Bundesliga Fixtures 2017.09.10
Bundesliga Fixtures 2017.09.10
Hertha Berlin Vs Werder Bremen
Schalke Vs Stuttgart
Hertha Berlin Vs Werder Bremen
Schalke Vs Stuttgart
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Swansea City 0 Newcastle United 1: Sanches shackled as Magpies win without Benitez
Renato Sanches endured a frustrating Premier League debut as a toothless Swansea City were beaten 1-0 at home by Newcastle United on Sunday.
Magpies skipper Jamaal Lascelles - who had earlier produced an exceptional goal-line clearance to deny Tammy Abraham - headed the winner from Matt Ritchie's 76th-minute corner to end Newcastle's run of 12 matches without a Premier League away win.
The visitors had created the best of the opportunities up to that point as only Lukasz Fabianski's stunning first-half denial of Joselu prevented them from taking an earlier lead.A surprise deadline-day loan signing from Bayern Munich, Sanches struggled to gel with his new team-mates and was withdrawn after 69 minutes.
Paul Clement introduced returning striker Wilfried Bony in his place but the fan favourite could do little about Lascelles' thumping winner, the captain getting above Alfie Mawson to leave Fabianski with no chance.Newcastle's deserved victory came despite the absence of boss Rafael Benitez, who missed the match as he recovers from hernia surgery.
A high-tempo start saw the first chance fall to an unlikely source in Isaac Hayden, the Newcastle midfielder sweeping a loose ball straight at Fabianski before earning a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Sanches.
Swansea's new-look midfield enjoyed plenty of early possession but it was the visitors who continued to threaten the most with Jacob Murphy blazing over from a long ball forward.
And Joselu looked certain to give Newcastle a deserved lead just after the half-hour, only for Fabianski to acrobatically push the Spaniard's well-directed header around the post.
Rob Elliot matched that save at the other end by turning Jordan Ayew's effort wide, before Mawson nodded the resultant corner past the upright as the action intensified.
An irritated Sanches escaped punishment for a kick on Joselu late in the half as Hayden again tested Fabianski to close out a promising first 45 minutes from the away side.Swansea began the second half in livelier fashion with Elliot required to block a smart near-post volley from Tom Carroll.
Abraham should have made the pressure pay when he raced onto Leroy Fer's through ball and rounded Elliot, but Lascelles recovered to slide in and divert the forward's effort away from an empty net.Clement responded by withdrawing Sanches for Bony with 20 minutes remaining, although it was Ayoze Perez who spurned a clear chance when he fired into Fabianski's legs soon afterwards.
Instead, it was left to Lascelles to get free at a corner and head the Magpies to their second straight win of an improving league campaign.
Benitez's side can make it three in a row when they host Stoke City next weekend, while Swansea face a tough trip to Tottenham.
Renato Sanches endured a frustrating Premier League debut as a toothless Swansea City were beaten 1-0 at home by Newcastle United on Sunday.
Magpies skipper Jamaal Lascelles - who had earlier produced an exceptional goal-line clearance to deny Tammy Abraham - headed the winner from Matt Ritchie's 76th-minute corner to end Newcastle's run of 12 matches without a Premier League away win.
The visitors had created the best of the opportunities up to that point as only Lukasz Fabianski's stunning first-half denial of Joselu prevented them from taking an earlier lead.A surprise deadline-day loan signing from Bayern Munich, Sanches struggled to gel with his new team-mates and was withdrawn after 69 minutes.
Paul Clement introduced returning striker Wilfried Bony in his place but the fan favourite could do little about Lascelles' thumping winner, the captain getting above Alfie Mawson to leave Fabianski with no chance.Newcastle's deserved victory came despite the absence of boss Rafael Benitez, who missed the match as he recovers from hernia surgery.
A high-tempo start saw the first chance fall to an unlikely source in Isaac Hayden, the Newcastle midfielder sweeping a loose ball straight at Fabianski before earning a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Sanches.
Swansea's new-look midfield enjoyed plenty of early possession but it was the visitors who continued to threaten the most with Jacob Murphy blazing over from a long ball forward.
And Joselu looked certain to give Newcastle a deserved lead just after the half-hour, only for Fabianski to acrobatically push the Spaniard's well-directed header around the post.
Rob Elliot matched that save at the other end by turning Jordan Ayew's effort wide, before Mawson nodded the resultant corner past the upright as the action intensified.
An irritated Sanches escaped punishment for a kick on Joselu late in the half as Hayden again tested Fabianski to close out a promising first 45 minutes from the away side.Swansea began the second half in livelier fashion with Elliot required to block a smart near-post volley from Tom Carroll.
Abraham should have made the pressure pay when he raced onto Leroy Fer's through ball and rounded Elliot, but Lascelles recovered to slide in and divert the forward's effort away from an empty net.Clement responded by withdrawing Sanches for Bony with 20 minutes remaining, although it was Ayoze Perez who spurned a clear chance when he fired into Fabianski's legs soon afterwards.
Instead, it was left to Lascelles to get free at a corner and head the Magpies to their second straight win of an improving league campaign.
Benitez's side can make it three in a row when they host Stoke City next weekend, while Swansea face a tough trip to Tottenham.
Lazio 4 AC Milan 1: Hat-trick hero Immobile takes centre stage
Ciro Immobile hit a hat-trick as a rampant Lazio thumped AC Milan 4-1 in Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico. The Italy international delivered a masterclass in finishing to help inflict a first defeat of the season on the Rossoneri.
He broke the deadlock from the penalty spot before expertly controlling a volley past Gianluigi Donnarumma to make it 2-0 before the break.
His treble was completed just three minutes into the second half, with Luis Alberto adding a fourth shortly after. Riccardo Montolivo pulled one back for the visitors, but Lazio – who lost Marco Parolo to a stoppage-time red card – never looked like relinquishing their grip on the three points.
The win means Simone Inzaghi's men remain unbeaten this season, but the result raises questions over a Milan side who invested more than €200million ahead of the campaign.
Kick-off was postponed by one hour after torrential rain in Rome, but there was little sign of any waterlogging on the pitch as both sides zipped the ball around with purpose in the early stages.
The visitors had two sights of goal in the opening 10 minutes, but Fabio Borini's crisp volley was blocked and Thomas Strakosha got down well to keep out Franck Kessie's low shot from the edge of the box. On-loan Sunderland forward Borini was in the thick of the action again in the 13th minute as his whipped shot from distance was again safely gathered by Strakosha.
Lazio's first opportunity came shortly after, but Dusan Basta was somehow unable to turn the ball in from barely a yard out after a teasing corner had caused havoc in the Milan area.
