..::Football IV::..

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Atletico Madrid 3 Sevilla 1: Griezmann stunner all but ends Sampaoli's title hopes

A stunning goal from Antoine Griezmann boosted Atletico Madrid's hopes of automatic qualification for next season's Champions League and all but ended Sevilla's LaLiga title aspirations with a 3-1 win at the Vicente Calderon.

Griezmann's 20-yard free-kick crashed in off the underside of the crossbar to clinch an important victory that closes the gap to third-placed Sevilla to just two points, with Jorge Sampaoli's side in danger of falling 11 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.

The France international's effort added to a first-half header from Diego Godin as Atletico followed up booking a place in the Champions League quarter-finals by completing a 4-2 aggregate victory over Bayer Leverkusen in midweek with a third straight top-flight win.

For Sevilla, though, it was a case of their late-season stutter continuing. The Andalusian side were sent crashing out of Europe by Leicester City last Tuesday and are now winless in four outings in all competitions - a run that has seen their focus turn to the teams below them rather than above.

A change of formation for the second half was not enough to inspire a comeback from Sevilla, who fell three-goals down when Koke rounded off a swift break with a finish into an empty net.

Substitute Joaquin Correa struck a consolation for Sevilla five minutes from time, but it was not enough to stop their season-best seven-match unbeaten run in the top flight from ending.

Diego Simeone welcomed Gabi and Kevin Gameiro back from their respective injuries but lost Sime Vrsaljko to a knee problem inside just two minutes, Juanfran replacing him.

Atletico did not dwell on that early blow and nearly took the lead through Gameiro in the 13th minute. The Frenchman was released by Yannick Carrasco and his attempt to chip Rico from the right-hand side of the box struck the bar after brushing the goalkeeper's fingertips.

The hosts controlled the early possession but Sevilla gradually gained more of a foothold in the match and could have had a penalty in the 34th minute when Wissam Ben Yedder went down under a challenge from Jan Oblak – though replays showed contact between the two was minimal.

Atletico heeded the warning and Godin got away from Gabriel Mercado to turn Griezmann's header beyond Rico, sending them into half-time with the advantage.

Sampaoli changed from a three-man defence to a back four for by replacing Clement Lenglet with Stevan Jovetic, and Atletico began to find extra space in their defence.

Griezmann was unable to take advantage of the first chance that came his way in the 50th minute, stabbing wide after neat interplay with Gameiro put him one-on-one with Rico.

However, he did not make the same mistake with his next opportunity. Mercado's foul on Gameiro gave Atletico a free-kick that Griezmann fired home sweetly from just outside the area.

Fernando Torres came on for his first appearance since sustaining a head injury in the 1-1 draw with Deportivo La Coruna on March 2, but it was Koke who struck next for Atletico with a tap in following a counter-attack

Correa had replaced Ben Yedder in the 64th minute and he guided a cool finish beyond Oblak, though it was not enough to stop Atletico claiming a superior head-to-head record that could prove crucial come the end of the season.

 

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Borussia Monchengladbach 0 Bayern Munich 1: Muller ends goal drought to deliver narrow victory

Thomas Muller's second Bundesliga goal of the season was enough for Bayern Munich to see off Borussia Monchengladbach 1-0 at Borussia-Park on Sunday, as the champions seized on RB Leipzig's loss to extend their commanding lead at the top of the table.

The Germany international had last netted in the German top flight in December 2016, going nine games without a goal, but he ended his drought with a fine finish after the break to seal the win for Carlo Ancelotti's men.

Bayern had reason for optimism heading into the encounter, having won six of their eight Bundesliga games in 2017 and drawing the remaining two, but they also knew Dieter Hecking's men would pose a stern test.

Gladbach had lost just four of their 11 Bundesliga games against Bayern since the start of the 2011-12 campaign, beating the Bavarians four times and recording three draws.

There would not be another positive result for Gladbach in this one, though, as Muller eventually made the difference on his 250th league appearance after Robert Lewandowski had wasted three fine chances, with Arjen Robben also unfortunate to hit the woodwork.

This weekend's results see Bayern open up a 13-point lead over RB Leipzig following the second-placed team's defeat to Werder Bremen, with nine games remaining.

Gladbach made an encouraging start to the game and Bayern survived an early scare when Martinez only just managed to prevent Tony Jantschke from firing home at close range, the Spaniard making a strong block in the fourth minute.

