..::Football IV::..

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'Guardiola will make £60m Mahrez even better' - Man City's record signing excites Bellamy


Riyad Mahrez has been backed by Craig Bellamy to see his game taken to even greater heights under the guidance of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.The Algeria international, who had been pushing for a move away from Leicester for some time, has completed a record-breaking £60 million ($78m) switch to the Etihad Stadium.He is now the costliest player in City’s history, with the Premier League champions prepared to invest considerable faith in the 27-year-old’s talents.

Mahrez is a title winner in England and former PFA Player of the Year, with his creativity earning plenty of plaudits, and Bellamy believes a big-money transfer will prove beneficial to all concerned.The former City striker told the Daily Star: “He’s been a top player, he’s done a great job at Leicester.“It’s a great time for him to move on. He’s just another option.

“I know it’s difficult obviously because of the money that they’ve spent but it was going to take that type of money to get him out of there.“These players, attacking-wise, are costing that kind of money now. He just adds another dimension to what is already a fierce attack.“But I’m just interested because I believe Guardiola is the best coach in the world at this present moment.

“I think he’s been the best coach in the world over the last six, seven, eight years.
“I’m interested to see how he improves Mahrez. The best thing with Guardiola, he improves players, he makes them better.“Can he get Mahrez another level again? And if he can, that’s exciting for Man City.”

Mahrez netted 48 times in 179 appearances for Leicester, with his most productive campaign proving to be a Premier League title-winning one in 2015-16 – when he scored 18 times.He found the target on 13 occasions across all competitions last season, while providing 10 assists in his top-flight outings.

That skill set will now be put to good use by City alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane.

 

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Leicester open talks with Liverpool over £12m Ward transfer


Liverpool are in talks with Leicester over the £12million ($15.5m) transfer of goalkeeper Danny Ward.The Welshman is expected to miss the Reds’ friendly with Blackburn Rovers on Thursday night as he closes in on a move away from Anfield.

Liverpool are themselves set to finalise the £67m ($87m) signing of Alisson Becker, with the Roma ‘keeper undergoing a medical on Merseyside ahead of a world-record switch.

Ward had been set to get a chance to impress Jurgen Klopp this summer after a season spent as third-choice behind Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet. Anfield sources had even indicated, as recently as last week, that the 25-year-old could start the campaign as No.1.

However, the Reds have made significant moves since then, landing their top transfer target in Alisson. With Karius and Mignolet still on the books, Klopp is willing to allow Ward to leave and get the first-team football he believes he deserves.

Ward has made three senior appearances for Liverpool, but enjoyed successful loan spells with Aberdeen and Huddersfield Town. Both Burnley and Bournemouth had made enquiries about the former Wrexham man this summer, but it appears Leicester have won the race.

The Foxes themselves could soon be losing their No.1 goalkeeper, with Kasper Schmeichel attracting interest from both Chelsea, who look likely to sell Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid, and Roma, who are in the market for a ‘keeper following Alisson’s exit.

Liverpool expect teenage star Ben Woodburn to travel with them for their three-game tour of the USA this weekend, despite loan interest from Sheffield United and Norwich. The Reds have also received numerous enquiries from Championship clubs over Ryan Kent, Sheyi Ojo and Pedro Chirivella, all of whom have featured so far during pre-season.

Gini Wijnaldum and Danny Ings will miss the game at Blackburn due to minor injuries.

 

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Real Madrid waiting for Chelsea to find Courtois replacement


Thibaut Courtois's transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid has stalled, but only temporarily. With Liverpool and Roma reaching an agreement on the £67 million ($87m) transfer of goalkeeper Alisson , Chelsea now have to look elsewhere to find a replacement number one.

With Roma initially unwilling to sell the Brazilian goalkeeper, they put a prohibitive asking price on the 25-year-old, which was enough to deter the Blues and Madrid, but matched by Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp seeking a permanent fix to his recurring goalkeeping problem.

