Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football IV::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
Tottenham keen on Calhanoglu, claims agent
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is the subject of interest from Tottenham, the player's agent has claimed.
Turkey international Calhanoglu has developed a reputation as a set-piece specialist at Leverkusen, netting 21 goals across the past two seasons at the BayArena.
Spurs, who finished third in the Premier League in 2015-16, were said to be monitoring Marseille's Georges-Kevin N'Koudou, but any potential deal for the winger appears to have stalled.
And Calhanoglu's agent Bektas Demirtas has since revealed that Mauricio Pochettino has expressed a desire to bring the 22-year-old to White Hart Lane."It is true that Tottenham have registered their interest with me," Demirtas told Express.
Tottenham have four points from their opening two Premier League fixtures, after a 1-1 draw at Everton and 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, while Leverkusen's Bundesliga season begins against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is the subject of interest from Tottenham, the player's agent has claimed.
Turkey international Calhanoglu has developed a reputation as a set-piece specialist at Leverkusen, netting 21 goals across the past two seasons at the BayArena.
Spurs, who finished third in the Premier League in 2015-16, were said to be monitoring Marseille's Georges-Kevin N'Koudou, but any potential deal for the winger appears to have stalled.
And Calhanoglu's agent Bektas Demirtas has since revealed that Mauricio Pochettino has expressed a desire to bring the 22-year-old to White Hart Lane."It is true that Tottenham have registered their interest with me," Demirtas told Express.
Tottenham have four points from their opening two Premier League fixtures, after a 1-1 draw at Everton and 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, while Leverkusen's Bundesliga season begins against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
Pique: Guardiola is the perfect manager for Stones
Gerard Pique believes Pep Guardiola is the perfect mentor to develop John Stones into a world-class defender at Manchester City.
Stones moved to the Etihad Stadium from Everton for a fee in the region of £50 million earlier this month, becoming the most expensive British defender in the process.
The England international's ability to play out from the back is tailor-made for Guardiola's style of play, which Pique is fully aware of having played under the Catalan boss at Barcelona.And Pique, who believes Stones is England's best defender, believes the 22-year-old will flourish under Guardiola's stewardship.
"Stones is a great player, the best central defender England have. I like how he plays, it's a similar style to mine," Pique told Marca.
"Pep will help him to a lot to take a lot of risks with the ball. It's like poker - sometimes, you have to take risks."But being in defence, you have to control those risks. I think he'll do well."
This season sees two managerial heavyweights go head to head in the Premier League following the arrivals of Guardiola and Jose Mourinho at Manchester City and United respectively.
Pique, who left Old Trafford for Barca in 2008, says his allegiances still lie with his old employers, rather than his former manager."Between Pep and United, I go for the latter," he said. "I had some really good years there and I've always considered it as a second home.
"I'll always be more of a Red Devil, although I have to admit that I follow City fondly because there are people there I know, like Txiki [Begiristain, City director of football], who helped me come to Barcelona, and [Spain] team-mates like [Jesus] Navas and [David] Silva."
Gerard Pique believes Pep Guardiola is the perfect mentor to develop John Stones into a world-class defender at Manchester City.
Stones moved to the Etihad Stadium from Everton for a fee in the region of £50 million earlier this month, becoming the most expensive British defender in the process.
The England international's ability to play out from the back is tailor-made for Guardiola's style of play, which Pique is fully aware of having played under the Catalan boss at Barcelona.And Pique, who believes Stones is England's best defender, believes the 22-year-old will flourish under Guardiola's stewardship.
"Stones is a great player, the best central defender England have. I like how he plays, it's a similar style to mine," Pique told Marca.
"Pep will help him to a lot to take a lot of risks with the ball. It's like poker - sometimes, you have to take risks."But being in defence, you have to control those risks. I think he'll do well."
This season sees two managerial heavyweights go head to head in the Premier League following the arrivals of Guardiola and Jose Mourinho at Manchester City and United respectively.
Pique, who left Old Trafford for Barca in 2008, says his allegiances still lie with his old employers, rather than his former manager."Between Pep and United, I go for the latter," he said. "I had some really good years there and I've always considered it as a second home.
"I'll always be more of a Red Devil, although I have to admit that I follow City fondly because there are people there I know, like Txiki [Begiristain, City director of football], who helped me come to Barcelona, and [Spain] team-mates like [Jesus] Navas and [David] Silva."
Neuer: Schweinsteiger still one of world's bestManuel Neuer has expressed his sadness at Bastian Schweinsteiger's Manchester United situation, claiming he remains one of the best midfielders in the world.
The 32-year-old, who retired from Germany duty last month, is not in Jose Mourinho's plans at Old Trafford and has been training away from the United first team.
Schweinsteiger told fans on Twitter on Wednesday he will be ready when called upon and does not intend to leave for another European club, but Neuer, his former Bayern Munich team-mate, has expressed bemusement at the state of affairs.
