..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Scholes: Only Lyon can stop Man Utd winning the Europa League


Paul Scholes does not think Manchester United have a difficult task to win this season's Europa League.

United face Anderlecht in the quarter-finals this month and Scholes thinks that of the teams left it is only Ligue 1 side Lyon who can prevent his old club from winning the tournament for the first time.

Jose Mourinho's side have already beaten Saint-Etienne and Rostov in the knockout stages, with their former midfielder optimistic over the chances of them lifting the trophy in Stockholm in May."It is a great chance for them," Old Trafford legend Scholes told Omnisport. "They are obviously the biggest club left in the competition. They are favourites and rightly so.

"If they perform anything like [they can] they have got a great chance of winning. I think Lyon are maybe the obvious contenders to United. But, apart from that, I don't see too many problems for them in that competition."Although Europa League glory would guarantee United a Champions League spot for next season, Scholes is confident Mourinho's men will do enough to secure their path in the Premier League by finishing in the top four.

"The chances are good and I expect them to finish fourth," said Scholes, who won 11 Premier League titles with United. "They have been on a fantastic run, without making much progress in the league. "You have to say, the quality in the Premier League is back to where it should be. There are probably five teams fighting for that top four.

"I think [United's season] has been alright. There is a big period now, this will define how good the season has been."

Scholes pinpointed away games against Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham as pivotal. "They have got three tough away games," he said. "If they can get through that with five or six points, they have got a great chance of finishing in the top four."


United, who are four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool with two games in hand, are back in league action at home to West Brom on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I'll keep Lukaku, Koeman promises

Everton manager Ronald Koeman insists he has no plans to sell Romelu Lukaku, saying the striker should stay at the club for at least another season.

Lukaku, 23, is out of contract in mid-2019 and it appears unlikely the Belgium international will extend his deal.

But Koeman wants to keep the Premier League's top goalscorer at Goodison Park, at least for one more campaign."I would keep him for next season at least," he told the Mirror.

Koeman and Lukaku have helped Everton into seventh in the table, but they still sit six points off fourth.The Dutchman arrived at the club on a three-year deal in June 2016, but he too is unwilling to re-sign just yet.

"It is too soon, in my opinion," Koeman said."I don't understand football clubs when they have a manager in and they sign a contract for three years and after six months there is talk of a new contract."Everton visit Anfield for the Merseyside derby in the Premier League on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I’m not the type to chase after the ball' - Arsenal star Ozil discusses his strengths

Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil acknowledges that he needs possession to be “dangerous”, but says he will not “chase after the ball the whole time”.

The Germany international is considered to be one of the finest playmakers in world football, with his creative ability beyond question.He is, however, not renowned for his work rate or a desire to get stuck in when the studs are flying.

The 28-year-old admits as much, with his greatest contribution made when on the ball rather than looking to win it back.He told Sport Bild: “I’m not the type of player to chase after the ball the whole time, everyone knows that.“My potential lies far more on the offensive side. “I’m supposed to be dangerous, create chances, score goals. When I don’t get the ball, that’s difficult.”

Arsenal could, however, do with a few dogs of war at present, as their 2016-17 campaign continues to slide down a slippery slope.

Following a positive opening to the season, the Gunners have hit a serious slump which is threatening to undermine their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.Standards have been allowed to dip across the board, with Ozil conceding that his form over recent weeks has mirrored that of Arsene Wenger’s side as a collective.

He added: “I started strongly but – like the team in general – have not kept up my performance.“When it isn’t going well overall it is twice as hard for a creative player. Take the games against Bayern, for instance.”

Ozil had netted nine times for Arsenal by mid-December, but he has failed to add to that tally since and continues to operate amid intense speculation regarding his future – with his current contract set to expire in 2018.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger admits Arsenal future call is 'not sorted completely out'

Arsene Wenger has once again refused to clarify his position as Arsenal manager past the end of the season, but says a decision is “clear” in his mind.