Alisson's transfer has had a knock-on effect in both Chelsea and Real Madrid's summer transfer plans, as both sides had considered the Brazil international as their first choice. As a result, Real will once again turn to Courtois, with a transfer looking inevitable.

The Belgian has rejected Chelsea's advances of a contract renewal, and with just one year left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, will be sold this summer rather than leaving for free next year. Courtois has not hidden his desire to return to the Spanish capital , with Madrid determined to strengthen between the posts.

New Real boss Julen Lopetegui already has Keylor Navas at the club, but both fans and the board believe that the position could be strengthened even more. Los Blancos were keen on Athletic Bilbao stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga in January, but saw the transfer fall apart at the 11th hour with Zinedine Zidane not fully convinced, leaving them still in the market for a long-term replacement for Navas.

With Zidane now gone and goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis at Real Sociedad, the connection with Navas is not as strong as it once was. As soon as Zidane left Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid moved for Andriy Lunin , a player they had watched for two years but whose transfer was 'blocked' by the French coach.

With 19-year-old Lunin considered the future of the club, Real are still determined to continue with 'operation Courtois', but are willing to wait for Chelsea to find a replacement for the World Cup semi-finalist.

According to Goal information, both clubs have been in contact about the transfer of Courtois, and an agreement should be reached when Chelsea have found their new man in goal. The deal could reach £35m ($45m) for the World Cup Golden Glove winner, with all parties eager to reach a resolution and the transfer expected sooner rather than later.

Before that, new coach Mauricio Sarri must add another goalkeeper to his squad for the 2018-19 Premier League season. Until then, a time-out has been granted.

 

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Manchester United 1 America 1: Mata salvages draw for Red Devils

Juan Mata salvaged a 1-1 draw against America as Manchester United avoided defeat in their pre-season opener on Thursday.A bullet header from Henry Martin in the 59th minute had Mexican giants America on track for victory in sweltering conditions in Phoenix, until Mata hammered home the equaliser with 12 minutes remaining.

The Red Devils – back in the United States for the second successive year – were missing a host of stars at University of Phoenix Stadium following the World Cup in Russia – Romelu Lukaku, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford on holiday after Russia 2018.


David de Gea, Nemanja Matic and new signing Fred are expected to join the squad next week, while Alexis Sanchez is believed to be on his way to the United States after resolving his visa issues.

Jose Mourinho had lamented the situation, especially amid Sanchez's struggles getting into the country, but it provided Anthony Martial with the chance to impress.Playing up front in the absence of Lukaku, Sanchez and Rashford, Martial – linked with a move away from Old Trafford – caused plenty of problems in the first half.

Martial fired a shot just over the bar in the 13th minute following some neat work from Demetri Mitchell inside the penalty area before the French star almost teed up Mata for the opener two minutes later – the Spaniard's low shot hitting the post.

American goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin was called into action when Martial's deflected shot almost found the bottom corner of the net.While United looked lively and threatening up front, the back four of Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw had their hands full in defence.And it was up to recruit and third-choice goalkeeper Lee Grant to keep United on level terms before half-time.

Signed from relegated Stoke City, Grant got down well to deny America in the 27th minute as the Mexican side enjoyed a good spell as Roger Martinez bulldozed his way through United's defence and forced the veteran into another save seven minutes later.



Grant was replaced by Joel Pereira at half-time and the 22-year-old – who is set to leave on loan for the 2018-19 season – prevented America from taking the lead eight minutes into the second period when he thwarted Martinez.Pereira, however, was powerless to keep out Martin's header approaching the hour-mark as United conceded the opener.

A terrific cross from highly rated youngster Tahith Chong helped get United back on level terms – the teasing delivery picking out Herrera who hit the post before Mata fired home the rebound in the 78th minute.

 

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Congratulations Manchester United!

Tahith Chong pattaniyama talent ekak

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Mourinho hails Man Utd youngster Chong after impressive pre-season cameo


Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has hailed Tahith Chong after the youngster impressed during his side's 1-1 draw with Club America in pre-season.

