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..::Football IV::..
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Guardiola voices support for under-fire Solskjaer
Pep Guardiola sympathises with Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the difficult period he is going through and insists he supports the Norwegian ahead of their first derby meeting.
Solskjaer was brought in initially as an interim replacement for Jose Mourinho in December and enjoyed a stunning impact as they lost just one of his first 17 matches at the helm and reached the Champions League quarter-finals against the odds.
Back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Wolves did not put United off from hiring him full-time at the end of March, but a subsequent run of two wins and four defeats has prompted many to question the club's decision to hand Solskjaer a contract through to 2022.
Their most recent defeat was undoubtedly the nadir, as United were humiliated 4-0 away to Everton on Sunday, severely denting their top-four hopes.Up next on Wednesday is the derby against champions Manchester City in a game which could have major consequences in the title race, and Guardiola showed empathy towards his opposite number.
When asked in his pre-match news conference if he felt it was right for Solskjaer to be questioned, Guardiola said: "I don't know. We [managers] don't have time."I understand his position perfectly. We are alone, I am alone and that's why I understand completely his position.
"It happened to me, it happened to all the managers around the world. We can sustain it if we win, if we don't we are in danger."That is the reality, we have to accept it. It is what it is. I understand perfectly and I am with him, I support him, honestly."
At the time of Solskjaer's interim appointment and subsequent full-time hiring, much was made of his close connection to the club, having spent the majority of his playing career at Old Trafford as well as his early coaching days.
Guardiola – who managed Barcelona after playing for them – agrees that such a background can be beneficial."To know the club is better," he said. "I know this club now more in my third season than I did in my first season."He came back here after being a formidable player. He knows everything [about the club], so it's an advantage, of course."
Despite United's recent woes, Guardiola is expecting them to be at their very best in the derby, and while he believes pride to be at stake for Solskjaer's men, he downplayed the influence of their Everton loss on the game.
Asked if United will be eager for a response, Guardiola said: "A little bit more, maybe, but if they won [against Everton] the confidence would be a little bit more, and it is a derby."All the derbies here or in Germany or Spain are always special games and the players do their best for the fans and the team.
"I expect the best United, for sure. They have pride, their pride to do their best. We are going to do what we do and try to win the game."
Pep Guardiola sympathises with Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the difficult period he is going through and insists he supports the Norwegian ahead of their first derby meeting.
Solskjaer was brought in initially as an interim replacement for Jose Mourinho in December and enjoyed a stunning impact as they lost just one of his first 17 matches at the helm and reached the Champions League quarter-finals against the odds.
Back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Wolves did not put United off from hiring him full-time at the end of March, but a subsequent run of two wins and four defeats has prompted many to question the club's decision to hand Solskjaer a contract through to 2022.
Their most recent defeat was undoubtedly the nadir, as United were humiliated 4-0 away to Everton on Sunday, severely denting their top-four hopes.Up next on Wednesday is the derby against champions Manchester City in a game which could have major consequences in the title race, and Guardiola showed empathy towards his opposite number.
When asked in his pre-match news conference if he felt it was right for Solskjaer to be questioned, Guardiola said: "I don't know. We [managers] don't have time."I understand his position perfectly. We are alone, I am alone and that's why I understand completely his position.
"It happened to me, it happened to all the managers around the world. We can sustain it if we win, if we don't we are in danger."That is the reality, we have to accept it. It is what it is. I understand perfectly and I am with him, I support him, honestly."
At the time of Solskjaer's interim appointment and subsequent full-time hiring, much was made of his close connection to the club, having spent the majority of his playing career at Old Trafford as well as his early coaching days.
Guardiola – who managed Barcelona after playing for them – agrees that such a background can be beneficial."To know the club is better," he said. "I know this club now more in my third season than I did in my first season."He came back here after being a formidable player. He knows everything [about the club], so it's an advantage, of course."
Despite United's recent woes, Guardiola is expecting them to be at their very best in the derby, and while he believes pride to be at stake for Solskjaer's men, he downplayed the influence of their Everton loss on the game.
Asked if United will be eager for a response, Guardiola said: "A little bit more, maybe, but if they won [against Everton] the confidence would be a little bit more, and it is a derby."All the derbies here or in Germany or Spain are always special games and the players do their best for the fans and the team.
"I expect the best United, for sure. They have pride, their pride to do their best. We are going to do what we do and try to win the game."
Manchester United 0 Manchester City 2: Silva & Sane send visitors back to summit
Second-half goals from Bernardo Silva and substitute Leroy Sane gave Manchester City a 2-0 derby triumph over Manchester United as Pep Guardiola's men edged back ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Following a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Everton on Sunday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made five changes to the United XI and he was rewarded with an enterprising first-half display.
But PFA Player of the Year nominee Silva broke the deadlock in the 54th minute and Sane gave the off-colour David de Gea another moment to forget 12 minutes later.
City are a point ahead of Liverpool, knowing victories in their final three games will guarantee back-to-back titles and complete two-thirds of an unprecedented domestic treble.
Jesse Lingard volleyed wide from Paul Pogba's exquisite 16th-minute pass as an end-to-end contest began to develop – De Gea beating away Silva's rasping drive before United sprung up the field and Marcus Rashford was denied by an alert Ederson. City gradually found their poise as half-time approached, with De Gea thwarting Raheem Sterling at the end of a deft move in the United box.
Fernandinho hobbled off injured after making a brilliant tackle on Pogba early in the second half. Sane's introduction meant Ilkay Gundogan dropping back to the base of the midfield and Silva slotting into a central role, and the two men combined in their new positions as the Portugal international caught out De Gea at his near post.
Sergio Aguero then hit a rasping shot against the outside of the same upright but Lingard passed up a chance to level when Rashford's bouncing ball across goal evaded Vincent Kompany and the England midfielder.
Sterling's charge around Fred to tee up Sane was the nerve-settling moment City required and United's earlier verve evaporated as a result.
Another defeatCITY lata match karanna nam loku deyak karanna wenawa team eke
& Just 3 more matches remainingnext Chelsea.Big...big......match ekak.onama deyak wenna puluwan.4th place thamath open
Good luck for the next match Manchester United!
CITY lata match karanna nam loku deyak karanna wenawa team eke& Just 3 more matches remaining
next Chelsea.Big...big......match ekak.onama deyak wenna puluwan.4th place thamath openGood luck for the next match Manchester United!
Werder Bremen 2 Bayern Munich 3: Lewandowski double sends Kovac's men into final
Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Bayern Munich booked a place in the DFB-Pokal final with a 3-2 win at Werder Bremen, surviving a stirring second-half fightback.
Lewandowski's first-half goal put Bayern on track and when Thomas Muller added their second after the interval at Weser-Stadion on Wednesday they seemed set to cruise into a final against RB Leipzig in Berlin.But Werder hit back with Yuya Osako and Milot Rashica on target with a quickfire double to briefly draw them level before Lewandowski converted a controversial penalty in the 80th minute to win it.
Bundesliga leaders Bayern suffered a shock loss to Niko Kovac's Eintracht Frankfurt in the final last year but, despite Lewandowski missing an open goal for his hat-trick in added time, the coach now has a chance to potentially make it a double in his first season in charge of the Bavarian giants.