"It's very bitter and sad," he told reporters. "We know how important Bastian was for all his teams, no matter if it was Bayern or the national team."For me he was one of the best midfielders in the world and still is. So it's sad that the football world can't see him right now."
As for his own club fortunes, Neuer has been impressed by Carlo Ancelotti's management style since he succeeded Pep Guardiola as Bayern coach."Basically he already gives us more freedom," he said. "He knows that we have world-class players in our ranks, he can trust us and it shows.
"He is very relaxed around us and knows, of course, that we have different characters and so deals differently with each of us."Bayern beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the DFL-Supercup to kick off their season.
Barcelona agree terms with Alcacer but deal not done
Barcelona have agreed terms with Paco Alcacer but still have hurdles to overcome in order to complete the signing of the Valencia striker.
Goal can confirm a report published in Mundo Deportivo stating that the Spanish champions have successfully concluded talks with the 22-year-old.
Valencia fear angering their fans by selling another key player, however, and want Alcacer to publicly request a transfer before they begin negotiating a deal.If that happens, Valencia owner Peter Lim is willing to entertain the idea of seeing the Spain international follow Andre Gomes to Camp Nou.
In private, Alcacer has told both friends and Valencia president Lay Hoon he wants to join Barca and has accepted the fact he is likely to start on the bench behind first-choice forwards Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi.
The transfer is likely to cost between €30 million and €35m, with a further €10m in add-ons, and Barcelona youngster Sergi Samper could move in the other direction.
No further progress is expected to be made until after Barcelona's match against Athletic on Sunday, with the Spanish transfer window closing at midnight next Wednesday.
Barcelona have agreed terms with Paco Alcacer but still have hurdles to overcome in order to complete the signing of the Valencia striker.
Goal can confirm a report published in Mundo Deportivo stating that the Spanish champions have successfully concluded talks with the 22-year-old.
Valencia fear angering their fans by selling another key player, however, and want Alcacer to publicly request a transfer before they begin negotiating a deal.If that happens, Valencia owner Peter Lim is willing to entertain the idea of seeing the Spain international follow Andre Gomes to Camp Nou.
In private, Alcacer has told both friends and Valencia president Lay Hoon he wants to join Barca and has accepted the fact he is likely to start on the bench behind first-choice forwards Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi.
The transfer is likely to cost between €30 million and €35m, with a further €10m in add-ons, and Barcelona youngster Sergi Samper could move in the other direction.
No further progress is expected to be made until after Barcelona's match against Athletic on Sunday, with the Spanish transfer window closing at midnight next Wednesday.
Manchester City 1-0 Steaua Bucharest (agg. 6-0): Citizens coast into group stage after possible Hart farewell
Manchester City completed the formality of qualification for the Champions League group stage with a 1-0 win over Steaua Bucharest as Joe Hart bid a probable farewell to his adoring Etihad Stadium public.
Hart was restored to the City starting XI for the first and most likely last time under Pep Guardiola, who has preferred Willy Caballero in goal during the opening weeks of the season and sanctioned a move for Claudio Bravo, with the Chile international expected to complete the formalities of his move from Barcelona before the end of this week.
City's 5-0 romp in the first leg killed both Steaua's ambition in Manchester and the game as a spectacle, with Fabian Delph's 56th-minute header one of the few notable pieces of on-field play.
It meant much of the focus could fall upon England keeper Hart, whose every contribution was warmly applauded by the home fans from the moment he emerged wearing the captain's armband.
A lull in already unremarkable proceedings following Delph's goal led to a sustained period of singing from the stands in support of the 29-year-old, who appeared visibly moved by the reception.
City's longest serving player, who made his first appearance at this ground in 2006, had enough poise to save well from Nicolae Stanciu and Alexandru Tudorie before waving and blowing kisses to the crowd amid poignant moments at full-time.
While Hart's inclusion stole the pre-match headlines, there was also a first appearance of the season for Yaya Toure in midfield, while 19-year-old Pablo Maffeo made his senior debut at right-back
The City keeper's first touch and a routine pass out to Aleksandar Kolarov drew significant applause from the home support, while an uneventful opening to the match was soundtracked by chants of "Don't sell Joe Hart".
Kelechi Iheanacho warmed Valentin Cojocaru's palms in the ninth minute after having a pass fizzed into his feet by Kolarov, while Toure whipped a free-kick past the near post shortly afterwards.Cojocaru made further routine saves from Nolito and Delph as the match ambled towards half-time.
Delph extended the Steaua keeper significantly for the first time 10 minutes into the second half as he surged on to a cute Iheanacho pass and the England midfielder broke the deadlock a minute later.Iheanacho was involved again, cutting a pass back for Jesus Navas to chip in a pinpoint cross that Delph gleefully headed home.
