in a disastrous afternoon for Antonio Conte at Old Trafford.
Conte's side put in their worst performance since they were beaten 3-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium at the start of the campaign - as Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera gave United a 2-0 win.
Chelsea remain four points clear of Tottenham at the top of the table and they are the envy of the rest of the league but Conte is now faced with a host of problems to resolve.
Diego Costa is badly out of form and looking like a liability once again as he was lucky not be red carded. Hazard was nullified, having been man-marked by Herrera, prompting the following question; if you stop Hazard, do you stop Chelsea? It appears to be the case for a Chelsea side whose lone forward is playing so badly.
Diego Costa won only 23.1% of his duels and gave away possession more than any other player in the first half of the match. His second half wasn't much better either.
The naturalised Spaniard’s form has fallen away since he was offered a triple-your-money move to China in January, but he wasn’t the only Chelsea player to disappoint on Sunday.
Pedro had his worst game in months as he managed only 13 touches in the first half and won none of his seven duels. Nemanja Matic, Victor Moses, Cesar Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma also completed less than 70% of their passes in the first half.
Chelsea may have been penalised by a controversial handball call in the build-up to Rashford’s opener, but they can have no complaints about the result. They were second best from start to finish. It was so bad that the away side didn't manage a shot on target for the entire 90 minutes.
Conte admitted that his side's poor performance has blown the title race wide open but took the blame on himself. He decided to protect his own players as the pressure mounts.
"We didn’t play a good game, and United deserved to win the game because they showed more desire, ambition and motivation," Conte said. "It’s very simple, but in this case it is the fault of the coach.
"It means the coach wasn’t able to transfer the right concentration, motivation, desire and ambition to win this game. The situation is simple today. We have to think there are six finals from now until the end. The league is open.
"We have a 50 per cent probability of winning the league. We must know this. If we finish top of the table it means we deserve to, otherwise it means another team deserves it."
Thibaut Courtois reportedly sat out the match with an ankle injury which was sustained during the filming of an NBA advert, but it was Marcos Alonso who was more missed in Manchester.
Alonso pulled out of the game during the warm up due to illness and Chelsea's balance was hugely affected. Azpilicueta was moved all over the pitch during the 90 minutes and Moses subbed off as Conte chopped and changed his system and personnel.
Hazard also missed Alonso’s support on the left and Chelsea will need him back as they prepare for an FA Cup semi-final against a red-hot Tottenham side next week.
There is no need to panic yet for Chelsea with six Premier League games remaining. Conte has improved the side immeasurably in his first season at the club, but he faces his biggest test yet now in the run-in with tricky tests to come this month against Southampton and Everton away.
With Chelsea having seen their lead cut from 10 points to four in a matter of weeks, the Premier League title race is well and truly on.
Chelsea risk throwing away the Premier League title after their former manager Jose Mourinho exposed their weaknesses in a disastrous afternoon for Antonio Conte at Old Trafford.
Conte's side put in their worst performance since they were beaten 3-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium at the start of the campaign - as Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera gave United a 2-0 win.
Chelsea remain four points clear of Tottenham at the top of the table and they are the envy of the rest of the league but Conte is now faced with a host of problems to resolve.
Diego Costa is badly out of form and looking like a liability once again as he was lucky not be red carded. Hazard was nullified, having been man-marked by Herrera, prompting the following question; if you stop Hazard, do you stop Chelsea? It appears to be the case for a Chelsea side whose lone forward is playing so badly.
Diego Costa won only 23.1% of his duels and gave away possession more than any other player in the first half of the match. His second half wasn't much better either.
The naturalised Spaniard’s form has fallen away since he was offered a triple-your-money move to China in January, but he wasn’t the only Chelsea player to disappoint on Sunday.
Pedro had his worst game in months as he managed only 13 touches in the first half and won none of his seven duels. Nemanja Matic, Victor Moses, Cesar Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma also completed less than 70% of their passes in the first half.
Chelsea may have been penalised by a controversial handball call in the build-up to Rashford’s opener, but they can have no complaints about the result. They were second best from start to finish. It was so bad that the away side didn't manage a shot on target for the entire 90 minutes.
Conte admitted that his side's poor performance has blown the title race wide open but took the blame on himself. He decided to protect his own players as the pressure mounts.
"We didn’t play a good game, and United deserved to win the game because they showed more desire, ambition and motivation," Conte said. "It’s very simple, but in this case it is the fault of the coach.
