..::Football IV::..

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Spain could recall Villa, reveals Lopetegui

David Villa could still win a recall to the Spain squad, head coach Julen Lopetegui has revealed.

The former Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia striker has been stuck on 97 caps – from which he has scored 59 goals – since his last appearance at the 2014 World Cup against Australia.

Now 34, Villa has been in prolific form for New York in MLS, scoring 23 goals in 33 league games this season as his side finished second in the Eastern conference, with the play-offs still to come.

And Villa may yet get the opportunity to reach 100 international appearances, with Lopetegui impressed by what he has seen of him since his move to the United States.

"I went to New York with my wife, I took advantage and watched Villa play," Lopetegui told Onda Cero, referring to New York's 4-1 home win over Columbus Crew on Sunday in which the striker scored."The truth is that I saw him very well and playing with a lot of intensity."Villa continues to play at a very good level and in the future we will see if he can return.

"We don't close the door to any player and we always have consideration for players that can help the national team"Villa is well, playing with a lot of rhythm, scoring lots of goals and showing a great attitude.

"He is a player who has done priceless things for Spanish football."Villa won Euro 2008 and the World Cup in 2010 with Spain, although he missed out on their Euro 2012 triumph having suffered a broken leg.

He is the country's record goalscorer, well clear of second-placed Raul, who scored 44.

 

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David Villa ayeth Spain Squad 1kata call karanawanam kochchara hodadaMLS unath hodata perform karanawa

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Lucas Vazquez delighted by 'dream' Madrid deal

Lucas Vazquez has reflected on achieving his biggest goal of playing for Real Madrid after signing a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu.The Spain international agreed a new deal on Thursday to keep him at the European champions until 2021, having broken into the first team last season.

Vazquez featured as Madrid won the Champions League in May, scoring a penalty in the final shootout success over Atletico Madrid, and he described his delight at securing his future with the club.

"I am very happy," he told the media. "My dream since 2007 has been to wear the shirt of the first team.

"It wasn't easy, but I'm very pleased to be here. I hope to continue this path and hope to get better day by day to become a better footballer and a better person."
The 25-year-old has started just once in LaLiga this season, where Madrid sit top of the table, one point clear of Sevilla.

 

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Ronaldo deserves to win Ballon d'Or - Cannavaro

There is no doubt Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, according to former defender Fabio Cannavaro.

Ronaldo is favourite to win the Ballon d'Or after helping Madrid to Champions League glory and Portugal to Euro 2016 triumph in 2015-16.

The 31-year-old - a two-time winner of the Ballon d'Or which has now separated from the FIFA World Player of the Year award - scored 51 goals in all competitions for Madrid last season, while he netted three times as Portugal reigned supreme in France."Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, without a doubt," Cannavaro told Marca.

"Even if he hasn't scored these last few games, we shouldn't forget all he's done this year."Carlo Ancelotti used to say that with Cristiano [Ronaldo], it is like starting a match with a 1-0 edge."

This season, Ronaldo has scored five goals in all competitions, two in La Liga and as many in the Champions League.

 

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Saul: I won't leave Atletico as long as Simeone is at the club

Saul has pledged his future to Atletico Madrid, as long as coach Diego Simeone is at the club.

The midfielder has developed into one of the premier midfielders in Europe thanks to his development under Simeone, playing a key role in Atletico reaching last season's Champions League final.

The likes of Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with Saul but the 21-year-old remains 100 per cent committed to Simeone."As long as Simeone is here, no, I won't leave," Saul told Club del Deportista magazine.

"When a coach has faith in you as much as he has and gives you that confidence, it's vital."Simeone has overturned Atletico's fortunes since his appointment in 2011, turning the capital club into a European giant.

The Argentine boss has led Atletico to winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Europa League, the Supercopa de Espana and also the UEFA Super Cup, while he has reached the Champions League final twice.

Saul continued: "For myself and the rest of Atletico it's the same, Simeone is everything."He's the person who's bet on me since childhood and gave me my debut.

"He was also there in the tougher times, when I was younger and didn't play often he would look me in the eyes and tell me: 'Saul, you won't play until you go out on loan and grow as a footballer'.

"It's something I appreciated very much, because playing is the best way to grow, as much as you can train with the best and learn from them, if you don't play you don't have competitiveness. That moment was key."Atletico are fifth in the league standings after nine matches, three points adrift of city rivals Real Madrid.

