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Showing posts from October, 2015

Luis Enrique vies with Allegri for Coach of the Year

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The Spaniard is the favourite to win the award in 2015 after leading Barcelona to the treble, although he faces strong competition from his Juventus counterpart Last season's Champions League final opponents Luis Enrique and Massimiliano Allegri have been named on the 10-man shortlist for the 2015 Fifa World Coach of the Year award. Barcelona coach Luis Enrique guided Barcelona to Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey glory in his first season in charge at Camp Nou, and appears to be the favourite to claim the individual award following his side's remarkable treble. Allegri could be the Spaniard's closest rival after winning the Serie A and Coppa Italia double with Juventus, while also making the Champions League final in what was his first campaign at the helm of the Bianconeri . The duo face competition from Paris Saint- Germain's Laurent Blanc after he guided the Parc des Princes side to four domestic trophies, while Chile trainer Jorge Sampaoli is a candidate c

Cisse announces retirement from football

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The 34-year-old, who left Bastia in the summer, has called time on his professional career after almost two decades scoring goals domestically and internationallyFormer France and Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse announced his retirement from professional football on Monday. Cisse, 34, was in the headlines last week, denying allegations he was involved in a plot to blackmail former team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over sex tape footage . He has been without a full-time club since the end of last season, when he left Ligue 1 outfit Bastia. Cisse said on Monday he could no longer handle the demands of professional football. "The body says stop, now it's over," he told Canal +. "I can't practice high-level football." Cisse's professional career started at Auxerre in 1998 and his goalscoring exploits led to a Liverpool move in 2004. After his departure from Anfield, he spent time at numerous clubs – including Marseille, Sunderland, Panathinaikos and QPR – while he

Messi and Ronaldo lead Ballon d'Or shortlist

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The pair will battle it out again to be crowned the world's best player, having won the prize seven times between them in as many years Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are once again the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or after the 23- man shortlist for the prize was revealed on Tuesday. The award, which is ultimately decided by the captains and head coaches of national teams as well as media representatives, will be presented to the player considered to be the best performer in the calendar year. Ronaldo has been named the world's best player twice in as many years, though Messi will provide stern competition this time around having inspired Barcelona's treble-winning campaign last term. All 23 candidates play their football in Europe, with 11 players plying their trade in La Liga, five in the Premier League, five in the Bundesliga and just the one nomination from both Ligue 1 and Serie A. German champions Bayern Munich have five candidates for the top prize, while M

Arsenal are already out of the Champions League - Ancelotti

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Carlo Ancelotti believes that Arsenal are already effectively out of this season's Champions League, arguing that Arsene Wenger and his players will pay a heavy price for underestimating Dinamo Zagreb. The Gunners are playing in Europe's premier club competition for the 18th consecutive season, a streak only bettered by Real Madrid (19). However, while they made it out of the group stage for the past 11 years, they are now facing an early elimination, after surprisingly losing both their tournament opener against Dinamo Zagreb (2-1) and their subsequent home clash with Olympiacos (3-2). Those results have left the north London outfit in the unenviable position of needing to pick up points from their upcoming double-header with Group F leaders Bayern Munich in order to keep their qualification hopes alive. Ancelotti is pessimistic about Arsenal's chances of getting anything out of their games against the German titleholders and suspects that they will be

Martial named Premier League Player of the Month for September

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The 19-year-old scored three goals in four league games for Manchester United, while Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has been named Manager of the MonthAnthony Martial has been rewarded for his sensational start to his Manchester United career by being named the Barclays Player of the Month for September. The France international's arrival shortly before deadline day was met with much scepticism, largely due to United'a decision to shell out an initial £36 million on an unproven talent. But the 19-year-old has responded with three Premier League goals in his opening four games for his new club including one 21 minutes into his debut in the 3-0 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford. Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, landed the Manager of the Month award after guiding Spurs to three wins in September, including a 4-1 victory at home to Manchester City. "It's a collective honour because we must recognise first our players, all coaching staff and the fans,” sa

Miley Cyrus might be throwing a naked concert

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The risque pop star is reportedly planning a naked concert with the Flaming Lips in honor of the track "The Milky Milky Milk." Frontman Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, who also serves as a mentor to Cyrus, announced on Instagram on Tuesday that his band and the pop star will hold a very special concert -- Cyrus, the band and the audience will supposedly be wearing only "milk." Coyne, who produced many songs on album "Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz," wrote: "@mileycyrus is planning a show where her, the band (us) and the audience are all COMPLETELY naked with milk (well white stuff that looks like milk) is being being spewed everywhere . . . It's a video ( in the works) for #mileycyrusandherdeadpetz song 'The Milky Milky Milk.'" Cyrus has stayed mum on the concert, but she did confirm before that she will tour with the Flaming Lips.

