..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Madrid squad size makes James situation complicated - Zidane

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says the size of his squad makes the subject of James Rodriguez's future "complicated".

Rodriguez has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu in recent weeks, even reportedly attracting the interest of ambitious Premier League outfit West Ham.Zidane appears reluctant to allow the Colombia international to leave but concedes he may not be able to offer him regular first-team football.

"The idea with James is the same as with everyone else - he's a Real Madrid player," said Zidane."I'm not going to tell you that James is a starter. He's an important player. We'll see what happens this year, I have a big squad and it's complicated."

Madrid bolstered their attacking ranks by re-signing Alvaro Morata from Juventus last month, but Zidane was just as cautious about talking up the returning striker's role in the team."He [Morata] is one more player in the team," he added. "He knows what Madrid is and we're happy to see Alvaro with us.

"We're going to have a much bigger squad and everyone will be important. He'll be one more."Discussing Jese Rodriguez's first-team prospects, Zidane explained: "Last year he [Jese] didn't have many minutes.

"I like him, I like him a lot as a player. He can have minutes here, he knows his quality."Madrid begin their LaLiga season at Real Sociedad on August 21.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

James Rodriguez ge Real Madrid future 1kata mokak weida danne naha.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Mourinho can be Man Utd's new Ferguson' - Ranieri

Jose Mourinho can be the new Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, according to Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri.

The Portuguese has succeeded Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, and managed United for the first time on Saturday, steering them to a 2-0 pre-season win over Wigan Athletic.

And Ranieri – whom Mourinho replaced as Chelsea manager in 2004 – believes that the former Real Madrid and Inter boss will thrive at Old Trafford.“Mourinho can be the new Ferguson,” he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror. “He will not stay in Manchester for 26 years, but he will leave his mark.”

United and Leicester will clash in the Community Shield in August, and Ranieri is eagerly anticipating the fixture between the FA Cup winners and the Premier League champions.

Indeed, Ranieri triumphed in their last encounter, with Leicester’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea in December proving to be the final game of Mourinho’s reign as Blues boss.“His rematch against me on August 7? That’s the beauty of football. Our sport is a magnificent container of stories,” he added.

Following Mourinho’s dismissal Guus Hiddink was handed the reins on a temporary basis prior to the appointment of Antonio Conte, and Ranieri believes his countryman and the Blues are “bound to like each other”. “They must get to know each other well and prevent the inevitable culture clashes from confusing them.

“But if they follow his lead in Cobham, then they’ll get an Italian Chelsea. And they’ll have some fun in London.”And in a star-studded Premier League, Pep Guardiola will also be vying for supremacy, and Ranieri has also hailed the Catalan.

“Guardiola seems to me like the right man in the right place. He’s coming to a club that pursued beautiful football, starting from Roberto Mancini and on with Manuel Pellegrini.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cristiano Ronaldo vows to come back stronger after knee injury

Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed to return bigger and better for the 2016-17 season after suffering a knee injury at the European Championships earlier in July.A tearful Ronaldo was carried from the field after sustaining a knee problem in the first half of Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph over host nation France in Paris.

Ronaldo suffered the injury following a crunching tackle from Dimitri Payet, with reports claiming the 31-year-old could miss Madrid's start to the LaLiga season.
But Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer took to Instagram to insist he is on the comeback trail.

"Hi everyone! I just wanted to thank all my fans," Ronaldo said in the video, having been seen on holiday with his left knee in a brace."I wanted to tell them that all is well and that I will come back much stronger."Thank you, long live Portugal!"Ronaldo and a robust Payet collided early at the Stade de France, with the former's knee bearing the brunt of the force.

After limping off the field, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner tried to continue playing but he was unsuccessful, though Portugal still managed to go on and win thanks to substitute Eder's 109th-minute strike.

 

[sri D]

James Rodriguez ge Real Madrid future 1kata mokak weida danne naha.​

Hoda talent ekak tyna player kenek..
Eth lineup eke man ta hari position ekak nati ekai prashne..

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hoda talent ekak tyna player kenek..
Eth lineup eke man ta hari position ekak nati ekai prashne..

Ow bro.eka thamai.balamu mokak weida kiyala​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Too early to compare Ancelotti to Guardiola - Robben


Arjen Robben insists it is too early to make comparisons between Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti and predecessor Pep Guardiola.

