..::Football IV::..

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    Berbatov to be reunited with Man Utd legend Giggs in charity match

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    Dimitar Berbatov has revealed that former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs will form part of his squad for a charity match against a Luis Figo XI.
    Two iconic forwards of the modern era are set to go head-to-head at Sofia’s Vasil Levski National Stadium on June 14.

    Berbatov will be the main attraction in his native Bulgaria, but he is set to be joined on the field by a star-studded cast.United legend Giggs will line up alongside an ex-Old Trafford colleague, with the pair having enjoyed considerable success together in the past.

    Berbatov won two Premier League titles, the League Cup and Club World Cup during his time with the Red Devils, while Giggs is the most decorated performer in the club’s history.

    A statement released on Berbatov’s personal Facebook page read: “He was the man who showed me every day what it means to be a professional. He was one of the first who sent a text to say ‘welcome to Manchester United’, and was always there for advice or a kind word. And he showed me the trick for longevity - yoga!
    “He's the record holder for the most games played in the history of Manchester United with a massive 963 appearances.“He is the most decorated player in the history of football! In a remarkable career he won 36 titles.

    “With Manchester United he won 13 championships, 4 times he won the FA Cup, 4 times the League Cup, 2 times he triumphed in the most prestigious club tournament, the Champions League, he won the World Club Championship two times, the Intercontinental Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and 9 times he lifted the FA Community Shield!“He is the only player involved in winning all 13 titles by United. He is the player with the most games in the history of the Premier League – 632 - and holds the record for most assists in Premier League history - 271.
    “Ryan Giggs. Expect to see him in Sofia!”

    While busy piecing together a team to take part in a charity fixture, Berbatov recently expressed a desire to find himself another club in England.The 36-year-old, who has been a free agent since leaving Greek side PAOK in 2016, told CNN: “I feel good and as long as I feel good I still have desire to play.

    “The Premier League is in my heart because I spent a lot of time here so if there’s an opportunity for me here then great.“If not, we’ll see where there are opportunities and then I’ll take it.”
     

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    Alli beats two Arsenal stars to claim London Young Player of the Year award

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    Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has won the London Young Player of the Year award.

    The England international saw off competition from Arsenal duo Hector Bellerin and Alex Iwobi, with Ademola Lookman and Ryan Sessegnon also nominated.Alli has emerged as one of English football's brightest young talents, making a huge impression in his first season in the Premier League with Tottenham in 2015-16.

    His performances saw him earn his England debut in 2015, while he scored on his first start for his country with a stunning long-range effort against France at Wembley.

    The 20-year-old, who has been linked with both Barcelona and Real Madrid, signed a new six-year contract with Spurs back in September 2016 and has scored 12 goals in 25 league appearances this season.

    Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris was also recognised at the London Football Awards ceremony on Thursday night, with the Spurs No.1 receiving the 'Best Goalkeeper' accolade.

    Lloris claimed the award ahead of Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, with Alex Smithies (QPR), Darren Randolph (West Ham) and Jordan Archer (Millwall) having also been nominated.
     

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    Deportivo La Coruna 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Torres head injury overshadows Griezmann equalizer

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    A worrying head injury suffered by Fernando Torres overshadowed Antoine Griezmann's brilliant equaliser as Atletico Madrid salvaged a 1-1 draw away to struggling Deportivo La Coruna in LaLiga on Thursday.

    Deportivo's top scorer Florin Andone gave the hosts an early lead with his eighth league goal of the season after capitalising on blunders from Jan Oblak and Jose Gimenez.

    Griezmann got Atletico back on level terms by netting a magnificent strike with 22 minutes remaining, before both sides came close to finding a winner in a tense finish.

    Diego Simeone's men had to finish the match with 10 men, Torres appearing to be knocked out following a clash of heads with Alex Bergantinos in the closing minutes.

    The striker left the field on a stretcher after a lengthy delay, with some players close to tears at the sight of the stricken forward lying prone on the turf. The draw sees Atletico stay fourth and move one point ahead of Real Sociedad, their closest rivals for a Champions League qualification spot.

    Depor's point halts a run of four consecutive league defeats and sees them open up a gap of one to the relegation zone, with new boss Pepe Mel overseeing a solid performance in his first match in charge.

