..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Celtic secure historic treble-treble with Edouard bagging brace to break Hearts


Odsonne Edouard's second-half brace saw Celtic come from behind to clinch a third consecutive domestic treble with a 2-1 Scottish Cup final win over Hearts.

Having wrapped up the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish League Cup, Celtic's hopes of another clean sweep were in doubt as they trailed early in the second half to Ryan Edwards' strike.But club-record signing Edouard stepped up with an equaliser from the penalty spot and a late second to clinch the treble-treble for the first time in Celtic's history.

"It's phenomenal. For the fans, it's unbelievable and that was people saying we've had a poor season. We've done the treble yet again and it's the third one in a row," captain Scott Brown told BBC Sport."It shows you the lads are relentlessness. They threw the kitchen sink at us and we held out. Hearts have given us a very hard, very physical game, but we stood up to it."We know, if we turn up, we win the game."

A largely uneventful first half suited Hearts and it was the underdogs who claimed the 52nd-minute breakthrough as Sean Clare teed up Edwards to slam into the net following a goalmouth scramble.

But Hearts' lead only lasted 10 minutes as goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal felled Edouard, who squeezed the resulting penalty into the bottom-left corner.And Edouard was allowed through a second time late on to net the winner, keeping his cool and lifting a finish over Zlamal to cap another sensational season for the champions.

Hoops boss Neil Lennon was quick to hail his side afterwards and the magnitude of what they have achieved.He said: "You'll never see this again. Edouard's a superstar.

"In footballing parlance, it's impossible [to put it into words]. That's nine trophies out of nine. It is remarkable."They've done themselves great justice and they've done the club proud."Quizzed on his own future, with a short-term deal coming to an end, Lennon said it was "too early" to say what will happen.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho still unsure over next job but vows to choose the 'right project'


Jose Mourinho insists he will not be making an “emotional” call on his future, with the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United manager vowing to use his head rather than his heart.

The Portuguese has been out of work since leaving a role at Old Trafford in December 2018.Various landing spots have been mooted for him since then, but no return to the dugout has been made.

The 56-year-old intends to change that this summer.Mourinho has already stated that he wants to be back in club coaching by July, giving him ample time in which to adjust to the demands of a new post.It remains unclear in which direction a distinguished career path will take him, with positions in France and Italy having been talked up.

A decision should be imminent, but Mourinho says he will not be rushing into accepting any proposal put to him.He told Sky Sports when asked for an update on his situation and when he expects to make his next move: “I don't know, honestly I don't know. The only thing that I know is that I cannot be emotional.

“I have to be rational. I have not to choose just because I want to work and I am desperate to work - I have to choose because it is the right project for me, the right motivation for me.

“I want to become stronger than ever. I'm studying a lot, I am working a lot with my staff to be a great team as a coaching staff and to be ready to do it again big.“So, I have to think. We will think and analyse and make the right decision.”

For now, Mourinho is continuing to enjoy taking in live sport as a fan.He has been lapping up the iconic atmosphere at the Monaco Grand Prix, while the Champions League final is fast approaching.

Liverpool are set to face Premier League rivals Tottenham in a showpiece piece event at Wanda Metropolitano on June 1, with Mourinho adamant that he will not be taking sides in a meeting between Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino.He said when asked who he would like to win: “I will be very happy for one of my colleagues and I will be very sad for one of them. I like them both.

“I think they both deserve something big in their career. I will love it if Jurgen on Mauricio win it but I will be very, very sorry to think that one of them is going to lose.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City told De Ligt is perfect option to fill ‘huge hole’ created by Kompany’s departure


Matthijs de Ligt would be the perfect candidate to fill the “huge hole” created by Vincent Kompany’s departure from Manchester City, claims Dietmar Hamann.The Premier League champions, and domestic treble winners, are in the market for a new talismanic presence at centre-half.

A long-serving skipper has moved on at the end of his contract, with Kompany taking on a player-manager role at Anderlecht after 11 memorable years in England.