The visitors slowly grow into the game from there on and Lewandowski should perhaps have opened the scoring after being sent clean through on goal by Franck Ribery, only for the Poland international to aim a tame shot straight at goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Bayern pinned back Gladbach inside their own half as they went in search of the opener and Robben was unfortunate not to hand his side the lead when he hit the upright with a fine shot from just outside the area, Sommer then pulling off a superb save to deny Lewandowski from the rebound.

Lewandowski threatened a third time early in the second half after a fine low cross from Muller, but the former Dortmund star failed to properly get his foot to it as he aimed yards wide.

Raffael then tried his luck from 20 yards after a rare Gladbach counterattack, the forward blasting a powerful shot just wide of the target.Bayern continued to dominate proceedings, though, and Muller eventually broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, beating Sommer from close range after a brilliant ball over the top from Thiago Alcantara.

Hecking brought on Josip Drmic and Thorgan Hazard in an attempt to force an equaliser, but the Bayern defence did well to hold onto their slender lead.

 

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Manchester City 1 Liverpool 1: Aguero cancels out Milner penalty in thrilling draw

Sergio Aguero's equaliser claimed a vital point for Manchester City, who remain above Liverpool in third in the Premier League after the sides drew 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

City were looking to bounce back from Wednesday's surprise Champions League exit at Monaco and they had to come from behind to extend their unbeaten league run to seven games.

James Milner opened the scoring from the spot shortly after half-time, picking out Willy Caballero's bottom-right corner to score his seventh penalty of the season on his Etihad return.

John Stones should have converted a free header as a substandard City tried to improve a dire head-to-head record against Liverpool that had seen them lose five of the previous six meetings between the sides.

Aguero equalised for City with a close-range finish from Kevin De Bruyne's right-wing cross and the Belgian hit the post as Pep Guardiola's side cranked up the pressure in search of a winner.

But it was Adam Lallana who should have scored the decisive goal, the England international somehow mishitting his shot from eight yards after sublime Liverpool build-up play as both teams lost ground on Tottenham in the race for the second – with Manchester United now just four points behind Jurgen Klopp's fourth-placed side.

Simon Mignolet blocked Leroy Sane's cross-shot with his left boot after 19 minutes, David Silva slicing the rebound over the crossbar to spurn City's first real chance of the game.

Penalty appeals were rejected at both ends, with Aguero challenged by Joel Matip as the Argentine tried to connect with Fernandinho's low cross, before Sadio Mane collided with Nicolas Otamendi as he shaped to shoot.Matip headed Milner's deep free-kick wide after 37 minutes and the game finally exploded into life before the interval.

Milner had to make a brilliant challenge to stop Raheem Sterling from tapping home Silva's cross, with Fernandinho unable to convert at the back post, before Caballero palmed Roberto Firmino's curled shot over his crossbar.

Caballero elected to punch the resulting corner but he could only pick out Lallana, whose powerful volley was beaten away by the goalkeeper.

Chances continued to flow in the second half, with Mane's goal-bound effort deflected over by a Stones block, but Liverpool were awarded a penalty when Clichy clumsily bundled over Firmino.

Former City player Milner tucked away the spot-kick, sending Caballero the wrong way to put the visitors in front, extending City's run without a clean sheet against Liverpool to 13 games.

Stones had a big chance to rapidly respond for City but he headed De Bruyne's corner wide. Caballero then did well to save from Firmino after a superb Philippe Coutinho reverse pass sent his fellow Brazilian into the box.

But after 68 minutes City levelled the scores when Aguero tucked away De Bruyne's cross to continue his record of scoring in all five of his home league games against Liverpool.

Aguero's one-two with Sane freed the striker for a chance to complete the turnaround but he could not find a finish after losing his balance, De Bruyne slamming the loose ball against the woodwork, then Lallana's opportunity to claim the points arrived.

Emre Can and Firmino combined beautifully to set Lallana up for a golden chance but the midfielder failed to convert and despite a breathless finale - with Aguero unable to turn in Silva's centre and blazing over De Bruyne's chipped cross - the points were shared.

 

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Barcelona 4 Valencia 2: Messi double helps to see off 10-man Valencia

Barcelona kept the pressure on Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga by beating 10-man Valencia 4-2 at Camp Nou ahead of the international break.

The Catalans were playing their first home game since the thrilling 6-1 comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League but their performance evoked only a little of the magic of that night.Valencia exposed their hosts' defensive frailties throughout the first half and Eliaquim Mangala gave Voro Gonzalez's side the lead after 29 minutes.

