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..::Football IV::..
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Lampard is Chelsea's greatest ever - Terry
John Terry has hailed Frank Lampard as Chelsea's greatest ever player following the midfielder's decision to hang up his boots.
After coming through West Ham's famed youth academy, Lampard enjoyed a trophy-laden 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, four FA Cups and the League Cup twice, becoming the club's all-time record goalscorer in the process.
The 38-year-old also enjoyed spells with Manchester City and New York City in the latter stages of his career, but Terry will forever remember him for their time together at Chelsea."Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from football. The greatest player in the history of our great football club Chelsea," Terry wrote on Instagram.
"It was an absolute pleasure playing with you mate and seeing first hand the dedication and hard work you put in, on and off the pitch, the best trainer by a million miles every single day, inspiring me and everyone at the club.
"I miss you next to me in the dressing room and miss you grabbing a bag of balls after training when everyone went inside. You stayed out working on your finishing, 20 goals a year was not good enough for you, every year you wanted 25, 30 goals, I love that about you. I will miss you getting four cones and doing sprints after training, setting the example for the kids in the academy.
"All the great memories together winning trophy after trophy, year after year. I will never forget, you have won everything and should be extremely proud. It has been my pleasure and honour to play and experience all those great moments with you, 648 appearances (we nearly caught Peter Bonetti and Ron Harris) and 211 goals, an unbelievable achievement.
"A gentleman both on and off the pitch, leader in the dressing room and if I could choose one person next to me in the trenches it would be you. A great dad to your two beautiful girls and I am proud to call you my mate.
"Good luck for the future, whatever you choose to do will be a huge success. Love Ya Lampsy. "Legend, hero, inspiration and the best ever."
John Terry has hailed Frank Lampard as Chelsea's greatest ever player following the midfielder's decision to hang up his boots.
After coming through West Ham's famed youth academy, Lampard enjoyed a trophy-laden 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, four FA Cups and the League Cup twice, becoming the club's all-time record goalscorer in the process.
The 38-year-old also enjoyed spells with Manchester City and New York City in the latter stages of his career, but Terry will forever remember him for their time together at Chelsea."Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from football. The greatest player in the history of our great football club Chelsea," Terry wrote on Instagram.
"It was an absolute pleasure playing with you mate and seeing first hand the dedication and hard work you put in, on and off the pitch, the best trainer by a million miles every single day, inspiring me and everyone at the club.
"I miss you next to me in the dressing room and miss you grabbing a bag of balls after training when everyone went inside. You stayed out working on your finishing, 20 goals a year was not good enough for you, every year you wanted 25, 30 goals, I love that about you. I will miss you getting four cones and doing sprints after training, setting the example for the kids in the academy.
"All the great memories together winning trophy after trophy, year after year. I will never forget, you have won everything and should be extremely proud. It has been my pleasure and honour to play and experience all those great moments with you, 648 appearances (we nearly caught Peter Bonetti and Ron Harris) and 211 goals, an unbelievable achievement.
"A gentleman both on and off the pitch, leader in the dressing room and if I could choose one person next to me in the trenches it would be you. A great dad to your two beautiful girls and I am proud to call you my mate.
"Good luck for the future, whatever you choose to do will be a huge success. Love Ya Lampsy. "Legend, hero, inspiration and the best ever."
Modric and Marcelo resume squad training for Real Madrid
Real Madrid duo Luka Modric and Marcelo have resumed squad training ahead of this weekend's La Liga trip to Celta de Vigo.
Both Modric and Marcelo suffered injuries in Madrid's 2-1 win over Malaga back in January, with the pair consequently missing the 2-2 Copa del Rey draw with Celta and the 3-0 league win over Real Sociedad.
But Madrid have now announced Modric has shaken off the knock to his right abductor, while Marcelo's hamstring problem is behind him, too.Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal remain unavailable for now, however, as the Wales star and the right-back continue their recovery.
Bale has been out of action since suffering undergoing surgery on an ankle injury in November, while Carvajal is sidelined with a muscular problem.Madrid will be gunning for revenge when they take on Celta on Sunday following their elimination from the Copa del Rey last month.
Real Madrid duo Luka Modric and Marcelo have resumed squad training ahead of this weekend's La Liga trip to Celta de Vigo.
Both Modric and Marcelo suffered injuries in Madrid's 2-1 win over Malaga back in January, with the pair consequently missing the 2-2 Copa del Rey draw with Celta and the 3-0 league win over Real Sociedad.
But Madrid have now announced Modric has shaken off the knock to his right abductor, while Marcelo's hamstring problem is behind him, too.Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal remain unavailable for now, however, as the Wales star and the right-back continue their recovery.
Bale has been out of action since suffering undergoing surgery on an ankle injury in November, while Carvajal is sidelined with a muscular problem.Madrid will be gunning for revenge when they take on Celta on Sunday following their elimination from the Copa del Rey last month.
'New players are coming in' - Molby expects Liverpool summer spending spree
Jan Molby was surprised to see a Liverpool side “treading water” fail to add during the January transfer window, but is expecting plenty of new arrivals in the summer.The Reds have endured a tough opening to 2017, on the back of a positive end to 2016, with avenues to potential silverware being blocked off.