The breakthrough came seven minutes before the break after Kessie was penalised for a clumsy challenge on Alberto in the area. Immobile stepped up and thrashed the penalty past a helpless Donnarumma. Immobile doubled his tally just five minutes later, meeting Senad Lulic's deep cross with a fine first-time volley into the bottom corner.
The half-time break did little to halt the striker's flow as he soon found himself on the end of a well-worked move involving Marco Parolo and Senad Lulic, before duly stabbing the ball past Donnarumma. The home side were rampant and just a minute later they made it 4-0. Immobile turned provider as his throughball was met by a rampaging Alberto to slot the ball home.
Milan were shellshocked, but gave themselves the faintest of lifelines just before the hour. Hakan Calhanoglu's long-range effort crashed into Montolivo, but the Italy international found himself in enough space to spin and place the ball past Strakosha.
Parolo picked up a second yellow at the death to blot Lazio's copybook, but the result underlined their potential to challenge at the top end of the table this term.
Ciro Immobile hit a hat-trick as a rampant Lazio thumped AC Milan 4-1 in Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico. The Italy international delivered a masterclass in finishing to help inflict a first defeat of the season on the Rossoneri.
He broke the deadlock from the penalty spot before expertly controlling a volley past Gianluigi Donnarumma to make it 2-0 before the break.
His treble was completed just three minutes into the second half, with Luis Alberto adding a fourth shortly after. Riccardo Montolivo pulled one back for the visitors, but Lazio – who lost Marco Parolo to a stoppage-time red card – never looked like relinquishing their grip on the three points.
The win means Simone Inzaghi's men remain unbeaten this season, but the result raises questions over a Milan side who invested more than €200million ahead of the campaign.
Kick-off was postponed by one hour after torrential rain in Rome, but there was little sign of any waterlogging on the pitch as both sides zipped the ball around with purpose in the early stages.
The visitors had two sights of goal in the opening 10 minutes, but Fabio Borini's crisp volley was blocked and Thomas Strakosha got down well to keep out Franck Kessie's low shot from the edge of the box. On-loan Sunderland forward Borini was in the thick of the action again in the 13th minute as his whipped shot from distance was again safely gathered by Strakosha.
Lazio's first opportunity came shortly after, but Dusan Basta was somehow unable to turn the ball in from barely a yard out after a teasing corner had caused havoc in the Milan area.
The breakthrough came seven minutes before the break after Kessie was penalised for a clumsy challenge on Alberto in the area. Immobile stepped up and thrashed the penalty past a helpless Donnarumma. Immobile doubled his tally just five minutes later, meeting Senad Lulic's deep cross with a fine first-time volley into the bottom corner.
The half-time break did little to halt the striker's flow as he soon found himself on the end of a well-worked move involving Marco Parolo and Senad Lulic, before duly stabbing the ball past Donnarumma. The home side were rampant and just a minute later they made it 4-0. Immobile turned provider as his throughball was met by a rampaging Alberto to slot the ball home.
Milan were shellshocked, but gave themselves the faintest of lifelines just before the hour. Hakan Calhanoglu's long-range effort crashed into Montolivo, but the Italy international found himself in enough space to spin and place the ball past Strakosha.
Parolo picked up a second yellow at the death to blot Lazio's copybook, but the result underlined their potential to challenge at the top end of the table this term.
Inter 2 SPAL 0: Spalletti makes it three wins in a row
Inter continued their winning start under Luciano Spalletti as Mauro Icardi's VAR-awarded penalty and a late stunner from Ivan Perisic secured a 2-0 home victory against Serie A newcomers SPAL.
Referee Claudio Gavillucci gave a free-kick when Joao Mario was scythed down midway through the first half, but after utilising the newly introduced video review system, the official came to the correct decision and, five minutes after the initial foul, Icardi's fifth Serie A goal of the season put Inter ahead.
Facing the San Siro outfit in the top flight for the first time since 1968, SPAL refused to roll over, with Alberto Paloschi and Bartosz Salamon squandering brilliant chances either side of the interval.Alfred Gomis was in fine form to keep SPAL in the game, while Milan Skriniar's outstanding effort struck the crossbar.
SPAL's efforts ultimately proved fruitless, though, with Perisic, fresh from signing a new five-year contract, powering in Inter's second after 87 minutes.
It represents a third successive top-flight victory for new Inter boss Spalletti, as his side look to challenge the domestic dominance of Juventus. In-form Inter wasted no time in asserting their authority, with Roberto Gagliardini's rasping drive just inches away from putting the hosts ahead inside five minutes.
SPAL were quick to respond as Paloschi's volley deflected wide off Miranda, but it was Inter who continued to dominate, and Spalletti's side finally made the breakthrough after 27 minutes.
It came courtesy of the VAR system, as after initially awarding Inter a free-kick following a foul on Joao Mario just inside SPAL's area, referee Gavillucci amended his decision and pointed to the spot – Icardi stepping up to send Gomis the wrong way.
Inter did not let up, with Gomis forced into a succession of superb stops to keep out stinging efforts from Icardi and Antonio Candreva. SPAL should have drawn level in first-half stoppage time, but Paloschi sliced wide from close range when one-on-one with Samir Handanovic.Inter continued to look suspect at the back, with Paloschi just inches away from tucking home Marco Borriello's downward header shortly after the restart.
The visitors remained a threat and Salamon should have levelled when he connected with Federico Viviani's excellent free-kick, but the defender's header skipped wide.Skriniar looked set to wrap up the victory with an audacious long-range strike with 15 minutes remaining, only for the bar to come to SPAL's rescue.
Icardi almost doubled his and Inter's tally late on, heading straight at Gomis, but Perisic made no mistake three minutes from the end, hammering home an emphatic volley to condemn SPAL to their first defeat of the campaign.
Inter continued their winning start under Luciano Spalletti as Mauro Icardi's VAR-awarded penalty and a late stunner from Ivan Perisic secured a 2-0 home victory against Serie A newcomers SPAL.
Referee Claudio Gavillucci gave a free-kick when Joao Mario was scythed down midway through the first half, but after utilising the newly introduced video review system, the official came to the correct decision and, five minutes after the initial foul, Icardi's fifth Serie A goal of the season put Inter ahead.
Facing the San Siro outfit in the top flight for the first time since 1968, SPAL refused to roll over, with Alberto Paloschi and Bartosz Salamon squandering brilliant chances either side of the interval.Alfred Gomis was in fine form to keep SPAL in the game, while Milan Skriniar's outstanding effort struck the crossbar.
SPAL's efforts ultimately proved fruitless, though, with Perisic, fresh from signing a new five-year contract, powering in Inter's second after 87 minutes.