 

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Zidane: Ronaldo is upset at Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo is upset by his recent La Liga goal drought but says that is a natural reaction.

Ronaldo has netted just once in his last five league games ahead of Saturday's trip to Alaves and cut a frustrated figure in last weekend's 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Zidane acknowledged the Portugal captain - who led his team to Euro 2016 glory in France - was upset at his recent troubles but laughed off claims the player was overly perturbed at his displays over the past month.

The Frenchman told reporters at his news conference: "No, I've seen him upset but that's normal. He wants to score, so it's only natural that he's upset but I don't think he's worried at all.

"He's unique, what he's achieved is unique. He's played so well and scored so many goals. When he doesn't score, people start reading between the lines but he's a genius."

 

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Klopp: Am I allowed to say I like Sir Alex Ferguson?

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has jokingly acknowledged he is on dangerous ground by returning the affections of Manchester United great Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Scot heaped praise on Klopp in an interview in Kicker on Thursday, stating: "He has done a really good job and revived Liverpool's enthusiasm.

"You can see Klopp's dedication on the sideline, I'm convinced his work in training is similar. He's a strong personality. That's absolutely vital at a big club."I'm worried about him because the one thing United don't want is Liverpool to get above us."

Despite the fierce rivalry that exists between the two north-west clubs, Klopp conceded he was flattered and reciprocated the kind words from the 74-year-old Scot, who left Old Trafford in 2013 after leading them to 13 Premier League titles.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace, Klopp said: "Is it allowed for me to say I like Alex Ferguson? I met him before I was Liverpool manager."It's nice for him to say something positive."He did what he had to do at Manchester United, which automatically isn't good for Liverpool. But it's better he says something positive than negative about Liverpool.

"But I'm sure he didn't go out of his house and think 'I'll say some things about Liverpool', he was asked a question!"

 

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Mourinho: Mkhitaryan is not injured but needs time to adjust

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not injured but still needs time to adjust to the Premier League following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund.

Mkhitaryan has made just four appearances for the Red Devils, his last coming in the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester City in September when he was substituted at half-time.

The Armenian international was left out of the squad again for the midweek EFL Cup clash with City at Old Trafford and Mourinho admits he is not injured.“Mkhitaryan is not injured, he is training with the team 100%," he told reporters.

“Some players have the profile of adapting easily but some other players need more time to feel the intensity. Some players need time to feel the competitiveness and the level of work without the ball.“Mkhi needs time to become the top player we know he can be."

Mourinho also compared Mkhitaryan's situation with that of other top stars who he feels took time to adjust when they moved to new clubs.“I don’t like to speak about players from other clubs but Willian when he arrived at Chelsea had problems, he went through a process," he added.

“When Di Maria arrived in Madrid from Portugal he had to adapt his game to a new reality but he did it.“Of course we believe in Miki and sooner or later there will be no problem.”

 

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Ancelotti unconcerned by Lewandowski & Muller goal droughts

Carlo Ancelotti is not worried by the goal droughts of Bayern Munich front men Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller.

Lewandowski struck 30 times in the Bundesliga last season, but, after making a fine start to this campaign, is without a goal in five league matches.Muller, meanwhile, scorer of 20 league goals in 2015-16, is yet to get off the mark this term.

However, with Bayern again top of the table, Ancelotti insisted he is unconcerned by individual goal tallies, and is more interested in how the forwards link up with their team-mates."For me, it is not important whether they score a goal, but whether they play well with the team," he told a news conference ahead of Bayern's trip to Augsburg.

"The team has to score goals, which player scores the goals is not important."
Bayern beat Augsburg 3-1 at home in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday, but Ancelotti is expecting the dynamic to change for their second meeting in four days.

"I think Augsburg are a bit different at home," he said. "But we want to attack, and Augsburg will defend and rely on counter. It will be a little different than in the cup."

And the former Real Madrid coach knows Bayern must deliver another good result on Saturday, with promoted RB Leipzig unbeaten and just two points behind in second place.

"Leipzig have had a good start to the season," Ancelotti added. "They play with a lot of intensity. At the moment, they are the most dangerous competitor for us."
Bayern will host Leipzig in their final game before the mid-season break on December 21.

