..::Football IV::..

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Messi subbed off with injury against Atletico

Lionel Messi has been substituted with an injury during Barcelona's clash with Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

The Argentina captain went down just before the hour-mark after tangling with Diego Godin, although he attempted to continue.

As he clutched his left groin muscle, however, coach Luis Enrique had no alternative but to replace his influential No. 10 at Camp Nou.

Arda Turan was the man chosen to come into the action, as Messi was removed in a precautionary measure by the Barca boss.

With Liga action at the weekend away to Sporting and next week's Champions League away to Borussia Monchengladbach, Barcelona will be hoping that their star has not sustained any damage to the muscle and makes a speedy recovery. To make matters worse, Sergio Busquets was also taken off injured in the physical clash, just minutes before Messi's withdrawal.

 

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Manchester United to face Manchester City in EFL Cup fourth round

Manchester United have been drawn to take on Manchester City at Old Trafford in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on October 24.

It will be the second meeting between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola in as many months, with the latter edging the first clash when City beat United 2-1 at Old Trafford in September.

Both Manchester sides won on the road on Wednesday, City seeing off Swansea 2-1 at Liberty Stadium while Marcus Rashford inspired a 3-1 Red Devils' win at Northampton Town.The City-United showdown is one of four all-Premier League ties that include a London derby between West Ham and Chelsea at London Stadium.

Antonio Conte's men enjoyed a spectacular 4-2 win at Leicester City in the third round, while in contrast, the Hammers limped past League Two Accrington Stanley courtesy of a stoppage-time free-kick from Dimitri Payet.

Elsewhere, Tottenham will visit eight-time winners Liverpool – both the Reds and Spurs ran rampant in their EFL Cup openers against Derby and Gillingham this week.

Mauricio Pochettino's men looking particularly impressive in a 5-0 result at White Hart Lane.Arsenal take on Reading at the Emirates Stadium, four years on from their quarter-final thriller in which the Gunners came back from 4-0 down to win 7-5.

Southampton will take on Sunderland afterClaude Puel's side followed up their first league victory of the season last weekend by beating Crystal Palace 2-0.Meanwhile, two goals from defender Paddy McNair helped Sunderland fight back to beat Queens Park Rangers 2-1.

 

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& Its Mourinho Vs Pep again

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Zidane frustrated with Real Madrid's poor start

Zinedine Zidane has voiced his frustration with Real Madrid's timid start in their 1-1 La Liga draw with Villarreal on Wednesday.

Madrid fell a goal behind before the break when Bruno Soriano converted a penalty to open the scoring at Santiago Bernabeu, before Sergio Ramos eventually restored parity after the interval as the hosts stepped up their game.

Los Blancos failed to net the winner, though, as their winning streak in the league ended at 16 successive matches.And Zidane has stressed they must improve the way they start games.

"We managed to change things around after the break, but the first half was not good enough. That is not the first time this has happened. We will try to work on this," the Frenchman said at a news conference.

"We will now focus on our next game. We have to change some things, especially the way we start. We like to put the pressure on our opponents right from the start, but we were unable to do that. But we cannot always play well and be at our best from the start. Things like this happen.

"It always costs energy when you have to chase the game. You make life difficult for the opponent if you go a goal up. We have to be more focused from the start. We lacked intensity in the first half.

"But the second half was phenomenal. The second half was spectacular. Mistakes can happen in football. You cannot always secure the win in the final minutes. But I am happy with the team. We got a point in the end and I am happy with our second half."

Madrid, who have 13 points from five games played in the league, are away to Las Palmas on Saturday.

 

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Mourinho praises Man Utd after coming through 'difficult' Northampton tie

Jose Mourinho admitted Manchester United made life hard for themselves against Northampton Town in the EFL Cup - but praised his players for their second-half display in the 3-1 victory at Sixfields.

The four-time winners of the competition went ahead in the third-round tie when Michael Carrick scored his first goal for the club in 556 days, only for the hosts to equalise through Alex Revell's penalty.