Disappointing exits have been suffered in the FA and EFL Cups, while the dropping of precious points in the Premier League has seen them slip off the title pace.
Molby believes arrivals could have helped to “kick-start” Liverpool’s season in January, but is confident that the squad will be reshaped ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.
“I’d have liked us to have made a signing in January," Molby wrote in a column for the Liverpool Echo.
“Sometimes you’re just treading water a little bit and you need something to kick-start your season again. We didn’t but now we go into a period of 15 games in 15 weeks which should suit us.“In terms of the squad, Jurgen Klopp’s shown a lot of patience but I think it’s important to him.
“When he makes decisions he likes to be able to look the player in the eye and say ‘I gave you every opportunity’.“So we look forward to the summer. Klopp will never be a chequebook manager but there will be some new players coming in that’s for sure.
“As much as you want the young players to be involved, only exceptional young players get in the first team and never come out again and the ones we’ve got are still probably 18 months to two years away from being able to challenge for the first team.”
Liverpool will be looking to collect just a second win of the calendar year when they travel to Hull City on Saturday, helping to cement a top-four standing that has become rather precarious.
Jan Molby was surprised to see a Liverpool side “treading water” fail to add during the January transfer window, but is expecting plenty of new arrivals in the summer.The Reds have endured a tough opening to 2017, on the back of a positive end to 2016, with avenues to potential silverware being blocked off.
Disappointing exits have been suffered in the FA and EFL Cups, while the dropping of precious points in the Premier League has seen them slip off the title pace.
Molby believes arrivals could have helped to “kick-start” Liverpool’s season in January, but is confident that the squad will be reshaped ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.
“I’d have liked us to have made a signing in January," Molby wrote in a column for the Liverpool Echo.
“Sometimes you’re just treading water a little bit and you need something to kick-start your season again. We didn’t but now we go into a period of 15 games in 15 weeks which should suit us.“In terms of the squad, Jurgen Klopp’s shown a lot of patience but I think it’s important to him.
“When he makes decisions he likes to be able to look the player in the eye and say ‘I gave you every opportunity’.“So we look forward to the summer. Klopp will never be a chequebook manager but there will be some new players coming in that’s for sure.
“As much as you want the young players to be involved, only exceptional young players get in the first team and never come out again and the ones we’ve got are still probably 18 months to two years away from being able to challenge for the first team.”
Liverpool will be looking to collect just a second win of the calendar year when they travel to Hull City on Saturday, helping to cement a top-four standing that has become rather precarious.
Man Utd youngster Tuanzebe signs new deal
Manchester United's teenage defender Axel Tuanzebe has committed his future to the club by signing a new three-and-a-half year contract.The centre-back is highly thought of at Old Trafford, and made his United debut in Sunday's FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic.
And the 19-year-old has now agreed terms on a deal that will keep him with the Red Devils until 2020.Speaking to the club's official website, he said: "I have always been a Manchester United supporter so I am naturally delighted to have signed a new contract.
"To make my debut at Old Trafford in the FA Cup was a very proud moment, both for me and for my family. "I am learning every day in training and it is also a great experience for me to now train with the first team.
"I would like to thank all of the coaches that I have worked with and I would especially like to thank the manager for giving me my debut for this great club."
United boss Jose Mourinho added: "Axel is a young player with great potential.We brought him up to the first team to give him more experience and he has adapted really well."I am pleased that he has signed a new contract and I am delighted with the progress he is making."
The head of the club's Academy, Nicky Butt, also had high praise for his young charge. "Axel is simply one of those boys you just trust," Butt told the United's official website.
"Whatever he does, when he goes on the pitch, when he is in training, when he goes home, when he’s in front of the press... you trust him. He is the perfect example to all our Academy players – as is Marcus Rashford as well.
"They’re the kind of players we want to bring to this club through the Academy.We want them to be with our club for five, 10, 15 years and be the leaders at United and show the next group of youngsters how they should do things."
Manchester United's teenage defender Axel Tuanzebe has committed his future to the club by signing a new three-and-a-half year contract.The centre-back is highly thought of at Old Trafford, and made his United debut in Sunday's FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic.
And the 19-year-old has now agreed terms on a deal that will keep him with the Red Devils until 2020.Speaking to the club's official website, he said: "I have always been a Manchester United supporter so I am naturally delighted to have signed a new contract.
"To make my debut at Old Trafford in the FA Cup was a very proud moment, both for me and for my family. "I am learning every day in training and it is also a great experience for me to now train with the first team.
"I would like to thank all of the coaches that I have worked with and I would especially like to thank the manager for giving me my debut for this great club."
United boss Jose Mourinho added: "Axel is a young player with great potential.We brought him up to the first team to give him more experience and he has adapted really well."I am pleased that he has signed a new contract and I am delighted with the progress he is making."
The head of the club's Academy, Nicky Butt, also had high praise for his young charge. "Axel is simply one of those boys you just trust," Butt told the United's official website.