Guardiola then took the opportunity to send on City academy products Tosin Adarabioyo and Angelino for Champions League debuts, with John Stones and Nolito the men to make way.
Hart seemed genuinely touched by choruses of "Stand up if you love Joe Hart" and "Once a Blue, always a Blue" but any notion of a tearful goodbye was put on hold as he sharply kept out Stanciu's free-kick and Tudorie's close-range attempt from the resulting corner - the sum of a belated and brief Steaua rally.
Guardiola's immediate concern will be an apparent calf injury that curtailed Iheanacho's evening but, for Hart and the fans he has played in front of for the past decade, this felt more like a time to look back and appreciatively reflect.
Manchester City completed the formality of qualification for the Champions League group stage with a 1-0 win over Steaua Bucharest as Joe Hart bid a probable farewell to his adoring Etihad Stadium public.
Hart was restored to the City starting XI for the first and most likely last time under Pep Guardiola, who has preferred Willy Caballero in goal during the opening weeks of the season and sanctioned a move for Claudio Bravo, with the Chile international expected to complete the formalities of his move from Barcelona before the end of this week.
City's 5-0 romp in the first leg killed both Steaua's ambition in Manchester and the game as a spectacle, with Fabian Delph's 56th-minute header one of the few notable pieces of on-field play.
It meant much of the focus could fall upon England keeper Hart, whose every contribution was warmly applauded by the home fans from the moment he emerged wearing the captain's armband.
A lull in already unremarkable proceedings following Delph's goal led to a sustained period of singing from the stands in support of the 29-year-old, who appeared visibly moved by the reception.
City's longest serving player, who made his first appearance at this ground in 2006, had enough poise to save well from Nicolae Stanciu and Alexandru Tudorie before waving and blowing kisses to the crowd amid poignant moments at full-time.
While Hart's inclusion stole the pre-match headlines, there was also a first appearance of the season for Yaya Toure in midfield, while 19-year-old Pablo Maffeo made his senior debut at right-back
The City keeper's first touch and a routine pass out to Aleksandar Kolarov drew significant applause from the home support, while an uneventful opening to the match was soundtracked by chants of "Don't sell Joe Hart".
Kelechi Iheanacho warmed Valentin Cojocaru's palms in the ninth minute after having a pass fizzed into his feet by Kolarov, while Toure whipped a free-kick past the near post shortly afterwards.Cojocaru made further routine saves from Nolito and Delph as the match ambled towards half-time.
Delph extended the Steaua keeper significantly for the first time 10 minutes into the second half as he surged on to a cute Iheanacho pass and the England midfielder broke the deadlock a minute later.Iheanacho was involved again, cutting a pass back for Jesus Navas to chip in a pinpoint cross that Delph gleefully headed home.
Guardiola then took the opportunity to send on City academy products Tosin Adarabioyo and Angelino for Champions League debuts, with John Stones and Nolito the men to make way.
Hart seemed genuinely touched by choruses of "Stand up if you love Joe Hart" and "Once a Blue, always a Blue" but any notion of a tearful goodbye was put on hold as he sharply kept out Stanciu's free-kick and Tudorie's close-range attempt from the resulting corner - the sum of a belated and brief Steaua rally.
Guardiola's immediate concern will be an apparent calf injury that curtailed Iheanacho's evening but, for Hart and the fans he has played in front of for the past decade, this felt more like a time to look back and appreciatively reflect.
Hart says goodbye on awkward night for Guardiola
It is a good job Pep Guardiola has got thick skin. The infamously stubborn coach put pride to one side on Wednesday night by handing Joe Hart the Manchester City captain's armband, and it got a little awkward.
City got the job done, of course, and qualified for the Champions League group stage without issue. Guardiola has said this tie was the most important of the season and he will be delighted that the outcome was so clear cut.
But the night became surreal as City fans put on a display of raucous support for the long-standing - but now out-of-favour - No.1.With Claudio Bravo in Manchester - but not at the Etihad Stadium - ahead of his move from Barcelona, this may prove to be Hart's last game for the club.
Willy Caballero has started the Premier League season in goal and, despite Guardiola's insistence that Hart could remain in his plans, the England international will be shown the door if a willing buyer comes forward in the next seven days.It is an issue that has split City fans but the battle lines seemed firmly drawn in Hart's favour during this dead rubber.
Guardiola would surely have known that the City fans would take the opportunity to show their loyalty and indeed they cheered Hart's every touch effusively while belting out a series of "Don't sell Joe Hart" chants.That has always been a divisive song among City fans because many would point out that the idea of selling him was fantasy.
But that is the outcome Guardiola and City now want and it became uncomfortable around the 65th minute when "Stand up if you love Joe Hart" rang around the Etihad, followed by chants of "City's No.1" and a loud reaction when he saved a tame shot.