The 18-year-old came off the bench to play a key role in Juan Mata's equaliser in Phoenix as the Red Devils started their preparations for the upcoming Premier League season.Chong, who was named as the club's young player of the year last season, put in a teasing cross which was initially met by Ander Herrera before Mata found the back of the net for Mourinho's side.

Mourinho believes Chong needs to improve physically but was full of praise for the Dutch winger's confidence and ability.He told United's official club website: “He [Chong] was good.

“He came with the intention to show [what he can do] and in a moment where we had no strikers on the pitch – [Anthony] Martial was the only one and then he left, so we had no strikers – so we needed people to create and have some initiative, which he did.

“The action for the cross for the goal [by Mata] was a beautiful action. He was enthusiastic and he was confident to play.“Of course, physically he has his limitations and, when he had one more touch and he allowed the body contact [from defenders], of course he loses [the ball] for everyone.

“But when he makes the ball move and when he attacks people one against one, he has qualities – he’s a good kid.“Mourinho also hopes to have Chong training with the United first team as much as possible in an effort to aid his development and boost his chances of a competitive debut in the future.

”We have plans to make him [Chong] train the most possible times with us because that increases his evolution,” Mourinho added.“He has to play where he belongs, he has to play in the Academy and he has to work physically because physically is where he’s not ready.

“Technically he’s very good, tactically he understands the game. He understands his position. From the physical point of view, when the game gets into important situations, he’s in trouble, he’s fragile.

“He’s a kid, he’s still a kid, the talent is there, the personality is there, the passion, the desire to play, the humility to learn, so it’s a fantastic experience for him if he can play like today 20-25 minutes in every one of these five matches.“If during the season, he trains with us and if during the season, he has a couple of occasions to play minutes with us, I don’t know, it depends, especially some cup matches.

“Of course he’s a good kid and it’s not for today, but for sure, he’s a good kid.”

 

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Mourinho reveals Valencia will be Man Utd captain


Jose Mourinho has revealed that Antonio Valencia will be Manchester United's captain for the 2018-19 season.Michael Carrick had been the club's nominal captain last season, but played just five times in all competitions before retiring in May.

With Carrick moving into a coaching role with the Red Devils, they had no designated captain for the new campaign, but Mourinho has provided clarity by naming the experienced Ecuador international as the new club captain.

Valencia appeared in 31 Premier League games last season, but Mourinho hinted that he may not always wear the armband in 2018-19, with other players set to step into the role when the 32-year-old is absent.

Mourinho named four players likely to inherit the role if Valencia misses out, while also indicating that summer 2017 signing Nemanja Matic is also being considered but may have to wait until he spends more time at Old Trafford.“Valencia will be the captain but when he doesn’t play, we have to make decisions – it depends who is on the pitch," Mourinho told the club's official website.

"If [Chris] Smalling is, if Ashley Young is, if [Ander] Herrera is or if [Juan] Mata is, if they are on the pitch, they are an option. I think Matic has all the attributes to be Manchester United captain but of course he only arrived one year ago.

"But for me, I don’t care too much about the captaincy, I care more about the life in the dressing room.”United opened their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mexican side Club America, needing a Juan Mata goal to earn a draw at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona.

The Red Devils next take to the field on July 22 with a friendly against San Jose Earthquakes. Mourinho has indicated that Alexis Sanchez may start as a striker in that game as United are currently short of options up front with many senior players excused from duty after their World Cup commitments.

 

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Neymar backs 'genius' Ronaldo to make Serie A great again


Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar thinks Cristiano Ronaldo's move from Real Madrid to Juventus will restore Italian football to the level of the glory days he remembers watching as a child.

Ronaldo enjoyed a remarkable spell at Madrid, scoring at least 40 goals in each of his nine seasons at the club to inspire them to 15 major trophies.However, after helping Madrid secure a third-straight Champions League triumph in May, Ronaldo felt the time was right for a new challenge.

