..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

There is a 60% chance that I'll coach in Serie A next season, says Conte


Former Chelsea and Juventus boss Antonio Conte has given an update on his future, stating that there is a 60 per cent chance that he could return to coaching in Serie A next season.

Conte, who was sacked from his position at Stamford Bridge last July, had been involved in a dispute with Chelsea over unpaid severance upon his exit from the London club.

With no bulk severance being offered, the Blues continued to pay Conte's contracted wages, with the Italian seemingly all too happy to wait it out until his deal runs out this summer.

The 49-year-old had been linked with the previously vacant head coach role at Real Madrid, but accepting the job would have given Chelsea grounds to cancel their payments.

Free to take a new position in the summer, however, Conte has revealed that he could well return to working in his homeland in the new season.“There is a 60% chance that I'll stay in Italy,” he told Le Iene. “There is a 30% chance I will go abroad and a 10% chance that I will wait [for something else].

Links with AC Milan, Inter and Juventus have surfaced during the coach's time away from the game, but he claims there has been no contact thus far with any of those sides.

“I can't say 'yes' to any team because nothing is there,” he said. “I haven't talked to any Serie A clubs personally yet. It's still a bit early.”Another of Italy's heavyweights in Roma emerged as a possible destination for the decorated trainer, with Eusebio Di Francesco having been replaced mid-season by Claudio Ranieri.

Indeed, club legend Francesco Totti said recently that most sides would do 'crazy things' to have Conte take up residence in their respective dugouts.“We see that in recent weeks there is a lot of talking about Conte,” the Giallorossi director said. “We have Claudio Ranieri on the bench and we have to show respect.

“Every club would do crazy things for [Conte]. At the end of the season we'll decide if our coach will be Conte, Ranieri or somebody else.“For now we are only thinking to qualify for the Champions League. It is not right to talk about coaches.

“I haven't met Antonio Conte. A change of coach will not depend on the fourth place or not.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool capable of greatest comeback despite threat of magical Messi - Dalglish


Liverpool are capable of pulling off the “greatest comeback of them all” against Barcelona, says Kenny Dalglish, but Lionel Messi remains an obvious threat to more Champions League heartache.

The Reds are set to welcome the Liga giants to Anfield on Tuesday for the second leg of a European semi-final that they currently trail 3-0.Jurgen Klopp’s side have it all to do in order to book their place in a Madrid showpiece on June 1, but club legend Dalglish believes anything is possible despite recognising the size of the challenge.

He told the Sunday Post: “Of course, it’s hard to see any team scoring four against Barca to get through. But I do think the tie is still open, and there remains a glimmer of hope. It would be foolish to say the tie is over.

“Jurgen Klopp said he felt it was the team’s best away performance in two years, and it’s hard to argue with that.“Firstly, I believe Liverpool showed in the first leg that they are fitter and stronger than their opponents. Also, with the game being at Anfield, the backing from the home support will drive the players on.

“There is also a rich history of comebacks by Liverpool in Europe over the years, and that’s why I’d never rule out that being the case again.“That said, if the players were to overturn this three-goal deficit against Barcelona, it would be the greatest comeback of them all, no question.”

If Liverpool are to complete a stunning turnaround on home soil then they will have to find a way of keeping Barca talisman Messi quiet, with the Argentine having netted twice against them at Camp Nou.

“In Lionel Messi, Barca also have one of the finest footballers the world has ever seen,” added Dalglish.“He will turn 32 next month but shows no signs of letting up. Messi continues to break record after record, and his hunger to succeed looks every bit as strong as it was 10 or 12 years ago.

“The way he just glides past players as if they aren’t there is unbelievable. I don’t envy any defender having to try to stifle him. In footballing terms, it’s as close to being as an impossible task as you could get.“People always want to get into the debate about whether he is the greatest at the moment, or is it Cristiano Ronaldo?

“It used to be whether Maradona or Pele was the greatest of all time. As I’ve said many times, it’s all down to opinion. It can’t be factual.“My answer is that we are extremely fortunate to have two such outstanding players in the game at the same time and you just enjoy them – not try to compare them.”

