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..::Football IV::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
4th place hopes walata bye bye kiyanna wei wage meh yana widiyata.One way traffic 1kak thiyenne
Manchester United attack 1kak nahane
2nd half improve wela play karala match 1ka win kale nathnam 4th place gana nam sure 1kak thiyanna amarui
Manchester United attack 1kak nahane2nd half improve wela play karala match 1ka win kale nathnam 4th place gana nam sure 1kak thiyanna amarui
Full Time
West Ham 3 Vs 2 Manchester United
West Ham Goal(s)
Diafra Sakho 10'
Michail Antonio 76'
Winston Reid 81'
&
Manchester United Goal(s)
Anthony Martial 51',72'
West Ham Goal(s)
Diafra Sakho 10'
Michail Antonio 76'
Winston Reid 81'
&
Manchester United Goal(s)
Anthony Martial 51',72'
Manchester United 4th place hopes nam iwarai wage West Ham defeat ekath ekkama
slight chance 1kak dan thiyenne.ath sure karanna bahaEarly-mid season wala onama karana points miss karagattha 1ka thamai meh okkotama hethuwa
dinanna puluwan matches lost/draw karagattha.A matches wala lost una points wala watinakama danenne meh wage welawata thamai.Anyway Manchester United fightback 1ka hodai
& Martial ge performance nam kiyala wadak naha.patta
& West Ham lage last upton park match 1ka so congratzzzzz to them!
West Ham 3-2 Manchester United: Hammers dent Van Gaal's top four hopes in dramatic farewell
Winston Reid proved the unlikely hero as West Ham claimed a thrilling 3-2 Premier League win over Manchester United in the final game at Upton Park to leave the visitors' Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
West Ham's farewell to Upton Park was delayed by 45 minutes after Manchester United arrived late to the stadium, with their team bus coming under attack from fans outside the ground who threw bottles and other objects.The hosts made a superb start when the match got underway, Diafra Sakho putting them ahead after 10 minutes with his first goal in six Premier League games.
However, United – who had the chance to go a point clear of rivals Manchester City in the battle for a place in the top four – turned things around thanks to a second-half double from Anthony Martial, who returned along with Marcus Rashford after missing last Saturday's win at Norwich City.
Slaven Bilic's men refused to say goodbye to their famous home with a defeat, however, as Michail Antonio headed in a leveller just four minutes after Martial's second.
And Reid settled a frenetic contest in West Ham's favour in the 80th minute with his header from Dimitri Payet's cross proving too strong for David De Gea to ensure a memorable send-off and boost the hosts' Europa League aspirations.
It did not take long for Upton Park crowd – who were stunned by Saturday's 4-1 reverse against Swansea City – to be sent into raptures as Sakho converted at the end of a well-worked team move.Aaron Cresswell played a superb pass down the left for Manuel Lanzini, whose pull back was curled into the bottom-left corner by Sakho with a precise finish.
Andy Carroll wasted a glorious chance to double the lead nine minutes later as he was sent through on goal, but, with England manager Roy Hodgson in the stands, the striker could only muster a tame finish that David de Gea saved easily.Payet was similarly profligate in the 31st minute when he shot high and wide after Mark Noble had robbed Martial of possession in midfield.
West Ham continued to dominate matters in the closing stages of the first half, with Louis van Gaal throwing midfielder Michael Carrick into the mix in place of Morgan Schneiderlin before the second-half restart.And United levelled matters six minutes into the second 45 as Martial restored parity with a simple close-range finish.
West Ham chief claims Manchester United's team bus was NOT damaged after fan attack
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan claims Manchester United’s bus was not damaged and has criticised the team for delaying Tuesday’s kick-off.
West Ham fans pelted the United team bus with bottles as it made its way to Upton Park, while the match was postponed for 45 minutes as the players arrived at the ground with less than an hour to go for the original 19:45 kick-off time.
"It is depressing really," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
"It will be a late night for our fans and some of them won't be able to stay. I don't understand why United couldn't get here at 4pm. They could have got here early. They knew it would be busy. It's crazy.
"There was congestion in the street and they couldn't get the coach in. There were people around the coach, but there was no attack on the coach.
"If you check the coach there won't be any damage to it. If we arrived late at Old Trafford they wouldn't put the kick-off back."
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan claims Manchester United’s bus was not damaged and has criticised the team for delaying Tuesday’s kick-off.