Muller, appearing in his 10th DFB-Pokal semi-final, nearly scored an early opener for Bayern with a clever backheel from Kingsley Coman's low cross.Osako fired wide and Davy Klaassen missed a good volleyed chance at the other end but Bayern's pressure told in the 36th minute as Muller's looping header came back off the post and Lewandowski tucked away the rebound.
Lewandowski soon had the ball in the net again, glancing in Muller's cross - the goal ruled out for offside - but Bayern would not be denied in the 63rd minute.Muller collected a shot from Leon Goretzka and fired past Jiri Pavlenka, at which point there were few signs of a Werder recovery.
But Osaka drilled in and straight from kick-off Bayern surrendered possession cheaply, Rashica embarking on a superb solo run that ended with a brilliant finish across Sven Ulreich.Parity was short-lived, however, with referee Daniel Siebert harshly pointing to the spot when Coman seemed to go down easily in the box under Theodor Gebre Selassie's challenge.
Lewandowski, who scored twice off the bench to see off second-tier Heidenheim in the last round, coolly stroked the penalty home but then hit the woodwork with the goal gaping from two yards out, as a somewhat fortunate Bayern progressed to the final.
Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Bayern Munich booked a place in the DFB-Pokal final with a 3-2 win at Werder Bremen, surviving a stirring second-half fightback.
Lewandowski's first-half goal put Bayern on track and when Thomas Muller added their second after the interval at Weser-Stadion on Wednesday they seemed set to cruise into a final against RB Leipzig in Berlin.But Werder hit back with Yuya Osako and Milot Rashica on target with a quickfire double to briefly draw them level before Lewandowski converted a controversial penalty in the 80th minute to win it.
Bundesliga leaders Bayern suffered a shock loss to Niko Kovac's Eintracht Frankfurt in the final last year but, despite Lewandowski missing an open goal for his hat-trick in added time, the coach now has a chance to potentially make it a double in his first season in charge of the Bavarian giants.
Muller, appearing in his 10th DFB-Pokal semi-final, nearly scored an early opener for Bayern with a clever backheel from Kingsley Coman's low cross.Osako fired wide and Davy Klaassen missed a good volleyed chance at the other end but Bayern's pressure told in the 36th minute as Muller's looping header came back off the post and Lewandowski tucked away the rebound.
Lewandowski soon had the ball in the net again, glancing in Muller's cross - the goal ruled out for offside - but Bayern would not be denied in the 63rd minute.Muller collected a shot from Leon Goretzka and fired past Jiri Pavlenka, at which point there were few signs of a Werder recovery.
But Osaka drilled in and straight from kick-off Bayern surrendered possession cheaply, Rashica embarking on a superb solo run that ended with a brilliant finish across Sven Ulreich.Parity was short-lived, however, with referee Daniel Siebert harshly pointing to the spot when Coman seemed to go down easily in the box under Theodor Gebre Selassie's challenge.
Lewandowski, who scored twice off the bench to see off second-tier Heidenheim in the last round, coolly stroked the penalty home but then hit the woodwork with the goal gaping from two yards out, as a somewhat fortunate Bayern progressed to the final.
AC Milan 0 Lazio 1 (agg 0-1): Correa winner earns Inzaghi's men revenge
Lazio gained revenge by beating AC Milan 1-0 to clinch their place in the Coppa Italia final just 11 days after a fractious defeat against their Serie A rivals, who knocked them out of the cup last season.
Milan's 1-0 victory at Stadio Olimpico put them in the driving seat to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League this season but Joaquin Correa's second-half strike delivered a win that could hardly taste sweeter for Simone Inzaghi's side.The visitors edged a high-octane first half and then stepped up a gear after the interval, laying siege to Pepe Reina's goal before Correa slid the ball between the goalkeeper's legs.
The Rossoneri's Franck Kessie and Tiemoue Bakayoko angered Lazio's fans with their celebrations after winning in Rome, but the bragging rights swung the other way as Inzaghi's men set up a final against Fiorentina or Atalanta.
The two sides launched gung-ho into a full blooded contest and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic hobbled off in some pain having gone over awkwardly on his ankle, before team-mate Ciro Immobile turned smartly on the edge of the box and drilled a low shot into Reina's midriff.At the other end Lucas Leiva's poor clearance allowed Calabria to rattle a dangerous bouncing effort towards goal that Thomas Strakosha had to dive to parry around the post.
Calabria then limped out of the game after pulling up with a muscle strain and both Bastos and Correa missed golden chances for Lazio towards the end of a frenetic first half.Lucas sent a wonderful effort curling towards goal as Lazio pressed early in the second half but Reina made an equally spectacular save before Bastos headed wide from the ensuing corner.
The opener came from a blistering counter-attack, Immobile bursting over the half-way line and feeding Correa who bore down on goal before nutmegging Reina with a nonchalant finish.Substitute Patrick Cutrone thought he had headed an equaliser 15 minutes from time but an offside flag was correctly raised against him.
Felipe Caicedo had a penalty appeal waved away at the other end after he was felled by Reina, but one goal proved to be enough for Lazio.
Lazio gained revenge by beating AC Milan 1-0 to clinch their place in the Coppa Italia final just 11 days after a fractious defeat against their Serie A rivals, who knocked them out of the cup last season.
Milan's 1-0 victory at Stadio Olimpico put them in the driving seat to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League this season but Joaquin Correa's second-half strike delivered a win that could hardly taste sweeter for Simone Inzaghi's side.The visitors edged a high-octane first half and then stepped up a gear after the interval, laying siege to Pepe Reina's goal before Correa slid the ball between the goalkeeper's legs.
The Rossoneri's Franck Kessie and Tiemoue Bakayoko angered Lazio's fans with their celebrations after winning in Rome, but the bragging rights swung the other way as Inzaghi's men set up a final against Fiorentina or Atalanta.
The two sides launched gung-ho into a full blooded contest and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic hobbled off in some pain having gone over awkwardly on his ankle, before team-mate Ciro Immobile turned smartly on the edge of the box and drilled a low shot into Reina's midriff.At the other end Lucas Leiva's poor clearance allowed Calabria to rattle a dangerous bouncing effort towards goal that Thomas Strakosha had to dive to parry around the post.
Calabria then limped out of the game after pulling up with a muscle strain and both Bastos and Correa missed golden chances for Lazio towards the end of a frenetic first half.Lucas sent a wonderful effort curling towards goal as Lazio pressed early in the second half but Reina made an equally spectacular save before Bastos headed wide from the ensuing corner.
The opener came from a blistering counter-attack, Immobile bursting over the half-way line and feeding Correa who bore down on goal before nutmegging Reina with a nonchalant finish.Substitute Patrick Cutrone thought he had headed an equaliser 15 minutes from time but an offside flag was correctly raised against him.
Felipe Caicedo had a penalty appeal waved away at the other end after he was felled by Reina, but one goal proved to be enough for Lazio.
Wolves 3 Arsenal 1: Stunning first-half display hurts Gunners' top-four hopes
Arsenal's hopes of securing a top-four place were dealt a blow as Wolves cruised to a 3-1 Premier League win at Molineux on Wednesday.
