..::Football IV::..

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Usain Bolt: I've signed for a football team


Athletics great Usain Bolt claims he has signed for a football team and will announce the club in question on Tuesday.Bolt, who brought his glittering sprint career to an end following the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London, has frequently talked up his footballing prowess and revealed last month he was set for a trial with Borussia Dortmund in March .

The 31-year-old Jamaican has also repeatedly expressed an interest in turning out for Premier League giants Manchester United, the club he supports, while he also recently offered his services to David Beckham's new Major League Soccer franchise, Futbol Miami.On Sunday, Bolt announced on Twitter that an update was on the way regarding his bid to carve out a footballing career.

"I've signed for a football team," wrote the winner of eight Olympic gold medals."Find out which one this Tuesday at 8am GMT."Bolt has previously talked up his footballing talents, claiming that he could become as good as Wayne Rooney if he put some work in. According to his agent, he has had 12 different teams chase him for a trial .

 

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'In the big moments he is there' - Villas-Boas tips 'amazing' Ronaldo to keep shining


Andre Villas-Boas has warned Paris Saint-Germain that Cristiano Ronaldo could make the difference for Real Madrid when the two sides meet in the Champions League.

PSG led in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu through Adrien Rabiot's goal, but Ronaldo struck a brace before Marcelo wrapped up a 3-1 first leg victory for Madrid to give Zinedine Zidane's men a two-goal lead to take to the French capital.

Ronaldo has returned to form in spectacular fashion in 2018, scoring 12 goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions, and Villas-Boas believes the Portugal superstar is returning to his best form.

"For his age [33], what he has achieved and what he continues to achieve, it's amazing," Villas-Boas added."I think not only this moment but also Real Madrid have changed recently, particularly after that first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, they're really picking up results and they look solid and strong now.

"As a consequence, Ronaldo is a bit more confident and looking forward to the second leg. I think he can become influential again. In the big moments he is there, he is there for the team and I expect him to be back at this level, for sure."Neymar is an injury doubt for the March 6 return match after the Brazilian sustained an injury to his right ankle during a Ligue 1 win over PSG's rivals Marseille on Sunday, although coach Unai Emery is optimistic the world's most expensive player will be passed fit.

Regardless of whether Neymar is able to play, former Chelsea, Tottenham and Zenit coach Villas-Boas thinks the pace of Madrid on the break will make it hard for PSG to overturn a two-goal deficit.

"The difficult thing is to live with the strength of Real Madrid in the counter-attack, which is where they can create a lot of damage," Villas-Boas told Omnisport."Paris Saint-Germain will try to look for goals, on the counter is the strongest part of Real Madrid so it's really a tricky one. If it was only a one-goal advantage it would be a bit easier but with two goals it can be quite tricky.

"The pressure that Real Madrid would have to withstand if Paris Saint-Germain score can be quite high. Let's see what happens but Real Madrid look very, very strong on the counter-attack so they can create damage as well."

Villas-Boas was speaking as part of the Laureus Sport for Good project that aims to combat social challenges facing children and young people."They have more than 100 projects running around the world. For sportsmen it's important to give them a hand so I've been an ambassador since 2011, with great honour," Villas-Boas said.

"I can't praise enough the work they do in social projects, particularly because they are through sports. With sports you learn courage, responsibility, you become healthy and for kids involved in crime, gang violence and social exclusion, it's important to bring them in and teach them values."I value a lot the work that they do, hopefully with my contribution we can take their name higher and with the media exposure, we need a lot of you guys so their name can go higher and higher.

"Yeah, just having fun with the kids. The kids were shivering, you don't expect snow here. It was great fun, spent a little bit of time with them, get to know them and promote a little bit Play International as the new collaboration with Laureus."

 

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Carrasco not giving up on World Cup dream after CSL switch


Yannick Carrasco is still confident of featuring at the upcoming World Cup in Russia, despite leaving Atletico Madrid for the Chinese Super League.

Carrasco and Nicolas Gaitan swapped La Liga's Atletico for CSL side Dalian Yifang for a combined fee reportedly worth €48 million.The pair join former West Ham defender Jose Fonte at the China League One champions.