Pep Guardiola may decide to dip into the transfer market this summer in an effort to find suitable cover, and Hamann has urged a raid on Ajax.That is because De Ligt, who is being linked with sides across Europe, is considered to be a ready-made leader with the potential to get even better at just 19 years of age.

Former City midfielder Hamann told the Racing Post: “It's incredible to think that City spent more than £150m on Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte and not one of them has been the player Vincent Kompany is – and he cost around £8m.

“City have got a huge hole to fill after Kompany's exit and to my mind there's only one candidate – Matthijs de Ligt.“There are those who say he is too young but I don't buy into that. Sometimes you just come across a freak and that's what De Ligt is – a 19-year-old who is built like a 25-year-old and plays like a 30-year-old.

“He has led Ajax into some of football's cauldrons this season and is an absolute born leader. He is the man who can carry Kompany's baton forward.”

While seeing De Ligt as a potential successor to Kompany, a man who played alongside the Belgian during his first season in Manchester admits there are some sizeable shoes to fill at the Etihad Stadium.He added on Kompany: “He arrived from Germany having been at Hamburg and I warmed to him straight away and not just because he spoke good German.

“He always had it in his mind that he wanted to be a holding midfielder but I was on at him straight away that because of his attributes – comfortable on the ball, good in the air, built like a beast – that he could become an absolute world-class centre back.

“And I wasn’t just saying that because I didn’t fancy any more competition for my position!“Anyway, I was right because he has turned into one of the great centre-backs and he won’t just be missed for his abilities as a player but also because so many players look up to him. He inspires them.

“Vinny is truly one of the nicest people you could meet in the game. Had he not made it you’d have said it was because he was too nice for this cut-throat game of ours.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich 3 RB Leipzig 0: Lewandowski's brace helps secure domestic double

Robert Lewandowski's double and a thumping finish from Kingsley Coman ensured Bayern Munich beat RB Leipzig 3-0 to win the DFB-Pokal and complete a domestic double in Niko Kovac's first season.

Having secured a seventh straight Bundesliga title last time out, Bayern went ahead against a resilient Leipzig - featuring in their first ever major final - thanks to Lewandowski's wonderful 29th-minute header.

Things would have been different if not for Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who on his return from injury pulled off a pair of fantastic stops to deny Yussuf Poulsen and Emil Forsberg.


Thiago Alcantara passed up a golden chance to extend the lead, but his miss mattered little as Coman made sure of Bayern's first domestic double in three years before Lewandowski's delicate chip rounded off a fine day for Kovac's side.
Thrown straight back into Bayern's starting XI after recovering from injury, Neuer had to be at his best 11 minutes in to parry Poulsen's header onto the bar.Joshua Kimmich made two superb blocks as Leipzig's pressure continued but, against the run of play, it was Bayern who struck first.

David Alaba delivered a cross that was behind Lewandowski, but he somehow stooped to meet it and guided the ball back at goal, generating enough power to beat Peter Gulacsi and find the bottom-left corner of the net.

Coman seemed certain to double Bayern's lead, only for Ibrahima Konate to make an outstanding goal-line clearance, though the linesman did then flag for offside, before Gulacsi managed to turn Mats Hummels' close-range effort wide.Forsberg should have made Bayern pay for that profligacy, though his heavy touch enabled Neuer to intervene, with Timo Werner's effort then cleared off the line.

Thiago headed wide of an open goal after the hour, but fortunately for Bayern, Coman spared his team-mate's blushes.Having taken the ball under control with a delightful first touch, Coman kept his cool to slam home, and Bayern were not finished there.

Kimmich's sublime pass set Lewandowski away and, after shrugging off his marker, he lifted a classy finish over Gulacsi to add further gloss to Bayern's 19th DFB-Pokal triumph.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona 1 Valencia 2: Valverde pressure increases as Catalans denied historic Copa win

Barcelona were denied an unprecedented fifth successive Copa del Rey crown as they lost 2-1 to Valencia in Saturday's final, heaping the pressure on under-fire coach Ernesto Valverde.

