..::Football IV::..

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Barcelona 3-0 Sevilla (agg. 5-0): Arda at the double as Catalans romp to Supercopa victory

Arda Turan gave further encouraging signs he can turn his Barcelona career around with a brace as Luis Enrique's side eased to a 3-0 win over Sevilla in the Supercopa de Espana second leg at Camp Nou.The Turkey international's displays came in for regular criticism last season as he failed to find the form that persuaded Barca to prize him from Atletico Madrid.

But, playing on the left of a front three due to Neymar's Olympic excursion, Arda impressed during Sunday's 2-0 first-leg win at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan - laying on the assist for Luis Suarez's opener.

Both teams were much-changed, with a knee injury ruling out Barca captain Andres Iniesta, but Arda remained to confidently open the scoring after 10 minutes.

He added a second within a minute of the restart to extinguish any lingering doubt over the destination of the season's first piece of silverware, while Lionel Messi added gloss with an excellent header.

Sevilla begin their first LaLiga season under Jorge Samapoli against Espanyol on Saturday and the former Chile boss will hope these back-to-back losses, along with the extra-time UEFA Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid, have not taken too much out of the tank before a new era begins in earnest.

Samuel Umtiti made a debut at centre-back, with Aleix Vidal facing his former club and Lucas Digne named at left back in a reshuffled Barcelona defence that Sevilla sought to take advantage of early on.

Joaquin Correa played in Wissam Ben Yedder, who forced Claudio Bravo to save with his feet, and the Barca goalkeeper also reacted sharply to thwart Iborra from the second of two resulting corners.

The reportedly Manchester City bound Bravo was left somewhere between concerned and perplexed as the normally reliable Javier Mascherano chipped narrowly over his own crossbar under little pressure but, as in the first leg, Luis Enrique's men led against the run of play.

Messi was the architect, linking with debutant Andre Gomes and clipping the ball into Arda's path for him to slide an assured finish across Sergio Rico and into the bottom corner.

Bravo gave the Camp Nou faithful a dose of what they might soon be missing in the 32nd minute, plunging to his right to keep out an Iborra penalty that lacked conviction after Umtiti was penalised for handling Correa's shot.With the final attack of the half, Gabriel Mercado looped a diving header against the top of the crossbar to make Barca's lead seem even more fortuitous.

It was an advantage doubled 55 seconds after the restart as first-leg goalscorer Munir El Haddadi harried Rico into a poor clearance that ricocheted to Arda, with a deflection off Mercado sending the ball high into the net.

Revelling in his change of fortunes in Barcelona's famous colours, Arda almost claimed a hat-trick when chipped over from a Messi pass, before a period for Rico to forget continued.

Digne's cross looked to be sailing over Messi but the diminutive forward hung in the air to steer a header back across goal into the corner, where a flailing Rico soon nestled alongside the ball.

Barcelona were forced to play out a sedate final 11 minutes with 10 men as Mascherano limped off with all three substitutions used, giving Luis Enrique some cause for concern ahead of Real Betis' visit on Saturday, although his squad appears to be in smooth working order for their LaLiga defence.

 

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Mustafi's father claims 'two or more clubs' in for Valencia defender

Shkodran Mustafi's father and manager has revealed that "two or more" clubs are in for the Valencia defender and Goal understands that Liverpool have "absolutely no interest" in the German international.

The 24-year-old centre-back has been courted by Arsenal for several weeks and identified as the man to fill the defensive void left by injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista.

Goal reported that Mustafi agreed personal terms with the Gunners last week but Arsenal's failure to thrash out a deal with Valencia has seen other clubs show an interest in him.

Mustafi's father and manager, Kujtim, told Goal that "very soon you will know about the future of Mustafi" and claimed that "'two or more clubs are in negotiations" with the player, while there is also interest from other unnamed European sides.

Arsenal have been desperate to sign an experienced centre-back since losing Mertesacker and Gabriel to injury, with Laurent Koscielny expected to return for the trip to Leicester City on Saturday.

 

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Juventus back in for Cuadrado

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta says the Serie A champions have not given up hope of luring Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado back to Turin.

The Colombia international, 28, spent the 2015-16 on loan at Juve, but he returned to Stamford Bridge following the appointment of Antonio Conte as Chelsea boss.

Nevertheless, Juventus remain hopeful Chelsea will allow Cuadrado to leave before the end of the transfer window.

