..::Football IV::..

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Italy 1 Israel 0: Immobile edges Azzurri towards World Cup play-offs

Italy offered an underwhelming response to their World Cup qualifying defeat against Spain but now only need one point to secure a top-two finish in Group G following a 1-0 win over Israel in Reggio Emilia.

Giampiero Ventura's men were outclassed in Madrid on Saturday, losing 3-0, but they would have been expecting a far simpler task back on home turf as they aimed to tighten their grip on a play-off place, eventually doing so through Ciro Immobile.

While Israel lacked Spain's quality across the pitch, they had the energy to match Italy for long periods and threatened on the break as they soaked up pressure in a turgid first half.

The pressure built after the interval, however, and Immobile - a scorer in a 3-1 Azzurri win in Haifa a year earlier - deservedly won the points with a fine 53rd-minute header.

This result takes Israel out of the running for next year's tournament in Russia, while Albania's 1-1 draw in Macedonia means Italy are all-but guaranteed at least a runners-up spot.

There is still work for Italy to do in the play-off race - and there remains an outside chance of toppling pool leaders Spain - as they must avoid ending the campaign as Europe's worst second-placed side, but they may well look back on this as a pivotal victory following the disappointment of their humbling at the weekend.

Italy tore forward inside the first minute and Andrea Belotti arrowed a right-footed shot just wide, but they soon settled into a patient passing game that rather lacked the same early cutting edge.

Daniele De Rossi - becoming his country's joint-fourth most-capped player - twice blazed high over the crossbar from a promising position and only the timely challenge of Andrea Conti halted Marwan Kabha's dangerous run into the area at the other end.Gianluigi Buffon then came to the Azzurri's rescue as Almog Cohen curled a 20-yard effort towards the top-right corner late in the first half.

Finally, in stoppage time, Israel goalkeeper Ariel Harush was tested for the first time, but he blocked brilliantly from Lorenzo Insigne and then gratefully accepted a tame Belotti finish.Italy continued to improve from the restart and Immobile should have buried his sixth of the campaign as he instead nodded wide in front of goal.

Immobile was then denied by Harush after a low near-post strike, but the same man quickly made amends as he directed Antonio Candreva's deep delivery back across the goalkeeper and into the top-right corner.

Harush was back at his best to keep out Belotti's header with a stooping save, before later scrambling across the goal line to block off Andrea Barzagli's route to goal.

Again the keeper shut down a frustrated Belotti, but his fine work counted for little as Israel's attacking threat waned and the hosts saw out the closing stages.Their top-two place was all-but confirmed when Aleksandar Trajkovski netted a late penalty for Macedonia against Albania, leaving Italy on the verge of a play-off place.

 

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Liechtenstein 0 Spain 8: La Roja on track for Russia after Vaduz masterclass

Alvaro Morata and Iago Aspas each scored twice as Spain's relentless march towards World Cup qualification continued with an 8-0 hammering of Liechtenstein on Tuesday.

Just four days on from a masterclass at the Santiago Bernabeu, in which Group G rivals Italy were swept aside 3-0, Julen Lopetegui's side were once more at their stunning best.

The quality of opposition paled in comparison to the Azzurri, but there was an ominous ruthlessness on show in a match that at times felt like little more than an entertaining training exercise for Spain.

Essentially, Liechtenstein's fate was sealed from the moment Sergio Ramos headed in a second-minute opener, and Morata doubled the lead before pouncing on an error from the hosts' goalkeeper Peter Jehle to tee up Isco - who scored twice against Italy - for the third.

David Silva, who, along with Isco, Andres Iniesta and Thiago Alcantara, had Liechtenstein's midfield chasing shadows, scored the pick of the bunch with a stunning 39th-minute free-kick.

Half-time substitute Aspas then scored twice either side of setting up a second for Morata and Gerard Deulofeu forced a late own goal as Spain, who scored eight away from home for the first time, mathematically guaranteed at least a top-two finish in the pool.Italy's victory over Israel means Spain's lead over the Azzurri remains at three points with two matches to play.