Messi’s efforts against Liverpool took him to 600 goals for Barcelona and are considered to have edged him another step closer to lifting the Ballon d’Or for a sixth time in 2019.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Brandt 'enjoying' life at Leverkusen to curb talk of €25m Liverpool or Juventus move


Julian Brandt is “enjoying” life at Bayer Leverkusen and offered no indication that he will be looking for a summer move to the likes of Liverpool and Juventus.The Germany international is seeing his future called into question as the summer transfer window approaches.He has committed to a contract in his current surroundings through to 2021, but that deal includes a release clause of just €25 million (£22m/$28m).

There are expected to be plenty of clubs willing to trigger that option, with leading sides in the Premier League, Serie A and Bundesliga said to be keen.Brandt, though, is giving a long list of suitors little encouragement when it comes to a possible switch in 2019.

He has said on the Bundesliga’s official website: “I'm enjoying myself.
“I've got a contract with Bayer until 2021, so right now all is well.
“As things stand, I'm staying put. I just want to end the season as best we can.”

Leverkusen starred in their most recent outing, claiming a stunning 6-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.All six of the goals from Peter Bosz’s side were recorded before the 36th minute.“That first half was insane,” Brandt said.“I don't think I've ever seen or experienced anything like that in my life!

“If someone told us before the game we were going to score six first-half goals, we wouldn't have believed them. It's going really well right now.”A comprehensive victory over Eintracht has pulled Leverkusen level on points with a rival that had one eye on the second leg of a Europa League semi-final clash with Chelsea.

Frankfurt occupy fourth spot in the table as things stand, with two games remaining.There is still all to play for, as the final places could dictate what happens over the summer.

A player of Brandt’s quality is considered to be deserving of a Champions League stage and various teams will look to off him those opportunities if his current club miss out.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City in pole position to sign Bruno Fernandes in €50m deal


Manchester City are in advanced talks over the signing of Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes, Goal understands.

Fernandes, 24, has scored 31 goals and made 17 assists in the Primeira Liga this season and is said to be keen to join City, having been made aware of the personal terms on offer at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester United are also keen on the player but City are in the driving seat after recent talks between club officials and super agent Jorge Mendes, who is not Fernandes’ representative but has been called in to broker a move.

Sporting initially asked for €70 million (£60m/$78m) for Fernandes, but City are hopeful an offer of €50m (£43m/$56m), plus two players, either on loan or permanent deals, will be sufficient.

City are also still exploring the possibility of a move for Benfica forward João Felix, as reported by Goal in April.Mendes is involved in both potential transfers and has met with City officials, including sporting director Txiki Begiristain, on several occasions.

Sporting’s sporting director Hugo Viana has been present at at least one of the meetings regarding a move for Fernandes. City are keen to strengthen their midfield and the Portuguese club open to a sale.

Portuguese reports have claimed that Marlos Moreno, who has been loaned out by City since joining in 2016, Eliaquim Mangala, a Mendes client who joined from Porto in 2014, and Douglas Luiz and Aleix Garcia, who have been on loan at Girona, could be part of any deal.City midfielder Bernardo Silva was with Fernandes at a tennis tournament in Portugal last week and hailed his fine season with Sporting during an interview with the press."Bruno is a great player," Bernardo said.

"He has had a fantastic season with many goals, many assists that are not normal for a player of his position, he has the best numbers and we’ll see what happens at the end of the season."He is a player who can play in other championships.”

Goal previously reported that several City first-teamers are keen for their employers to sign Felix from Benfica this summer, and Bernardo was very complimentary of the Eagles' young players.

"It is very good the bet that Benfica has made on youngsters, from Ferro, Joao Felix, Florentino, to Jota, who has played less," he added. "I wish I could take the youngsters from Benfica to Manchester. They are all very good."

City still plan to sign Rodri from Atletico Madrid as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, and should they close a deal for Fernandes it could open the door for Ilkay Gundogan to leave the club this summer.Club chiefs had been making efforts to renew Gundogan's contract, which expires in 2020, despite the midfielder making it clear earlier this year that he would not sign a new deal over concerns surrounding a lack of playing time.

City are expecting several current first-team players to leave this summer and are prepared to spend £100 million ($131m) net ahead of next season.That means that their summer transfers, to an extent, rely on how much money they can recoup for their outgoing players.