However, United took the lead for a second time when Ander Herrera's low drive found the net in the 68th minute.Substitute Marcus Rashford capitalised on an air shot from goalkeeper Adam Smith to put the game beyond Northampton, clinching United a place in the last 16, where they will entertain neighbours Manchester City.

"Teams from lower divisions, when they reach this level of the competition and they get the big boys, it's a great occasion. They raise the level of their game," Mourinho told MUTV after ending a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.

"It was difficult because we arrived at half-time level at 1-1. At half-time, if we were winning two or 3-0 like we should and could have been, the game would be over.

"The reality was, though, that at the end of the first half the game was still open at 1-1."We coped well mentally with that risky situation. In the second half, we didn't stop until we scored."

The draw for the fourth round gives Mourinho's squad the chance to avenge the 2-1 Premier League loss they suffered against rivals City at Old Trafford earlier this month. "I think it's good for us. We can show again what we want to do," Ander Herrera - who scored his first goal of the season against Northampton - told MUTV.

"We were very disappointed, because it was in front of our fans against city opponents. Now we have another chance to play against them – I'm sure it will be different."

 

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Up next Leicester City on Saturdaylesi wenne naha.Hodata perform karanna wenawa & Carrick ta digatama chance 1ka denna thiyenne

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Iniesta sets new La Liga assist record against Atletico Madrid

Andres Iniesta's assist for Ivan Rakitic's goal in Barcelona's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid means he is the only player to have made at least one assist in each of the last 14 La Liga seasons.The Catalans' provider-in-chief took his all-time assist tally to 83 on Wednesday when he crossed for Rakitic to open the scoring before half time.

His consistent displays laying on the goals for Barcelona's forwards are just one indication of his value to the club which he has helped win eight La Liga titles as well as four Champions League crowns.

 

[ltty head]

subscribed!

 

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Carrick: Mourinho knows exactly what I can do for Man Utd

Manchester United veteran Michael Carrick has no plans to change his style after impressing against Northampton Town, saying Jose Mourinho will recognise his attributes.Carrick opened the scoring with a stunning effort from the edge of the area in the 3-1 victory in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old was making just his second appearance of the season and said Mourinho already knew what he was capable of."I think he knows what I can do and I am not going to change my game now," Carrick told Sky Sports.

"He knows exactly what I can do, my strengths, just like every other player here. You play some games and you miss some games."United have been under pressure after suffering three consecutive losses, including in the Manchester derby against City.

And Carrick called for calm, particularly over team selection, saying: "I think everyone has got to calm down a little bit in terms of how they react to all the changes in the team and who is not playing.

"We are a squad, we are a team, we lose together and we win together. We played tonight and had a good result."United's next outing is a Premier League clash against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.

 

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Balotelli can return to the top – Favre backs Nice star for greatness

Nice coach Lucien Favre believes Mario Balotelli is on track to return to the top level after another brace in Ligue 1.The Italian forward struck twice as Nice crushed Monaco 4-0 to move top of the table on Wednesday.

After a poor spell at Liverpool, and on loan at AC Milan, Balotelli has now netted four times in two league games for Nice.And, after the 26-year-old claimed he can still lift the Ballon d'Or, Favre feels his star is slowly demonstrating the level he can play at again.

"The goal for 2-0 is very important. Psychologically, it really gives confidence. We know we have the margin," he told reporters.

"With Mario, we know there is still a lot of work in the movement to play with the team."His goal for 2-0, the angle was hard, the goalkeeper is good. He must continue like this.

"He becomes aware that he will return to the top level if he is professional. After difficult years for him, the recovery will be the key to return to the top."Gradually, we will try to help him become stronger. Four goals in the first two Ligue 1 matches? No, I wasn't expecting that."

Balotelli struck on the half-hour mark when he took a pass from Younes Belhanda before finishing across the goalkeeper and off the post.His second was a simple finish after being played through by Ricardo Pereira.