That brought about his shock move to Juventus for a €100 million ($116m) fee, a deal which has been considered something of a coup for Italian football.

And Neymar, who grew up in a period when Juve, Inter and Milan were all counted among the best in Europe, thinks Ronaldo's switch could be a turning point for Italy and Serie A."Cristiano Ronaldo's departure for Juventus will change Italian football," Neymar told reporters."It will once again be the Italian football that I saw as a child."Cristiano is a great player, is a football legend, a genius, so we have to respect him.”

Neymar, 26, had been strongly linked with a move to Madrid as a direct replacement for Ronaldo.However, the world's most expensive player has since reiterated his desire to remain at Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.Neymar's team-mate Kylian Mbappe and Chelsea star Eden Hazard have also been linked with a switch to Madrid to replace Ronaldo.

 

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Chelsea unveil yellow away kit for 2018-19 season

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AC Milan to re-enter Europa League as CAS rules to overturn ban


AC Milan's ban from the 2018-19 Europa League for breaching Financial Fair Play and licensing regulations has been overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

UEFA confirmed in late June they had taken drastic action against Milan's apparent breaches of break-even requirements, barring them from competing in Europe's second-tier competition for next season.Milan, who qualified for the Europa League by virtue of finishing sixth in Serie A, immediately launched an appeal to CAS.



And their ban from the competition has, as a result, been annulled, although they could still end up with some form of punishment, with CAS telling UEFA to "issue a proportionate disciplinary measure".

UEFA's initial sanction related to Milan's failure to fulfil the break-even requirement set out in the governing body's Financial Fair Play regulations.While CAS accepted this decision, rejecting the Rossoneri's request to force UEFA into a settlement agreement, it claimed the ban from Europe was not a proportionate punishment.

CAS also said UEFA's Adjudicatory Chamber had not properly assessed some "important elements" and pointed to the takeover of the club's holding company by Elliott Management this month as a sign of Milan's improved financial situation.

A CAS statement read: "The CAS panel rejected AC Milan's request to order UEFA to enter into a settlement agreement but acknowledged that the decision of the adjudicatory chamber of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) to exclude AC Milan from the UEFA club competition was not proportionate.

"The Panel considered that some important elements have not been properly assessed by the adjudicatory chamber, or could not be properly assessed at the moment when the appealed decision was rendered, and noted in particular that the current financial situation of the club was now better, following the recent change in the club's ownership.

"The panel decided to refer the case back to the adjudicatory chamber of the UEFA CFCB because the club had requested that the case be referred back to UEFA and because it considers that the adjudicatory chamber is in a better position than the CAS panel to issue a new proportionate disciplinary measure on the basis of the current financial situation of the club."And UEFA have confirmed that Milan will now be reinstated for the upcoming season.

"Earlier this month, the Adjudicatory Chamber of the independent Club Financial Control body, chaired by José Narciso da Cunha Rodrigues, decided that AC Milan had breached the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations; in particular the break-even requirement," read a statement. "As a result, the Chamber decided to exclude AC Milan from the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League.

"As is permitted by Article 34(2) of the Procedural rules governing the UEFA Club Financial Control Body, as well as Articles 62 and 63 of the UEFA Statutes, AC Milan appealed this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who confirmed the Chamber’s view that there had been a breach of the regulations."However, the CAS noted that there were some important elements that could not properly be assessed by the Adjudicatory Chamber – most significantly the improvement of the Club’s financial situation as a result of the recent change of ownership.

"As a result, AC Milan is reinstated to the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League and the CAS has referred the case back to the Adjudicatory Chamber to decide on the appropriate disciplinary measure, in the light of these developments."

 

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Mane takes Coutinho's No.10 squad number at Liverpool


Sadio Mane will wear the No.10 shirt at Liverpool this season.Philippe Coutinho vacated the number when he moved to Barcelona in January of last year, and the Senegal international has now taken over.Mane previously wore No.19 at Anfield, but has now switched to the new number that has something of a chequered history at the club.