Having had a realistic chance at a treble just a few weeks ago, Barca finish the season with only the league title to show for their efforts, a situation likely to increase Valverde's unpopularity among supporters.

Barca were way off their best in the first half at the Benito Villamarin and deservedly found themselves trailing 2-0 at the break, as Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno clinically punished the defending champions.


Valverde's men pushed forward desperately after the break and Lionel Messi pulled one back shortly after being denied by the post, but their dominance proved futile as Valencia held on to win the Copa for the first time since 2008.
The warning signs were there for Barca after just five minutes, as Gameiro pressured Clement Lenglet into a wayward pass at the back and Rodrigo pounced, skipping past Jasper Cillessen and seeing his effort blocked on the line by Gerard Pique.Neither Cillessen nor Pique could spare Barca 16 minutes later, however, as Jose Gaya charged forward on the break and picked out Gameiro, who shook off Jordi Alba and blasted home.

Rodrigo doubled the lead just past the half-hour mark, heading in Carlos Soler's inch-perfect cross from close range.Malcom and Arturo Vidal were introduced for Nelson Semedo and Arthur at half-time, as Barca pushed for a comeback.

Messi remained the one to watch, though, hitting the left-hand post with a gorgeous outside-of-the-boot effort just before the hour after a one-two with Malcom.
But he was not to be denied in the 73rd minute, as Messi tapped in after Lenglet's header came back off the upright.

Valencia squandered two chances to finish Barca off on the break deep into stoppage time, as Goncalo Guedes put wide when one-on-one and also missed an open goal from distance, but they held on to consign Barca to a disappointing end of the season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Joao Felix discusses his future amid Man City & Man Utd links


Benfica wonderkid Joao Felix has insisted that he is happy to stay in Portugal despite links with two Premier League giants.Felix, 19, made his Benfica first-team debut in August 2018 and went on to enjoy a wonderful maiden season in the Primeira Liga.

He went on to score 18 goals in 45 appearances to finish third behind Haris Seferovic and Rafa Silva among Benfica's top scorers, as the Aguila lifted their 37th league title and also made the Europa League quarter finals.

That explosive start to his professional career has generated plenty of admiring glances, with Manchester City and Manchester United both reportedly interested in a summer signing.But Felix is not concerned by that speculation and is committed to staying at the Estadio da Luz.

"My future? I think that only time will tell," he told Benfica's official website."I am doing well here, I am very happy, I adore the club and these fans who love me. "I want to seize this moment, play football, have fun doing what I like, and later, in time, things will happen naturally. "I am very happy at Benfica."

Benfica are determined to hold out for the full value of Joao Felix's release clause before considering a deal, which would mean paying out €120 million (£105m).Joao himself, though, revealed that the astronomic value of his clause has led to no few laughs in the dressing room.

"We have joked a lot about the €120m, and after that a few nicknames sprung up which are perhaps better not to repeat here!" he laughed.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Optimist' Kovac praises Bayern for doing 'great things' to turn season around


Niko Kovac hailed Bayern Munich for turning their season around after completing a double by winning the DFB-Pokal on Saturday.

Robert Lewandowski's brace and a Kingsley Coman goal saw Bayern secure a 3-0 win over RB Leipzig in the decider.After being under enormous pressure late last year, Kovac led the German giants to a Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal.

Asked if he thought Bayern would win two titles this season, Kovac praised his team and said he never gave up hope."If I said yes now, than you would say I am completely crazy," he told a news conference."At Bayern you always go into a season with the goal to win titles. We were far behind but this team did great things later.

"The game against Benfica was the turnaround. We won 5-1 at the end of November. Since then we have only lost two matches, one against [Bayer] Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and one against Liverpool at home. So, you always have to believe."I am an optimist, not a dreamer. We needed to stabilise ourselves early in the season and we made it. If you give up, then you cannot achieve this. This is the strength of this team, of this club.

"But this also represents my character. I don't know how to give up, even if it was that difficult. Giving up is the first way to fail. It does not exist for me."

Kovac, contracted at Bayern until 2021, is set to remain at the helm after the double success, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge comfirming as much after the match.