Liverpool youngster Gomez set for surgery on ACL injury

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The England Under-21 international could be out of action for the rest of the season after rupturing his ligaments against Kazakhstan Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool youngster Joe Gomez suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while on international duty with England Under-21s. The 18-year-old defender ruptured his right ACL in a challenge with Abat Aimbetov during Tuesday's 3-0 win over Kazakhstan at the Ricoh Arena. Despite initial hopes that the injury might not be serious, Gomez underwent scans upon his return to Liverpool which confirmed he would face an operation that could mean between six to nine months on the sidelines. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League game against Tottenham, new Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: "We had 'not perfect' information in terms of young Joe Gomez. "What a wonderful young boy Gomez is. He has done his ACL. Now we have to wait. He will have surgery. This is his home. "W

Bale: I rejected England in one second

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The Real Madrid superstar inspired Wales to qualification for Euro 2016, and says that he never intended to play for the Three Lions, despite an approach in his formative yearsGareth Bale says he turned down the chance to play for England in “one second” following his heroics in helping Wales qualify for Euro 2016. The Real Madrid superstar scored seven goals in 10 games as Wales qualified for the finals in France next summer, becoming the first Dragons team to do so since the 1958 World Cup. Bale qualified to play for the England through his grandmother’s heritage, but insists he never had any intention of switching allegiances despite the chance he'd be more likely to play tournament football with the Three Lions. "I was really young at the time and my agent was involved, but it was literally a one-second conversation,” he told the Daily Mirror. "I just said, ‘Stop - it’s never going to happen.’ "I’m from Wales and I love Wales. Everyone knows how much I love playi

Real Madrid NOT planning Ronaldo contract talks

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Real Madrid are not considering the prospect of extending Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract after the forward claimed he could potentially play until he is 40. The 30-year-old last signed a revised deal with Madrid in September 2013 and currently has three years remaining on that contract. After receiving his fourth Golden Boot on Tuesday, Ronaldo pledged his long-term future to the Spanish club: "My dream is to retire at Real Madrid. If you take care of yourself you can play until you are 40. "I want to keep going for another five or six years. I feel good and useful in Madrid and I want to win here." And Goal understands that Madrid have already held private discussions with Ronaldo and have informed the forward that there is no immediate need to revise the current contract in place. Ronaldo’s change in stance is also welcomed by Madrid after the forward had claimed earlier in October that “nobody knows the future” when he was asked about potentially leaving the Spanish cap

Rodgers returns! Sacked Liverpool boss lands new job

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Brendan Rodgers has been out of work for just 11 days but the sacked Liverpool manager has already landed a new role - as a TV pundit. The 42-year-old was shown the door at Anfield following a 1-1 draw with Everton on October 4 and has since been spotted snoozing on an EasyJet flight to Marbella as he takes advantage of his free time. Rodgers has been linked with an immediate return to football with Tim Sherwood under pressure at Aston Villa but, according to anchor Richard Keys, he is set to join the team at the Qatar-owned beIN Sports network.

Liverpool youngster Gomez set for surgery on ACL injury

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The England Under-21 international could be out of action for the rest of the season after rupturing his ligaments against Kazakhstan Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool youngster Joe Gomez suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while on international duty with England Under-21s. The 18-year-old defender ruptured his right ACL in a challenge with Abat Aimbetov during Tuesday's 3-0 win over Kazakhstan at the Ricoh Arena. Despite initial hopes that the injury might not be serious, Gomez underwent scans upon his return to Liverpool which confirmed he would face an operation that could mean between six to nine months on the sidelines. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League game against Tottenham, new Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: "We had 'not perfect' information in terms of young Joe Gomez. "What a wonderful young boy Gomez is. He has done his ACL. Now we have to wait. He will have surgery. Thi