It represents a third successive top-flight victory for new Inter boss Spalletti, as his side look to challenge the domestic dominance of Juventus. In-form Inter wasted no time in asserting their authority, with Roberto Gagliardini's rasping drive just inches away from putting the hosts ahead inside five minutes.
SPAL were quick to respond as Paloschi's volley deflected wide off Miranda, but it was Inter who continued to dominate, and Spalletti's side finally made the breakthrough after 27 minutes.
It came courtesy of the VAR system, as after initially awarding Inter a free-kick following a foul on Joao Mario just inside SPAL's area, referee Gavillucci amended his decision and pointed to the spot – Icardi stepping up to send Gomis the wrong way.
Inter did not let up, with Gomis forced into a succession of superb stops to keep out stinging efforts from Icardi and Antonio Candreva. SPAL should have drawn level in first-half stoppage time, but Paloschi sliced wide from close range when one-on-one with Samir Handanovic.Inter continued to look suspect at the back, with Paloschi just inches away from tucking home Marco Borriello's downward header shortly after the restart.
The visitors remained a threat and Salamon should have levelled when he connected with Federico Viviani's excellent free-kick, but the defender's header skipped wide.Skriniar looked set to wrap up the victory with an audacious long-range strike with 15 minutes remaining, only for the bar to come to SPAL's rescue.
Icardi almost doubled his and Inter's tally late on, heading straight at Gomis, but Perisic made no mistake three minutes from the end, hammering home an emphatic volley to condemn SPAL to their first defeat of the campaign.
'Mbappe is the new Pele' - Wenger praises exceptional PSG talent
Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, hailing him as 'the new Pele'.
The France international opted for a move to the Parisian club over a host of European suitors this summer, joining on a one-year loan deal before making is €180 million switch permanent next season.
Mbappe opened his PSG account during the club's 5-1 thrashing of Metz on Friday evening, lifting Unai Emery's side to the top of the Ligue 1 table with five wins from five.
The 18-year-old's strike prompted Wenger to reiterate his belief in the extraordinary promise of Mbappe, who the Arsenal boss revealed he was close to signing for the north London club last summer."I think he is exceptionally intelligent, he has an exceptional character, and exceptional belief," he told beIN Sports. "I say to my friends: 'Mbappe is the new Pele'.
"He can become the best player in the world, because he as well has the charisma, the character, the belief. "You never think you're speaking to an 18-year-old when you speak to him. "He always gives you the impression when he gets the ball that something special can happen."
Mbappe struck 26 goals in all competitions last season as the focal point of Leonardo Jardim's Monaco side.
Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, hailing him as 'the new Pele'.
The France international opted for a move to the Parisian club over a host of European suitors this summer, joining on a one-year loan deal before making is €180 million switch permanent next season.
Mbappe opened his PSG account during the club's 5-1 thrashing of Metz on Friday evening, lifting Unai Emery's side to the top of the Ligue 1 table with five wins from five.
The 18-year-old's strike prompted Wenger to reiterate his belief in the extraordinary promise of Mbappe, who the Arsenal boss revealed he was close to signing for the north London club last summer."I think he is exceptionally intelligent, he has an exceptional character, and exceptional belief," he told beIN Sports. "I say to my friends: 'Mbappe is the new Pele'.
"He can become the best player in the world, because he as well has the charisma, the character, the belief. "You never think you're speaking to an 18-year-old when you speak to him. "He always gives you the impression when he gets the ball that something special can happen."
Mbappe struck 26 goals in all competitions last season as the focal point of Leonardo Jardim's Monaco side.
Assist king De Bruyne likened to Man Utd legend Beckham
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity makes him a lot like Manchester United legend David Beckham, according to Gary Neville.
Former Red Devils star Beckham forged a successful career out of his ability to provide pinpoint crosses from the flanks and defence-splitting passes from deep.
Belgium international De Bruyne is now doing likewise in the Premier League, with few players in Europe’s top five divisions able to match his assist return since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2015.Neville has now paid him the ultimate compliment by likening him to Beckham, with both players possessing remarkable vision and the ability to conjure up opportunities with apparent ease.
After watching De Bruyne lay on two more goals in City’s 5-0 demolition of 10-man Liverpool on Saturday, Neville said in his podcast for Sky Sports: "Kevin De Bruyne has sensational quality, he really has."I played with a fantastic crosser and passer of a ball in terms of accuracy, David Beckham, and De Bruyne reminds me of him a lot.
"He is deliberate and precise, it looks like every cross lands on a sixpence, like he is aiming for the recipient."Too many times you see people cross and aim for an area or zone in the box, but De Bruyne has got the quality and precision to pick people out.
"David Beckham was like that, it's brilliant to watch. De Bruyne's performance was a polar opposite to the lack of quality Liverpool had in the final third."De Bruyne's pass for [Sergio] Aguero's opener and the cross to [Gabriel] Jesus for City's second ensured it was going to be a comfortable second half for Manchester City."
Since joining City for £55 million from Wolfsburg, former Chelsea star De Bruyne has provided 29 assists for grateful team-mates – with only Tottenham's Christian Eriksen (30) topping that total.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity makes him a lot like Manchester United legend David Beckham, according to Gary Neville.
Former Red Devils star Beckham forged a successful career out of his ability to provide pinpoint crosses from the flanks and defence-splitting passes from deep.
Belgium international De Bruyne is now doing likewise in the Premier League, with few players in Europe’s top five divisions able to match his assist return since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2015.Neville has now paid him the ultimate compliment by likening him to Beckham, with both players possessing remarkable vision and the ability to conjure up opportunities with apparent ease.
After watching De Bruyne lay on two more goals in City’s 5-0 demolition of 10-man Liverpool on Saturday, Neville said in his podcast for Sky Sports: "Kevin De Bruyne has sensational quality, he really has."I played with a fantastic crosser and passer of a ball in terms of accuracy, David Beckham, and De Bruyne reminds me of him a lot.
"He is deliberate and precise, it looks like every cross lands on a sixpence, like he is aiming for the recipient."Too many times you see people cross and aim for an area or zone in the box, but De Bruyne has got the quality and precision to pick people out.
"David Beckham was like that, it's brilliant to watch. De Bruyne's performance was a polar opposite to the lack of quality Liverpool had in the final third."De Bruyne's pass for [Sergio] Aguero's opener and the cross to [Gabriel] Jesus for City's second ensured it was going to be a comfortable second half for Manchester City."
Since joining City for £55 million from Wolfsburg, former Chelsea star De Bruyne has provided 29 assists for grateful team-mates – with only Tottenham's Christian Eriksen (30) topping that total.
