..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool legend Gerrard confirms 'positive talks' with Rangers over first managerial post


Steven Gerrard has admitted to holding “positive talks” with Rangers as the Old Firm outfit close on the appointment of the Liverpool legend as their next boss.

Goal revealed on Sunday that the Reds icon was on the verge of accepting an offer from the Glasgow giants.Discussions have been ongoing and the ex-England captain could soon be taking on a first managerial role.

He has cut his coaching teeth within the Liverpool academy system since slipping into retirement in 2016, but is now contemplating stepping back onto a senior stage in a high-profile post.Quizzed on his links to the Rangers job, Gerrard told BT Sport: "There's truth in the rumours. I've held initial talks with Rangers and the plan is to pick them up in a couple of days’ time."

Pressed on whether he could be the man to succeed Graeme Murty in the Gers dugout, the 37-year-old added: "We'll see. I've held positive talks with them, I'm busy for a couple of days but I'll pick them up on Thursday and we'll see if we can progress them." Rangers announced on Tuesday that they had parted company with Murty, clearing the way for Gerrard to head to Scotland.

That decision came on the back of a humbling 5-0 defeat to arch-rivals Celtic which saw the Hoops wrap up a seventh successive Scottish Premiership title.Breaking that stranglehold is the challenge facing Gerrard if he does decide to take the Gers reins.

He has, however, been warned by the likes of John Hartson and Ally McCoist that reviving the fortunes of a fallen giant will be no easy task.Both men, who represented Celtic and Rangers respectively during their playing days, have suggested that even Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola would struggle to bring about change at Ibrox.

Others have urged the former midfield to snap up the opportunity, with Rangers considered to provide the perfect platform on which to start building a successful coaching career.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Gea overtakes Ronaldo with record-breaking fourth Man Utd Player of the Year prize

David de Gea has overtaken Cristiano Ronaldo on Manchester United’s roll of honour by landing a record-breaking fourth Player of the Year award.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been a model of consistency for the Red Devils during a period of much change, with the 27-year-old proving to be a reassuring presence in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.His fine form has been recognised on a regular basis, with an impressive skill set considered by many to have lifted him to the very top of the game in his chosen position.

United certainly would not swap him for anybody else, amid the ongoing talk of interest from Real Madrid, with those at Old Trafford having once again selected him as the club’s standout performer for 2017-18.

De Gea has now scooped the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award four times in the space of five seasons.He claimed three successive gongs between 2014 and 2016 before fellow countryman Ander Herrera temporarily broke his monopoly in 2017.

Normal service has now been resumed, with De Gea writing his own piece of Old Trafford history with his latest prize.He said after receiving the trophy: "It's difficult for words what Manchester United means to me.

"It's amazing to play for the club, the history, the fans, everything."It was hard in the beginning, but I believed in myself, I worked hard and I am proud of myself as well."I want to say thanks to everyone. I didn't expect to win this one. I have four, it's amazing for me and thanks again to everyone."

Having previously sat level with Ronaldo on three wins apiece, a world-class performer now sits alone at the top of the charts.A fourth award also moves him two clear of iconic figures such as Eric Cantona, Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney.

On a memorable night for De Gea at United’s end of season awards party on Tuesday, he also collected the Players’ Player of the Year prize.Earning the respect of his team-mates still means plenty to the Spaniard, and he hopes there will be collective triumphs to come as the Red Devils chase down FA Cup glory.

He said on MUTV: "I think it is special to receive this award from my team-mates, I love all of them."We are fighting for second place and we are in the [FA Cup] final, but we are Manchester United so it is not enough. We have to improve for next season. Of course, it’s good to finish the season with a trophy, especially with Wembley and the fans."

Elsewhere on the night, Nemanja Matic won United’s Goal of the Season award for his stunning effort in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace and exciting youngster Tahith Chong took the Jimmy Murphy Youth Team Player of the Year gong.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations De Gea!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Fixture 2018.05.02

UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Fixture 2018.05.02

AGG
(2-5)

Roma Vs Liverpool

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Roma 4 Liverpool 2 (6-7 agg): Klopp's men set final date with Real Madrid

Liverpool booked their place to face holders Real Madrid in the Champions League final despite losing 4-2 to Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Jurgen Klopp's side headed to the Italian capital with a commanding 5-2 advantage from last week's first leg, where their Serie A opponents snatched faint hopes of a comeback by netting a pair of late away goals.Still, Roma had no margin for error – certainly not to the magnitude of the woeful blind pass midfielder Radja Nainggolan played in the ninth minute that resulted in Sadio Mane opening the scoring.