Any thoughts the Gunners would return to winning ways after Sunday's damaging defeat to Crystal Palace were extinguished during a 17-minute spell in the first half, which saw Wolves score three times.Ruben Neves got them up and running with a glorious free-kick shortly before the half-hour mark, while Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota put the game to bed before the interval after some generous defending from Unai Emery's side.
Defeat leaves Arsenal – who scored a late consolation through Sokratis Papastathopoulos – a point behind fourth-place Chelsea, while Wolves are now one point ahead of Watford in seventh.
Arsenal dominated the early exchanges but it was Wolves who carved out the first clear openings, Joao Moutinho whipping wide from 20 yards and Raul Jimenez prodding over from close range.
Neves' fourth goal of the campaign set them on their way after 28 minutes, the Portugal international curling a 25-yard free-kick inside Bernd Leno's right-hand post, before Doherty headed Jonny's cross past the flailing German goalkeeper nine minutes later.Jota then rounded off a stunning first-half display, jinking past two defenders and squeezing a low shot through the weak resistance of the beleaguered Leno.
An Arsenal comeback failed to materialise in the second period and Jimenez should have added a fourth for the hosts after 68 minutes, the Mexico striker blazing wide after a flowing move.
Sokratis headed home Granit Xhaka's corner 10 minutes from time but the damage had been done during that blistering first-half spell as Wolves secured a first-ever Premier League win against the Gunners.
Arsenal's hopes of securing a top-four place were dealt a blow as Wolves cruised to a 3-1 Premier League win at Molineux on Wednesday.
Any thoughts the Gunners would return to winning ways after Sunday's damaging defeat to Crystal Palace were extinguished during a 17-minute spell in the first half, which saw Wolves score three times.Ruben Neves got them up and running with a glorious free-kick shortly before the half-hour mark, while Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota put the game to bed before the interval after some generous defending from Unai Emery's side.
Defeat leaves Arsenal – who scored a late consolation through Sokratis Papastathopoulos – a point behind fourth-place Chelsea, while Wolves are now one point ahead of Watford in seventh.
Arsenal dominated the early exchanges but it was Wolves who carved out the first clear openings, Joao Moutinho whipping wide from 20 yards and Raul Jimenez prodding over from close range.
Neves' fourth goal of the campaign set them on their way after 28 minutes, the Portugal international curling a 25-yard free-kick inside Bernd Leno's right-hand post, before Doherty headed Jonny's cross past the flailing German goalkeeper nine minutes later.Jota then rounded off a stunning first-half display, jinking past two defenders and squeezing a low shot through the weak resistance of the beleaguered Leno.
An Arsenal comeback failed to materialise in the second period and Jimenez should have added a fourth for the hosts after 68 minutes, the Mexico striker blazing wide after a flowing move.
Sokratis headed home Granit Xhaka's corner 10 minutes from time but the damage had been done during that blistering first-half spell as Wolves secured a first-ever Premier League win against the Gunners.
Atletico Madrid 3 Valencia 2: Late Correa stunner seals win as Barca's title party is delayed
Angel Correa's stunning late strike secured Atletico Madrid a 3-2 win over Valencia at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday to delay Barcelona's confirmation as LaLiga champions.
Defeat for Diego Simeone's men would have seen Barca clinch a second successive title without even playing, but they showed admirable character to see off a resolute Valencia side who had seemingly clinched a valuable point in the top-four battle with a 77th-minute Dani Parejo penalty.
Atletico were good value for their lead when Alvaro Morata opened the scoring with less than 10 minutes on the clock, but they lacked intensity and Kevin Gameiro levelled for Valencia against his former club.
Griezmann ensured Atletico went back in front in the 49th minute at the end of a lovely move and, although Parejo converted a contentious spot-kick to seemingly earn Valencia a commendable draw, Correa's long-range effort ended the visitors' hopes.
Atletico began with great purpose and, after threatening with a couple of earlier deliveries, took the lead in the ninth minute – Morata turning home Juanfran's brilliant right-wing cross.Valencia gradually improved as the half progressed and levelled nine minutes before the interval, Santi Mina skilfully flicking the ball over Diego Godin's head in the box and picking out Gameiro for an easy finish.
They were not level for long, however, as Atletico restored their lead just after the break – Griezmann nipping in front of Jose Gaya to head in Thomas Lemar's precise cross from the left flank.Jan Oblak was helpless to keep Parejo's penalty out towards the end, as a VAR review saw Saul Niguez punished – somewhat harshly – for handball from a Gameiro effort.
But Correa – a second-half substitute for Filipe Luis – saved the day four minutes later, sending an unstoppable effort to Neto's left from distance to seal the points.
Angel Correa's stunning late strike secured Atletico Madrid a 3-2 win over Valencia at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday to delay Barcelona's confirmation as LaLiga champions.
Defeat for Diego Simeone's men would have seen Barca clinch a second successive title without even playing, but they showed admirable character to see off a resolute Valencia side who had seemingly clinched a valuable point in the top-four battle with a 77th-minute Dani Parejo penalty.
Atletico were good value for their lead when Alvaro Morata opened the scoring with less than 10 minutes on the clock, but they lacked intensity and Kevin Gameiro levelled for Valencia against his former club.
Griezmann ensured Atletico went back in front in the 49th minute at the end of a lovely move and, although Parejo converted a contentious spot-kick to seemingly earn Valencia a commendable draw, Correa's long-range effort ended the visitors' hopes.
Atletico began with great purpose and, after threatening with a couple of earlier deliveries, took the lead in the ninth minute – Morata turning home Juanfran's brilliant right-wing cross.Valencia gradually improved as the half progressed and levelled nine minutes before the interval, Santi Mina skilfully flicking the ball over Diego Godin's head in the box and picking out Gameiro for an easy finish.
They were not level for long, however, as Atletico restored their lead just after the break – Griezmann nipping in front of Jose Gaya to head in Thomas Lemar's precise cross from the left flank.Jan Oblak was helpless to keep Parejo's penalty out towards the end, as a VAR review saw Saul Niguez punished – somewhat harshly – for handball from a Gameiro effort.
But Correa – a second-half substitute for Filipe Luis – saved the day four minutes later, sending an unstoppable effort to Neto's left from distance to seal the points.
'We have to be real with each other' - Rashford says Man Utd failing to meet 'bare minimum'Marcus Rashford blasted Manchester United's performance on Wednesday, saying the team isn't meeting the "bare minimum" required to represent the club after a painful derby loss.
Man Utd were beaten 2-0 by cross-town rivals Manchester City on Wednesday, just days after the Red Devils were thrashed 4-0 by Everton at Goodison Park.With those defeats, Manchester United have now amassed seven losses in nine outings, while also failing to keep a clean sheet in 12 consecutive games.
According to Rashford, Wednesday's defeat was particularly troubling, as it served as even more evidence that this Man Utd group aren't fighting as hard as they need to be to achieve the results they are expected to as a club.
"Today we didn’t play like Manchester United," Rashford told Sky Sports. "It’s not right. The bare minimum is to work hard and give all for the badge, the supporters, the club and yourself."It has been a tough road to get to where we are, to get there and not be putting up the same performances as we were in January is disappointing.