"A small opportunity has opened up again. We are keeping a close eye on the situation, with all due respect for Chelsea, who still own the player's rights," Marotta told Sky Sport."Cuadrado is a player we like a lot. He has already had a positive experience at Juventus last season."

Marotta also touched on the situation of Simone Zaza, who was expected to leave Juventus for Wolfsburg, and revealed that the Italy international's proposed move has seemingly collapsed for now.

"There have been some problems," Marotta added."For now Simone is a Juventus player. We will see whether he stays. It's all about what the players want."

 

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OFFICIAL: Wolfsburg sign Germany international Gomez

Wolfsburg have completed the signing of Germany international Mario Gomez from Fiorentina.The striker, who will cost a reported €7 million, made the move to Italy in 2013 but spent last season on loan at Besiktas.Gomez smashed 26 goals in 33 Super Lig games to pick up Turkey's Golden Boot award and also help the Istanbul club claim the league title in 2015-16.

"We looked at the possibility of signing Mario Gomez during the winter, so we are all the happier that it has now worked out," Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs told the club's official website.

"Mario is a striker of international class, who, aside from his playing qualities, also brings an immense amount of experience to our team. As an ambitious player, he fits in here perfectly."

Coach Dieter Hecking also had warm words for his new recruit: "Mario is the best German striker in my opinion. His success and goal-tally speaks for itself. In addition, he possesses leadership qualities and has a clear vision, which is congruent with our own.

"He suits our team and this club perfectly."Gomez, who has previously played for Stuttgart and Bayern Munich, will join up with his new team mates on Thursday and is excited about the prospect of starring for the Bundesliga club.

"I am really looking forward to this new challenge," he said. "The talks held with Klaus Allofs and Dieter Hecking were very good. I am delighted to be returning to the Bundesliga."I want to return to the international stage along with VfL and I firmly believe we will achieve that."

 

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OFFICIAL: Mahrez signs new Leicester City deal

Riyad Mahrez has ended speculation linking him with a move away from Leicester City by signing a new four-year deal.

The reigning PFA Player of the Year had been tipped to join Arsenal this summer, although interest had recently cooled, and he has now committed himself to the Foxes until 2020.And the club could not hide their delight at tying down their "magician" for four more seasons.

"Leicester City Football Club is delighted to announce that Riyad Mahrez has signed a new contract, committing his future to the Foxes until June, 2020," the club's statement reads.

"The reigning PFA Players’ Player of the Year signs new terms after playing a starring role in City’s unforgettable Premier League title triumph last season – the latest stage of a remarkable journey for the 25-year-old Algerian in Leicester City colours.

"Signed from Le Havre of the French second tier in January 2014, Riyad’s two-and-a-half-year spell with Leicester has seen him establish himself as an Algeria international, a Premier League champion and one of the most feared attacking players in Europe. He scored 17 goals and contributed 11 assists last season in the most remarkable title triumph in Premier League history."


"He joins the likes of Wes Morgan, Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel and Andy King in signing new deals with the Club this summer, bolstering Claudio Ranieri’s squad for the Club’s first ever Premier League title defence."

 

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Mane a doubt for Burnley trip due to muscle injury

Liverpool could be without the influence and acceleration of Sadio Mane for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Burnley as he nurses a muscle injury.

The £30 million signing, who dazzled on his competitive debut for the club - scoring a stunning solo effort in the 4-3 victory over Arsenal as well as completing the most take-ons, ball recoveries and tackles - underwent scans at Spire Hospital on Wednesday.

There was concern Mane had dislocated his shoulder after a collision during training at Melwood, but the results of an examination allayed such fears.
The Senegal international only has a muscle issue to contend with, sustained from the impact of the clash during the morning session.

The 24-year-old is thus a doubt for Liverpool’s second game of the season at Turf Moor and will be monitored closely by the club’s medical staff.It will be a relief for the Reds that the speedster’s setback is minor rather than major given how well he has settled in on Merseyside and how instrumental he is to the aggressive approach Jurgen Klopp wants to implement.

 

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Pogba aiming for Premier League glory with Man Utd

Paul Pogba insists he is not concerned by his world record price tag and is only focused on helping Manchester United return to their former glory.

Pogba, having left United for Juventus in 2012, returned to Old Trafford from the Italian champions for £93.8m in August, making him the most expensive footballer of all time.And the France midfielder has targeted helping United secure the Premier League title and a return to the Champions League in the process this season.