And 24-year-old Belgium international Carrasco is still dreaming of the World Cup following his move to China, where countryman Axel Witsel, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Javier Mascherano, Hulk, Oscar, Ramires, Renato Augusto, Alexandre Pato, Anthony Modeste and Graziano Pelle all play."My distance from the European continent does not mean that my ambition to participate in the World Cup is reduced," he said.

"I will make the necessary efforts to show the coach of the Belgian team that I am ready to participate in the World Cup in Russia this summer." Carrasco made 17 La Liga appearances for Atletico this season, scoring three goals for Diego Simeone's men."The Chinese championship is booming, the working conditions are excellent, the new infrastructures are modern and they are available for both players and fans," Carrasco said. "The level of play improves every season.

"I am very happy and eager to join my new teammates at Dalian Yifang in the coming days. The project and offer of the club are a great sign of confidence and respect, and represent an opportunity to develop my qualities and my future."

"Along with Hulk, Lavezzi, [Fabio] Capello and, of course, my friend Witsel, I will contribute to the development of football in a country that is passionate about football," he continued.

"Beyond football, which remains my priority, this country also offers me the opportunity to develop personally and also on professional projects that are important to me."Dalian Yifang announced the signings of Carrasco and Gaitan on Tuesday in a statement which read: "As a Belgium international winger, Carrasco is noted for his ability to use both feet, his speed, and his mesmerising dribbling.

"Moreover, Carrasco has attracted interest from European powerhouse such as Barcelona and Chelsea. And Gaitan is a highly technical Argentina international known for his brilliant left foot and vision on the field. He is also a magnificent free-kick taker."

 

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Carrasco not giving up on World Cup dream after CSL switch

Aparade CSL join wechcha ekanam​

 

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Neymar ruled out of Real Madrid clash after metatarsal fracture confirmed


Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar faces a month on the sidelines with a foot and ankle injury, all but ruling him out of his side's Champions League test against Real Madrid.

The Brazilian was a late casualty in Sunday's Ligue 1 clash with Marseille, in which the French leaders ran out 3-0 winners. Neymar was left in tears after tangling with Marseille's Bouna Sarr, with all signs pointing toward a damaged ankle.

While preliminary tests ruled out a fracture or serious sprain in the joint on Sunday evening, subsequent examinations revealed he has fractured a metatarsal bone in his foot.

"Complementary examinations performed today (ultrasound and CT) confirmed an external sprain of the right ankle but also the associated existence of a fracture in the fifth metatarsal," a statement released by PSG on Monday confirmed.

PSG did not provide a timeline for Neymar's return, but the injury typically requires a minimum of one month on the sidelines — essentially confirming he will not be able to take part in PSG's bid for Champions League revenge against the Blancos. Unai Emery's men trail 3-1 from the first leg of their last 16 clash, despite taking the lead at the Santiago Bernabeu through Adrien Rabiot's early goal.

And the news that their Brazilian talisman is missing comes as a massive blow as they seek to make the quarter-finals in a game scheduled for March 6 at Parc des Princes.

On Sunday, Emery had voiced his hopes that the world's most expensive player would make it back in time for the blockbuster clash. "The first exams reveal a twist," Emery said. "We're going to do some extra medical tests."We're optimistic. For his participation in the match against Real, if I had to say yes or no, I would say yes."

Speaking to reporters after the game, meanwhile, Sarr denied intending to hurt Neymar."I saw only one thing is that I played the ball," Sarr said."I didn't go at all with the intention of doing it. This is not my type of game at all. Apparently he twisted his ankle. It's unfortunate for him, but it's a game fact like any other."

Neymar posted an injury update to his Instagram story early on Monday, displaying his heavily strapped ankle to his 90 million followers.In addition to Neymar's injury, PSG confirmed centre-back Marquinhos suffered a thigh injury against Marseille.

 

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Borussia Dortmund 1 Augsburg 1: Danso ends Stoger's winning run

Kevin Danso's equaliser prevented Borussia Dortmund from continuing their revival with a fourth consecutive Bundesliga win, Augsburg claiming a 1-1 draw at Signal Iduna Park on Monday.Peter Stoger is yet to taste defeat in nine games since being appointed as the replacement for Peter Bosz in mid-December, but the coach will feel his side should have won this game.