 

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Nani: Rooney's best days could be ahead of him

Nani has offered strong backing to his former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney and believes the England captain's best days at Old Trafford may still be ahead of him.

Rooney is three goals shy of Bobby Charlton's all-time record of 249 goals for the 20-time English champions but his place in the side under Jose Mourinho has come under increasing scrutiny.

The 30-year-old has one goal in seven appearances this season, with debate rife over what constitutes his best position for the latter stages of his career.

Indeed, Rooney moved to midfield and turned in a much-criticised display during Sunday's 3-1 Premier League defeat at Watford, while he has been ineffectual playing nearer to goal.

But Nani – now with La Liga strugglers Valencia – is confident Rooney's quality will shine through.

"Rooney is a special player. Strong, fantastic quality, shooting, vision – very intelligent," he told Omnisport. "I enjoyed playing with him. He is a player who is a big part of Man United."He has the chance to improve that and build his story. If he continues to play at high level he can become the best there."

Like Rooney, Paul Pogba has endured a stuttering start to the season since becoming the world's most expensive player by sealing a return to Old Trafford from Juventus.

The France midfielder was the jewel in United's youth ranks during Nani's time at the club, but opted to leave for Serie A in order to enjoy better first-team opportunities. And Nani has expressed surprise over his decision to rejoin following reported interest from Real Madrid.

"I'm a bit surprised that Pogba went back," the Portuguese added. "A lot of clubs wanted him, there were rumours that other clubs would get him."When he went back I was happy. He knows the club well and will be a star at the club."

 

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Klopp wants 'angry' Liverpool against Hull

Jurgen Klopp is keen to see his side "angry" when Liverpool host Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Reds have been in fine form this season, barring a shock loss to Burnley, and sit sixth despite having played four of their first five matches away from home.With a return to Anfield on the agenda this weekend, Klopp wants to put on a show for the fans against a Hull side who are just three points behind them.

"We feel good, we feel strong. We need to be angry against Hull – they want our points," said the German, who oversaw a 3-0 EFL Cup win over Derby County on Wednesday, which set up a fourth-round home tie against Tottenham.
"We need to be maximum concentrated.

"I think we all can improve: players, coaches, manager. "I don't want to say anything about Hull. We don't have to rate the opponent before the game and say 'This one is easy'."We are 100 per cent aware of the difficulties we could have in this game. I know we will be ready."

Klopp revealed Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum will be fit for the match, while Daniel Sturridge will train on Thursday having had "a few issues" after the win over Chelsea.

 

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Mourinho slams 'football Einsteins' for undermining Man Utd efforts

Jose Mourinho has hit out at "football Einsteins" who he claims have tried to dismiss his career triumphs during a difficult week for Manchester United.

United beat Northampton Town 3-1 on Wednesday to move into the fourth round of the EFL Cup and end a run of three consecutive defeats against Manchester City, Feyenoord and Watford.

Mourinho conceded afterwards that the club's supporters were justifiably upset at the manner of those losses, with question marks existing over his continued selection of Wayne Rooney.

Nevertheless, the Portuguese was bullish in accusing critics of attempting to undermine the legacies of both himself and the club ahead of clashes with Leicester City, Zorya Luhansk and Stoke City.

"We now have three games at home in a row. It's always good to be at home," he told MUTV . "I can understand completely if the fans are disappointed with the last week."But I'm sure they'll be behind the team like they always are.

"We had a bad week. I know that some football Einsteins – football is full of Einsteins – they try to delete 16 years of my career, to delete an unbelievable history of Man United and focus on a bad week."But that's the new football. It's full of Einsteins."

Northampton cancelled out Michael Carrick's opener thanks to Alex Revell's penalty just before half-time on Wednesday, but Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford sealed the victory for United in the second half at Sixfields Stadium.

And Mourinho felt the home side were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men following Jak McCourt's two-footed challenge on Memphis Depay, but was happy with United's overall control in proceedings.