 

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Pochettino: Aguero to Tottenham links are '100 per cent not true'

Mauricio Pochettino has rubbished reports Tottenham could sign Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero insisting they are "100 per cent not true".

Aguero has not scored in his last six City appearances and was left out of the starting line-up to face Barcelona in the Champions League last week, leading to reports in the Spanish media that Spurs could swoop for the Argentina international.

Pep Guardiola has insisted Aguero remains an important player for City, and now Pochettino has laughed off transfer links with his club.

Asked at a media conference before Tottenham's game with Leicester City whether the reports were accurate, Pochettino said: "Not true, 100 per cent not true."

The Argentine coach is a well-known admirer of his compatriot, previously comparing him to Mozart.

"When Aguero plays it's like classical music, he's unbelievable, the best striker in the world," said Pochettino in 2014.
"I think seriously, like Mozart."

 

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Giggs: Liverpool are Premier League title contenders and won't stop at just one

Former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs believes Liverpool can challenge for the Premier League title this season, and again in years to come.

Liverpool are still waiting for their first crown since the Premier League era begun in 1992, having previously claimed 18 First Division titles.

However, in the absence of European football in this campaign, Giggs expects Jurgen Klopp's side to compete at the top of the table, and he predicts that more championships could follow once they have made a breakthrough success."Liverpool have put themselves in contention this year," he wrote for the Telegraph.

"At United, I always wondered, because of their history, that when - or if - that first Premier League title came along, Liverpool might win a few more on the back of it.

"My view is that it will be more difficult in the present day for one club to dominate as United did in the 1990s and 2000s, but Liverpool would not settle for one Premier League. They would want more."

And Giggs also believes Liverpool could benefit from Steven Gerrard's departure, even if the Reds now lack a talismanic figure.Gerrard left Anfield to join LA Galaxy last year, having inspired Champions League and FA Cup wins, but failed to claim a Premier League winners' medal.

"Watching Liverpool it is notable that, since Steven Gerrard left, there is no big star in the side," Giggs added."Philippe Coutinho is a talent and Jordan Henderson has done well to step into the captaincy. He looks like a good lad and a dedicated professional.

"Gerrard's departure has forced others to fill the gap and sometimes that can be a good thing for a club to move away from a focus on one individual.

"In many respects it was the same at United when Roy Keane left in 2005. For years, he had been like two players for us, and, when he left, others had to step up to fill the void."

Giggs won the Premier League on 13 occasions, making him the competition's most decorated player.

 

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Mkhitaryan could solve Man Utd's attacking problems, says Hamann


Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann says Henrikh Mkhitaryan could solve Manchester United's problems in attack.

The Armenia captain notched 23 goals and 32 assists in a superb final season with Borussia Dortmund, but has struggled to adapt to life at Old Trafford since his £26.3 million move in July.

Mkhitaryan was hauled off at half-time in the derby defeat to Manchester City last month and, despite having recovered from a thigh injury, has been left out of United's last three matchday squads.

Mourinho stated on Friday he has complete faith in the 27-year-old, but warned the player's adaptation to England will take more time, suggesting the attacking midfielder will not be involved in Saturday's Premier League game at home to Burnley.

Hamann has been puzzled by Mkhitaryan's treatment and suggested Mourinho needs to adopt a certain approach to get the best out of the former Shakhtar Donetsk star.

"It's strange," he told Omnisport. "I've seen him for Dortmund in the Bundesliga in the last couple of seasons, he had a fantastic season last year, so for Mourinho to go off him after the derby was strange for me.

"He's somebody who needs an arm around the shoulder. He doesn't seem to get it from the manager so it'll be interesting to see how that develops.

"If you look at them going forward, there are a few problems in the team, scoring goals and creating chances. I think Mkhitaryan could be the player who makes a difference there."

 

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Unlike Mourinho, Guardiola is happy in Manchester

Pep Guardiola claims he is loving life in Manchester, unlike his long-term rival Jose Mourinho.

United manager Mourinho revealed earlier this week living in the city had become "a bit of a disaster" but City boss Guardiola, who has the benefit of having his family with him, insisted he could not be happier, despite his team's six-game winless run.

The Catalan coach told reporters at his news conference on Friday: "Yes [I like it] a lot. The last period I'm not as happy as before because we don't win but our lives don't depend on the results."[It spoils] a little bit how you live day by day, because you have more to worry about, what you have to do to improve the team.

