..::Football IV::..

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'Liverpool need Coutinho cover for title challenge' - Reds lack 'killer pass', says Redknapp


Liverpool will need to find a suitable replacement for Philippe Coutinho in the summer transfer market if they are to mount a Premier League title challenge in 2018-19, says Jamie Redknapp.

The Reds fought hard to keep a Brazilian playmaker at Anfield in 2017, but eventually bowed to pressure from Barcelona when the La Liga giants came calling again in January.

A big-money sale did bring in €160 million, and Jurgen Klopp’s side have fared admirably without Coutinho, but his departure has created a midfield void.

Redknapp feels that will need to be filled if a sizeable gap to champions Manchester City is to be bridged, with Liverpool still needing someone to provide the “killer pass” for a fearsome attacking unit of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.The former Reds star told the Daily Mail: “The biggest compliment you can pay Jurgen Klopp since January is that Liverpool have not missed Philippe Coutinho.

“While they have brushed aside Manchester City and Roma in the Champions League without him, against the smaller teams they have lacked a player of his quality who can unlock the door. “Liverpool are most dangerous when their opponents have the ball. One mistake and their fearsome forward line pounces.“When teams drop deep and defend — as Stoke did on Saturday as they battled to a 0-0 draw — Klopp’s team struggle to make the breakthrough.

“Coutinho has that ability to unpick a defence with a killer pass. He could have turned one point into three. That is what Liverpool need to seriously challenge Manchester City for the title next season.”

Liverpool already have one midfielder ready to bolster their ranks this summer, with a deal in place for RB Leipzig star Naby Keita.They are also being linked with several other high-profile targets, with Klopp ready to invest in the right players.

For now, though, the Reds are very much focused on the present, with those currently at their disposal taking aim at a top four finish and the Champions League final.

 

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Jorginho's agent confirms interest from 'several clubs' as Man Utd & City circle


The agent of Napoli midfielder Jorginho, who is being linked with Manchester rivals City and United, claims there are “several clubs” pursuing his client.The Brazil-born Italy international has seen his profile rocket this season to bring him onto the radar of leading sides across Europe.

Goal recently revealed that Premier League champions City are leading the chase for the 26-year-old, with a £50 million deal in the pipeline.There are, however, a number of other sides ready to make a move if a transfer scramble is sparked this summer.

Jorginho’s representative, Joao Santos, told Radio Kiss Kiss: “I’ll talk with the club because Jorginho has another two years on his contract.“But there are also several clubs interested in him, and we have to understand if Napoli want to move forward with their starters or not. “At the moment all we know is that [Pepe] Reina will leave.”

Experienced goalkeeper Reina is set to depart as a free agent this summer, with AC Milan the favourites to secure his signature.A sizeable fee would be required to lure Jorginho through the same exits, but Napoli could be tempted into parting with a man tied to them until 2020.

A side competing for Serie A title honours this season are aware that bringing in funds from certain sales will allow them to invest elsewhere and continue building for the future.

 

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No Clasico guard of honour for Barca, insists Ramos


Real Madrid will not give La Liga title winners Barcelona a guard of honour when they meet in El Clasico on Sunday, according to captain Sergio Ramos.Barca wrapped things up in La Liga with Sunday's 4-2 win over Deportivo La Coruna, with Lionel Messi securing all three points with two late goals to complete a hat-trick and relegate their hosts.

Deportivo gave Barca a guard of honour for their Copa del Rey triumph, while they would normally expect to receive one in their next game after winning the league title.

That game happens to be against Madrid at Camp Nou, but Ramos has no doubt that Zinedine Zidane's men will not be applauding their bitter rivals on to the pitch as they bid to end the Catalan side's unbeaten run."What Zidane says is gospel," Ramos told reporters. "We're making too much fuss out of all this.

"Barca have the title, which is what they wanted, but there will be no guard of honour full stop.

"They want to enjoy their title and the same for us and ours, we need to eliminate the Germans [Bayern Munich in the Champions League] and to reach another final."

 

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Liverpool relief as Salah avoids three-match ban for Martins Indi clash


Liverpool's Mohamed Salah will face no action over his clash with Stoke City's Bruno Martins Indi in Saturday's 0-0 draw.