"We deserved it. It was as I was expecting. We were totally in control for the first 35 minutes and then we were back in control for the last 25 minutes," he continued.

"The game could and should have been easier, because normally it is easier against 10 men – we should have been playing against 10 men very early in the second half.

"But they fought and they played with their strength. They tried to cause us problems so it was a difficult match but overall it was a positive performance."

 

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Falcao still in hospital – Jardim

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim confirmed Radamel Falcao remains in hospital after suffering a concussion in Wednesday's 4-0 Ligue 1 defeat to Nice.Falcao went to the ground in first-half stoppage time after a bad collision with Nice goalkeeper Yoan Cardinale and was taken to hospital for a series of tests.

And Jardim voiced his dismay with the referee's decision not to penalise Cardinale for reckless behaviour, calling for stricter rules for custodians.

"Falcao is still in hospital after suffering a concussion," Jardim told reporters at press news conference."The referees have to pay closer attention and punish actions like this. It should have been a red card in my opinion.

"When a player takes such a risk [to injure an opponent], there has to be some sort of punishment."The defeat in the top-of-the-table clash saw Monaco drop to third place in the Ligue 1 table.

 

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Zidane: I am not worried about Ronaldo

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has insisted he is not worried about Cristiano Ronaldo following his failure to find the net in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Villarreal.

Ronaldo missed Madrid's UEFA Super Cup triumph over Sevilla and the first two games of their campaign in La Liga due to the knee injured he suffered at Euro 2016.

But he made his comeback in the 5-2 win over Osasuna before leading Madrid to a 2-1 Champions League victory over Sporting CP, scoring in each game.

However, the 31-year-old did not find the net against Villarreal as Madrid dropped points for the first time this season, but Zidane sees no reason for concern.

"With regards to Cristiano, he was an important player for us against Villarreal, as he always is," Zidane told reporters."I am not worried if he does not score. It is important that he is out there on the pitch for us. I am worried when he is not out on the pitch.

"The most important thing for him is to regain his form, because he will always get you goals. He is always keen to get his name on the scoresheet."

 

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Under-fire Rooney hits back at 'rubbish' criticism

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has hit back at criticism of his recent form, claiming a lot of comments aimed his way are "rubbish".

United faced scrutiny after losing three straight matches before ending the run in a 3-1 EFL Cup win at Northampton Town on Wednesday.

Skipper Rooney has faced particular scrutiny over his form, with many pundits questioning whether he remains worthy of a starting berth in Jose Mourinho's line-up with the 30-year-old scoring just once in five Premier League outings.But England's record goalscorer is paying little attention and says that the criticism aimed at him is nothing new.

Speaking to United's official website, he said: "I think I've had that [criticism] my whole career - a little bit more of late, I think, but that's football.

"I listen to my coaches and my team-mates, the people around me, and I don't really listen to what a lot of people out there are saying because a lot of it is rubbish. "I have to focus, work hard, of course, and I've done that throughout my career. I've worked hard and tried to do my best for the team."

Rooney accepts that criticism is par for the course when United lose three on the trot and says the team can do nothing but work harder to prove people wrong."That's football, I think," he added. "We don't win in three games and, of course, everyone is going to talk about it.

"We had a bad week, a bad eight days where we’ve lost three games, and it's important now we react well to that and come through that."

 

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Mourinho threatened to 'break Wenger's face' after Mata jibe

Jose Mourinho reportedly threatened to "break [Arsene Wenger's] face" following a war of words between the pair in 2014, according to a new book serialised in the Daily Mail.

Mourinho and Wenger's frosty relationship was renewed when the Portuguese returned to Chelsea in 2013, with both managers launching a series of jibes in each other's directions.

The most notable of clashes came when the Arsenal boss aimed a dig at Mourinho for playing down the Blues' chances of winning the Premier League during the 2013-14 season for "fear to fail".

It elicited an irate response from Mourinho, who famously hit back by proclaiming Wenger a "specialist in failure", while also reacting badly to the Frenchman admitting his surprise at Chelsea selling Juan Mata to Manchester United.