"We know what’s been going wrong, it’s mentality and willingness to run for your team. Forget the league and top four, you don’t lose this game."It’s that simple as a Manchester United fan. We never call each other out but we have to be real with each other. It’s a matter of trying to improve each other.
"It’s more getting back used to doing it on the pitch. They [the fans] know we can do it. We have to get to the bottom of it and start playing like Manchester United for ourselves."
Manchester United are still in the hunt for a top-four spot, currently sitting sixth place with three matches remaining.The Red Devils are two points behind fifth-placed Arsenal, who were smashed 3-1 by Wolves on Wednesday, and three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea for that coveted Champions League berth.
Manchester United have matches against Chelsea, Huddersfield and Cardiff on the schedule to close the Premier League season.
Griezmann important for future at Atletico – Simeone
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone talked up the importance of Antoine Griezmann, saying he hoped for another strong campaign from the forward next season.Griezmann scored his 15th LaLiga goal of the season during Atletico's 3-2 victory over Valencia on Wednesday.
The France international has continually been linked with a move to Barcelona, who are nine points clear at the top with four games remaining.
But Simeone said Griezmann, who is contracted until 2023, was still shaping as a vital part of his Atletico squad for next season."A very important player for the present and the future of the club and the team," he said, via Mundo Deportivo."He is one of the captains and we hope that next season he will have an intense season like now."
Angel Correa's 81st-minute goal proved to be the winner for Atletico, while Valencia were left in fifth – two points behind Getafe and having played one more game.
Griezmann said his side wanted to finish as close to Barca as possible as Ernesto Valverde's men close in on the title."We have games left," he told beIN SPORTS."We will see [when] they do it. If you cannot be first, then second."We want to be as close as possible so that one day we will be first."
Valencia boss Marcelino remains hopeful about his side's chances of a top-four finish, with matches against Eibar, Huesca, Deportivo Alaves and Real Valladolid left in their league campaign.
"We know we have more games. I don't trust the calendar. The last defeat was against Rayo [Vallecano], which should make us think that any game is decided by details," he said."It will [not] be decided until the end. We play at home on Sunday and we have to win."It is a very important game and the effort is accumulated, the options for fourth place are intact."
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone talked up the importance of Antoine Griezmann, saying he hoped for another strong campaign from the forward next season.Griezmann scored his 15th LaLiga goal of the season during Atletico's 3-2 victory over Valencia on Wednesday.
The France international has continually been linked with a move to Barcelona, who are nine points clear at the top with four games remaining.
But Simeone said Griezmann, who is contracted until 2023, was still shaping as a vital part of his Atletico squad for next season."A very important player for the present and the future of the club and the team," he said, via Mundo Deportivo."He is one of the captains and we hope that next season he will have an intense season like now."
Angel Correa's 81st-minute goal proved to be the winner for Atletico, while Valencia were left in fifth – two points behind Getafe and having played one more game.
Griezmann said his side wanted to finish as close to Barca as possible as Ernesto Valverde's men close in on the title."We have games left," he told beIN SPORTS."We will see [when] they do it. If you cannot be first, then second."We want to be as close as possible so that one day we will be first."
Valencia boss Marcelino remains hopeful about his side's chances of a top-four finish, with matches against Eibar, Huesca, Deportivo Alaves and Real Valladolid left in their league campaign.
"We know we have more games. I don't trust the calendar. The last defeat was against Rayo [Vallecano], which should make us think that any game is decided by details," he said."It will [not] be decided until the end. We play at home on Sunday and we have to win."It is a very important game and the effort is accumulated, the options for fourth place are intact."
'I hope to play in Serie A sooner or later' - Lukaku hints at Man Utd exit
Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku has hinted he could leave Old Trafford, confessing it is "a dream" of his to play in Serie A one day.
The 25-year-old has spent the last two years of his career at the Theatre of Dreams, having secured a big-money transfer from Everton in 2017.Since then the Belgium international has racked up 95 appearances for United across all competitions, scoring an impressive 42 goals.
However, he has also faced his fair share of criticism during that time, with many fans and experts calling into question his ability on the ball and effectiveness in the final third.
Lukaku has recently found himself playing second fiddle to Marcus Rashford up front under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and speculation over a summer transfer to Serie A has been rife.
Speaking on Sky Italia's Lords of Football, the Red Devils striker has revealed he harbours ambitions of playing in Italy in the near future, as he stated: "Playing in Serie A is a dream, it would be really a dream.
"I hope to be able to play sooner or later, even if at the moment I am focused on the United."United are currently sixth in the Premier League with three matches of the 2018-19 campaign remaining.
A 2-0 home defeat against arch-rivals Manchester City on Wednesday has left Solskjaer's side three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, with Maurizio Sarri's men set to arrive at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils have endured a turbulent campaign which is destined to end without a trophy and began with a disastrous five months under ex-boss Jose Mourinho.The Portuguese coach was sacked in December with the team languishing in mid-table and 12 points off the pace in the hunt for a Champions League spot.
Lukaku previously worked with Mourinho at Chelsea, where he was forced to leave for Everton after failing to break into his starting XI at Stamford Bridge.
Despite their history, the Belgian is grateful for his experiences under the enigmatic manager, as he added: "I wanted to play [at Chelsea], but Mourinho wouldn't let me and so I left. "I have never quarrelled with him, but if one thing is not right I am of the opinion that it is better to leave.
"When I found him again he gave me so much, I will be eternally grateful to him."
Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku has hinted he could leave Old Trafford, confessing it is "a dream" of his to play in Serie A one day.
The 25-year-old has spent the last two years of his career at the Theatre of Dreams, having secured a big-money transfer from Everton in 2017.Since then the Belgium international has racked up 95 appearances for United across all competitions, scoring an impressive 42 goals.
However, he has also faced his fair share of criticism during that time, with many fans and experts calling into question his ability on the ball and effectiveness in the final third.
Lukaku has recently found himself playing second fiddle to Marcus Rashford up front under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and speculation over a summer transfer to Serie A has been rife.
Speaking on Sky Italia's Lords of Football, the Red Devils striker has revealed he harbours ambitions of playing in Italy in the near future, as he stated: "Playing in Serie A is a dream, it would be really a dream.
"I hope to be able to play sooner or later, even if at the moment I am focused on the United."United are currently sixth in the Premier League with three matches of the 2018-19 campaign remaining.
A 2-0 home defeat against arch-rivals Manchester City on Wednesday has left Solskjaer's side three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, with Maurizio Sarri's men set to arrive at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils have endured a turbulent campaign which is destined to end without a trophy and began with a disastrous five months under ex-boss Jose Mourinho.The Portuguese coach was sacked in December with the team languishing in mid-table and 12 points off the pace in the hunt for a Champions League spot.
Lukaku previously worked with Mourinho at Chelsea, where he was forced to leave for Everton after failing to break into his starting XI at Stamford Bridge.
Despite their history, the Belgian is grateful for his experiences under the enigmatic manager, as he added: "I wanted to play [at Chelsea], but Mourinho wouldn't let me and so I left. "I have never quarrelled with him, but if one thing is not right I am of the opinion that it is better to leave.
"When I found him again he gave me so much, I will be eternally grateful to him."