"Whatever he does, when he goes on the pitch, when he is in training, when he goes home, when he’s in front of the press... you trust him. He is the perfect example to all our Academy players – as is Marcus Rashford as well.
"They’re the kind of players we want to bring to this club through the Academy.We want them to be with our club for five, 10, 15 years and be the leaders at United and show the next group of youngsters how they should do things."
'I don’t care about other teams, I play for the best' - Herrera focused on Man Utd
Ander Herrera considers Manchester United to be “the best club in England” and is only concerned with keeping his own supporters happy.The Spain international can be targeted by rival fans at times, with his energetic displays helping to keep him in the middle of the action.
He is not afraid to put his foot in and break things up when required, with there an edge to his game that can sometimes see him bend the laws.
The 27-year-old is aware of his role in the bigger picture, though, and insists he will continue to give his all for the good of United’s collective cause, even if that does occasionally get him into trouble with match officials and those in the stands.
"I just want to win games for Manchester United,” Herrera told United Review.“I don’t care about other teams. I play for the best. I am very, very happy with the way United fans show their affection to me.
"To be honest, I don’t care about the rest of the teams. No, I just play for United and I’m very thankful to the fans. I am very lucky that I play for the best club in England so I don’t really think about the rest of the teams."
Herrera has been a regular under Jose Mourinho this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions.He is enjoying working under the Portuguese tactician and believes his game continues to improve."I know what he wants from me," he added.
"We have a clear relationship. I know what he expects from me and I will always try my best.“I can make mistakes, as can any player, but the most important thing for me is the achievements of the club and the team. I think everyone knows in the club that I try to always give everything. Sometimes more successfully than other times but I try my best, always.
"The manager has helped me a lot to find that position and to improve in that position."I am a team player. If I have to play in other midfield roles, I would be very happy. If I was at right-back, I would be happy as well.
“When you want to have a great season, there is no space for your own 'likes'. I think you have the chance to help the team wherever the manager wants to play you. He will have no problem with me if I have to play wherever in the team."
Ander Herrera considers Manchester United to be “the best club in England” and is only concerned with keeping his own supporters happy.The Spain international can be targeted by rival fans at times, with his energetic displays helping to keep him in the middle of the action.
He is not afraid to put his foot in and break things up when required, with there an edge to his game that can sometimes see him bend the laws.
The 27-year-old is aware of his role in the bigger picture, though, and insists he will continue to give his all for the good of United’s collective cause, even if that does occasionally get him into trouble with match officials and those in the stands.
"I just want to win games for Manchester United,” Herrera told United Review.“I don’t care about other teams. I play for the best. I am very, very happy with the way United fans show their affection to me.
"To be honest, I don’t care about the rest of the teams. No, I just play for United and I’m very thankful to the fans. I am very lucky that I play for the best club in England so I don’t really think about the rest of the teams."
Herrera has been a regular under Jose Mourinho this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions.He is enjoying working under the Portuguese tactician and believes his game continues to improve."I know what he wants from me," he added.
"We have a clear relationship. I know what he expects from me and I will always try my best.“I can make mistakes, as can any player, but the most important thing for me is the achievements of the club and the team. I think everyone knows in the club that I try to always give everything. Sometimes more successfully than other times but I try my best, always.
"The manager has helped me a lot to find that position and to improve in that position."I am a team player. If I have to play in other midfield roles, I would be very happy. If I was at right-back, I would be happy as well.
“When you want to have a great season, there is no space for your own 'likes'. I think you have the chance to help the team wherever the manager wants to play you. He will have no problem with me if I have to play wherever in the team."
Ronaldinho returns to Barcelona in club ambassador role
Barcelona have confirmed that Ronaldinho is returning to the club to take up a role as a club ambassador.The Brazilian is fondly remembered at Camp Nou after spending five seasons at the club as a player.
He took the field 207 times for the Catalans between 2003 and 2008, scoring 94 goals and winning the 2005-6 Champions League as well as back-to-back Liga titles.
Ronaldinho eventually moved on to Milan before finishing his career in his native Brazil in 2015, but he will once more be linked with Barca in a new role, the club announced on Thursday.
A club statement read: "FC Barcelona and Ronaldinho have reached an agreement whereby the Brazilian will become a Club ambassador and representative at various events and activities over the coming years.
"Ronaldinho will also form part of the Legends project, a team of former players who, through matches around the world, will help to globalise the Barça brand and its values, and will take part in clinics, training sessions and institutional events, among other activities organised by the Club.
"Through FCBEscola, FC Barcelona and Ronaldinho’s football academies will be seeking different ways to collaborate both in terms of the brand and possible associations with the same. The player will also appear in the opening and closing ceremonies at some schools and take part in activities in which he will share his experience in educational talks.
"Ronaldinho will also take part in FC Barcelona Foundation events related to UNICEF. The Masia 360 project will be another one of the Club projects where the Brazilian will be present, helping with the training and coaching of the athletes involved.
