Barclays Premier League Fixture 2016.11.21
Barclays Premier League Fixture 2016.11.21
WBA Vs Burnley
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Could Coutinho be Iniesta's successor at Barcelona?
It is the transfer story that everybody is talking about. Philippe Coutinho's fine form at Liverpool has alerted Barcelona and the Catalans are weighing up a summer move for the brilliant Brazilian. The Reds, however, have other ideas.
Barca are on the lookout for a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta and potentially another forward as well, with Andre Gomes and Paco Alcacer both underwhelming since joining from Valencia last summer.
Iniesta, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, is 33 in May and approaching the twilight of a glorious career. At some time in the not-too-distant future, he will need to be replaced.
Barca have yet to finalise their summer spending plans but Coutinho is a name that keeps popping up and, only last week, club legend Xavi talked up a move for the former Inter midfielder.
"Coutinho is a player I have always thought is special," Xavi told Goal, "but under [Liverpool coach Jurgen] Klopp he has gone up another level. On form, there are not any better midfield players in Europe.
“There are not many players that can improve Barcelona but, if you are asking me if he is one of them, on this form, I think he is. Technically he is very good. He would suit Barcelona's philosophy well."
Asked about the possibility of signing Coutinho, Barca's sporting director, Robert Fernandez, said recently: "He is a great player with great conditions but we have a lot of playmakers. However, it is not easy to find players capable of playing for Barcelona."
The 24-year-old's tremendous technique, dribbling ability, superb skills and eye for goal mean that he is in that category - and he already has two of his closest friends at Camp Nou in Neymar and his former Liverpool team-mate, Luis Suarez.
It was widely reported that Neymar was bending Coutinho's ear over a possible transfer to Barcelona during the recent international break (in which the two starred together for Brazil in the 3-0 defeat of Argentina) and the former Santos star said: "Coutinho has always been a craque [great player] - ever since his childhood. I would love to have him by my side at Barcelona."
Coutinho already knows the Catalan capital well, having spent a season on loan at Espanyol during his time at Inter, while he would be linking up with two of his best buddies and Brazilians are also known to love playing in Spain due to the climate and - in Barcelona's case - because of the proximity to the beach.
It is also difficult for South American players to turn down Barcelona or Real Madrid, the two biggest clubs in the world, with former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson noting: "Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid to a certain degree, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are the clubs continually successful in Europe. You can't keep those top players if those clubs come in for them."
However, it is not as simple as that. Coutinho is playing the finest football of his career under Klopp and, for the first time since leaving Brazil in 2010, he appears to be truly settled with his wife and young daughter in Liverpool. In addition, his best performances have come on the left of a front three. And while he is able to operate as a No.10 or as a midfield playmaker as well, his influence is restricted if he plays further back - along with his goal threat.
Neymar plays on the left of Barca's front three, of course, and, when the two are available for Brazil, Coutinho is used on the right. At Camp Nou, however, that position is reserved for a certain Lionel Messi and in the centre of the Catalans' astonishing attack is Suarez, who is the world's best No.9.
So it may be difficult for Barca to convince Coutinho that a move to Catalunya is a wise choice at this stage of his career. At the age of 24, the Brazilian would be unlikely to accept a bit-part role, while he would not necessarily be an automatic choice in midfield either with Iniesta still at the peak of his powers.
Liverpool are also in a very strong bargaining position at the moment. Form is good on the pitch, while financially the club is in good shape. The Reds do not want to sell - and they do not need to either.
That means only an astronomical offer from Barca would have any chance of prising Phil away from Anfield. And would the Blaugrana be willing to break the bank - and probably exceed the €81 million that they paid for Suarez in 2014 - for a player who would not necessarily be first choice or who would be operating in a position that is not his best?That is doubtful at this point in time and, in any case, Klopp is confident that Coutinho will stay at Anfield.
“My feeling and my opinion is that he feels really well here,” the German said earlier in November. "We all hope and think his future is here in Liverpool.Everyone forgets when you talk about Phil that he's still very young. You're saying now that he's the player Brazil always dreamed of but he's only 24 now, with a long way to go and lots of space for development.
"With the team-mates he has, he's getting better and better - and he's only just starting. The very, very good players, you want them to stay long term. It's all about us - the club is not the problem and the owners are not the problem - it's about creating a perspective that nobody wants to leave."
So far, so good. Coutinho has also praised Klopp for getting the best out of him, while Liverpool are flying high at the top end of the Premier League. So while the Brazilian would no doubt be tempted by a move to Camp Nou, it looks like Barca will be made to wait for the foreseeable future at least.
It is the transfer story that everybody is talking about. Philippe Coutinho's fine form at Liverpool has alerted Barcelona and the Catalans are weighing up a summer move for the brilliant Brazilian. The Reds, however, have other ideas.
Barca are on the lookout for a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta and potentially another forward as well, with Andre Gomes and Paco Alcacer both underwhelming since joining from Valencia last summer.
Iniesta, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, is 33 in May and approaching the twilight of a glorious career. At some time in the not-too-distant future, he will need to be replaced.
Barca have yet to finalise their summer spending plans but Coutinho is a name that keeps popping up and, only last week, club legend Xavi talked up a move for the former Inter midfielder.
"Coutinho is a player I have always thought is special," Xavi told Goal, "but under [Liverpool coach Jurgen] Klopp he has gone up another level. On form, there are not any better midfield players in Europe.
“There are not many players that can improve Barcelona but, if you are asking me if he is one of them, on this form, I think he is. Technically he is very good. He would suit Barcelona's philosophy well."