Meet the man behind the making of Martial

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Anthony Martial’s bright start and swift acclimatisation to life at Manchester United may have surprised many, but for those responsible for nurturing the most expensive teenager in world football, it was only a question of when, not if. Martial returns to United this week having dazzled in his first start for France’s national side. Olivier Giroud may have stolen the headlines as his fortuitous early double ultimately won the game, but make no mistake, it was the young newcomer who was Denmark’s biggest tormentor with his constant bursts of pace, close control and direct approach. The 19-year-old shares his foundations with one of the most experienced players currently in the France squad, Patrice Evra, as well as Thierry Henry, the predetermined benchmark for Martial’s career, by starting out at Les Ulis. But unlike Arsenal’s all-time record goalscorer, Martial’s initial progression was the result of a surprise rejection. "A scout in Paris told us to come to the academy at Clair

Michelle Obama Reveals Her Girl Power Playlist- see..

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We already know the musical taste of President Barack Obama, and now we get an idea of which tunes the First Lady likes to jam out to, too! In honor of International Day of the Girl yesterday, Michelle Obama shared her first-ever Spotify playlist, and it is pretty much perfect for any woman or young girl who enjoy belting out with a hair brush in their bedroom, reflecting while analyzing the lyrics or busting a move with some sass out in the club. The playlist includes (but is not limited to) hit tracks by Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys, TLC and Demi Lovato, who is absolutely stoked to be upon the many names of FLOTUS' musical favorites and took to Twitter to give Michelle Obama a shout-out: Here's the full list of tracks: 1. Run the World (Girls): Beyoncé 2. Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Diana Ross 3. Doubt: May J. Blige 4. When The Day Comes: Nico & Vinz 5. Girl on Fire: Alicia Keys 6.On The Sunny Side Of The Street: Billie Holliday 7. A Little Party Never Killed N

Nick Gordon accused of injecting Bobbi Kristina Brown with " a toxic mixture ," according to new court doc allegations

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A new accusation has surfaced in connection to Bobbi Kristina Brown's death, according to an ongoing $10 million wrongful death civil lawsuit filed against Brown's boyfriend, Nick Gordon. According to a new court document obtained by ET, Brown's conservator, Bedelia C. Hargrove, alleges that "Ms. Brown died due to a violent altercation with Defendant (Gordon) after which he placed her in a bathtub, unconscious, after he injected her with a toxic mixture." ➜ Watch: Could Nick Gordon be facing criminal charges in Bobbi Kristina Brown case? A previous amendment to the initial lawsuit had alleged that Gordon gave Brown a "toxic cocktail rendering her unconscious," though there was no reference to an alleged injection. Gordon has not been arrested in connection with Brown's death, and his lawyers previously called the initial "toxic cocktail" allegations "slanderous and meritless." The new documents surfaced shortly after the Fulton Co

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen announce pregnancy

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John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are expecting their first child. The 36-year-old musician and 29-year-old model announced the pregnancy Monday on Instagram. A spokeswoman for Teigen confirmed the social media post. John and I are so happy to announce that we are pregnant :) As many of you know, we've been trying to have a baby for a while now. It hasn't been easy, but we kept trying because we can't wait to bring our first child into the world and grow our family. We're so excited that it's finally happening. Thank you for all your love and well wishes. I look forward to all the belly touching! Xx A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen... Legend and Teigen revealed the news by posting a black-and-white photo of themselves with the caption: "We're pregnant!" "It hasn't been easy," the post read. "But we kept trying because we can't wait to bring our first child into the world and grow our family." The "All of Me

Vincent Enyeama full interview on the Oliseh rift and the verdict.

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The rift between Vincent Enyeama and Sunday Oliseh still dominates the back pages of the newspapers and internet pages.Enyeama has now retired from the Super Eagles and according to him,Oliseh has told him i don't know you and don't want to know you.How the two are going to work together remains a mystery.The NFF had a meeting with Enyeama in Belgium and they say they have sorted it all out.This interview with Galaxy Tv was before that meeting in Belgium,where the NFF claim the have settled the rift and both men spoke.But in this interview, Vincent Enyeama reveals exactly what went down.I don't understand why NFF insisted he report to camp,when they should have been telling him to take time off and mourn his mother.It was only a couple of friendly games,nothing important.This man has played for 13 years,we all know what he can do,he is the best goalkeeper in France,why did you need him in camp? IS HE A MACHINE WITHOUT EMOTIONS ,that he can't be allowed or given time off

Drake leads BET Hip- Hop Awards nominations again. BET Award details..