The noise when he raced out of his goal to make a clearance a few moments later was on par with the celebration of Fabian Delph's opening goal. The cameras, not for the first time, panned to Pep.Guardiola, of course, will care very little. He has made his choice, it is one he believes to be correct and he will stand by it.
It is understood that he also wants rid of Yaya Toure, but the midfielder was also given the full 90 minutes here. If he cannot be sold this summer he may have to hold on for a move to China in the winter, but playing opportunities - with Ilkay Gundogan set to come back into the team - would appear scarce. Thankfully for Pep, Toure did not provoke the same kind of reaction from the home crowd.
Guardiola has said on numerous occasions that Hart has the ability to improve, but he has also rammed home the point that he is not yet up to scratch. Had the first leg ended 2-0 rather than 5-0, it is debatable whether he would have featured here at all.
The coach, though, does deserve credit for giving a genuine fan favourite the chance to say goodbye. Of his few former players that do not praise his methods - and the vast majority do - the common complaint is that if you do not fit into his plans, you get ignored.Despite having a good idea of how the crowd would react with Hart in the line-up, he decided to do it anyway.
After all, he probably knows that this - for him if not for Hart - should become just a footnote in the season. With Bravo set to arrive and further ease the squad's transition into the Guardiola way, and Champions League football achieved comfortably, City can look forward to the type of football - and they will hope success - that the Catalan is supposed to deliver.
For Hart, of course, this will be a night to remember, an emotional goodbye to the fans who will never forget the role he has played in City's modern history.
But after tonight, it's all about the future.
It is a good job Pep Guardiola has got thick skin. The infamously stubborn coach put pride to one side on Wednesday night by handing Joe Hart the Manchester City captain's armband, and it got a little awkward.
City got the job done, of course, and qualified for the Champions League group stage without issue. Guardiola has said this tie was the most important of the season and he will be delighted that the outcome was so clear cut.
But the night became surreal as City fans put on a display of raucous support for the long-standing - but now out-of-favour - No.1.With Claudio Bravo in Manchester - but not at the Etihad Stadium - ahead of his move from Barcelona, this may prove to be Hart's last game for the club.
Willy Caballero has started the Premier League season in goal and, despite Guardiola's insistence that Hart could remain in his plans, the England international will be shown the door if a willing buyer comes forward in the next seven days.It is an issue that has split City fans but the battle lines seemed firmly drawn in Hart's favour during this dead rubber.
Guardiola would surely have known that the City fans would take the opportunity to show their loyalty and indeed they cheered Hart's every touch effusively while belting out a series of "Don't sell Joe Hart" chants.That has always been a divisive song among City fans because many would point out that the idea of selling him was fantasy.
But that is the outcome Guardiola and City now want and it became uncomfortable around the 65th minute when "Stand up if you love Joe Hart" rang around the Etihad, followed by chants of "City's No.1" and a loud reaction when he saved a tame shot.
The noise when he raced out of his goal to make a clearance a few moments later was on par with the celebration of Fabian Delph's opening goal. The cameras, not for the first time, panned to Pep.Guardiola, of course, will care very little. He has made his choice, it is one he believes to be correct and he will stand by it.
It is understood that he also wants rid of Yaya Toure, but the midfielder was also given the full 90 minutes here. If he cannot be sold this summer he may have to hold on for a move to China in the winter, but playing opportunities - with Ilkay Gundogan set to come back into the team - would appear scarce. Thankfully for Pep, Toure did not provoke the same kind of reaction from the home crowd.
Guardiola has said on numerous occasions that Hart has the ability to improve, but he has also rammed home the point that he is not yet up to scratch. Had the first leg ended 2-0 rather than 5-0, it is debatable whether he would have featured here at all.
The coach, though, does deserve credit for giving a genuine fan favourite the chance to say goodbye. Of his few former players that do not praise his methods - and the vast majority do - the common complaint is that if you do not fit into his plans, you get ignored.Despite having a good idea of how the crowd would react with Hart in the line-up, he decided to do it anyway.
After all, he probably knows that this - for him if not for Hart - should become just a footnote in the season. With Bravo set to arrive and further ease the squad's transition into the Guardiola way, and Champions League football achieved comfortably, City can look forward to the type of football - and they will hope success - that the Catalan is supposed to deliver.
For Hart, of course, this will be a night to remember, an emotional goodbye to the fans who will never forget the role he has played in City's modern history.
But after tonight, it's all about the future.
Hart: Pep and I dealing with it like men
Joe Hart believes he and Pep Guardiola can reach a solution to his situation at Manchester City after he featured in Wednesday's win over Steaua Bucharest.
The England No.1 started for the Premier League side for the first time this season in the 1-0 victory, having been stuck on the bench for City's three previous competitive fixtures.Wednesday's appearance is expected to be one of few for Hart, however, with Guardiola admitting that Claudio Bravo is expected to sign from Barcelona.