Asked about the possibility of signing Coutinho, Barca's sporting director, Robert Fernandez, said recently: "He is a great player with great conditions but we have a lot of playmakers. However, it is not easy to find players capable of playing for Barcelona."
The 24-year-old's tremendous technique, dribbling ability, superb skills and eye for goal mean that he is in that category - and he already has two of his closest friends at Camp Nou in Neymar and his former Liverpool team-mate, Luis Suarez.
It was widely reported that Neymar was bending Coutinho's ear over a possible transfer to Barcelona during the recent international break (in which the two starred together for Brazil in the 3-0 defeat of Argentina) and the former Santos star said: "Coutinho has always been a craque [great player] - ever since his childhood. I would love to have him by my side at Barcelona."
Coutinho already knows the Catalan capital well, having spent a season on loan at Espanyol during his time at Inter, while he would be linking up with two of his best buddies and Brazilians are also known to love playing in Spain due to the climate and - in Barcelona's case - because of the proximity to the beach.
It is also difficult for South American players to turn down Barcelona or Real Madrid, the two biggest clubs in the world, with former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson noting: "Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid to a certain degree, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are the clubs continually successful in Europe. You can't keep those top players if those clubs come in for them."
However, it is not as simple as that. Coutinho is playing the finest football of his career under Klopp and, for the first time since leaving Brazil in 2010, he appears to be truly settled with his wife and young daughter in Liverpool. In addition, his best performances have come on the left of a front three. And while he is able to operate as a No.10 or as a midfield playmaker as well, his influence is restricted if he plays further back - along with his goal threat.
Neymar plays on the left of Barca's front three, of course, and, when the two are available for Brazil, Coutinho is used on the right. At Camp Nou, however, that position is reserved for a certain Lionel Messi and in the centre of the Catalans' astonishing attack is Suarez, who is the world's best No.9.
So it may be difficult for Barca to convince Coutinho that a move to Catalunya is a wise choice at this stage of his career. At the age of 24, the Brazilian would be unlikely to accept a bit-part role, while he would not necessarily be an automatic choice in midfield either with Iniesta still at the peak of his powers.
Liverpool are also in a very strong bargaining position at the moment. Form is good on the pitch, while financially the club is in good shape. The Reds do not want to sell - and they do not need to either.
That means only an astronomical offer from Barca would have any chance of prising Phil away from Anfield. And would the Blaugrana be willing to break the bank - and probably exceed the €81 million that they paid for Suarez in 2014 - for a player who would not necessarily be first choice or who would be operating in a position that is not his best?That is doubtful at this point in time and, in any case, Klopp is confident that Coutinho will stay at Anfield.
“My feeling and my opinion is that he feels really well here,” the German said earlier in November. "We all hope and think his future is here in Liverpool.Everyone forgets when you talk about Phil that he's still very young. You're saying now that he's the player Brazil always dreamed of but he's only 24 now, with a long way to go and lots of space for development.
"With the team-mates he has, he's getting better and better - and he's only just starting. The very, very good players, you want them to stay long term. It's all about us - the club is not the problem and the owners are not the problem - it's about creating a perspective that nobody wants to leave."
So far, so good. Coutinho has also praised Klopp for getting the best out of him, while Liverpool are flying high at the top end of the Premier League. So while the Brazilian would no doubt be tempted by a move to Camp Nou, it looks like Barca will be made to wait for the foreseeable future at least.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has hinted he could offer the "fantastic" Michael Carrick a contract extension to keep him at the club for a further year.
Carrick made his second Premier League start of the season in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday and Mourinho was impressed by the veteran midfielder's performance.
With Carrick's existing contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign, Mourinho indicated he will be looking to keep the former England international."Michael is 35 years old," Mourinho said. "With such an intense game he was having some cramps in the last period, which is normal.
"It is very sad to know that time flies for every one of us. He is such a fantastic player and it is a pity, I always loved him, but instead of being his manager when he was 25 I am his manager when he is 35.
"We have a good understanding. We know when he can play. We know when he is ready and when he needs a rest."I am still having Michael Carrick and probably for one more season. That's life."
Mourinho also expressed satisfaction at Paul Pogba's development after moving to the Premier League for a world-record transfer fee from Serie A champions Juventus."He is adapting much better in relation to the intensity of the competition and he is much more confident," Mourinho said.
"Obviously he plays with some guidelines over his position but at the same time with some freedom to occupy some attacking areas where he feels and thinks he can be important.
"He is comfortable on the pitch. That is the best way of saying it."United remain six points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table following Saturday's draw at Old Trafford.
Juan Mata had given the hosts the lead although Olivier Giroud met Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross late on to rescue a point for the Gunners.
Messi set to return from illness to face Celtic
Barcelona have received a boost in their preparations for Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Celtic as Lionel Messi has resumed training ahead of the fixture.
The Argentine star had surprisingly missed Saturday’s La Liga draw against Malaga, having been vomiting with a stomach bug in the build up to the match.
Without Messi and the suspended Luis Suarez, Barca were unable to make a breakthrough against nine-man Malaga and the score finished 0-0 at Camp Nou.
However, both are back in contention for the trip to Glasgow, with the Argentine resuming training on Monday.
There has not been such good news elsewhere in the squad, with both centre-back Samuel Umtiti and midfielder Andres Iniesta unable to train due to their injury problems.
Wednesday’s clash is vital for Barcelona in their hopes to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition in first place after losing their 100 per cent record in Group C when they were defeat 3-1 by Manchester City.
When Barca met Celtic back in September, they ran out emphatic 7-0 winners at Camp Nou, with Messi grabbing a superb hat-trick.
Since then, though, the Scottish champions have taken points off both City and Borussia Monchengladbach, while the Catalans will not need reminded of the 2-1 loss they suffered at Celtic Park at this stage in the competition four years ago.