"I am just happy to play football. I don't even think about it [the transfer fee]. It has happened, it is behind me, I am just looking to win the league," Pogba was quoted as saying by Manchester Evening News."My ambition is always be the number one and be the best. So the objective is to win the league. We want to go back to the Champions League because that is where we belong."

After picking up two yellow cards late in Juventus' successful Coppa Italia campaign last season, Pogba missed out on United's 3-1 away victory over Bournemouth on Sunday through suspension.

But although he has not played a single minute of football since featuring in France's Euro 2016 final defeat to Portugal last month, Pogba says he is ready to make his second league debut for United against Southampton on Friday if called upon by manager Jose Mourinho."You have to ask the manager but I feel very good and have been training for 10 days. I am okay," he added.

"I am quite used to this. I played the World Cup two years ago when at Juve and three years ago I was at the Under-20s World Cup as well. So I am okay. It is about your body and I have been training on my holidays."

 

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Valencia open to Diego Alves departure amid Barcelona talk

Valencia sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch says the club will not stand in the way of goalkeeper Diego Alves joining Barcelona.

Alves has been linked to the Liga champions in recent days, with speculation mounting that Camp Nou number one Claudio Bravo is close to finalising a move to Manchester City.Pitarch claimed on Wednesday there is no chance Valencia will allow forward Paco Alcacer to move to Luis Enrique's title-holders.

But the same cannot be said of Alves, with the 31-year-old Brazil international having been assured of an improved contract the club can no longer afford.

"Diego Alves' situation is different. He was promised a pay rise in the past, but we cannot meet his demands," Pitarch said at a news conference."It would be great if he stayed, but we understand it if he were to leave."We have to reduce our wage bill and look at the financial situation."Alves joined Valencia from Almeria in July 2011 and has made 143 appearances for the club.

 

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Nani: Fergie 'like a father' to me

Former Manchester United forward Nani says that Alex Fergsuon was "like a father" to him during his time at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old, who captained Portugal to victory in the Euro 2016 final against France following an injury to Cristiano Ronaldo, ended his eight-year association with United in 2015 when he sealed a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, though he had spent the previous season on loan at former club Sporting Lisbon.

Following his exploits during his country's European Championship-winning campaign, Nani secured a move to Valencia - who kick-off their La Liga season against Las Palmas on Monday.

But speaking to The Guardian, the winger reflected with fond memories on his time playing in the Premier League, and revealed his respect for Ferguson.

"United gave me all that I have in this life," Nani said. "I see him [Ferguson] like a father, angry and shouting at you one minute but in the next, patting his hand on your head and saying: 'Come on, son'.

"It was hard to deal with at first, because you don't know him and his strong ways but when you know him, you learn it is for your benefit. If today I have a strong mentality, it’s a lot to do with him."Maybe I could have played more games but the routine at that club, especially under Ferguson, was to alternate the players.

"Everyone was part of the team. I played in big games and I played in not so big games. I played in finals. I had fantastic performances and I had not so great performances. This is football.

"What I have in my mind is just the great moments I had in Manchester; the fantastic goals that I scored against top teams. It's what my friends remember and it's what the fans remember when they write to me. They don't remember the bad things."

 

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Brazil to face Germany in Olympic final as hosts seek revenge for 7-1 humiliation

Brazil will face Germany in the final of the men's football tournament at the Rio Olympic Games on Saturday.

The Selecao will look to get revenge two years on from their embarrassing 7-1 defeat at the hands of Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final in Brazil.Brazil booked their spot in the showpiece at the Maracana in impressive fashion as they smashed Honduras 6-0 to maintain their hopes of claiming their first ever gold medal.

Neymar scored the fastest goal in Olympic football history as it took him just 14 seconds to find the net past Honduras to set Rogerio Micale's charges on their way to victory.

And Germany set up the rematch of the famous 2014 World Cup tie between themselves and Brazil as they beat 1996 gold medallists Nigeria 2-0 thanks to goals from Lukas Klostermann and Nils Peterson.Beaten semi-finalists Honduras and Nigeria will now lock horns for the bronze medal on the same day as the final.

 

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'We are ready to spend the money we have' - Wenger on Mustafi signing

Arsene Wenger has made it clear that Arsenal are poised and ready to continue spending money this summer.

