..::Football IV::..

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Ronaldo already has the Ballon d'Or at home - Roberto Carlos

Former Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos has little doubt Cristiano Ronaldo will win the Ballon d'Or and has joked the Portugal international probably already has the trophy at home.Ronaldo enjoyed a successful year as he won the Champions League with Real Madrid, before helping Portugal to Euro 2016 glory.

The attacker has been struggling somewhat in the opening stages of the 2016-17 campaign due to injury, but Roberto Carlos is convinced he will beat the likes of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann to the prestigious individual award."I think Cristiano Ronaldo already has the Ballon d'Or at home but he just has not told anyone yet," Roberto Carlos said at a news conference.

"He has taken time to get back to being himself after the knee injury, but from now on he will show us all the Cristiano we all know, just like he played for Portugal.
"I wish him all the luck in the world."Ronaldo previously won the Ballon d'Or in 2008, 2013 and 2014.Messi took home the award for the fifth time last year, while Griezmann is yet to get his hands on the accolade.

 

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Pique reiterates desire to be Barcelona president

Gerard Pique has reiterated his desire to become Barcelona president following the conclusion of his playing career.

The defender, who has been at Camp Nou since 2008, first revealed his interest in the position back in 2014, and former midfielder Xavi has since teased that Pique's dream includes appointing him as head coach, Segio Busquets as assistant and Carles Puyol as sporting director.

Having announced his planned retirement from international football with Spain after the 2018 World Cup, Pique remains intent on fulfilling his grand ambition."Yes, when I say it it's true - I want to be president of the club," he told TV3. "It is the step that I would like to take when I retire.

"I don't see myself as a coach. I don't think I would enjoy it so much.
"As president I could do well for this club because it's what I love. "When the playing career is finished, the step I would like to take is to be Barcelona president."Pique has won six LaLiga titles and three Champions League finals during a glittering career with Barca.

 

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'To my father I'm the best player in the world!' - Griezmann responds to Ribery comments

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has responded to Franck Ribery's claims that he is not yet "world-class", quipping that his father thinks he is the best player on the planet.

Griezmann is among the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or after helping Atletico and France reach the Champions League and Euro 2016 finals respectively last season.However, compatriot Ribery told Sport Bild that "Griezmann did a great job last season... but you have to consistently show performances like that if you want to be world-class".

He continued: "People are so quick to say someone is a fantastic player and deserves to win the Ballon d'Or after just one good year. I disagree with that."For me, you have to prove yourself over 10, 12 or 15 years if you want to be among the best. Do that and then I will congratulate you.

"I might have been out for nine months or so due to injury, but I have almost always been playing at the highest level over the past 10 years or so."

Griezmann has since issued a measured response to the Bayern Munich winger, telling Eurosport: "I will continue working. As he says, we'll see at the end what kind of player I am, but I know I'm on the right track."Everyone has an opinion. To my father, for example, I'm the best player in the world. To the fans of Atletico, too."

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo also had his say on Thursday, commenting: "Ribery is a little older. We must forgive him because he was a great player."

 

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Rashford dreaming of lifting the Champions League with Man Utd

Manchester United wonderkid Marcus Rashford has revealed his greatest ambition in football - to lift the Champions League trophy with his boyhood club.

The striker has made an instant impact at Old Trafford, breaking into the England team and going to Euro 2016 less than six months after making his Premier League debut.

And while it will not occur this season, he admitted that the prospect of European glory with the Red Devils is something that drives him on. "My biggest ambition in football? To win the Champions League with United," he told the club's official website.

The 18-year-old sensation also has fond memories of his first ever game as a spectator, where he was wowed by a certain Portuguese star.

"It was United v Real Madrid. I think I was only two or three years old," he recalled.

"My brother took me to that game. It was the one when (Cristiano) Ronaldo scored a hat-trick so it was a good first match for me."Rashford has made 27 appearances so far for his club, scoring 12 goals.

 

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Ronaldo: It's my dream to stay at Madrid for many years

Cristiano Ronaldo described it as his "dream" to remain at Real Madrid for many years to come following a stellar year for the Portugal forward.

Ronaldo won the Champions League for a third time in his career in May, before lifting the European Championship trophy with his country in France.The 31-year-old's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu runs until 2018, although the announcement of a longer deal is reportedly imminent.

And, speaking after being given the Champions League No1 award, voted for by readers of Marca and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldo stressed his desire to continue his career at Madrid.