"It means the coach wasn’t able to transfer the right concentration, motivation, desire and ambition to win this game. The situation is simple today. We have to think there are six finals from now until the end. The league is open.
"We have a 50 per cent probability of winning the league. We must know this. If we finish top of the table it means we deserve to, otherwise it means another team deserves it."
Thibaut Courtois reportedly sat out the match with an ankle injury which was sustained during the filming of an NBA advert, but it was Marcos Alonso who was more missed in Manchester.
Alonso pulled out of the game during the warm up due to illness and Chelsea's balance was hugely affected. Azpilicueta was moved all over the pitch during the 90 minutes and Moses subbed off as Conte chopped and changed his system and personnel.
Hazard also missed Alonso’s support on the left and Chelsea will need him back as they prepare for an FA Cup semi-final against a red-hot Tottenham side next week.
There is no need to panic yet for Chelsea with six Premier League games remaining. Conte has improved the side immeasurably in his first season at the club, but he faces his biggest test yet now in the run-in with tricky tests to come this month against Southampton and Everton away.
With Chelsea having seen their lead cut from 10 points to four in a matter of weeks, the Premier League title race is well and truly on.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho thinks his side "totally controlled" Chelsea during their 2-0 Premier League victory at Old Trafford.Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera scored early in each half as United blew the title race wide open and boosted their own hopes of finishing in the top four with a valuable victory at Old Trafford.
Mourinho felt United were dominant as Chelsea failed to register a shot on target in a league match for the first time since September 2007.And the United boss believes the victory proves his team would have beaten Chelsea in last month's FA Cup quarter-final tie, had Herrera not received a controversial red card in that match at Stamford Bridge.
"We were tactically very good and the players did an amazing job," Mourinho, who pointed to the United badge as he walked off the pitch, told Sky Sports. "They totally controlled a team full of fantastic players, who are creative and fast. We controlled them totally and I am really happy."It was the same tactics as when we went to Stamford Bridge in the cup.
"That game was totally controlled when we played with 11 players and only the [refereeing] decision that made us play with 10 players for all the second half, plus 10 minutes in the first half, gave Chelsea a chance to be dominant.
"We knew that playing this way would be very difficult for them.
"From a personal point of view, thinking about just about me and my work, [what made me most happy] was being totally convinced that we would be playing the FA Cup semi-final this weekend if we played Stamford Bridge with 11 men. That is totally convincing."
Mourinho added to MUTV: "They struggled to cope with everything. They struggled to cope with us defensively and they struggled to cope with us with Marcus and other target points we had on the pitch.
"The performance was really very, very good and it is a pleasure for me to say that the [league] leaders - the leaders with some difference - could not cope with our performance."
Kompany: I'd be done and dusted if I needed time to adapt
Vincent Kompany says he is relying on his experience and what he picks up in training to get him through his various Manchester City comebacks.Kompany scored City's opening goal and was named man of the match against Southampton on Saturday on just his seventh start of the season.
The Belgian has been unable to nail down a consistent role in the team over the past two seasons due to a number of recurring fitness problems.
Having missed pre-season and made three separate attempts at returning to the team in the autumn, Kompany could only manage one match between the middle of November and the start of April.
City boss Pep Guardiola has always stressed that he has never doubted the centre-back's quality, but revealed that he was unable to judge his suitability to the Blues' passing game because the captain has missed so many training sessions this season.
Kompany was in impressive form as he played his second of City's last three games at the weekend, and said afterwards that he can draw on his long career at the top level to get him through, even if, he insists, his physical fitness "does not matter".
"I would have been done and dusted if I needed to get back in and need time to adapt every single time," he told reporters. "I have been lucky I can make use of a tremendous amount of experience. Where I am at physically does not matter. I know what I have to do and as long as I can organise the people around me, I can always get a performance.
"The main thing is self-belief and experience. I cannot say how valuable it is because if I was 20 years old I would not have done it that way but I am lucky to have good players surrounding me.
"I follow a lot of what is happening and in training so I understand what needs to be done. I can kind of help to implement it but other than that, I stay really calm because it is always about the next game."
Vincent Kompany says he is relying on his experience and what he picks up in training to get him through his various Manchester City comebacks.Kompany scored City's opening goal and was named man of the match against Southampton on Saturday on just his seventh start of the season.