Messi contract extension expected 'soon', says Barcelona director Fernandez
Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez hopes Lionel Messi signs his new deal "soon", while he is convinced Andres Iniesta will extend his stay at the club.The La Liga giants announced in July that Messi had agreed to a contract until 2021, with his previous deal due to expire in 2018.
While a formal signing of the contract was expected to soon follow, Messi is still yet to put pen to paper, leading to speculation over the 30-year-old's future.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said earlier this week that Messi's father Jorge had already signed the deal, making it valid.Fernandez is eager for the deal to be officially completed shortly, saying on Saturday: "I point to our president's words."[The signing] is an act which could happen at any moment. I hope it's soon."
Messi delivered for Barca on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick to lead Ernesto Valverde's men to a 5-0 thrashing of Espanyol.Fernandez lauded the Argentina star for his performance, particularly after the international break.
"He's come back from international duty, after a lot of travel and two tough games," he said."He is capable of changing a game at any moment and the difficult thing he manages is to maintain that rhythm."
While Messi appears set for a long-term Barca stay, Iniesta's future is less certain.
The star midfielder, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and yet to agree to a new deal."What we want is that Andres is here for many more years and that he ends his career here," Fernandez said."I'm convinced that will happen."
Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez hopes Lionel Messi signs his new deal "soon", while he is convinced Andres Iniesta will extend his stay at the club.The La Liga giants announced in July that Messi had agreed to a contract until 2021, with his previous deal due to expire in 2018.
While a formal signing of the contract was expected to soon follow, Messi is still yet to put pen to paper, leading to speculation over the 30-year-old's future.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said earlier this week that Messi's father Jorge had already signed the deal, making it valid.Fernandez is eager for the deal to be officially completed shortly, saying on Saturday: "I point to our president's words."[The signing] is an act which could happen at any moment. I hope it's soon."
Messi delivered for Barca on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick to lead Ernesto Valverde's men to a 5-0 thrashing of Espanyol.Fernandez lauded the Argentina star for his performance, particularly after the international break.
"He's come back from international duty, after a lot of travel and two tough games," he said."He is capable of changing a game at any moment and the difficult thing he manages is to maintain that rhythm."
While Messi appears set for a long-term Barca stay, Iniesta's future is less certain.
The star midfielder, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and yet to agree to a new deal."What we want is that Andres is here for many more years and that he ends his career here," Fernandez said."I'm convinced that will happen."
Mourinho hails £40m Man Utd new boy Matic as the best he has worked with
Jose Mourinho says he has not worked with anyone better than Nemanja Matic, having been reunited with the midfielder at Manchester United this summer.
The Portuguese has coached some of the finest talent on the planet over the course of a distinguished career which has taken in spells at Porto, Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid.
Now at Old Trafford, Mourinho moved quickly this summer to put a £40 million deal in place for a player he holds in the highest regard.Having previously had Matic on his books at Chelsea, the Serbia international has shown over the years that he has the character to go with his undoubted ability.
“Matic, I cannot say that I had better guys than him in my career,” Mourinho told The Times.“And he has with me something which marks forever, which was a match where he was on the bench, I play him minute 45 and I took him off minute 70, 75.
“The press wants a story, the press wants blood. “My blood, or his blood, or both. He was really sad. I was also sad because it’s not something nice and it’s something that I did only twice in my career.
“But the next day he comes to me and he says, ‘I’m not happy, but it’s my fault.I’m not happy with what you did to me, but it’s my fault, because the way I was playing I can understand the change. So let’s keep going’.“We didn’t keep going for a long time because a few weeks later I was sacked.
“But again he was one of ‘my guys’, was one of the guys that we kept close during these years even not working together. So I know that the big man is there, even with more maturity.”
Matic has settled quickly into the United fold, with the 29-year-old making a seamless transition from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford – helping the Red Devils to make an unbeaten start to the 2017-18 campaign.
Mourinho was clearly expecting as much from the two-time Premier League winner, with his qualities allowing others – such as Paul Pogba – to flourish.
Jose Mourinho says he has not worked with anyone better than Nemanja Matic, having been reunited with the midfielder at Manchester United this summer.
The Portuguese has coached some of the finest talent on the planet over the course of a distinguished career which has taken in spells at Porto, Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid.
Now at Old Trafford, Mourinho moved quickly this summer to put a £40 million deal in place for a player he holds in the highest regard.Having previously had Matic on his books at Chelsea, the Serbia international has shown over the years that he has the character to go with his undoubted ability.
“Matic, I cannot say that I had better guys than him in my career,” Mourinho told The Times.“And he has with me something which marks forever, which was a match where he was on the bench, I play him minute 45 and I took him off minute 70, 75.
“The press wants a story, the press wants blood. “My blood, or his blood, or both. He was really sad. I was also sad because it’s not something nice and it’s something that I did only twice in my career.
“But the next day he comes to me and he says, ‘I’m not happy, but it’s my fault.I’m not happy with what you did to me, but it’s my fault, because the way I was playing I can understand the change. So let’s keep going’.“We didn’t keep going for a long time because a few weeks later I was sacked.
“But again he was one of ‘my guys’, was one of the guys that we kept close during these years even not working together. So I know that the big man is there, even with more maturity.”
Matic has settled quickly into the United fold, with the 29-year-old making a seamless transition from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford – helping the Red Devils to make an unbeaten start to the 2017-18 campaign.
Mourinho was clearly expecting as much from the two-time Premier League winner, with his qualities allowing others – such as Paul Pogba – to flourish.
Heaton suffers dislocated shoulder, confirms Dyche
Tom Heaton suffered a dislocated shoulder in Burnley's 1-0 Premier League victory over struggling Crystal Palace, Sean Dyche has confirmed.England goalkeeper Heaton was forced off 35 minutes into the clash at Turf Moor having landed awkwardly after claiming a high ball.
Heaton was replaced by Nick Pope, who did well on his debut to help keep Palace at bay, and the former Charlton Athletic shot-stopper looks set to fill in for the coming matches with a timeline for Heaton's comeback as yet unknown.
Burnley sit seventh in the Premier League, having claimed seven points from their opening four fixtures, with a trip to Liverpool next up for the Clarets.
Tom Heaton suffered a dislocated shoulder in Burnley's 1-0 Premier League victory over struggling Crystal Palace, Sean Dyche has confirmed.England goalkeeper Heaton was forced off 35 minutes into the clash at Turf Moor having landed awkwardly after claiming a high ball.
Heaton was replaced by Nick Pope, who did well on his debut to help keep Palace at bay, and the former Charlton Athletic shot-stopper looks set to fill in for the coming matches with a timeline for Heaton's comeback as yet unknown.