The Croatian said he was looking forward to a break before beginning preparations for the 2019-20 campaign."I am happy that this year got a happy end. I am looking forward to the holidays. The season was tough," Kovac said.

"I'm not thinking about when the next season starts. Now I need two or three weeks to relax and get mentally ready again."We will work again to prepare for next season. We will plan our training and our transfers."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'If Spurs win Champions League, I might cry for a week!' - Pochettino


Mauricio Pochettino has promised Tottenham fans they will see a repeat of the tears he shed after the team’s Champions League semi-final win over Ajax if they beat Liverpool to win the competition.

The Argentine broke down in front of TV cameras minutes after Spurs’ last-gasp win in Amsterdam earlier in May, a result that set up a first-ever final appearance in Europe’s top competition.

Tottenham will face the Reds at Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitan on 1 June in the first all-English final since 2008, as Pochettino seeks to land his first trophy as a manager.

And the 47-year-old says that if his team defy the odds one final time and win the competition, he will be reduced to tears again – and this time they could last for a week.

“My mother says to me, ‘You are a ‘llorona’, which means blubberer, a person who cries often and a lot," Pochettino told reporters.“My mum always says, ‘He’s happy, he cries. He’s sad, he cries. Come on — just stop crying!’

“Sometimes it happens that I am taking my car to my house – it’s 20 minutes from the training ground to Barnet – and listening to some music and that translates to some moment in my life.

“I start to cry, and when I arrive home my wife says, ‘What happened?’.
“I say, ‘Some music reminded me of a moment 30 years ago in Argentina’, and she will say, ‘You are crazy’.“Films? Yes, I cry. Everything. If we win the Champions League, I don’t know, maybe I’m going to cry for one week.”

A hat-trick from Brazilian midfielder Lucas Moura saw Tottenham turn around a three-goal deficit in the Johan Cruyff Arena in the semi-final, with the deciding goal coming in the sixth minute of stoppage time.“There were two different feelings mixed in the same moment after the semi-final,” said Pochettino. “Reaching the Champions League final is the end of an amazing chapter for the club.

“But, at the same time, the moment that you reach the final, it’s like, ‘I want to be involved in the next chapter of the club’. Both feelings are with you.”Speculation has followed the manager all season that he could be lured away to one of Spurs’ better-resourced rivals.

The two teams with whom he has been most closely linked – Manchester United and Real Madrid – have both made permanent managerial appointments in recent months.

“Managers are people who always need to be ahead and anticipate problems," said Pochettino. "You always put yourself in five years’ time, 10 years’ time, or tomorrow.“We need to be ahead of the players, ahead of the fans.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I still don't know anything' - De Ligt focusing on Netherlands amid Man Utd & Barca reports


Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt admitted he still does not know what the future holds for him as reports of a bidding war between Barcelona and Manchester United for his services intensify.De Ligt, 19, was the cornerstone of Ajax's defence in their thrilling run to the Champions League semi final, where they lost out to Tottenham.

His defensive abilities and assured manner on the ball have made him one of the world's most valuable youngsters, attracting interest from two elite clubs.

Barca appeared to have the inside track on his transfer after landing team-mate Frenkie de Jong, but United have hit back this week with a renewed push to sign the teenager.But De Ligt, currently on international duty with Netherlands, is not looking beyond his current commitments with the Oranje.

"Where do I see myself? Well obviously the Premier League is a big competition, Spain also, but you have other competitions, it’s not just about those two," he explained in Sunday's press conference."I still don’t know anything about where my future is, so I'll see how it goes. First we have to play two games and after that I will see what happens next.

"Of course there is some interest from clubs, but I don’t want to say some names who are interested, but what I will say is I am now focused on the national team and after the national team I will see what the future brings."

De Ligt made his international debut in 2017 and has gone on to make 15 appearances to date as he also heads an exciting generational renewal in the Netherlands set-up.After the disappointment of missing out on the 2018 World Cup the side coached by Ronald Koeman has come back with a vengeance, beating both Germany and world champions France to finish top of their UEFA Nations League group.