"But in general my kids are so happy in school, my wife as well. I work pretty good, I feel people try to take care of me. I'm so, so happy."Guardiola made a spectacular start at City, winning his first 10 games in all competitions, but has struggled since then.

Speaking ahead of the Premier League match away to West Brom on Saturday, he said: "Many things have changed in the last six games. In the beginning we were winning and now we're not. But, we are fighting, like we were in the beginning."Mourinho is living at Manchester's Lowry Hotel and hinted in an interview with Sky Sports he is missing his family, who are based in London.

"For me it's a bit of a disaster because I want sometimes to walk a little bit and I can't," he said prior to Wednesday's EFL Cup win over Guardiola's City."The reality is that my daughter will be 20 next week, my son will be 17 in a couple of months. They are very stable.

"University in London. Football in London. Friends. So they are in an age where they can't chase me like they did before. So for the first time the family lives in a different way."

 

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Lille 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Cavani goal clinches PSG win

A second-half strike from Edinson Cavani gave Paris Saint-Germain a 1-0 victory over Lille in Friday's Ligue 1 encounter at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

The reigning champions are enduring a difficult start to the 2016-17 campaign and were trailing leaders Nice by six points heading into the encounter.

PSG had to settle for a scoreless draw at home against Marseille last week and were therefore desperate to make amends and return to winning ways, with Angel Di Maria in particular out to prove a point.

The Argentina international was heavily criticised following an underwhelming outing versus OM and missed out on the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist this week, but put in a lively performance in the opening 45 minutes.

He was unfortunate not to net his first Ligue 1 goal of the season, though, as he was denied by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama twice, while also having a goal ruled out for a controversial handball decision.

Cavani, meanwhile, wasted three fine chances to open the scoring, before eventually getting his 10th Ligue 1 goal of the season to deliver PSG the win, with a hapless Lille unable to bounce back in the remainder of the game.

PSG were in charge right from the opening whistle and should have gone a goal up when Thiago Silva set Di Maria on his way with a superb long ball. The winger controlled well before firing a powerful shot that was sublimely saved by Enyeama, with Cavani's attempt from the rebound lacking the required power.

Di Maria caused the Lille defence all kinds of trouble in the opening stages and he had another chance to break the deadlock, only to aim an effort straight at Enyeama from the left-hand side of the area.

The 28-year-old was then unfortunate to have a goal disallowed when he was adjudged to have handled the ball as he rounded Enyeama before rolling it into the empty net, prompting furious PSG protests as referee Benoit Bastien consulted with his assistant.

The visitors had another fine chance in the closing stages of the first half when Cavani beat the offside trap after being set up by Di Maria inside the area, but the Uruguay international blasted his shot high and wide as it remained goalless at half-time.

Unai Emery's men continued to dominate after the break and Cavani should have done better after being presented with a fine chance following some good work from Blaise Matuidi, wildly firing a shot over the crossbar instead.

But Cavani made amends in the 65th minute on his fourth fine chance of the evening. The Ligue 1 top scorer controlled a pass from Di Maria on his chest, shrugged off his marker and beat Enyeama with a powerful shot on the turn.

Younousse Sankhare had a fine chance to level the scoring from close-range late on after being set up by Eder, but the midfielder failed to get enough power on his attempt as PSG recorded a narrow, but deserved victory which puts them up to second in the table.

 

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'Liverpool's perfect No.10 Coutinho good enough for Real Madrid'

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho is good enough to play for La Liga giants Real Madrid, says Reds legend Jamie Carragher, describing him as 'the perfect number 10'.

Coutinho has been imperative to the Reds' early success, thriving in an attacking role alongside Roberto Firmino and summer signing Saido Mane, with Jurgen Klopp's side sitting joint top of the Premier League.

And while Carragher believes the early hype surrounding the Brazilian was unwarranted, the former Liverpool defender now believes he's good enough to play at the very top of the game.

"There used to be a time when I would roll my eyes. Philippe Coutinho’s name would be mentioned alongside a team such as Real Madrid but I never took it seriously. I'm not rolling my eyes any longer," says Carragher, in his Daily Mail column. "He is becoming Liverpool’s perfect 10.