An incredibly unfortunate James Milner own goal did not knock Liverpool off their stride, with Georginio Wijnaldum restoring their ample cushion in the 25th minute.
First-leg goalscorer Edin Dzeko got in on the act seven minutes into the second half and frantic Roma pressure followed.

The mountain proved too steep for Eusebio Di Francesco's side to climb and the chances of a comeback to match their quarter-final heroics against Barcelona had all but evaporated by the time Nainggolan clattered in off the post four minutes from the end and dispatched a penalty deep into stoppage time.It means only Liverpool's pursuit of a sixth European title stands between Madrid making it three in succession.


It was a predictably forthright start from the hosts as Dzeko sent the ball skidding dangerously across the six-yard box before Alessandro Florenzi clattered a long-range effort just wide.But Nainggolan's mistake allowed Liverpool to further strengthen their hand, with Roberto Firmino collecting a wayward pass and streaming towards the home defence.

The Brazil international played in Mane, who showed none of his first-half skittishness from the opening leg and finished assuredly.Following that act of self-sabotage, Roma then enjoyed a huge slice of fortune as Dejan Lovren thumped a 15th-minute clearance into the back of Milner's head for the ball to fly past a helpless Loris Karius.

The Stadio Olimpico crowd were re-energised, but chances continued to fall Liverpool and Mane's way – a clipped shot flying just wide from the edge of the box before Alisson denied the Senegal star at close quarters following a driving run from Andrew Robertson.

Dzeko failed to clear from the resulting corner, leaving an unmarked Wijnaldum to nod home and put the tie further beyond Roma.Stephan El Shaarawy's effort spun off Milner's outstretched leg 10 minutes before the break to hit the post and Florenzi sliced wastefully wide, although those were fleeting breaks in Liverpool's first-half control.

Karius was spared by an incorrect offside flag in the 49th minute when he dashed from his goal to bring down Dzeko in the box.The Liverpool goalkeeper then somewhat charitably pushed El Shaarawy's shot into Dzeko's path for the former Manchester City striker to level on the night.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was also partially culpable on Roma's second goal, but atoned with a brave block to deny El Shaarawy – even if replays showed the ball struck his hand.Dzeko's touch let him down and he arrowed a shot wide at the near post following Daniele De Rossi's cleverly disguised 66th-minute pass.Alisson stuck out a boot to deny his compatriot Firmino on a Liverpool attack that suggested the storm had passed.

Nainggolan's late defiance raged against the inevitable – ripping a low drive in off the post before thrashing in a spot-kick after Liverpool substitute Ragnar Klavan was adjudged to have handled – although it was the Belgian's earlier woe that put Liverpool on the road to Kiev despite their first loss in this season's competition.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool are into the Champions League final!

Congratulations Liverpool

& Its Real Madrid Vs Liverpool Champions League final!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Angry Di Francesco regrets Roma time wasting and lack of belief against Liverpool


Eusebio Di Francesco refused to dwell on two unsuccessful penalty appeals as the Roma head coach pointed the finger at his players and their lack of belief after losing to Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals.

Roma huffed and puffed but fell short despite their 4-2 second-leg victory on Wednesday, with Liverpool advancing to the Kiev showpiece against Real Madrid with a 7-6 aggregate win.The Italian side faced an uphill task in the capital, where Roma entered the match trailing 5-2 following last week's absorbing opening leg at Anfield.

Roma came within just one goal of forcing extra time at the Stadio Olimpico thanks to Radja Nainggolan's late brace but it was too little too late for the hosts, who were left aggrieved with the officials.

Sporting director Monchi led calls for the video assistant referee (VAR) to be introduced in the Champions League after he felt Roma were denied two penalties, while Edin Dzeko was wrongly flagged for offside before he was taken down by Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold was also at the centre of a handball incident but Roma boss Di Francesco was left regretful and angry with his players.

"We have grown through this experience, but I have regrets because this team should've believed more in its chances, we could've had more goals and pushed Liverpool even more," he told Mediaset Premium."I am first of all disappointed at our exit and I tell the players well done, because reacting like that and putting Liverpool on the ropes was almost perfect in the second half.