Ancelotti started work a week ago after Guardiola's departure for Manchester City and is charged with building on the good work undertaken by the Spaniard, who guided Bayern to three consecutive Bundesliga titles.

Former Real Madrid boss Ancelotti is a decorated coach in his own right, having won three Champions League crowns to Guardiola's two, but Robben says the Italian's tactical approach will take time to come to the fore.

"It's too early now [to know how the two coaches compare]," he told Goal. "We all have to get started first. "We didn't work tactically a lot in the first training sessions. But we will see in the coming weeks and when the games start. I'm looking forward to it.

"He needs time and you have to get to know each other first. He is a world-class coach and, for the players, it is something really special to be able to work with so many good coaches. This can only be an advantage for us."

Guardiola's only real shortcoming as Bayern coach was that he failed to deliver European glory, with Jupp Heynckes having guided the Bavarians to Champions League success the season prior to the former Barcelona boss' arrival.

But Robben insists Bayern's ambitions will be the same as they are ahead of every campaign."Basically it is every year the same," he explained. "There are many good teams in the Champions League but we have to focus on our own strengths.

"We have a very strong squad and our goal is the same - we want to reach the Champions League final. But that is very, very difficult."But I guess we can be proud that we are able to set that high goal, that we can say and are allowed to say that we want to reach the Champions League final. That's not the case for every club and that is very positive.

"But of course it does not mean that our goal will become automatically true."
Robben will miss the start of Bayern's Bundesliga season after suffering a groin injury in the club's first friendly match of the new campaign against Lippstadt, ruling him out for six weeks.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Coleman awarded freedom of Swansea

Chris Coleman has been awarded the freedom of his home city of Swansea following his terrific performance as Wales manager at Euro 2016.

The former Swansea City, Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham defender had his playing career cut short by a car accident, but he has not let that stop him from enjoying a successful managerial career.

He took the reins at Fulham before spells at Coventry City, Real Sociedad and Greek side Larissa, and was eventually handed the Wales job following the death of good friend Gary Speed.

Speed took his own life in 2011 and Coleman stepped into the role in difficult circumstances, but has since excelled in the job having led the country to their first major international tournament in 58 years, with Wales subsequently reaching the semi-finals in France.

Swansea lord mayor, councillor David Hopkins, said: "Freedom of the city is the highest honour the people of Swansea can confer on one of its own."And after the amazing, incredible exploits of the last month in France, I think I can safely say everyone in Swansea believes it's richly-deserved."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No Gotze deal in place yet - Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke says he can imagine Mario Gotze playing for the club once again but has stressed a deal to re-sign him is still yet to be struck with Bayern Munich.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge revealed over the weekend that the two clubs are locked in talks over a transfer involving Gotze.

Gotze, 24, caused a stir when he left Dortmund to join their Bundesliga rivals Bayern in 2013, but he has since fallen out of favour with the German champions.
But although negotiations are ongoing, Watzke insists the two parties are still some way apart from agreeing a deal.

"We can imagine Gotze returning to BVB," Watzke told TZ. "But it is not a done deal yet and no final decisions have been made yet.

"We have not reached an agreement with anyone, not with the club, nor with the player. It has to work out for us financially."Dortmund fly out to China on Thursday for pre-season and Watzke has suggested discussions will still be taking place by then.

"Thanks to modern communication tools, we can keep working on this from China," he added.Gotze's current contract with Bayern runs until June 2017.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alonso insists Hernandez would be a great signing for Bayern Munich

Xabi Alonso believes Javier Hernandez would be a strong signing for Bayern Munich.

The Mexico international was sold by Manchester United to Bayer Leverkusen last summer and made an immediate impact in his debut season with the German outfit, scoring 26 goals in all competitions.

Hernandez has previously played under Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid and therefore Alonso believes the striker would easily fit in with the Bundesliga champions.

“Carlo Ancelotti knows him well from the year they spent together at Real Madrid, but these are questions for the directors," the midfielder told Univision.

“Could he fit in at Bayern? With his quality, of without a doubt!