John Barnes, Michael Owen and Luis Garcia were all successful No.10s at Liverpool, but Joe Cole and Andriy Voronin fared less well.If recent form is to suggest anything, though, Mane should enjoy the responsibility afforded by the number.

The Senegal international had an excellent campaign in 2017-18, scoring 20 goals in all competitions and providing nine assists. In the Champions League, Mane scored 10 times in just 11 appearances as the club reached the Champions League final against Real Madrid.Mane captained Senegal at the 2018 World Cup, and scored in his side's 2-2 draw with Japan.

However, they were eliminated at the group stages, losing 1-0 to Colombia after beating Poland 2-1 in their opening game.

 

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Man City rule out moves for Pjanic, Thiago & Kovacic


Manchester City sources have ruled out a big-money move for Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic, Goal understands.

Reports in Italy had claimed that City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken to Pjanic in the past few days to convince him to move to the Etihad Stadium in an €80 million (£72m/$94m) deal.City have been linked with a number of midfielders since missing out on preferred target Jorginho .

But Goal understands that a move for an established name is unlikely at this stage in the window, and that Pjanic is not under consideration.The same goes for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago and Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic, City sources have indicated.

By targeting Fred in January and Jorginho this summer, City believe they had identified two quality options that would have been available for roughly £50m ($65m). Ultimately they could not convince Shakhtar Donetsk to sell Fred in January, and the Brazil midfielder then decided to join Manchester United .

Having agreed a deal with Napoli for Jorginho, City were shocked by the Italian club’s sudden refusal to sell, instead insisting that the Italy international only move to Chelsea, as part of a deal for manager Maurizio Sarri to replace Antonio Conte.City do not believe they will find two similarly capable players available for £50m.

They are still monitoring the market and a move for a younger, less established player is thought to be a possibility, but it is just as likely that City will head into the new season without any further midfield signings, leaving them to weigh up their options for next summer as the campaign progresses.

It is understood that Guardiola is happy to utilise his current squad to fill the gap left by Yaya Toure, who left at the end of his contract in July.Although Toure barely featured in his final campaign at City, Guardiola had identified the deep-lying midfield role as one of two areas in need of strengthening.

But Guardiola is prepared to use Fabian Delph and Ilkay Gundogan as alternatives to Fernandinho, rather than be rushed into a new signing that they have not tracked as closely as Fred or Jorginho."No, we're not disappointed,” Guardiola said of the failed pursuit of Jorginho. “We tried. We thought already it was done. My advice is for players to go where they want to go.

"It would have been a mistake if he'd come here when he wanted to go to Maurizio [Sarri] and Chelsea. English football received an exceptional player at the end. If they don't want to come it's better they don't come. All the best for him.”Asked about alternative options, the Catalan replied: "We'll decide on the last day.We have Fernandinho, [Ilkay] Gundogan, Oleksandr [Zinchenko], [Fabian] Delph. We have young players who can play, we'll see, Douglas Luiz, Claudio Gomes so we'll see."Zinchenko could yet leave City this summer, with several clubs, including Fulham and Wolves, expressing their interest.

Douglas Luiz spent last season on loan at Girona, while Claudio Gomes, 17, only started training with the squad this week, as they prepare for three International Champions Cup games in the United States."He has been so good, so good,” Guardiola said of Gomes. “My opinion is that at that age you have to play. You need minutes, if not with us then with the second team.

"It could be like what happened with Phil Foden and Brahim Diaz - he could stay with us, because from what we have seen in these days, the impression is good, so good."

 

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Leicester complete £12m Ward signing from Liverpool



Danny Ward has completed a £12 million ($15.7m) move from Liverpool to Leicester City, it has been confirmed.The 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract with The Foxes, with Jurgen Klopp's Reds happy to let the Welshman move on after signing Alisson Becker from Roma.