West Ham fans pelted the United team bus with bottles as it made its way to Upton Park, while the match was postponed for 45 minutes as the players arrived at the ground with less than an hour to go for the original 19:45 kick-off time.
"It is depressing really," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
"It will be a late night for our fans and some of them won't be able to stay. I don't understand why United couldn't get here at 4pm. They could have got here early. They knew it would be busy. It's crazy.
"There was congestion in the street and they couldn't get the coach in. There were people around the coach, but there was no attack on the coach.
"If you check the coach there won't be any damage to it. If we arrived late at Old Trafford they wouldn't put the kick-off back."
Klopp won't rush Origi return for Europa League final
Jurgen Klopp has revealed Divock Origi’s rehabilitation from an ankle injury is progressing quicker than expected but Liverpool will not take any unnecessary risks with the striker.
The Belgian, who netted five times in April before being hurt by Ramiro Funes Mori in the 4-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton, has already returned to light training.
As with his team-mates Emre Can and Jordan Henderson, Origi's recovery has been swift but the Reds boss does not want to rush him back into first-team action.
Klopp did not completely rule the 21-year-old out of the Europa League final against Sevilla on May 18 but the trip to Basel could come too soon.
“He is already training, not with the team, but like Hendo,” the manager explained at Melwood. “He's on the pitch, he's running, he's passing and all this.“It's the same like with Hendo: day by day. We don't have to make a decision.
“He's quicker than we thought, like it was with Emre, a really good job from all the therapists and the coaches. But we cannot force it, we take what we get.“In this moment he is on a good way, a better way than maybe expected the day after the injury, but if the time is enough until next Wednesday, I don't know.”
Jurgen Klopp has revealed Divock Origi’s rehabilitation from an ankle injury is progressing quicker than expected but Liverpool will not take any unnecessary risks with the striker.
The Belgian, who netted five times in April before being hurt by Ramiro Funes Mori in the 4-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton, has already returned to light training.
As with his team-mates Emre Can and Jordan Henderson, Origi's recovery has been swift but the Reds boss does not want to rush him back into first-team action.
Klopp did not completely rule the 21-year-old out of the Europa League final against Sevilla on May 18 but the trip to Basel could come too soon.
“He is already training, not with the team, but like Hendo,” the manager explained at Melwood. “He's on the pitch, he's running, he's passing and all this.“It's the same like with Hendo: day by day. We don't have to make a decision.
“He's quicker than we thought, like it was with Emre, a really good job from all the therapists and the coaches. But we cannot force it, we take what we get.“In this moment he is on a good way, a better way than maybe expected the day after the injury, but if the time is enough until next Wednesday, I don't know.”
Chelsea star Pedro breaks nose in mystery household accident
Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has joked that Pedro will join the "Zorro team" after breaking his nose in an accident at home.The Spain international will miss the Blues' game against Liverpool on Wednesday after sitting out training due to the injury, the cause of which has not been revealed.
Pedro joins the likes of Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic, Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry and Gary Cahill in suffering a facial injury that requires the use of a mask in recent seasons.
"Pedro is out, not injured," Hiddink told reporters. "He's not in training because he had a broken nose at home, I don't know how at home..."He told me he had a little accident in his home and he has fallen and he has been to Milan, yesterday, and came back and will train this afternoon."
Costa and Branislav Ivanovic will also miss the meeting at Anfield between two sides separated by only one place in the Premier League table but 10 points.Costa will also sit out the visit of Leicester City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday but his participation in Euro 2016 is not in danger.
Hiddink also hinted at first-team opportunities for youth players Kasey Palmer and Tammy Abraham, who have been training with the senior players in recent weeks and will travel to Merseyside.
Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has joked that Pedro will join the "Zorro team" after breaking his nose in an accident at home.The Spain international will miss the Blues' game against Liverpool on Wednesday after sitting out training due to the injury, the cause of which has not been revealed.
Pedro joins the likes of Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic, Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry and Gary Cahill in suffering a facial injury that requires the use of a mask in recent seasons.
"Pedro is out, not injured," Hiddink told reporters. "He's not in training because he had a broken nose at home, I don't know how at home..."He told me he had a little accident in his home and he has fallen and he has been to Milan, yesterday, and came back and will train this afternoon."