"It'd be important for Roma to be protagonists in the Champions League again next season, but first we have to secure our place in Serie A. We've proved we can compete in the tournament after a journey that was not easy, but I am not going to settle for that. We can do more."

Pushed on calls for the introduction of VAR, Di Francesco added: "I don't raise my voice with UEFA, that is for the club. I have to raise my voice with the players, who have to believe and push forward if there are a few minutes left and seek another goal. I have anger and even more regret, because I do believe we could've done it and we wasted time. "We mustn't stand there arguing with the referee, he's not going to change his mind, so we just played into Liverpool's hands. That is what I can do something about and makes me angry.

"Obviously, 20-25 minutes from the end, a red card and penalty could've really had Liverpool on the ropes. However, we made mistakes too and those are what cost us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kane would be 'extremely proud' to captain England at World Cup


Harry Kane says he would be "extremely proud" to captain England at the World Cup, should he be selected to do so by manager Gareth Southgate.

Southgate has refrained from naming a permanent skipper since his appointment in 2016, with Wayne Rooney, Jordan Henderson, Gary Cahill, Joe Hart, Eric Dier and Kane all taking their turn at leading the team since then.Tottenham striker Kane has worn the armband on four occasions and has been tipped as a potential permanent captain if Southgate opts to give one of his players the job full-time.

"The manager has said he will make that decision in his own time, so we'll have to see," he told FourFourTwo. "I'll do my job whether I'm wearing the armband or not, but it's certainly something I'd be extremely proud to do.

"We've got a great attacking team. Hopefully we can score a lot of goals and I'll get a few myself. "The focus is on the team, but as a striker, you'll always have your eye on winning the Golden Boot."

Kane scored five goals in qualifying for the tournament in Russia, taking his international tally to 12."I wouldn't say there was anything particular that changed [under Southgate] – it was just a case of getting a good run in the team," he explained.

"Scoring away to Scotland and then getting a brace against France was a massive confidence boost."To get that consistency of scoring for England in successive matches has made a big difference."

England will face Tunisia, Panama and Belgium in Group G at the World Cup.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'He spat at a girl!' - Fellaini hits back at Carragher criticism


Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has questioned Jamie Carragher's authority to pass judgement on him in the wake of the Liverpool legend's spitting scandal.Carragher was suspended from his television punditry role after being caught on camera spitting through the passenger window of a car following a verbal exchange with the driver, whose daughter was sitting beside him and was hit by the projectile.

Fellaini was described as "a menace in the worst possible sense" by Carragher in a newspaper column two years ago, prompting the Belgium international to describe the former England star as the "champion of blah-blah and the world champion of breaking legs".

But Fellaini has once again taken aim at the 40-year-old, making reference to his actions in the wake of United's 2-1 win over Liverpool in March."How can someone like Carragher lecture me?" Fellaini told Sport/Voetbal magazine.

"The guy who spat on a girl from his car after Manchester United-Liverpool.
"You know, the critics help you progress, you end up working more, you want to show them they are wrong."

Fellaini has been limited to 15 Premier League appearances for United this season because of injury, but scored his fourth goal in the competition when he netted the injury time winner against Arsenal on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Coman promises to be fit for World Cup


Injured France winger Kingsley Coman insists the World Cup "will be no problem" as he targets a return to action for Bayern Munich before the end of the season.

The 21-year-old forward suffered ligament damage to his left ankle in the 0-0 Bundesliga draw with Hertha Berlin at the Allianz Arena on February 24.Coman appeared set to miss the remainder of the campaign after undergoing surgery, but is now hopeful he will be back playing again soon.

Champions Bayern have two remaining league fixtures - away at Cologne and at home to Stuttgart - before the DFB-Pokal final against Eintracht Frankfurt on May 19."I'm getting better," Coman told Sport Bild."Maybe I can play against Stuttgart on the final day. I'm sure I can play in the cup final."

Coman's comeback at club level would allow him to prove his fitness to France boss Didier Deschamps ahead of the World Cup in Russia.The former Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus player was involved towards the end of his country's successful qualifying campaign, while he also started the 1-0 friendly win over Wales last November."The World Cup will be no problem for me," Coman added. "I'll be fit in time for it [the World Cup]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City weigh up move for Leverkusen starlet Leon Bailey


Manchester City are weighing up a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen forward Leon Bailey, Goalunderstands.