The Oranje now face England in the competition's semi final, to take place in Guimaraes on June 6; with the winner moving on to meet either Portugal or Switzerland in June 9's final.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United legends 5-0 Bayern Munich legends: First team boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returns to haunt old foe as Dwight Yorke, Louis Saha, Nicky Butt and David Beckham score in huge win

Reliving that historic season 20 years ago became something of a replay for a few of them at Manchester United.Paul Scholes still has an indifferent relationship with tackling. David Beckham’s right foot still prompts the most excitement inside Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still poaches goals off the bench.

Sunday afternoon served as light relief at United, beating a star-studded Bayern Munich 5-0 on a joyous occasion to celebrate the 1999 Treble and, crucially, raise funds for United’s foundation.

There were flickers of class from the majority out there, noticeably Beckham, and some roar when Solskjaer opened the scoring after only four minutes. He had risen from the bench after just 58 seconds to replace Andy Cole and tapped in Jesper Blomqvist’s centre soon after.The lack of anxiety inside this stadium made an agreeable change, with more than 60,000 in attendance just enjoying their day, watching the old boys; occasionally laughing at a tumble.

They saw Nicky Butt spritely patrol midfield, Gary Neville pop up in the opposition’s box when least expected, Jaap Stam hammer into attackers. Only Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane were absent.

Sir Alex Ferguson grinned on from the dugout, now occupied by the scorer of Sunday’s first goal. Looking healthy, the 77-year-old beamed when leading the Legends out of the tunnel, waving to the crowd.

‘My thoughts turned to the players when I found out about the game,’ the former boss said. ‘What do they look like now? Will they have grey hair? Will they have put on weight? Will they still be able to kick a ball? We will soon find out!’
Ferguson might have been pleasantly surprised, although he and assistant Steve McClaren had head in hands when Neville slashed wide when through.Teddy Sheringham, now 53, seems to have exactly the same physique as when he nicked that equaliser in the Nou Camp. Dennis Irwin did his job with minimal fuss.

Dwight Yorke’s touch and link up play remained tight, coming short to good effect. His goal, United’s second coming in the 30th minute, was expertly taken.Blomqvist again found his intended target, clipping from the left and Yorke swivelled to help beyond Hans-Jorg Butt on the volley.

Butt scored a deserved third late on when breaking from midfield to stab home Louis Saha’s cut back. Saha, who joined United from Fulham in 2004, added a fourth himself, making sure Jonathan Greening’s cross was put away.

The noise grew louder as the afternoon progressed, particularly when Scholes flew in on Martin Demichelis, the robust challenge prompting minor handbags. Some things never change.

Beckham stole the show, though. There will not be many players before or since who come attached to a hum of anticipation from the crowd.His delivery has barely altered, still devilish and with that whip, using full backs as a guide. One cross that ended with a Sheringham header well saved was sublime, pinpoint and like being transported back a generation. Another crossfield ball, to Karel Poborsky, drew gasps.

It felt fitting that Beckham, who played the full 90 minutes, was the one racing beyond Bayern’s backline to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and thrash a fifth in front of the Stretford End just before full-time.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United legends 5-0 Bayern Munich legends in Pictures

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

SAF,Ole,Becks,Scholes,Cole,Butt,Nev

Awrudu ganaka parana mathakayak ayeth aluth una wage feeling ekak danenne

Congratulations Manchester United Legends

​

 

[ThisaraMalintha]

SAF,Ole,Becks,Scholes,Cole,Butt,Nev

Awrudu ganaka parana mathakayak ayeth aluth una wage feeling ekak danenne

Congratulations Manchester United Legends

​

Becks still has it

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Becks still has it

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester Untied '99 vs Bayern Munich Legends 5-0 Extended Highlights

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aston Villa 2 Derby County 1: Villa punish hapless defending to secure Premier League return


Aston Villa will return to the Premier League after a three-year absence having beaten Derby County 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Monday.