Costa and Branislav Ivanovic will also miss the meeting at Anfield between two sides separated by only one place in the Premier League table but 10 points.Costa will also sit out the visit of Leicester City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday but his participation in Euro 2016 is not in danger.
Hiddink also hinted at first-team opportunities for youth players Kasey Palmer and Tammy Abraham, who have been training with the senior players in recent weeks and will travel to Merseyside.
Arsenal secure Champions League qualification after Manchester United's defeat to West Ham
Arsenal have secured Champions League football for next season following Manchester United’s defeat to West Ham on Tuesday evening.
With just one Premier League fixture remaining for all of the top five, the Gunners are now guaranteed to finish no lower than fourth, meaning they will play in the Champions League for a 19th consecutive season.
Arsene Wenger’s side could still finish second behind champions Leicester City if Tottenham lose to Newcastle United and the Gunners beat Aston Villa at home.
United’s own Champions League hopes were dealt a major blow in the final game at Upton Park as the defeat now means they require Manchester City to lose to Swansea City, while Louis van Gaal’s men must beat Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Arsenal are just one year behind record holders Real Madrid, who have participated in Europe's premier club competition for 20 years running - the most of any team.
Arsenal have secured Champions League football for next season following Manchester United’s defeat to West Ham on Tuesday evening.
With just one Premier League fixture remaining for all of the top five, the Gunners are now guaranteed to finish no lower than fourth, meaning they will play in the Champions League for a 19th consecutive season.
Arsene Wenger’s side could still finish second behind champions Leicester City if Tottenham lose to Newcastle United and the Gunners beat Aston Villa at home.
United’s own Champions League hopes were dealt a major blow in the final game at Upton Park as the defeat now means they require Manchester City to lose to Swansea City, while Louis van Gaal’s men must beat Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Arsenal are just one year behind record holders Real Madrid, who have participated in Europe's premier club competition for 20 years running - the most of any team.
Leicester planning contract talks with Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri is set to be rewarded with a new contract after guiding Leicester City to a stunning Premier League title, according to club vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.
Initially an unpopular appointment at the start of the season, Ranieri is now king of Leicester thanks to his miraculous work as he masterminded one of the greatest achievements in sporting history, upstaging Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United to win the Premier League.
And the 64-year-old Ranieri, who signed a three-year contract when he replaced Nigel Pearson last July, is expected to receive a lucrative contract extension."At the end of the season we will talk about that [extending Ranieri's contract] with him," Aiyawatt said.
"We will sit down together and when we talk about something, it's long term, not just until September."I like people to work for me when they are happy and enjoy working with the group of people.
"I think both [Shakespeare and Walsh] have agreed [new deals]. They did a brilliant job here and happy to do that."Leicester - 10 points clear atop the table - close out their remarkable season at Chelsea on Sunday.
Claudio Ranieri is set to be rewarded with a new contract after guiding Leicester City to a stunning Premier League title, according to club vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.
Initially an unpopular appointment at the start of the season, Ranieri is now king of Leicester thanks to his miraculous work as he masterminded one of the greatest achievements in sporting history, upstaging Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United to win the Premier League.
And the 64-year-old Ranieri, who signed a three-year contract when he replaced Nigel Pearson last July, is expected to receive a lucrative contract extension."At the end of the season we will talk about that [extending Ranieri's contract] with him," Aiyawatt said.
"We will sit down together and when we talk about something, it's long term, not just until September."I like people to work for me when they are happy and enjoy working with the group of people.
"I think both [Shakespeare and Walsh] have agreed [new deals]. They did a brilliant job here and happy to do that."Leicester - 10 points clear atop the table - close out their remarkable season at Chelsea on Sunday.
Kante & Mahrez win Leicester City Player of the Season awards
N’Golo Kante has won Leicester City’s Players’ Player of the Year award, while Riyad Mahrez was named the club’s Player of the Year.
Mahrez and Kante have been two of Leicester’s standout stars in their remarkable title-winning campaign, while the Algerian was named PFA Player of the Year at the end of April.
Kante joined Leicester from Caen in a £5.6 million deal last August but has quickly developed into one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders.
Mahrez, meanwhile, was a £500,000 signing from Le Havre in January 2014 but in only his second full season in the Premier League the 25-year-old has scored 17 goals and registered 11 assists.