You're never favourites against Barcelona, says Liverpool boss Klopp
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says the "cool thing" about his side playing against Barcelona is that they will never be considered favourites.The Merseyside club are looking to reach back-to-back Champions League finals but will have to negotiate a last-four tie with the Catalan giants to do so.
Klopp is looking forward to the opportunity of facing La Liga's leaders for the first time in his career, having already come up against the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich many times."I have played against Real Madrid many times, but never in Barcelona," he told DAZN.
"You want to see what is possible. The cool thing about Barcelona is that you're never a favourite. To deal with the role, perhaps to do things differently than others, that is appealing, even if I have not made any concrete thoughts about it yet."Once we were in Barcelona with Liverpool on a Christmas trip, in a game against Gladbach. But to have seen that this is just a stadium and not a temple, that was certainly important."
Liverpool and Tottenham have reached the Champions League semi-finals, while Chelsea and Arsenal are in the Europa League last four and Klopp believes English football is enjoying a golden period.
"In general, a few big clubs are currently making a bigger change. Real Madrid have sold Cristiano [Ronaldo], Bayern Munich are doing a personnel change too," he added.
"That's going to be the same with other clubs in the near future. In England, the top four have a very good age structure. And of course, there are a few other reasons why there are a lot of good footballers around here in England."English football is good, the national team too, the top six are all very good - but that's never a guarantee for the future."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says the "cool thing" about his side playing against Barcelona is that they will never be considered favourites.The Merseyside club are looking to reach back-to-back Champions League finals but will have to negotiate a last-four tie with the Catalan giants to do so.
Klopp is looking forward to the opportunity of facing La Liga's leaders for the first time in his career, having already come up against the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich many times."I have played against Real Madrid many times, but never in Barcelona," he told DAZN.
"You want to see what is possible. The cool thing about Barcelona is that you're never a favourite. To deal with the role, perhaps to do things differently than others, that is appealing, even if I have not made any concrete thoughts about it yet."Once we were in Barcelona with Liverpool on a Christmas trip, in a game against Gladbach. But to have seen that this is just a stadium and not a temple, that was certainly important."
Liverpool and Tottenham have reached the Champions League semi-finals, while Chelsea and Arsenal are in the Europa League last four and Klopp believes English football is enjoying a golden period.
"In general, a few big clubs are currently making a bigger change. Real Madrid have sold Cristiano [Ronaldo], Bayern Munich are doing a personnel change too," he added.
"That's going to be the same with other clubs in the near future. In England, the top four have a very good age structure. And of course, there are a few other reasons why there are a lot of good footballers around here in England."English football is good, the national team too, the top six are all very good - but that's never a guarantee for the future."
Solskjaer: Chelsea game is massive for Man Utd with top-four hopes fading
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits a meeting with Chelsea has become “massive” for Manchester United as they seek to pip the Blues and Arsenal to a top-four finish in the Premier League.
The Red Devils remain in contention for Champions League qualification despite hitting a serious slump.Seven defeats have been suffered across their last nine games in all competitions.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits a meeting with Chelsea has become “massive” for Manchester United as they seek to pip the Blues and Arsenal to a top-four finish in the Premier League.The Red Devils remain in contention for Champions League qualification despite hitting a serious slump.Seven defeats have been suffered across their last nine games in all competitions.
United were well off the pace when Solskjaer arrived, with Jose Mourinho having seen his side stumble out of the blocks.There are now just three points separating the Red Devils from the top four, with it possible for that gap to be closed in the club’s next outing.
After facing Chelsea, United will wrap up their campaign with a trip to already-relegated Huddersfield and a home date against Cardiff – who could also have slipped through the trap door by the time they take in a visit to Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits a meeting with Chelsea has become “massive” for Manchester United as they seek to pip the Blues and Arsenal to a top-four finish in the Premier League.
The Red Devils remain in contention for Champions League qualification despite hitting a serious slump.Seven defeats have been suffered across their last nine games in all competitions.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits a meeting with Chelsea has become “massive” for Manchester United as they seek to pip the Blues and Arsenal to a top-four finish in the Premier League.The Red Devils remain in contention for Champions League qualification despite hitting a serious slump.Seven defeats have been suffered across their last nine games in all competitions.
United were well off the pace when Solskjaer arrived, with Jose Mourinho having seen his side stumble out of the blocks.There are now just three points separating the Red Devils from the top four, with it possible for that gap to be closed in the club’s next outing.
After facing Chelsea, United will wrap up their campaign with a trip to already-relegated Huddersfield and a home date against Cardiff – who could also have slipped through the trap door by the time they take in a visit to Old Trafford.
Neymar handed three-match Champions League ban for foul-mouthed Instagram post
Neymar has been handed a three-match European ban for a foul-mouthed Instagram post made following Paris Saint-Germain's loss to Manchester United in which he insulted the match officials after his side's controversial defeat.
Officials awarded the Red Devils a stoppage-time penalty at the Parc de Princes after a VAR review determined a Diogo Dalot shot hit the arm of Presnel Kimpembe.Marcus Rashford scored from the spot to level the tie at 3-3 and send United through on away goals.
It completed a shocking turn around which saw PSG squander a 2-0 advantage gained in the first leg at Old Trafford and consigned the Ligue 1 champions to yet another disappointment in Europe.
And Neymar, who missed the entire tie due to a broken foot and could only watch from the stands, was livid after the contest, posting a profanity laced message on Instagram in which he blasted the match officials for their interpretation of a handball."That is a disgrace!" Neymar wrote on his Instagram Stories.
"And UEFA still pick four guys who know nothing about football to review the VAR decision in slow motion... that handball simply doesn't exist!"How do you handball behind your back? Ahh.. go f*ck yourselves."
After the post, UEFA announced it would investigate the incident and the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body have now settled on a three-game ban for the PSG star after concluding he violated Article 15 (1) (d) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations for insulting/molesting acts against a match official.The suspension means that Neymar is set to miss half of next year's Champions League group stage. It was not the first time Neymar has faced fallout from an emotional post made on Instagram following a tough defeat.
In 2016, Neymar apologised for another profanity filled post after Brazil were eliminated from the Copa America Centenario at the hands of Peru, in which he wrote "a lot of a****** will appear to talk s***".
Like the defeat in the Champions League, Neymar also was not on the field for that elimination, having been left out of the tournament to participate in the Olympics that summer, which were held in Brazil.Neymar has since returned to action with PSG, making his first appearance since January in a 3-1 PSG win over Monaco last weekend.
He and his team-mates will aim for another piece of domestic silverware on Saturday when they face Rennes in the Coupe de France final.
Neymar has been handed a three-match European ban for a foul-mouthed Instagram post made following Paris Saint-Germain's loss to Manchester United in which he insulted the match officials after his side's controversial defeat.
Officials awarded the Red Devils a stoppage-time penalty at the Parc de Princes after a VAR review determined a Diogo Dalot shot hit the arm of Presnel Kimpembe.Marcus Rashford scored from the spot to level the tie at 3-3 and send United through on away goals.
It completed a shocking turn around which saw PSG squander a 2-0 advantage gained in the first leg at Old Trafford and consigned the Ligue 1 champions to yet another disappointment in Europe.