The Frenchman finds himself under mounting pressure at Emirates Stadium amid of sorry run of form which has dumped his side out of the Champions League and seen them slip to sixth in the Premier League standings.

Calls for him to be relieved of his duties at the end of a contract that is due to expire in the summer have been steadily mounting in intensity, with protests staged against his reign by disgruntled supporters.

The 67-year-old says neither he nor the club are in a position to reveal their plans at this stage, with the situation yet to be clarified behind the scenes at Emirates Stadium.

When asked at a press conference on Thursday whether he was in a position to make an announcement, Wenger said: "Not today. But I am very clear in my mind.

"Do I stay two more years? My commitment will be the same. It does not influence my attitude. I’ve always been clear in my mind."It’s a subject that is not sorted completely."Wenger has reiterated throughout a testing period that he remains fully committed to his post, both now and in the future amid talk of a two-year extension.

Arsenal face Manchester City on Sunday at home having not won in the Premier League since a 2-0 triumph over Hull City on February 11, seven weeks ago.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'He has potential' - Vidic backs Bailly to go far at Man Utd

Manchester United legend Nemaja Vidic thinks that Eric Bailly, who made a brilliant start to life at the club before being injured, has the potential to be a great player in the Premier League.

Voted as United's Player of the Month back in August, Bailly was sidelined with knee injury in October and only recently returned to the starting side.

"Eric Bailly started really well with a steady two or three months," Vidic told ESPN. "Then he was unlucky with injury and the African Cup of Nations."He's aggressive, he has potential, he's young and he likes to defend. He has the qualities to go even further."

United have struggled in recent years to find the type of centre-back partnership that lead to success under Sir Alex Ferguson when the club relied heavily on pairings such as Vidic and Rio Ferdinand to anchor the backline. But the former Serbia international believes that Bailly has the ability to play in that type of partnership, be it with Chris Smalling or Phil Jones.

"But I still think that Phil Jones and/or Chris Smalling could build a partnership with Bailly," he adds. "Smalling has the mentality to defend, the physical size to do it. He likes to defend."

While Bailly was used as a centre-back early in the season, the injury, African Cup of Nations and a shift to right back have all forced Bailly to miss crucial time in building any kind of relationship with the other centre-backs, and Vidic feels it will take time for a real bond to develop at the back.

"Communication is very important in defence and it doesn't help when there has been a lot of changes in United's defence, like this season," Vidic says. "It's important for central defenders to build partnerships. If you change too much then it's difficult to understand each other.

"I was lucky to play for many years with Rio [Ferdinand]. Even though we were very different as players and personalities, I knew what he was going to do in any moment and he knew what I could do.

"That is absolutely vital for central defenders, but you also need a goalkeeper to communicate with you. David [de Gea] is brilliant and he's doing really well. He can also tell the defenders to speak more, to be more active in the game."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Isco: Real Madrid can win La Liga and Champions League

Isco believes Real Madrid have the squad to win La Liga and retain their Champions League crown this season.Madrid are on track to claim La Liga silverware for the first time since 2012 as they sit two points clear of defending champions Barcelona with a match in hand.

The Spanish capital club are also in contention to go back-to-back in the Champions League with a blockbuster quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich to come.And midfielder Isco fancies Madrid's chances of doing the double in Spain and Europe.

"We are going through a very good moment in the season and have the chance to achieve our goals," he said, via Marca. "We have the squad to win both tournaments.

"This team is accustomed to playing matches against difficult opponents and being aware of what is at stake, we will never lack motivation."There is a great desire to bring titles to our fans and bring them a lot of joy by doing so."

Madrid are back in action this week following the international break, hosting Deportivo Alaves on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I'll be ready for Man Utd next season - Pereira

Andreas Pereira has set his sights on a place in the Manchester United first team when he completes his loan spell at Granada at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old midfielder joined Granada on a season-long loan deal in August before he got a chance to stake his claim for a place in Jose Mourinho's United team.