For all Spain's easy-on-the-eye, tiki-taka style, there was a beautiful simplicity about the opener as Silva lofted a free-kick from the right into the middle of the box that Ramos easily nodded home.

There was a touch more class about the second as Andres Iniesta linked well with Isco before whipping in a right-wing cross that Morata headed powerfully to the left of Jehle.

A minute later and Jehle produced a moment for the blooper DVDs with a comical air-kick that allowed Morata to steal in and lay off for Isco, who hammered into the unguarded goal.

Morata, perhaps harshly, then saw a goal ruled out when he was judged to be offside when nodding in Silva's cross, before the Chelsea striker saw a bending effort saved by Jehle.

But it was 4-0 six minutes before the break. Thiago Alcantara won a free-kick 25 yards out to the right of goal and Silva curled a sumptuous effort into the top-right corner.

There was no let up after the interval. Morata thought he had a second when his header from Pedro's pin-point cross hit the crossbar and Jehle before trickling into the path of Aspas, who lashed home.

Just three minutes later and Morata did double his personal tally, Aspas this time carving open the Liechtenstein defence for the striker to slot home into the bottom-right corner.Aspas continued to terrorise the home defence and he cut in from the right of the area to smash in a left-footed shot in the 63rd minute.



With the job well and truly done, Spain eased off the gas but had time to add yet more gloss a minute from time when Deulofeu's low centre struck the boot of Maximilian Goppel and diverted past a diving, wrong-footed Jehle.

 

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Congratulations Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA​

 

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Mbappe to PSG named worst-value deal, Liverpool's Salah swoop the best bargain


Kylian Mbappe's move from Paris Saint-Germain has been named the worst-value deal of the transfer window, while Mohamed Salah's switch to Liverpool is the best bargain.

The CIES Football Observatory has released analysis on the deals conducted in the last window, which found PSG got the worst value of transfers in Europe's top-five leagues in landing Mbappe from Monaco in an initial loan that they will make permanent for €180 million.

Their algorithm, which "scientifically estimates fair transfer values" rated Mbappe, 18, to be worth €92.6m, meaning PSG will overpay by €87.4m in the deal, once add-ons have been taken into account.

Liverpool, meanwhile, landed the best bargain, according to the Observatory, with Salah bought from Roma for a cool €50m despite being valued at €69.4m.

Other teams guilty of overpaying were Barcelona and Manchester City. The analysis showed Ousmane Dembele, whose total cost could reach €147m, was added for a fee that was €51.2m higher than a fair value of €95.8m. City, meanwhile, splashed out €57.5m on Benjamin Mendy, who was listed as a €28.5m talent.

Pep Guardiola's side were also on the wrong end of another deal. Of the sides to land the best bargains after Liverpool's move to add Salah, Sevilla's signing of Nolito from City for €10m — when he had been valued at €27.4m — came in second.Chelsea's €39m move for Antonio Rudiger , who was rated as a €54.2m player, was third-most shrewd addition.

The CIES Football Observatory said: "As usual, a negative gap was measured between amounts paid and values estimated.

"On average, the former were 30 per cent lower than the latter. It is the biggest difference observed since the implementation of the transfer value algorithm. This finding reflects an acceleration of the inflation occurring in the transfer market."

 

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Usain Bolt gives Man Utd ultimatum to prove they are title challengers


Manchester United fan and athletics hero Usain Bolt is has been impressed by the side's early form this season, but has given them a few more games to convince him they can win the Premier League title.

The Red Devils are the only side with a 100 per cent record in England's top flight, having dispatched West Ham, Swansea City and Leicester City without conceding a single goal in 2017-18.

Romelu Lukaku has scored four goals in as many appearances after joining from Everton for £75 million, helping to solve the chronic attacking woes that hampered Mourinho's men last term.

Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt took in United's 2-0 win over Leicester at Old Trafford last month after signing off from the track at the IAAF World Championships and he believes the biggest change at United has been mental reinforcement.

"We're looking pretty good, players are playing with confidence which is a key thing," Bolt told Omnisport at the opening of the new Hublot boutique in Kyoto, Japan.

"I saw the games and was very impressed with them, but for me I'm waiting for the next four games to say, 'alright, we're on track to winning the title'. So far, we look good." Bolt is confident Mourinho remains the right man to restore former glories at Old Trafford and hailed the impact Lukaku has had on their attacking fortunes.

He added: "I said it last year – last year we just couldn't score and that was our biggest issue."We played well, we defended well, but we couldn't score goals and this season we don't have that problem.

"I've told people that as long as we start scoring we're going to do great, so that's a good thing and I'm very impressed.

"I told people here that I was happy when Mourinho came on board."

 

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Simeone signs two-year Atletico Madrid contract extension


Diego Simeone has extended his contract as Atletico Madrid head coach until 2020.The Atletico boss signed a two-year extension on Tuesday, extending his reign at a club where he took charge in December 2011.A year ago, Simeone and Atleti agreed to shorten his contract expiry date from 2020 until 2018 amid speculation linking him with a move away.

But the 47-year-old's deal is now back at its original length, meaning he is tied to the club for the next three seasons.
Simeone, a former Atletico player, has achieved huge success so far, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League among five major trophies. He also led them to two Champions League finals, in 2014 and 2016, suffering defeats to city rivals Real Madrid on both occasions.Atleti have finished in the top three of La Liga for each of his five full seasons in charge.

Simeone's extension comes in the wake of Atletico's 5-1 La Liga win away at Las Palmas, which was his 200th in all competitions since taking charge.

The club, currently operating under a transfer ban, are set to start life at new stadium Wanda Metropolitano on September 16 when they host Malaga.

 

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Mata believes Man Utd can win the Premier League


Juan Mata is confident Manchester United have all the tools to challenge for the Premier League title this season, but warned that the team must not get carried away by their fine start to the season.

United finished sixth in Jose Mourinho's first campaign at Old Trafford, but winning the Europa League secured them a return to the Champions League, while they also lifted the League Cup.Mata believes the Red Devils will challenge for more silverware this term and thinks winning the league is a distinct possibility.

However, the Spain midfielder says United – who have won their opening three league games – must continue to show a high level of consistency to be among the chasing pack come May. "The belief is always there. When you play for such a club you start every competition believing that you can win it," said Mata.

"Some bad games didn't allow us to win it last year, but we need to find that consistency that can make us fight in the last months and be one of those teams that will be up there.

"It's the second year for the manager, he knows everyone better, we know each other better, so let's try."We're really pleased with our start, but it's only a start. We've won three games with confidence and good football."

Marcus Rashford has started two of United's three Premier League matches so far and scored in England's 2-1 win over Slovakia on Monday, with Mata tipping him for big things."From the first moment we saw him in training, we knew he was someone special," Mata said.

"He is making it real scoring for us and England. He can be even bigger. He is a real threat. He has great qualities and the mentality to become a big, big player." Mata made headlines when he committed to giving one per cent of his salary to charity as part of the Common Goal project he is fronting.

Asked if any of his United players would be publicly backing the initiative, he said: "They will. I'm almost ready to say who. We have more players coming but it is step by step.

"The final idea would be for the whole professional industry commit, not just the footballers."Sometimes football can have a bad reputation but there are great people in football who are trying to help.

"He is making it real scoring for us and England. He can be even bigger. He is a real threat. He has great qualities and the mentality to become a big, big player." Mata made headlines when he committed to giving one per cent of his salary to charity as part of the Common Goal project he is fronting.

Asked if any of his United players would be publicly backing the initiative, he said: "They will. I'm almost ready to say who. We have more players coming but it is step by step."The final idea would be for the whole professional industry commit, not just the footballers.

