..::Football IV::..

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Neymar's lonely existence at PSG revealed by outgoing Emery


Neymar lives a lonely existence at Paris Saint-Germain, says Unai Emery, with the €222 million asset isolating himself and failing to settle fully.The Brazil international completed a record-breaking switch to Parc des Princes from Barcelona in the summer of 2017.

He had enjoyed a productive debut campaign on the field prior to suffering an unfortunate broken metatarsal in February – with 28 goals recorded in just 30 appearances.

Emery, though, has revealed that a man who spent his entire recovery period after undergoing surgery back in his homeland is not yet adjusted to life in Ligue 1 – amid much talk that he could soon be heading back to La Liga at either Barca or Real Madrid.

The PSG boss, who will be leaving his post at the end of a title-winning season, told SFR Sport: "He goes to his house and shuts himself off."He's not there every day, but he's not yet immersed himself 100 per cent in Paris, the French league, the difficulties, the different football.

"It's all a process, and at PSG we have been integrating him into the group, where we want him to feel welcome."He has to be patient, we've done 50 per cent of the work with him, the other 50 per cent is missing at the moment."

Emery has also suggested that Neymar’s media and commercial commitments have done little to aid his cause, with the 26-year-old having become the star attraction in France after establishing himself as a member of football’s global elite.

The Spaniard added: "That Neymar, after training, has to do four different publicity activities is not the best, but you have to understand it because he is a massive global star who has an impact."He still has to adapt to Paris and to his teammates, not just the Brazilians."

Neymar has recently returned to France, as he closes on a return to full fitness, but PSG’s 2017-18 campaign is about to come to a close.They have a Coupe de France final clash with Les Herbiers to come on Tuesday, before rounding off their Ligue 1 season with a visit from Rennes and a trip to Caen.

Neymar may get to see some game time in those fixtures, but his focus has already started to shift towards a World Cup campaign with Brazil in Russia this summer.

 

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Khedira hints at Premier League move as Juventus contract runs down


Sami Khedira has hinted that he could soon be heading to the Premier League, with the Juventus midfielder “fascinated” by English football.The Germany international has been heavily linked with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the recent past.

It was suggested that England could have been his destination when preparing to leave Real Madrid in 2015, but Juve moved quickly to snap up a World Cup winner.

Khedira still has 12 months left to run on his current contract with the Serie A giants, but it may be that he takes on a Premier League challenge when that agreement comes to an end in 2019.Quizzed on his future by Bild, the 31-year-old said: "My contract expires in a year.I often think of the future because anything can happen. I'm fine here, but I love challenges and I look for them.“I would like to win as many titles as possible in as many championships as possible. “Among the best leagues in Europe I lack England, having won in Spain, Germany and Italy.

“The Premier League has always fascinated me. Winning the title there would complete my collection.“But I do not want to nominate or propose: I'm fine in Turin and predicting the future in football is difficult.”

Khedira tasted Bundesliga title success with Stuttgart in 2006-07, before helping Real to La Liga glory in 2011-12.He also won the Copa del Rey, Champions League and Club World Cup during his time in Spain.

Two Serie A crowns and two Coppa Italia triumphs have followed in Italy, while he formed part of the Germany side which swept to global glory at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

 

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Manchester United fan Usain Bolt praying for Ferguson recovery


Usain Bolt, one of Manchester United's most famous fans, has offered his support to Sir Alex Ferguson following the legendary manager's emergency surgery.United released a statement on Saturday confirming that Ferguson had undergone an operation following a brain haemorrhage.The club confirmed that the procedure had been a success, but there has since been no further update on the 76-year-old's status.

And Bolt joined other sporting personalities in wishing Ferguson well, posting an Instagram picture of him alongside the 13-time Premier League winner, along with the caption: "Prayers be Sir Alex".
Tributes and messages of goodwill have poured in from across world football, with clubs including Barcelona, AC Milan, West Ham and fierce rivals Liverpool and Manchester City offering solidarity.