Pereira made 13 appearances for the Red Devils under previous manager Louis van Gaal, and he says the club have been in regular contact with him while he has been in Spain, in preparation for a potential breakthrough in 2016-17.

The Brazilian playmaker told United's official website: "It was nice to hear from Jose Mourinho [ahead of the loan] and it's nice that the people at United trust me and I always feel that they are watching. For me, that's very important.

"I don't feel like you're left alone when you go on loan, and it feels good. I still feel part of it. I'm doing my thing here but I'm still a United player and that's the end of the story.

"[Assistant manager] Rui Faria sometimes sends me messages and asks how it is going. He contacted me to say I scored a good goal and I am happy when I get recognised for doing good things and to know that they're watching."Hopefully, I will come back next season and show the fans and everyone at United that I am ready."

Pereira has made 26 appearances in La Liga for Granada, scoring four goals, and he insists the challenge of trying to keep the 19th-placed club in Spain's top division is keeping him on his toes.

"I'm playing well," he said. "I'm trying to do my job and am getting a lot of minutes.It has been very good playing here at a high level in Spain, in La Liga, every week.I get to train and focus hard for the games and, for me, it has been very good."Unfortunately for the team, it has been a bit difficult this season but we're trying to get out of this situation as quickly as possible."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Leno 'honoured' by Real Madrid interest

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno says he is honoured to have been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

A report in Germany has claimed that the European champions are interested in signing the 25-year-old as they look to bolster their goalkeeping options for next season.

Madrid have been heavily linked with Manchester United's David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois of Chelsea, but Leno has reportedly emerged as a more viable option as he is said to have a release clause in his Leverkusen contract of just €20million.

Leno admits that the rumours are flattering but stressed that he is focused on Leverkusen's push for the European spots this term.

"It honours you when you are linked with Real," Leno, who made his competitive Germany debut in the 4-1 win over Azerbaijan last week, told Kicker. "But I want to fully focus on Leverkusen."

The player's agent, Uli Ferber, has claimed that foreign clubs have been tracking his development over the last 12 months."There was interest [from clubs abroad] last year, and there is interest again this year," he told Kicker.Leno has played in every one of Leverkusen's Bundesliga matches this season, keeping a clean sheet on four occasions.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Isco: Real Madrid can win La Liga and Champions League

Isco believes Real Madrid have the squad to win La Liga and retain their Champions League crown this season.Madrid are on track to claim La Liga silverware for the first time since 2012 as they sit two points clear of defending champions Barcelona with a match in hand.

The Spanish capital club are also in contention to go back-to-back in the Champions League with a blockbuster quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich to come.

And midfielder Isco fancies Madrid's chances of doing the double in Spain and Europe.

"We are going through a very good moment in the season and have the chance to achieve our goals," he said, via Marca. "We have the squad to win both tournaments.

"This team is accustomed to playing matches against difficult opponents and being aware of what is at stake, we will never lack motivation."There is a great desire to bring titles to our fans and bring them a lot of joy by doing so."

Madrid are back in action this week following the international break, hosting Deportivo Alaves on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: Blaming me for Arsenal form is an easy excuse

Arsene Wenger says it would be "an easy excuse" to blame Arsenal's poor form on the uncertainty over his future and has called on his players to fight to improve performances.

A run of four Premier League defeats in five matches has seen the Gunners drop to sixth in the table ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester City, and failing to beat Pep Guardiola's side would leave them facing a huge challenge to qualify for the Champions League.

Wenger stated after the 3-1 defeat to West Brom this month that he had made up his mind over whether or not he will sign a new contract, though neither he nor the club have yet to make any announcement.

The persistent speculation has also cast the futures of some Arsenal stars into doubt, with contract talks with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez on hold until the end of the season, while it has been suggested that other senior players have become distracted by the air of uncertainty.

Wenger accepts that the season has been a disappointment to date but insists that his decision to stay or go should not be considered a mitigating factor behind their slip in standards.