City are confident of striking a deal for Napoli midfielder Jorginho and hope to announce his arrival before the end of May .The exact structure of the deal is yet to be put in place and it is understood there is the possibility that City could involve Claudio Bravo as part of any agreement.

The Blues want a midfielder and a forward this summer and are keen to get their business done before the World Cup, but while they are close to bringing in Jorginho they are still weighing up their options in attack.

Goal revealed last week that the Blues have whittled down their shortlist to just two names , although they are willing to forego both of those if Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe becomes available at the end of the season.It can now be revealed that Bailey is one of two names on City’s 'non-Mbappe' list.

The 20-year-old has scored nine goals and laid on six assists in the Bundesliga this season.City have been keeping tabs on the Jamaican for some time and included him on a four-man list of targets in January.They have maintained their interest since then and while other players have fallen out of contention, Bailey is still regarded as a viable option.

However, City are not thought to have made any concrete moves to open negotiations and they are still believed to be in a position whereby another club could make a rival move. The Premier League champions are aware of interest from some of Europe’s leading sides.

Bailey has struck up a friendship with City winger Raheem Sterling, who was born in Jamaica and later moved to England, and that could work in the club’s favour should they decide to press ahead with a move.That decision is only likely to be made, however, once City ascertain whether Mbappe is available - at an agreeable price - and willing to move to the Etihad Stadium.

City do not want their business to drag on past the end of the World Cup and they are likely to make an approach to PSG and Mbappe in the coming weeks.Pep Guardiola spoke to Mbappe personally last summer as part of City’s attempts to sign the youngster from Monaco.

If Mbappe is not for sale City will reassess their other two options and press ahead with strengthening their squad ahead of the World Cup.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Europa League Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Fixtures 2018.05.03

UEFA Europa League Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Fixtures 2018.05.03

AGG
(1-1)

Atletico Madrid Vs Arsenal

AGG
(0-2)

Red Bull Salzburg Vs Marseille

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pep is number one at Man City, at PSG it's Neymar - Emery


Outgoing Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery believes his successor must accept Neymar's pre-eminent status at the Parc des Princes.

Neymar joined PSG in a world-record €222million switch from Barcelona last August and the Brazil superstar's arrival alongside teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe equipped Emery with an enviable array of attacking talent.

Although the capital city club regained Ligue 1 from Mbappe's former side Monaco at a canter, Real Madrid ended their Champions League hopes in the round of 16 and ex-Sevilla boss Emery did not have his contract extended beyond the end of the campaign.

In a wide-ranging interview with Spanish online magazine The Tactical Room, Emery reflected on managing a dressing room of star names in Paris and acknowledged Neymar's status as the most important individual at the club.

"One day, Jorge Valdano [former player, coach and director at Real Madrid] made me the following reflection, 'At Barcelona the leader is [Lionel] Messi; at Madrid it is [president] Florentino Perez, and the Atletico de Madrid [leader] is [Diego] Simeone," Emery said in quotes that were translated into French on the Culture PSG website."A player, a president and a coach. Each time, a different leader profile. I know when I'm the main person in a group and when I'm not.

"It's a process that every coach has to live and internalise, it's something you learn with time and experience. "In each club you must know what role you play and what role you assign to the rest of the group. My opinion is that at PSG the leader is called Neymar.

"Or more exactly, the leader will be called Neymar, because that is what he is becoming. Neymar came to PSG to be the leader, to live the necessary process to become the world's number one. "This is a process that still needs a little bit of time to consolidate. In Manchester City, the chief is Pep [Guardiola]. At PSG, the leader must be Neymar."

Emery's relationship with his all-star squad has been a source of regular scrutiny this season, but he maintained there were no issues in terms of a language barrier."My mastery of French was enough to explain and make me understood," he said. "It is obvious that one of the reasons for a coach's success is communication and connection with the players. I am talking about an emotional connection.

"In addition, I tend to talk a lot in a locker room, although it is obvious that at PSG I reduced the intensity of my speeches to 60 per cent, but I managed to communicate in French thanks to what I studied as a child and what I learned in these two years. "All my communication with the team was in French, and I think we understood each other well and that language was not a barrier in this process."