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The 10th annual BET Hip-Hop Awards are getting ready for next week's broadcast with a taping in Atlanta, and Drake is back as the top nominee for a second straight year. Veteran rapper Scarface will receive the "I Am Hip Hop" award for musical achievement at the taping Friday night at the Boisfeuillet (BOH'- fihl-ay) Jones Atlanta Civic Center. Drake received the most nominations with 12. The Canadian rapper topped the charts with "If You're Reading This It's Too Late" became the first platinum-selling album this year. He had 14 songs simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, tying a record set by The Beatles in 1964. Big Sean followed with 10. Nicki Minaj scored nine nods. Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole each had eight nominations. Rapper Snoop Dogg returns for the third straight year as host. The show airs Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern. Scarface initially gained fame in the late 1980s with the group Geto Boys through the song "Mind Playing

Justin Bieber threatens legal action over nude photos

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Justin Bieber's dad, Jeremy, might have awkwardly praised his son's junk after nude photos of the star were printed, but the singer and his team are not very happy about the snaps. Bieber's legal representatives sent a cease and desist letter to the New York Daily News (NSFW pictures here), which published the nude photos showing the pop star on vacation in Bora Bora. The pop star's legal team is demanding that the site remove the photos; they asked the site to comply within 12 hours of receipt of the letter, which they sent on Wednesday afternoon, per the Hollywood Reporter. The pictures are still on the Daily News website. The letter also admitted that the photos are real images of Bieber -- not doctored fakes. "We recently became informed that your company has obtained and is distributing unauthorized photographs of our Client including images showing him without clothing," reads the letter. Bieber's legal reps say that publishing the photos violate his

Taylor Swift : " I think people might need a break from me "

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Even Taylor Swift is getting sick of Taylor Swift, it seems. The singer told NME that she plans to take a break after her "1989" tour ends -- and she said she thinks the break will be welcomed. "I think people might need a break from me," she said. Swift said she's already worried on how she'll top "1989." "How could the next one be as big?" she asked. "Maybe the next album will be a bridge to somewhere else. Or maybe I'll just go ahead and change everything." In December, when the tour is finished, she plans to get lots of rest and relaxation -- but maybe with a little work for good measure. "I'm going to ... I don't know. Hang out with my friends," she said. "Write new music. Maybe not write new music. I don't know." Swift might think people are tired of her, but pal Selena Gomez just credited Swift with helping her pull through tough times.

Kim Kardashian Sending Barack Obama a "Special Delivery," President Gives Kanye West Advice--

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Kim Kardashian posted on her Instagram page on Saturday a photo of two boxes of sneakers from husband Kanye West's Yeezy Boost 350 and 750 collections, with Post-It notes reading, "Obama." One pair is a size 11 and 1/2 and the other is a size 12. Joined by tennis champ Serena Williams, the pregnant Keeping Up With the Kardashians star, the rapper and their 2-year-old daughter North West had traveled to San Francisco, California to attend a Democratic National Committee fundraiser for President Barack Obama. Kanye was the headlining performer at the Saturday morning event. Speaking at the podium, the U.S. leader gave some humorous advice to the rapper, who had declared at the 2015 MTV VMAs that he plans to run for president in 2020. "In case Kanye is serious about this POTUS thing, or as he calls it, Peezy,' I do have advice for him," Obama joked, as seen in a video posted on Facebook by ABC7 in San Francisco "First of all, you have to spend a lot of tim

Sir Alex reveals why Man Utd rejected Silva

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The 73-year-old, who was tracking the midfielder while at Valencia, had doubts over the player's ability to contribute defensively as Manchester City paid £24 million in 2010 Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Manchester United opted out of signing David Silva because of doubts over the Manchester City man's ability to contribute in defence. The 29-year-old was playing for Valencia at the time and being followed by a number of Europe’s biggest clubs, before joining City for a reported £24 million in the summer of 2010. Silva has since made over 200 appearances for City, helping them win two league titles and the FA Cup, but Sir Alex was unconvinced by the player's ability to fit in with his team's mentality at Old Trafford. "We watched Silva a lot when he was at Valencia," the Scotsman revealed in an interview promoting his new book. "My problem with [Silva playing as a No.10] was you have to be very, very good to play in that position, because there's no