"The agreement will be signed on Friday at 5.30pm CET at the Camp Nou directors’ box with the presence of Ronaldinho and president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Then, the media will be to take photos of the Brazilian star at the club museum."
Barcelona have confirmed that Ronaldinho is returning to the club to take up a role as a club ambassador.The Brazilian is fondly remembered at Camp Nou after spending five seasons at the club as a player.
He took the field 207 times for the Catalans between 2003 and 2008, scoring 94 goals and winning the 2005-6 Champions League as well as back-to-back Liga titles.
Ronaldinho eventually moved on to Milan before finishing his career in his native Brazil in 2015, but he will once more be linked with Barca in a new role, the club announced on Thursday.
A club statement read: "FC Barcelona and Ronaldinho have reached an agreement whereby the Brazilian will become a Club ambassador and representative at various events and activities over the coming years.
"Ronaldinho will also form part of the Legends project, a team of former players who, through matches around the world, will help to globalise the Barça brand and its values, and will take part in clinics, training sessions and institutional events, among other activities organised by the Club.
"Through FCBEscola, FC Barcelona and Ronaldinho’s football academies will be seeking different ways to collaborate both in terms of the brand and possible associations with the same. The player will also appear in the opening and closing ceremonies at some schools and take part in activities in which he will share his experience in educational talks.
"Ronaldinho will also take part in FC Barcelona Foundation events related to UNICEF. The Masia 360 project will be another one of the Club projects where the Brazilian will be present, helping with the training and coaching of the athletes involved.
"The agreement will be signed on Friday at 5.30pm CET at the Camp Nou directors’ box with the presence of Ronaldinho and president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Then, the media will be to take photos of the Brazilian star at the club museum."
Luis Enrique thrilled as Busquets & Iniesta return to training
Luis Enrique has welcomed the returns of Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta to Barcelona training.
Midfielders Busquets and Iniesta have been out with ankle and calf problems respectively, but trained with their team-mates on Friday.
Their availability for Saturday's home La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao is still to be determined, but head coach Luis Enrique was encouraged to have them involved in preparations.Busquets has been missing for three games, while Iniesta has been ruled out for four consecutive matches.
Asked if they could face Athletic, Luis Enrique said: "In principle as they trained with the squad – but it is down to the doctors, the players themselves and their condition. "But it is great news for everybody to have players returning, giving more playing resources to me."
Defender Lucas Digne (knee) was also back with the squad after missing the 2-1 Copa del Rey victory over Atletico Madrid last time out.Barca have drawn five of their last nine games in LaLiga, leaving them four points behind leaders Real Madrid having played a game more.But Luis Enrique still expects plenty of twists and turns in the title race."This is game 21," he said. "We cannot predict. There are going to be strange results.
"Top teams are going to continue to drop points – hopefully in our case less than the others – and as we run into the end of the season you can see how certain things affect teams. Then you can look at who is going to be champion, but it is difficult at the moment.
"At the moment there are still three teams – maybe more – in contention."This game is going to be difficult, like any other against Athletic Bilbao. Both of us as managers and teams know a lot about each other."Barca won 1-0 at Athletic in August.
Luis Enrique has welcomed the returns of Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta to Barcelona training.
Midfielders Busquets and Iniesta have been out with ankle and calf problems respectively, but trained with their team-mates on Friday.
Their availability for Saturday's home La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao is still to be determined, but head coach Luis Enrique was encouraged to have them involved in preparations.Busquets has been missing for three games, while Iniesta has been ruled out for four consecutive matches.
Asked if they could face Athletic, Luis Enrique said: "In principle as they trained with the squad – but it is down to the doctors, the players themselves and their condition. "But it is great news for everybody to have players returning, giving more playing resources to me."
Defender Lucas Digne (knee) was also back with the squad after missing the 2-1 Copa del Rey victory over Atletico Madrid last time out.Barca have drawn five of their last nine games in LaLiga, leaving them four points behind leaders Real Madrid having played a game more.But Luis Enrique still expects plenty of twists and turns in the title race."This is game 21," he said. "We cannot predict. There are going to be strange results.
"Top teams are going to continue to drop points – hopefully in our case less than the others – and as we run into the end of the season you can see how certain things affect teams. Then you can look at who is going to be champion, but it is difficult at the moment.
"At the moment there are still three teams – maybe more – in contention."This game is going to be difficult, like any other against Athletic Bilbao. Both of us as managers and teams know a lot about each other."Barca won 1-0 at Athletic in August.
Conte ignoring Costa to China talk
Antonio Conte has played down reports Diego Costa has agreed a close-season switch to China.
Costa sat out last month's 3-0 victory at Leicester City following a reported disagreement over a back injury, with talk of a move to the Chinese Super League's Tianjin Quanjian gathering momentum.goalscoring return to the first-team fold and Conte declared the Spain international happy at Stamford Bridge.However, reports on Friday claimed Costa had agreed a £30million-a-year deal to leave Chelsea for China at the end of the season.
Commenting on the persistent links, Conte said: "I don't know, but every week I hear a lot of news and a lot of speculation about Diego."I think now the most important thing is to be focused on this championship and we are in a good position.