Kante has subsequently been linked with a move to Arsenal, although Arsene Wenger remained coy over the Gunners’ interest in his press conference last week.
"I think he will play in the European Championships and for me he was one of the players of the year in the Premier League," said the Frenchman.
"I cannot tell you anything now [about any Arsenal interest]. He is under contract with Leicester. I am sure if Leicester want to sell him, they will find some buyers."
N’Golo Kante has won Leicester City’s Players’ Player of the Year award, while Riyad Mahrez was named the club’s Player of the Year.
Mahrez and Kante have been two of Leicester’s standout stars in their remarkable title-winning campaign, while the Algerian was named PFA Player of the Year at the end of April.
Kante joined Leicester from Caen in a £5.6 million deal last August but has quickly developed into one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders.
Mahrez, meanwhile, was a £500,000 signing from Le Havre in January 2014 but in only his second full season in the Premier League the 25-year-old has scored 17 goals and registered 11 assists.
Kante has subsequently been linked with a move to Arsenal, although Arsene Wenger remained coy over the Gunners’ interest in his press conference last week.
"I think he will play in the European Championships and for me he was one of the players of the year in the Premier League," said the Frenchman.
"I cannot tell you anything now [about any Arsenal interest]. He is under contract with Leicester. I am sure if Leicester want to sell him, they will find some buyers."
Van Gaal: United struggle with set-pieces
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admitted his side have a problem defending set-pieces after they proved their undoing against West Ham on Tuesday.
United's Champions League hopes were dealt a major blow by West Ham, who won 3-2 in their final Premier League game at Upton Park.Van Gaal and Co. went a goal down to an early effort from Diafra Sakho before an Anthony Martial double put United in front in the second half.
But with United's defensive area besieged by a number of West Ham set-pieces, the visitors eventually crumbled as Michail Antonio and Winston Reid scored to ensure West Ham farewelled the Boleyn Ground in style.
"What I have already said before the match, we give set plays away and they can score. We have a difficulty with set plays. We give too many fouls away near the 60 metres away and that was a problem," Van Gaal told Sky Sports.
"It is always difficult, they are good in set plays and we have a small team. You have to organise that but still you don't have the centimetres. When you're 2-1 ahead you have to keep the ball better than we have done.
"That's also because of the pressure of West Ham United, the [West Ham] players do everything to win, you could see from the first minute, it is a special game. If you are professional you have to cope with all these factors."
Having been handed the initiative in the race for the top four by cross-town rivals Manchester City, United must now rely on Manuel Pellegrini's men losing again if they are to have any chance of making the Champions League next season.But Van Gaal insisted an unlikely return to Europe's premier club competition in 2016-17 remains possible.
"It is the same story, we don't have it in our own hands but still it is possible, still we can catch Manchester City. We have to beat AFC Bournemouth, it's not easy, because we have to cope with this disappointment. That's a mental blow," the Dutchman said.
"You could imagine how thrilled the [West Ham] players and the fans and the coach are in this situation. We have to cope with it, we have missed an opportunity."
Sir Alex Ferguson meets with Tottenham boss Pochettino
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino met with Sir Alex Ferguson for lunch in London on Tuesday.
The pair ate together at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, with Pochettino’s assistant, Jesus Perez, also in attendance.
The meeting has sparked fresh rumours that United could move for the Argentine this summer should Louis van Gaal leave Old Trafford, although Goal understands that Spurs were fully aware of the arrangement.
At the end of April, Pochettino confirmed that he had reached a verbal agreement with Tottenham over a new five-year contract that would keep him at White Hart Lane until 2021.
Pochettino joined Spurs from Southampton in May 2014 and is one game away from securing second place in the Premier League this season.
It has also been claimed that Ferguson is an admirer of Pochettino. David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, told The Spurs Show podcast in February: “I’m going to let you into a secret. About six weeks ago, I sat next to Sir Alex Ferguson at a dinner in support of grassroots football abroad.
“He said to me ‘I think you guys have got the best manager in the Premier League.’”
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino met with Sir Alex Ferguson for lunch in London on Tuesday.
The pair ate together at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, with Pochettino’s assistant, Jesus Perez, also in attendance.
The meeting has sparked fresh rumours that United could move for the Argentine this summer should Louis van Gaal leave Old Trafford, although Goal understands that Spurs were fully aware of the arrangement.