Tevez: Argentina must win without Messi

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The Boca Juniors forward could start on Tuesday with the Albiceleste captain and Sergio Aguero both out, and he called on his team-mates to show fightArgentina striker Carlos Tevez has called on his international team-mates to put in a far better display against Paraguay, with talisman Lionel Messi once again unavailable. The Barcelona star's absence, coupled with an injury to Sergio Aguero, was keenly felt in a disappointing display from the Albiceleste as they went down 2-0 to Ecuador on Thursday. And the Boca Juniors idol affirmed that much more was needed from the squad on Tuesday in a crucial World Cup qualifier. "Messi takes opponents away from you. They worry about him and you can play with greater freedom," Tevez told reporters at a press conference on Saturday. "But on Thursday there was a lack of attitude. That is what we talked about. The team did not turn up at any time and that is what most worries us." Tevez started on the bench in the Monumental,

Koeman: Mourinho must learn from Wenger's 'fantastic football'

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Having beaten Chelsea 3-1 in the last Premier League matchday, the Southampton boss has criticised his counterpart for being unnecessarily defensive Chelsea have been criticised for being too defensive-minded by Southampton boss Ronald Koeman, who thinks Jose Mourinho should teach “fantastic football” like Arsene Wenger has Arsenal playing. The Saints piled additional misery on Mourinho's men when they triumphed 3-1 at Stamford Bridge last weekend, leaving the Blues rooted fifth-from- bottom in the Premier League after eight games. Koeman believes Chelsea's tactical approach of retreating after taking the lead rather than going for the opposition's jugular doesn't work in their favour, and hit out at Mourinho for relentlessly moaning about officiating. "Chelsea prefer to defend when attacking is also an option," he is quoted as saying in the Sunday Mirror. "Mourinho always chooses to defend. Even if his team goes 1-0 up, they would rather defend their lea

Bale and Ramsey lead celebrations as Wales qualify for Euro 2016

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Wales may have lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday night but there were scenes of elation on the pitch as Chris Coleman's side learned they had qualified for Euro 2016

Man Utd congratulate Fellaini… for being an unused substitute!

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Manchester United were quick to offer their congratulations to midfielder Marouane Fellaini after Belgium secured their spot in next summer's European Championship with a 4-1 victory over Andorra on Saturday night. Premier League stars Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne were among the goals for Marc Wilmots' side after Radja Nainggolan's deflected effort had opened the scoring. Fellaini has played an important role for Belgium in qualifying, scoring goals in the wins over Bosnia- Herzegovina, Israel and Cyprus although his contribution against Andorra was, shall we say, limited, to say the least! Another #mufc star has helped his country reach Euro 2016 - congratulations to @Fellaini , who was an unused sub in Belgium's win in Andorra. — Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 10, 2015

Klopp: I made Lewandowski a star

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The new Liverpool boss is hopes to take the club's young players under his wing - like he did with the current Bayern Munich star - and help them become starsJurgen Klopp believes Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski would not have been the player he is now if it were not for his guidance at Borussia Dortmund. The recently appointed Liverpool manager coached Lewandowski at Signal Iduna Park between 2010 and 2014 and hopes to be equally important in the careers of some of his new club's promising youngsters. The Poland international joined Dortmund from Lech Poznan as a relative unknown and has since developed into one of the most sought-after attackers in the game and is currently in incredible form for Bayern. Klopp has highlighted his role in Lewandowski's development and hopes some of Liverpool's hot prospects can follow the same career path under his tutelage. "The biggest satisfaction you can get is when you take a player like Lewandowski from Poland, from

Muller admits Premier League wages are very tempting

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The Bayern Munich forward says the spending power of English clubs is a good thing for football and suggested the money on offer may one day prove difficult to turn down Thomas Muller has suggested he could leave Bayern Munich in favour of a move to the Premier League if a big- money offer comes in. Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently revealed that Manchester United attempted to sign the Germany international during the most recent transfer window, before stressing that the Bundesliga champions have no intention of selling the 26-year-old. However, Muller has refused to rule out a move to England in the future. "In the end, we should not forget that playing football is our job," Muller told Welt am Sonntag. "So people should accept that wages will always play a role in a player's decision-making. Of course, the wages that are being paid in the Premier League are very tempting. It would be hypocrisy to deny that. "You have to look