    The hosts took the lead in bizarre fashion after 13 minutes, with Oblak and Gimenez to blame when the goalkeeper took a poor goal-kick and his defender failed to control with a slack touch.

    That allowed Andone to race clear and beat Oblak with a low strike into the bottom corner, the Romania international subsequently booked for his passionate celebrations with the home crowd.

    Depor threatened again when Juanfran lashed a long-range drive over and they came even closer when Gael Kakuta failed to hit the target with a tame finish after being slipped through by Pedro Mosquera.

    Atletico, who made three changes, tested home keeper German Lux for the first time just after the half-hour mark as Angel Correa's low strike was kept out, but that was it for the visitors in the first half.

    Indeed, they went into the break having survived a penalty claim for handball against Diego Godin, before Oblak impressively kept out an acrobatic Mosquera volley.Diego Simeone made a double change early in the second half, bringing on Yannick Carrasco and Nicolas Gaitan for Koke and Correa.

    When Griezmann could only send a free-kick straight into the wall from a promising position, Simeone then used his final change, bringing on Torres for Kevin Gameiro.

    A quiet match burst into life in the closing stages, with Filipe Luis thinking he had levelled after collecting a pass from Gaitan and hitting the post with a stunning long-range drive.

    But Atletico did draw level after Deportivo failed to properly clear, Griezmann exchanging passes with Carrasco before catching Lux off his line with a stunning, dipping 30-yard strike to net his 10th league goal of the season.

    Andone somehow failed to connect with Faycal Fajr's right-wing cross when he appeared destined to score from point-blank range at the other end.Aletico thought they had a winner as Torres collected Gaitan's pass and saw his powerful strike saved by a superb one-handed save from Lux.

    Neither side found a winner in the seven minutes of added time after a long stoppage to treat Torres, who appeared to be knocked out before his head smashed against the turf following his clash with Bergantinos.
     

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    :(Torres suffers horrific head injury after collision in Atletico Madrid draw

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    Fernando Torres is "stable and conscious" in hospital after suffering a terrible head injury in Atletico Madrid's 1-1 draw with Deportivo on Thursday.

    The striker was at the centre of a frightening scene at the end of his side's 1-1 draw with Deportivo when he was knocked out cold following an aerial collision with an opposition defender.

    Torres went limp in the air and subsequently landed face-first on the turf, with his head taking much of the blow in a sickening landing that saw him smash into the ground with considerable force.

    Players from both sides rushed to the striker's aid, as did referee Carlos Clos, before Torres was eventually stretchered off the pitch with a number of his team-mates in tears.
    "Fernando has suffered a head injury," an Atletico statement initially read. "He was rushed to the hospital to undergo tests. He will spend the night in hospital under observation."

    Radio Marca later reported that they had been told by Torres's agent, Antonio Sanz, that the 32-year-old was conscious and talking while being taken to hospital in an ambulance.

    That was later confirmed by the club, who revealed that the Spaniard was "stable and conscious" and that he would stay in hospital overnight.

    The club also tweeted that Torres had undergone a CT scan and that there was seemingly no major lasting damage sustained. The message in Spanish read: "Torres has had a cranial and cervical CT [computed tomography scan]."No traumatic alterations or injuries [were discovered]."Atletico had fallen behind to a Florin Andone strike in the Liga clash, before Antoine Griezmann rescued a point for Diego Simeone's men with a stunning effort from distance.

    The final minutes of the game, however, were virtually a write-off due to the lack of enthusiasm of either team to continue after witnessing Torres's injury.

    After falling off the radar in recent years after declining from his peak as one of the world's best strikers, Torres has seen a resurgence at boyhood club Atletico acting as foil to Manchester United target Griezmann.

    The 32-year-old has scored seven goals in all competitions in 2016-17 for last season's Champions League runners-up, who are 11 points behind current leaders Barcelona in the Liga title race.
     

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    Chelsea send classy message of support to Torres after frightening head injury

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    Chelsea have sent a message of support to Fernando Torres after the striker suffered a horrific head injury in Atletico Madrid's 1-1 draw with Deportivo.

    The Spaniard suffered a head trauma after he crashed to the ground following an aerial challenge and, after being treated by medical staff on the pitch, was then quickly rushed to hospital.

    Both sets of players and staff were visibly shaken up by the incident, with Atleti defender Jose Gimenez particularly distressed as he covered his face with his shirt.