A fine team move saw Dortmund take an early lead, Marco Reus on target for the second Bundesliga match in a row, the Germany international tucking home a close-range rebound.Augsburg had chances to take a draw from a quiet, sparsely-populated Signal Iduna Park, with Dortmund fans protesting against their first Monday match in 28 years.

And in the closing stages Augsburg earned a hard-fought point, Danso thumping in after Roman Burki parried his header to snatch a result for his side.Dortmund sit a point clear of third-placed Schalke, but with a massive 19 points to make up on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich there is little hope of BVB reviving a long-over title race.


Although Augsburg are yet to win away in 2018 they started on top, Michael Gregoritsch recording the first shot on target, although Burki made a comfortable save.But after 15 minutes Dortmund were in front, scoring from their first meaningful attack.

Reus won the ball in his own half, launching a rapid break through Julian Weigl, and with Martin Hinteregger only able to block Andre Schurrle's low cross Reus was on hand to lift a clever finish over the prone defender and into the roof of the net.

Gregoritsch cleared the crossbar with a free-kick and Raphael Framberger fired at Burki after 25 minutes as Augsburg hunted a leveller.Jonathan Schmid tested the BVB goalkeeper with another set-piece shortly before half-time, Burki unconvincingly getting down to his right to turn the dipping effort around the post.

Augsburg continued to threaten after the interval, Schmid and Hinteregger both missing the target with decent headed chances.Dortmund substitute Mahmoud Dahoud fired off-target moments after his introduction and Schurrle almost made the points safe, his 18-yard drive fading wide with Marwin Hitz beaten.

Augsburg had scored in eight successive games against Dortmund and the visitors scored a deserved equaliser after 72 minutes.Danso lost marker Sokratis Papastathopoulos and, although Burki saved his header from a right-wing Schmid corner, the defender smashed in the rebound to set up a grandstand finish.

But when the best chance to win the game fell to Dortmund, Michy Batshuayi hammered a shot over the crossbar after taking the ball away from captain Marcel Schmelzer.

 

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Coman out for 'several weeks' after ankle surgery


Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman is expected to miss the rest of the season after surgery on his ankle.

The 21-year-old was hurt in a collision with Mathew Leckie during the Bundesliga leaders' 0-0 draw with Hertha Berlin on Saturday.Head coach Jupp Heynckes said afterwards Coman had avoided ligament damage and hoped the problem would not prove to be serious.

However, the club confirmed on Monday the France international has had to have an operation that could cause him to sit out the rest of 2017-18.It also leaves his participation at the World Cup in Russia in serious doubt."French international Kingsley Coman suffered a rupture of the syndesmosis ligament above the left ankle during Saturday's 0-0 draw against Hertha Berlin," Bayern said in a brief statement.

"This resulted in a follow-up on the following day. Already this Monday, Coman was in Tubingen, where Dr Ulrich Stockle operated successfully."The 21-year-old will be out for several weeks."Coman has made 32 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring seven goals.

 

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Bayern yet to decide on permanent deal for evolving James - Rummenigge


James Rodriguez's long-term future at Bayern Munich will not be decided in 2018, according to chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.Reports have indicated James' parent club Real Madrid could seek to send the Colombia international to Bayern on a permanent deal at the end of the season as part of a transfer involving Robert Lewandowski.

Bayern have a €42 million purchase option on James but the Bundesliga leaders are not in a hurry to secure the 26-year-old, while Lewandowski prompted speculation about his future this month by hiring Pini Zahavi as his new agent.

"It was Carlo Ancelotti's idea to sign [James] and I think that was a very good idea," Rummenigge told Bayern TV. "He has developed very well, particularly under Jupp Heynckes. "He has become a very important player for us. He is technically strong with a wonderful shot and a great free-kick like we saw recently in Leverkusen. We're benefiting from his way of playing because he's evolved into a playmaker.

"He's on loan with Bayern for two years and then we have the option to buy him out of his contract for €42m, if I'm not mistaken. Of course, that's still a lot of money, even if we all saw some really crazy figures during the last transfer window.

"We will wait and see what happens and decide what to do. However, that won't happen in 2018 because we have plenty of time to decide and the purchasing option won't expire."

Although Bayern are 19 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, with 10 rounds of matches still to play, Rummenigge said nothing is being taken for granted in the club's hunt for a sixth straight league title."We'll only celebrate when it's mathematically certain. We can wait," said Bayern's CEO.