At the end of April, Pochettino confirmed that he had reached a verbal agreement with Tottenham over a new five-year contract that would keep him at White Hart Lane until 2021.
Pochettino joined Spurs from Southampton in May 2014 and is one game away from securing second place in the Premier League this season.
It has also been claimed that Ferguson is an admirer of Pochettino. David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, told The Spurs Show podcast in February: “I’m going to let you into a secret. About six weeks ago, I sat next to Sir Alex Ferguson at a dinner in support of grassroots football abroad.
“He said to me ‘I think you guys have got the best manager in the Premier League.’”
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.05.11
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.05.11
Norwich City Vs Watford
Sunderland Vs Everton
Liverpool Vs Chelsea
Buffon extends with Juventus until 2018
Juventus have announced long-serving goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has signed a contract extension that ties him to the Turin club till 2018.
The shot-stopper joined the Serie A champions in 2001 for a world record one billion lire and has since become a legend in Turin, turning out for them nearly 600 times and winning seven Scudetti. Meanwhile, he has made 152 appearances for Italy and lifted the World Cup in 2006.
Despite turning 38 in January, the ex-Parma man remains one of the world's premier players in his position, and Juve's decision to offer him a fresh deal confirms that.
"I'm immensely proud in the faith Juventus have placed in me once more," Buffon told the press. "I hope that my fantastic story with this club will go on and bring even further success."
There was further good news for the Italian champions on Wednesday as they also secured a contract extension for veteran centre-back Andrea Barzagli, who arrived at the club from Wolfsburg in 2011. He too has signed terms that will keep him in Turin until 2018.
"Even at this age, I still have room to improve and this is the best place for me to do so," he commented.
President Andrea Agnelli said: "Having Buffon in our squad is a true privilege. He is so important for us on and off the field.
"I consider Barzagli to be one of the best signings we have ever made. He is a magnificent defender."
Juventus have announced long-serving goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has signed a contract extension that ties him to the Turin club till 2018.
The shot-stopper joined the Serie A champions in 2001 for a world record one billion lire and has since become a legend in Turin, turning out for them nearly 600 times and winning seven Scudetti. Meanwhile, he has made 152 appearances for Italy and lifted the World Cup in 2006.
Despite turning 38 in January, the ex-Parma man remains one of the world's premier players in his position, and Juve's decision to offer him a fresh deal confirms that.
"I'm immensely proud in the faith Juventus have placed in me once more," Buffon told the press. "I hope that my fantastic story with this club will go on and bring even further success."
There was further good news for the Italian champions on Wednesday as they also secured a contract extension for veteran centre-back Andrea Barzagli, who arrived at the club from Wolfsburg in 2011. He too has signed terms that will keep him in Turin until 2018.
"Even at this age, I still have room to improve and this is the best place for me to do so," he commented.
President Andrea Agnelli said: "Having Buffon in our squad is a true privilege. He is so important for us on and off the field.
"I consider Barzagli to be one of the best signings we have ever made. He is a magnificent defender."
Paris Saint-Germain finish Parc des Prince renovation but eye expansion
Paris Saint-Germain recently completed a three-year €75 million upgrade of Parc des Princes, but the Ligue 1 champions are seeking to expand the stadium even further in the medium term.
Pre-Euro 2016 rennovation work has just been completed and the club have opened a photographic exhibition covering the 45 years that the stadium has been standing.
PSG are proud of the latest upgrade, which unlike those at Stade Velodrome or Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, the homes of Marseille and Saint-Etienne respectively, has been achieved without partial closure of the ground.“The cost was estimated between €72-75m for a project that was completed without closing any of the tribunes,” general manager Jean-Claude Blanc explained.
“We had hoped to play away more in the national cups,” he joked. “For sporting reasons we wanted to play at the Parc, but playing away games allowed us to have a few extra days each time.” PSG were committed to giving UEFA the keys to the ground next Sunday ahead of Euro 2016, and have held up their end of the deal.
Carrying out this renovation work has already seen PSG’s stadium revenue swell from €20m to €100m. The club has a 30-year agreement in place with the city of Paris, which owns the stadium, based on a fixed rent plus a variable share of their income.“You are in the stadium of PSG,” Blanc says. “It is our home and we can do what we wish. We don’t own the walls, but that’s all.”