Fortunately for Barca, their superstar front three were on form and Neymar teed up Luis Suarez to equalise shortly before Mangala conceded a penalty and was sent off, Lionel Messi duly scoring from the spot.

Although Munir El Haddadi drew Valencia level almost immediately against his parent club, the 10 men struggled to contain Messi, who made it 3-2 after 52 minutes but will miss the trip to Granada in the first game back from the international break due to suspension after picking up a late yellow card.

The hosts pressed hard in search of a fourth throughout the closing stages, Neymar's dynamic solo run down the left flank leading to Andre Gomes' 90th-minute settler from close range, as Barca claimed a win that is vital to their title chances, moving them back to within two points of Madrid, who still hold a game in hand over the reigning champions.

In a determined start from the hosts, Suarez tormented Ezequiel Garay, turning his marker with a superb piece of skill before squaring to Messi, whose side-footed shot failed to beat Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves with 15 minutes played.

The Argentine star hooked a shot over the crossbar moments later following a trademark mazy dribble but Barca lacked urgency and were punished for their slow start in the 29th minute.

After Munir missed a one-on-one with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Daniel Parejo's corner was met by the head of Mangala, who did well to shake off the attentions of Ivan Rakitic and direct the ball into the corner of the net.

Barca were level six minutes later when Neymar's quick thinking in taking a fast throw-in put Suarez in behind Garay and the Uruguayan picked his spot, side-footing the ball past Alves and in at the far post.

Mangala was given his marching orders for pulling Suarez's shirt in the penalty area, his second booking in the space of five minutes, and Messi drilled the ensuing spot-kick low into the centre of the net to give Barcelona a 2-1 lead.

Undeterred by going a man down, Valencia went straight onto the attack, Jose Gaya bursting clear before squaring to Munir and the loanee was unchallenged as he calmly tucked inside the post to make it 2-2 at half-time.

Neymar had a shot saved by the leg of Alves after six minutes of the second half, but Valencia's Brazilian goalkeeper was beaten at his near post one minute later when Messi burst into the box and scored with his weaker right foot.

Munir caught Barcelona flat-footed once again after 56 minutes but Gerard Pique raced back to make a last-ditch tackle and prevent him from shooting, while at the other end Suarez spurned the chance to make it 4-2, firing wide of an open net after Alves parried Messi's shot right into his path.

Neymar hit the outside of the post with a wonderful, curling free-kick after 76 minutes and the Brazilian star, who was chasing his 100th goal for the club, had to settle for a return to fitness after he missed Barca's previous game against Deportivo La Coruna.

With the game petering out and the visitors showing signs of fatigue, the scene was set for former Valencia player Gomes to score his first Barcelona goal and he did just that, stroking the ball home after Neymar's run and cross to make the final score 4-2.

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 2 Lyon 1: Pastore inspires champions' fightback

Javier Pastore starred as Paris Saint-Germain kept up the pressure on Ligue 1 leaders Monaco with a 2-1 win over Lyon at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

While Adrien Rabiot and Julian Draxler grabbed the goals, Pastore was the orchestrator as PSG came from behind to move back to within three points of Leonardo Jardim's men, who had extended their lead at the top with victory at Caen earlier in the day.

Fourth-placed Lyon handed Monaco their only home league defeat of the season so far and threatened to similarly stun the champions when Alexandre Lacazette headed in the opener.But Pastore created an equaliser for Rabiot and then laid on a second goal for Draxler to send PSG into the break in front after a thrilling opening 45 minutes.

The hosts could not kill the game off after the restart, though, and instead endured a nervy conclusion as Lyon sought a route back into the game but ultimately came up short.

Lyon led with just six minutes played when Mathieu Valbuena's left-wing corner was flicked on by Rafael at the near post for Lacazette to nod into the net from a yard out.

A second Valbeuna delivery, from the same side, then caused further problems for PSG, with Rafael again involved and Kevin Trapp desperately clinging to the ball after Mouctar Diakhaby had looped a close-range header against the post.The home side initially struggled to offer a response, but, 11 minutes before half-time, Pastore forged a leveller as he made progress on the right, swapped passes with Angel Di Maria and teed up Rabiot to slot home a simple finish.

Pastore and Di Maria soon combined again and the latter forced a wonderful save from Anthony Lopes with a bending left-footed shot from 20 yards.