To achieve Champions League success in the future, Emery believes PSG must come through the kind of pressure situation in which they have buckled against Barcelona and Madrid over the past two seasons."This year, we experienced this moment when everything could switch. It was the Bernabeu and Madrid were suffering," he added. "We could see that they were suffering.

"We had talked about it before the match – 'to lose, Madrid must suffer'. We wanted to bring them the fatal blow when they were the most in trouble."We had the opportunity in the second half when it was 1-1. At that moment, I was very quiet, because the victory seemed to be at hand."We did not finish when we could and we did not suffer when we had to."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

World Cup responsible for Eric Bailly's absence in Manchester United squad – Jose Mourinho


Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has disclosed that Eric Bailly’s recent absence from matches is as a result of his Cote d'Ivoire's non-participation at the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

Cote d’Ivoire will not be playing at this year’s tournament in Russia and the gaffer has opted to bolster the World Cup chances of Phil Jones [England], Chris Smalling [England], Marcos Rojo [Argentina] and Victor Lindelof [Sweden].

The 24-year-old has missed United's last four games and did not even appear on the bench against West Bromwich Albion, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Earlier this week, the former Villarreal centre-back missed the club’s end of the season award night which has drawn speculations about his future.However, Mourinho affirmed that there is no situation with the Ivorian defender and confirmed him fit for Friday’s Premier League game against Brighton and Hove Albion.

“There is no situation. Bailly is fine, no injury,” Mourinho told club website.“He is one of our five central defenders and honestly, my work is not about World Cups and preparing players for the World Cup or giving chances to players to do the World Cup, but he's the only central defender whose country's not in the World Cup.

"So if I have to make a kind of more emotional, effective choice to try to help my players, he's the one I am not going to help until the end of the season. Because, of course, Marcos Rojo, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, all of them are wishing to make the squad for the World Cup and Eric is not under that pressure.

"I try to be a good team manager and that means, be cold, be selfish, but I am not as bad as that and I still have space for a little bit of feelings, so when I look to the other four central defenders fighting for a position in the World Cup, I'm giving less [time] to Eric."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lukaku out of Brighton trip but Mourinho optimistic for FA Cup final


Jose Mourinho is optimistic Romelu Lukaku will be fit for the FA Cup final against Chelsea, although he will miss Manchester United's trip to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The striker was taken off in the second half of United's 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal last Sunday after a heavy but fair challenge from Konstantinos Mavropanos.

He will not be risked for Friday's league visit to Amex Stadium but manager Mourinho says his prospects of playing at Wembley on May 19 are "positive"."I don't know, I just know we need to wait for more scans, more time," he told a news conference. "It looks positive [for the final]."

Mourinho went on to insist he is happy that David de Gea won United's Player of the Year prize for the fourth time in five years.The Portuguese stated last season that seeing a goalkeeper win the award so many times at a club of United's standing means "something is wrong".

However, Mourinho has now argued more keepers should get recognition in the Ballon d'Or voting and praised De Gea for "beautiful" and "iconic" saves this season."It's good," he said when asked how he felt about the Spain star's win. "It's not so surprising because [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi don't give many chances, but it's quite surprising that in the big international awards there is never a goalkeeper. Goalkeepers are fundamental in football teams.

"David is having a very good season and I don't see it as a problem. This season, there are other players who wouldn't be a bad choice, but David was very consistent in the season, had some almost iconic saves because they were so beautiful, so fantastic."

United will all but guarantee second place in the table if they defeat Brighton, who are themselves close to securing Premier League survival.Mourinho admires the work done by Chris Hughton on the south coast and does not think they are in danger of the drop any longer.

"Very, very good," he said of Hughton's efforts. "To go from very, very good to amazing, he just needs to confirm mathematically the Premier League."I think they have the job done but mathematically they still need a point, some other results that are going to happen for sure. It's not possible that everybody wins every match, so I think Brighton are already in the Premier League for next year.

"Fantastic job for Chris and not surprising for me because since the beginning of the season they are showing the quality, the mentality to get the points to stay in the division."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Get well soon Lukaku!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Salah: Champions League final not me against Ronaldo


Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has rejected the notion that the Champions League final will be a battle between himself and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.The Reds joined the defending champions in the Kiev showpiece, despite a 4-2 loss against Roma on Wednesday. Holding a 5-2 advantage from their home match, they progressed 7-6 on aggregate.