"Diego is an important player for us and he is happy. This is the most important thing. The summer is a long way away."Chelsea were linked with moves for Celtic pair Moussa Dembele and Craig Gordon towards the back end of the January transfer window.
"For Dembele, I never talked with my club about this player," said Conte. "For Gordon, we tried because we wanted to help Asmir Begovic satisfy his request to go and play every game - I always told him if we were able to find a right solution he could leave.
"We tried, but when the club told us it was not possible, we finished."Begovic had been linked with a move to Bournemouth but that transfer never materialised after Conte failed to secure a replacement.
Antonio Conte has played down reports Diego Costa has agreed a close-season switch to China.
Costa sat out last month's 3-0 victory at Leicester City following a reported disagreement over a back injury, with talk of a move to the Chinese Super League's Tianjin Quanjian gathering momentum.goalscoring return to the first-team fold and Conte declared the Spain international happy at Stamford Bridge.However, reports on Friday claimed Costa had agreed a £30million-a-year deal to leave Chelsea for China at the end of the season.
Commenting on the persistent links, Conte said: "I don't know, but every week I hear a lot of news and a lot of speculation about Diego."I think now the most important thing is to be focused on this championship and we are in a good position.
"Diego is an important player for us and he is happy. This is the most important thing. The summer is a long way away."Chelsea were linked with moves for Celtic pair Moussa Dembele and Craig Gordon towards the back end of the January transfer window.
"For Dembele, I never talked with my club about this player," said Conte. "For Gordon, we tried because we wanted to help Asmir Begovic satisfy his request to go and play every game - I always told him if we were able to find a right solution he could leave.
"We tried, but when the club told us it was not possible, we finished."Begovic had been linked with a move to Bournemouth but that transfer never materialised after Conte failed to secure a replacement.
'Alli very happy at Tottenham' – Pochettino shrugs off Bayern Munich talk
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino insists Dele Alli is happy at White Hart Lane amid reports linking the England star to Bayern Munich.
Alli has been a driving force of Spurs' Premier League title challenge this season, racking up 13 goals across 30 often-imposing and impressive displays in all competitions.
Such exploits are rumoured to have brought the attacking midfielder into focus for the Bundesliga champions, but Pochettino paid little mind to such talk three days on from the mid-season transfer window closing.
"That [rumours] always happens when the players are good or when the coaching staff is good, when things are going well," he said ahead of Saturday's Premier League home match against Middlesbrough, where second-placed Spurs will aim to end a sequence of back-to-back draws.
"But he is very happy with us and Tottenham are creating a very good team and philosophy."He's enjoying his time here and there's no reason to be worried by that information."
Tottenham have a recent history of their leading lights departing to join Europe's elite, with Gareth Bale following Luka Modric to Real Madrid for a then world-record fee of £85 million in 2013.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino insists Dele Alli is happy at White Hart Lane amid reports linking the England star to Bayern Munich.
Alli has been a driving force of Spurs' Premier League title challenge this season, racking up 13 goals across 30 often-imposing and impressive displays in all competitions.
Such exploits are rumoured to have brought the attacking midfielder into focus for the Bundesliga champions, but Pochettino paid little mind to such talk three days on from the mid-season transfer window closing.
"That [rumours] always happens when the players are good or when the coaching staff is good, when things are going well," he said ahead of Saturday's Premier League home match against Middlesbrough, where second-placed Spurs will aim to end a sequence of back-to-back draws.
"But he is very happy with us and Tottenham are creating a very good team and philosophy."He's enjoying his time here and there's no reason to be worried by that information."
Tottenham have a recent history of their leading lights departing to join Europe's elite, with Gareth Bale following Luka Modric to Real Madrid for a then world-record fee of £85 million in 2013.
Mourinho demands more Man United goals - but Ibrahimovic is not to blame
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has told his attacking players they have to start scoring more goals, although he does not think Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the main culprit.
Mourinho's men have drawn three straight Premier League matches, leaving them sixth in the table, four points adrift of the top four.Their 33 goals from 23 top-flight games is the lowest tally in the top seven, with Wednesday's 0-0 draw against Hull City leaving the manager extremely frustrated.
While Mourinho excuses top goalscorer Ibrahimovic from blame – particularly due to the club's lack of penalties this season – he wants more from his other key creative players, starting with the trip to play champions Leicester City on Sunday.
"I think we attack so much and with so many players," Mourinho said at his pre-match news conference.
"So many players have the freedom in our dynamic to reach scoring positions. We don't score enough goals and some of our players from these attacking creative positions could and should score more goals. "When you see the number of goals we score, there is not a true relation between our attacking production and the number of goals we will score.
"When you speak about Zlatan goals you should always add 14 goals – he has had one penalty in 31 matches played in England in all the competitions, so you should always add that extra."
Mourinho, though, feels none of United's recent draws have been deserved in what have been dominant performances."We never had a draw where we could say we were lucky or got more than we deserved – always less," he said. "But the reality is the points and we lost two points [against Hull].