Football stars past and present have also offered encouragement to Ferguson, such as David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Massimiliano Allegri, Sam Allardyce, Mark Hughes, Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and David Silva.

Ferguson nurtured Ronaldo at United and the attacker won the first of his five Ballons d'Or under his tutelage at Old Trafford in 2008, having also claimed his first Champions League title the same year.Ronaldo wrote on his official Twitter account: "My thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear friend. Be strong, Boss!"

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted "praying for good health boss!" early on Sunday, alongside a picture of him with Ferguson as they celebrated winning the 2012-13 Premier League title.

Ex-England star Paul Gascoigne also said he was "praying" for Ferguson's recovery, adding "you've won everything in life any player or manager dreams of".
Former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti added on Twitter: "Impatiently waiting for positive news. Thinking of you my dear friend."
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has also sent his best wishes for the Scot makes a speedy recovery.

"Brian Kidd, who is [at City] now, was with [Ferguson] for a lot of time," Guardiola told Sky Sports prior to City's game with Huddersfield Town on Sunday."So a big hug and our thoughts are with his wife Cathy and the Manchester United family.

"I was glad to have dinner with him two weeks ago, and hopefully he can recover as quickly as possible."

 

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Barclays Premier League Champions 2017/18 Manchester City Title Celebrations!

 

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Congratulations Manchester City!

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Barcelona 2 Real Madrid 2: LaLiga champions stay unbeaten despite Roberto's first-half red

Champions Barcelona maintained their season-long unbeaten LaLiga run with a 2-2 Clasico draw against rivals Real Madrid at Camp Nou, despite Sergi Roberto's first-half red card.

Barca played 45 minutes with 10 men but managed to extend their record undefeated streak in the top flight to 42 matches, a record that stretches back to April 2017.In Andres Iniesta's last Clasico, Luis Suarez gave the Catalan giants an early lead by turning in a terrific right-wing cross from Roberto, but the advantage did not last long as Madrid hit back in the 14th minute.


Cristiano Ronaldo - substituted at half-time due to injury - equalled Alfredo Di Stefano's record of 18 Clasico goals for Madrid by tapping in a clever Karim Benzema header back across goal.Madrid's chances of winning were boosted by Roberto's red card for appearing to strike Marcelo in the face late in the first half, although Gareth Bale could have also been dismissed after seeming to stamp on the back of Samuel Umtiti's leg.

Although they were a man light, Barca regained the lead thanks to a sensational Lionel Messi goal - his 26th in this fixture - but Madrid felt Suarez fouled Raphael Varane in the build-up.Bale had the final say by getting his first LaLiga Clasico goal with a 20-yard strike to claim a point for Madrid, who stay 15 points behind their irrepressible rivals.


Suarez missed an early chance after being fed by Messi, but the Uruguay forward put Barca in front in the 10th minute.

Roberto raced away down the right after being sent clear by Suarez, who timed his run to the back post perfectly to turn the deep cross past Keylor Navas with a low volley.The lead did not even last five minutes, though, Ronaldo inevitably central as he made it 12 goals in his last 12 visits to Camp Nou.

Ronaldo started the move by teeing up Toni Kroos on the overlap, the Germany midfielder's cross nodded into the middle by Benzema and the Portugal superstar tapped in on the line despite the close attention of Gerard Pique.

Madrid were stamping their authority on the contest, Ronaldo heading over and drilling wide either side of being denied at close range by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.The first half ended with referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez in the thick of the action, Suarez and Sergio Ramos booked before Messi earned a yellow for a late foul on the Madrid captain.Tempers boiled over before the break as Roberto saw red for lashing out at Marcelo, the Barca full-back seeming to push his hand into his opponent's face.

Ronaldo, who appeared to be injured in the process of scoring, was replaced by Marco Asensio at half-time, while Nelson Semedo plugged the gap left by Roberto by coming on for Philippe Coutinho.Madrid were leaving too many gaps, though, and Barca went back in front in the 52nd minute thanks to Messi's first home league Clasico goal in five matches.