    Atleti initially confirmed that Torres had suffered a head trauma and that he would spend the night in hospital. An update on their official Twitter feed read: "Fernando suffered a head trauma."He was taken to hospital for testing. He will spend the night under observation."

    Atleti initially confirmed that Torres had suffered a head trauma and that he would spend the night in hospital. An update on their official Twitter feed read: "Fernando suffered a head trauma."He was taken to hospital for testing. He will spend the night under observation."

    And a further, more positive, update confirmed that the former Chelsea and Liverpool striker was conscious and that there as seemingly no permanent damage.The follow-up tweet confirmed: "Torres has had a cranial and cervical CT [computed tomography scan]. No traumatic alterations or injuries [were discovered]."

    Chelsea signed Torres from Liverpool for a British record fee of £50 million back in 2011 and the 32-year-old is clearly still highly thought of at Stamford Bridge.

    After learning of the news about Torres's worrying injury, the club's official Twitter account posted their own message of support.The tweet, accompanied by an image of the striker during his Chelsea days, read: "Thoughts tonight are also with Torres. Get well soon Nando, from everyone at Stamford Bridge."
     

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    Real Madrid stars send support to stricken rival Torres after sickening head injury

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    Real Madrid stars Sergio Ramos and Alvaro Morata have sent messages of support to Fernando Torres after the Atletico striker suffered a horrific head injury on Thursday.

    Torres was knocked out cold after an awkward aerial challenge during Atletico's 1-1 draw with Deportivo.After a lengthy delay, the 32-year-old was removed from the field on a stretcher and taken to hospital, with Atletico later announcing that a scan appeared to show no permanent damage.

    And the Madrid rivalry went out of the window as Ramos sent a tweet to Torres, his former Spain team-mate, that read: "Strength my friend!"Morata also chimed in with support, tweeting: "Sometimes the colours don't matter! I hope you will be training and playing as soon as possible!"

    The likes of Didier Drogba and Cesc Fabregas also passed on their well-wishes on social media, with the official club accounts of Chelsea and Liverpool, Torres's former clubs, following suit.
     

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    Gabi bitten by Torres as Deportivo doctor praises Atletico duo for quick-thinking to help team-mate

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    The doctor treating Fernando Torres' head injury has praised the quick reactions of his Atletico Madrid team-mates, claiming Gabi was bitten by the striker as he tried to prevent him from swallowing his tongue.

    The 32-year-old was at the centre of a frightening scene at the end of his side's 1-1 draw with Deportivo when he was knocked unconscious following a collision with an opposition defender.

    Torres went limp in the air and subsequently landed face-first on the turf, with his head taking much of the blow in a sickening landing that saw him smash into the ground with considerable force.

    Players from both sides, including colleagues Gabi and Sime Vrsaljko, rushed to the striker's aid before he was eventually stretchered off the pitch and taken to a nearby hospital, with the immediate reaction being described as "perfect" by Torres' doctor.

    "Gabi even took a bite from Fernando when opening his mouth," Dr Carlos Larino said. "What he and Vrsaljko did was perfect."

    Radio Marca later reported that they had been told by Torres's agent, Antonio Sanz, that the 32-year-old was conscious and talking while being taken to hospital in an ambulance.
     

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    I heard a crack from the dugout - Simeone feared Torres neck injury

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    Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone says he heard a crack from the dugout when Fernando Torres suffered a sickening head injury against Deportivo La Coruna.

    Players from both teams were left visibly shaken as substitute Torres was stretchered off following a clash of heads with Alex Bergantinos in the 85th minute of Thursday's 1-1 LaLiga draw.

    Torres - who is awake and responsive and will spend the night in hospital under observation - appeared to be knocked out before landing heavily on the Riazor turf as team-mates rushed to his aid.Speaking afterwards, Simeone revealed he feared the striker had sustained a neck injury, telling reporters: "Torres is awake. We were worried, nervous.

    "[It] was such a hard knock. I heard a crack from the dugout, I didn't know if it was the neck. The movement didn't look good ... we hope [for] the best for Fernando."In a message posted on Twitter, Saul Niguez said: "Friend, hoping it was just a scare and see you soon."