With PSG seemingly now in control, the visitors countered and Lacazette slipped in Memphis Depay, who rounded Trapp before going to ground inside the area as the ball ran behind. The former Manchester United man appeared to lose his footing without any contact with the goalkeeper and referee Clement Turpin waved away appeals for a penalty.

That squandered opportunity would immediately prove costly for Lyon as Pastore again conjured up an opening, with Draxler arriving in the box to meet his pass and sidefoot into the bottom-right corner.

Both sides were dealt apparent injury blows at the start of the second half, with Lacazette and Draxler withdrawn, and that contributed to a quieter spell.Pastore remained Lyon's chief tormentor, though, and he should have had a third assist when Edinson Cavani volleyed over from the Argentina international's delicate lofted throughball.

Di Maria lashed a low strike narrowly past the right-hand post as PSG kept pushing, but they played out the final minutes wary of the visitors' speed on the counter and clinging to a one-goal lead.

 

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'I'd prefer to win the Europa League' - Mourinho plots Man Utd route into the Champions League

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho claims his preference would be to qualify for the Champions League through a Europa League triumph, if he had to make a choice.

Victory over Middlesbrough on Sunday extended the Red Devils' unbeaten run in the Premier League to 18 matches and kept them in the hunt for a top-four finish.
A passage back to Europe's premier club competition could be secured via their league placing, although winning another piece of silverware - which would also earn a place among the continent's elite - is now Mourinho's priority.

"Yeah, big win, because it keeps us alive in the fourth-position race," Mourinho said. "If we don't win today then we lose a chance in relation to Arsenal's defeat, to Manchester City v Liverpool.

"I'd prefer to win the Europa League because it gives us the same, Champions League football, but it gives us a trophy, prestige, a European Super Cup. But maybe we don't win the Europa League. So we have to fight to try to finish fourth. It's a massive victory for us."

Meanwhile, Mourinho has claimed that Aitor Karanka missed out on a big job in favour of remaining loyal to Middlesbrough prior to his departure last week.Karanka, who worked as Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid, left the Riverside Stadium by mutual consent on Thursday after four years at the club, with Steve Agnew overseeing Boro's 3-1 home loss to United.

Speaking after inflicting the struggling team's fourth successive defeat, the Portuguese claimed Karanka had previously passed up an enticing opportunity to advance his career.

"Justice for Karanka is the work he did here," Mourinho told a post-match news conference. "People cannot delete the good things we do in clubs, it doesn't matter what happens.

"I was sacked by Chelsea, people now don't like me, but nobody can go there and delete what I did. Aitor came here, 8,000 people in the stadium, almost going to League One. He keeps them in the division, goes to the playoff final, could leave, decides to stay, gets promotion.

"He could leave the club for better - I know what I'm saying - but he stays for the fans, for the owner [Steve Gibson]. He lost a good opportunity to go to a bigger club. In the end, he loses his job. It's football. I'm sure he wants this team to stay in the division. I don't think he's happy that we won."

Boro caretaker Agnew meanwhile claimed not have seen Rudy Gestede's clash with United defender Eric Bailly in the second half amid suggestions the striker may have motioned to bite his opponent. "I didn't see anything," he told reporters. "Obviously I'm picking up that something went on but it's no concern to me."

And the temporary boss also shrugged off Mourinho's swift departure from the sidelines in the closing stages. "[Mourinho] has done that in the past - it's hard to work out his next move. We shook hands in the tunnel."

 

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Klopp: Tomorrow I'll be happy, but now I'm disappointed

Jurgen Klopp was left disappointed after Manchester City came from behind to claim a 1-1 Premier League draw against Liverpool on Sunday, though he expects to reflect on the result more positively later.

Liverpool were on track to leapfrog City into third after James Milner scored his seventh penalty of the season, converting from 12 yards after Roberto Firmino was brought down by Gael Clichy.

But Sergio Aguero slotted home Kevin De Bruyne's low cross to set up a magnificent finale at the Etihad Stadium, with both sides wasting massive chances to claim all three points.Klopp felt his side should have recorded what would have been their sixth win in seven Premier League games against City.

"It's difficult to make an assessment," Klopp told Sky Sports. "A point at City is absolutely okay and there were a few situations when we couldn't defend their quality, but we could have won this game.

"Their goalkeeper [Willy Caballero] made a few outstanding saves and then we had this phase around the second half, 50 to 70 minutes, when we had them but didn't close the game in this moment."We let them a little bit recover on the pitch so they came back with their quality and they deserved to score. We could have scored more.