Still, Hart is confident he and the Catalan coach can reach a solution to the problem surrounding his future, insisting they will do so in a mature manner.
"We have a top manager that the club has wanted for a long long time and he will have his opinion on things and outside of the charade and all the rubbish that is being talked, we are dealing with it like men inside and we will come up with a solution," Hart told reporters after the game.
"I played for Man City and I enjoyed it and I have done everytime I have played for Man City."The criticism of the goalkeeper has been that he is not as good with his feet as Guardiola likes in a goalkeeper, but his 100 percent passing accuracy on Wednesday will have done little to persuade the coach of his ability.
When asked about his success rate, Hart replied: "Well pigs do fly don’t they?"
The 29-year-old was given a standing ovation from City fans after the final whistle as he applauded them when walking off the field."That was a really special night for me," he said, reflecting on what may have been his final game at City. "I have had a lot of good nights in football, but it was a really nice night.
"We all know there is a situation going on but I feel that inside, outside of all the circus, we are handling it well as a good team with a good management staff, and I enjoyed tonight. I am really happy that Fabian Delph has scored and put us in the Champions League. It was a special night for us and for me.
"This is a special place for me, I don’t think there has been any secret made of that. It is a place I love to be but situations occur in football but we are men, we get on with it."I really appreciate the people of Man City and it turns out they appreciate me."
Joe Hart believes he and Pep Guardiola can reach a solution to his situation at Manchester City after he featured in Wednesday's win over Steaua Bucharest.
The England No.1 started for the Premier League side for the first time this season in the 1-0 victory, having been stuck on the bench for City's three previous competitive fixtures.Wednesday's appearance is expected to be one of few for Hart, however, with Guardiola admitting that Claudio Bravo is expected to sign from Barcelona.
Still, Hart is confident he and the Catalan coach can reach a solution to the problem surrounding his future, insisting they will do so in a mature manner.
"We have a top manager that the club has wanted for a long long time and he will have his opinion on things and outside of the charade and all the rubbish that is being talked, we are dealing with it like men inside and we will come up with a solution," Hart told reporters after the game.
"I played for Man City and I enjoyed it and I have done everytime I have played for Man City."The criticism of the goalkeeper has been that he is not as good with his feet as Guardiola likes in a goalkeeper, but his 100 percent passing accuracy on Wednesday will have done little to persuade the coach of his ability.
When asked about his success rate, Hart replied: "Well pigs do fly don’t they?"
The 29-year-old was given a standing ovation from City fans after the final whistle as he applauded them when walking off the field."That was a really special night for me," he said, reflecting on what may have been his final game at City. "I have had a lot of good nights in football, but it was a really nice night.
"We all know there is a situation going on but I feel that inside, outside of all the circus, we are handling it well as a good team with a good management staff, and I enjoyed tonight. I am really happy that Fabian Delph has scored and put us in the Champions League. It was a special night for us and for me.
"This is a special place for me, I don’t think there has been any secret made of that. It is a place I love to be but situations occur in football but we are men, we get on with it."I really appreciate the people of Man City and it turns out they appreciate me."
Guardiola: I can't keep everyone happy
Pep Guardiola defended his decision to replace Joe Hart as Manchester City's No.1 goalkeeper after seeing off Steaua Bucharest to reach the Champions League group stage.
Hart was named in the starting XI for the first time this season in the 1-0 victory over the Romanian side, which wrapped up a 6-0 aggregate win.
With Guardiola confirming Claudio Bravo is set to sign from Barcelona, Hart was given a rousing reception by the City supporters in what may prove to be his last game for the club."Joe is still a player for us," the coach told BT Sport. "I know he is a legend for this club - one of the reasons the club is what it is.
"I know he helped make this team one step above so I am so happy the players treat him like this and love him. He solved their few chances they had without a problem.
"I am here to take decisions. I make a lot of mistakes. Some good and some bad, but I try to be honest. I can't deny what I feel. I was honest with Joe and all the players in the squad.
"Joe right now is a player for Man City and if he has to play, he will play. I am so happy that today he played at the level he has.When asked about Hart's popularity with the fans, Guardiola replied: "I don't know. They can express what they feel.
"I would like all my decisions to make everyone happy but it is impossible. You have to take a decision to impact on the life of the players. We have 28 players.Seventeen cannot play."From the beginning I arrived here with a lot of information and I analyse. I have to take a decision and I cannot deny what I feel.
"If the fans are not happy I can understand. He has done more than I might do at this club. These guys like [David] Silva, Yaya [Toure] make this club how it is. It's not a club with European history.
"I am here and I must take a decision. The people, some will agree and some will not. I'm not always right but I have to take the decision. That's why City asked me to be the new manager."
Pep Guardiola defended his decision to replace Joe Hart as Manchester City's No.1 goalkeeper after seeing off Steaua Bucharest to reach the Champions League group stage.