The Gunners are in talks to sign Valencia and Germany centre-back Shkodran Mustafi amid a defensive injury crisis, but the French boss has remained coy on the deal's progress."I believe it's better if I don't talk about individual players, but we are ready to spend the money we have," Wenger told a press conference.

"It is very difficult to identify people and you have many examples of people in England who spend huge money on centre-backs and not made it."It's important to spend money the right way - it's not my money. The transfer policy we have had here has helped build the club.

"I know we haven't done as much as many people but we are out there. I have made 400 transfers in my life and I know everyone has a rhythm that you are not the only one to decide on it.

"It's better for me not to speak about any player. But I would like to reassure you that we are not afraid to spend the money we have and we are working very hard."Fans today are better informed, have stronger opinions. It's more difficult but you still have to be strong enough to do the things you feel are right.

"Before you pay over the odds you have to be convinced by the player. Can he strengthen your squad? Then you must have the money available to pay, because we already invested at a very high price. And we will do so again."We work very hard and I cannot tell you much more. What I fight against is to tell the only way is to buy."

Arsenal new boy Rob Holding started alongside Calum Chambers in the centre of defence in the 4-3 loss against Liverpool in the club's opening Premier League game of the season.

Injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel, who is out for eight weeks with an ankle problem, means Wenger is determined to sign a high-profile centre-back before the end of the transfer window.

 

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Chelsea set to sign Eduardo, claims Dinamo Zagreb boss

Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo, according to Dinamo Zagreb coach Zlatko Kranjcar.

Kranjcar revealed the 33-year-old, who had previously been linked with Sporting, was ready to join Antonio Conte's side after playing in the second leg of Zagreb's Champions League play-off tie against Red Bull Salzburg next Wednesday.Eduardo was in his country's squad for their victorious Euro 2016 campaign but did not play a match.

Kranjcar told reporters: "Eduardo has got the big honour to go to a big club such as Chelsea. "Yes, I think he is leaving for Stamford Bridge after the Salzburg game."

Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper is Thibaut Courtois, although back-up Asmir Begovic has been linked with an exit. The club are also reportedly interested in AC Milan shot stopper Diego Lopez.

 

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Donnarumma can be Buffon's heir for Italy - Ventura

New Italy boss Giampiero Ventura wants AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to become the heir to Gianluigi Buffon for the national side.

Azzurri captain Buffon, 38, is coming towards the end of his career, with 17-year-old Donnarumma tipped to be his eventual replacement having already broken into the first-team at San Siro.

Ventura visited Milan's squad and spoke to the players this week as he continues to tour Serie A clubs after replacing Antonio Conte at the helm of the team.As well as praising Milan boss Vincenzo Montella, Ventura urged Donnarumma not to relent as he strives to improve his game.

"Donnarumma is a very young player who enjoyed an excellent season last year," Ventura said to Milan TV."Time is on his side and he will have to keep working, always striving to improve.

"He could be the heir to Buffon, I wish this for him and I wish this for the Nazionale as well."

Discussing his visit to Milanello, Ventura added: "There are many Italians here, unlike elsewhere."There are also many players who can be useful to the national team and this was the right day to get to know them.

"We have to start again from the good things that we saw at the last Euros. We saw that good organisation can take us far."Vincenzo Montella is a very knowledgeable coach, who has his clear ideas and works to put them in practice."

 

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Mane injury 'not serious' as Sturridge returns to full training

Jurgen Klopp has calmed fears over Sadio Mane's fitness, insisting the new signing's shoulder injury is not serious.

The winger scored an impressive goal on his Reds debut in their 4-3 Premier League win over Arsenal last Sunday, but gave his new side a scare when going down with the problem in training this week.However, while he remains a doubt to face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, Klopp revealed the shoulder issue was only a minor concern.

"It was a challenge between two players up in the air and Sadio fell on his shoulder coming down - it is not that serious," the coach said."At this moment I have no idea if he will be available for the weekend but I don't think he will be out for a long time.

"It would have been better without this situation but things like this will always happen and you cannot avoid this."There was also positive news with key duo James Milner (ankle) and Daniel Sturridge (thigh) back in full training, while Lucas Leiva (hamstring) and Mamadou Sakho (calf) are also close on first-team comebacks.

"Milly and Daniel are in full training," added Klopp. "Lucas is in a good way - warming up with us and maybe on Thursday he will be in team training. Mama is not too far away from training."I haven't made a decision on the line up for Saturday yet. It's my job to watch who gives me what signs.