Barcelona have received a boost in their preparations for Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Celtic as Lionel Messi has resumed training ahead of the fixture.
The Argentine star had surprisingly missed Saturday’s La Liga draw against Malaga, having been vomiting with a stomach bug in the build up to the match.
Without Messi and the suspended Luis Suarez, Barca were unable to make a breakthrough against nine-man Malaga and the score finished 0-0 at Camp Nou.
However, both are back in contention for the trip to Glasgow, with the Argentine resuming training on Monday.
There has not been such good news elsewhere in the squad, with both centre-back Samuel Umtiti and midfielder Andres Iniesta unable to train due to their injury problems.
Wednesday’s clash is vital for Barcelona in their hopes to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition in first place after losing their 100 per cent record in Group C when they were defeat 3-1 by Manchester City.
When Barca met Celtic back in September, they ran out emphatic 7-0 winners at Camp Nou, with Messi grabbing a superb hat-trick.
Since then, though, the Scottish champions have taken points off both City and Borussia Monchengladbach, while the Catalans will not need reminded of the 2-1 loss they suffered at Celtic Park at this stage in the competition four years ago.
Courtois earning £100,000 per save for Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois has been pocketing almost £100,000 per save in the Premier League this season after helping Chelsea to the top of the table.
The Belgium international, whose salary is £120,000 a week, has barely been called upon to make a stop during Chelsea's impressive run of six wins and six clean sheets in their last six Premier League games.
Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough saw them leapfrog both Liverpool and Manchester City, but Courtois was only required to make one save in the 78th minute from an Alvaro Negredo effort.
In fact, in Chelsea’s last three games, Courtois has only had to make two saves and he has faced only 17 shots in the league this season. This is the joint fewest of any goalkeeper, alongside Southampton’s Fraser Forster.
In the last three games, Courtois has the outright record, but the statistic also offers an insight into how effective Chelsea have been at shutting out opponents since Antonio Conte took over the west London club.
Courtois was at his busiest against Manchester United, having to make five saves during his side's 4-0 win, but the likes of Everton, Leicester City and Burnley failed to test the Belgium number one on their visits to Stamford Bridge.
The 24-year-old also has more Premier League clean sheets than any other goalkeeper so far this season, but Chelsea would need to gain eight more clean sheets to match record holders, Manchester United, who went 14 games without conceding a goal in their 2008-09 campaign.
He has gone on to earn exactly £98,823 per-save this season, but it is harsh to say that he is picking up easy money as Courtois is increasingly having to master the art of staying focused, without having much work to do.
Even with Belgium, Courtois is putting together an impressive run under Roberto Martinez as they switch to the 3-4-3 formation and has only conceded once in his last three games for his country, which stretches to only conceding once in his last nine games for club and country combined.
Thibaut Courtois has been pocketing almost £100,000 per save in the Premier League this season after helping Chelsea to the top of the table.
The Belgium international, whose salary is £120,000 a week, has barely been called upon to make a stop during Chelsea's impressive run of six wins and six clean sheets in their last six Premier League games.
Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough saw them leapfrog both Liverpool and Manchester City, but Courtois was only required to make one save in the 78th minute from an Alvaro Negredo effort.
In fact, in Chelsea’s last three games, Courtois has only had to make two saves and he has faced only 17 shots in the league this season. This is the joint fewest of any goalkeeper, alongside Southampton’s Fraser Forster.
In the last three games, Courtois has the outright record, but the statistic also offers an insight into how effective Chelsea have been at shutting out opponents since Antonio Conte took over the west London club.
Courtois was at his busiest against Manchester United, having to make five saves during his side's 4-0 win, but the likes of Everton, Leicester City and Burnley failed to test the Belgium number one on their visits to Stamford Bridge.
The 24-year-old also has more Premier League clean sheets than any other goalkeeper so far this season, but Chelsea would need to gain eight more clean sheets to match record holders, Manchester United, who went 14 games without conceding a goal in their 2008-09 campaign.
He has gone on to earn exactly £98,823 per-save this season, but it is harsh to say that he is picking up easy money as Courtois is increasingly having to master the art of staying focused, without having much work to do.
Even with Belgium, Courtois is putting together an impressive run under Roberto Martinez as they switch to the 3-4-3 formation and has only conceded once in his last three games for his country, which stretches to only conceding once in his last nine games for club and country combined.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Griezmann told me he hates me!
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that Antoine Griezmann had some choice words for his cross-town rival after Portugal defeated France to lift the Euro 2016 trophy.
Griezmann will go down in history as the player of the tournament at the European Championships, but clearly would have preferred to forego any individual honours in favour of lifting the title on home soil.
“It's funny,” Ronaldo told France Football, “Because shortly after the final, while I was on vacation in Miami, I met Antoine Griezmann in a restaurant where he was dining with his fiancee. He came over to my table and said with a sly smile: 'Cristiano, I hate you!'"
Portugal had gained a reputation throughout the showpiece event as a largely uninspiring side whose style of play left a lot to be desired, and Ronaldo feels that, as a result, France's favourites tag played into the hands of Fernando Santos and his charges.
“I was convinced that serenity was the key to everything. We knew we had a big advantage in that we were not the favourites,” the attacker said.“When we started warming up on the pitch, I felt the French looked a bit too relaxed. They were smiling a lot. You have the right to smile before a game but they all seemed very happy.“The French thought they would win easily – at least that's the impression we got.”
Ronaldo himself was unable to stay on the pitch until the match's completion due to picking up an injury in the second half, and despite eventually lifting the trophy, the disappointment at picking up the knock is not something the attacker will soon forget.