"It would be an easy excuse," he told Sky Sports. "Whether I stay two years or 10 years I have exactly the same commitment and the same desire to win the next game. I believe we are in a position where we do not have to find easy excuses. Our job is to perform.

"The worst you accuse me of, having done 20 years at the club, is creating instability. If I have created anything it is stability. The situation is not sorted out and I believe it's important we focus on what is essential. You know my attachment to this club and at the moment it is as it is and I do not see any escape route to have less responsibility because of that. You have to be men and focus on what matters and what is our job.

"You do not need to concede a corner because I have not signed a five-year contract. You defend on a corner no matter if your manager is has a one month or 10-year contract. We have to look at ourselves and believe in our qualities because if you look at our offensive numbers they are very positive in the league.We need to defend better and that's why we've lost some big games. When I say defend better it's not just the defenders it's the team as a whole.

"What's gone wrong? We don't defend well enough. We can still turn this around by the end of the season. It's a strange season because we played 20 games unbeaten and then you slip slightly away in one game, two games and suddenly it becomes a problem.

"It's not gone in the way we expected but it can still be an acceptable season. We still have a good chance to finish in the top four and we are in the semi-final of the FA Cup."

Wenger said after the loss at The Hawthorns that he would reveal his future plans "soon", but he would not offer a more specific time frame."I said I know what I want to do," he said. "It depends on what soon means to you and what soon means for me.

"I was in a very difficult position sometimes and I've always chosen Arsenal but one day it will stop. Is it today, is it tomorrow, is it in two years or is it before? I don't know but as long as I am here I'm ready to fight and give absolutely everything to the club I love.

"Not only because it's Arsenal but for its values and what this club means to people all over the world. This club has become a world brand, not only for its consistent achievements but also for its values and I'm ready to fight for that. I have always done in my life what I think in football is right and when I am wrong I stand up and I say sorry because I'm not perfect."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas continues to back Navas: You need courage when the Bernabeu boos

Former Real Madrid star Iker Casillas is unhappy that Keylor Navas has been jeered at Santiago Bernabeu, believing him to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Navas has made a number of errors in recent weeks as Madrid hope to win La Liga and retain their Champions League crown, with sections of the home support turning on the Costa Rica international.

However, Casillas, now at Porto after losing his place to Navas, cannot understand the criticism of a keeper he rates highly."What can I say? I don't like [the jeers towards Navas]," Casillas told Marca. "I experienced it and you have to have a lot of courage to forget about it. It is a demanding club.

"The whistles have settled at the Bernabeu and it's curious because, in Keylor Navas' case, watching his performance last season, it seems incredible to me that he is not among the top two or three goalkeepers in the world."With what Keylor did last year, winning the most important competition in Europe at club level - which neither UEFA nor FIFA have recognised - I do not say he is the best, but at least the second.

"With all due respect to Gigi [Buffon], it cannot be. Along with [Jan] Oblak, we are talking about two guys who had a spectacular Champions League."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard rumours designed to unsettle Chelsea star, claims Conte

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte insists Eden Hazard is happy at Stamford Bridge but accepts that rumours of interest from other clubs can "put difficulty in the mind of the players".

Recent speculation has seen Real Madrid linked with a £100million bid for the Belgium international ahead of next season, despite Hazard insisting that he and his family are settled in London.

Conte says he does not know if Chelsea chiefs will be open to any formal transfer offer for Hazard but he feels the talk surrounding his future has been orchestrated to create uncertainty in the player's mind.

"I don't know [if Chelsea will listen to offers]," he told a news conference. "I am repeating always the same things: now it is important to be focused on the present. Don't look too far forward, it's very dangerous.

"The only thing I can say is that Eden is a Chelsea player. We are happy with him, he is happy with us. I don't see a problem with him.

"It's a part of the game, for the others to create rumours and put difficulty in the mind of the players. We have great experience to face these situations. It's normal at this time of season to have rumours about players.