"We don't have a striker problem at the moment. The situation is that they show me their best and I will make a decision. Nobody gave me a sign that they don't want to be involved."

 

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Bacca: I won't leave Milan until we're back on top

Milan striker Carlos Bacca has vowed to stay at San Siro until the club have regained their place among Europe's elite.

The Colombia international has been heavily linked with a transfer in recent weeks and claimed last month there had been interest from clubs in England, Italy, Spain, Germany and France.

West Ham were one of the sides thought to be leading the race for his signature, though Bacca has stressed more than once that he wants to play in the Champions League.But the 29-year-old looks set to remain with Milan, despite Vincenzo Montella's side having failed to qualify for European competition last season.

"A lot has been said, clubs being interested in me or making offers for me," Bacca told Milan TV."The truth is that I had not taken any decision. I'm happy here with the group, working and trying to prepare myself for the first game in the best way I can.

"I'm very confident for the upcoming season, with a coach who likes to play with the ball and play with purpose. I like that, because this way I could get two or three chances a game."Europe? It's one of the reasons I came, because I thought I was going to a team that could play in the Champions League.

"But then I think about it with a cool head, and when I decided to leave Sevilla it was because I wanted to bring Milan back to the top and I won't leave until I've done that.

"I'm an ambitious player. I couldn't reach the Champions League in my first year, but I hope to experience it soon. I'm glad I stayed at Milan and I like playing in a team like this."

 

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Mahrez wants to continue Leicester 'adventure'

Riyad Mahrez has backed Leicester City to build on last season's title triumph after signing a new contract with the club.The Algeria international brought speculation over his future to an end by penning a new four-year deal with Claudio Ranieri's side this week.

Mahrez, named the PFA Player of the Year after Leicester's stunning Premier League win last season, has followed Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan and Andy King in committing his future to the King Power Stadium.

With Danny Drinkwater expected to follow suit and N'Golo Kante's move to Chelsea the only major departure, Mahrez believes Leicester have the strength to challenge for honours again this season.

"I'm happy to continue the adventure with Leicester City," he told the club's official TV channel. "It's been a pleasure to be here so I'm going to keep going."Last season, we achieved the best thing we could in England. We've had an amazing season and it was important to keep the players, and the same spirit.

"Our football is a lot of energy, so if we keep all the players, all the mentality, I think we can do some good things this year as well."I'm very happy to be here and the club are happy as well."

 

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Mourinho: Pogba is the best midfielder in the world

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes Paul Pogba is the world's best midfielder, but does not expect the France international to produce fireworks every week.Pogba, 23, became the most expensive footballer of all time when moving to United from Serie A champions Juventus for £93.8m earlier this month.

All eyes will be on Pogba, who left United to join Juventus in 2012 before returning this summer, when he makes his second Premier League debut for the Red Devils against Southampton on Friday.

However, while big things are expected from Pogba following his world record transfer, Mourinho insists he does not believe a huge amount of goals should be one of them."Can Paul score Ronaldo and Messi's goals?" Mourinho said. "Not even 25 per cent, I believe. I believe he cannot score 20 goals in a season.

"So if to be the best player in the world means to score a lot of goals, that's not the point. But he's one of the best midfield players, maybe I could say the best midfield player, in the world."I'm not worried with an 'impact' and I don't think he's worried with that. I see him very calm, I see him very comfortable in this role of a star player and feeling very well under that skin.

"I don't see him under pressure, I don't see him in training trying to do things to show that he's different, to show that he's better.

"I think his impact will be something very natural, a progressive impact of contribution to improve the team, because that's what he's here for - to win trophies.

"I'm not expecting, the first time he touches the ball, to dribble past five guys and score a wonder goal. I expect the first time he touches the ball to make a correct pass, a good selection of passing, a good choice, a good simple execution and a fluid game.

Mourinho added: "So, maybe it's not an impact, maybe just a natural improvement of the team, because he's a super football player."When you speak about the best players in the world, you go immediately to the ones that score a lot of goals.

"You don't give a golden ball [Ballon d'Or] to a goalkeeper. You gave it to [defender Fabio] Cannavaro once, because in that season he was the captain of Italy, the world champions.

"[Paolo] Maldini never got a gold ball. [Javier] Zanetti never got a gold ball. Top goalkeepers, over history, didn't get a gold ball. You look immediately to the ones that score a lot of goals."