The Belgian has been unable to nail down a consistent role in the team over the past two seasons due to a number of recurring fitness problems.
Having missed pre-season and made three separate attempts at returning to the team in the autumn, Kompany could only manage one match between the middle of November and the start of April.
City boss Pep Guardiola has always stressed that he has never doubted the centre-back's quality, but revealed that he was unable to judge his suitability to the Blues' passing game because the captain has missed so many training sessions this season.
Kompany was in impressive form as he played his second of City's last three games at the weekend, and said afterwards that he can draw on his long career at the top level to get him through, even if, he insists, his physical fitness "does not matter".
"I would have been done and dusted if I needed to get back in and need time to adapt every single time," he told reporters. "I have been lucky I can make use of a tremendous amount of experience. Where I am at physically does not matter. I know what I have to do and as long as I can organise the people around me, I can always get a performance.
"The main thing is self-belief and experience. I cannot say how valuable it is because if I was 20 years old I would not have done it that way but I am lucky to have good players surrounding me.
"I follow a lot of what is happening and in training so I understand what needs to be done. I can kind of help to implement it but other than that, I stay really calm because it is always about the next game."
Benzema: Hazard would be a good signing for Real Madrid
Karim Benzema has backed Eden Hazard's potential move to Real Madrid by saying the Chelsea star would be a good signing for the European champions.Hazard has reportedly emerged as a target for Madrid as he continues to star for Premier League leaders Chelsea this season.
The Belgium international has scored 14 goals and assisted five in the league and Madrid forward Benzema would welcome him at the Santiago Bernabeu."[Hazard] is a very good player, what can I say?" Benzema told Telefoot.
"I have not seen the rumours, but it's obvious that he would be a good signing."Benzema's Madrid are top of La Liga following their come-from-behind 3-2 win at Sporting Gijon on Saturday.
The France international was absent for the trip as Madrid stayed three points clear of holders Barcelona.
Karim Benzema has backed Eden Hazard's potential move to Real Madrid by saying the Chelsea star would be a good signing for the European champions.Hazard has reportedly emerged as a target for Madrid as he continues to star for Premier League leaders Chelsea this season.
The Belgium international has scored 14 goals and assisted five in the league and Madrid forward Benzema would welcome him at the Santiago Bernabeu."[Hazard] is a very good player, what can I say?" Benzema told Telefoot.
"I have not seen the rumours, but it's obvious that he would be a good signing."Benzema's Madrid are top of La Liga following their come-from-behind 3-2 win at Sporting Gijon on Saturday.
The France international was absent for the trip as Madrid stayed three points clear of holders Barcelona.
Neymar: Barcelona can complete another Champions League comeback against Juventus
Neymar is keeping the faith, confident Barcelona can complete another remarkable comeback to reach the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of Juventus.Barca face a sizeable deficit heading into Wednesday's return leg at Camp Nou, trailing Italian champions Juventus, 3-0.
Paolo Dybala scored twice in Turin as LaLiga titleholders Barca were left with another uphill battle, having lost 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their last-16 clash before winning the return fixture 6-1 in an astonishing comeback.
And Brazilian star Neymar is backing Barca to repeat the feat against Massimiliano Allegri's visitors midweek."We have to believe we can do it," Neymar said to Canal Esporte Interativo."We can be behind any team, but at Barcelona it's always the same: We can do it.
"If everything goes well, another comeback will happen, I believe in the team and in our potential."Everything is lost, so we have nothing to lose and everything to win."
Neymar added: "Juventus are a great team, very well structured, so it will be difficult to have to turn the tie."It is the same as the situation against the PSG. We have a one percent chance of qualifying and the remaining 99 per cent is work, faith and, god willing, goals. They are going to arrive."
Neymar is keeping the faith, confident Barcelona can complete another remarkable comeback to reach the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of Juventus.Barca face a sizeable deficit heading into Wednesday's return leg at Camp Nou, trailing Italian champions Juventus, 3-0.
Paolo Dybala scored twice in Turin as LaLiga titleholders Barca were left with another uphill battle, having lost 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their last-16 clash before winning the return fixture 6-1 in an astonishing comeback.
And Brazilian star Neymar is backing Barca to repeat the feat against Massimiliano Allegri's visitors midweek."We have to believe we can do it," Neymar said to Canal Esporte Interativo."We can be behind any team, but at Barcelona it's always the same: We can do it.