"I am happy, because it means we are doing a great job. If there is interest from other teams, it means they are doing well."We know we are in a great club with great ambition. We want to do great things in the future but we want to do great things in the present. There are 10 games to play and we want to end the season with success. The will of all is to build a great team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Cleverley seals permanent Watford switch

Tom Cleverley has agreed to join Watford on a permanent deal from Everton on July 1.

The former Manchester United midfielder has been on loan at Walter Mazzarri's side this season, making 20 appearances in all competitions.And the 27-year-old is thrilled to have secured a permanent move to Vicarage Road on a five-year deal after the club exercised an option on a transfer.

"I'm delighted," he told Watford's official website. "I think I made it clear I had feelings for the club when I came down here on loan and it was always the view to sign a permanent deal, so I'm over the moon."I felt part of the club from day one of the loan but now I really feel this is home and hopefully it is for a very long time."

Watford CEO Scott Duxbury said: "We're very pleased to secure Tom's signature. I believe it's a sign of our ambition to recruit the highest calibre of player for Watford."Tom's affinity with the club and supporters has been very clear from the moment he returned, and we now look forward to seeing him in a Watford shirt for many years to come."

Cleverley was named Watford's Player of the Season at the end of a loan spell in the 2009-10 campaign, in which he scored 11 goals in 35 appearances.Watford face rock-bottom Sunderland on Saturday looking for a win to at least maintain their six-point gap to the Premier League relegation places.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola: I agree with Mourinho, the international calendar is ridiculous

Pep Guardiola agrees with Jose Mourinho’s assertion that international friendlies at this time of year should be scrapped, insisting the international calendar is “ridiculous”.

Mourinho said earlier this week that he is “totally against” friendly matches unless they are played in the run-up to major international tournaments.

Manchester City boss Guardiola accepts that football federations need time to prepare their teams, and that he would like the same opportunities if he were the coach of a national team.

But he says that there are too many important club games at this time of year in various different competitions, and that playing international friendlies is “too risky” considering the rest of the calendar includes summer tournaments and long qualification stages.

"The federations want the players to play as much as possible ahead of the world cup and of course we want all the players to go there," he said at a press conference on Friday. "We want them to go there and come back safe, and play less minutes as possible.

"I am a little bit agree [with Mourinho]. Now we play for many things. All the clubs are here for many minutes and the people are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, of the Europa league so, for the qualifications, and it’s too risky to play a friendly game. I agee. If we could avoid it it would be better, but the schedule is the schedule.

"It’s too many games, it’s crazy how many games there are in all the leagues, that’s why it happens. Always the national team deserves to play games but when we have 20 games in a thousand million competitions, and then after the Confederations Cup and after the games, it looks a little ridiculous. I am sorry."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man United's Smalling and Jones out 'long-term', confirms Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are out with "long-term injuries", but Wayne Rooney is in line to face West Brom on Saturday.

Smalling pulled out of the England squad after playing in a friendly defeat to Germany, while Jones sustained a toe problem after a challenge from his team-mate in training with his country.

Rooney has not played since the start of March with a knee injury but could feature against the Baggies at Old Trafford this weekend, when Paul Pogba (hamstring) will miss out.

Despite injuries and suspensions – Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera are banned – stacking up, Mourinho emphasised the need to focus on those who he can call upon.

Speaking about Smalling and Jones, the United manager said: "They are long-term injuries."The important ones are the ones who are ready to play. That's the way we have to think, we cannot be here crying or speaking about the players that are not available to play.

"You know about Zlatan and Herrera, they are suspended. You know that Herrera has two matches banned for that episode against Chelsea. You know what happened in the English national team with Smalling and Jones. You know that we have also Pogba injured.

"But I repeat they're not important. The important players are the ones that are ready to play, and the ones I trust, and the ones who are going to give everything to try to keep us in the fight for the top four."