Hart was named in the starting XI for the first time this season in the 1-0 victory over the Romanian side, which wrapped up a 6-0 aggregate win.
With Guardiola confirming Claudio Bravo is set to sign from Barcelona, Hart was given a rousing reception by the City supporters in what may prove to be his last game for the club."Joe is still a player for us," the coach told BT Sport. "I know he is a legend for this club - one of the reasons the club is what it is.
"I know he helped make this team one step above so I am so happy the players treat him like this and love him. He solved their few chances they had without a problem.
"I am here to take decisions. I make a lot of mistakes. Some good and some bad, but I try to be honest. I can't deny what I feel. I was honest with Joe and all the players in the squad.
"Joe right now is a player for Man City and if he has to play, he will play. I am so happy that today he played at the level he has.When asked about Hart's popularity with the fans, Guardiola replied: "I don't know. They can express what they feel.
"I would like all my decisions to make everyone happy but it is impossible. You have to take a decision to impact on the life of the players. We have 28 players.Seventeen cannot play."From the beginning I arrived here with a lot of information and I analyse. I have to take a decision and I cannot deny what I feel.
"If the fans are not happy I can understand. He has done more than I might do at this club. These guys like [David] Silva, Yaya [Toure] make this club how it is. It's not a club with European history.
"I am here and I must take a decision. The people, some will agree and some will not. I'm not always right but I have to take the decision. That's why City asked me to be the new manager."
Cillessen set to fly out to Barca to complete move
Jasper Cillessen expects to fly to Barcelona imminently to complete his move to the Spanish champions, the Dutch goalkeeper confirmed after Rostov sensationally knocked Ajax out of the Champions League via the play-offs.
Speaking in the aftermath of a humbling 4-1 loss to Russia's Champions League debutants, which meant a 5-2 aggregate defeat, the 27-year-old confirmed he is in line to take Claudio Bravo's place in Luis Enrique's squad.
Bravo travelled on Tuesday to finalise a move to Manchester City but Cillessen insists the pieces of this transfer puzzle falling into place did not affect his performance on a chastening night for the four-time European Champions."I will take the plane to Barcelona tonight or tomorrow," he told Dutch broadcaster Veronica. "There we will look for the latest details."An agreement would be nice. But this is an awful exit for me.
"I wanted to play today. The transfer saga played no role in my sharpness."Ajax laboured past PAOK in the previous round and, having shared a 1-1 draw with Rostov in Amsterdam last week, they were blown away by the surprise package from last season's Russian Premier League.
Sardar Azmoun nodded in Aleksandr Erokhin's 34th-minute cross to break the deadlock and it was a case of provider-turned-goalscorer seven minutes after half-time when Erokhin got the better of Ajax aerially.
Christian Noboa and Dmitry Poloz rounded off a blistering spell of three goals in 14 minutes, meaning Davy Klaassen's late penalty after Fedor Kudryashov was dismissed for bringing down substitute Kasper Dolberg came as scant consolation to Ajax and their boss Peter Bosz.
"We were well prepared before this game and were looking forward to it," Cillessen added. "But when you start like this, it will automatically cause problems."
Jasper Cillessen expects to fly to Barcelona imminently to complete his move to the Spanish champions, the Dutch goalkeeper confirmed after Rostov sensationally knocked Ajax out of the Champions League via the play-offs.
Speaking in the aftermath of a humbling 4-1 loss to Russia's Champions League debutants, which meant a 5-2 aggregate defeat, the 27-year-old confirmed he is in line to take Claudio Bravo's place in Luis Enrique's squad.
Bravo travelled on Tuesday to finalise a move to Manchester City but Cillessen insists the pieces of this transfer puzzle falling into place did not affect his performance on a chastening night for the four-time European Champions."I will take the plane to Barcelona tonight or tomorrow," he told Dutch broadcaster Veronica. "There we will look for the latest details."An agreement would be nice. But this is an awful exit for me.
"I wanted to play today. The transfer saga played no role in my sharpness."Ajax laboured past PAOK in the previous round and, having shared a 1-1 draw with Rostov in Amsterdam last week, they were blown away by the surprise package from last season's Russian Premier League.
Sardar Azmoun nodded in Aleksandr Erokhin's 34th-minute cross to break the deadlock and it was a case of provider-turned-goalscorer seven minutes after half-time when Erokhin got the better of Ajax aerially.
Christian Noboa and Dmitry Poloz rounded off a blistering spell of three goals in 14 minutes, meaning Davy Klaassen's late penalty after Fedor Kudryashov was dismissed for bringing down substitute Kasper Dolberg came as scant consolation to Ajax and their boss Peter Bosz.
"We were well prepared before this game and were looking forward to it," Cillessen added. "But when you start like this, it will automatically cause problems."