"It's not the first time and it's all to do with experience. And also, Jupp Heynckes won't tolerate any nonsense."

 

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Juventus 1 Atalanta 0 (2-0 agg): Pjanic sends Juve into Coppa Italia final

Juventus stayed in contention for a fourth consecutive domestic double as Miralem Pjanic's second-half penalty sealed a 1-0 win over Atalanta, closing out a 2-0 aggregate triumph in the Coppa Italia semi-final.

It was far from plain sailing for Massimiliano Allegri's men, with Atalanta the better side early on before Alejandro Gomez struck the post, almost capitalising upon an uncharacteristic lapse from Gianluigi Buffon.

Gomez failed to convert a spot-kick in the initial encounter and saw an impressive display go unrewarded on this occasion.Pjanic was booked in first-half stoppage time for diving in the area but, when a more clear foul was committed by Gianluca Mancini on Blaise Matuidi, he made no mistake.

Allegri will acknowledge this was not a display to live long in the memory but, with an absorbing title tussle between Napoli and Juve poised to go to the wire, his men took another step towards their latest piece of history.


Atalanta fell behind to a Gonzalo Higuain goal within three minutes in the first leg but made an enterprising start at the Allianz Stadium – three days on from heavy snowfall causing the sides' Serie A meeting to be postponed. Keen to make up from his first leg penalty miss, Gomez led the Atalanta charge and sent a dipping shot on to the roof of the veteran goalkeeper's net.

The Atalanta captain's playmaking skills were to the fore early on and he began a 13th-minute move before darting into the box and prodding Josip Ilicic's cross too close to Buffon.Matuidi almost got on the end of Pjanic's dangerous free-kick, seemingly doing enough to rouse a lacklustre Juve start as Allegri's men started to pin Atalanta back.

Etrit Berisha stood firm 10 minutes before half-time to deny Mario Mandzukic – starting at centre-forward in Higuain's continued ankle-injury absence - and the visiting goalkeeper shovelled Douglas Costa's curling shot to safety, having been partially unsighted.

Experienced midfielder Claudio Marchisio was the next Juve player to test Berisha early in the second period.A steady stream of pressure from the Serie A champions appeared set to take the tie away from Atalanta but they almost levelled the aggregate score in remarkable circumstances after 64 minutes.

Gomez ran on to the ball 35 yards from goal and found Buffon inexplicably way out of his ground, lifting a shot beyond the stranded 40-yard-old that came back off the post.Atalanta's skipper then drilled a rasping effort over from the edge of the box before it was Costa's turn to rattle the bar from similar range at the other end, with a sweetly struck left-footed attempt.

Juventus finally had their breathing space 15 minutes from time after Mancini needlessly pulled Matuidi to ground inside the box and Pjanic succeeded where Gomez failed from 12 yards.

 

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Arsenal announce £25m pre-tax profit and target 'strong finish' to tough season


Arsenal have announced a pre-tax profit of £25.1 million in their latest financial results.

For the six months to the end of November 2017, Arsenal's profits climbed from £12.6m, with the Premier League club's cash reserves standing at £137.6m.
After tax, profits stood at £20.4m - up from £10.3m - for the six-month period.

The rise in profits came despite Arsenal's football turnover falling to £167.7m from £191.1m due to last season's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Arsenal's financial results do not take into account the January club-record signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but they do include the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.Arsene Wenger's men are struggling on the pitch, sitting sixth in the Premier League table and suffering a 3-0 humbling to Manchester City in Sunday's EFL Cup final.

Arsenal also suffered a shock home loss to Swedish side Ostersunds in the Europa League last week, although the Gunners progressed to the last-16 by virtue of a 3-0 first-leg victory.Chairman Chips Keswick said in a statement that Arsenal's board shares the "acute disappointment" of fans following the EFL Cup final defeat to City.

"This has not been the easiest of campaigns but we are all working hard to ensure we have a strong finish," Keswick said. "Breaking our transfer record twice in one season and the player contracts we have signed shows our commitment to getting the club back competing for the Premier League."However, our strategy remains self-financing and we must accept all the challenges that brings at a time when the inflation of transfer fees, player wages and the fees demanded by agents has become super-heated.