"Our attitude was outstanding, and there was a lot of good football from two highly motivated sides, with chances until the last second. It was good and we can build on the performance. Tomorrow I'll be happy but now I'm a bit disappointed, but not a lot."

Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane spurned clear opportunities to score, with the England international somehow passing up a golden late chance from eight yards out, while Klopp suggested referee Michael Oliver could have awarded further spot-kicks.

"A few situations I thought we could've scored and Lallana was one, Sadio and all that stuff," the German said."In this game both sides could have had penalties and maybe we could've had two, they could've had two. It was a difficult game for the ref as it was so quick and intense so it's okay and we'll take it.

"It's fair because we scored once and they scored once, we could've lost and we could've won but football is often like this. If we use our chances that's one thing and around set pieces we were very good we had two or three open balls in the six-yard box and I don't know how they defended these."They had their chances and it's okay, but I'm not happy in this moment. Give me a few hours and then I'll be happy."

 

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Chelsea will get even better, promises Conte

Antonio Conte expects Chelsea to get even better as his players continue to adapt to his methods and ideas, despite the team closing in on the Premier League title.

A 2-1 win at Stoke City on Saturday protected Chelsea's 10-point cushion at the top of the table, with just 10 games remaining, while Conte's side have also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.The Italian believes his team have bought into his philosophy and he backed Chelsea to continue to improve as he spends more time working on his squad.

"This season is very important because my players are understanding my idea of football," Conte said. "They are adapting to my system, to my philosophy of football. We are building something important.

"I think my players are fully in my idea of football, fully in the method. When I arrived as a new coach in a new team, you must know your players and have a bit of time to understand the habits, and then to bring them to your idea — but also to show them that your idea is a positive."

Conte insists complacency is not going to be an issue for Chelsea as they look to take steps towards reclaiming the Premier League title, which they last won in the 2014-15 season under Jose Mourinho.

"We have to always think positive and go game by game," Conte said. "Now there is an international break. There will be a bit of rest for [some] players, the other players go to play with the national teams. Then we start in Cobham."It's important to be focused, because we have two games at home against Crystal Palace and Manchester City. It's important to be focused."

Gary Cahill's late goal secured Chelsea's latest win and Conte said the manner of their victory at Stoke sums up the strength of his side."I think this must be Chelsea's mentality," Conte said. "Don't forget, Chelsea is a great team and must always play to win. For this reason when you play in this type of team you must have, you must build, you must work on this type of aspect.

"Against Stoke, we showed from the start until the end, the will to win the game, not to come for only one point. We didn't want to manage the situation, we wanted to play the game to try to win, and in the end we deserved to win."It is incredible, our path. It is incredible what we are doing. For sure, if we think in the first part of the season, when we started this league. For sure, we put Chelsea with the teams to fight for the title.

"At the start of the season, it wasn’t bad after three wins, then we changed a lot. Now we stayed on top of the table, we are deserving to stay there. I have to tell thanks to my players because they are working a lot. Working hard."They trust our football, in our idea. They show in every game a great commitment. Great will to fight. Great will to show we can win the league."

 

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Wenger told me he’s staying at Arsenal – Pulis

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has revealed that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told him he plans to stay on with the Gunners.

The Frenchman’s contract expires in the summer, and with the Emirates club currently on the worst run they have experienced under more than two decades of Wenger’s leadership, speculation is mounting that he could step aside at the end of the campaign.WBA inflicted a 3-1 defeat upon the Gunners on Saturday, but Pulis has revealed that his rival apparently has no desire to step down.

“I’ll be surprised if he goes,” the Welshman told the media when asked to speculate on Wenger’s future. He was probed further as to why he held that opinion and replied: “Because he told me.”

Although Arsenal dropped to sixth in the standings with defeat at the weekend, Pulis remains a great admirer of the coach.

“I think he’s the greatest manager Arsenal have ever had. They could finish in the top four and win an FA Cup — that’s not too bad is it?” he added.“I don’t think respect counts now. People live for today. If you’re asking me what Arsenal should or shouldn’t do I’m the wrong person.”

 

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Marquinhos: I hope PSG sign Mbappe

Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos hopes that he can one day soon team up with Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe.

The 18-year-old has exploded onto the scene in recent weeks and has netted 11 goals in his last 10 outings, including a double that helped the principality side to a 3-0 win over Caen on Sunday.

Mbappe, who was born in Paris, scored Monaco’s first and third in a comfortable win at Stade Michel d’Ornano, which means his side enjoy a three-point advantage over the defending champions with eight matches of the season remaining.Marquinhos would be delighted to team up with him in the future.