Salah, who leads Tottenham's Harry Kane by five goals in the race for the Premier League's Golden Boot, could have faced a three-match ban had he been charged after appearing to swing an arm towards Martins Indi as they competed for the ball after a throw-in.But the Egypt international made no contact with Martins Indi and the FA has confirmed that a panel of ex-referees decided it was not an incident of violent conduct following a review of the footage.

Salah has scored 31 Premier League goals to Kane's 26, though the latter will look to cut the gap when Spurs host Watford on Monday.He scored twice last week as Liverpool beat his former club Roma 5-2 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

Liverpool will look to ensure progression in Wednesday's return leg in Rome.

 

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Injured Robben out of squad for Real Madrid trip


Arjen Robben has been left out of Bayern Munich's squad for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid due to adductor problems.Robben lasted just eight minutes in the first leg last week before being forced off with the injury, subsequently missing Saturday's 4-1 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Dutchman had been able to train over the weekend, but the fact he did so alone on Sunday suggested Tuesday's outing was going to come too soon for him.

And sure enough, Robben's name was not included in Bayern's squad list announced on Monday.However, Javi Martinez and David Alaba are travelling, having struggled with their own injury problems of late.

Bayern head to Madrid having lost 2-1 at home in the first leg and need to score at least two goals to be in with a chance of progression.

The Bavarians, who have already been crowned as Bundesliga champions, lost 4-2 after extra time the last time the two sides met in Spain, in last season's Champions League quarter-final.

 

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UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Fixture 2018.05.01

UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Fixture 2018.05.01

AGG
(2-1)

Real Madrid Vs Bayern

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Salah wins FWA Footballer of the Year after incredible Liverpool season

Mohamed Salah has won the FWA Footballer of the Year award after his incredible debut season at Liverpool.

Salah has scored 43 goals in 48 appearances so far this season, with the Reds currently third in the Premier League table and preparing for a Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Roma. The aggregate score stands at 5-2, with Salah netting twice against his former club.The Egypt international also won the PFA Player of the Year prize, beating Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne to the prize.

A total of 400 journalists voted for the FWA award, with Salah and De Bruyne polling more than 90 per cent of member votes, with the former Chelsea attacker eventually beat the Belgian by less than 20 votes.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who continues to battle Salah for the Premier League Golden Boot, placed third.Salah becomes only the second non-European player to win the FWA award, after Luis Suarez, who also won the gong while at Liverpool in 2013-14.

A number of players have won both the PFA and FWA awards throughout the history of the Premier League, with N'Golo Kante doing so in 2016-17, along with previous double winners Eden Hazard, Suarez, Gareth Bale, Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Teddy Sheringham, Roy Keane, David Ginola and Dennis Bergkamp.

FWA chairman Patrick Barclay said: “It's been the tightest call since 1968/69, when there was a dead heat between Tony Book of Manchester City and Derby's Dave Mackay.

“Right up to the last week or so we thought it might happen again, so strong was the support for Kevin De Bruyne, but Mo Salah's relentless match-winning form, exemplified by his two great goals against Roma, seems to have swung the vote by a very narrow margin.

“What a race it has been between two players who, in a relatively short time, have reached genuine world class. But Mo Salah is the worthiest of winners. He is also the first African to receive the award and we congratulate him on a magnificent season.”

 

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Congratulations Salah!

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Half Time

AGG
(3-2)

Real Madrid 1 Vs 1 Bayern

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Full Time

AGG
(4-3)

Real Madrid 2 Vs 2 Bayern

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Real Madrid advance to their third straight Champions League Final!

Real Madrid Vs Bayern match eka pattahoda fight ekak

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[Alucard_SxE]

almost had a heart attack.... again!!!!
We played one of the worst games possible

 

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Real Madrid 2 Bayern Munich 2 (4-3 agg): Ulreich howler sends holders into final

Sven Ulreich's huge error ultimately proved decisive as Real Madrid progressed to the Champions League final thanks to a 2-2 draw in an enthralling semi-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid came from behind to win 2-1 last week in the first leg at the Allianz Arena, and sealed their progression with a 4-3 aggregate triumph despite an unconvincing performance on Tuesday.Bayern took the lead in the third minute, Joshua Kimmich opening the scoring following a mistake by Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.The hosts were quick to reply but it was Karim Benzema and not Cristiano Ronaldo, making an outfield record 152nd appearance in the competition, who took centre stage.