Dean Smith's side took charge early on and managed to avoid failing in a second successive play-off final despite Derby's late rally, with the Rams' hapless defending giving Villa a helping hand in a match estimated to be worth £170million to the victors.

Villa looked the more threatening of the two sides for most of the first half and finally took the lead in the 44th minute, as Anwar El Ghazi directed a cross home from close range.


John McGinn punished a woeful Kelle Roos error just before the hour and that was ultimately enough to send Villa up, with Martyn Waghorn's 81st-minute strike too little, too late for Frank Lampard's side.
Villa made a promising start, with Axel Tuanzebe fluffing his lines a few yards out and Jack Grealish rifling just over in the early stages.That momentum waned initially, before Tammy Abraham's effort in the 33rd minute that narrowly missed the top-right corner of the net seemed to inspire an improvement.And Villa finally got their goal just before half-time, as El Ghazi got ahead of his marker to meet Ahmed Elmohamady’s cross, the ball finding the net via his back as he stooped for a header.



Quality was lacking at the start of the second half and goalkeeper Roos epitomised that with a dreadful error in the 59th minute, failing to collect what appeared to be a routine catch as McGinn beat him to it to head in.

Derby piled the pressure on towards the end and, after going close through Jayden Bogle and Mason Mount, Jack Marriott's left-footed strike from the centre of the box took a slight deflection into the bottom-left corner off Waghorn.
But Villa held on to seal their return to the top flight.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Welcome back Aston Villa​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Atletico respect Griezmann's choice but we can't lose Simeone - Morata


Alvaro Morata says Atletico Madrid must respect Antoine Griezmann's wishes to leave the club, adding that Diego Simeone's exit would be a greater cause for concern.

Griezmann caused a stir this month when he confirmed he wants to quit the Wanda Metropolitano, his announcement coming less than a year after signing a new long-term contract following a much-publicised decision to ignore interest from Barcelona.

The Catalans have again been linked with a move for the France international, as have Manchester United, and Morata thinks a player who has contributed to Atletico as Griezmann has deserves support.

"If you're inside the dressing room, you know it's a possibility [he will leave]," he told Marca."The only thing to do is to respect him. He's been one of the best in the club's history; he's given so much to Atletico. We have to support him.

"He's treated me very well. We wish him well, as long as he doesn't play against Atletico, of course."However, Morata thinks it would be a far bigger loss if Atleti's head coach opts to leave the club.

Simeone has propelled the club into the highest bracket of European teams since taking over in 2011, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Supercopa de Espana, two UEFA Super Cups and two Europa Leagues, while also twice reaching the Champions League final.

"It would be very difficult to understand Atletico without Simeone," said Morata. "There have been a lot of players, but Atletico always fight since Cholo came."He'd be a great loss. Simeone is Atletico. You can't imagine them without him."

Morata is also disappointed to see defensive stalwarts Diego Godin and Juanfran leaving, saying he will not forget their support after the 3-0 loss to Juventus in Turin this season to crash out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage."Atletico are losing two legends on the pitch, two leaders," said the striker, who is on loan from Chelsea. "They've helped me a lot. I wish I could have played with them more.

"I've experienced difficult times, like in Turin, and that's where the character of great people, of champions comes through."Atleti finished 11 points behind champions Barca in this season's La Liga title race, although they were eight points clear of Real Madrid in third.

Morata admits Barca, inspired by Lionel Messi, were simply too strong this term - but he does not think Spain's top flight has become one-sided.

"We hope we'll become a competitive team," he said. "We've not had luck and we know you need that for the Champions League or to win LaLiga. It's small details.It's not like Italy or France, where it's won by a lot of points.

"It's true Barcelona have been very good, with a player who has been at a level that is not normal among humans."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Allegri waiting on Barcelona approach as Valverde's future is called into question


Massimiliano Allegri is waiting on a call from Barcelona, Goal understands, with questions being asked of Ernesto Valverde’s future at Camp Nou.

Another change in the dugout is being mooted in Catalunya.Valverde has committed to a 12-month extension to his contract , but may not get the chance to see that out.