"I've won the Champions League and the Euros, it's a beautiful moment in my career and my sporting life," he said."It just makes me want to keep working hard for this club."It's my dream to keep playing for Real Madrid and I really want to stay here for many years because the club holds a special place in my heart."Ronaldo has scored three goals in six appearances in all competitions for Madrid this season.

 

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Hazard tells Conte: Play me in No.10 role!

Eden Hazard has expressed his desire to play as a No.10, rather than on the left, but insists he will 'do the best he can' regardless of Antonio Conte's choice of formation.

Following a disappointing 2015/16 campaign, the 25-year-old is rediscovering his form and starred for Belgium during the international break, scoring in both outings for Roberto Martinez's Red Devils.

And Hazard puts his success down to his national manager shifting him into a central role, a position in which he believes he can adopt at Stamford Bridge."I like to play as a No.10," Hazard is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail."Sometimes at Chelsea we don’t play a system with a No.10, though.

"I don’t know if I will play there at Chelsea. You need to ask the manager! I play on the left-hand side and I try to do the best I can.

"I don’t think Chelsea want to change just for me, just so I can play as a 10."I think I have more freedom offensively. For Belgium, we have full-backs who run hard and create a lot of space, which is good and I like to play there."

While Hazard is keen to carry his international form into the Premier League with Chelsea, he has promised Blues fans he will continue working hard in a wider position.

He added: "I did well in the past as a left winger, though, and for now I am trying to get back to that best again."

 

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Ronaldo: I am the best in the world

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo regards himself as the best player in the world and feels his desire to keep improving is the reason for his success.

The Portugal international is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or after winning the Champions League and Euro 2016.And the 31-year-old's considerable self-confidence shows no sign of diminishing any time soon.

"In my head, I am the best player in the world," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "And I am working very hard every day with the ambition to be the strongest. It is then up to others to judge me.

"I always want to improve myself. I am very motivated and I believe that is the key behind my success on the pitch."

The 31-year-old has endured a difficult start to the 2016-17 campaign after sustaining a knee problem in the final of Euro 2016, but feels he is nearing top form again after netting five goals in two games for Portugal during the international break.

"I suffered a serious injury [in the final at Euro 2016] and missed two-and-a-half months, but I am feeling well now," he added."I am back to my usual best and I am ready to enjoy another spectacular season."

 

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Real Madrid and Bayern Munich battling for wonderkid Thill, says agent

Vincent Thill's agent claims Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have shown an interest in signing the Metz youngster.

Bayern reportedly attempted to lure the exciting 16-year-old to Allianz Arena during the close-season, while Zinedine Zidane allegedly called him to discuss a potential move to Madrid.

"Bayern thought he was available for an interesting transfer fee, but that was not what Metz had in mind. The transfer did not happen for financial reasons," Thill's representative Didier Philippe told Footmercato."But I also think it was important for Vincent to sign his first professional deal with Metz.

"I can confirm that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on him, but I do not know if Zidane personally called him."But Madrid and Bayern are not the only teams that have shown an interest in him. There are other big teams as well. You do not see a 16-year-old play in Ligue 1 every day.

"He is an extraordinary talent, with a magical left foot. He can do incredible things. He obviously has to develop physically, but he is an amazing player when it comes to his vision and the way he sees things."

Thill made his first-team debut for Metz in a 3-0 Ligue 1 loss to Bordeaux last month and has already been capped at senior level by Luxembourg.

 

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Three wins in a row: Jurgen Klopp named September Premier League Manager of the Month

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been named September Premier League Manager of the Month.

The 49-year-old becomes the first German winner of the award after three straight wins in September over Leicester, Chelsea and Hull, scoring 11 goals in the process.

After receiving the award, Klopp said: "I went into the office of my coaches and said, 'We are Manager of the Month! I don't need personal prizes but it's nice now I have another one'.

"We are on a good way but there are so many good teams in this league and so many difficult games for us, which we have to be ready for. I'm fine with the moment, but we have to play a few more games and hopefully we perform well."

Klopp was the winner from a shortlist of five, including Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, Crystal Palace's Alan Pardew, Tottenham Hotspur's Mauricio Pochettino and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

 

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Klopp nam pattaCongratulations Klopp!

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Son named September Premier League Player of the Month

Heung-min Son has been named Premier League Player of the Month for September.

The Tottenham forward becomes the first Asian player to claim the prize after notching four goals and two assists in four matches.