"Sometimes football can have a bad reputation but there are great people in football who are trying to help.

"I believe there are great values in football and, if this helps on that, then great."

 

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Being close is not worth anything! - Lopetegui warns Spain there is work to do


Julen Lopetegui was quick to remind his Spain side that there is still work to be done to qualify for the World Cup after an 8-0 battering of Liechtenstein on Tuesday.

Spain were in cruise control in Vaduz as braces for Alvaro Morata and Iago Aspas, alongside strikes from Sergio Ramos, Isco, David Silva and an own goal from Maximilian Goppel capped an easy Group G workout.

It leaves La Roja, who are guaranteed a top-two finish, three points clear of Italy with two matches left to play but head coach Lopetegui is keen for his players not to let up.

"Being close is not worth anything," he told reporters. "In October we have to make two big matches.

"In every game you draw conclusions or interesting information."Lopetegui opted to play with three defenders, while a midfield four of Thiago Alcantara, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Isco played in a diamond.

And the boss stated that it is important his team can adopt to different styles."It is not the first time we've have played this way, we have to find offensive solutions in certain games," Lopetegui said.

"We have to manage two or three options, but without changing the style."

 

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'This president is a joke' – Neymar slams Barcelona's Bartomeu on Instagram


Neymar has slammed Josep María Bartomeu on Instagram, calling the Barcelona president a "joke" for comments made about the Brazil star and his father.

The 25-year-old completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain last month after the French side paid his €222 million release clause, shattering the record for the most expensive signing in history.

Bartomeu was clearly left dismayed by the antics of Neymar and his father and agent Neymar Santos Sr., who was a driving force behind the move to Paris.

"We made the mistake of trusting Neymar and his father too much," Bartomeu said. When an Instagram account posted Bartomeu's quote, Neymar couldn't help but respond in the comments section, saying: "This president is a joke".

Barcelona signed Ousmane Dembele to help replace the Brazilian, who is off to a fast start in his time at PSG.
The forward has three goals and three assists in three league matches for the French giants so far – all of them wins.

 

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The real Man Utd is back and it's great to see - Van Nistelrooy


Ruud van Nistelrooy says it’s good to have the real Manchester United back after a number of years of difficulties.The Red Devils have started the Premier League season with three consecutive wins, scoring 10 goals without conceding, with new signings Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic earning rave reviews.

And Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 games for United between 2001 and 2006, believes the feel-good factor being expressed by Jose Mourinho’s squad right now is proof that things are changing at the club.

“I think that’s part of United culture," the 41-year-old told reporters. "Maybe for a few years it wasn’t there – I saw that as well – but it’s great to see that back again. It was great to see them back winning the big trophies last year, and now they have built on a better squad and hopefully this year the football will join the trophies.”

The Dutchman admits that even in his most prolific days he might have found it difficult to score goals if given the kind of service United forwards have been provided over the past couple of years in a side which was difficult to watch under compatriot Louis van Gaal.

“Of course you depend on service, and now there’s a team that can create chances and can get you balls in the box as well, gets passes in, they can make your runs and get crosses in and that helps a lot.

“It was difficult [to watch previously], but it’s not easy to analyse why that is. But in the end it’s the quality of the players you have on the pitch, and this year – and last as well because they did very, very well last year as well – but this year they look even better.”

While Lukaku has scored four goals in his first four competitive appearances for the club, and Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba have all been among the goals, Van Nistelrooy says the form of the front line is simply reflective of the squad strength in general this season.

“Exactly, there’s creativity there, there’s passes there, there’s players who can move, who can finish. The full-backs are joining in, putting in the crosses as well, there’s a very strong block in the centre of the midfield and in the back, a strong goalkeeper… so yes, it’s a very complete squad at the moment. Zlatan is still there to join in, so yes they’re looking really strong.”