“I returned to the dressing room to the team doctor to give me a quick diagnosis. I was crying because I thought it was serious but the doctor quickly reassured me. Still, I continued to cry."
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that Antoine Griezmann had some choice words for his cross-town rival after Portugal defeated France to lift the Euro 2016 trophy.
Griezmann will go down in history as the player of the tournament at the European Championships, but clearly would have preferred to forego any individual honours in favour of lifting the title on home soil.
“It's funny,” Ronaldo told France Football, “Because shortly after the final, while I was on vacation in Miami, I met Antoine Griezmann in a restaurant where he was dining with his fiancee. He came over to my table and said with a sly smile: 'Cristiano, I hate you!'"
Portugal had gained a reputation throughout the showpiece event as a largely uninspiring side whose style of play left a lot to be desired, and Ronaldo feels that, as a result, France's favourites tag played into the hands of Fernando Santos and his charges.
“I was convinced that serenity was the key to everything. We knew we had a big advantage in that we were not the favourites,” the attacker said.“When we started warming up on the pitch, I felt the French looked a bit too relaxed. They were smiling a lot. You have the right to smile before a game but they all seemed very happy.“The French thought they would win easily – at least that's the impression we got.”
Ronaldo himself was unable to stay on the pitch until the match's completion due to picking up an injury in the second half, and despite eventually lifting the trophy, the disappointment at picking up the knock is not something the attacker will soon forget.
“I returned to the dressing room to the team doctor to give me a quick diagnosis. I was crying because I thought it was serious but the doctor quickly reassured me. Still, I continued to cry."
Sir Alex made sure we didn't leave Lisbon without Ronaldo – O'Shea
Former Manchester United defender John O'Shea has spoken of the intense desire Sir Alex Ferguson displayed in his efforts to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after facing the then youngster in just one game.
The Red Devils had been on tour in America prior to facing Sporting CP in the Champions League – the match which helped define Ronaldo's career – and O'Shea, jet-lagged and tasked with marking Ronaldo, was eager to set the record straight regarding his performance against the Portuguese starlet.
"On to the game and I'm starting right-back," O'Shea, now captain of Sunderland, told ESPN FC. "Just before the game kicks off, I look up and a young Ronaldo is staring straight at me."He's there and full of concentration, ready to go.
"Now in some books written by former colleagues, there have been some highly exaggerated stories, and, believe it or not, about how much Ronnie went past me time after time, and ripped me apart!"My version would be different, but he did have an excellent game.
"At one stage, I remember looking at the dugout when the ball had gone out for a throw-in and some of the lads on the bench were having a good laugh, thinking that's the last thing you need when jet-lagged -- a young lad wanting to run at you time and time again, going left, going right, twisting turning, shooting every time he got within distance of the goal.
"But in a roundabout way, I take it as a compliment that the boss wanted to sign Ronaldo so quickly after the game, because of how he had performed against me that night."
Sir Alex's autobiography suggests that the Red Devils had registered an interest in Ronaldo prior to that night, but the players recall having to sit on the team bus for an hour after that fateful game while the Man Utd boss thrashed out a deal to bring the player to Old Trafford as soon as possible."He wanted him to join straight away rather than staying on loan at Sporting for another year to develop,” O'Shea said.
"I believe the deal was in place for Ronaldo to stay in Lisbon and then come to Manchester the following season, but after his display of skill and maturity on the night, the boss made sure we didn't leave Lisbon without him, he was ready.
"He didn't turn out a bad player did he?" O'Shea said. "He has scored a few goals and won some trophies! He is the best player in the world now, along with another fella from Argentina."
Former Manchester United defender John O'Shea has spoken of the intense desire Sir Alex Ferguson displayed in his efforts to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after facing the then youngster in just one game.
The Red Devils had been on tour in America prior to facing Sporting CP in the Champions League – the match which helped define Ronaldo's career – and O'Shea, jet-lagged and tasked with marking Ronaldo, was eager to set the record straight regarding his performance against the Portuguese starlet.
"On to the game and I'm starting right-back," O'Shea, now captain of Sunderland, told ESPN FC. "Just before the game kicks off, I look up and a young Ronaldo is staring straight at me."He's there and full of concentration, ready to go.
"Now in some books written by former colleagues, there have been some highly exaggerated stories, and, believe it or not, about how much Ronnie went past me time after time, and ripped me apart!"My version would be different, but he did have an excellent game.
"At one stage, I remember looking at the dugout when the ball had gone out for a throw-in and some of the lads on the bench were having a good laugh, thinking that's the last thing you need when jet-lagged -- a young lad wanting to run at you time and time again, going left, going right, twisting turning, shooting every time he got within distance of the goal.
"But in a roundabout way, I take it as a compliment that the boss wanted to sign Ronaldo so quickly after the game, because of how he had performed against me that night."
Sir Alex's autobiography suggests that the Red Devils had registered an interest in Ronaldo prior to that night, but the players recall having to sit on the team bus for an hour after that fateful game while the Man Utd boss thrashed out a deal to bring the player to Old Trafford as soon as possible."He wanted him to join straight away rather than staying on loan at Sporting for another year to develop,” O'Shea said.
"I believe the deal was in place for Ronaldo to stay in Lisbon and then come to Manchester the following season, but after his display of skill and maturity on the night, the boss made sure we didn't leave Lisbon without him, he was ready.
"He didn't turn out a bad player did he?" O'Shea said. "He has scored a few goals and won some trophies! He is the best player in the world now, along with another fella from Argentina."
Ranieri confident of Leicester revival
Claudio Ranieri is convinced Leicester City's fortunes will change as they stand on the brink of qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.