"We are in the same position we were before that game. We didn't get the three points as we wanted, it is as simple as that – a bad result. "We do what we have wanted for a long time – try to win the next match. Every draw we have deserved a victory."
Phil Jones (foot) is United's only injury to face a Leicester team who have only won twice in 14 league matches and sit just two points clear of the relegation zone.But Mourinho defended Claudio Ranieri's side, adding: "What Leicester did last season is one of the biggest things in the world of football.
"Nobody – even them – would expect to be champions again. What they did was unique, so unique. I didn't think it would be possible to do it for a second season, especially playing in the Champions League at the same time.
"It's a very difficult match for us and I think also a very difficult match for them. But total respect for what they did and total respect for the change of life they are experiencing. I think next season will be much better for them again."
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has told his attacking players they have to start scoring more goals, although he does not think Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the main culprit.
Mourinho's men have drawn three straight Premier League matches, leaving them sixth in the table, four points adrift of the top four.Their 33 goals from 23 top-flight games is the lowest tally in the top seven, with Wednesday's 0-0 draw against Hull City leaving the manager extremely frustrated.
While Mourinho excuses top goalscorer Ibrahimovic from blame – particularly due to the club's lack of penalties this season – he wants more from his other key creative players, starting with the trip to play champions Leicester City on Sunday.
"I think we attack so much and with so many players," Mourinho said at his pre-match news conference.
"So many players have the freedom in our dynamic to reach scoring positions. We don't score enough goals and some of our players from these attacking creative positions could and should score more goals. "When you see the number of goals we score, there is not a true relation between our attacking production and the number of goals we will score.
"When you speak about Zlatan goals you should always add 14 goals – he has had one penalty in 31 matches played in England in all the competitions, so you should always add that extra."
Mourinho, though, feels none of United's recent draws have been deserved in what have been dominant performances."We never had a draw where we could say we were lucky or got more than we deserved – always less," he said. "But the reality is the points and we lost two points [against Hull].
"We are in the same position we were before that game. We didn't get the three points as we wanted, it is as simple as that – a bad result. "We do what we have wanted for a long time – try to win the next match. Every draw we have deserved a victory."
Phil Jones (foot) is United's only injury to face a Leicester team who have only won twice in 14 league matches and sit just two points clear of the relegation zone.But Mourinho defended Claudio Ranieri's side, adding: "What Leicester did last season is one of the biggest things in the world of football.
"Nobody – even them – would expect to be champions again. What they did was unique, so unique. I didn't think it would be possible to do it for a second season, especially playing in the Champions League at the same time.
"It's a very difficult match for us and I think also a very difficult match for them. But total respect for what they did and total respect for the change of life they are experiencing. I think next season will be much better for them again."
Conte targets Chelsea revenge against Arsenal
Antonio Conte will use Chelsea's defeat at Arsenal earlier this season as motivation when the two teams meet again at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Arsenal inflicted the Blues' heaviest defeat of the season when they ran out 3-0 winners in September, with Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil scoring before half-time.
It prompted a switch in formation from Conte and Chelsea have not looked back ever since. Now they are nine points clear of third-placed Arsenal and Conte is out for revenge."It seems a long time ago, it's important to remember the defeat against Arsenal," he said.
"It was a bad defeat. In my mind it's present, always present. I hope in the mind of our players also."It will be very difficult, it's important to remember that game. A lot of things have changed, but for sure we are a team, we want to have a good game.
"We have nine points [over Arsenal], but if we lose it will be six. We must pay attention."We must continue the momentum. We are in good shape, playing good football with intensity."If we win the game tomorrow, it's a good lead.
"I'm sure it will be a really tough game. Arsenal beat us already, they have the possibility to repeat it."We need to stay focused, have great concentration, the will to fight, to win."I like to repeat to my players to look at ourselves, rather than the other."
Arsenal suffered a shock home defeat to Watford on Tuesday, but Conte sympathised with Arsene Wenger's side."I watched the Watford game. The final result didn't tell the truth," he added.
"Arsenal were unlucky. Watford played very well but Arsenal had a lot of opportunities to draw or win the game. It was a strange result."
Conte also attended Manchester City's 4-0 win at West Ham on Wednesday and came away reminded of the challenge he still faces to end his debut Premier League campaign with the title."If anyone thinks that the league is finished ... I'm not so sure."
Antonio Conte will use Chelsea's defeat at Arsenal earlier this season as motivation when the two teams meet again at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Arsenal inflicted the Blues' heaviest defeat of the season when they ran out 3-0 winners in September, with Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil scoring before half-time.
It prompted a switch in formation from Conte and Chelsea have not looked back ever since. Now they are nine points clear of third-placed Arsenal and Conte is out for revenge."It seems a long time ago, it's important to remember the defeat against Arsenal," he said.
"It was a bad defeat. In my mind it's present, always present. I hope in the mind of our players also."It will be very difficult, it's important to remember that game. A lot of things have changed, but for sure we are a team, we want to have a good game.