Burnley sit seventh in the Premier League, having claimed seven points from their opening four fixtures, with a trip to Liverpool next up for the Clarets.
'Scary' PSG must challenge in Champions League - Henry
France legend Thierry Henry says Paris Saint-Germain's "scary" front three must power a Champions League title tilt in order to be deemed a success.
New boy Kylian Mbappe became the latest big-money PSG star to score on debut as he joined Neymar and Edinson Cavani in finding the target in a 5-1 rout of Metz on Friday.Unai Emery's side are the only team to boast a perfect record after five Ligue 1 matches as they seek to reclaim their crown from Monaco.
But Henry insists the value of the club's incredible off-season spending, which included a world-record €222 million fee for Neymar, will be judged solely by their performances in Europe.
"Neymar and Mbappe joining PSG is great for the French league. It will raise the profile massively," Henry wrote in The Sun."If you had told me that would happen at the start of the summer, I would have said, 'Are you mad?' It is crazy.
"There will be a lot of pressure, though, because they have joined the group of teams who are judged on whether they win the Champions League.PSG to win the CL in next 3 years 2/1"That is what you must expect at a big side."
Henry won the Champions League while at Barcelona in 2008-09 after losing in the final with Arsenal three years earlier, the second of five straight seasons in which an English team reached the decider.
The World Cup winner believes the time is right for a Premier League club to again challenge Real Madrid's recent monopoly."It has been too long since English clubs regularly went deep in the Champions League," he wrote.
"Man City are well equipped, Man United too. OK, Spurs might not have the depth."But there are five English clubs this time so it would be nice to see one of them involved at the business end."
France legend Thierry Henry says Paris Saint-Germain's "scary" front three must power a Champions League title tilt in order to be deemed a success.
New boy Kylian Mbappe became the latest big-money PSG star to score on debut as he joined Neymar and Edinson Cavani in finding the target in a 5-1 rout of Metz on Friday.Unai Emery's side are the only team to boast a perfect record after five Ligue 1 matches as they seek to reclaim their crown from Monaco.
But Henry insists the value of the club's incredible off-season spending, which included a world-record €222 million fee for Neymar, will be judged solely by their performances in Europe.
"Neymar and Mbappe joining PSG is great for the French league. It will raise the profile massively," Henry wrote in The Sun."If you had told me that would happen at the start of the summer, I would have said, 'Are you mad?' It is crazy.
"There will be a lot of pressure, though, because they have joined the group of teams who are judged on whether they win the Champions League.PSG to win the CL in next 3 years 2/1"That is what you must expect at a big side."
Henry won the Champions League while at Barcelona in 2008-09 after losing in the final with Arsenal three years earlier, the second of five straight seasons in which an English team reached the decider.
The World Cup winner believes the time is right for a Premier League club to again challenge Real Madrid's recent monopoly."It has been too long since English clubs regularly went deep in the Champions League," he wrote.
"Man City are well equipped, Man United too. OK, Spurs might not have the depth."But there are five English clubs this time so it would be nice to see one of them involved at the business end."
Welbeck welcomes Arsenal competition with Alexis still at the Emirates
Danny Welbeck is relishing the competition for places at Arsenal, with Alexandre Lacazette on board and Alexis Sanchez still at the club.
The England international has endured constant injury struggles while at Emirates Stadium, but has been a regular for club and country when fit.The 26-year-old was back in the Arsenal starting XI against Bournemouth on Saturday, and rewarded Arsene Wenger’s show of faith with a brace in a 3-0 win.
Lacazette got the other against the Cherries, as want-away Sanchez started on the bench after failing to secure a summer move to Manchester City, and Welbeck believes those options are beneficial to all concerned.
He told Arsenal Player: “There’s always competition when you’re at a club like Arsenal.“There’s always going to be competition, not just with the players here but players worldwide.
“Everyone would love to get the opportunity to play here so there’s always competition and I think that makes it better for you as a player. It makes you want to improve and just keep on doing your best.”
Welbeck added on his efforts to find full fitness and form: “The past two years I didn’t have a pre-season and that made it a bit difficult for me, so I’m pleased to have a pre-season.
“With some of the games that we’ve played at the start of the season it’s not gone too well, but I’m pleased to be on the scoresheet and long may it continue.”Wenger was also delighted to see the versatile forward among the goals, with even more expected from Welbeck if he is able to steer clear of the treatment table and get important minutes under his belt.
The Frenchman said: “I'm pleased with his performance, I kept faith in him and overall I think he is getting stronger and stronger and more confident.“Confidence plays a big part in his game and I loved his finishing on his second goal.
“Of course, he has all the physical qualities to play at that level. If he can add the finishing, he's a team player as well, he is loved by his partners, so that's a lot of positives.”
Danny Welbeck is relishing the competition for places at Arsenal, with Alexandre Lacazette on board and Alexis Sanchez still at the club.
The England international has endured constant injury struggles while at Emirates Stadium, but has been a regular for club and country when fit.The 26-year-old was back in the Arsenal starting XI against Bournemouth on Saturday, and rewarded Arsene Wenger’s show of faith with a brace in a 3-0 win.
Lacazette got the other against the Cherries, as want-away Sanchez started on the bench after failing to secure a summer move to Manchester City, and Welbeck believes those options are beneficial to all concerned.
He told Arsenal Player: “There’s always competition when you’re at a club like Arsenal.“There’s always going to be competition, not just with the players here but players worldwide.
“Everyone would love to get the opportunity to play here so there’s always competition and I think that makes it better for you as a player. It makes you want to improve and just keep on doing your best.”
Welbeck added on his efforts to find full fitness and form: “The past two years I didn’t have a pre-season and that made it a bit difficult for me, so I’m pleased to have a pre-season.
“With some of the games that we’ve played at the start of the season it’s not gone too well, but I’m pleased to be on the scoresheet and long may it continue.”Wenger was also delighted to see the versatile forward among the goals, with even more expected from Welbeck if he is able to steer clear of the treatment table and get important minutes under his belt.
The Frenchman said: “I'm pleased with his performance, I kept faith in him and overall I think he is getting stronger and stronger and more confident.“Confidence plays a big part in his game and I loved his finishing on his second goal.
“Of course, he has all the physical qualities to play at that level. If he can add the finishing, he's a team player as well, he is loved by his partners, so that's a lot of positives.”
Kane can be Tottenham's Batistuta – Pochettino
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has hailed Harry Kane, saying the striker can surpass Argentine great Gabriel Batistuta.
Kane scored twice to lead Tottenham to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.The 24-year-old England international striker did not score in August but he was at the double on Merseyside as he celebrated his 100th goal for Tottenham.