"If everything goes well, another comeback will happen, I believe in the team and in our potential."Everything is lost, so we have nothing to lose and everything to win."
Neymar added: "Juventus are a great team, very well structured, so it will be difficult to have to turn the tie."It is the same as the situation against the PSG. We have a one percent chance of qualifying and the remaining 99 per cent is work, faith and, god willing, goals. They are going to arrive."
‘We must score our first chance’ – Robben on Bayern’s Real Madrid challenge
Arjen Robben believes that Bayern Munich still have hope of ousting Real Madrid in the Champions League, despite facing a 2-1 deficit from the first leg.
The German champions scored first at the Allianz Arena through Arturo Vidal, but a missed penalty from the Chile star shortly before the break opened the door for the Spaniards to battle back. Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a double as Madrid claimed an advantage as they return to the Santiago Bernabeu in midweek.
Confidence in the Bayern camp might have been hit by a scoreless draw against Leverkusen in the Bundesliga at the weekend, but the veteran winger remains positive.
“The first chance we get on Tuesday, we have to score!” the 33-year-old explained to Bild. “We can’t show less than we did in Munich. We’ll prepare ourselves well. We’ll play our game in Madrid.”
Carlo Ancelotti’s men face something of a crisis in the heart of their defence, where Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez are all struggling, but Robben refuses to use that as an excuse.“No matter who is on the pitch, we will have a good team. We trust in each other, that’s the most important thing,” he said.
Bayern have lost their last three meetings against Zinedine Zidane’s side, though they did oust them from the Champions League on penalties at the Bernabeu in season 2011-12. However, they had won the first leg 2-1 on that occasion.
Arjen Robben believes that Bayern Munich still have hope of ousting Real Madrid in the Champions League, despite facing a 2-1 deficit from the first leg.
The German champions scored first at the Allianz Arena through Arturo Vidal, but a missed penalty from the Chile star shortly before the break opened the door for the Spaniards to battle back. Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a double as Madrid claimed an advantage as they return to the Santiago Bernabeu in midweek.
Confidence in the Bayern camp might have been hit by a scoreless draw against Leverkusen in the Bundesliga at the weekend, but the veteran winger remains positive.
“The first chance we get on Tuesday, we have to score!” the 33-year-old explained to Bild. “We can’t show less than we did in Munich. We’ll prepare ourselves well. We’ll play our game in Madrid.”
Carlo Ancelotti’s men face something of a crisis in the heart of their defence, where Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez are all struggling, but Robben refuses to use that as an excuse.“No matter who is on the pitch, we will have a good team. We trust in each other, that’s the most important thing,” he said.
Bayern have lost their last three meetings against Zinedine Zidane’s side, though they did oust them from the Champions League on penalties at the Bernabeu in season 2011-12. However, they had won the first leg 2-1 on that occasion.
Antonio Valencia has dedicated Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea to those Ecuadorians who suffered following an earthquake in his homeland a year earlier.
Goals from Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera secured three points for Jose Mourinho’s men at Old Trafford as they closed to within four points of a Champions League place, but the 31-year-old had his homeland in mind after the game.Posting on Instagram, he said: “1 year of the earthquake in Ecuador, I want to dedicate today's result to the people of my country.”
On April 16, 2016, a huge quake struck the western coast of the right-back's homeland, leaving over 660 dead and nearly 17,000 injured.
It was the country’s worst natural disaster since 1949 and left many thousands without homes and an estimated $3 billion of damage was done.
Marcus Rashford has what it takes to become one of the best players in the world, according to Manchester United team-mate Matteo Darmian.
The 19-year-old England international played a key role in United's 2-0 win over Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday, scoring for the second game running to boost their top-four hopes.Rashford struggled to find his best form earlier this season, but Darmian was full of praise for the attacker following his recent resurgence.
"Marcus is a great player and he is still very, very young," Darmian told the club's official website"I think he is very important for us with his quality. He can be one of the top players, one of the most important players in the world, because he is very good in every part of the game.
"He has a very good shot, good movement, speed and like a striker sometimes every ball that he touches he scores."Sometimes it is also normal that they have a period where they do not score. But I hope he can continue like this, to help the team reach the objectives."
Jose Mourhinho's side, who face a Europa League quarter-final second-leg meeting with Anderlecht on Thursday, sit fifth in the table, four points behind rivals Manchester City with a game in hand.