The Foxes defied the odds to win the Premier League last season, but they have failed to replicate that fairytale so far this term and a 2-1 loss to Watford at the weekend left them just two points above the relegation zone in 14th.
However, manager Ranieri is optimistic that Leicester, who are on a run of four matches without a win in all competitions, will soon turn the corner.
"I am not happy but I am confident," he told a media conference ahead of Tuesday's contest against Club Brugge. "I'm happy with the spirit and cohesion of the group but not with the results."We have a good group and we work so well during the week. Sooner or later our fortunes will change.
"Life is easier when you enjoy it. Now it's not easy, but we must be strong and come through it. Our focus is to try and win [on Tuesday] and to go back to the Premier League and improve our position.
"I don't think there is a big difference [compared to last season], only the results are different."
The Champions League has provided much-needed respite and victory over Brugge will secure Leicester's progression from Group G - something Ranieri believes would be another major success for his squad.
He added: "I respect Brugge. They're good and I can't believe they have zero points. They play well, create chances and have good players."We don't feel the pressure, we just know that we must perform well if we are to win against Club Brugge.
"We have the opportunity to go to the knockout stages of the Champions League. It's another fantastic achievement for the club."
Claudio Ranieri is convinced Leicester City's fortunes will change as they stand on the brink of qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.
The Foxes defied the odds to win the Premier League last season, but they have failed to replicate that fairytale so far this term and a 2-1 loss to Watford at the weekend left them just two points above the relegation zone in 14th.
However, manager Ranieri is optimistic that Leicester, who are on a run of four matches without a win in all competitions, will soon turn the corner.
"I am not happy but I am confident," he told a media conference ahead of Tuesday's contest against Club Brugge. "I'm happy with the spirit and cohesion of the group but not with the results."We have a good group and we work so well during the week. Sooner or later our fortunes will change.
"Life is easier when you enjoy it. Now it's not easy, but we must be strong and come through it. Our focus is to try and win [on Tuesday] and to go back to the Premier League and improve our position.
"I don't think there is a big difference [compared to last season], only the results are different."
The Champions League has provided much-needed respite and victory over Brugge will secure Leicester's progression from Group G - something Ranieri believes would be another major success for his squad.
He added: "I respect Brugge. They're good and I can't believe they have zero points. They play well, create chances and have good players."We don't feel the pressure, we just know that we must perform well if we are to win against Club Brugge.
"We have the opportunity to go to the knockout stages of the Champions League. It's another fantastic achievement for the club."
Rebuilding United an enormous task for Mourinho, says ex-Real Madrid boss Antic
Reclaiming Manchester United's status as a dominant force in English football is not going to be easy for Jose Mourinho, according to former Real Madrid and Barcelona coach Radomir Antic.
Since the retirement of Alex Ferguson in 2013, United have struggled to hit the heights they enjoyed under the Scot, with David Moyes and Louis van Gaal both struggling during their time at the helm.Mourinho is the latest to try and emulate Ferguson's success at Old Trafford but United have only shown glimmers of a potential recovery so far this season.
Former Real Madrid and Barcelona boss Antic believes turning United – who are already nine points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea – back into title contenders is not an easy task.
"Mourinho has taken over Manchester United after Van Gaal, who didn't exactly make the team shine, so it's difficult for him," Antic told Omnisport."He's got the enormous task of finally substituting Sir Alex Ferguson who was a mythical figure and made Manchester United into much more than just a football club."
Meanwhile, across Manchester, Pep Guardiola's tenure at the Etihad Stadium has fared considerably better after the opening 12 games of the season, with City sitting just one point off top spot.
Antic is a big fan of Guardiola's style but stressed it will take time for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss to implement it fully."Obviously, we need to give Guardiola some time to judge his performance. How can I put this … we need more days," he added.
Reclaiming Manchester United's status as a dominant force in English football is not going to be easy for Jose Mourinho, according to former Real Madrid and Barcelona coach Radomir Antic.
Since the retirement of Alex Ferguson in 2013, United have struggled to hit the heights they enjoyed under the Scot, with David Moyes and Louis van Gaal both struggling during their time at the helm.Mourinho is the latest to try and emulate Ferguson's success at Old Trafford but United have only shown glimmers of a potential recovery so far this season.
Former Real Madrid and Barcelona boss Antic believes turning United – who are already nine points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea – back into title contenders is not an easy task.
"Mourinho has taken over Manchester United after Van Gaal, who didn't exactly make the team shine, so it's difficult for him," Antic told Omnisport."He's got the enormous task of finally substituting Sir Alex Ferguson who was a mythical figure and made Manchester United into much more than just a football club."
Meanwhile, across Manchester, Pep Guardiola's tenure at the Etihad Stadium has fared considerably better after the opening 12 games of the season, with City sitting just one point off top spot.
Antic is a big fan of Guardiola's style but stressed it will take time for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss to implement it fully."Obviously, we need to give Guardiola some time to judge his performance. How can I put this … we need more days," he added.
Underrated Mata deserves more credit - Carragher
Jamie Carragher believes that Manchester United star Juan Mata deserves to be recognised as one of the finest playmakers in the Premier League.
The Spain international was on target to open the scoring against Arsenal on Saturday, although United were pegged back by Olivier Giroud's late equaliser, which sealed a 1-1 draw.
But according to Carragher, Mata does not get the credit he deserves for his talent. "I think we're looking at one of the most underrated players in the Premier League," the former Liverpool man told Sky Sports.
"I think the reason he doesn’t get that credit that the others do is because he was Player of the Year for the first two years at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho comes in - best manager in the world - and gets rid of him.