The 24-year-old, who came close to leaving White Hart Lane during the summer only to stay following talks with Mauricio Pochettino, has stepped into the attacking fold following injury to first-choice striker Harry Kane.

"This is my dream, to get the award," Son said."I want to get it a second time, a third time. When I take the award home my family will be crazy like you can’t believe; they will be really happy."

Son trumped Kevin De Bruyne, Adam Lallana, Romelu Lukaku and Theo Walcott to become the 16th Spurs player, level with Chelsea, to receive the award and the first since Kane in March, 2016.

 

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Rooney still world class, says Klopp

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is still a world-class player, according to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The England skipper has lost his place in the starting XI for club and country going into Monday's huge Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Monday.Klopp, though, has no doubt Rooney remains a potent force despite a run of only one goal in 13 matches across all competitions this season.

"Wayne Rooney is a goalscorer and a threat," Klopp said at his pre-match media conference."A situation like this can happen in a long career. From my side he's a world-class player.

"But I am manager of Liverpool so I know it is not allowed to like United players!"
Klopp also talked up the threat of United and believes the signings of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba ensures they are significantly stronger than last season.

United secured a Premier League double in the first of four meetings between the two sides in 2015-16, only for Liverpool to get revenge over two legs in the Europa League.

Klopp added: "Ibrahimovic was not there, Pogba - they are both world-class players and when they are in your team they are not worse than last year, for sure.

"Unfortunately this is a really strong side from Manchester, they know about football, they are experienced, cool in the right moments, they don't need world-class performances to win a game.

"Even on rainy days, it's possible to score and win - they have those types in the team, but it doesn't mean they will win the game. It just means they have a chance."

The German, who was named Premier League Manager of the Month for September earlier on Friday, acknowledged the magnitude of clashes between Liverpool and United.

Klopp continued: "Very intense game, two good sides. They have big quality and we have to respect this, as we do."But this is Anfield. We have to show this. We have had a few nice atmospheres but I'm open for the best atmosphere.

"We need everybody in a Liverpool shirt in this game. Apart from the table, it's a very important game. I know about the history, I like the special stories. The whole world will watch this game, it's a big honour to be part of it.

"The whole world will watch Liverpool versus Manchester United. It's up to us to perform at our best! "As long as I live Liverpool against United will never be just a normal game. You cannot and should not ignore the special circumstance of a game like this. You have to be ready."

Klopp is hoping Adam Lallana (groin) and Georginio Wijnaldum (hamstring) will be passed fit to play, as well as defensive duo Nathaniel Clyne (knee) and Dejan Lovren (groin).

 

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Man Utd given double fitness boost ahead of Liverpool clash

Manchester United duo Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Luke Shaw are fit to return in Monday's Premier League clash against Liverpool.

England full-back Shaw has not featured since the 3-1 defeat to Watford on September 18 as a result of a muscle complaint.

Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, was last involved in the 2-1 derby loss at home to Manchester City on September 10, having battled to recover full fitness following a thigh injury.

But United boss Jose Mourinho has indicated both players will be available for the meeting at Anfield, according to MUTV, while there are no further injury concerns following the international break.

Mourinho insisted he has no issue with players leaving for international matches during a busy stage of the season, and was especially pleased to see Ander Herrera earn a first Spain call-up, while Jesse Lingard made his first two appearances for England.

"I like my players to go to the international teams," Mourinho said. "I know that other managers don't like it. I know that other managers they even try to stop them to go."I know there is sometimes also a bit of a fake injury to stop people going. I'm not like that. I'm always very proud of my players to be selected.

"One was a debutant, the other was a call-up to the Spanish team. It's obviously important for them and it's good for me and I think also the club feels proud of it."

 

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Costa could miss United game, but Batshuayi is ready says Conte

Antonio Conte is not worried about Diego Costa being one card away from missing the game against Manchester United and is confident that Michy Batshuayi is ready, if he is needed.

Costa is the Premier League’s leading scorer with six goals in his first seven games this season, but has also collected four yellow cards and could miss the return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge, if he is booked against Leicester City on Saturday.

The Chelsea boss wants Costa to play against Claudio Ranieri’s side in the same way that he has done in his other games, even if it means picking up another booking.

“We know this situation, Diego knows this situation,” Conte said at a news conference at Cobham Training Ground. “But this situation was before with the Hull City game.