“It’s doing very well at Monaco and I hope that our leaders are following him – he’s a player who can make the difference and has great quality,” he said.“He’s a very good player. At his age, it’s not easy to put in successive performances in Ligue 1 that are so strong.

“He’s gone into the France squad, he’s in great form, he’s scoring goals and will be a very important player for France and Monaco.“He’s got a great future and I hope that he continues to work hard and does not stop because there’s still a lot for him to learn.”Mbappe is already up to 12 goals for the season, despite starting only 11 top-flight fixtures for Leonardo Jardim’s side.

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson to return as Man Utd boss for Carrick testimonial

Sir Alex Ferguson will return to the dugout and take charge of the Manchester United team for Michael Carrick's testimonial.

The 75-year-old, who won an incredible 38 trophies during his time in charge at Old Trafford, retired from management back in 2013 having delivered the club's 20th top-flight title.

The legendary Scot has remained involved with the Red Devils in an ambassadorial role and is regularly in attendance to watch United matches.

Current United boss Jose Mourinho revealed recently that he has encouraged Sir Alex to travel with the first team to games and that he actively invites him to join the players in the dressing room.

He said, as quoted by the Daily Mirror: "After I arrived, he came in again. He came back to visit the people he worked with for so many years. And he travelled with us once again.

"And that’s what I said to him, ‘It doesn’t make sense that we’re playing in London and go on a private train and you, Sir Alex, will go by car. You’re not going by car. No. Go by train, with the team’.“But he is so respectful that he becomes even a little shy in this approach. We have to make him feel loved.

“In our head there are no ghosts, no complexes, no such thing.“There have been ­situations at the end of the game where Sir Bobby Charlton comes down, the executive director Ed Woodward comes down, and Sir Alex, who is with them, does not come to the dressing room.

"That kind of situation, I already said that makes absolutely no sense.”Carrick's testimonial fixture against a Harry Redknapp-managed All-Star team will feature the likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, with the match taking place at Old Trafford on June 4.

It is, however, as yet unknown if Real Madrid sensation Cristiano Ronaldo, who left United back in 2009, will feature for the Red Devils.Carrick's situation at United, meanwhile, remains uncertain, with the player's current contract expiring in the summer and no new deal yet in place.

The former Tottenham and West Ham midfielder has revealed that he would likely retire from football if he is not offered a contract extension at the club, with the 35-year-old having been at Old Trafford for over 10 years.

 

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Manchester City confirm rescheduled date for Manchester United clash

Manchester City have confirmed their rescheduled Premier League clash with Manchester United will take place on Thursday, April 27.The initial fixture had been postponed due to United's involvement in the EFL Cup, with Jose Mourinho's side lifting the trophy thanks to a 3-2 win over Southampton.

City's game with Middlesbrough has also been moved to Sunday, April 30 with a 14:05 kick-off. That game had been pencilled in for Saturday, but has been pushed back an extra day to help the players recover.

The original Manchester derby game was due to take place on February 26.
United's involvement in the Europa League and FA Cup also saw some of their other games postponed, meaning a late season fixture pile-up.Mourinho revealed his frustration with the large number of remaining fixtures, with United set to play 15 more games if they reach the Europa League final.

“I can understand if you don’t have any help in relation to the Premier League, but I don’t understand not having any help in relation to European football," Mourinho said last week.

“I am saying this for many, many years. I’ve said this even from my first spell between 2004 and 2008. I don’t ask for me, I ask for everyone. I think they don’t give an ‘S’.“They don’t give an ‘S’ about English teams in Europe. They simply don’t care. There are other interests that are more important."

The last time the Manchester derby took place on a Thursday was 23 years ago, but it is not one City fans will want to recall, with United winning 5-0.

 

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No truth in Tuchel to Arsenal reports


Arsenal have denied reports that they have approached Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel to become the next manager of the club.

Tuchel has been linked as a replacement for under-fire manager Arsene Wenger in recent weeks, with German daily Bild claiming that contact had been made between the Gunners and Tuchel over him becoming the next manager at Emirates Stadium.

The BVB coach started his career in the dugout at Augsburg and Mainz with the youth and reserve sides, but he graduated at the latter to take charge of the first team. With nearly 200 games under his belt and a reputation for attractive football, he moved to Dortmund in the summer of 2015 with the task of replacing Jurgen Klopp.