"We need to spend effectively and be the best we can across the whole of our football operations if we are to compete at the level our ambitions for the club demand.

"This has been an inconsistent season but as we enter its final stages let's not forget we still have plenty to play for with the Europa League and an outside chance of a top-four finish in the Premier League."Arsenal face City again in the Premier League on Thursday, with Wenger's men 10 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and a further 17 back from Pep Guardiola's runaway leaders.

Despite reports Arsenal are considering replacing Wenger with Germany coach Joachim Low or Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers at the end of the season, the Frenchman said on Wednesday he is "amazed" he has to answer questions about his future.

 

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Pep: Premier League most important trophy for Man City


Pep Guardiola insists his Manchester City players will have no problem re-focusing on the Premier League – the most important title of the season, according to the former Barcelona boss.City face Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Thursday, four days on from easing past Arsene Wenger's men 3-0 at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup.

A 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League and 4-0 advantage over Basel in their Champions League last-16 tie means City have the prospect of claiming two more substantial pieces of silverware before the end of the season.

Guardiola twice won the Champions League while in charge of Barca but three league titles apiece across his spells at Camp Nou and in Germany with Bayern Munich hold a greater significance for the coach."We are fighting for the most important title of the season, by far, the Premier League," he told a pre-match news conference."More than the Champions League, more than the FA Cup, more than the EFL Cup.

"In football and sport you always forget what you have done, good or bad, and think about the next one."City's substantial buffer ahead of Manchester United at the summit is particularly welcome in Guardiola's eyes, as he prepares for a run of games including Sunday's visit of Chelsea, and trips to Everton and Tottenham either side of the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on April 7.

"There is enough argument to remain focused because our next six fixtures are terrible in terms of the quality of the opponents.

"We have four games away. Of course, we are in a good position but it is not already done."And when you think about [playing] Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, United and a team like Stoke City, who are fighting against relegation..."Goodison Park is always statistically a tough game. We have a lot of tough games to play and have to remain focused."

Six wins from City's remaining 11 Premier League games will secure the title – an honour that cannot be earned with strokes of luck, as Guardiola conceded was the case during the earlier rounds of the EFL Cup.

"The Premier League shows how good you are during 11 months," he added. "Of all the titles I won over my career with my staff, always the league is the most difficult. It shows a lot."We won the EFL but with two penalty shootouts because of Claudio [Bravo]'s saves. You can go out doing the same. That is [the toss of] one coin – sometimes good, sometimes bad.

"But the league is not. The league is consistency and the players know that. The players know exactly how important the league is for our future. We know how tough it will be until the end of the season."

 

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Conte, Mancini and Di Biagio on Italy shortlist


Italy's next head coach will be Luigi Di Biagio, Antonio Conte or Roberto Mancini, according to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) vice-commissioner Alessandro Costacurta.Gian Piero Ventura was sacked as Azzurri boss following November's play-off defeat to Sweden, a loss that saw the four-time world champions miss out on World Cup qualification for the first time in 60 years.

Former Roma and Inter midfielder Di Biagio will step up from his role as Italy's Under-21 coach to take charge of the senior side on a caretaker basis in next month's friendly matches against Argentina and England.

Di Biagio is apparently firmly in the running for the full-time post, along with ex-Manchester City and current Zenit boss Mancini, but Costacurta once again naming Conte among his chosen candidates will again raise eyebrows.

On Tuesday, he suggested the Chelsea head coach was his preferred choice to take the reins with Italy, having led them to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 before departing for Stamford Bridge and winning the Premier League last season.

Speaking at the FIGC's Coverciano headquarters, former AC Milan centre-back Costacurta told reporters: "We will appoint the new Italy coach by June. He won't be a name different by Di Biagio, Conte or Mancini."

Costacurta rowed back on the notion of Conte being his clear preference but insisted a top-class coach was required, offering a withering assessment of Italy's current crop of players.

"I never said I prefer Conte overall," he added. "I just said that, having already worked with the national team, he has the right parameters. He did well."Moreover, since there are no great talents at the moment, there is still a need for a very good coach."

 

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Van Gaal: I won't return to Bayern while Hoeness is there


Louis van Gaal insists he will not return to Bayern Munich as long as Uli Hoeness works at the club.