    Atletico full-back Filipe Luis also cast a concerned figure post-match, adding: "It's a very ugly thing to see and we're not used to it. We've been scared."The news we've received is good. The important thing is that he's okay."He is one of the best people I know."
     

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    Torres calm and smiling - Bergantinos visits Atletico star in hospital

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    Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Alex Bergantinos said Fernando Torres is doing "very well" and "smiling" after a sickening head injury, though the Atletico Madrid star does not remember the incident.

    Bergantinos visited Torres in hospital after the Atletico forward appeared to be knocked unconscious before hitting the turf following a clash of heads with the Deportivo player late in the encounter on Thursday.

    The 31-year-old Spaniard denied any malice in the incident and asked for forgiveness before making a trip to check on Torres at Modelo Hospital, where an initial CT scan on the European Championship and World Cup winner came back clear."He is very well and happy. They have told him how he is "He told me that something like this happened years ago.

    "He was calm and even smiling. He remembers an occasion he had and other things, but he does not remember anything about our collision."La Liga strugglers Deportivo managed to hold Atletico to a 1-1 draw on home soil but all of the focus was on Torres.

    New Deportivo head coach Pepe Mel was relieved to hear of Torres' positive prognosis after both sets of players were visibly shaken and close to tears."I have just spoken to German Mono Burgos and he told me that they are relaxed, Fernando is fine. So, happy for that," he said.

    "We had some anguished minutes seeing the gestures from the players around him. So, in that respect, very happy."and he has understood perfectly," Bergantinos told Cope."He told me to be calm and that these things happen.
     

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    Sampaoli: Barca? I'm connected to Sevilla project to death

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    Jorge Sampaoli dismissed links with Barcelona, insisting he is "connected with this sporting project at Sevilla to death".

    Sevilla boss Sampaoli has emerged as a candidate to replace Barca head coach Luis Enrique, who will step down from his role at the end of the LaLiga season.

    Sampaoli, who only arrived at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in June, had already been linked with Barca prior to Luis Enrique's announcement on Wednesday as Sevilla fly high in third position, only two points adrift of the titleholders.The 56-year-old, who guided Chile to Copa America glory, is unaware of interest in his services.

    "The Barcelona job? That question has no answer because it doesn't exist," Sampaoli said after Thursday's 1-0 win at home to Athletic Bilbao."I have no idea what is being said, at this stage of the season to speak of candidates doesn't make sense."I am connected with this sporting project at Sevilla to death."

    Sampaoli signed a deal until the 2017-18 campaign upon his arrival, and the Argentine tactician plans to extend his stay."We still haven't met with representatives to express our future projects within the structure of the club," he continued."But to be sure, there are intentions to do so."
     

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    'My wife won't be happy with me at home' - Luis Enrique open to England move

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    Outgoing Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has opened the door for a move to the Premier League, noting his wife would not tolerate too long a sabbatical.

    The Catalans' boss confirmed he would be stepping down at the end of the season after a tumultuous season, citing the "need for rest".However, he has now said that the period he will not be away from the dugout for a prolonged period, joking that his wife would not tolerate at home for too long.

    Luis Enrique had previously turned down a potential move to England saying "my wife would never tolerate that weather", but states that managing in the Premier League may be the more acceptable option to her.

    "I don't know what is going to happen in the future but I know my wife won't be comfortable with me at home for two to three years," he said. "Maybe she’ll now accept the British weather if that's the alternative, because she won't be happy with me being at home for three years, for sure."

    The only other stint the 46-year-old has enjoyed abroad has been in Italy with Serie A club Roma, although he was removed from the position after a single season.

    Luis Enrique returned to Barcelona - the club he played for before becoming taking over their B squad - in 2014, winning the European treble in his first campaign in charge.

    However, he has never been embraced by the Camp Nou faithful despite his success, with questions over his playing style intensifying this season following poor results.


    The pressure has taken its toll, with an increasingly testy Luis Enrique finally announcing his departure earlier this week even as his team lead the La Liga standings - though second-placed Real Madrid have a game in hand.
     

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    He's back! Mourinho confirms Shaw to return for Man Utd


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    Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Luke Shaw will finally make his return to first-team action in Saturday's Premier League meeting with Bournemouth.

    The left-back has found it difficult to earn a regular berth in the Portuguese manager's plans following a groin injury sustained in the autumn and has not featured in a Premier League match since turning out in a scoreless draw against Burnley on October 29. In total, he has featured only seven times in the league for the Red Devils since Mourinho took charge.