Nicolas Otamendi and Fabian Delph are set to leave, while Danilo has been linked with Inter. Gundogan’s situation remains unclear, but Fernandes’ arrival could signal the end of his time at the Etihad Stadium.Gabriel Jesus’ position could also be under threat, but only if City can identify the right forward, for the right price, and receive an acceptable offer for the Brazilian.

City had been planning to bring in a new left-back for many months, but pulled the plug on a move for Ben Chilwell in the past fortnight, partly so they can use the funds elsewhere.

As well as Rodri and Fernandes, the Blues want to sign a central defender and a forward.Talks have been held regarding a move for Felix, although City do not want to pay his buy-out clause of €120m (£102m/$134m).

Felix is not the only name on City's forward shortlist, although the club have abandoned hope of signing Luka Jovic from Eintract Frankfurt, despite heavily scouting the Serbia international throughout this season.

Benfica’s deep-lying midfielder Florentino has also caught the eye of City scouts in recent weeks, and while no move is planned just yet, they are keen to put the foundations of a future transfer in place.The English club are aware that Florentino could sign a new contract in the next 12 months that would raise his release clause from €60m to €100m.

To avoid having to pay that higher figure, the Blues are exploring ways to secure a first option that would allow them to strike a deal for something closer to his current valuation, should they decide to make their interest concrete in the future.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pjanic admits 'everything is possible' amid PSG links


Miralem Pjanic says his future at Juventus is still to be decided and suggested he would be open to joining Paris Saint-Germain.The 29-year-old midfielder has played a key role for the Bianconeri this season, scoring four times in 42 appearances for the Serie A champions.

He still has four years left on his contract, having signed a new deal last August, but there have been reports PSG and Real Madrid are eyeing a summer bid for the Bosnia-Herzegovina international.

Pursuing his dream of winning the Champions League, Pjanic has fallen short so far in his three years at Juventus, having reached the final once and crashed out early in the last two years.But one team he believes can go all the way to be crowned kings of Europe in the near future is PSG, hinting he could be eyeing a return to France.

"PSG is among the best European clubs. In the Champions League, they want to take a step. It's a club where all players are ready to go," he told Canal+ when asked about reported interest from the Ligue 1 champions. "This club is respected and there is a good chance of winning the Champions League there."Pjanic says he still needs to hold talks over his future with the Juventus hierarchy, but admits anything can happen in the next transfer window."Yes, everything is possible. It's been eight years I've been in Italy," he added.

"I'm at a very big club. We must find an agreement [with Juventus] but I don't think about all that right now. I just think about finishing my season. We'll see what happens during the holidays, but I respect this club and we have good players there. I can say my aim for the next few years is to win the Champions League.

"With my family, I feel good in Italy. The country lives football and as a player you live well there. You see the difference with France, for example. It's good to live."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Salah cannot play' - Liverpool dealt massive blow for Barcelona semi-final


Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Mohamed Salah will miss the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

The Egyptian was stretchered off the pitch in the second half of a 3-2 victory over Newcastle for the Reds on Saturday, after suffering a concussion.He now joins Roberto Firmino on the sidelines ahead of a crucial showdown with the Spanish champions at Anfield, as Klopp confirmed on Monday.

The German boss told a press conference: "Salah cannot play tomorrow. He is better in his recovery, but he cannot play tomorrow.

"Precaution? No, it's a concussion, which means he is not allowed to play. He feels OK, but it is not good enough from a medical point of view." Barcelona, buffered by a three-goal lead after the first leg, tweeted: "Games like these are for world-class players. Get well soon!"

The 26-year-old scored his 22nd Premier League goal of the season against the Magpies, helping Liverpool secure an eighth consecutive domestic victory.He is now on course to win the Golden Boot for the second successive year, and Klopp revealed he will return in time to face Wolves on the final day.

However, Liverpool will now have to cope without two of their main attackers against Barcelona, with Xherdan Shaqiri likely to be drafted in following his impressive cameo at St James' Park.

Georgino Wijnaldum played up front in Firmino's absence at Camp Nou last week and he could be asked to fill the same role again, but Daniel Sturridge is also an option for Klopp.