United have not lost in the Premier League since October and sit fifth, with two games and four points to make up on fourth-placed Liverpool.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I feel loved here' - Azpilicueta planning Chelsea stay amid Barcelona transfer talk

Cesar Azpilicueta admits to being flattered by talk of interest from Barcelona but says he remains fully committed to the Chelsea cause.The versatile defender has spent the last seven years away from his native Spain, having left Osasuna for Marseille in 2010.

He then linked up with Chelsea in 2012 and committed to a new three-and-a-half-year contract with the Blues in December.

The 27-year-old considers that agreement to be a show of his faith in the future at Stamford Bridge, but it has done little to curb speculation regarding his future.
La Liga giants Barcelona are said to be mulling over a summer approach for the Spain international, but Azpilicueta insists he is paying little attention to the rumours.

He told The Guardian: “The truth is right now I am only thinking about Chelsea and I feel loved here. I’ve been here five years now and I extended my contract not long ago.

“Of course it’s flattering to be linked to Barcelona: it means you’re playing well. I wasn’t hearing those sort of stories last season. That’s a consequence of us being top of the Premier League, things are going well.

“My objective since I arrived was to grow as a player and a person. I’ve adapted to the city, to the country. I feel settled, I’m comfortable with the language, my family is very happy. Right now my only objective is to continue with Chelsea.”
Azpilicueta is not the only Chelsea star to be attracting attention from Spain, though, with Real Madrid reported to be closely monitoring Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard.

The Blues are understandably eager to ensure that no key men depart when the transfer window re-opens, but there is also an acceptance that anything can happen in football.“It would be a shame because we have a great team,” Azpilicueta added on the exit gossip.

“But the club will work on it with the coach [Antonio Conte] and the technical staff. They will know what he wants.“We need to get this season finished first. Then there will be all sorts of rumours. In the end I’m sure we will have a very competitive team again.”


For now, Chelsea’s main concern is chasing down the Premier League title, with domestic action returning after the international break with a home date against Crystal Palace in which they will be looking to preserve their 10-point lead at the top of the table.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton star Lukaku named Premier League Player of the Month

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has been crowned Premier League Player of the Month for March.Belgium international Lukaku was in prime form for Ronald Koeman's side, scoring four times – including a double in the 4-0 demolition of Hull City.

Lukaku is the top scorer in the Premier League, with 21 goals, and also provided a pair of assists over recent weeks as Everton moved into contention for a European place."I'm really happy, [winning the award] gives me another boost," the 23-year-old told Everton's official website, ahead of Saturday's crunch trip to Liverpool.

"I think we're preparing differently this year [for the derby] because, obviously, we've had the games with the national team but we're not really talking about the game.

"We are in a good flow at the minute, we know that we have to be focused and keep our emotions under control, even though it's a derby.

"At the end of the day you want to win, you need to keep your focus and make sure that you get the three points at the end."

Bournemouth duo Artur Boruc and Josh King were among the players Lukaku edged out for the award, although their boss Eddie Howe collected the managers' gong following a return of seven points from matches with Manchester United, West Ham and Swansea City.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Lukaku!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mata could miss rest of the season following groin surgery

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a groin injury.

Reports suggest the Spain international could miss the rest of the season, though Goal understands he may yet feature before the end of the campaign following a successful operation.

Mata has played a key role for Jose Mourinho's side this season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in all competitions.But his injury means he joins a growing list of absentees as United head into a crucial stage of the season.

Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Paul Pogba have all picked up injuries in recent weeks while Wayne Rooney remains a fitness doubt.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera are also suspended for Saturday's clash with West Brom, leaving Mourinho with a number of selection dilemmas.The Red Devils face a busy final two months of the season with 11 Premier League matches still to play in their battle to finish in the top four while they remain in the Europa League.

United take on Anderlecht in the quarter-finals knowing winning the competition would see them qualify for the Champions League regardless of their domestic finish.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Onama karana playersla miss wena 1ka thamai godakma padu dan thiyana situation 1ke hatiyata

Mata,Smalling,Jones

Get well soon for all!​