United return to league action on Saturday when they travel to Stoke City for a 17:30 BST kick-off, and then begin their Champions League campaign with the visit of Basel three days later.

 

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Vidal plans to retire from internationals after World Cup


Arturo Vidal is set to retire following the 2018 World Cup in Russia after revealing his future international plans.Vidal already appeared to hint at international retirement following Chile's shock 3-0 loss to Paraguay in World Cup qualifying last week.

And the 30-year-old midfielder – veteran of 97 caps – discussed his future again after Chile suffered a 1-0 defeat in Bolivia in CONMEBOL action on Tuesday.

The result left Chile in sixth position – outside the play-off spot by a point.In an Instagram post afterwards, Vidal wrote: "Sorry Chile for these two losses! We put everything in the field but we couldn't win."We will continue fighting!!! Two matches and the World Cup is what I have left, thanks for so much affection in all these years!!!"

Copa America champions Chile slumped to back-to-back defeats after Juan Carlos Arce converted a penalty for 10-man Bolivia.

 

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Emery believes Mbappe is ready to take his place in the PSG side


Kylian Mbappe is set to make his debut for Paris Saint-Germain after head coach Unai Emery declared the teenage sensation ready for action.Mbappe was unveiled as a PSG player on Wednesday, having arrived from Ligue 1 champions Monaco on an initial loan move that will be made permanent ahead of next season for a reported €180 million.

After starting in Monaco's season opener last month, the 18-year-old forward was an unused substitute in the next three consecutive matches amid his impending move to hometown club PSG, but the France international is in line to face Metz on Friday, according to Emery.

"He is ready. He was with the team on Monday and Tuesday but as he played with France, he just made some soft training sessions," Emery said."He has played, he is in good form, I think he is ready to be in the group and to play with us, and that's what we really want the most."

Mbappe is set to link up with €222m-rated team-mate Neymar and Edinson Cavani in a three-man forward line, though he is likely to take up his place on the wing with the latter occupying the central role.

Emery said: "He is an attacking player. We have all the players we want for the attack now. And we have worked to understand how we want them to play, the positions... We know he can play as the striker first, but he can play on the left wing or even on the right wing."I have talked with Kylian and we have talked about that, how we want him to play, but always thinking of the team first."While Mbappe is the man grabbing the headlines heading into the weekend, the manager was pleased with all of his club's summer business.

"It's great to work with all the players, not only Mbappe or Neymar but Dani Alves and [Yuri] Berchiche too," the Spaniard added. "And the players who wanted to stay even if some big clubs tried to make them sign: [Marco] Verratti, Marquinhos, [Julian] Draxler and [Angel] Di Maria."They decided to stay and it's important because it means they think it's the best place for them to improve."

 

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Bayern confirm Alaba injury blow


Bayern Munich's run of injuries has continued with versatile full-back David Alaba set for a stint on the sidelines.Alaba suffered an ankle knock in Austria's World Cup qualifying clash with Georgia and had to be withdrawn prior to half-time on Tuesday.

The length of the lay-off has not yet been determined, but it leaves head coach Carlo Ancelotti without either of his natural left-back options as Juan Bernat continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

However, there is some good news for the Italian with midfielder Sebastian Rudy cleared of injury.
The 27-year-old was taken off as a precaution in Germany's 6-0 rout of Norway but has been deemed fit to re-join training on Thursday.

 

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No Inter bids for Vidal - Rummenigge


Inter did not launch a close-season bid for Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal, according to the Bundesliga champions' chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

The Serie A giants undertook the latest stage of their rebuilding process with the financial backing of the Suning Holdings Group, which acquired a majority stake in Inter last June, during the current transfer window.

Premier League champions Chelsea and Inter were both linked with a move for the 30-year-old but Rummenigge insists such talk was wide of the mark in terms of formal offers.

"Nobody asked us for him and there was never an official offer for him, not even this summer when the market was open," he told Mediaset."So I cannot confirm Inter wanted him."