In Ukraine, they will face the two-time holders, with Zinedine Zidane’s men having defeated Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate following a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu 24 hours earlier.

Salah and Ronaldo have been the undisputed stars for their side in the competition to date, but the Egypt international says that does not mean the final will be about only two men.

“It is not going to be a final between Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo, I am playing for a great club, and we have great players, so qualifying to the final came with great team work, that I cannot do alone,” he said.

The pair are liable to be leading protagonists for the Ballon d’Or, with the Egypt international representing a strong challenge to the Ronaldo-Lionel Messi duopoly that has dominated the award over the past decade.

However, the 25-year-old, who has scored 43 times in 49 appearances in what has been a record-breaking campaign, is not casting his mind towards individual glory.“I know all of the Arab people wish the best for me, and they are happy every time I win, but now at the moment I am only thinking about the final and to bring the Champions League trophy to Anfield,” he said.

Meanwhile, Salah rejected the notion that Liverpool could be undone by their defence.“It is collective work, when we score a goal it's because we are all doing good, when we concede, it means we all need to work harder,” he said.

The final, which will be played on May 26, will be played out between two of the most storied teams in European football history, with Liverpool chasing a sixth title while Madrid are after a 13th – and third in succession.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Liverpool can beat any team in the world' - Mane


Sadio Mane has said that Liverpool can 'beat any team in the world' ahead of their Champions League final clash with back-to-back winners Real Madrid.

Liverpool are into their eighth final after a 7-6 aggregate win over Roma on Wednesday night.Mane has been one of the key players in the Jurgen Klopp's set-up this season, being a part of a front three alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino that has scored 29 goals in the Champions League.

The Senegalese attacker says that doesn’t fear Zinedine Zidane’s men and believes that The Reds have every chance of winning the trophy for a sixth time on May 26th."If you have Real to face you have to think about them - they are one of the best teams in the world," he told Sky Sports.

"We are Liverpool, we are strong and we can beat any team in the world. We are going to do our best to go and win the final." Although the Anfield side are in the final of this year’s competition, their place in next year’s Champions League is not yet secure.Mane insists that Liverpool must not take their eye off the ball as they need to make sure they finish in the top four of the Premier League this season.

"I think it will be a little early to speak about the final because we have two more important games.”"Chelsea and next week Brighton - we have to win them to stay in the top four."A win against Chelsea this weekend would secure Liverpool qualification for next year’s tournament but whether they head into next season’s competition as holders is still yet to be decided.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 0 (2-1 agg): Wenger denied perfect farewell as Spaniards reach final

Arsene Wenger was denied the opportunity of a perfect Arsenal farewell as Atletico Madrid won 1-0 to secure a 2-1 aggregate triumph and a spot in the Europa League final.

Wenger confirmed in April that his 22-year association with the club will conclude at the end of the season and the players' bid to see him sign off with a first European trophy ultimately came up short against Diego Simeone's characteristically shrewd Atletico, for whom Diego Costa netted the decisive goal.
Arsenal's luck appeared to be out early on as they lost captain Laurent Koscielny to injury, with the France international now a potential doubt for the World Cup as a result.




And, although the Gunners responded with commendable spirit, they failed to capitalise on their time in the ascendancy and Atletico showed them how it was done just before the interval – familiar foe Costa netting a fourth goal in seven games against Arsenal.


While Atletico continued to craft chances in the second half, there was a hint of tension in the stands – from where the banned Simeone watched on – that was transferred to the players and gave Arsenal encouragement.

But the visitors, still facing a battle just to claim a top-six spot in the Premier League, were simply incapable of breaking through Atletico's exceptionally well-drilled defence as the home side dug deep to hold off Arsenal's late onslaught, booking passage to the final in Lyon on May 16.Atletico – who claimed a late draw in London despite having Sime Vrsaljko dismissed and Simeone sent from the touchline – showed their game plan right from the start as they set up to counter, using the strength and pace of Costa and first-leg scorer Antoine Griezmann.

And that approach nearly paid off after just five minutes – Costa barging his way beyond Nacho Monreal before shooting narrowly wide from a good position in the area.Arsenal's task was made all the harder when captain Koscielny was carried off with a potentially serious injury in the 12th minute, the 32-year-old evidently in pain.