    In recent weeks, the 21-year-old defender has been publicly supported by the likes of United legends Denis Irwin and Gary Neville, though Mourinho has chosen to overlook the Englishman since he regained fitness in January, with Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind preferred.
    Shaw was selected in the Red Devils' FA Cup encounter against Wigan Athletic in January, which they won 4-0, though he lost his place in the subsequent round when they played in Blackburn.

    United play the Cherries in the Premier League in Saturday's early kick off at Old Trafford, with the hosts aiming to move at least temporarily into fourth before Arsenal face Liverpool later in the weekend.
     

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    Conte denies receiving Inter offer and targets Chelsea legacy

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    Antonio Conte has explicitly denied having received an offer to become coach at Inter next season and is aiming instead to build a legacy at Chelsea.

    It has been a memorable first season at Stamford Bridge for Conte thus far with Chelsea opening up a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League ahead of this weekend's round of fixtures.However, reports in the Italian media suggested Conte is unsettled in London with his family remaining in Italy.

    The former Juventus boss was consequently linked with a move to San Siro, but the 47-year-old insists that his future remains in London and that he is planning for the long term at Chelsea.

    Conte was asked at a press conference ahead of Chelsea's encounter with West Ham on Monday if Inter had made an offer, to which he replied: "Me personally? No, no.

    "I think my situation is very clear. I have a contract with Chelsea. [I am] trying to build something important with the club, for the present, for the future and I think the situation is very clear."

    Conte told the Evening Standard this week of his hope to move his wife and daughter to London and he once again spoke of the importance of having his family around him."I am happy for sure, the only problem for me this season is the family is missing me for sure," he added on Friday.

    "My family stayed in Italy and, yeah, I am working for the future, to bring them here and to stay together because for sure the family is missing me, this is true."
     

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    Mourinho expecting Ibrahimovic to stay at Man Utd

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    Jose Mourinho has revealed that he expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic to stay at Manchester United.

    Ibrahimovic has enjoyed a brilliantly successful season at the club, following his headline-grabbing free transfer in the summer.

    In 38 appearances in all competitions Ibrahimovic has scored 26 goals, the 35-year-old dominating in England as he has in so many other countries, including Italy and Spain.

    Reports had suggested that Ibrahimovic could leave at the end of the season, but Mourinho has now appeared to confirm that the veteran striker is to stay at the club.

    He told reporters: "He's very happy with his success and his situation, so I see him staying with us."

    United are currently sixth in the Premier League but they won the EFL Cup last weekend, with Ibrahimovic scoring the winning goal at Wembley against Southampton in a pulsating final.The club remain in the FA Cup and the Europa League, and will hope to add to their silverware before the end of the season.

    United face Bournemouth this weekend looking to close the gap on fourth-placed Arsenal as they aim to qualify for the Champions League next term.
     

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    Pochettino 'happy' at Tottenham amid Barca links

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    Mauricio Pochettino insists he is happy at Tottenham amid speculation linking him with Barcelona.

    Luis Enrique announced earlier this week that he is set to step down from the Camp Nou position at the end of the season, citing his need for a “rest”.

    Pochettino has subsequently been touted as a potential successor, having previously worked in La Liga with Espanyol, but he has now responded to the reports by claiming he is perfectly content at White Hart Lane.

    "I do not want to speak because if I do, it is possible people can twist my words,” he replied when asked about the speculation."I can only say I am happy here."I understand the business, I understand my name is on some lists. It is normal in football today.”

    Pochettino has also revealed that he is in regular contact with chairman Daniel Levy as the two attempt to finalise their transfer targets for the summer window.

    “Of course I talk with the chairman, as always. We have a very close relationship and we talk nearly every day. We are always talking to try to improve and to learn from our mistakes.

    “We learn from our experiences but the good thing is that we have a very good relationship, we are very close. With [chief scout] Steve Hitchen, we are working hard to try to find players to improve our squad for next season.

    “We always believe in our targets and that they can help us. Sometimes it will be good, others not so good, but we are excited now to watch and assess players and help the team achieve the things we want.”Spurs are currently second in the Premier League, and face Everton at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
     

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    I am not a monster, says Mourinho

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    Jose Mourinho insists the media have wrongly portrayed him as a "monster", stating the Manchester United squad have since gotten to know the real side of him.