The Reds are facing a daunting 3-0 deficit after the first leg , with a Luis Suarez goal and a Lionel Messi double earning the home side a comprehensive win in Spain.Klopp acknowledges the size of the task facing his side but is hopeful the Anfield crowd can make a huge difference on the night."I'd imagine this place will be rocking," he added. "We not only have to score, but we also have to deny Barcelona from scoring.

"We know how big the challenge is. We will try 100 per cent."Two of the world's best strikers are not available and we have to score four goals against Barcelona.

"That doesn't make life easy, but we will try. If we can't do it, let's fail in the most beautiful way."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool season will be a success even without a trophy – Klopp


Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool's season has been "very, very successful", even if they finish an incredible campaign without a trophy.The Premier League title race will go down to the final day of the season, although Manchester City will enter Sunday with a one-point lead if they beat Leicester City in their penultimate match.

Klopp's men have already reached 94 points but it may not be enough for a first league title since 1990, while their chances of reaching the Champions League final are slim after a 3-0 loss to Barcelona in their semi-final first leg.

But the German said it was clear his side's season had been a success, even if it does finish without silverware."A lot of supporters from other clubs will be happy if we fail. They're still behind us [in the table], apart from Man City. It's all okay, really," Klopp told UK newspapers.

"At the very beginning when I came to Liverpool, I realised this club has to do it the hard way, so we'll do it the hard way. That's how it is, because luck is not constantly with us.

"It's not like, 'wow, again!' We have to really work for it and the boys are ready and the whole club is ready for that. I was not sure against Newcastle if we could do it, but we did it. I'm absolutely proud.

"Whatever happens, it will be a very, very successful season and I'm pretty sure that all our supporters can see it like this."Liverpool returned to the Premier League summit thanks to a thrilling 3-2 win over Newcastle United on Saturday.

They will host Wolves on the final day of the campaign, while Manchester City make the trip to Brighton and Hove Albion.Klopp said his team – who also host Barcelona on Tuesday – were ready to be judged at week's end.

"Before you start the season, the problem is already clear. You want to be champions, and the day when you realise you can't be champions, you're disappointed," he said."For some teams, that's the first day. For some teams, that's the last matchday.That doesn't make a big difference. For us, it's 100 per cent clear, we try everything we can. We cannot do more – that's it. For us, the target is winning football games as often as possible, and the boys did much more than I thought possible.

"Let's try to get 97 points and then we are ready for judgment."

 

[මුගටියා]

huga kalekin enna bari una me paththe XD

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal to appoint Edu as new technical director


Arsenal have agreed a deal for Edu to return to the club as technical director, Goal understands.After failing to land primary target Monchi in March, the Gunners turned their attentions to their former midfielder - who made 127 appearances for the club between 2001 and 2005.

And talks with the 40-year-old, who is currently general co-ordinator for the Brazil national side, have proved successful - with Edu having agreed to return to north London following the completion of this summer’s Copa America.

Reports in Brazil state that the national team have now started the process of finding a replacement.Edu first arrived at Arsenal in 2001 and spent four successful seasons at the club, winning two league titles and three FA Cups.

He left for Valencia in 2005 but struggled with injuries throughout his time in Spain. A stint back in Brazil with Corinthians followed before he retired in 2010.
The Brazilian was appointed Corinthians' director of football in March 2011 and assisted Iran coach Carlos Queiroz during the 2014 World Cup before taking up his role with the Brazilian national team in 2016.As general co-ordinator Edu looks after the national teams, overseeing all age groups and is considered a key ally of head coach Tite and someone who has input in squad selection.

He has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time, even before they moved for Monchi, with the north London club first having made an enquiry to talk with their former player in January.

At the time, however, Edu opted to stay in his role with the national team - but his stance has now changed following further discussions with head of football Raul Sanllehi.

Once in place, Edu will work alongside Sanllehi overseeing all technical aspects of the club, from player recruitment and contract renewals to coaching practises and the academy.Goal understands it is, however, looking increasingly likely that Francis Cagigao will receive a permanent promotion to the position of head of recruitment.