Luciano Spalletti, head coach of the Italians, added Milan Skriniar, Borja Valero, Matias Vecino, Dalbert, Joao Cancelo and Yann Karamoh to his squad for 2017-18 and also retained Ivan Perisic amid reports of sustained interest from Manchester United.

They began the season with a 3-0 win over Fiorentina but Spalletti's former club Roma dealt out a 3-1 defeat ahead of the international break, during which Vidal's Chile had their World Cup hopes placed in jeopardy by back-to-back defeats against Paraguay and Bolivia.

 

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Berbatov backs Mourinho to lead Man Utd to Premier League title


Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, who recently signed for Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters, feels that the Old Trafford side have it in them to land their 21st English top-flight title this season.

Man Utd last won the title in the 2012/13 season after which Sir Alex Ferguson retired. And Berbatov has backed Jose Mourinho to clinch the recently elusive league title this time around. "I watch almost every game and I would like to see them become champions in the end," Berbatov said to Goal when queried on United's title chances.

"The squad is great. There is good balance in almost every position, so this will be very helpful in the long [Premier League] season as well as the other competitions they are in."I could see the team was in great shape and they were also really strong as a group."

The 36-year-old also had good words about Mourinho, who took charge of United at the start of last season and led them to League Cup and Europa League triumphs. "The coach is great, and the last time I was there to visit the club we had a good chat."

Berbatov, who moved to United in 2008 from Tottenham Hotspur, also shared his thoughts on Spurs' increased stature in England. While he spoke highly of the progress his old team has made in terms of being competitive, the Bulgarian thinks they need to win silverware soon.

"Spurs are a better team than when I was there. But don't forget we won the cup (League Cup in 2007/08) then," he elaborated. "Now they have a new training ground, they are building a new stadium, have good players... the only thing missing is a cup.

"They have developed so much over the years, which speaks a great deal for the desire to be among the best clubs, and I think with some more consistency they will be there soon. They have all the tools to achieve this."

 

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Dybala a great player but not a Barcelona target, insists president Bartomeu


Barcelona have no plans to make a bid for Juventus star Paulo Dybala when the transfer window reopens, insists president Josep Maria Bartomeu.With Neymar having completed a world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, the Camp Nou club have been linked with a move for Argentina international Dybala.

The 23-year-old forward has impressed since joining the Bianconeri from Palermo in 2015, winning Serie A twice and helping Juve to reach the final of the Champions League last term.

But Bartomeu, who has come in for criticism following what was perceived to be a poor window for the club, claims his own admiration for Dybala will not lead to a move for his services."How do I look at Dybala? He's a great player, but we're happy with the team we have," he told Tuttosport.

"He's also a Juve player, and we have great respect for the Bianconeri and their president, Andrea Agnelli."Juve and Barca meet in Spain next Tuesday in the opening match of their respective Champions League campaigns.

 

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Ronaldinho reassures Liverpool fans over Coutinho: He'll give everything


Brazil legend Ronaldinho believes Philippe Coutinho will continue to give his all for Liverpool, despite a summer move to Barcelona breaking down.

Barca claimed Liverpool were asking for €200 million for the attacker after seeing repeated bids knocked back as they sought a replacement for Neymar, who moved to PSG in a €222m deal.

Coutinho, 25, tried to aid the Catalans by going on strike, sparking fears about his attitude this season, but Ronaldinho says supporters should rest easy.

“This season they will see him give everything for the club - that is the sort of player he is,” he is quoted as having said by the Daily Mirror."Also, no player is going to refuse to play when it’s the World Cup at the end of the season.

“The Liverpool fans have nothing to worry about - I do not believe any of the stories about him refusing to play for the club. I know him that is not his way.”Meanwhile, Coutinho has not seen his opportunity to move to Camp Nou ended, according to a man who spent five years as a player there.