And Neymar, who missed the entire tie due to a broken foot and could only watch from the stands, was livid after the contest, posting a profanity laced message on Instagram in which he blasted the match officials for their interpretation of a handball."That is a disgrace!" Neymar wrote on his Instagram Stories.
"And UEFA still pick four guys who know nothing about football to review the VAR decision in slow motion... that handball simply doesn't exist!"How do you handball behind your back? Ahh.. go f*ck yourselves."
After the post, UEFA announced it would investigate the incident and the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body have now settled on a three-game ban for the PSG star after concluding he violated Article 15 (1) (d) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations for insulting/molesting acts against a match official.The suspension means that Neymar is set to miss half of next year's Champions League group stage. It was not the first time Neymar has faced fallout from an emotional post made on Instagram following a tough defeat.
In 2016, Neymar apologised for another profanity filled post after Brazil were eliminated from the Copa America Centenario at the hands of Peru, in which he wrote "a lot of a****** will appear to talk s***".
Like the defeat in the Champions League, Neymar also was not on the field for that elimination, having been left out of the tournament to participate in the Olympics that summer, which were held in Brazil.Neymar has since returned to action with PSG, making his first appearance since January in a 3-1 PSG win over Monaco last weekend.
He and his team-mates will aim for another piece of domestic silverware on Saturday when they face Rennes in the Coupe de France final.
Arsenal need to recover confidence at Leicester, says Emery
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has urged his players to "recover their confidence" during a crucial showdown against Leicester City this weekend.The Gunners were beaten 3-1 at Molineux by Wolves on Wednesday, which compounded their misery after a 3-2 home defeat to Crystal Palace the previous Sunday.
Emery's side are now in danger of missing out on a place in the Premier League's top four, as they sit fifth and a point behind Chelsea in the current standings.
Arsenal's away form has been a cause for concern over the course of the 2018-19 campaign and another loss could completely derail their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.Ahead of their trip to Leicester on Sunday, Emery has issued a rallying cry to his underperforming stars, insisting that they have the "spirit" to bounce back from a recent slump.
"The first idea for us is to recover our confidence," he began at a press conference on Friday."Each minute, hour, day and week we are working and training for a big performance to take the three points.
"I think it is very important to be together. To help our connection with our supporters we have to do all we can in training and in the matches."Sunday is a good time to show our spirit and our wish to win the three points against Leicester."
Looking past their clash with the Foxes, the Gunners still have fixtures against Brighton and Burnley to negotiate before they can wrap up their season, with a Europa League semi-final against Valencia wedged in between.
Arsenal can earn a spot in next season's Champions League by winning the second-tier European competition, but Emery is still placing a great deal of importance on the Premier League.
The man at the helm at Emirates Stadium does not want his team to dwell on their loss of form, placing emphasis on the tests still ahead of them."It's about every game and every match," Emery added. "We can think about the season generally. We lost the last two matches but our focus has to be on the present, next Sunday.
"If we think negative after the last two matches, we can think positive before Watford and Napoli. Each match is a new history, each match is a new test. "Being positive and recovering our confidence in our players, in our work, we need this to be ready for the next match.
"I don't want to speak about the last match we lost. I don't want to speak about the victory in Cardiff or Napoli, I only want to speak about the next match and prepare to work for that."
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has urged his players to "recover their confidence" during a crucial showdown against Leicester City this weekend.The Gunners were beaten 3-1 at Molineux by Wolves on Wednesday, which compounded their misery after a 3-2 home defeat to Crystal Palace the previous Sunday.
Emery's side are now in danger of missing out on a place in the Premier League's top four, as they sit fifth and a point behind Chelsea in the current standings.
Arsenal's away form has been a cause for concern over the course of the 2018-19 campaign and another loss could completely derail their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.Ahead of their trip to Leicester on Sunday, Emery has issued a rallying cry to his underperforming stars, insisting that they have the "spirit" to bounce back from a recent slump.
"The first idea for us is to recover our confidence," he began at a press conference on Friday."Each minute, hour, day and week we are working and training for a big performance to take the three points.
"I think it is very important to be together. To help our connection with our supporters we have to do all we can in training and in the matches."Sunday is a good time to show our spirit and our wish to win the three points against Leicester."
Looking past their clash with the Foxes, the Gunners still have fixtures against Brighton and Burnley to negotiate before they can wrap up their season, with a Europa League semi-final against Valencia wedged in between.
Arsenal can earn a spot in next season's Champions League by winning the second-tier European competition, but Emery is still placing a great deal of importance on the Premier League.
The man at the helm at Emirates Stadium does not want his team to dwell on their loss of form, placing emphasis on the tests still ahead of them."It's about every game and every match," Emery added. "We can think about the season generally. We lost the last two matches but our focus has to be on the present, next Sunday.
"If we think negative after the last two matches, we can think positive before Watford and Napoli. Each match is a new history, each match is a new test. "Being positive and recovering our confidence in our players, in our work, we need this to be ready for the next match.
"I don't want to speak about the last match we lost. I don't want to speak about the victory in Cardiff or Napoli, I only want to speak about the next match and prepare to work for that."
Emiliano Sala's father dies three months after son's tragic plane crashEmiliano Sala's father, Horacio, has died of a heart attack at his home in Progreso, Argentina, three months after his son was killed in a tragic plane crash.
The local media from the Santa Fe province reported that Sala had passed away on Thursday night, with Progreso mayor Julio Muller issuing a statement to radio station La Red.He said: "2019 doesn't let up in shocking us with news in this town.
"At five o'clock in the morning, the lady, his wife, rang me and she was very upset."The doctors were there but when I arrived at their home, he had already died."He could never get over Emi's death."
Horacio's son Emiliano tragically lost his life along with pilot David Ibbotson in January, after their plane travelling from Nantes to Cardiff crashed over the English channel.
The 28-year-old had just become the Bluebird's £15 million ($19m) record signing from Nantes, having spent the previous eight years of his career in France.Mr Sala told local broadcaster Cronica TV of his desperation in the wake of the news: "I cannot believe it. This is a dream. A bad dream. I am desperate."Emiliano's body was discovered on February 8, after a private rescue team took over the search for the missing aircraft from authorities, but the body of Mr Ibbotson was never found.
Cardiff boss Neil Warnock joined thousands of people in attending Sala's funeral in his hometown of Progreso on February 16.
Sarri expecting response from wounded Man Utd in top-four tussle with Chelsea
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is expecting Manchester United to respond to a three-match losing streak with a determined performance when the two sides meet on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona, been thrashed 4-0 by Everton and suffered defeat to Manchester City in recent weeks.
However, Sarri is taking nothing for granted ahead of the Old Trafford clash, with the Red Devils still chasing a top-four finish and sitting only three points behind Chelsea.
"They have a chance I think," he said."They need to win all the last three matches, but the match will be very difficult for the situation of the table, but also for the result in the Manchester derby, because they will play for sure with a very high level of determination."It's not easy to play in Manchester against United because we know they are a great team, but we need to gain points, to fight, to try in every way."
Chelsea have had a poor record against their fellow 'big six' clubs this season, but Sarri believes that results have not matched performances on the road."It's not easy to gain points against United, City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham away, but we need to take a step forward," said the Italian.