Pochettino heaped praise on the Premier League's reigning Golden Boot winner, likening him to former Argentina team-mate Batistuta, who was the country's all-time leading scorer before Lionel Messi broke the record last year.
"Batistuta was a killer," Pochettino said. "Very strong mentality, very strong shot, great professional. You can compare."For me, OK, I put Batistuta there, " he said, raising one hand above the other, "and Harry there," with his other hand a little lower.
"But Harry can be better. He is a killer, Harry Kane. Look at the goals he scored the last years! Mental level? Yes. Absolutely [they are the same]."Maybe they have different characteristics but I think he is in that level, with Batistuta."
Pochettino added: "I would put Harry Kane in with Batistuta. All that is happening to him he deserves. He is the protagonist of his life, and he deserves all the prize."
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has hailed Harry Kane, saying the striker can surpass Argentine great Gabriel Batistuta.
Kane scored twice to lead Tottenham to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.The 24-year-old England international striker did not score in August but he was at the double on Merseyside as he celebrated his 100th goal for Tottenham.
Pochettino heaped praise on the Premier League's reigning Golden Boot winner, likening him to former Argentina team-mate Batistuta, who was the country's all-time leading scorer before Lionel Messi broke the record last year.
"Batistuta was a killer," Pochettino said. "Very strong mentality, very strong shot, great professional. You can compare."For me, OK, I put Batistuta there, " he said, raising one hand above the other, "and Harry there," with his other hand a little lower.
"But Harry can be better. He is a killer, Harry Kane. Look at the goals he scored the last years! Mental level? Yes. Absolutely [they are the same]."Maybe they have different characteristics but I think he is in that level, with Batistuta."
Pochettino added: "I would put Harry Kane in with Batistuta. All that is happening to him he deserves. He is the protagonist of his life, and he deserves all the prize."
Wenger: Alexis isn't fat, he's serious and committed
Arsene Wenger has dismissed claims that Alexis Sanchez has returned to Arsenal overweight and insists he is fully committed to the Gunners despite his failed move to Manchester City.
Towards the end of a transfer window full of speculation, the Chile star came close to a move to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side agreed a £60 million fee with Arsenal, but the north London club's inability to sign Thomas Lemar from Monaco put an end to the deal .
Alexis, now in the final year of his contract, was understood to be furious with Arsenal after the deal collapsed on the final day of the window, and Guardiola has suggested City will return for him in January .
After an extended summer break, the ex-Barcelona star has featured just twice for the Emirates Stadium side this season - starting their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool and a 15-minute cameo against Bournemouth on Saturday between World Cup qualifying appearances for Chile.And, while Wenger admits his star attacker was not ready to start in Saturday's win over Bournemouth, he denies claims the attacker is out of shape.
"He is disciplined, serious and committed," Wenger said. "He is focused. He told me he is focused on the Premier League and Europa League."On top of that Chile had a bad experience, but he came back full of desire and was ready to play.
"He is not fat. His fat percentage is under ten, so that’s not fat, but you know how it is when you don’t win, people find every problem for you."He was not completely physically ready to start three games in a week and certainly for Chile he was not completely ready as well."
Arsenal begin their Europa League campaign against Cologne this week, but the Frenchman is unsure if Sanchez will start.
"It’s a new experience for us," Wenger said."We will take it seriously, but as I said, the priority is to focus on the Premier League and as well to manage to combine the two until December and at least qualify."
Arsene Wenger has dismissed claims that Alexis Sanchez has returned to Arsenal overweight and insists he is fully committed to the Gunners despite his failed move to Manchester City.
Towards the end of a transfer window full of speculation, the Chile star came close to a move to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side agreed a £60 million fee with Arsenal, but the north London club's inability to sign Thomas Lemar from Monaco put an end to the deal .
Alexis, now in the final year of his contract, was understood to be furious with Arsenal after the deal collapsed on the final day of the window, and Guardiola has suggested City will return for him in January .
After an extended summer break, the ex-Barcelona star has featured just twice for the Emirates Stadium side this season - starting their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool and a 15-minute cameo against Bournemouth on Saturday between World Cup qualifying appearances for Chile.And, while Wenger admits his star attacker was not ready to start in Saturday's win over Bournemouth, he denies claims the attacker is out of shape.
"He is disciplined, serious and committed," Wenger said. "He is focused. He told me he is focused on the Premier League and Europa League."On top of that Chile had a bad experience, but he came back full of desire and was ready to play.
"He is not fat. His fat percentage is under ten, so that’s not fat, but you know how it is when you don’t win, people find every problem for you."He was not completely physically ready to start three games in a week and certainly for Chile he was not completely ready as well."
Arsenal begin their Europa League campaign against Cologne this week, but the Frenchman is unsure if Sanchez will start.
"It’s a new experience for us," Wenger said."We will take it seriously, but as I said, the priority is to focus on the Premier League and as well to manage to combine the two until December and at least qualify."
Thiago Silva: PSG have already forgotten Barcelona humiliation
Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva insists his team have already forgotten about their incredible Champions League loss to Barcelona last season.
Unai Emery's men were stunningly eliminated in the last 16 after suffering a 6-1 loss in the second leg against Barca, having carried a 4-0 lead to Camp Nou.But Silva said PSG had already put that defeat behind them as they prepare for a Group B meeting with Celtic on Tuesday.
"We already forgot about Barcelona. It's now another Champions League, something different," the Brazil defender said."We are ready to start it well. We all know that this competition is special. We are highly motivated to start it well.
"We want to try to play well [against Celtic] and to have control of the game. We want to get the three points but we are respecting them a lot.
"They are used to playing in the Champions League."
PSG have strengthened since their Barca loss, adding Neymar in a world-record move from the La Liga giants and Kylian Mbappe, initially on loan from Monaco.
Silva talked up the experience of Neymar and full-back Dani Alves, who have both won the Champions League.
"Neymar and Dani will bring a lot of positivity and experience," he said."They already won the Champions League, with [Angel] Di Maria. Other players won important trophies as well like [Julian] Draxler and [Kevin] Trapp also."We are highly motivated. We want to start already. The preparation was great. The motivation is here in order to try to go as far as possible."
Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva insists his team have already forgotten about their incredible Champions League loss to Barcelona last season.
Unai Emery's men were stunningly eliminated in the last 16 after suffering a 6-1 loss in the second leg against Barca, having carried a 4-0 lead to Camp Nou.But Silva said PSG had already put that defeat behind them as they prepare for a Group B meeting with Celtic on Tuesday.