"We have nine points [over Arsenal], but if we lose it will be six. We must pay attention."We must continue the momentum. We are in good shape, playing good football with intensity."If we win the game tomorrow, it's a good lead.
"I'm sure it will be a really tough game. Arsenal beat us already, they have the possibility to repeat it."We need to stay focused, have great concentration, the will to fight, to win."I like to repeat to my players to look at ourselves, rather than the other."
Arsenal suffered a shock home defeat to Watford on Tuesday, but Conte sympathised with Arsene Wenger's side."I watched the Watford game. The final result didn't tell the truth," he added.
"Arsenal were unlucky. Watford played very well but Arsenal had a lot of opportunities to draw or win the game. It was a strange result."
Conte also attended Manchester City's 4-0 win at West Ham on Wednesday and came away reminded of the challenge he still faces to end his debut Premier League campaign with the title."If anyone thinks that the league is finished ... I'm not so sure."
Mourinho: Man Utd won't waste time on 'impossible deals'
Jose Mourinho says he will not try to sign players who will only use interest from Manchester United to benefit their own situations.
The United boss was reluctant to discuss the end-of-season transfer window in great depth with four months of the season still to play.
But he reiterated he has only given the club's board realistic targets and would not go for unattainable players who use United's approaches to improve their contracts with their current clubs.
Gareth Bale, Neymar, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo have been among the big-names chased by United in recent years, only for them to later sign new deals in Spain."Of course I know what I want," Mourinho said ahead of United's trip to play Premier League champions Leicester City on Sunday.
"Until the summer I have nothing to tell you, I will work with my players and I know them better now than I did about seven months ago."But I think we need to be realistic and I know what the impossible targets are. I don't like my club to participate in impossible deals.
"It is a waste of time. It is a gift to agents of these impossible players to have United interested in them because it helps them to improve their own situation - but it is not good for us at all.
"I am very realistic, very objective. My board knows what I think our needs are. "From now until the summer I am just focused on our players, our targets and our fans. To be speaking about the transfer window in February makes no sense at all."
United travel to Leicester having drawn three straight top-flight matches, but Mourinho feels their comparative struggles to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool are to be expected due to their rivals' extra time between fixtures."If a player has fatigue, there is no fatigue," Mourinho said of Chelsea and Liverpool.
"If the player has a small injury, there is no accumulation. So in the end the team, by the tactical point of view, becomes better than the others that don't have the same time to work.
"You always have four days in a week to work when you have one game a week, it accelerates the tactical understanding."But it is a plus that I wouldn't like to have because I always prefer to play in Europe even if it is the Europa League."
Jose Mourinho says he will not try to sign players who will only use interest from Manchester United to benefit their own situations.
The United boss was reluctant to discuss the end-of-season transfer window in great depth with four months of the season still to play.
But he reiterated he has only given the club's board realistic targets and would not go for unattainable players who use United's approaches to improve their contracts with their current clubs.
Gareth Bale, Neymar, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo have been among the big-names chased by United in recent years, only for them to later sign new deals in Spain."Of course I know what I want," Mourinho said ahead of United's trip to play Premier League champions Leicester City on Sunday.
"Until the summer I have nothing to tell you, I will work with my players and I know them better now than I did about seven months ago."But I think we need to be realistic and I know what the impossible targets are. I don't like my club to participate in impossible deals.
"It is a waste of time. It is a gift to agents of these impossible players to have United interested in them because it helps them to improve their own situation - but it is not good for us at all.
"I am very realistic, very objective. My board knows what I think our needs are. "From now until the summer I am just focused on our players, our targets and our fans. To be speaking about the transfer window in February makes no sense at all."
United travel to Leicester having drawn three straight top-flight matches, but Mourinho feels their comparative struggles to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool are to be expected due to their rivals' extra time between fixtures."If a player has fatigue, there is no fatigue," Mourinho said of Chelsea and Liverpool.
"If the player has a small injury, there is no accumulation. So in the end the team, by the tactical point of view, becomes better than the others that don't have the same time to work.
"You always have four days in a week to work when you have one game a week, it accelerates the tactical understanding."But it is a plus that I wouldn't like to have because I always prefer to play in Europe even if it is the Europa League."
Manchester United add Schweinsteiger to Europa League squad
Manchester United have added Bastian Schweinsteiger to their Europa League squad for the knockout stages of the tournament.
The former Germany international was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Jose Mourinho at the start of the season and was left out of United's initial European roster.Nevertheless, Schweinsteiger has returned to selection contention in recent months and he has been rewarded with a place in the Europa League squad as a result.
Young goalkeeper Joel Pereira - who made his official first-team debut as a substitute against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup - has also been added to the list of players although he is expected to be sidelined for some time after suffering a 'significant' injury.
Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay have both been removed following their transfers to Everton and Lyon respectively, while shot-stopper Sam Johnstone is no longer involved after joining Aston Villa on loan.
United finished second in Group A to book their place in the round of 32, one point behind Fenerbahce, but ahead of Feyenoord and Zorya Luhansk.They meet Saint-Etienne in the knockout stages, with the first leg scheduled for February 16 at Old Trafford.