“I think that we must look to the present and not about the other [possibilities]. Diego knows very well the situation, but he must fight the same way like in the previous games. But I hope that his passion means that he doesn’t take another yellow card.”

Despite being hopeful that the Spain international will be available for Chelsea’s match against Manchester United a week on Sunday, Conte was keen to talk up Batshuayi, who has yet to start in the league this season after his £33 million move from Marseille in the summer.

Batshuayi has scored three times, but has only started in Chelsea’s two EFL Cup games, although Conte believes that his second-choice striker is prepared to step in when required.

“I think that Michy is a young player, but he has a great potential,” Conte added.“On the technical aspect he can grow a lot to become a fantastic player for Chelsea.

“I can also tell you that he is ready, he is ready to start. This season he has played from the start in two cup games and he played very, very well and I am pleased with him and that he stays with us.”

 

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Griezmann determined to be one of best in Spain

Antoine Griezmann is targetting more individual honours after being named La Liga's player of the month for September.

The France international scored five times and set up another to help Atletico Madrid climb to the top of the table with three wins and a draw from four matches.

The 25-year-old, who is among the favourites to make the final three nominees for the Ballon d'Or, hopes to claim further awards with his performances in the coming months.

"I'm very happy to receive this prize," Griezmann said. "It means that I'm on a good path, getting goals, helping the team and hopefully it'll be the first of many.

"I'm enjoying things a lot, I have a lot of confidence, but I still haven't reached my ceiling. I hope that's still a long way off."I'll give everything I have to be one of the best players in LaLiga."Ernesto Valderde was named manager of the month after guiding Athletic Bilbao to an excellent recovery to their disappointing start to the season.

Athletic lost to Sporting Gijon and Barcelona in their opening two matches, but responded from four victories in four last month to move into sixth in the table.

 

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Congratulations Griezmann!​

 

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Simeone: Griezmann 'responded brilliantly' to Ribery

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has hailed Antoine Griezmann's growing maturity after the France international laughed off questions over his ability from Franck Ribery.

Griezmann was top scorer and named best player at Euro 2016 after his six goals propelled France to the final, where they lost to Portugal.

His international exploits came on the back of another wonderful season for Atletico in which he scored 22 league goals as the Rojiblancos narrowly lost out to Barcelona in the race for the title.There has been no let-up this season either with the former Real Sociedad man top of the Pichichi standings with a further six strikes to his name.

Griezmann's excellence has failed to impress Bayern Munich winger Ribery, however, who says the forward needs to produce that level of performance over a longer period.

"For me, you have to prove yourself over 10, 12 or 15 years if you want to be among the best. Do that and then I will congratulate you," said the Bayern Munich winger.

Griezmann issued a measured response, telling Eurosport: "I will continue working. As he says, we'll see at the end what kind of player I am, but I know I'm on the right track.

"Everyone has an opinion. To my father, for example, I'm the best player in the world. To the fans of Atletico, too."Griezmann's words were, according to Simeone, another indication of the 25-year-old's increasing stature at the Vicente Calderon.

The Argentine told a news conference ahead of Saturday's home game with Granada: "He [Griezmann] is a guy who has very clear ideas."He has matured very well in the time he has spent with us. I am not worried that there is pressure on him.

"I cannot observe the opinions of everyone but I always respect opinions. And I thought Griezmann responded brilliantly to Ribery. There is nothing more to say on that."

Atletico lead the Liga table after seven games on goal difference from city rivals Real Madrid, and will expect to maintain their unbeaten start at home to a Granada side without a win.Simeone was understandably preaching caution, however, with Lucas Alcaraz taking over at Granada earlier this month.

"We know their coach has certain characteristics, and is very competitive," he added."It has always been that way when he has faced us and Granada have players with strong offensive qualities, guys who play well from midfield forwards.

"We must focus on us. We do not know what they will do because of the coaching change. We have to start strong, it's key to these rivalries."

 

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Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Hertha Berlin: Aubamayeng salvages point in frantic finale

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a penalty saved but then rescued a point for Borussia Dortmund as they set a new club record of 25 home games unbeaten in the Bundesliga with a 1-1 draw against Hertha Berlin.

Dortmund were far from their best at Signal Iduna Park and wasted chances before Aubameyang's late strike, sparing his blushes after he was thwarted by Rune Jarstein from the spot in a match that saw both sides reduced to 10 men.

It took a while for Friday's game, the first following the international break, to get going. With 51 minutes played Hertha sparked the contest into life as Valentin Stocker, who was dismissed in stoppage time, latched onto Vedad Ibisevic's superb pass to score his second of the season.