"We already forgot about Barcelona. It's now another Champions League, something different," the Brazil defender said."We are ready to start it well. We all know that this competition is special. We are highly motivated to start it well.
"We want to try to play well [against Celtic] and to have control of the game. We want to get the three points but we are respecting them a lot.
"They are used to playing in the Champions League."
PSG have strengthened since their Barca loss, adding Neymar in a world-record move from the La Liga giants and Kylian Mbappe, initially on loan from Monaco.
Silva talked up the experience of Neymar and full-back Dani Alves, who have both won the Champions League.
"Neymar and Dani will bring a lot of positivity and experience," he said."They already won the Champions League, with [Angel] Di Maria. Other players won important trophies as well like [Julian] Draxler and [Kevin] Trapp also."We are highly motivated. We want to start already. The preparation was great. The motivation is here in order to try to go as far as possible."
Mourinho: 'I feel weaker without Fellaini'
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has claimed that he "feels weaker" without the presence of Marouane Fellainiin his first-team squad.
Fellaini has endured a mixed time at Old Trafford since signing from Everton in 2013, but the 29-year-old has emerged as a trusted member of the senior setup in the North-West.
Fellaini was absent from the 2-2 draw with Stoke City on Saturday and remains a doubt for the Champions League opener with Basel due to a calf injury, but Mourinho has suggested that the versatile Belgian will be involved if passed fit by the medical team.The 54-year-old told reporters: "He's an important player for me - a lot more important than you can imagine.
"I feel weaker without Fellaini in my squad, doesn't matter if it's on the pitch or on the bench. If his conditions are improved, he will be selected, I need him."Mourinho also confirmed that his central defensive pair will be Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof, who is yet to start a competitive game for United.
“Even if [Eric] Bailly and [Phil] Jones were not suspended, probably I would still play Lindelof and Smalling tomorrow. They are at the same level, they are just different players.“There are reasons for the other boys to be worried because Victor is a very good player.”
Fellaini has netted once from four substitute outings in all competitions this season.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has claimed that he "feels weaker" without the presence of Marouane Fellainiin his first-team squad.
Fellaini has endured a mixed time at Old Trafford since signing from Everton in 2013, but the 29-year-old has emerged as a trusted member of the senior setup in the North-West.
Fellaini was absent from the 2-2 draw with Stoke City on Saturday and remains a doubt for the Champions League opener with Basel due to a calf injury, but Mourinho has suggested that the versatile Belgian will be involved if passed fit by the medical team.The 54-year-old told reporters: "He's an important player for me - a lot more important than you can imagine.
"I feel weaker without Fellaini in my squad, doesn't matter if it's on the pitch or on the bench. If his conditions are improved, he will be selected, I need him."Mourinho also confirmed that his central defensive pair will be Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof, who is yet to start a competitive game for United.
“Even if [Eric] Bailly and [Phil] Jones were not suspended, probably I would still play Lindelof and Smalling tomorrow. They are at the same level, they are just different players.“There are reasons for the other boys to be worried because Victor is a very good player.”
Fellaini has netted once from four substitute outings in all competitions this season.
Dybala won't rule out Messi link-up but remains committed to Juventus
Paulo Dybala has refused to rule out joining Lionel Messi at Barcelona but insists he is happy at Juventus.
The Argentina international was linked with a move to Camp Nou during the transfer window following Neymar's world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, who has scored seven goals in four appearances in a blistering start to the season.
When asked if he could become Messi's team-mate in future, Dybala told a news conference: "He's already my team-mate for Argentina but I'm really good at Juventus, although I don't know what's going to happen in the future. I'm very happy to wear an important shirt like the number 10."Nobody said anything to me [about a Barca bid]. The club never came to me to say there was an offer on the table.
"The only thing the club said to me is that they want me to be part of this project for a long time, and I'm happy about that. As long as the club and the president [Andrea Agnelli] want me at Juve, that's where I'll be."
Dybala has been tipped by head coach Massimiliano Allegri as the player most likely to reach the level of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the coming years.The forward is flattered by the comparisons and is determined to reach those heights.
"What the boss said is nice but they will still be playing for many years," he said. "I will try to get to that level as soon as possible. "I just think about working hard and improving all the time. I have great team-mates who help me a lot."
Dybala scored twice against Barca last season as Juve triumphed 3-0 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Serie A champions, who lost 4-1 to Madrid in the final in Cardiff, begin this term's group stage with a visit to Camp Nou on Tuesday.
Dybala thinks the loss of Neymar could be damaging to Barca, despite them having signed Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund, but he believes it will be tough to get a positive result."It won't be easy to repeat what we did last year at a stadium like this," he said. "We know we'll have our opportunities and we have to be careful to exploit them well.
"They've lost a lot but they're a team who must be respected. They were very good in replacing Neymar."
Paulo Dybala has refused to rule out joining Lionel Messi at Barcelona but insists he is happy at Juventus.
The Argentina international was linked with a move to Camp Nou during the transfer window following Neymar's world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, who has scored seven goals in four appearances in a blistering start to the season.
When asked if he could become Messi's team-mate in future, Dybala told a news conference: "He's already my team-mate for Argentina but I'm really good at Juventus, although I don't know what's going to happen in the future. I'm very happy to wear an important shirt like the number 10."Nobody said anything to me [about a Barca bid]. The club never came to me to say there was an offer on the table.
"The only thing the club said to me is that they want me to be part of this project for a long time, and I'm happy about that. As long as the club and the president [Andrea Agnelli] want me at Juve, that's where I'll be."
Dybala has been tipped by head coach Massimiliano Allegri as the player most likely to reach the level of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the coming years.The forward is flattered by the comparisons and is determined to reach those heights.
"What the boss said is nice but they will still be playing for many years," he said. "I will try to get to that level as soon as possible. "I just think about working hard and improving all the time. I have great team-mates who help me a lot."
Dybala scored twice against Barca last season as Juve triumphed 3-0 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Serie A champions, who lost 4-1 to Madrid in the final in Cardiff, begin this term's group stage with a visit to Camp Nou on Tuesday.
Dybala thinks the loss of Neymar could be damaging to Barca, despite them having signed Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund, but he believes it will be tough to get a positive result."It won't be easy to repeat what we did last year at a stadium like this," he said. "We know we'll have our opportunities and we have to be careful to exploit them well.
"They've lost a lot but they're a team who must be respected. They were very good in replacing Neymar."
Drogba impressed by Morata's superb Chelsea start
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba believes Alvaro Morata has already begun to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge.
The Spain international, signed from Real Madrid for a reported club-record fee of £60million in July, has registered three goals and two assists in his first four appearances in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old opened the scoring in the 2-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday, a result that lifted Chelsea to within a point of leaders Manchester United, and is in line to make his first outing for the club in the Champions League against Qarabag on Tuesday.