The ground in the west of Paris’ centre was redeveloped under the guidance of American architect Tom Sheehan. The pitch was re-laid and raised 28 centimetres to help its growth, while two additional rows of seats were added, allowing the ground to remain at a capacity of 48,000, despite now boasting larger and more comfortable seats.Hospitality capacity has risen from 1,200 to 4,500, while some players have bought one of the private boxes that offer a great view of the pitch.
The general public, meanwhile, have not been ignored, with the public areas refurbished. The next step will be to exploit the area around the stadium for the type of fan zones that will appear in June for the Euros.
This has all been achieved primarily for financial reasons, as PSG will be able to exploit the ground in a manner that corresponds to their ambitions. But the club will not stop there – the medium-term ambition is to see the Parc des Princes’ capacity rise to 60,000.“We don’t want to put pressure on ourselves or give a date,” Blanc said. “But one thing is certain, this will be our home and we will not destroy it.”
The club has already looked at exploiting the free space behind each coach. The stands would then be tilted in a different way, so they would be far closer to the pitch, but that requires an expansion of the roof.
“We believe that the Paris bid for the 2024 Olympic Games might accelerate the project. It’s not dependent on it, but it is an advantage,” Blanc said. “Roger Tallibert [the architect of the stadium in its current guise] knows the ground. He know what we’re going to do. We’ve chosen to stay here rather than build elsewhere, and that’s a strong choice.”
Before thinking about making the stadium larger, though, Blanc and PSG will now take a decision regarding their new training base, which should ideally break ground at the beginning of the 2020-21 season.
Paris Saint-Germain recently completed a three-year €75 million upgrade of Parc des Princes, but the Ligue 1 champions are seeking to expand the stadium even further in the medium term.
Pre-Euro 2016 rennovation work has just been completed and the club have opened a photographic exhibition covering the 45 years that the stadium has been standing.
PSG are proud of the latest upgrade, which unlike those at Stade Velodrome or Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, the homes of Marseille and Saint-Etienne respectively, has been achieved without partial closure of the ground.“The cost was estimated between €72-75m for a project that was completed without closing any of the tribunes,” general manager Jean-Claude Blanc explained.
“We had hoped to play away more in the national cups,” he joked. “For sporting reasons we wanted to play at the Parc, but playing away games allowed us to have a few extra days each time.” PSG were committed to giving UEFA the keys to the ground next Sunday ahead of Euro 2016, and have held up their end of the deal.
Carrying out this renovation work has already seen PSG’s stadium revenue swell from €20m to €100m. The club has a 30-year agreement in place with the city of Paris, which owns the stadium, based on a fixed rent plus a variable share of their income.“You are in the stadium of PSG,” Blanc says. “It is our home and we can do what we wish. We don’t own the walls, but that’s all.”
The ground in the west of Paris’ centre was redeveloped under the guidance of American architect Tom Sheehan. The pitch was re-laid and raised 28 centimetres to help its growth, while two additional rows of seats were added, allowing the ground to remain at a capacity of 48,000, despite now boasting larger and more comfortable seats.Hospitality capacity has risen from 1,200 to 4,500, while some players have bought one of the private boxes that offer a great view of the pitch.
The general public, meanwhile, have not been ignored, with the public areas refurbished. The next step will be to exploit the area around the stadium for the type of fan zones that will appear in June for the Euros.
This has all been achieved primarily for financial reasons, as PSG will be able to exploit the ground in a manner that corresponds to their ambitions. But the club will not stop there – the medium-term ambition is to see the Parc des Princes’ capacity rise to 60,000.“We don’t want to put pressure on ourselves or give a date,” Blanc said. “But one thing is certain, this will be our home and we will not destroy it.”
The club has already looked at exploiting the free space behind each coach. The stands would then be tilted in a different way, so they would be far closer to the pitch, but that requires an expansion of the roof.
“We believe that the Paris bid for the 2024 Olympic Games might accelerate the project. It’s not dependent on it, but it is an advantage,” Blanc said. “Roger Tallibert [the architect of the stadium in its current guise] knows the ground. He know what we’re going to do. We’ve chosen to stay here rather than build elsewhere, and that’s a strong choice.”
Before thinking about making the stadium larger, though, Blanc and PSG will now take a decision regarding their new training base, which should ideally break ground at the beginning of the 2020-21 season.
Buffon targets 10th Serie A title after signing new Juventus deal
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has set his sights on winning a 10th Serie A title after signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2018.