Van Gaal and Bayern's president routinely clashed throughout his two-year spell in the Bundesliga, a period that saw him win a domestic double of the league title and the DFB-Pokal in 2009-10.Hoeness and Van Gaal have traded public barbs since, with the Bayern supremo claiming in 2013 that the manager "believes he is God's father".

And the Dutchman has now rejected any suggestion that he could work under the 66-year-old again.
"As long as Uli Hoeness is in the club, I would not work there," he told Sport Bild .
Van Gaal has explained that he grew tired of Hoeness' interventions in team selection, and his favouritism towards certain players, with whom he had a "special relationship".

"Just like for [Franck] Ribéry, who always had to play according to Mr. Hoeness, which in my opinion is not good for the work of a trainer," he added.

 

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Wenger 'amazed' his Arsenal future is in question


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is not at all concerned about his position and is "amazed" at the focus on his future.The Gunners came in for heavy criticism for their performance in last Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

Wenger has a contract until the end of next season but reports in England suggest he could be replaced this year, with Germany boss Joachim Low among those linked with the role.

However, the 68-year-old insists he is only worried about Thursday's Premier League clash with Pep Guardiola's side, having spent much of his two decades at Arsenal dismissing speculation about his job."My position is my position. Honestly, that's the last worry I have at the moment.My focus is to get the team ready for the game," he told a news conference on Wednesday."I just told you what my way of thinking is; it's the next game. We're in that kind of situation. I don't ask you if your position is reviewed at the end of the season.

"My job is to perform. It's not for me to evaluate. If you need clarity, I can repeat exactly the same answer. Does it stop you sleeping that my position is uncertain or certain? The game on Thursday is what is important."I'm amazed I always have to answer things that are the same. I've been here 21 years and turned the whole world down to honour my contract."

Asked if he believes he has improved as a manager in recent years, Wenger continued: "How do you judge that? Only by results, or the quality of work? The problem for a manager is to take the best out of a team. How can you rate that?
"I try to be a better manager than I was five years ago and I put the effort in. You can say you don't agree and I understand that but the effort, the commitment, the hard work is behind it."

The defeat to City was the latest blow in what is developing into a difficult season for Arsenal, who exited the FA Cup at the hands of Nottingham Forest and survived a scare in the Europa League when they lost at home to Ostersunds in the second leg of the last 32.

But Wenger believes too much is made of the negative results and not of his side's stronger performances, such as the 2-1 aggregate win over Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final."When you do not get the result, it's part of our job to respond and focus on the next game. You analyse well, focus on the next one and respond in a united way," he said.

"We have to live with criticism; it's part of the modern game. People who comment, it's their job to comment. What is important is how we respond.

"You cite only the games we've lost but we've won many games as well. We were in the final. We had to fight very hard and knock out Chelsea over two games. It shows the team has quality and can fight. "You have to say as well, we played a team that dominates the Premier League."

 

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Espanyol 1 Real Madrid 0: Ronaldo omission backfires

Zinedine Zidane's decision to rest Cristiano Ronaldo backfired as Real Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 loss away at Espanyol on Tuesday.Gerard Moreno was the hero for the hosts, slamming home a half-volley deep into injury time, as Quique Sanchez Flores' side recorded their first victory over Madrid since 2007.

Ronaldo had scored eight goals in his last two trips to the RCDE Stadium but Zidane opted to leave the Portuguese forward at home, no doubt with next week's Champions League second leg against Paris Saint-Germain in mind.




Minus their top scorer, as well as the influential midfield trio of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, a much-changed Madrid struggled for fluency against opponents they have recently put to the sword.The Spanish champions saw their run of five wins in all competitions come to an unexpected end at a venue that has seen LaLiga's heavyweights struggle this season.

Having already held runaway leaders Barcelona, as well as inflicting Atletico Madrid's solitary league defeat so far in the campaign, Espanyol stunned their illustrious opponents with Moreno's dramatic winner.


All eyes were on Gareth Bale to provide the firepower for Madrid, yet he couldn't mark his landmark 116th LaLiga appearance - equalling David Beckham's record for a British player in the competition - by finding the net.

The Welshman had his team's best chance in the contest, sending a close-range header straight at Diego Lopez, who reacted quickly to palm the ball down before gratefully collecting the rebound, in the early stages.But the visitors failed to build on their positive start, turning in a below-par performance that leaves them in danger of losing third place to Valencia before the weekend.