Watch Brondby vs Panathinaikos match tonight 
Other than that not many interesting matches for me.
Maybe
Rosenborg vs Austria Wein
Maribor vs Qabala
Olympiakos vs Arouca
Other than that not many interesting matches for me.
Maybe
Rosenborg vs Austria Wein
Maribor vs Qabala
Olympiakos vs Arouca
Europa League draw 1ka adane
Schalke close in on Bentaleb and Stambouli
Schalke are set to announce the double signing of Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Stambouli after agreeing deals with Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
The midfield duo have both undergone medicals at the Bundesliga club and director of sport Christian Heidel expects both to be confirmed as Schalke players very soon.
"We have an agreement in place with Tottenham, we expect him [Bentaleb] to participate in training this afternoon," Heidel told a media conference."We are just waiting to sort the final paperwork to confirm the deal. Bentaleb is 100 per cent fit, but we need to be patient and give him a little time to integrate into the team.
"Stambouli has just had his medical. We will wait for the results and we are positive that everything will be in order."Our new recruits know each other from their time together at Tottenham. They will be good additions to the team."
Bentaleb, 21, emerged through Spurs' youth system to make his professional debut in 2013, and has turned out a further 65 times in all competitions for the club.Stambouli joined Tottenham in 2014 from Montpellier but only spent one season at White Hart Lane before returning to Ligue 1 with PSG.
Schalke are set to announce the double signing of Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Stambouli after agreeing deals with Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
The midfield duo have both undergone medicals at the Bundesliga club and director of sport Christian Heidel expects both to be confirmed as Schalke players very soon.
"We have an agreement in place with Tottenham, we expect him [Bentaleb] to participate in training this afternoon," Heidel told a media conference."We are just waiting to sort the final paperwork to confirm the deal. Bentaleb is 100 per cent fit, but we need to be patient and give him a little time to integrate into the team.
"Stambouli has just had his medical. We will wait for the results and we are positive that everything will be in order."Our new recruits know each other from their time together at Tottenham. They will be good additions to the team."
Bentaleb, 21, emerged through Spurs' youth system to make his professional debut in 2013, and has turned out a further 65 times in all competitions for the club.Stambouli joined Tottenham in 2014 from Montpellier but only spent one season at White Hart Lane before returning to Ligue 1 with PSG.
OFFICIAL: Bentaleb joins Schalke on loan
Schalke have confirmed midfielder Nabil Bentaleb has completed a loan move from Tottenham until the end of the 2016-17 campaign.Bentaleb underwent a medical with the Bundesliga club last week and will look to resurrect his stuttering career at the Veltins Arena.
After breaking into the Tottenham first team in 2013, Bentaleb has slipped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane after ankle and knee problems, making just five Premier League appearances last season.
Earlier on Thursday, Schalke director of sport Christian Heidel spoke positively about the 21-year-old's arrival but asked for patience as he settles into life in Germany.
"We expect him [Bentaleb] to participate in training this afternoon," Heidel told a media conference."Bentaleb is 100 per cent fit, but we need to be patient and give him a little time to integrate into the team."
Schalke also hope to complete a deal for Bentaleb's former Tottenham team-mate Benjamin Stambouli – now of Paris Saint-Germain - in the coming days after he also had a medical with the club.
Schalke have confirmed midfielder Nabil Bentaleb has completed a loan move from Tottenham until the end of the 2016-17 campaign.Bentaleb underwent a medical with the Bundesliga club last week and will look to resurrect his stuttering career at the Veltins Arena.
After breaking into the Tottenham first team in 2013, Bentaleb has slipped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane after ankle and knee problems, making just five Premier League appearances last season.
Earlier on Thursday, Schalke director of sport Christian Heidel spoke positively about the 21-year-old's arrival but asked for patience as he settles into life in Germany.
"We expect him [Bentaleb] to participate in training this afternoon," Heidel told a media conference."Bentaleb is 100 per cent fit, but we need to be patient and give him a little time to integrate into the team."
Schalke also hope to complete a deal for Bentaleb's former Tottenham team-mate Benjamin Stambouli – now of Paris Saint-Germain - in the coming days after he also had a medical with the club.
OFFICIAL: Barcelona complete Cillessen signing
Barcelona have announced the signing of Jasper Cillessen from Ajax on a five-year contract.
The goalkeeper arrivs at Camp Nou for a fee of €13 million, with a further €2m for performance-related add-ons, and will replace Claudio Bravo, who is set to be announced as Manchester City's last signing.Cillessen's buyout clause has been set at €60 million and will be presented to the Barcelona fans on Friday.
"Dreams come true," he said on Twitter, complete with a picture of him in a Barcelona shirt in front of the club's badge ahead of the confirmation.The 27-year-old started his career at NEC before moving to Ajax in 2011, and he would turn out on more than 100 occasions for the Amsterdam outfit. Moreover, he was named his club's side Player of the Season in each of the last two campaigns.