Although Dortmund are third in the Bundesliga and are not guaranteed European football next season, they have progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will meet Monaco.

Despite his success in Germany, the Premier League club are firmly denying the rumours and remain adamant that a mutual decision between Wenger and the club will be made soon.

That is a stance the 45-year-old has also taken. "I can't give you any information about the topic because it doesn't involve me," he explained. "I'm happy with my job in Dortmund and have a contract, so it is of no interest to me."

Following Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat to West Brom on Saturday, Wenger revealed that he has made a decision on his future and intends to make his decision public soon.

Planes bearing pro- and anti-Wenger messages flew over the Hawthorns on Saturday, with Goal revealing who was behind them after speaking to the pilot involved.Baggies boss Tony Pulis also claimed that Wenger told him after the game that the Frenchman has decided he wants to stay at the club.

 

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Man City owners close to buying South American club

Manchester City's parent company is close to purchasing a club in Uruguay, Goal has learned.

The City Football Group (CFG) already owns Melbourne City and New York City, as well as holding a stake in Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos, and is keen to expand its network of clubs in both established and emerging football regions.A new venture in China has been mooted since a consortium backed by the Chinese government invested £265m in Manchester City in December 2015.

And, while opportunities in Asia are still being explored, it is believed negotiations over the purchase of a Uruguayan club are much closer to completion.

CFG sources hope expansion into the South American market will boost its global profile, as well as aiding in the purchase of players from the region.Gabriel Jesus' £27 million move from Brazilian side Palmeiras to City was held up by third-party ownership issues, and it is hoped a presence in South America would help avert any similar obstacles in future.

A club in Uruguay would also allow the CFG to more easily recruit the talented South American youngsters identified by City's extensive scouting network.Manchester City are looking to increase their presence in South America, including the established Brazilian market.

The club put on an event on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach on Sunday, hosted by former Blue Elano, enabling City fans in the area to watch the Premier League meeting with Liverpool.

The signing of Jesus, who has already established himself as Brazil's No.9 at just 19 years of age, has helped boost the number of City fans in the country.Tom Glick, chief commercial officer of the CFG, says there are "a number of leagues and countries" that are currently of interest.

"The important thing for us is to add the right clubs in the right cities, in the right leagues," he said on Friday. "We are open to this."There are a number of leagues and countries that are quite interesting. It is certainly something we are focused on.


"We are equally focused on making sure each of our current clubs - Manchester, New York, Melbourne, Yokohama - are performing at their highest level."

 

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Neymar drops huge Man Utd hint after making Mourinho admission

Barcelona sensation Neymar has talked up a possible move to Manchester United, insisting that every player would like to work with Jose Mourinho.

The Brazil international has long been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with newspaper reports in February suggesting that United were ready to launch a £200 million bid.

And Neymar has now opened the door to a possible move to United, insisting that Mourinho's side are one of the teams that he admires and that "any player" would like to work with the Portuguese.

He told The Sun: "The Premier League is a championship that amazes me."I like the playing style and the teams. And who knows, someday, I would like to play at it, yes. "I admire Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool - these are the teams that are always there fighting.

"And then you have high-level coaches like Mourinho and Guardiola. These are coaches with whom any player would like to work.

"In the Premier League you never know who is going to win or who will be champions, it is always a surprise."Leicester are very good. They had a great season last year, they were Premier League champions and therefore we need to respect them if we draw them in the Champions League."Neymar has enjoyed a productive 2016-17 campaign with Barca so far, scoring 14 goals in all competitions.

The Catalan club are trailing Real Madrid in the Liga title race by two points, with Zinedine Zidane's side also having a game in hand over their fierce rivals.

Barca are also in the hunt for Champions League glory, with Neymar having set a record for assists in that particular competition, and will face Juventus in the quarter-finals following a miraculous comeback win over PSG.

 

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Bastian Schweinsteiger signs with Chicago Fire from Manchester United

Frozen out by the Red Devils, Bastian Schweinsteiger has turned to the Men in Red.

The German midfielder has departed Manchester United to sign with the Chicago Fire, the MLS club confirmed Monday. Schweinsteiger, 32, is expected to link up with his Veljko Paunovic's side next week after signing a designated player contract that guarantees him $4.5 million in 2017, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"Throughout my career, I've always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great," Schweinsteiger said in a statement released to the Tribune. "My move to Chicago Fire is no different.Through my conversations with [general manager Nelson Rodriguez] and Pauno, I'm convinced by the club’s vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project."