They were fortunate not to fall behind in the first half when Raphael Varane's loose pass led to an opportunity for Moreno, only for Espanyol's top scorer to fluff his lines when clean through. His right-foot effort was judged to have missed the target completely, with the officials failing to see a clear deflection off goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

The forward did hit the target soon after, though, only for his effort to be chalked off. The decision looked tight, though the moment further energised an Espanyol side growing in belief.

Sergio Garcia tested Navas from a ridiculously tight angle early in the second half before Oscar Duarte's header from the resulting corner looped onto the top of the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.At the other end, Achraf Hakimi and Mateo Kovacic both saw ambitious long-range attempts held easily by Lopez as Madrid were forced to try their luck from distance.



Zidane threw on Karim Benzema and pushed Sergio Ramos forward in the hope of finding a breakthrough in the closing stages, yet the bold move only allowed Moreno to capitalise on the extra space in the Madrid defence to expertly convert Garcia's cross from the right.

 

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Brazil legend Ronaldinho: Any team in the world would make room for Harry Kane


Tottenham star Harry Kane could walk into any team in Europe, according to Brazil great Ronaldinho.Kane has enjoyed another prolific season at Spurs, scoring 35 goals in all competitions to mark the third campaign in four when he has netted at least 30.

The England international is linked to the likes of Real Madrid and Ronaldinho believes the 24-year-old is more than capable of playing for any of the world's biggest clubs.

"Harry Kane has been a great player for a while now – but there is no doubt this season he has hit a new level," he told the Mirror ."He is now at the level where any team in the world would want him. He could walk into any team in Europe.

"Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, it doesn't matter how strong the team. He is now one of those few players in the world that any team would have to make room for if they had the chance to sign him." Kane has won the past two Premier League Golden Boots and is on track to make it three this season.

While Spurs will want to keep Kane, Ronaldinho – a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year – said clubs had shown they would pay whatever was needed to sign the world's best."Over the last windows we have seen that the biggest clubs in Europe have paid whatever fees needed to sign the best players in the world," he said.

"For maybe four or five clubs, they are now at a stage where the fee is not important if they want the player, they pay what they have to."Tottenham sit fourth in the Premier League table but face a fight for a Champions League place next season, with Chelsea just two points back.

Spurs are still alive in Europe this term and head into their round of 16 second-leg clash with Juventus level after a 2-2 draw in Italy.

 

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Nasri banned for six months for anti-doping violation


Samir Nasri has been given a six-month ban from football by UEFA for violating anti-doping regulations.

The 30-year-old received a drip treatment at a Los Angeles clinic in 2016, which UEFA says contravened rules laid down by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).Nasri has been suspended following a meeting by UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body although he does have the right to appeal.




"The player Samir Nasri has been found guilty for using a prohibited method in accordance with sub-section M2, par. 2 of the WADA Prohibited List," UEFA said in a statement.

"In this context, the CEDB has decided to suspend Samir Nasri for six (6) months for violation of the World Anti-doping Code and the UEFA Anti-doping Regulations. "This decision was taken on February 22 and is open to appeal."

The former Manchester City star was pictured in a tweet posted by Drip Doctors in December 2016, in which they said he was being treated with "a concierge Immunity IV drip to keep him hydrated and in top health during his busy soccer season with Sevilla".Nasri, who was on loan at Sevilla from City at the time, asked that UEFA grant him a backdated therapeutic use exemption (TUE) that would have seen him escape any punishment for the treatment.

UEFA rejected his request, however, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the decision in December last year, after Nasri appealed.The midfielder is without a club, having terminated his contract with Antalyaspor by mutual consent on January 31.

 

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Usain Bolt to play at Old Trafford in 2018 Soccer Aid charity match


Usain Bolt has revealed which football team he has signed for after announcing he will play at Soccer Aid 2018 at Old Trafford.The fanatical Manchester United fan, and fastest man on the planet, will captain the 'Rest of the World' XI against Robbie Williams' 'England' side on Sunday, June 10.

Soccer Aid has previously featured such footballing luminaries as Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane and Peter Schmeichel, along with celebs such as Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson and James McAvoy.