Suarez seemed to trip Varane as he robbed the defender wide on the left, but the referee waved play on and he passed for Messi to cut inside two challenges and smash a shot into the bottom-left corner.Barca thought they had extended their lead through Suarez, only for the goal to be disallowed for a marginal offside in the build-up, and Iniesta, seemingly set for a switch to the Chinese Super League, was then withdrawn to a standing ovation.

Navas did well to stop Messi wrapping up the points after the Barca star raced clear and that save proved key as Bale struck in the 72nd minute.Asensio fed the Wales international on the edge of the box and he bent a first-time strike out of Ter Stegen's reach to level for the Champions League finalists.



Madrid felt Jordi Alba brought Marcelo down in the box but the referee waved away the appeals, before Messi missed two late openings as the last Clasico of the season ended with the spoils shared.

 

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'I trust his strength and optimistic character' - Wenger offers support to Ferguson


Arsene Wenger hopes Sir Alex Ferguson's "strength and optimistic character" can help the former Manchester United manager in his recovery from a brain haemorrhage.

Ferguson underwent emergency surgery on Saturday, with his old club confirming the procedure was a success but that the 76-year-old would need a period in intensive care.The Scot had made an appearance at Old Trafford less than a week before falling ill, presenting Wenger with a special gift in recognition of his years of service prior to United's 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Addressing the crowd after his final home game in charge, Wenger sent his best wishes to his long-time rival."Firstly, because at Arsenal we care, we would like to wish Alex Ferguson to get well very quickly," he said at the start of his speech.

The Frenchman later added to Sky Sports: "I am concerned because last week we were together."I offer just a message of support. I trust his strength and optimistic character to get over it, and well."

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, meanwhile, said the news about Ferguson was on his mind during preparations for his side's 1-0 win over Liverpool and he also wished him a quick recovery.

Conte played against Ferguson's United side for Juventus in a number of Champions League clashes and he spoke of their relationship after his team's victory, which came thanks to a first-half goal from Olivier Giroud."I am very sad," he told reporters. "I have had the possibility to know him and his wife, to understand this is a special person. Not a normal person."He won many titles in his career and I appreciate the man. Yesterday the news changed my day in a bad way.

"We hope to see him recover quickly and our best wishes for this. Now it is very difficult and we want to stay close."Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp put club rivalries aside to join his managerial counterparts in wishing Ferguson well."I met Sir Alex after the first leg against Roma, he was there with Gerard Houllier," Klopp said.

"I had a few words with them. When I heard it on the way to London I couldn't believe it. He was last night and will be 100 per cent in my prayers.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him again."

 

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Valverde: Action-packed Clasico would still be going if VAR was used


Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde says La Liga teams will have to show patience with the introduction of video technology next season.

VAR, which is already used in Serie A and the Bundesliga among other leagues, will be implemented in La Liga for the 2018-19 campaign, with the video assistant referee also set to be used at the World Cup in Russia.

Valverde was commenting after a typically frantic Clasico against Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday, the champions remaining unbeaten following a 2-2 draw despite Sergi Roberto's first-half red card.

Roberto left referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez with little option but to show the red card after thrusting a hand into the face of Marcelo, but Gareth Bale escaped punishment having appeared to stamp on Samuel Umtiti's calf.Madrid also felt Marcelo should have been awarded a penalty for a foul by Jordi Alba following Bale's equaliser, while Luis Suarez seemed to trip Raphael Varane in the build-up to Barca's second goal.

An intense Clasico left plenty to discuss post-match despite little riding on the result, Barca having already completed a domestic double, while Madrid are looking ahead to a Champions League final against Liverpool.

And both Valverde and Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane were unwilling to be critical of the officials despite some decisions going against both teams."Luckily we don't have VAR yet, or we'd still be playing," joked Valverde in his post-match news conference. "The team made a great effort with 10 against Madrid, we overcame that adversity, but we would have liked to win.

"The referee did not know who benefited the most [from decisions], it will have to be seen on TV. It's complicated to be a referee and we have to understand them, I come here as coach of Barca and I see everything in my favour."The sending-off of Sergi Roberto hurt us and I know him - I doubt he was going to hurt [Marcelo].