Drogba, who scored 164 goals during a glittering career with Chelsea and currently plays at American second-ter side Phoenix Rising FC, has been hugely impressed by Morata's start to life in London."He is scoring goals that are winning games so I am really happy for him and for the club as well," Drogba told Sky Sports News.
"It is very important to score. As a striker, when you start with a new team, people have high expectations."When you match those expectations, you are just happy and the goals continue to come."I hope he will have a great season because we need that."
N'Golo Kante struck what proved to be the winner against his former club, prompting head coach Antonio Conte to hail his form as evidence that he is the top flight's best player.
"He doesn't score much but when he does everyone is happy for him because he is working a lot for the team and giving everything," Drogba said of the midfielder."I was proud that he scored his goal. It was a very difficult game. It is always difficult to play at Leicester so I am happy with the result."
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba believes Alvaro Morata has already begun to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge.
The Spain international, signed from Real Madrid for a reported club-record fee of £60million in July, has registered three goals and two assists in his first four appearances in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old opened the scoring in the 2-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday, a result that lifted Chelsea to within a point of leaders Manchester United, and is in line to make his first outing for the club in the Champions League against Qarabag on Tuesday.
Drogba, who scored 164 goals during a glittering career with Chelsea and currently plays at American second-ter side Phoenix Rising FC, has been hugely impressed by Morata's start to life in London."He is scoring goals that are winning games so I am really happy for him and for the club as well," Drogba told Sky Sports News.
"It is very important to score. As a striker, when you start with a new team, people have high expectations."When you match those expectations, you are just happy and the goals continue to come."I hope he will have a great season because we need that."
N'Golo Kante struck what proved to be the winner against his former club, prompting head coach Antonio Conte to hail his form as evidence that he is the top flight's best player.
"He doesn't score much but when he does everyone is happy for him because he is working a lot for the team and giving everything," Drogba said of the midfielder."I was proud that he scored his goal. It was a very difficult game. It is always difficult to play at Leicester so I am happy with the result."
Muller: I considered leaving Bayern for Man Utd
Thomas Muller has revealed he thought about leaving Bayern Munich when Manchester United made an offer for him.The Red Devils have been linked with the Germany star for years and Bayern executive vice-chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen confirmed earlier this year that a €100 million offer came from Old Trafford.
While Dreesen insisted the club did not even discuss the potential sale of the attacker, Muller himself has admitted that he thought about leaving.
"There was a point, two years ago, when this was an issue, when I thought about it," he told Kicker. "But the club immediately supported me and they told me, I belonged here."When Bayern told me they needed me and how I am an important player, I did not have to think that much anymore."
The 27-year-old was criticised last season for poor performances in Carlo Ancelotti's first season in charge, scoring nine goals in 42 games in all competitions.There has been speculation he could look for a move away, but Muller does not expect to leave Bayern any time soon.
"I don't have the feeling something will happen," he added. "I feel very comfortable here. My advantage is that I played my whole career in Munich."In contrast to other top clubs in Europe, this club is naturally grown and has a special mentality with reasonable values."Muller, who came through Bayern's youth system, has made 400 appearances for the first team and is contracted to the club until 2021.
Thomas Muller has revealed he thought about leaving Bayern Munich when Manchester United made an offer for him.The Red Devils have been linked with the Germany star for years and Bayern executive vice-chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen confirmed earlier this year that a €100 million offer came from Old Trafford.
While Dreesen insisted the club did not even discuss the potential sale of the attacker, Muller himself has admitted that he thought about leaving.
"There was a point, two years ago, when this was an issue, when I thought about it," he told Kicker. "But the club immediately supported me and they told me, I belonged here."When Bayern told me they needed me and how I am an important player, I did not have to think that much anymore."
The 27-year-old was criticised last season for poor performances in Carlo Ancelotti's first season in charge, scoring nine goals in 42 games in all competitions.There has been speculation he could look for a move away, but Muller does not expect to leave Bayern any time soon.
"I don't have the feeling something will happen," he added. "I feel very comfortable here. My advantage is that I played my whole career in Munich."In contrast to other top clubs in Europe, this club is naturally grown and has a special mentality with reasonable values."Muller, who came through Bayern's youth system, has made 400 appearances for the first team and is contracted to the club until 2021.
I want to play football again – former Arsenal star Abou Diaby
Former Arsenal and Marseille midfielder Abou Diaby has set his sights upon playing competitive football again, but admits that he has thought of hanging up his boots.Diaby was once one of the great hopes of French football, yet his career has been marked by incredible injury issues over the years.
The 31-year-old has managed to play just 139 league matches in a career that began with Auxerre in 2004, while he featured just five times in Ligue 1 for OM over a two-year period.
“Retiring? I’ve thought about it, but my conclusion is that I want to work, to rehabilitate myself and to play football again,” he told Canal Football Club.
“I’m going to start my preparation work, I’ve got three or four months in front of me and I’m going to work to my core to get my body back to the level it should be.”Diaby was released by Marseille in the summer as his contract ended and, given that he managed to play only a handful of times for the Stade Velodrome side, he found that logical.
“I came back from injury at the end of the season but it was too late, it was to be expected that our adventure together would not be continued,” he said.
Former Arsenal and Marseille midfielder Abou Diaby has set his sights upon playing competitive football again, but admits that he has thought of hanging up his boots.Diaby was once one of the great hopes of French football, yet his career has been marked by incredible injury issues over the years.
The 31-year-old has managed to play just 139 league matches in a career that began with Auxerre in 2004, while he featured just five times in Ligue 1 for OM over a two-year period.
“Retiring? I’ve thought about it, but my conclusion is that I want to work, to rehabilitate myself and to play football again,” he told Canal Football Club.
“I’m going to start my preparation work, I’ve got three or four months in front of me and I’m going to work to my core to get my body back to the level it should be.”Diaby was released by Marseille in the summer as his contract ended and, given that he managed to play only a handful of times for the Stade Velodrome side, he found that logical.
“I came back from injury at the end of the season but it was too late, it was to be expected that our adventure together would not be continued,” he said.
UEFA Champions League Group Stages Opening Day Fixtures 2017.09.12
UEFA Champions League Group Stages Opening Day Fixtures 2017.09.12
Barcelona Vs Juventus
Bayern Vs Anderlecht
Benfica Vs CSKA
Celtic Vs PSG
Chelsea Vs Qarabag
Manchester United Vs Basel
Olympiakos Vs Sporting Lisbon
Roma Vs Atletico Madrid