The 38-year-old has lifted nine Scudetti since joining Juventus from Parma in 2001 – although two of those were later revoked following the Turin side's role in the Calciopoli scandal – but he remains hungry for more."We'll see what happens next season. We'll be starting in a very humble way next year as usual," Buffon said.
"It will be my 16th season with Juventus and it could be 10 Scudetti. These figures certainly stress the great continuity in our performance."Certainly, I want to reach the team targets and to further improve – these are the main goals."The Italian has enjoyed plenty of success at domestic level, but has yet to lift the Champions League.
Juventus were beaten in the final by Barcelona last season, while Bayern Munich proved to be too strong this term after some unconvincing goalkeeping from Buffon in the decisive second leg and he has admitted he will not forget about his display that night easily.
"We have to improve in terms of pressure, character, concentration in some moments. That's what we can take from out matches against Bayern," he added."Assessing that defeat, I realised I made a huge mistake after the second goal, I really suffered from nerves from a mental point of view.
"That's a great disappointment. I'll have to cope with that for the next two years."
Buffon is widely regarded as one of the game''s greats, though he has never won the Ballon d'Or during a career that has also seen him claim a 2006 World Cup winner's medal with Italy.However, the veteran is not overly bothered with the lack of individual recognition that has come his way.
"I don't really feel any injustice over the Ballon d'Or," he continued."I'd say I've had a great career and I've been very close a couple of times, but if I don't get it it's probably because I haven't done enough. We can't just search for any other reason."
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has set his sights on winning a 10th Serie A title after signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2018.
The 38-year-old has lifted nine Scudetti since joining Juventus from Parma in 2001 – although two of those were later revoked following the Turin side's role in the Calciopoli scandal – but he remains hungry for more."We'll see what happens next season. We'll be starting in a very humble way next year as usual," Buffon said.
"It will be my 16th season with Juventus and it could be 10 Scudetti. These figures certainly stress the great continuity in our performance."Certainly, I want to reach the team targets and to further improve – these are the main goals."The Italian has enjoyed plenty of success at domestic level, but has yet to lift the Champions League.
Juventus were beaten in the final by Barcelona last season, while Bayern Munich proved to be too strong this term after some unconvincing goalkeeping from Buffon in the decisive second leg and he has admitted he will not forget about his display that night easily.
"We have to improve in terms of pressure, character, concentration in some moments. That's what we can take from out matches against Bayern," he added."Assessing that defeat, I realised I made a huge mistake after the second goal, I really suffered from nerves from a mental point of view.
"That's a great disappointment. I'll have to cope with that for the next two years."
Buffon is widely regarded as one of the game''s greats, though he has never won the Ballon d'Or during a career that has also seen him claim a 2006 World Cup winner's medal with Italy.However, the veteran is not overly bothered with the lack of individual recognition that has come his way.
"I don't really feel any injustice over the Ballon d'Or," he continued."I'd say I've had a great career and I've been very close a couple of times, but if I don't get it it's probably because I haven't done enough. We can't just search for any other reason."
Chelsea end kit deal with adidas six years early
Chelsea have ended their kit sponsorship deal with adidas six years early.
Last year’s Premier League champions had a £30 million-a-year contract in place with the German manufacturer until June 2023, but have now mutually agreed to terminate that deal at the end of next season.
As part of the arrangement, Chelsea will pay adidas an undisclosed compensation fee. The sportswear giant has also confirmed that the move is based on the Blues' decision to sign a new deal with an unnamed competitor.
A statement from adidas read: “Chelsea Football Club and adidas AG announced today that they have mutually agreed to terminate their existing partnership agreement prematurely. The agreement will now end on June 30, 2017 and not, as originally agreed, on June 30, 2023.
“adidas has been sponsor and sportswear supplier for Chelsea Football Club since 2006. This mutual agreement on early termination of the agreement will allow Chelsea Football Club to enter a new equipment agreement with a competitor of adidas AG.
“It will allow adidas AG to continue to implement its sports sponsorship strategy as set out in its strategic business plan ‘Creating the New’. Under this plan, adidas AG will partner with fewer assets on a team level.
“As compensation for the early termination of the contract, the adidas Group will receive a payment from Chelsea Football Club in 2017 that will already positively impact the Group’s net income this year.”