"Technology is going to be good for football, but it will take time to adjust, the important thing is that the games have rhythm, at the beginning it will be complicated, but there are plays that require it."

Zidane was also unwilling to pore over individual decisions made by the officials during the game.
"I am not going to talk about the refs, I never do," Zidane said. "Next year it will change, with VAR, and we will see how a game like this ends up."There was nothing in play but we saw a good game from both teams. Everyone who likes football can be happy with a game like that."Always the football is more important than the 'controversies' people want to make."

 

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Man Utd yet to agree £80m Milinkovic-Savic deal, says Lazio star's agent


Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has no agreement in place to leave Lazio this summer, claims his agent, with the midfielder being linked with an £80 million move to Manchester United.

Some reports had suggested that the Serbia international had been given the green light to complete a move to Old Trafford this summer, with Jose Mourinho marking him out as a top target.United, though, are not the only side keeping a close eye on the talented 23-year-old.

Lazio are also understandably reluctant to part with a prized asset and can be expected to fight hard to keep a much sought-after performer on their books.

They are proving successful at present, says Mateja Kezman, with Milinkovic-Savic’s representative telling Lazionew.eu: “Lazio have three big games to go and nobody has talked about any negotiations at this moment.“The Biancocelesti have the opportunity to get their best result of recent years by qualifying for the Champions League.

“It’s only normal there is enormous interest in Sergej between some top European clubs, but we do not have any agreement with any club.”Milinkovic-Savic has made 46 appearances for Lazio in all competitions this season, netting 14 goals.

He has also provided six assists across his Serie A and Europa League outings, with his game being taken to new heights in 2017-18.It is those exploits which have brought him to the attention of United, with the Red Devils in the market for midfield reinforcements.

They are about to see the long-serving Michael Carrick slip into retirement, while uncertainty reigns regarding the future of Marouane Fellaini as his contract continues to run down towards free agency.

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo Champions League final concerns eased following Clasico injury


Cristiano Ronaldo departed Real Madrid’s Clasico clash with Barcelona at half-time after picking up what appeared to be an ankle injury, but Zinedine Zidane expects him to be available for a Champions League final date with Liverpool.

After Luis Suarez had put the hosts in front at Camp Nou just 10 minutes in, Ronaldo levelled matters just four minutes later.However, he had to be attended to late in the first half after taking a knock.

The 33-year-old was first left clutching his lower leg after finding the target.He was bundled over the line along with the ball after beating Gerard Pique to a header back across goal from Karim Benzema.

Ronaldo was quick to get to his feet after ending up in the back of the net, but hobbled back towards halfway.He was given time in which to try and shake off the problem, but did require treatment before the interval.

Though Ronaldo eventually finished the opening 45 minutes, which saw Sergi Roberto sent off in the closing stages for Barcelona, he was replaced by Marco Asensio when the teams emerged for the second half. Initial fears put his involvement in a Champions League final date with Liverpool on May 26 in doubt.

Zidane has, however, moved to calm the concerns of Blancos supporters, with the Real boss confident that a knock picked up by his talismanic forward is only "minor" after initial tests determined a slight ankle sprain.He told Movistar Partidazo following a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou: "We will look tomorrow [Monday] and see what damage has been done.

"Right now it's not good, but it's going to be minor. He seemed to think it wasn't much. It's not a worry for the Champions League final."It remains to be seen how serious Ronaldo's ankle complaint is and how long it takes him to fully recover from it.

Zidane will hope that the issue does prove to be minor, with his Portuguese superstar having netted 43 times across all competitions this season.

 

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'Thanks for building what we know as Arsenal' - Kanu pays tribute to Arsene Wenger at Emirates


Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu was present at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to honour Arsene Wenger in his last home game as Arsenal manager.

The French tactician is set to leave the club at the end of the season after nearly 22 years in charge.However, Wenger was celebrated by both fans and players as the Gunners welcomed Burnley for their last home game in the 2017-18 season.

A brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and goals from Sead Kolasinac, Alexandre Lacazette and Alex Iwobi ensured the 68-year-old signed off with a convincing 5-0 win over the Clarets.

Meanwhile, Kanu who reunited with the 2003-04 'Invincible' squad on Sunday, have special words to describe the man who led the Gunners to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.

 

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Ramos accuses Messi of putting pressure on referee


Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos accused Barcelona star Lionel Messi of putting the referee under pressure in Sunday's El Clasico.

Madrid left Camp Nou with a 2-2 draw in a thrilling encounter, fighting back from a goal down on two occasions.Luis Suarez gave Barca an early lead before Cristiano Ronaldo – who was withdrawn with a knock at half-time – equalised soon after.

Despite having Sergi Roberto dismissed just before the break for appearing to strike Marcelo in the face, Barca restored their lead early in the second half through Lionel Messi, only for Gareth Bale to secure a point.

Real Madrid appeared to be denied a chance to take the lead when referee Alejandro Hernandez failed to whistle a foul despite Marcelo going down in the area after apparent contact by Jordi Alba.Madrid also claimed Messi's goal should have been waived off due to a foul by Suarez on Raphael Varane.

And Ramos says Messi put Hernandez under pressure in the tunnel at half-time."Messi has put a little pressure in the tunnel," he is quoted as saying by Marca.

"I do not know if there were cameras, I don't know if in the second half he will have done it in other ways."It's football and everything has to be left on the field, as long as it's not going to hurt you. You have to have that respect."

Ramos' team-mate Casemiro also noted the potential penalty, but had sympathy for the referee in a match that he considered a fair result."The referee could have given a penalty for Marcelo," Casemiro added. "But we cannot talk about him, the referee wants to do his best. It was a draw, a great match for both sides.

Suarez, meanwhile, admitted he did not expect play to continue after his challenge on Varane."Varane controlled it and I just put my foot in," Suarez said. "But hey, that's the decision of the referee, sometimes they get it right and sometimes not, I was a little surprised that he let it go on.

"We went ahead twice on the scoreboard. Sergi's red card hurt us, but the team did spectacular physical work, defended well. The draw was not bad either."

 

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Wenger looking forward to being able to shout at his Arsenal successor


Arsene Wenger is looking forward to being able to “shout at the next manager” of Arsenal as he prepares to pass on the reins after 22 years at the helm.

An iconic era in north London is coming to a close, with the Gunners’ long-serving manager taking in his final home game on Sunday against Burnley – with a 5-0 win providing a fitting farewell.Wenger still has trips to Leicester and Huddersfield to take in before stepping aside, but attention has already started to shift towards what will happen once he is gone.

Various names have been offered up as potential candidates to fill a sizeable void in north London, while the man walking away remains adamant that he will be staying in football.
It remains to be seen whether that role will allow Wenger to return to Emirates Stadium, but he is hoping to be back as a fan and take in the experience of life in the stands.“I would be happy to sit in the North Bank,” the Frenchman told Standard Sport.
“It depends. Do I work somewhere else or not? What do I do? In the job I do will I be free on the day Arsenal plays?

“I’d be happy to be in the North Bank. If you can offer me a ticket. The positive of that is I can shout at the next manager!”Wenger has faced plenty of criticism himself in recent years, with Arsenal having slipped from a once lofty perch, but the 68-year-old claims he has learned to turn a deaf ear to detractors.

He added: “Fortunately in my job you learn to disconnect from yourself. You don’t analyse anymore how you feel. For 20 years I forgot about me and just cared about the problems I had to sort out.

“I must say when you’re such a long time in the job and people ask how do you feel you think ‘why does he ask me that, I don’t know how I feel.’ I have to learn to reconnect with myself now I have more time.“It’s a new start for me.”His impending departure has been welcomed by some in north London, but Wenger hopes that his legacy will see him remembered for the many good times he has brought to Arsenal over the years.

“Sometimes to make people happy you have to go somewhere else,” he joked.
“I want to make people happy because I have a certain idea of the game, the football to be played.