Schweinsteiger has been scarcely used under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford this season, logging just 11 matches in all competitions and not making any Premier League appearances. He most recently saw the field in a Europa League match against Saint-Etienne on Feb. 22.

Before joining United in July 2015, Schweinsteiger had spent his entire career with Bayern Munich since debuting for the first team in 2002. His trophy-laden spell with the club included eight Bundesliga titles and the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League crown.

Schweinsteiger retired from international duty last summer, making his final appearance in a friendly against Finland on Aug. 31 after playing five matches at Euro 2016. The deep-lying playmaker finished his international career with 24 goals in 121 caps, including six appearances as Germany won the 2014 World Cup.

 

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AparadeSchweinsteiger ta chance 1ka denne nathuwa kagattha​

 

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'Serie A was financially doped, but can be the best again' - Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon believes that Serie A can become the best league in Europe once again after suffering the after effect of what he terms 'financial doping'.

While Serie A enjoyed a fruitful number of decades in Europe from the late 1980s to the mid-2000s, no Italian club has managed to win the Champions League since the success of Jose Mourinho's Inter in 2010.

Italian clubs have been represented in 14 of the last 30 European Cup finals, but the recent trend of non-representation, with clubs such as Milan and Inter struggling on the highest stage, suggests a decline in standards.

Nevertheless, Buffon, who will lead Juve into a Champions League quarter-final clash with Barcelona in April, remains optimistic and predicts a bright future for his country."Italian football was financially doped," Buffon told Kicker when asked about the decline.

"By that I mean that we lived above our capabilities and we blew money which we originally could not afford. But in Italy the passion for football will never die. I believe in cycles."We are back on our way up and maybe in four or five years the Serie A will be the best league in Europe again."

Among recent developments in Italy is the rise in the number of football clubs being bought by foreign owners, with Roma and Milan being acquired by American and Chinese owners respectively.Buffon takes a dim view of this, suggesting that it is a "defeat" and representative of the poor economic position that Italy finds itself in.

"[It is a] defeat for Italian football and our tradition," said the 39-year-old.
"It mirrors the bad economic situation in our country and it is the proof that solvent businessmen – which we have – do not want to invest in the rise of Italian football."

 

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No-one can touch Messi - Luis Enrique hails latest landmark

Luis Enrique hailed the continued impact of Lionel Messi after the Barcelona star reached 40 club goals for the eighth consecutive season.

Messi scored twice in Sunday's 4-2 La Liga victory over Valencia at Camp Nou, following up a first-half penalty with a low strike after the break.That double took the Argentina international's goalscoring tally to 41 for this season, continuing his run of passing 40 in every year season since 2009-10.

Luis Enrique was in awe of Messi's latest accomplishment after the match and reiterated how much he will be missed by Barca after his playing days are over."It is amazing," Luis Enrique said. "He has broken every record and will continue to break more.

"How marvellous it is to enjoy Messi. No one can touch his numbers and it is impossible for anyone to do what he has done apart from him.
"We will miss him when he is gone."

Messi, whose 41 goals already have him level with his final record last season, produced his best campaign when he scored an astonishing 73 goals in 2011-12.
Barca's win, which also saw Luis Suarez and substitute Andre Gomes strike, moved them back to within two points of Real Madrid at the top of the table, although their rivals have a game in hand."It was a complete performance that had a bit of everything," Luis Enrique said of the victory.

"We did well against a side who sit back, getting players into the box and we created a lot of chances, especially in the first half."Valencia are a team who always makes it difficult for us but we have been patient and it was not until the end that we were able to kill the game off."

 

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Juventus target Donnarumma wants to stay at AC Milan

Gianluigi Donnarumma has reiterated his desire to stay at AC Milan for the foreseeable future.The 18-year-old goalkeeper is regarded as one of the biggest talents in the game and has been linked with a move away from San Siro on numerous occasions.

Juventus reportedly see the Italy international as the long-term replacement for Gianluigi Buffon, while a number of Premier League clubs have also been credited with an interest in Donnarumma.

But the shot-stopper has made it clear a transfer is not on his mind at this stage in his career."I hope to stay at Milan," Donnarumma told Sport Mediaset."I want to stay because I am a Milan fan."

The youngster's contract is due to expire in 2018 and there has not yet been an agreement in talks over a new deal.Donnarumma sees no reason for concern just yet, though, and will let his agent Mino Raiola handle the matter."My contract is something my agent will deal with," he added.