That is because he is considered to have underperformed in 2018-19 despite landing another La Liga title .

Barca missed out on a domestic double when losing the Copa del Rey final to Valencia, while a stunning collapse against Liverpool saw them crash out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage.

Sporting director Pep Segura is expected to be among those to pay the price for apparent failings .He will be moved on, but a loyal fan base have also lost faith in Valverde and that could force another departure.

Changes could be made as a proven coach such as Allegri has become available.He has severed ties with Serie A champions Juventus after five trophy-laden years in Turin.

The 51-year-old is planning to take a break , telling DAZN of his immediate plans: “When there is an opportunity, I will return to the bench, otherwise I will take a year off.“If I have the opportunity to choose, I will choose a team that I like. Concrete offers? Still no. Talking about the future now makes no sense.”
Allegri may have no offers as things stand, but that situation could shift quickly.

It is understood that a high-profile post at Camp Nou would appeal to a man who has spent his entire coaching career to date in his homeland.No Italian has ever taken the reins at Barcelona, so history could be made.

His philosophy of football would fit well in Catalunya, with the Blaugrana seeking to mix defensive solidity with attacking flair.Allegri has already worked with some of the biggest names in the business, such as Juve superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, so would have no problem taking charge of Lionel Messi and Co.

For now there is no movement or approach to consider, but Valverde may be on borrowed time and Allegri could see a 12-month sabbatical cut short.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter 2 Empoli 1: Keita, Nainggolan secure Champions League berth in thriller

Inter secured their place in next season's Champions League and condemned Empoli to relegation as Radja Nainggolan's late goal sealed a 2-1 win in a dramatic game on the final day of the Serie A season.

Luciano Spalletti – whose position continues to be the subject of intense scrutiny – said earlier in the week that he wanted his players to treat the game as a "cup final" and they duly responded in the early stages, with only the brilliance of Empoli goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski preventing them from putting the game to bed before half-time.

Keita Balde Diao's introduction at the interval proved a masterstroke as the 24-year-old superbly whipped past Dragowski from outside the penalty area to open the scoring.


Empoli took full advantage of Mauro Icardi's penalty miss soon after, though, to level in the 76th minute through Hamed Junior Traore.

However, Nainggolan slotted home nine minutes from time and a hectic finish saw Inter defender Danilo D'Ambrosio clear against his own crossbar before Marcelo Brozovic had a goal ruled out by VAR after Keita fouled Dragowski – rushing back to his own goal from a corner – to earn the forward a second yellow and consequent red card.

Inter finish a point above city rivals AC Milan in fourth, while Empoli make an immediate return to Serie B after Genoa's 0-0 draw away at Fiorentina.

Inter started on the front foot and were denied an opener after 10 minutes when Dragowski superbly tipped Ivan Perisic's 20-yard drive wide.Keita was introduced at the break and the Senegal international made an immediate impact, curling into Dragowski's bottom-right corner from 20 yards in the 51st minute.

Icardi then had the chance to double Inter's advantage shortly after the hour-mark when referee Luca Banti – after a VAR review – deemed Dragowski to have brought him down inside the penalty area. The Argentina international's weak spot-kick was comfortably kept out by the Empoli goalkeeper, however.The visitors took full advantage of that reprieve when Traore ghosted in at the back post to tap in Salih Ucan's low cross.

Inter came roaring back, though, and Nainggolan slotted into an empty net after Matias Vecino's shot had cannoned back off the post.Empoli came agonisingly close to denying Inter – and preserving their Serie A status – in the closing stages, D'Ambrosio striking his own crossbar from just five yards out and Samir Handanovic thwarting Ucan from close range.

Brozovic thought he had scored a third deep into stoppage time but his effort from the halfway line was ruled out by VAR after Keita had pulled down the backtracking Dragowski.

The Inter forward received a second yellow card for the offence, while Empoli's substitute goalkeeper Filippo Perucchini was dismissed for his remonstrations from the bench, but it will do little to detract from a precious win for the Nerazzurri.