Cech: Chelsea still title favourites

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The Blues have had a horrendous start to the season, but the Arsenal shot stopper believes they are still favourites to lift the crown at the end of the seasonFormer Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says he is surprised by the Blues' poor start to the season, but insists they are still favourites to win the title. The reigning Premier League champions have had a disastrous start to the campaign and sit 16th in the table, having won twice from their opening eight games. Jose Mourinho has admitted the run of form is the worst period of his career, but has maintained he will not resign from his role. And Cech, who left the club in the summer to join Arsenal, is confident the Stamford Bridge outfit will get out of the situation and challenge for the title. "Their form surprises me because Chelsea are among the best in the Premier League," he told iDNES. "I am no longer there, so it is hard for me to evaluate what is going on. Anyway, the season is long and Chelsea are still

Herrera: I am good enough to play for Spain

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The Manchester United midfielder has made seven appearances in all competitions thus far this season and is sure he has the required quality to play for his countryManchester United midfielder Ander Herrera insists that he has the ability to play for Spain , and is determined to make the squad for Euro 2016. The 26-year-old has represented his country at under-21 level, but is yet to win his first senior cap. Herrera admits he faces tough competition for a place in midfield - with the likes of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva also jostling for position - but he is confident that he can break into Vicente del Bosque's squad. "Of course, I wish to make it into the national team," Herrera told MUTV . "It's the next step for me. When you arrive at Manchester United, you are in the biggest club with the best supporters and maybe the most followed club in the world. "Last season, I think I had a good season. The fans were happy with me and the manager

Football Transfer Talks and updates

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Berardi to become Klopp's first signing New Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is keen to make Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi having followed the 21-year-old during his time at Borussia Dortmund. Source: Calciomercato.com Juventus is monitoring Klaassen Davy Klaassen is the new Juventus target for the midfield. Also Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund like Ajax player, until contract with Amsterdam side until 2018. Source: Tuttosport Zuniga, AC Milan will be his future? AC Milan is thinking about Juan Camilo Zuniga, who has no place with Napoli. In the last weeks there was a contact between two clubs and now Mihajlovic is evaluating Colombian's profile. Source: Tuttosport Napoli, Jorginho very close to renewal Jorginho is set to renew with Napoli until 2020. His wage should increase from 0,6 to 0,9 millions of euros per season. Source: Gazzetta dello Sport Reus has bought a house in Madrid Linked with a potential move to Barcelona, Dortmund and Germany midfielder Marco Reus has i

Man City star Silva to join Aguero on the sidelines for a month

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Manchester City’s injury woes have increased with the news that David Silva is facing a month on the sidelines, Goal can confirm. The 29-year-old damaged ankle ligaments during Spain's Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Luxembourg on Friday night. Silva failed to shake off an injury following a challenge from Lars Krogh Gerson and was withdrawn after just 11 minutes of the 4-0 win, a victory which ensured the reigning European champions a place at next summer’s finals in France. A statement from the Spanish Football Federation confirmed on Friday that Silva would miss Monday’s final qualifier against Ukraine, but Goal understands that following initial scans Manchester City have been informed that the extent of the damage is likely to rule the playmaker out for up to a month. The Premier League leaders were rocked on Thursday at the news that Sergio Aguero suffered a hamstring injury, one that left him in tears according to his club and international team-mate Nicolas Otamendi, duri

Camp fallout behind DR Congo defeat - Lawal

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Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has blamed the Super Eagles' 2-0 international friendly loss to DR Congo on Thursday to the fallout from Tuesday's fracas between manager Sunday Oliseh and former captain Vincent Enyeama. In his assessment, Lawal said the team's display against Congo was disappointing, while indicating the Oliseh-Enyeama feud created disunity in the team. The former Nigeria midfielder expressed disappointment at the trainer's poor show of maturity in the face-off, urging Oliseh to see himself as the father and act like one going forward. "Actually the game was not good enough and for us to lose the game by 2-0 is disappointing," Lawal told Goal . "The rhythm of the game and everything about it just went wrong. If DR Congo could beat us now it means football is changing and there is no small game either. "Before we think we will meet any small country, we think we could beat them. Now we can see now that there are no small game

Rooney's son gets his hands on Golden Boot

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Wayne Rooney has lifted his fair share of trophies since joining Manchester United in 2004 and his son is now getting in on the act. After becoming England's all-time top scorer with 50 goals, the 29-year-old was awarded with a specially made 24-carat golden boot to commemorate his achievement. But after taking it home from Wembley, it looks like Rooney junior, Kai, was keen to show off the prize. Those Rooneys, eh? It must be in their genes.