And his anger did not stop in the media centre, claims 'Jose Mourinho: Up Close and Personal', an upcoming book written by Robert Beasley, a journalist who followed the Portuguese closely. The then-Chelsea manager is said to have been seething for days afterwards.

An excerpt reads: "A few days later, he was still pumped up about it all, telling me: 'When Mr Wenger criticises CFC and Man Utd over the deal with Mata... I will find him one day outside a football pitch and I will break his face.'"

Mourinho is yet to come face to face with Wenger since joining Manchester United, with his side set to face Arsenal on 19 November at Old Trafford.

 

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Mourinho Vs Wenger​

 

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Fabregas: I have never thought of leaving Chelsea

Cesc Fabregas has reaffirmed his commitment to Chelsea in the wake of persistent transfer rumours but admits that it is hard for him to watch his team from the substitutes' bench.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder has been scarcely utilised by Antonio Conte since taking over, while he has been linked to the likes of Real Madrid.
He insists, however, that the thought of leaving Stamford Bridge had not crossed his mind.

"I have never though of leaving Chelsea. Madrid? There might have been calls, there might not have, but I am not thinking of leaving," he declared to Cadena COPE. "The rumours over whether I am going or offering myself out tire me. Let them come out every [time]... apparently I want to go to 20 different teams.

"I am just one player. I will keep competing here. If I knew I wasn't good enough to play in this team, I would have moved away but I am very happy here. Not playing hurts but I know I am good enough for this team and I will give everything to play."

While remaining defiant over his future, Cesc confessed that he is desperate to spend more time on the pitch after only sporadic appearances in the season to date. "It is tough being on the bench; I have never spent so much time there," he said. "Every time I have entered [the pitch], I have felt really good. That leaves me happy after the games. I hope I can be with the team on Saturday [against Arsenal].

"It is a very special game against Arsenal. I spent many years there. It is a special feeling every time I am there. I don't know if I'll play; the manager waits until right before the game."

Despite having featured so little under Conte, Fabregas says that he enjoys a warm relationship with the former Juventus and Italy coach. "I have spoken with Conte; he is a coach who has a very particular playing philosophy," he explained.

"We like him a lot. He is a brilliant coach and playing or not does not change that. He is a tough man and tells you things straight. We are very happy with him."

 

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Arsenal suffer Ramsey injury blow

Aaron Ramsey will not feature for Arsenal until after the October international break as he continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.

Ramsey was one of the stars of Wales' run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 but has been sidelined since suffering his strain during Arsenal's defeat to Liverpool on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Saturday's London derby against Chelsea is the latest fixture to come too soon for the 25-year-old, while Arsene Wenger does not expect him to be available for Wales' forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Georgia.

The Arsenal boss told a pre-match news conference on Friday: "Aaron Ramsey is still struggling with his hamstring and I don't think that he will be available for our next game, against Basel or at Burnley [next weekend], so before the break he will not be available.

"He has a small grade one hamstring tear but he is not completely free in his mind yet to push completely, so we stop him every time when he has a little pain."He is in the last days of his rehab and as long as he is not completely comfortable, we do not push him."

Ramsey's recovery is behind schedule from what Arsenal initially expected and Wenger conceded there is an element of added caution given the player's history of fitness struggles.

"We had a few disappointments because he was close to joining again and every time he is not completely ready," he added. "Not far [away], but we have to be cautious with him.

"It's nothing major, but I am a bit more cautious than I would be [with other players]. I would if he was ready to play, I would involve him in the squad of course, but he is not."Wenger could be boosted by the return of Olivier Giroud from a toe injury to face Chelsea if the France striker suffers no reaction in training on Friday.

"Olivier Giroud has a test to see if he can be involved," he added. "He had a good training session yesterday so he is really the only one who could come back."I thought that he would be short for tomorrow. But we will see how he comes out of today’s training session."