Cagigao, currently head of international recruitment, has been doing the role on a temporary basis following the departure of Sven Mislintat in February - who left after being overlooked for the technical director role.The 49-year-old is highly respected within the club having served as a youth player during the 1980s before returning as a scout more than a decade ago and working closely with Arsene Wenger.

Cagigao has been playing a key role in Arsenal’s transfer plans for the summer, leading the deal which will see teenage Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli arrive for £6m from Ituna.

He will continue to work with Sanllehi and chief negotiator Huss Fahmy on the club’s summer business before Edu’s expected arrival in July.Arsenal refused to comment on Edu’s return to north London when contacted by Goal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'My aim is England' - Crystal Palace full-back Wan-Bissaka reaffirms commitment


Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has pledged his international allegiance to England following speculation that he may choose to represent his parents' country of birth, DR Congo.The 21-year-old has been impressive this season, grabbing two assists whilst helping the Eagles keep 12 clean sheets in 34 appearances.

His stellar performances have earned Wan-Bissaka a call-up to England’s Under 21 squad, who he previously represented in September last year, ahead of the European Under-21 Championship in Italy this summer,

Wan-Bissaka told the South London Press: “It is about focusing on the Euros and aiming to win it, then after that it is about focusing on next season.“But a holiday is always needed, to put your feet up, to rest. Then I can come back next season fitter and stronger.“My aim is England.
“My aim is just to keep playing and improving and by improving, hopefully, that does not go unnoticed and that will get me the chance, the same as it did with the [first] team now (for Palace).“I am happy playing with England and representing England, so that is what I am going to continue doing.”

The Palace defender represented DR Congo at Under 17 level, but has switched his international allegiance for England, and was even rumoured as being a potential call-up for Gareth Southgate ahead of England's Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro in March, while the African nation were still courting Wan-Bissaka to represent them at full international level.

Several top Premier League sides are reportedly looking to sign the full-back, with Manchester United’s name being increasingly linked as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prepares to rebuild his defence and replace ageing players like Antonio Valencia.

Wan-Bissaka has been highly praised this season for his defensive performances, in particular, his ability to completely shut down his flank, where he has racked up 124 tackles and 82 interceptions.A positive impact at the Euros in the summer would like drive up his price tag and potentially provide Palace with additional funds to invest back into their squad ahead of next season.

The Palace defender's next, and potentially last, match for the South London side will be against Bournemouth on Sunday on the final day of the Premier League season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Perfect April sees Guardiola named Premier League Manager of the Month


Pep Guardiola has won the Premier League Manager of the Month award again after his Manchester City side won all five of their top-flight games in April.

City beat Cardiff City, Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Manchester United and Burnley in the previous month, scoring nine times and conceding just once to ensure they stayed ahead of Liverpool in a title race that will go down to the wire this weekend.

Guardiola has now won the award seven times in his three seasons in England and twice in the past three months, with City having won 13 matches in a row since losing to Newcastle on January 29.

Jurgen Klopp, whose Liverpool team won four out of four in April, was also nominated for the award along with Wolves' Nuno Espirito Santo and Fulham's Scott Parker, who led his team to three straight victories after they started the month with a loss to Watford that resulted in their relegation being confirmed.Guardiola's City now look strong favourites to win the Premier League title after winning their first game of May last night against Leicester.

The Manchester club were struggling to break down a resolute visiting team, managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, but a spectacular second-half strike from Vincent Kompany ended the deadlock.A win against Brighton on the final day of the season would now secure City's title defence.

But even if they do not manage that, they simply have to equal or better Liverpool's result against Wolves at Anfield.Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, meanwhile, has been named the Premier League Player of the Month after scoring five times in four games.

The former England international, 32, scored braces against Huddersfield Town and Arsenal, and also found the net in the draw with West Ham for Rodgers' resurgent Foxes.Vardy pipped the likes of Eden Hazard, Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah to take the prize.

The striker now has 18 league goals for the season, making him the top flight's fifth-top scorer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Emotional Godin confirms he's leaving Atletico Madrid a year after rejecting Man Utd


Diego Godin has confirmed he will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season.

The club captain was fighting back tears at a press conference in the Spanish capital where he revealed his decision to call time on his near-decade with Atleti.
Godin joined Atletico in 2010 and won La Liga as well as two Europa League titles with the Primera Division side.