“My ambition was always to win with style. When you’re a big club you have that responsibility. For the supporters to have a special experience when they come to the club. That was always my target: making people happy.”

 

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Wenger's Emirates Farewell​

 

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Ronaldo means ‘nothing is impossible’ for Portugal at Russia 2018 – Mourinho


Jose Mourinho believes that Portugal have the capacity to win World Cup 2018 thanks to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo.


The Real Madrid star played a large part in helping his country to Euro 2016 success in France, although he went off injured early in the final, which Eder won in extra-time with the only goal.The Manchester United boss has backed the Ballon d’Or winner to replicate that influence in Russia.


“Portugal has an interesting squad. Without Cristiano, it would be impossible. But with him nothing is impossible,” he told ESPN Brazil.Mourinho, meanwhile, believes that Argentina are a contender for a first crown since 1986 thanks to the individual talents of Lionel Messi.


“I believe that the Argentinian national team without Lionel Messi wouldn't be a contender,” he said of Jorge Sampaoli’s side, who struggled to qualify for the competition, relying on a hat-trick from the Barcelona ace to see them past Ecuador 3-1 in their final qualifying match. “But with him, they’re one of the favourites.”



Looking at the favourites due to the strength of their squads, Mourinho picked out Brazil and Spain as two of his top picks for the competition.“I like the basic structure of Brazil a great deal, their tactics and mentality,” he said. “There is a mixture between Brazilian natural talent, with a serious approach, physical, tactical.


“They are a team capable of defending well, allowing few goals, with a good support base. And then up front with Willian, Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus ... All players with outstanding qualities.“And then we have the traditional teams of Europe, but I believe Spain are once again a real team. They were able to get together players with the same game philosophy, adapted to that playing style.


"I would say that Spain are in better condition than any other European rivals. But let's see...“It is going to be entertaining to me, I'll be in Russia for a week to follow the games and then finally vacation.”Mourinho still has three games to negotiate with Manchester United this season. His side face West Ham and Watford in the league this week before the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 19.

 

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Jorginho wanted by four or five Premier League clubs – agent


Napoli star Jorginho is wanted by four or five Premier League clubs but could still stay at the Serie A outfit, according to his agent.The Brazil-born Italy international has enjoyed a fine season, his fourth full campaign at Napoli.


Despite being contracted until 2020, Jorginho, 26, has been linked with a move away and his agent Joao Santos confirmed several Premier League clubs were interested.


"A Manchester City bid for Jorginho? Everyone knows there are four or five Premier League clubs who want Jorginho," he told CalcioNapoli24."Napoli have never talked about anything and I've never talked to other teams officially. I'm waiting for Napoli to define his future.


"Jorginho still has two years left on his contract and if Napoli want to sell him, he'll just have to find an agreement with another team and then he'll have to talk to us about it."Jorginho has made 37 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring four goals.


While the midfielder is linked with a switch, Santos suggested a new deal could still be reached with Napoli."A hypothetical renewal with an amended contract? We'll have to wait until the end of the season to talk to Napoli," he said."Anything can happen in football."

 

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Juventus plan Allegri talks amid Arsenal links


Massimiliano Allegri has been linked with becoming Arsenal's new manager, but Juventus plan to hold talks with the coach over his future once the Serie A title is secured.


Allegri's men are on track for the fourth consecutive domestic double of his time at the club, with Juve facing AC Milan in the final of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.Juventus are virtually certain to win the Scudetto for the seventh season in a row – Napoli are six points back with two games to go – but speculation Allegri could leave has intensified.


The Italian previously indicated his next job will be away from his homeland and, along with former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, he is reportedly a frontrunner to succeed Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium.Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta, though, suggested Juve remain hopeful Allegri can be persuaded to stay at the club, having led the Bianconeri to the final of the Champions League on two occasions.