"He has become one of the stars of the Premier League, the driving force behind Liverpool’s impressive early form and the key to them sustaining what could yet become a challenge for the title,"

"He is playing at such a level that you could put him in the No 10 position of any of Liverpool’s rivals — Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United — and he would fit in seamlessly and enhance their quality."Gerrard and Suarez have gone and Coutinho is now the man."

 

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'When I take him off, I take him off' - No special treatment for Sanchez, says Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is adamant Alexis Sanchez's fine performances this season have not earned him any sort of special treatment.

The Chile international has netted six goals in 12 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this term and has been key to their fine start.

That has not stopped Wenger from withdrawing Sanchez toward the end of a game on three occasions, though, and the Frenchman has stressed he is the one calling the shots - regardless of the attacker's frustrated reactions.

"When I decide to take him off, I take him off," Wenger was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "There is no special case. He has his own character but he is not treated differently from everybody else."They all recognise [rotation] after the game but during the game they want to stay on the pitch. I have played football, you want to play even when you are tired."

Wenger has played Sanchez up front this term after previously using him as a winger and he has revealed he always saw the former Barcelona player as more of a centre forward.

"I see him in the middle because of the kind of gut he has, provocative," the Arsenal boss added."He has a short technique and can always create something. He has a good mixture between scoring and giving the final ball.

"In my taste, he still comes too much to the ball because he likes to have the ball. But we have enough playmakers in our team."

 

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Conte: I'm worried about my heart

Antonio Conte admits he is worried about his heart as Chelsea's form fluctuates this season.

A demonstrative figure on the sidelines, Conte's heart has been tested early into life at Stamford Bridge, with the highest of highs being last week's remarkable 4-0 rout of Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Chelsea, though, have already lost to Liverpool and Arsenal, while stuttering to a 2-2 draw against Swansea City and losing to West Ham in the EFL Cup fourth round midweek frustrated head coach Conte, who joked about using a heart monitor."I am worried about this [heart]," Conte said."For this season I try to do my own training sessions to maintain good physical form.

"I know I risk a bit, but I might consider putting a GPS system on myself to monitor my heart-rate during a game."The 47-year-old Italian added: "Whenever I have time, I run. For 30, 40 minutes. I change the routes.

"When we finish training, if I’m not tired, I have my period of fitness. We have four pitches here and I run around them. Sometimes I try to involve my staff."At the start of my career, I would eat very well and I felt the benefit of it. So when I became a coach, I wanted to have the same idea.

"You don't ban anything. You just aim for the right balance between protein, carbohydrates and fat. It's important in preventing injuries and in recovery. You are fresh mentally, too. I have tried it on myself."Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League as they prepare for Sunday's trip to Southampton.

 

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Mourinho: Rooney is not going anywhere!

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has stressed captain Wayne Rooney will not be leaving Old Trafford any time soon.

The England skipper has been heavily linked with a move away from United in recent weeks after losing his starting berth under the former Chelsea boss.

Inter are believed to be among his admirers, while Everton boss Ronald Koeman has said he would be interested if the forward ever became available for a return to his former club.

Nevertheless, Mourinho is adamant Rooney will not be allowed to leave the club for the foreseeable future."You can write and say what you want about Wayne, but it is not true," Mourinho told reporters.

"I know he's the type of player I need and I know he can play at the top level. I can't make this kind of mental exercise and say what's going to happen at 32, 33, 34 or 35 [Rooney turned 31 this week]. "What I can say is that he's a very good player, a very important player for us. He's going nowhere.

"We like him, he likes us. He was not happy in the last matches because he was on the bench but I think he is even unhappier when he is not on the bench because he's been injured and has to stay in the stands."There are no problems at all, but you need to sell papers and you write lies. Rooney is back Saturday."Rooney has a contract with United until June 2019.

 

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Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.10.29

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.10.29​

Sunderland Vs Arsenal

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Manchester United Vs Burnley

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Moddlesbrough Vs Bournemouth

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Tottenham Vs Leicester City

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Watford Vs Hull City

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WBA Vs Manchester City

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Crystal Palace Vs Liverpool

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LA Liga Fixtures 2016.10.29

LA Liga Fixtures 2016.10.29

Sporting Gijon Vs Sevilla

Alaves Vs Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid Vs Malaga

Barcelona Vs Granada​