Ward becomes Leicester's fourth signing of the summer transfer window after the arrivals of Ricardo Pereira, Jonny Evans and James Maddison.Speaking to LCFC TV, Ward said of his transfer: “I’m delighted to be here and I’m really looking forward to the future with this football club.

"I’ve come here to develop my all-round game and hopefully help deliver some more success. The club has had that in recent years and hopefully there’s more to come in the future."Meanwhile, Foxes boss Claude Puel expressed his happiness in the competition Ward's signing will bring to the club.

“I’m very happy to welcome Danny to Leicester City Football Club," the manager said."Pre-season preparations have started well for us and with Danny joining the group, it will give us even more competition in the squad, which is crucial for us ahead of what will be another very competitive Premier League campaign.”

 

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Lille swoop for free agent Portugal international Fonte



Ligue 1 side Lille have snapped up Portugal international Jose Fonte on a free transfer.The 34-year-old defender has signed a two-year deal after terminating his contract with Dalian Yifang earlier this week.He made just nine competitive appearances in China but started all four of Portugal's matches at the World Cup in Russia.

Fonte, who previously had Premier League spells with Southampton and West Ham, has been tasked with providing leadership alongside fellow new signing Loic Remy."I am very proud to join LOSC, a great French club," Fonte said."This is a new challenge for me, which I hope will be very successful. I will give everything to help the club as best as possible in its ambitious project."

Fonte had a long run in England, first joining Crystal Palace during the 2007-08 season while they were in the Championship. He later moved to Southampton while the club was in League One.The defender remained with Southampton as they worked their way back to the Premier League, and even managed to start four Europa League games for the club in 2015-16.

He moved to West Ham in January 2017 and played in 24 games in the Premier League with the London club over the next 13 months before joining Dalian Yifang in the China.

Despite making only nine appearances in China, he played every minute of Portugal's World Cup campaign this summer, which ended with a round of 16 loss to Uruguay for the reigning European Champions. Lille finished 17th in Ligue 1 last term, avoiding a relegation play-off by one point.

 

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'They are the best' - Man United fans keeping De Gea at Old Trafford according to Herrera


Ander Herrera believes star goalkeeper and Real Madrid target David de Gea will stay at Manchester United thanks to the love of the supporters.Spain international De Gea has continually been linked with a move to European champions Madrid after a transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu fell through in 2015.

Madrid's goalkeeping situation has dominated headlines again this off-season, with Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois also a candidate to swap London for the Spanish capital.

Red Devils team-mate Herrera, however, feels the loyalty of Manchester United's fans will keep De Gea at Old Trafford."I remember that difficult summer when everyone was talking about Real Madrid and he played the first game at Old Trafford and everyone was singing his name and he told me 'this is amazing, they are the best'," said Herrera.

"He can be very calm but he's the best. He will show it again. He's the best keeper I've ever seen in my life and he is with us so we have more chances to win titles."
De Gea was heavily criticised after Spain were sensationally eliminated by hosts Russia in the last 16 of the World Cup.

The 27-year-old, who arrived at United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, made just one save during the tournament, while he conceded a howler against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in Spain's opener.But Herrera backed his countryman to silence his critics with United in the Premier League this season.

"He is so, so strong," Herrera added. "I remember when I was in Spain and he signed for the club. The first couple of months were hard for him and he became the best goalkeeper in the world in the next four years so I am very relaxed about him.

"We are very lucky to have him because he is the best in the world. I don't care what the critics say."He is the best goalkeeper in the world, by far, and he will show it again. When you are the best goalkeeper in the world and you don't make those amazing saves, everyone is going to talk.

"When I don't play very well, I don't get that criticism because I am not one of the best in the world, but he is, so it's normal and he will cope with it."

 

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Manchester City 0 Borussia Dortmund 1: Gotze spoils Mahrez's debut in ICC opener

Mario Gotze scored the only goal of the game as Riyad Mahrez made his Manchester City debut in a 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund at the International Champions Cup.