"With Allegri we have a relationship that has worked and does work," Marotta said to Rai Sport."After winning the Scudetto we'll talk about the future, which I'm sure will be full of satisfaction together."The maths still doesn't allow us to celebrate [winning the league]. We have to be realistic, we can virtually taste it, but we want to get that point. We need to make it mathematically certain and real."

 

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Manchester United want to win FA Cup for Ferguson, says Mata


Manchester United have to win the FA Cup in honour of the club's former manager Alex Ferguson, who is in hospital after undergoing emergency surgery, Juan Mata has said.United confirmed on Saturday the 76-year-old is recovering from a brain haemorrhage after a procedure that went "very well", with no further medical updates released since.


Messages of support for Ferguson and his family have been sent from around the world of football, with the Scot considered one of the greatest managers in the history of the sport.


And Mata says United, who face Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 19, must fight to win the competition for Ferguson."This Saturday, all of us were overwhelmed by the news about Sir Alex Ferguson's health condition," Mata wrote in his weekly blog on the United website.


"This circumstance has had a huge impact on Manchester United, as you can imagine. All of us are united right now, wishing Sir Alex a speedy recovery. He has been a unique and fundamental figure in the football world over the last few decades.



"I've never been coached by him, unfortunately, yet I know well his incomparable legacy on this club, that winning mentality and fighting gene that we must honour in the last three games of the season, especially in the FA Cup final.


"To achieve that, we are going to work hard while we eagerly await good news about Sir Alex's recovery."

 

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Lovren sure Liverpool can seal Champions League place against dangerous Brighton


Dejan Lovren does not believe Liverpool should be worried, despite failing to seal Champions League qualification at Chelsea on Sunday.

The Reds have reached the final of Europe's premier club competition, yet their participation in next season's tournament remains in doubt, as a defeat at Stamford Bridge allowed Chelsea to close to within three points of Jurgen Klopp's men.Although Chelsea have a game in hand, Liverpool's superior goal difference almost certainly means victory against Brighton will secure a top-four finish.

And Lovren is confident that third-placed Liverpool, who defeated Middlesbrough on the final day of last season to book a return to the Champions League, will deliver again, telling the club's website: "It's similar [to 2016-17]. We know what we can expect.

"It will definitely be tough. Brighton showed in their previous game against Manchester United that they can win against big teams, but I'm confident we can do it."Lovren also believes Liverpool deserved a draw at Chelsea, where Olivier Giroud's header settled the game in the home side's favour.

"To be honest, we had a quite good game," he said. "We played our football how we wanted and how we expected."With [Chelsea's] deep defending, it was quite difficult. We had a couple of chances and didn't score; they had this one header and that's it, one goal. It should usually be at least a point but, unfortunately, we didn't take our chances like we usually do."But it's still in our hands. The next game will definitely be a tough game but I'm confident we can manage to win it."

 

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Ronaldo begins injury recovery with Madrid certain he will make Champions League final


Real Madrid are certain Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit for the Champions League final, and have not ruled out the possibility of him playing in La Liga again this season.The Portuguese was withdrawn at half-time of Sunday's draw with Barcelona having picked up an ankle injury in the process of scoring in the early stages at Camp Nou.

Concerned Madrid supporters feared the worst for their star forward, who has scored 15 goals in 12 European appearances this season to lead them to the final against Liverpool in Kiev on May 26.

Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane initially eased those fears, claiming the injury was only a sprain and that it would be unlikely for him to miss the final.And Goal understands that after further tests the club are happy with how their prized asset is shaping up, with Ronaldo himself having spent Monday morning starting his recovery at the club's training ground.

Despite that, Ronaldo will definitely miss Wednesday's clash with Sevilla in the Primera Division and is highly likely to be ruled out of Saturday's match against Celta Vigo.

But Madrid are quietly confident that he could yet be available to face Villarreal on the final weekend of the Liga season ahead of their pursuit of a third European title in four seasons a week later.

Despite that encouraging news, the injury is likely to end any hopes Ronaldo has of catching Lionel Messi in the race for this season's Pichichi Trophy.Messi leads the way to be named La Liga's top scorer with 33 goals, with Ronaldo still eight strikes behind.