"In the second part of the season, away, we lost too many matches and sometimes in the wrong way."Not in Liverpool, I think, but Arsenal, Tottenham, City of course, so we need to improve, to face difficulties, because for sure against these teams away you have to face difficulties and we need to be able to stay in the match in the 10 minutes of difficulties.
"Sometimes in the second half of the season in 10 minutes we lost the match. So, we need to improve."
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is expecting Manchester United to respond to a three-match losing streak with a determined performance when the two sides meet on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona, been thrashed 4-0 by Everton and suffered defeat to Manchester City in recent weeks.
However, Sarri is taking nothing for granted ahead of the Old Trafford clash, with the Red Devils still chasing a top-four finish and sitting only three points behind Chelsea.
"They have a chance I think," he said."They need to win all the last three matches, but the match will be very difficult for the situation of the table, but also for the result in the Manchester derby, because they will play for sure with a very high level of determination."It's not easy to play in Manchester against United because we know they are a great team, but we need to gain points, to fight, to try in every way."
Chelsea have had a poor record against their fellow 'big six' clubs this season, but Sarri believes that results have not matched performances on the road."It's not easy to gain points against United, City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham away, but we need to take a step forward," said the Italian.
"In the second part of the season, away, we lost too many matches and sometimes in the wrong way."Not in Liverpool, I think, but Arsenal, Tottenham, City of course, so we need to improve, to face difficulties, because for sure against these teams away you have to face difficulties and we need to be able to stay in the match in the 10 minutes of difficulties.
"Sometimes in the second half of the season in 10 minutes we lost the match. So, we need to improve."
Solskjaer hopeful on Pogba but offers no guarantees regarding Man Utd future
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Paul Pogba will be a Manchester United player next season, but can offer no guarantees amid mounting talk of interest from Real Madrid.As another inconsistent campaign from the France international comes to a close, questions are once again being asked of his future.
The World Cup winner has been included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year , having registered 13 goals and nine assists, but has generated as much criticism as praise .
It is being suggested that the 26-year-old may now seek to take on a new challenge after three years back at Old Trafford, with La Liga giants Madrid closely monitoring his situation .United, though, have no intention of parting with a prized asset who is considered to have plenty of potential for them to still unlock .
Solskjaer has said on the speculation surrounding Pogba: “You can’t guarantee anything in football but, yes, I think Paul is going to be here.“I can assure you that he is very determined to be successful at United.
“That’s just the standards he sets because when he’s creating chances, scoring goals, doing loads of work... that’s just media, supporters, everyone looks to Paul: Could you have done better?“He’s done fantastic for us, he’s a human being as well and we’re all the same, we want him to do well.
“He’s a leader in that dressing room and on the pitch for us. Back to if I can guarantee, I would say yes, I can guarantee but in life you can never, but he will be here as far as I’m concerned.”
While Solskjaer considers Pogba to be a “leader” in the United squad, plenty have questioned his claims to such a standing.His current boss believes an all-action midfielder should not be compared to captains of the past, with the Red Devils’ class of 2019 seeking to do things slightly differently to those that have gone before them.
“I think you know as well the world has changed so you don’t have a Robbo [Bryan Robson], a [Roy] Keane or a Steve Bruce in our dressing room, we’re all different,” Solskjaer added on the leadership in his ranks.“We have a squad full of talented players and leadership is so many different things.
“I loved playing under Roy Keane anyway, everyone here spoke about Robbo but we’re all different now, society is different.“I don’t lead the way Sir Alex did, [Louis] van Gaal, [Jose] Mourinho, we’re all different leaders.”
United need inspiration from somewhere in their next outing, with fellow top-four hopefuls Chelsea set to pay a visit to Old Trafford on Sunday with both sides chasing down Champions League qualification.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Paul Pogba will be a Manchester United player next season, but can offer no guarantees amid mounting talk of interest from Real Madrid.As another inconsistent campaign from the France international comes to a close, questions are once again being asked of his future.
The World Cup winner has been included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year , having registered 13 goals and nine assists, but has generated as much criticism as praise .
It is being suggested that the 26-year-old may now seek to take on a new challenge after three years back at Old Trafford, with La Liga giants Madrid closely monitoring his situation .United, though, have no intention of parting with a prized asset who is considered to have plenty of potential for them to still unlock .
Solskjaer has said on the speculation surrounding Pogba: “You can’t guarantee anything in football but, yes, I think Paul is going to be here.“I can assure you that he is very determined to be successful at United.
“That’s just the standards he sets because when he’s creating chances, scoring goals, doing loads of work... that’s just media, supporters, everyone looks to Paul: Could you have done better?“He’s done fantastic for us, he’s a human being as well and we’re all the same, we want him to do well.
“He’s a leader in that dressing room and on the pitch for us. Back to if I can guarantee, I would say yes, I can guarantee but in life you can never, but he will be here as far as I’m concerned.”
While Solskjaer considers Pogba to be a “leader” in the United squad, plenty have questioned his claims to such a standing.His current boss believes an all-action midfielder should not be compared to captains of the past, with the Red Devils’ class of 2019 seeking to do things slightly differently to those that have gone before them.
“I think you know as well the world has changed so you don’t have a Robbo [Bryan Robson], a [Roy] Keane or a Steve Bruce in our dressing room, we’re all different,” Solskjaer added on the leadership in his ranks.“We have a squad full of talented players and leadership is so many different things.
“I loved playing under Roy Keane anyway, everyone here spoke about Robbo but we’re all different now, society is different.“I don’t lead the way Sir Alex did, [Louis] van Gaal, [Jose] Mourinho, we’re all different leaders.”
United need inspiration from somewhere in their next outing, with fellow top-four hopefuls Chelsea set to pay a visit to Old Trafford on Sunday with both sides chasing down Champions League qualification.
'Ferguson isn't the manager anymore' - Ince 'sick and tired' of nostalgic Solskjaer
Paul Ince said he is "sick and tired" of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's nostalgic approach, insisting the Manchester United manager must get over Alex Ferguson in a stinging attack.
Solskjaer was permanently appointed manager last month following an impressive interim spell following Jose Mourinho's December sacking but seven defeats in nine games has raised doubts.
United were swept aside 2-0 by neighbours and Premier League champions Manchester City on Wednesday, leaving the Red Devils three points adrift of the top four.
Ince – who won two Premier League titles and 10 trophies in total during his time in Manchester – criticised Solskjaer's approach and his determination to replicate iconic former boss Ferguson.
"Ole needs to get over Sir Alex Ferguson – he's the United manager now. We've tried this nice approach, the stuff about Ole giving the tea lady chocolates and trying to do what Sir Alex Ferguson has done," Ince wrote for Paddy Power.
"That's in the past now, we need to move forward from that. All of this 'Ole legend' stuff – yeah, he scored the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, we get that. But he's not a legend – he's the manager of Manchester United.
"Regurgitating how he's going to do it 'the Fergie Way' is pointless. It's doing my head in and I know others feel the same. Ferguson isn't the gaffer anymore – simple. "No doubt he would help if Ole was in trouble, but I'm sick and tired of it, he's the manager, he has to forget about the past and realise Ferguson isn't the manager anymore, he is."