"Everyone thinks Mourinho can’t be wrong - there must be something wrong with him."Carragher also argued that Mata's creativity more than compensated for his less than electric speed. "He comes to Manchester United and he’s got no pace and the fee is well over the odds. What No.10 has got pace?" he said.
"I think it’s about time we look at Juan Mata in this group of players and as one of the top players in the Premier league. Which he is.
"I think he should start getting a lot more credit."
Ibrahimovic wins Swedish Player of the Year award for 10th year running
Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have to make room in his trophy cabinet for yet another Swedish Player of the Year gong, as he won the award for the 10th consecutive year.
The 35 year old, who retired from international football in 2016 shortly after the Sweden team crashed out of the European Championship, was first named the nation's premier footballer in 2005.And he has gone on to retain the title a further 10 times since then, with only Fredrik Ljungberg, in 2006, managing to break his stranglehold.
The figure is a Swedish record: and the country's FA plans to pay homage to the ex-Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Barcelona hitman by erecting a statue of him outside of Stockholm's Friends Arena.
"It feels unreal. Many are thinking 'Why him?' and so on, but after all the hard work over 15 years in the national team and 20 years in my club career, it feels like it's being appreciated," Ibrahimovic said as he accepted his award."You usually get this after you die, but I still feel alive. When I die, this (statue) will live on forever."
Gerrard turns down MK Dons to consider other offers
Steven Gerrard has declined the offer to manage MK Dons, with the midfielder considering other opportunities, including the prospect of rejoining Liverpool in a coaching capacity.
The 36-year-old held preliminary talks with the League One outfit over the possibility of replacing Karl Robinson, but both parties decided to move in a different direction.
The former Reds and England captain admitted in January that he is not yet ready to take overall charge of a club as he works towards completing his UEFA A license.
“I’ve dreams and aspirations of going into coaching and management but at the moment I’m nowhere near ready for management,” he said.“When you start your coaching badges you realise pretty sharp it’s different. You’re in control of 25 men with different egos.”
Following his LA Galaxy exit, Gerrard has several proposals both on and off the pitch to mull over as he enjoys a break with his family.And as Goal revealed last week, he has held advanced talks with Liverpool over a position at the Academy.
The man with over 700 appearances for his boyhood club made it clear he didn’t want a role to hinge on who he is, but rather on what he could offer and learn.Alex Inglethorpe, director of the club's youth set-up, believes Gerrard would be an asset well beyond his status as a Liverpool great.
The first call Gerrard will need to make is whether he continues as a player until the end of the season at least, or retires to concentrate on the next phase of his career in football.
Signed up for punditry duties, he also has the option of traveling around Europe to learn from the game’s elite managers, while the FA have been in contact with England’s fourth-most capped player over scope at international level and assistance with his badges.
Whatever decision Gerrard makes in the short-term, it is apparent Liverpool will be his eventual destination.
Steven Gerrard has declined the offer to manage MK Dons, with the midfielder considering other opportunities, including the prospect of rejoining Liverpool in a coaching capacity.
The 36-year-old held preliminary talks with the League One outfit over the possibility of replacing Karl Robinson, but both parties decided to move in a different direction.
The former Reds and England captain admitted in January that he is not yet ready to take overall charge of a club as he works towards completing his UEFA A license.
“I’ve dreams and aspirations of going into coaching and management but at the moment I’m nowhere near ready for management,” he said.“When you start your coaching badges you realise pretty sharp it’s different. You’re in control of 25 men with different egos.”
Following his LA Galaxy exit, Gerrard has several proposals both on and off the pitch to mull over as he enjoys a break with his family.And as Goal revealed last week, he has held advanced talks with Liverpool over a position at the Academy.
The man with over 700 appearances for his boyhood club made it clear he didn’t want a role to hinge on who he is, but rather on what he could offer and learn.Alex Inglethorpe, director of the club's youth set-up, believes Gerrard would be an asset well beyond his status as a Liverpool great.
The first call Gerrard will need to make is whether he continues as a player until the end of the season at least, or retires to concentrate on the next phase of his career in football.
Signed up for punditry duties, he also has the option of traveling around Europe to learn from the game’s elite managers, while the FA have been in contact with England’s fourth-most capped player over scope at international level and assistance with his badges.
Whatever decision Gerrard makes in the short-term, it is apparent Liverpool will be his eventual destination.
'Ibrahimovic has been very, very poor'
Former Republic of Ireland international Eamon Dunphy believes Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has 'no more football left in him'.
Ibrahimovic's long list of titles in various leagues across Europe meant fans were sent into a frenzy after hearing the news that he would be moving to Old Trafford in the summer, but Dunphy feels the Swede's best years are far behind him.“I’d say Ibrahimovic has no more football in him,” Dunphy told RTE 2fm.
“Against the weaker teams they had to play at the beginning, I think he got six goals in seven games and they were important goals as well.“But he’s way past his sell by date, he’s 35-plus now. He can’t really put in the work.
“The passing, scoring goals, his general play has been very, very poor.”Meanwhile, the 71-year-old had high praise for new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, whom the former midfielder feels will lead the Blues to the Premier League title.
“I’ll give you a stat – 17 goals in the last six games, and no goals conceded since he adjusted to a 3-5-2 formation,” Dunphy said.
“This guy’s a proper coach and I’d make them favourites to win the league, although I tipped Liverpool at the start.“I think Conte has done a really good job there.”
Former Republic of Ireland international Eamon Dunphy believes Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has 'no more football left in him'.
Ibrahimovic's long list of titles in various leagues across Europe meant fans were sent into a frenzy after hearing the news that he would be moving to Old Trafford in the summer, but Dunphy feels the Swede's best years are far behind him.“I’d say Ibrahimovic has no more football in him,” Dunphy told RTE 2fm.