“They made it clear how much they wanted him and I am sure that they will come back for him.”

 

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'I would have gone after him' - Perez admits he would have tried to land Messi at Madrid


Real Madrid president Florentino Perez revealed he would have tried to sign Lionel Messi as one of his Galacticos had he been a star in the early 2000s. In his first stint at the helm of the La Liga giants, Perez helped Madrid sign the likes of Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Ronaldo and Luis Figo.

The 70-year-old, who first took over as president in 2000, said Messi – who arrived at Barcelona in 2001, coming through the club's youth academy to develop into one of the greatest players of all time – may have been one of those signings, if he had been at his current level then.

"If there had been a Messi in my first stage [as president], I would have gone after him," Perez told Cadena SER ."He is a type of player like Zidane."However, Perez said there was no chance of signing Messi now with his ties to Barcelona. The Argentina international has won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns among numerous trophies at Barca, while claiming a record five Ballons d'Or.

"In my first stage, possibly," Perez said. "He is now a Barca player.
"He has been there since he was a kid. It would be very difficult."

 

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Aurier faces Pochettino 'head-butt' if he steps out of line at Tottenham


Mauricio Pochettino took a hard line with Serge Aurier prior to inking the somewhat troubled full back to a deal this summer, letting the former PSG player know that any mischief will not be taken kindly to at Tottenham.

The 24-year-old has seen his share of troubles, having been banned by his former side for tossing homiphobic slurs at then-boss Laurent Blanc, before being convicted of of assaulting a police officer outside a club in Paris.

And the Argentine manager made it clear that with Spurs such antics would not be tolerated as the club looks to keep a stable dynamic moving forward. "I said to him, 'I will kill you', I [would] head-butt him," Pochettino joked to Sky Sports.

"I think it was good, we had a long chat. He knows very well how we are, what we expect from him and for us it's so important, not only him, every player, how they behave here in the squad."We need to keep the dynamic we have created. I trust him, I am confident that he can succeed here and help the team to achieve the things we want.

"When you know and you meet some people, always you start to assess him from the day that you meet them and for me we start from [here] because I don't know him before. For him I think it's a new chapter in his life."Tottenham landed the talented defender for £23 million on transfer deadline day, one of five signings the club made during the window.

Despite the moves, Spurs have started slowly in the league, picking up four points from three matches, and face a tricky test away to Everton on Saturday.

 

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Lukaku: I don't fear Ibrahimovic competition, I relish it


Romelu Lukaku has no fear about battling Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a spot in the Manchester United line-up.Lukaku has made an impressive start to life at United since his move from Everton in a reported £75 million deal, scoring four goals in as many appearances.

However, he will have Ibrahimovic trying to take his place in the team when the Swede, who re-signed at Old Trafford on a one-year deal last month, returns from a knee injury in January.

But the Belgium international is not concerned about losing out, expressing his delight to have a player who has won 31 trophies during an illustrious career in the squad.
Asked if competition with Ibrahimovic could help him improve, Lukaku told the BBC: "Of course. You don't fear the competition, you relish it."As long as it can make you better, make you win, you relish the challenge all the time.

"I think it [Ibrahimovic's return] is really good for the team. It's good to have another guy in the team that's hungry to win trophies, that's what we want at Manchester United."With his character, his personality and also his attributes as a football player he brings us a lot and we will try to help him."

At Old Trafford, Lukaku is playing under Jose Mourinho, who sold him in 2014 during his second spell in charge of Chelsea. However, the 24-year-old is excited to have the chance to work with the Portuguese again.
"I wanted to play for him since I was 11 so when you get another chance like that you don't turn it down and I'm really grateful for the second opportunity," said Lukaku.

"He's always been the same; a man that wants the best out of the players every day. He doesn't give the players time to rest on the pitch, he really wants everyone to fight on the pitch and in training and that's what I like about him."He's someone you can talk to and whatever you say he's going to listen to you, so I like that a lot."