“It is my dream to make it as a professional footballer, so to be able to step out onto the pitch at Old Trafford in June, and play against some of football’s biggest legends is going to be remarkable," he told United's official website.

"I enjoy the thrill of competition in front of a crowd, so Robbie and his England team better watch out as I won’t be going easy on them!"I’ve got a pretty special celebration planned for when I score, by the way.

"My team is going to be unbeatable – and Soccer Aid for Unicef is counting on your support to make a difference to thousands of children around the world.Come and join in the fun!”Bolt revealed on Sunday that he had signed for a football team and that he would be making the announcement on Tuesday.

There was a suggestion he would be joining Mamelodi Sundowns, who Bolt trained with in January, after the South African side responded to the Jamaican’s tweet.However, it has turned out that Bolt will be playing in the Soccer Aid charity match instead, which takes place four days before the World Cup starts in Russia.

Soccer Aid has raised over £20 million for UNICEF and the first match took place in 2006. England won the 2016 edition 3-2, with celebrity Mark Wright scoring once and former Three Lions striker Jermain Defoe netting twice.An eight-time Olympic gold-medallist, Bolt set new records for the 100 metre and 200 metre sprint races, dominating the athletics scene for over a decade before retiring in 2017.

Throughout his career in athletics, Bolt often spoke of his desire to eventually make a transition into football and, while this won't be a foray into the professional ranks, it will give him the chance to play at Old Trafford.

 

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'Arsenal need a manager like Pochettino' - Wright feels time is up for Wenger


Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright struggled to make a case for under-fire boss Arsene Wenger to continue at the Emirates Stadium next season and called on the Gunners to target a manager like Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino.Arsenal crashed to a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in Sunday's Carabao Cup final to increase the pressure on Wenger amid the club's woes.

The Londoners have endured another difficult season under Wenger, whose side are sixth and a staggering 27 points adrift of Premier League champions-elect City, while they avoided an embarrassing Europa League exit despite a shock 2-1 loss at home to Ostersund.

Wenger, who signed a new two-year deal last May, has been in charge since 1996, but Wright believes time is fast running out for the long-serving 68-year-old Frenchman.

"There are excuses [from Wenger] and he is mollycoddling a team," Wright told BBC Radio 5 Live . "Whether he stays at the end of this season, I could not make a case."I am not sure anyone can. This development of mediocrity has to be arrested."

Wright said: "I want Arsenal to challenge again, for them to sign players who will get you excited. I want someone in the boardroom who will lay it down. A few of the players are on easy street, own properties and are renting them out."How long would it take Arsenal to get back? It will take them a few years.Everyone is progressing and moving forward in that top five. Arsenal are going the other way. They need to stop it, get a successful manager then get players to go forward. It is a long road."

Former Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti and Napoli's Maurizio Sarri have been linked with the Arsenal job, while Monaco head coach Leonardo Jardim and Germany tactician Joachim Low are also candidates, but Wright suggested the team's next manager should be in the category of Pochettino."The club need to start looking for somebody who is not old," he continued. "They are talking about Ancelotti, but they need to find the next one like Mauricio Pochettino, who built his way up.

"[Former Watford boss] Marco Silva stepped on his own ambition. Somebody like that is good and can build, have a philosophy and be enthused with drive; someone who can bring in a player that can see his philosophy through, like we are seeing at Manchester City."

 

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Huge interest in Man Utd and Madrid target Milinkovic-Savic, says agent


Agent Mateja Kezman revealed there is "huge" interest in Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from "great" clubs in Italy, England, Spain and France.

La Liga and Champions League titleholders Real Madrid and Premier League giants Manchester United have been linked with moves for midfielder Milinkovic-Savic, while Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested as well.Clubs have already been warned that bids in the region of €70 million will not be enough to tempt Lazio into selling the 22-year-old Serbia international, who scored twice in Sunday's 3-0 victory at Sassuolo.

Providing an update on his client, Kezman told Tuttomercatoweb: "There's huge interest in him from great clubs in Italy, England, Spain and France."I don't want to talk about numbers, but I'm sure Sergei has it in him to be the best player in Europe in the next few years.
"Still, we'll talk about transfers at the end of the season. Lazio, for now, are playing great football and having an important season. We’re all focused on this."Milinkovic-Savic has flourished this season, scoring nine Serie A goals and 11 across all competitions for Lazio.