Speculation now persists over his next club, but the Uruguayan did reveal he turned down the chance to join Manchester United one year ago, and reports suggest he will move to Inter this summer.

“I’m more nervous than for any game, it's the truth,” the defender said. He then began to fight back tears and continued: “These are going to be my last days at Atletico Madrid. "Atleti have been my family, my club and my home, and it's very hard to say goodbye. I had a wonderful time and I wanted to thank all of you.

"The most beautiful phase of my career and my life comes to an end. I'm proud to have been a part of this club's history. I'm very thankful."I refused a Manchester United bid one year ago because I decided to stay at Atlético Madrid. Now - one year later - it's time to go."

Diego Simeone and the club's entire first-team squad were present for the press conference along with Atletico chairman, Enrique Cerezo.Asked why he has decided to leave now, Godin said: “To be simple, I am captain of the team, have been here many years. We have not reached an agreement to continue, so my stage here is over.

“I would like to play here until I’m 40, but that is impossible. For me, the first priority has always been the club, this team, my team-mates. We did not reach an agreement, so I have decided to leave, nothing else."As a kid I dreamed of playing football, playing for Uruguay, playing in Europe, be a big player, but never thought I’d be at a stadium like this with the people cheering your name. There is nothing nicer than that."

The 33-year-old has made 387 appearances for the club and holds the record for having played the most games for Atletico as a foreign player.He has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world under the robust playing style of Argentine boss Simeone, and helped the club challenge La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Godin's fellow Atletico defenders Juanfran and Felipe Luis are also out of contract at the end of the season, but nothing has been confirmed on their futures.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘Who’s in charge of signings at Man Utd?’ - Neville puzzled by lack of transfer support at Old Trafford


Manchester United’s recruitment policy has Gary Neville puzzled, with the former Red Devils star unaware of who is calling the shots and why former bosses have not been backed in the transfer market.Those at Old Trafford are heading towards another window, and one that is considered to be crucial in shaping the future success of the club.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer occupies the managerial hot-seat, but is unclear how much of a say he will have in the identification and pursuit of top targets.

Neville considers that to be a major problem for a club that will be without Champions League football next season, with a lack of direction having already hindered the reigns of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.

The ex-United defender told Sky Sports: “They've had coaches over the last six to seven years who have been best-in-class. Jose Mourinho was an equal in relation to Pep Guardiola in terms of success over 20 years. Louis van Gaal is one of the most experienced managers over the past 25 years.

“They've experienced best-in-class coaches who have failed. You have to say to yourself, is it just the coach? There's a cultural problem. It's deep, the decisions are bad. The choices are poor. Who's signing the players this summer? At every other club in the country, I could tell you who's in charge of signings. I haven't got a clue at Manchester United.

“They've still got Sir Alex's chief scout, they've got Van Gaal's scout. They've got David Moyes' chief football operator there, four or five people there and another I think who has been appointed by Ed Woodward. You've got a head coach who has an opinion, a CEO with an opinion, who's in charge? Who has the final say?
“Jose Mourinho, last summer, was told his signings that he wanted were not right.He didn't cover himself in glory - he should have moved to Manchester, he should have committed to buying a house. He should've smiled a little bit more, it should be a joy to manage Manchester United.

“Maybe the football wasn't the most delightful, but actually it was better than I thought under Van Gaal. He made some wrong decisions, but you have to ask who's telling him, a manager who has won things wherever he has been, that you cannot sign that centre-back? Who's qualified to tell him that?

“Last year there were two centre-backs that Jose wanted to bring in and the club refused. They might not have been the right centre-backs, it might have been the right decision, but once you start going against your manager on signings, he might as well walk out of the door.

“You can't bring him in and then say you didn't like his last two signings, so you're not going to support him on this one. You either work with him or you don't. And as soon as they weren't, they should have moved him out. Because as soon as you're not supported as a manager with your signings, you're finished.”

United are expected to spend big over the summer, having fallen well short of hitting their targets this season, but may struggle to land players of the required quality without the bargaining chip of elite European competition.