Benzema's close-range header ensured Madrid's deficit lasted only eight minutes, and 21 seconds into the second half he was presented with a gift when Ulreich misjudged a back-pass from Corentin Tolisso.

There was another twist as James Rodriguez, on a two-year loan spell at Bayern from Madrid, levelled the tie on the night with a goal he did not celebrate but, despite intense pressure from the away team, Zinedine Zidane's men held on to move within a win of a third successive European title, and now await Liverpool or Roma in the Kiev final on May 26.


So often the hero at the other end for Madrid in games of such magnitude, it was an error from skipper Ramos that enabled Bayern to get the start they needed.He failed to clear Thomas Muller's lofted cross into the box and Kimmich was there to pounce and slot home with a first-time finish.

Madrid soon levelled matters on the night, capitalising on slack marking from the visitors.Marcelo delivered a deep cross from the left and Benzema somehow managed to escape the attentions of the returning David Alaba to head beyond Ulreich.

Yet Madrid continued to look vulnerable at the back and Bayern had a strong claim for a penalty dismissed by referee Cuneyt Cakir, who refused to point to the spot after Ramos appeared to bundle over Robert Lewandowski in the box.

A fine run from Franck Ribery and a clever turn and shot from Muller forced a low save from Keylor Navas, who then denied Lewandowski after a surging run from Mats Hummels, the subsequent looping rebound nodded down by Muller but then fired over on the volley by James as Madrid again somehow survived.

Ulreich turned a low Ronaldo drive wide as the frenetic pace continued, with Ramos heading into the side-netting from the resulting corner, before another Bayern penalty appeal was waved away after Marcelo appeared to handle a Kimmich cross.But all Bayern's impressive work in the first half was undone in a blink as Ulreich's howler left them with a mountain to climb.

Tolisso played a risky backpass and Ulreich, seemingly caught in two minds as he came to claim it, slipped to present Benzema with the ball on a plate in front of an open goal that he tapped in to, despite the best efforts of Hummels.

Navas produced heroics at the other end to turn a vicious deflected Alaba effort behind, and Ramos was again fortunate not to concede a penalty after another challenge on Lewandowski. The tie should have been put to bed by Ronaldo, but he blazed Marcelo's cross wide with a close-range volley.

And that miss soon loomed large as James gave Bayern hope once more, following up his blocked volley from Niklas Sule's cross and firing through Navas' legs at the near post.

Navas had to get down low to keep out a Muller header as Madrid's nerves were further jangled, but a defence that never looked secure withstood the pressure to put Los Blancos within 90 minutes of a fourth European crown in five seasons.

 

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Di Francesco: I can't mark Salah with three players


Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco warned his team against focusing too much on Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in the Champions League semi-final second leg.Salah inspired Liverpool to a 5-2 win in the opening leg at Anfield , scoring twice and setting up two others against his former club.

But Di Francesco said it was unrealistic for his team to completely change their plans simply to stop the Egypt international, who has netted 43 goals in all competitions this season.

"I can't modify a squad for just one player who made the difference in the first leg.And neither can I just have the entire team look at Salah," he said on Tuesday.

"We have to work much better on our mechanism. I heard a lot of people talk about a three-man defence and not a five-man defence. It's like when we play 4-3-3 and when it's convenient, we play 4-5-1.

"All I can say, the application and focus on such a player who has an impressive quality going forward is pivotal. We need to be better at reading such situations.
"I can't mark Salah with three players."

A pair of late goals at Anfield gave Roma hope heading into Wednesday's clash at the Stadio Olimpico, where they staged a remarkable comeback to beat Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

 

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‘A big player is leaving but a big man is staying’ – Mourinho hails Carrick’s Man Utd contribution


Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has hailed the contribution that Michael Carrick has made over the years to the club.

The 36-year-old midfielder will retire at the end of the season to join the coaching staff of the club and picked up a Special Contribution trophy – as well as a whistle and some pain killers for his new role – at the club’s award ceremony.Carrick has been at the club for 12 years and Mourinho admits that it is a wretch to see him hang up his boots.