    The Portuguese has built up a reputation of being edgy and testy, with his abrasive nature in press conferences seeing him frequently confront the media.

    His relationship with players has also been called into question of late, with his former Chelsea charges coming out to reveal how morale had plummeted during his final season in charge at Stamford Bridge, during which he was sacked.

    However, Mourinho insists those reports are a false representation of his style of management and insists he has won the loyalty of his players at Old Trafford.

    "I think Manchester United learned I'm not the monster that you say I am," he told reporters. "I'm not such a bad guy, an arrogant guy, a difficult person to work with.
    "At least until now, nobody at the training ground runs away when I arrive.

    "So I think I am better than you think, people is quite happy to have me around and to work with me, the relation with the players is very good.

    "With my owners and my board, the relation I don't think is just professional, it's also a relation of trust and a relation that goes further than the contract, the manager, the owner, the board, so I'm happy.

    "My feeling is everyone is happy, but obviously my contract is three years, not seven or eight months, and I want evolution and improvement."
     

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    Ronaldo out of Real Madrid's trip to Eibar with injury

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    Real Madrid have named their squad to face Eibar on Saturday and must do without the suspended Gareth Bale and now Cristiano Ronaldo, who is injured.

    Los Blancos therefore travel to the form side being unable to count on their star duo, as they seek to regain the initiative in the La Liga title race with a win.

    Ronaldo has not been training with his team-mates after experiencing muscle problems, revealed coach Zinedine Zidane in his pre-match conference on Friday.

    The news arrives as a huge blow to the trainer given the Portuguese rescued Madrid against Las Palmas in midweek, scoring a brace to earn a 3-3 comeback.

    The severity of the situation is compounded following Bale's two-match suspension, which was confirmed as punishment for his straight red card for wrestling Jonathan Viera to the ground.

    Ronaldo's brace last time out makes him Madrid's top scorer in La Liga with 18 goals in 20 games, while Bale only recently completed his comeback from injury and will now be forced to watch his team-mates from the stands again.

    Their absence would be an opportunity for the likes of Lucas Vazquez, Mariano and Marcos Asensio to impress from the start, though Madrid's task of facing Eibar on home turf without their biggest stars is a daunting one.

    The Basque minnows are punching above their weight this term and targeting Europa League qualification for next season, with Jose Luis Mendilibar's men formidable in their fortress of Ipurua.

    Madrid face a delicate situation, having let slip what appeared a commanding position in La Liga in recent weeks to slide into second place behind Barcelona, though Zidane's troops still boast a game in hand.

    Los Blancos have won just one of their last three games - losing 2-1 at Valencia before slumping to the 3-3 home draw against Las Palmas - making a result at Eibar all the more crucial for their title hopes.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
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    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    11.gif
    Mourinho expects Mkhitaryan to face Chelsea


    mkhitaryan-cropped_1hhixoe6f0rlt1is5rhezgfvi3.jpg


    Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho expects to have Henrikh Mkhitaryan available for the FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea on March 13.

    Mkhitaryan has been out of action since picking up a hamstring injury shortly after scoring the only goal in a Europa League last-32 second-leg win at Saint-Etienne last Wednesday.

    The issue ruled the Armenia international out of the EFL Cup final victory over Southampton and will see him sit out upcoming matches against Bournemouth and - more likely than not - Rostov over the coming week.But Mourinho is optimistic about the 28-year-old's chances of featuring against Premier League leaders Chelsea.

    "Mkhitaryan is still out," Mourinho told MUTV. "He didn't recover in time for this game [against Bournemouth]."I believe, during the next week, especially for the weekend [ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge], he will be fine and we don't have major problems.

    "Bastian [Schweinsteiger] has a little thing but, apart from that, everybody is fine."With close to a fully fit squad at his disposal, Mourinho is satisfied he has the numbers and quality to cope with a demanding schedule.

    "I told them [the squad] already a player that is not even selected can start the next match and this is the reality," he added. "We have to go match after match.

    "If we decide not to give a priority to any competition, as we've said every competition is important, we cannot choose this team to play this match and that team to play that one.

    "We have to go match after match and make readjustments and try to be as strong as possible."