“Against the weaker teams they had to play at the beginning, I think he got six goals in seven games and they were important goals as well.“But he’s way past his sell by date, he’s 35-plus now. He can’t really put in the work.
“The passing, scoring goals, his general play has been very, very poor.”Meanwhile, the 71-year-old had high praise for new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, whom the former midfielder feels will lead the Blues to the Premier League title.
“I’ll give you a stat – 17 goals in the last six games, and no goals conceded since he adjusted to a 3-5-2 formation,” Dunphy said.
“This guy’s a proper coach and I’d make them favourites to win the league, although I tipped Liverpool at the start.“I think Conte has done a really good job there.”
UEFA Champions League Group Stage Fixtures 2016.11.22
UEFA Champions League Group Stage Fixtures 2016.11.22
CSKA Vs Leverkusen
Dortmund Vs Legia
Dinamo Zagreb Vs LYON
Copenhagen Vs Porto
Leicester City Vs Club Brugge
Monaco Vs Tottenham
Sevilla Vs Juventus
Sporting Lisbon Vs Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid 0-3 Real Madrid: Ronaldo sends out title statement with hat-trick
Real Madrid secured an impressive 3-0 derby win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday night courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick.
Los Blancos had not defeated their neighbours in six games but the Portuguese's devastating display in front of goal saw the La Liga leaders to a comprehensive win at Vicente Calderon.
Ronaldo grabbed his first from a deflected free-kick before adding his second via the penalty spot, with Gareth Bale setting up his third with a perfect cross after a lightning counter-attack.The result sees Zinedine Zidane's men open up a four-point lead at the top of La Liga over Barcelona, who could only draw 0-0 with Malaga earlier on Saturday.
Atletico started with Antoine Griezmann in attack, despite concerns over a foot injury, but the France star was barely involved as Diego Simeone's side slumped to a damaging defeat in the final LaLiga meeting with their city rivals at the Calderon.
Madrid lined up in a 4-4-2, with Ronaldo playing just ahead of Isco and Bale and Lucas Vazquez deployed out wide, and their shape appeared to have Atleti flummoxed as they struggled to keep possession or make any inroads on the break in the first half.
Ronaldo brought the first save of the match from Jan Oblak, his header from Marcelo's deep crossing forcing the Slovenia international to claw the ball superbly off the line low to his left.
Madrid were pressing well from the front and Luka Modric brought another good low stop from Oblak after first Ronaldo and then Bale had won back possession close to the Atletico area.
With 23 minutes played, Madrid found the breakthrough. Ronaldo's 30-yard free-kick from a central position glanced off Savic in the Atletico wall and bounced past the wrong-footed Oblak and into the net.
Madrid looked comfortable in their 4-4-2 set-up, while Atletico for once seemed unsettled by a tactical switch-up from their opponents, and Ronaldo missed a good chance to double the visitors' lead when he spun into space following Isco's pass only to shoot straight at Oblak.
The home side looked invigorated after the interval, however. Yannick Ferreira Carrasco's shot had Keylor Navas scrambling before Griezmann twice had the Madrid keeper worried, first drilling across goal and out before testing his handling with a dipping strike from distance.
Simeone introduced Angel Correa and Kevin Gameiro from the bench to create a front three alongside Griezmann, but it was Madrid who came closest to a second, with Isco's low shot from the edge of the area pushed around the right-hand post by Oblak.
And a minute later, Atleti offered the visitors the chance for the killing blow. Savic slipped while trying to clear the ball and proceeded to trip Ronaldo as he closed him down, allowing the Portugal skipper to step up and sweep home from the penalty spot into Oblak's bottom-right corner.
Atleti pushed forward in search of a lifeline and, six minutes later, they were undone by a brilliant counter-attack. Bale surged into the Atletico box and cut the ball back across goal for Ronaldo, who could not miss from three yards out at the far post.
Zinedine Zidane brought off his star forward seven minutes to play, with the points secured and the title race now firmly in their hands.
This has been by far our best performance this season IMO. It was Flawless! The tempo was excellent. Mehema giyoth nam sahena lead ekakata yanna puluwan liga wala. But the next couple of games are really tough. Gijon walin passe Barca, Sevilla & Valencia matches coming
all awayape okkoma midfielders la worthy of starting. James did great at the beginning of the season. Isco was superb in the last match. MOTM for me. Kovacic has been great as well. But someone will want to leave if they want more playing time in the future.
Benzema looked great as well in the last subbed 15 mins
Beckham: Ibrahimovic one of football's greatest players
David Beckham paid tribute to former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, insisting the Manchester United striker is still one of the greatest players after the veteran was named Swedish Player of the Year yet again.
Former Sweden captain Ibrahimovic claimed the Golden Ball for the 10th consecutive year at a ceremony on Monday.
The 35-year-old, who retired from national team duty following Euro 2016 having amassed 62 goals in 116 appearances, has now won the gong 11 times as the country prepares to honour him with a statue outside Stockholm's Friends Arena.
And, reflecting on Ibrahimovic's illustrious career, United icon Beckham - who played alongside the Swede at Paris Saint-Germain - lauded his winning mentality."His physique, his passion, his love for the game, hasn't changed," Beckham said in a pre-recorded video as reported by TV4Sport.
"He's still one of the greatest players that has ever played the game - one of the reasons why I'm happy he is now playing at Manchester United, my team. Thanks for that, Zlatan."For me, Zlatan is a player who has class, always wants to win, and he proved that when I moved to PSG.
"He was one of those players that it doesn't matter whether we were playing an important match in the French league, or on the training field, he wanted to win.