“But I see him at Leverkusen and he seems happy.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Gea, Rashford & Rooney return for Man Utd's China tour

David de Gea and Wayne Rooney will return for Manchester United's tour of China, with a total of seven players being called up by Jose Mourinho after international duty this summer.

Mourinho has announced a 25-man squad ahead of the club's flight to China on Tuesday afternoon for two games in the International Champions Cup.

England's Chris Smalling and Marcus Rashford, Argentina's Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo, and Northern Ireland star Paddy McNair will all be available following international duty at the European Championship and Copa America Centenario this summer.

They are added to 18 of the 22 players who appeared against Wigan Athletic in the 2-0 win at the DW Stadium on Saturday, with James Wilson, Joel Pereira, Tyler Blackett and Guillermo Varela the quartet left at home.

Marcus Rashford told ManUtd.com he is looking forward to his first senior tour, having only broken into the United side for the first time in February before becoming a club regular and England international."It means a lot to be going," he said. "It’s an opportunity to show the manager what you've got and you have to take the opportunity when it comes.

"It would be a massive experience especially with the players that could be going as well. I’ve got a lot I can learn from them."

travelling to Beijing to play City on Monday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Morgan Schneiderlin and Anthony Martial are among those given extra recovery time following their exertions at the European Championship this summer.

MANCHESTER UNITED SQUAD IN FULL...

GOALKEEPERS: De Gea, Romero, Johnstone

DEFENDERS: Bailly, Blind, Fosu-Mensah, Jones, McNair, Rojo, Shaw, Smalling, Tuanzebe, Valencia

MIDFIELDERS: Carrick, Herrera, Januzaj, Lingard, Mata, Memphis, Mkhitaryan, A.Pereira, Young

STRIKERS: Keane, Rashford, Rooney

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Good Luck Manchester United!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Marquinhos flattered by Barcelona interest

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos admits he feels flattered by Barcelona's reported interest in signing him, but believes his current club will not allow him to leave.

Barcelona have long been credited with an interest in snapping up the Brazil international and are believed to be keen to lure him to Camp Nou as they continue to rebuild their defence.

The Catalans have already added Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti during the summer but the 22-year-old does not expect to follow in their footsteps, as "PSG are not a selling club"."I am happy that a big club like Barcelona are interested in signing me," Marquinhos told France Football.

"I cannot deny that. We are talking about the biggest club in the world here."But I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground because PSG have never been open to selling me. We will see what happens."Is the door out of PSG open? No, not really."Marquinhos has a contract with the Ligue 1 champions until June 2019.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea have 'concrete' interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez, claims agent

Chelsea have “concrete” interest in signing AC Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez, according to his agent.

Reports in Italy have suggested that Antonio Conte wants to sign the 34-year-old as a replacement for Asmir Begovic, who has been linked with a move to Everton.

Lopez only featured on nine occasions for Milan last season after losing his spot to Gianluigi Donnarumma, but he could now have a way out of San Siro.

“[An offer] has not yet been made, but the interest is real and concrete,” the goalkeeper’s agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, told Calciomercato.

Chelsea have so far signed Michy Batshuayi from Marseille and N’Golo Kante from Leicester City this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hull confirm Bruce talks over England job

Hull City have confirmed that manager Steve Bruce has held informal talks with the Football Association over the England manager's job.

The position has now been vacant for three weeks after Roy Hodgson resigned in the immediate aftermath of England's defeat to Iceland at the last-16 stage of Euro 2016.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce was pictured emerging from the house of FA vice-chairman David Gill last week while Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann have also been mentioned as candidates to succeed the former Fulham boss.

Sunderland's response was to urge the FA to do their business quickly so as to avoid disrupting their preparations for the new season, and Hull have done likewise.

Their statement read: "The club can confirm that manager Steve Bruce has held informal discussions regarding the England vacancy, although no official approach has been received from the FA.

"We would hope to see the FA conclude their business quickly in order to avoid further speculation regarding Steve ahead of what is a season of huge importance for the club following our return to the Premier League."

Hull returned to the Premier League in May via the play-offs with Bruce recently stating his commitment to the club amid rumours he had become disillusioned with life at the KC Stadium.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Big Sam Vs Big Bruce​

 

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Sissoko reiterates Premier League desire after '10 out of 10' Euros

Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko has reiterated his desire to join a Premier League side after rating his performances for France at Euro 2016 as "10 out of 10".