Since debuting in 2013, he has played regularly for the Netherlands international side, tallying 30 caps since debuting against Indonesia, and was their No.1 as they claimed third place at the 2014 World Cup.
Barcelona have announced the signing of Jasper Cillessen from Ajax on a five-year contract.
The goalkeeper arrivs at Camp Nou for a fee of €13 million, with a further €2m for performance-related add-ons, and will replace Claudio Bravo, who is set to be announced as Manchester City's last signing.Cillessen's buyout clause has been set at €60 million and will be presented to the Barcelona fans on Friday.
"Dreams come true," he said on Twitter, complete with a picture of him in a Barcelona shirt in front of the club's badge ahead of the confirmation.The 27-year-old started his career at NEC before moving to Ajax in 2011, and he would turn out on more than 100 occasions for the Amsterdam outfit. Moreover, he was named his club's side Player of the Season in each of the last two campaigns.
Since debuting in 2013, he has played regularly for the Netherlands international side, tallying 30 caps since debuting against Indonesia, and was their No.1 as they claimed third place at the 2014 World Cup.
OFFICIAL: Sunderland sign Manquillo on loan
Sunderland have signed Javier Manquillo on a season-long loan deal from Atletico Madrid.
The 22-year-old becomes David Moyes' latest defensive acquisition at the Stadium of Light, with Papy Djilobodji, Paddy McNair and Donald Love all arriving in recent weeks.
Moyes has also brought in midfield duo Steven Pienaar and Adnan Januzaj this summer as he looks to make an impression in his first season in charge of Sunderland.
Manquillo arrives on a temporary deal for the 2016-17 campaign, with the Premier League outfit holding an option to make the move permanent on a four-year contract.
It will be Manquillo's second spell in England after spending the 2014-15 campaign on loan at Liverpool, making 19 appearances in all competitions.
He spent last season on loan with Marseille in Ligue 1, with the club finishing 13th in the table.
Sunderland are still looking for their first league win under new boss Moyes after losing their opening two games against Manchester City and Middlesbrough 2-1.
Sunderland have signed Javier Manquillo on a season-long loan deal from Atletico Madrid.
The 22-year-old becomes David Moyes' latest defensive acquisition at the Stadium of Light, with Papy Djilobodji, Paddy McNair and Donald Love all arriving in recent weeks.
Moyes has also brought in midfield duo Steven Pienaar and Adnan Januzaj this summer as he looks to make an impression in his first season in charge of Sunderland.
Manquillo arrives on a temporary deal for the 2016-17 campaign, with the Premier League outfit holding an option to make the move permanent on a four-year contract.
It will be Manquillo's second spell in England after spending the 2014-15 campaign on loan at Liverpool, making 19 appearances in all competitions.
He spent last season on loan with Marseille in Ligue 1, with the club finishing 13th in the table.
Sunderland are still looking for their first league win under new boss Moyes after losing their opening two games against Manchester City and Middlesbrough 2-1.
Munir rejects Tottenham in favour of Celta Vigo move
Barcelona forward Munir has turned down Tottenham in favour of sealing a move to Celta Vigo, Goal understands.The 21-year-old is set to leave Camp Nou in pursuit of regular first-team football as Luis Enrique's men close in on the signing of Valencia marksman Paco Alcacer.
Munir is resigned to the fact that he must leave Barcelona in order to develop and the highly rated Spaniard had been strongly linked with a switch to Premier League side Tottenham.
However, Goal can report that Munir has decided against joining Spurs and has chosen Celta as he feels they can get the best out of his style of play.Celta have nurtured many former and current Barca players in recent years such as Andreu Fontas and Rafinha Alcantara.
Talks are now underway between Barcelona and Celta as the two clubs look to come to an agreement before the Spanish transfer window closes.Goal also understands that Valencia were never interested in signing Munir as part of any deal taking Alcacer to Barcelona.
Barcelona forward Munir has turned down Tottenham in favour of sealing a move to Celta Vigo, Goal understands.The 21-year-old is set to leave Camp Nou in pursuit of regular first-team football as Luis Enrique's men close in on the signing of Valencia marksman Paco Alcacer.
Munir is resigned to the fact that he must leave Barcelona in order to develop and the highly rated Spaniard had been strongly linked with a switch to Premier League side Tottenham.
However, Goal can report that Munir has decided against joining Spurs and has chosen Celta as he feels they can get the best out of his style of play.Celta have nurtured many former and current Barca players in recent years such as Andreu Fontas and Rafinha Alcantara.
Talks are now underway between Barcelona and Celta as the two clubs look to come to an agreement before the Spanish transfer window closes.Goal also understands that Valencia were never interested in signing Munir as part of any deal taking Alcacer to Barcelona.