 

[Frosty]

ammo man city nulen league eka beragaththe. thawa ekai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

‘Who’s in charge of signings at Man Utd?’ - Neville puzzled by lack of transfer support at Old Trafford

Okkotama kalin Woodward karaya ain karala danna thiyenne​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan 2 Bologna 1: Gattuso clashes with Bakayoko as Rossoneri prevail

AC Milan boosted their Champions League qualification hopes as Gennaro Gattuso's relationship with Tiemoue Bakayoko reached breaking point in a 2-1 home win over Bologna.Suso and substitute Fabio Borini scored either side of half-time to lift the Rossoneri to within three points of fourth-placed Atalanta.

Much of the headlines, however, will be allocated elsewhere after the on-loan Bakayoko - recently rebuked for missing a training session - seemingly rejected the opportunity to replace the injured Lucas Biglia, prompting a terse exchange with head coach Gattuso.


Mattia Destro halved the deficit and Lucas Paqueta was sent off in five frantic second-half minutes, but Milan were not to be denied their second win in nine matches in all competitions, with two Bologna players also seeing red either side of full-time.
Bologna started with the confidence of a team that had won six of their previous eight matches and Riccardo Orsoli drew a good save from Gianluigi Donnarumma inside the first 15 minutes.

Gattuso's argument with Bakayoko - reportedly sparked by the midfielder's desire for more time to warm-up - seemed to blur Milan's focus and only an offside flag against Rodrigo Palacio prevented them from falling behind.Instead, eight minutes before half-time, the hosts took the lead, Suso shimmying away from a couple of challenges and picking out the bottom-right corner.

Hakan Calhanoglu sent a shot whistling over the crossbar soon after the interval and then had to follow Biglia to the bench with a suspected muscle issue.His replacement, Borini, gave Milan a two-goal buffer in the 67th minute, the former Liverpool forward making no mistake after Lukasz Skorupski pushed a deflected Paqueta effort into his path.

An unmarked Destro swivelled on a cute Nicola Sansone pass and replied for Bologna five minutes later before Paqueta clashed with Erick Pulgar and was given his marching orders for slapping referee Marco Di Bello's hand in response to an initial booking.

There were two more dismissals to come in the moments either side of the full-time whistle as Bologna pair Sansone and Mitchell Dijks saw red in a bizarre ending to a chaotic contest.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City 1 Leicester City 0: Kompany stunner puts title within grasp

Vincent Kompany scored a long-range stunner to down Leicester City 1-0 and put one hand on the Premier League trophy for Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola's side were frustrated for long periods at the Etihad Stadium on Monday but found a way through thanks to captain Kompany's sensational strike.Kasper Schmeichel was given no chance by Kompany's rocket in the 70th minute, with City moving back above Liverpool, a point ahead in top spot in the Premier League table.

City, now on a run of 13 consecutive league wins, will defend their Premier League title if they collect another three points at Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.Kompany made a superb block to repel Ricardo Pereira as the hosts made an understandably nervy start.

Sergio Aguero scored the winner at Burnley with a goal that only marginally crossed the line but Schmeichel made a great save to claw the striker's header away after it hit the crossbar.

Chances were at a premium but Raheem Sterling should have opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, misjudging his jump for a header and sending the ball flying off target.Ilkay Gundogan curled a 20-yard strike narrowly wide but Leicester were posing a threat on the break, James Maddison missing the target at the end of a counter-attack.

Schmeichel brilliantly denied Aguero again in the 69th minute but he was left helpless in the face of an unstoppable goal from the unlikeliest of sources.Kompany drove into space from the back and thundered an unbelievable finish into Schmeichel's top-left corner from at least 25 yards out to spark wild celebrations.

Leicester's resistance broken, City were able to see out the match, although their former striker Kelechi Iheanacho missed a great late chance to level.City are now one more win away from becoming the first team to defend the title for a decade.

 

[atrz]

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Champions League Semi-finals 2nd Leg Fixture 2019.05.07

UEFA Champions League Semi-finals 2nd Leg Fixture 2019.05.07

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Liverpool Vs Barcelona

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[Frosty]

ammo liverpool. unta yakku wahila wage play kare. barcata eka goal ekak gahanna bari unane