Stocker's strike was a wake-up call for Dortmund – who had Emre Mor sent off late on – and they duly responded, with Aubameyang twice going close before seeing his 75th minute spot kick saved by Rune Jarstein.

He was not to be denied, though, as Ousmane Dembele's low cross gave him a simple tap-in, securing a point and preserving Dortmund's impressive home record.

Having had almost two weeks to dwell on the loss to Bayer Leverkusen before the break, Thomas Tuchel's side were surprisingly sluggish in front of their vociferous fans.The lively Christian Pulisic tried in vain to get his side fired up as his deep cross picked out Mor, but the youngster volleyed high and wide.

Instead it was Hertha who looked the more likely to break the deadlock and Alexander Esswein curled over from 20 yards after a Marvin Plattenhardt free-kick had been blocked.

Chances were at a premium after that 15th-minute effort, with Dortmund lacking their normal flowing rhythm as Hertha remained disciplined without testing Roman Burki.

Dortmund continued to struggle after the restart and they were punished six minutes into the second half by Stocker.A sumptuous back heel from Ibisevic released the Switzerland international in behind the defence and he calmly poked past Burki.

Tuchel turned to Dembele and Shinji Kagawa from the bench and on the hour the new-look Dortmund finally worked Jarstein with a Marcel Schmelzer drive.

Dortmund's pressure continued to build and Aubameyang spurned two openings in as many minutes to restore parity, his second a chip that was superbly kept out by a combination of Jarstein and the woodwork.

With 15 minutes to play Dortmund were seemingly given a lifeline as Genki Haraguchi was adjudged to have handled Kagawa's shot.Aubameyang assumed responsibilities from 12 yards only for Jarstein to make a fine save down to his left.

Hertha were unable to hold on, though, as Dembele found room on the left and provided the perfect cross that Aubameyang converted from inside the six-yard box.

Both sides finished the game a man down as Mor was dismissed for lashing out at Sebastian Langkamp before Stocker was shown red in stoppage time as the spoils were shared.

 

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Mane: Klopp tried to sign me for Borussia Dortmund

Sadio Mane has revealed that Jurgen Klopp tried to sign him for Borussia Dortmund before luring him to Liverpool.

The midfielder was highly rated at Red Bull Salzburg, where he spent two years and scored 31 goals in 63 Bundesliga games, before joining Southampton in 2014.
Mane, 24, moved to Liverpool in the summer for a fee of £34 million, but he admits he could have been united with his current coach much earlier."Before I came here, I had the chance to meet Klopp when he was at Borussia Dortmund," he told BBC Sport.

"I was at Red Bull Salzburg and he tried to sign me - but it didn't happen and that is football."He is a good manager and he is someone who likes his players."At the end of last season, he called me and told me he wanted me to come to Liverpool.

"I said straightaway that I want to come. It was the right time and right coach for me. I am very happy to be here."

 

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Mourinho calls for end to Hillsborough & Munich chants

Jose Mourinho has called for an end to offensive chants concerning the Hillsborough and Munich tragedies when Manchester United take on Liverpool on Monday.

Clashes between the two rivals have been marred in recent years by United supporters' songs about the 1989 stadium disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 96 fans, and their Liverpool counterparts' taunts in relation to the plane crash which killed 23 people in 1958.

The two clubs issued a joint statement on Thursday calling for respect between the two sets of supporters ahead of United's latest visit to Anfield.

"In football we have some football tragedies - if you can speak of them like that - which is the big match we lost, some mistake a player did and you can make fun of that in some way," Mourinho told reporters.

"But human tragedy is something much more serious, and I think is the last thing somebody should use on a football pitch because they were really big tragedies.

"So I would be really sad if in such a big football match that was a negative point."Mourinho is an unpopular figure with Liverpool fans on the back of past visits to Anfield with Chelsea, and admitted he was excited to now be part of an even bigger rivalry.

"I look forward to it, yes, I always like to play at Anfield," he added. "I won many times there, I also lost. I won big matches, I lost big matches, so I cannot say I like to go there because I'm always successful, because it's not true.

"I like the atmosphere, normally the characteristics of the matches, but being Manchester United manager means something more because we cannot compare the historic rivalry between my former club and United and Liverpool."It can be comparable to Real Madrid v Barcelona, Benfica v Porto, these kind of matches."