The Magpies were relegated to the Championship last season and Sissoko has made no secret of his desire to leave St James' Park, preferably to a top-flight team.

Sissoko saw his stock rise with a series of impressive performances as hosts France reached the final of the Euros, where they were beaten 1-0 after extra time by Portugal.The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are all reportedly interested, while there is also speculation that Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli are keen to prise him away from England.

Newcastle are reluctant to sell one of their prized assets and are said to be holding out for a fee of £35million, but Sissoko remains keen on an exit.

"My priority is to stay in England even if I'm not against going to search for a new challenge elsewhere," Sissoko told France Football magazine."I particularly want to play with big players and in top-level matches."I would give myself 10 out of 10 [at Euro 2016]. I don't feel that I'm superior to others but, from the moment where I've given everything, I'm not going to attribute myself another mark.

"I have nothing to reproach myself for in this competition."

 

[akilar25]

Big Sam Vs Big Bruce​

මරුවට තියේවි.
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti: Bayern don't need Sane

Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed the idea of Bayern Munich buying Schalke starlet Leroy Sane, insisting they do not need any more players.

Schalke midfielder Sane was reportedly close to joining Manchester City last week but the player's father, Souleyman Sane, said on Monday that Bayern and Real Madrid were still in the mix.Speaking ahead of his Allianz Arena bow against City and his Bayern predecessor Pep Guardiola on Wednesday, Ancelotti said he is happy with his current options.

He told reporters: "The team is very good. All positions are well staffed and we do not need new players for this season."We have very good young players here. You have to give them the opportunity to show it and to gain experience."

Ancelotti spoke highly of Guardiola but insisted he would not be asking the former Barcelona boss for advice on his return to Bavaria, adding: "I have a very good relationship with Pep. We are both coaches and we know how hard our job is. He did an excellent job at Bayern. I wish him and his team the very best for the upcoming season."I have not spoken to Guardiola but tomorrow we will meet. I don't think we will talk about the team, I know my team quite well, I do not need advice.

"The Guardiola style at Bayern was successful and I hope the players do not forget it. But every coach has his own style and I want to implement my own ideas this season and transfer them to the players."Ancelotti offered no update on Mario Gotze, with Bayern and Borussia Dortmund in talks over a return to Signal Iduna Park for the Germany international.

The Italian said: "There is no news. He will still be a Bayern player when he comes back after his holiday on August 5. He will be treated the same, he's a fantastic player, he has done a good job at Bayern and will do in the future. "

 

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Pelle could lose Italy place with China move - Ventura

New Italy coach Giampiero Ventura has warned Graziano Pelle that his move to the Chinese Super League could cost him his spot in the national team.

Pelle left Southampton for Shandong Luneng after helping the Azzurri to Euro 2016's quarter-finals, reportedly becoming one of the best paid players in world football as a result.

A key figure under Antonio Conte, Pelle was Italy's top scorer in qualifying for the European Championship with three goals, while two further strikes sealed impressive 2-0 successes against Belgium and Spain at the tournament.His tournament ended in ignominy, however, scuffing a penalty wide as Italy were beaten in a shoot-out by Germany.

"Players need to have a desire to win, going to a lesser league doesn't help in that regard," Ventura said as he was presented to media on Tuesday."So 50 per cent is China, the rest is the big wages. A player has to be strong psychologically and temperamentally.

"When Alessandro Diamanti went to China he lost the national team, despite his quality. The 23 who went to the Euros deserve to make their case because of what they did there. Then there will be many others, because football moves on.

"Pelle, missed penalty aside, had a good Euros. Let's see."Ventura was quick to hail Conte for providing him with solid foundations, with the new Chelsea boss having confounded expectations at the tournament as Italy topped their group and knocked out the double-defending champions Spain utilising a classic Italian 3-5-2 system.

"Any style of play, if done right, will pay dividends," Ventura added. "If it's done wrong, it won't."When you want to get a result you can't rely on individuality or chance - you all have to push in the same direction.

"Conte's football worked for a particular time, the players on the bench when Marcello Lippi won the World Cup were great names, the ones who went to the Euros still have to work to reach that level.

"Conte's style was important to get results, but we'll work to improve."