Ince added: "I'm looking at the club and the future really worries me. They're a long, long way from many teams. Why did those players perform so well when Ole came in and now they're not? There's no character, no leadership, no desire, but the manager has to motivate the players too. These are the same players that were playing brilliantly a few weeks ago."
"I called it before he was made manager and got stick for it, but what I said was right," said Ince, who was sceptical of Solskjaer during his caretaker period. "I want him to be successful, but I don't think he's capable of doing the job. It's a huge rebuilding job. Will the players that are needed to carry it out want to come to Man United to play under him? I'm not sure. It's different to [Pep] Guardiola and [Jurgen] Klopp trying to attract players.
"The fact is, they should've waited until the end of the season before they gave him the permanent job. There was no rush to appoint him, but everyone got caught up in the euphoria and was thinking with their hearts rather than their heads. If you went to the board now and asked whether they should've given him the job – I think we know what they would say."
Ince continued: "Everyone jumped on the Ole bandwagon and now we're seeing the repercussions. Zinedine Zidane was available at the time and Mauricio Pochettino has always been the right man to take United forward in my eyes.Whether I'm wrong or right, I'm entitled to my opinion."
Paul Ince said he is "sick and tired" of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's nostalgic approach, insisting the Manchester United manager must get over Alex Ferguson in a stinging attack.
Solskjaer was permanently appointed manager last month following an impressive interim spell following Jose Mourinho's December sacking but seven defeats in nine games has raised doubts.
United were swept aside 2-0 by neighbours and Premier League champions Manchester City on Wednesday, leaving the Red Devils three points adrift of the top four.
Ince – who won two Premier League titles and 10 trophies in total during his time in Manchester – criticised Solskjaer's approach and his determination to replicate iconic former boss Ferguson.
"Ole needs to get over Sir Alex Ferguson – he's the United manager now. We've tried this nice approach, the stuff about Ole giving the tea lady chocolates and trying to do what Sir Alex Ferguson has done," Ince wrote for Paddy Power.
"That's in the past now, we need to move forward from that. All of this 'Ole legend' stuff – yeah, he scored the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, we get that. But he's not a legend – he's the manager of Manchester United.
"Regurgitating how he's going to do it 'the Fergie Way' is pointless. It's doing my head in and I know others feel the same. Ferguson isn't the gaffer anymore – simple. "No doubt he would help if Ole was in trouble, but I'm sick and tired of it, he's the manager, he has to forget about the past and realise Ferguson isn't the manager anymore, he is."
Ince added: "I'm looking at the club and the future really worries me. They're a long, long way from many teams. Why did those players perform so well when Ole came in and now they're not? There's no character, no leadership, no desire, but the manager has to motivate the players too. These are the same players that were playing brilliantly a few weeks ago."
"I called it before he was made manager and got stick for it, but what I said was right," said Ince, who was sceptical of Solskjaer during his caretaker period. "I want him to be successful, but I don't think he's capable of doing the job. It's a huge rebuilding job. Will the players that are needed to carry it out want to come to Man United to play under him? I'm not sure. It's different to [Pep] Guardiola and [Jurgen] Klopp trying to attract players.
"The fact is, they should've waited until the end of the season before they gave him the permanent job. There was no rush to appoint him, but everyone got caught up in the euphoria and was thinking with their hearts rather than their heads. If you went to the board now and asked whether they should've given him the job – I think we know what they would say."
Ince continued: "Everyone jumped on the Ole bandwagon and now we're seeing the repercussions. Zinedine Zidane was available at the time and Mauricio Pochettino has always been the right man to take United forward in my eyes.Whether I'm wrong or right, I'm entitled to my opinion."
Juventus-linked Guardiola to stay at Man City long-term - Zabaleta
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will stay in charge of the club for the foreseeable future regardless of any speculation, according to Pablo Zabaleta.
The Spaniard has been touted as a possible replacement for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the season, but he quickly dismissed those rumours following a Premier League win over Watford last month.
The 48-year-old coach has been in charge at the Etihad Stadium since 2016 - winning three major trophies - and he is on course for more silverware come May.
City are currently top of the Premier League by a point ahead of Liverpool and they also have an FA Cup final to look forward to against Watford as the 2018-19 campaign draws to a close.A domestic treble is on the cards for Guardiola and his star-studded team, which does not surprise his former charge Zabaleta.
The West Ham full-back played under his stewardship at the Etihad during his first year in charge and he expects the City manager to remain in Manchester for many years to come."Last season, the way City won the league, they have been playing some of the best football we have seen in the last few years in the Premier League," Zabaleta told The Offside Rule Exclusives.
'I'm sure that he will stay at Manchester City, he will keep improving the team and keep winning trophies."Zabaleta is now a seasoned Premier League performer at 34, but he has still been a vital cog in Manuel Pellegrini's Hammers side this season.
He spent nine years with City before moving onto pastures new, having been one of the club's first marquee signings following a lucrative Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008.Despite winning two league titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup during that time, Zabaleta is still haunted by City's trophyless first year with Guardiola.
"He's very good, he's one of the best managers for sure," he added. "I spent one season with him, the first season for Pep in England. We did some amazing stuff, but also we made a few mistakes that cost us winning the Premier League or the Champions League."For a club like Manchester City finishing the season without trophies is something that, as a player, hurts. When you're there, you play to win trophies."
City are back in Premier League action on Sunday, with a difficult trip to take in at Burnley as this year's title race nears its thrilling conclusion.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will stay in charge of the club for the foreseeable future regardless of any speculation, according to Pablo Zabaleta.
The Spaniard has been touted as a possible replacement for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the season, but he quickly dismissed those rumours following a Premier League win over Watford last month.
The 48-year-old coach has been in charge at the Etihad Stadium since 2016 - winning three major trophies - and he is on course for more silverware come May.
City are currently top of the Premier League by a point ahead of Liverpool and they also have an FA Cup final to look forward to against Watford as the 2018-19 campaign draws to a close.A domestic treble is on the cards for Guardiola and his star-studded team, which does not surprise his former charge Zabaleta.
The West Ham full-back played under his stewardship at the Etihad during his first year in charge and he expects the City manager to remain in Manchester for many years to come."Last season, the way City won the league, they have been playing some of the best football we have seen in the last few years in the Premier League," Zabaleta told The Offside Rule Exclusives.
'I'm sure that he will stay at Manchester City, he will keep improving the team and keep winning trophies."Zabaleta is now a seasoned Premier League performer at 34, but he has still been a vital cog in Manuel Pellegrini's Hammers side this season.
He spent nine years with City before moving onto pastures new, having been one of the club's first marquee signings following a lucrative Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008.Despite winning two league titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup during that time, Zabaleta is still haunted by City's trophyless first year with Guardiola.
"He's very good, he's one of the best managers for sure," he added. "I spent one season with him, the first season for Pep in England. We did some amazing stuff, but also we made a few mistakes that cost us winning the Premier League or the Champions League."For a club like Manchester City finishing the season without trophies is something that, as a player, hurts. When you're there, you play to win trophies."
City are back in Premier League action on Sunday, with a difficult trip to take in at Burnley as this year's title race nears its thrilling conclusion.