Mahrez debuted in Chicago on Friday after completing a club-record £60million transfer from Leicester City earlier this month.The Algeria star showed glimpses of his quality for the Premier League champions and he almost scored before half-time via a set-piece but undermanned City fell to Dortmund at Soldier Field.


Gotze – wearing the captain's armband – scored from the penalty spot in the 28th minute after Dortmund team-mate and United States star Christian Pulisic was fouled by Oleksandr Zinchenko.


The World Cup deprived the Chicago crowd of a host of stars, with Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Aguero, Kyle Walker, Danilo, Vincent Kompany, John Stones, Raheem Sterling, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, Fabian Delph, Bernardo Silva, David Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Fernandinho, Nicolas Otamendi and Ederson absent for the Premier League champions.Pep Guardiola's City, however, still fielded Mahrez and Claudio Bravo, with Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte on the bench.

Bundesliga outfit Dortmund – who downed Austria Vienna 1-0 in Lucien Favre's bow last week – were also without the likes of Raphael Guerreiro, Shinji Kagawa, Roman Burki and new signings Thomas Delaney and Manuel Akanji, though Gotze and Pulisic took part.

City made a lively start as the English side – led by Mahrez – enjoyed some success down the left-hand side without really troubling Marwin Hitz.Dortmund grew into the game as the half wore on and they hit the front approaching the half-hour mark.

Zinchenko was exposed by Pulisic, who received the ball and drew a foul from the Ukrainian utility inside the penalty area after Dortmund dispossessed City before Gotze converted the spot-kick.

City were caught out at the back again when Alexander Isak rounded Bravo but the Swede found the side netting from an acute angle moments later.Debutant Mahrez almost equalised on the stroke of half-time but his free-kick was kept out by Hitz.



Joe Hart – who is seeking a permanent move away from the Etihad Stadium – replaced Bravo at the interval, while Dortmund changed all 10 outfield players for the second half.Dortmund found the back of the net again in the second half but Max Philipp's effort was ruled out for offside, much to the relief of City.

Hart was called into action with 19 minutes remaining, the out-of-favour former England number one – who spent last season on loan at West Ham – denying Jadon Sancho.

 

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Bayern Munich 3 Paris Saint-Germain 1: Sanches strikes in ICC clash

Renato Sanches scored a free-kick as Bayern Munich came from behind to beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the International Champions Cup.Both sides were opening their ICC campaigns in Klagenfurt on Saturday and it was the Bundesliga side who came out on top in Niko Kovac's first game in charge.

Timothy Weah - son of George - opened the scoring for PSG in the first half, running on to a Kevin Rimane pass to finish well from inside the penalty area.But three goals in 18 second-half minutes saw Bayern complete a fine comeback, Javi Martinez nodding in Arjen Robben's corner to get his side level.

Sanches then took advantage of suspect positioning from substitute goalkeeper Remy Descamps to curl in a free-kick and boost his chances of first-team action with Bayern, with teenager Joshua Zirkzee wrapping up the scoring.Thomas Tuchel's PSG will have a chance to make amends against Arsenal in a week's time, while Bayern's next ICC game is against Serie A champions Juventus on Thursday.


PSG started on top despite Tuchel naming an inexperienced side, Adrien Rabiot's downward header forcing an early save from Sven Ulreich.Gianluigi Buffon was soon rolling back the years at the other end, the veteran goalkeeper diving low to his right to turn away an awkwardly spinning first-time shot from Oliver Batista-Meier.PSG took the lead in the 31st minute, Weah racing through to slot home past Ulreich.

But the goal owed plenty to Rimane's fine work, the defender seizing upon a loose pass, juggling the ball as he broke away and sending Weah clear with an excellent pass.Christopher Nkunku impressed through the first half and he flashed a drive over the angle as PSG pushed for a second.Bayern almost equalised in the first minute after the restart, but Sandro Wagner's header struck the crossbar, then Nkunku missed a fine chance by firing wide from Rabiot's low cross.