“I have to admit that one of the most difficult things in my 18 years as a manager is when a big player is leaving - it is always very sad,” he said.

“So this time we try to do it in a way where I am not sad. A big player is leaving but a big man is staying.“There is a space for him and we will welcome him with open arms but, before that, we still want Michael to play and then the next day give his boots to his kids.”

Upon accepting his prize, Carrick said: “I don’t know what to say after that. I said I wasn’t going to get emotional but that caught me out.“To the fans, I’ve turned into one of you now - I support this club home and away. We’ve got a great spirit. We need to keep that and we need to stick together.”

David de Gea was the big winner at the ceremony, claiming the Player of the Year award to move ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo as the club’s most decorated recipient of the award, having lifted it four times.

 

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Ibrahimovic missing Man Utd & Mourinho after MLS switch


Zlatan Ibrahimovic has told Manchester United, the club’s supporters and manager Jose Mourinho that he misses them after leaving for MLS side the LA Galaxy.The enigmatic Swede departed Old Trafford in March after agreeing to the mutual termination of his contract.

Fitness issues had prevented him from making the desired impact during a second spell with the Red Devils, with a short-term deal having been handed to him after a knee injury cut short a 2016-17 campaign which had delivered 28 goals and three trophies.

Ibrahimovic opted to head for America after being freed from his commitments in England, but he admits to still keeping a close eye on FA Cup finalists United and the many friends he left behind.In a video message posted on the club’s official Twitter account, the 36-year-old frontman said: "I see you are doing well. You made it to the [FA Cup] final, which I like a lot even if I am not there."Here, everything is okay. I enjoy the sun every day.

"I want to say to all the fans: 'I miss you, I miss playing at Old Trafford and seeing all the red shirts'. I have great memories from there."I want to thank everybody for the push, adrenaline and energy you gave me. I want to thank my team-mates also because you have been fantastic and you made it easy for me.

"Coach [Mourinho], I miss you also. You know what you need to do to win. There is no secret behind that."Ibrahimovic also expressed his support for David de Gea in United’s end of season awards, with the Spanish goalkeeper having made history by claiming a fourth Player of the Year gong.

He added: "Even if a goalkeeper shouldn't win player of the year, but he has had a fantastic year.“He continues that high level of performance.”

De Gea took the top prize at a glitzy ceremony in Manchester in Tuesday, with another Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year prize taking him clear of Cristiano Ronaldo on United’s roll of honour.

 

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Bayern were better than Real Madrid, says Hummels


Mats Hummels felt Bayern Munich were better than Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final, as he rued handing the defending champions an easy goal.A 2-2 draw in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday saw Madrid reach a third straight final, winning 4-3 on aggregate.

But a shocking error by Sven Ulreich proved costly for Bayern, the goalkeeper misjudging a back pass and gifting Karim Benzema his second goal of the game.

Hummels lamented the way Bayern gave away another goal, saying his side looked the better of the two teams in the tie."We were overall superior and had chances without finishing, but we have given Real a goal in both games and that is costly at this level," he told Sky.

"It brings us nothing …. we have [put up] a great fight, but in the end [we are left] with nothing." Joshua Kimmich again opened the scoring for Bayern before Benzema's brace, while James Rodriguez dragged the visitors back into the tie against his parent club in the second half.

But Madrid were able to hold on, although Bayern defender Niklas Sule said his team deserved more.

"We had many opportunities. In my opinion, we had to get two penalties," he said.
"It's very annoying that we're out, especially since we were the better team in both games. We are all very disappointed."

 

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Zidane: Real Madrid suffered too much against Bayern Munich


Zinedine Zidane said he believed his Real Madrid side made heavy weather of their Champions League semi-final success over Bayern Munich.

Karim Benzema scored both of Real's goals in a 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu, booking a trip to Kiev for the final after a 4-3 aggregate success.But FCB were in the tie until the very end, making for a nervy experience.

"I think we have suffered too much, but it is beautiful too," the Frenchman reflected."In the end we played against a huge team. We are happy because we have beaten three great teams in the knockout rounds."Without suffering, this cannot be done. We're going to rest well for the final."