Atletico Madrid's new stadium could host 2019 Champions League final
Atletico Madrid's new stadium could host the Champions League final in 2019 after the Spanish capital was revealed as one of two cities to have declared an interest in staging the showpiece fixture.
Atleti will move from the Vicente Calderon to Wanda Metropolitano next season and could be given added incentive to go all the way in Europe's premier club competition in 2018-19 if the city's potential bid is successful.
Madrid faces competition from Baku's Olympic Stadium to welcome the Champions League decider, and the venue in Azerbaijan's capital is also in the running for the Europa League final
Frankfurt, Glasgow, Seville and Stuttgart are also among the cities to have declared an interest in that event.
The Super Cup is the match to have generated the most interest among prospective hosts, with Belfast, Haifa and Tirana included on a diverse list of hopeful venues.The declarations of interest are not binding and the final proposals will have to be delivered with the bid dossiers by June 6, 2017.
Each bidding association will only be entitled to a maximum of one bid per final, meaning either Frankfurt or Stuttgart will have to drop out of the Europa League race if Germany pursues a bid.The UEFA Executive Committee will select the successful host associations in September 2017.
Full list of candidate cities:
Champions League
Baku, Azerbaijan (Olympic Stadium)
Madrid, Spain (Wanda Metropolitano)
Europa League
Baku, Azerbaijan (Olympic Stadium)
Frankfurt, Germany (Commerzbank-Arena)
Glasgow, Scotland (Hampden Park)
Istanbul, Turkey (Vodafone Arena)
Seville, Spain (Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan)
Stuttgart, Germany (Mercedes-Benz Arena)
Tbilisi, Georgia (Dinamo Arena)
Super Cup
Astana, Kazakhstan (Astana Arena)
Belfast, Northern Ireland (Windsor Park)
Budapest, Hungary (Stadion Albert Florian)
Gdansk, Poland (Stadion Energa Gdansk)
Glasgow, Scotland (Hampden Park)
Haifa, Israel (Sammy Ofer Stadium)
Istanbul, Turkey (Vodafone Arena)
Tirana, Albania (Qemal Stafa Stadium)
Toulouse, France (Stadium de Toulouse)
Warsaw, Poland (Stadion Narodowy)
Atletico Madrid's new stadium could host the Champions League final in 2019 after the Spanish capital was revealed as one of two cities to have declared an interest in staging the showpiece fixture.
Atleti will move from the Vicente Calderon to Wanda Metropolitano next season and could be given added incentive to go all the way in Europe's premier club competition in 2018-19 if the city's potential bid is successful.
Madrid faces competition from Baku's Olympic Stadium to welcome the Champions League decider, and the venue in Azerbaijan's capital is also in the running for the Europa League final
Frankfurt, Glasgow, Seville and Stuttgart are also among the cities to have declared an interest in that event.
The Super Cup is the match to have generated the most interest among prospective hosts, with Belfast, Haifa and Tirana included on a diverse list of hopeful venues.The declarations of interest are not binding and the final proposals will have to be delivered with the bid dossiers by June 6, 2017.
Each bidding association will only be entitled to a maximum of one bid per final, meaning either Frankfurt or Stuttgart will have to drop out of the Europa League race if Germany pursues a bid.The UEFA Executive Committee will select the successful host associations in September 2017.
Full list of candidate cities:
Champions League
Baku, Azerbaijan (Olympic Stadium)
Madrid, Spain (Wanda Metropolitano)
Europa League
Baku, Azerbaijan (Olympic Stadium)
Frankfurt, Germany (Commerzbank-Arena)
Glasgow, Scotland (Hampden Park)
Istanbul, Turkey (Vodafone Arena)
Seville, Spain (Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan)
Stuttgart, Germany (Mercedes-Benz Arena)
Tbilisi, Georgia (Dinamo Arena)
Super Cup
Astana, Kazakhstan (Astana Arena)
Belfast, Northern Ireland (Windsor Park)
Budapest, Hungary (Stadion Albert Florian)
Gdansk, Poland (Stadion Energa Gdansk)
Glasgow, Scotland (Hampden Park)
Haifa, Israel (Sammy Ofer Stadium)
Istanbul, Turkey (Vodafone Arena)
Tirana, Albania (Qemal Stafa Stadium)
Toulouse, France (Stadium de Toulouse)
Warsaw, Poland (Stadion Narodowy)
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2017.02.04
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2017.02.04
Chelsea Vs Arsenal
Crystal Palace Vs Sunderland
Everton Vs Bournemouth
Hull City Vs Liverpool
Southampton Vs West Ham
Watford Vs Burnley
WBA Vs Stoke City
Tottenham Vs Middlesbrough
LA Liga Fixtures 2017.02.04
LA Liga Fixtures 2017.02.04
Malaga Vs Espanyol
Barcelona Vs Athletic Bilbao
Atletico Madrid Vs Leganes
Valencia Vs Eibar
Malaga Vs Espanyol
Barcelona Vs Athletic Bilbao
Atletico Madrid Vs Leganes
Valencia Vs Eibar