Yet, Wenger's side actually improved initially after that blow and Alexandre Lacazette – scorer of the tie's first goal – should have put them ahead just prior to the half-hour mark, but he could not get the ball out of his feet after being fed into a glorious position by Aaron Ramsey.

The hosts, who had wasted decent chances through Koke and Griezmann, eventually punished their opponents just before half-time – Costa holding off Hector Bellerin and finishing past David Ospina inside the area following a swift break.

Arsenal stepped things up after the break and nearly levelled early in the second half, but Ramsey scuffed wide under pressure from three defenders after Jack Wilshere's shot ricocheted into his path.Simeone's side almost took advantage with their next attack as Costa charged into the right side of the area before being denied by substitute Calum Chambers as he was about to pull the trigger.

Despite Arsenal's improvement, they continued to look unimpressive at the back and should have conceded again 23 minutes from time, but Griezmann's close-range effort was blocked following a fine Costa run and cutback.Arsenal huffed and puffed in the final stages, but their attacks often lacked craft and direction as Atletico clung on to secure a third appearance in the competition's final in the last nine years, leaving Wenger to face up to the fact that his final game of a long and distinguished tenure will now come at Huddersfield Town.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Red Bull Salzburg 2 Marseille 1 (2-3 agg, aet): Rolando defies comeback with controversial winner

Marseille booked a place in the final of the Europa League after surviving a stirring Red Bull Salzburg comeback, Rolando's extra-time goal proving decisive in a 3-2 aggregate victory.The French giants led 2-0 from the opening leg at home, but a flat performance from Rudi Garcia's men opened the door for Salzburg to battle their way back into the tie with a 2-0 victory over the 90 minutes at the Red Bull Arena on Thursday.

Throughout a low-quality first half a Salzburg comeback appeared improbable, but two goals in 12 minutes got the Austrian side level on aggregate and dreaming of a place in the final.




Amadou Haidara's brilliant solo goal sparked life into Marco Rose's side and when Bouna Sarr could only deflect a shot from Xaver Schlager into his own net, the tie was level.But Marseille struck the winner with four minutes of extra-time to go, substitute Rolando finishing well from a Dimitri Payet corner to spark delirious celebrations.

Salzburg's players remonstrated furiously that the set-piece was incorrectly awarded and, left needing two goals to advance, lost their discipline in the closing stages as Marseille progressed to the final on home soil – they will play Atletico Madrid in Lyon on May 16.

Haidara was dismissed for a second yellow card after lashing out at Payet, with Rose storming onto the field at full-time to confront referee Sergei Karasev and his officiating team.


Salzburg needed a bright start and they got one, with Andreas Ulmer and Munas Dabbur both having early efforts saved by Marseille goalkeeper Yohann Pele.Morgan Sanson should have done better with a 17th-minute chance, the midfielder dragging a first-time shot wide when found by Sarr, who signed a new Marseille deal on Wednesday.

Lucas Ocampos rifled into the side netting in the first minute after the interval and Valere Germain slotted a volley wide after Payet picked him out with a typically pinpoint pass.But Salzburg took the lead in the 53rd minute with a sensational solo effort from Haidara.

The midfielder picked up the ball on the right and powered through a series of weak Marseille challenges before poking a low finish out of Pele's reach.Salzburg's confidence levels were raised by Haidara's brilliant skill and he was central again as the hosts drew level in the 65th minute.

Haidara's cross was half-cleared by Adil Rami and, when Schlager fired at goal, Sarr stuck out a foot and diverted the ball in, even though the strike seemed to be heading wide.Salzburg suddenly scented blood and Pele had to make a good save low to his left to deny substitute Hwang Hee-chan.

Florian Thauvin's cross was blocked by the arm of defender Duje Caleta-Car with four minutes to go, but Karasev rejected Marseille's passionate appeals.Salzburg had the best chances of extra-time, Caleta-Car seeing a powerful header beaten away by Pele, then Dabbur drilled a decent opportunity wide.

But Marseille struck deep into the added period from a corner Salzburg felt was incorrectly awarded, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's shot appearing to deflect wide off a Marseille team-mate.Payet's right-wing centre found Rolando in space towards the back post and his cushioned finish had just enough on it to sneak past Salzburg keeper Alexander Walke.

The Austrians' misery was completed when Haidara was dismissed for losing his temper and thrusting a hand into Payet's face, with Marseille progressing to their first European final since 2003-04, leaving Salzburg to protest furiously.