"If he wasn't winning, he was like one of my children. He would get upset, he would get angry, he would lose it. Not that my kids lose it, but Zlatan does. For me he is a winner."
As for Ibrahimovic, who has scored six goals in 11 Premier League matches in his first season at Old Trafford, he said after receiving his award: "It feels unreal. Many are thinking 'Why him?' and so on, but after all the hard work over 15 years in the national team and 20 years in my club career, it feels like it's being appreciated.
"You usually get this after you die, but I still feel alive. When I die, this [statue] will live on forever."
Conte: Premier League tougher than ever before
Antonio Conte fears Chelsea face a tough task to hold on to top spot in the Premier League table as he feels the English top flight is stronger than ever before.
The Stamford Bridge side beat Middlesbrough 1-0 on Sunday to leapfrog Liverpool and go top of the table, much to the delight of Conte.However, the former Juventus boss has warned his team they are not there just yet due to the quality of their rivals.
"I am particularly happy for the players that we sit atop of the table at the moment. It is not only a reward for our hard work, but also shows that we are on the right path," Conte told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"We should not forget that we were in a bad situation after we lost to Liverpool and Arsenal six weeks ago. It will not be easy to remain top of the table until the end of the season.
"This Premier League season is perhaps the most difficult one ever. We have to battle it out with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United. You do not have such excellence in any other league in the world.
"I want to show Chelsea that they made the right choice to appoint me for the next three years. That counts even more than winning titles.
"It has definitely helped me that we are not in Europe and that I had the entire team available all week when I had just started. It allowed me to work on the foundation.
"I started out with a 4-2-4 formation, just like at Bari, Siena and early on with Juventus. I then switched to 3-5-2 and eventually to 3-4-3 because it suits the team best. But Chelsea are a club that should always be in Europe."
Antonio Conte fears Chelsea face a tough task to hold on to top spot in the Premier League table as he feels the English top flight is stronger than ever before.
The Stamford Bridge side beat Middlesbrough 1-0 on Sunday to leapfrog Liverpool and go top of the table, much to the delight of Conte.However, the former Juventus boss has warned his team they are not there just yet due to the quality of their rivals.
"I am particularly happy for the players that we sit atop of the table at the moment. It is not only a reward for our hard work, but also shows that we are on the right path," Conte told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"We should not forget that we were in a bad situation after we lost to Liverpool and Arsenal six weeks ago. It will not be easy to remain top of the table until the end of the season.
"This Premier League season is perhaps the most difficult one ever. We have to battle it out with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United. You do not have such excellence in any other league in the world.
"I want to show Chelsea that they made the right choice to appoint me for the next three years. That counts even more than winning titles.
"It has definitely helped me that we are not in Europe and that I had the entire team available all week when I had just started. It allowed me to work on the foundation.
"I started out with a 4-2-4 formation, just like at Bari, Siena and early on with Juventus. I then switched to 3-5-2 and eventually to 3-4-3 because it suits the team best. But Chelsea are a club that should always be in Europe."
Aubameyang and Mahrez shortlisted for African Player of the Year award
The Confederation of African Football has announced the shortlists for the 2016 African Player of the Year awards.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah and Islam Slimani made the top five decided by votes from the members of the Caf Media Committee, Caf Technical & Development Committee and half of the 20-member panel of experts.
Borussia Dortmund striker Aubameyang won the accolade for 2015 after a sizzling start to the previous season for the Bundesliga club.
This year he faces competition from Premier League winning winger Mahrez, as well as Mane and Slimani, whose impressive 2015-16 seasons earned them big-money transfers.
Salah is the other shortlisted player, having sealed a permanent move from Chelsea to Roma following an excellent season on loan where he netted 14 goals in 34 Serie A games.
In the African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) category, Denis Onyango, Hlompho Kekana, Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat from the 2016 African Champions League-winning side Mamelodi Sundowns made the mark with TP Mazembe midfielder Rainford Kalaba completing the list.
The winners will be decided by votes from the head coaches and technical directors of the national associations affiliated to Caf.
The Glo/Caf awards gala night will take place on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria.
African Player of the Year
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Borussia Dortmund)
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)
Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Roma)
Islam Slimani (Algeria & Leicester City)
African Player of the Year (Based in Africa)
Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns & Zimbabwe)
Keagan Dolly (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)
Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe & Zambia)
Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns & Uganda)
The Confederation of African Football has announced the shortlists for the 2016 African Player of the Year awards.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah and Islam Slimani made the top five decided by votes from the members of the Caf Media Committee, Caf Technical & Development Committee and half of the 20-member panel of experts.
Borussia Dortmund striker Aubameyang won the accolade for 2015 after a sizzling start to the previous season for the Bundesliga club.
This year he faces competition from Premier League winning winger Mahrez, as well as Mane and Slimani, whose impressive 2015-16 seasons earned them big-money transfers.
Salah is the other shortlisted player, having sealed a permanent move from Chelsea to Roma following an excellent season on loan where he netted 14 goals in 34 Serie A games.
In the African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) category, Denis Onyango, Hlompho Kekana, Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat from the 2016 African Champions League-winning side Mamelodi Sundowns made the mark with TP Mazembe midfielder Rainford Kalaba completing the list.
The winners will be decided by votes from the head coaches and technical directors of the national associations affiliated to Caf.
The Glo/Caf awards gala night will take place on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria.
African Player of the Year
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Borussia Dortmund)
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)
Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Roma)
Islam Slimani (Algeria & Leicester City)
African Player of the Year (Based in Africa)
Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns & Zimbabwe)
Keagan Dolly (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)
Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe & Zambia)
Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns & Uganda)