Meanwhile, Zidane reserved particular praise for Benzema, who took advantage of Sven Ulreich's horrendous error to score his 11th of a difficult personal campaign.And although Madrid needed a series of stops from Keylor Navas to edge past Bayern, Zidane hailed the unlikely hero.

"I'm happy for Karim, because he deserves it and he has never stopped working," Zidane said. "Keylor has made great stops in the second half."Now we can be very happy, "Lucas Vazquez filled in at right-back for Madrid in the absence of injured defenders Dani Carvajal and Nacho.

While the converted attacker had a testing match-up with Franck Ribery, Vazquez said he knew Madrid would have to battle against Bayern."We knew it was going to be complicated," Vazquez said. "They are a great team and they have shown it.

"We have had some difficult moments, but we have suffered and we are in the final, we will try to win the third straight title."

 

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Real Madrid deserve to be in Champions League final - Ramos


Sergio Ramos believes Real Madrid deserve to be in the final of the Champions League, despite an unconvincing performance in the semi-final second leg with Bayern Munich.

Madrid were left clinging on in the closing stages of an enthralling contest at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, earning a 2-2 draw to claim a 4-3 aggregate triumph.

Joshua Kimmich put Bayern ahead after three minutes but Karim Benzema responded eight minutes later and was gifted a second less than 30 seconds into the second half as goalkeeper Sven Ulreich slipped while attempting to claim a backpass from Corentin Tolisso.

James Rodriguez levelled matters once more against his parent club to fray home nerves, but Bayern could not find the third goal that would have sent them through to the final in Kiev on May 26.

Bayern enjoyed the better of the play, spurning several chances, while Ramos twice bundled over Robert Lewandowski in the box and Marcelo also appeared to handle in the area, only for referee Cuneyt Cakir to wave away each of those penalty claims.Madrid will now face either Liverpool or Roma in the tournament showpiece and Ramos said: "When you have a favourable result, subconsciously you sit back.

"They have had more possession than us, we have suffered but, in general, the team is worthy of being in Kiev."The Real DNA leads you to push until the end, we are going to have a very complicated opponent in the final. People keep talking, we like to do that on the field.

"I am proud of this team. They are a great team and have been demonstrating that for many years, when you play with a result in your favour, sometimes that happens."

Goalkeeper Keylor Navas added: "We suffered a lot and in the end we are in the final, which is what we wanted. We are making history."They had no choice but to go out and attack, they are a great team and individually they have players that make the difference."This is for everyone, we have to enjoy and give everyone joy."

 

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Klopp confident Liverpool will avoid Barcelona repeat against Roma


Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will not be caught out by the same Roma ambush that conquered Barcelona in the Champions League as he braces for a difficult semi-final second leg.The Reds take a commanding 5-2 lead to Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday and are the overwhelming favourites to advance to the final.

But, having seen Barcelona crash out at the same venue in the quarter-finals, Klopp is well aware of what can happen if his team fail to start with the intensity that saw them dominate at Anfield.

Barca had a 4-1 first-leg advantage dramatically erased by the Giallorossi, who won 3-0 on home soil to advance on away goals."I'm not here to say anything about Barcelona, they are the Spanish champions and didn't do a lot wrong this season, but maybe Roma were more ready," Klopp said.

"Barcelona maybe thought it was decided. Everyone is telling us it is quite difficult, but nobody told Barcelona 'it's possible to beat you 3-0 or 4-0' because nobody could imagine it could happen. "I didn't need a warning but if it was needed, that's the warning."

Liverpool had their own brief scare in the quarter-finals after conceding early at Manchester City and then surviving appeals for a penalty that could have rubbed out the second of their three-goal first-leg buffer.They eventually steadied to secure a comfortable success, with Klopp acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of the Champions League.

"It's not that we needed the City game to know about it. It's the nature of the game, it can turn in any minute," he said.

"It's all on us to be active and do what we are good at. We're really difficult to play and it's just like it is. There's no perfect plan for us, you can't say you do it like this and it works 100 per cent. You can only work on probability."We have to play and if you really want to win you have to accept you could lose."