The Bundesliga side's second-half improvement told, though, Martinez heading in a right-wing Robben corner to level the scores with half an hour to play.And Bayern took the lead with a cute free-kick from Sanches that caught out Descamps.



The Portugal international spotted the goalkeeper, who had replaced Buffon moments earlier, poorly positioned and whipped his 20-yard strike around the wall and in at the near post.

And the points were sealed when substitute Serge Gnabry burst away to set up Zirkzee for Bayern's third, the 17-year-old recovering quickly after being struck in the head by team-mate Meritan Shabani minutes earlier.

 

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'Motivated' Sanches just needs time at Bayern - Kovac


Renato Sanches is pushing for more Bayern Munich game time after failing to make an impact in his two years at the club, says new coach Niko Kovac.Sanches flopped on loan at Swansea City as the Welsh club were relegated fromthe Premier League last term.The Portugal international has struggled since joining Bayern for €35 milllion from Benfica before Euro 2016, where he was crowned Young Player of the Tournament.

But a fresh start appeared to be promised under Kovac and the 20-year-old impressed in his coach's first game in charge of Bayern, scoring a fine free-kick as the Bundesliga side came from behind to beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the International Champions Cup on Saturday.

"You have to keep in mind that when a player comes from a foreign country, you can not simply expect him to establish himself in a new environment in no time," Kovac told reporters."This is the same with any foreign player, you have to give the players time. I do not think that time was given to him and now he has this time.

"He came into training very motivated from the beginning, I've seen it every day for three weeks, he is really pushing and that's why I'm glad that he made a good game and scored a nice free-kick goal."You just have to give those people who come from elsewhere more time than they might need in this business."

Arjen Robben provided the cross for Javi Martinez's headed equaliser as Bayern struck three times in 18 second-half minutes to turn the tables on PSG and the Dutch winger also pleaded for patience with Sanches."I think you do not have to talk too much about that [Sanches' time at Swansea]," Robben said."You should give him enough time to develop. The club tries to help him. Hopefully he will continue as before."

Sanches has also impressed team-mate David Alaba with his attitude since returning to Bayern from his injury-hit spell at Swansea.
"He works very, very well, you can see that in the training sessions," said the Austria international."You realise that he works very concentrated - and that expresses itself of course in the game."

 

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'Morata and Milan have already chosen' - Chelsea star off to San Siro, says Antonini


Alvaro Morata is heading back to Serie A at AC Milan, according to Luca Antonini, with the Chelsea striker a more logical option for the Rossoneri than Karim Benzema.

Those at San Siro have been heavily linked with several strikers this summer as they seek to find added spark in the final third of the field.That search has led them in the direction of Stamford Bridge, with Morata seeing his future called into question after a difficult debut campaign in England and subsequent World Cup snub.

The Spain international is considered to be a sensible target for Milan, given that he has previously impressed with Juventus, and is seen as a better fit than Real Madrid forward Benzema.

Former Rossoneri defender Antonini told RMC Sport on the striker search: "I think that Morata and Milan have already chosen."There is clearly a need to convince Chelsea, who hold the cards.

"As far as I'm concerned, for Milan I see the Spaniard as being more suitable than a player like Benzema."The Frenchman is the ideal profile for Napoli."Chelsea invested a club record €64 million (£58m/$77m) in Morata when signing him from Real Madrid in the summer of 2017.

He did offer glimpses of what he is capable of during a difficult season for all concerned at Stamford Bridge, with 15 goals recorded across all competitions.The arrival of Olivier Giroud in January did, however, nudge him down the pecking order and Maurizio Sarri has now inherited the managerial reins in west London from Antonio Conte.

He is looking to put his own stamp on the Blues squad, with Chelsea exploring other attacking options as they leave the exit door open for Morata.

 

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Higuain Chelsea join wei wage​