Aguero in tears after suffering hamstring injury on Argentina duty

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The forward lasted just 20 minutes of the Albiceleste's Conmebol curtain-raiser before being replaced by Tevez, and he is almost certain to at least miss Tuesday's Paraguay match Sergio Aguero has sounded alarm bells for Manchester City and Argentina, as he went off with a hamstring injury and was left in tears during a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador. The forward lasted just 20 minutes of the Albiceleste's opening Conmebol fixture, before he went down with a suspected hamstring problem. And after the match, which finished in a 2-0 defeat for the home team, Aguero's City team-mate Nicolas Otamendi revealed that El Kun had been left in great pain. "He had been having a great time and was playing well," the centre-back stated, as he explained that Aguero had been crying in the dressing room after coming off. Coach Gerardo Martino, meanwhile, refused to speculate on the severity of the star's injury, stating that he would wait for the medical team's d

Klopp: Liverpool will win a title in four years - or I'm going to Switzerland!

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The former Borussia Dortmund boss believes he can lead the Reds to silverware in his time at Anfield, but is aware he may not get a better job again if he failsNew Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has vowed to bring a title to Anfield within four years and suggested that if he fails at the club he may have to take a job in Switzerland! Speaking to reporters at Anfield as part of his formal unveiling as the new Liverpool manager on Friday, Klopp asked for patience and time in his efforts to mould the Reds into title challengers, indicating his belief that the club will manage to win at least one title in his time on Merseyside. "Last night we signed the contract and this morning I wake and I'm manager of Liverpool FC," he told reporters. "Please give us time to do the work but when I sit here in four years I think we may have one title. If not maybe [I'll win] the next one in Switzerland." But the 48-year-old refused to be drawn on the specifics. "All the

Arsenal and Chelsea fined by FA after feisty encounter

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The Premier League champions and FA Cup holders have been punished over an incident involving Diego Costa and Laurent Koscielny during the sides' encounterChelsea and Arsenal have received fines from the Football Association (FA) following the ill-tempered clash between the teams at Stamford Bridge last month. According to an FA statement released on Thursday, reigning Premier League champions Chelsea and FA Cup holders Arsenal must pay £40,000 and £30,000 respectively and have been warned over their future conduct for failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the match. Arsenal had Gabriel and Santi Cazorla sent off in the 2-0 loss to Jose Mourinho's team, while the hosts' Diego Costa was later charged and suspended for three matches for his part in a flashpoint with Laurent Koscielny that took place late in the first half. Costa also clashed with Gabriel, who was dismissed for kicking out at the striker after a bout of verbal jousti

Deschamps confirms Benzema injury

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The Real Madrid striker suffered a hamstring injury during France's 4-0 win over Armenia, according to his coach who says he does not yet know the extent of the problemDidier Deschamps has confirmed that Karim Benzema picked up a hamstring injury in France 's convincing 4-0 friendly win over Armenia. The Real Madrid forward netted a quickfire double late in the second half in Nice on Thursday, putting the result beyond all doubt after earlier strikes from Antoine Griezmann and Yohan Cabaye. However, the 27-year-old hobbled off in the 80th minute, feeling his left thigh, and Deschamps, who said prior to kick-off that he would not substitute Benzema in response to the striker being taken off in six of his eight matches for Madrid so far this term, has admitted that early indications suggest a hamstring problem. "Benzema has felt some great discomfort behind the thigh, [that's why] we take him off straight away," he told reporters. "I hope that it is nothing ser

Schweinsteiger suffers thigh injury on Germany duty

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The 31-year-old suffered a thigh problem during his final training session before Thursday's Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of IrelandManchester United have been dealt another injury blow as Bastian Schweinsteiger has been ruled out of Germany’s final Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia on Sunday with a thigh problem. The 31-year-old suffered the injury in Germany’s final training session before Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Republic of Ireland. "Schweinsteiger probably won't play on sunday," said Germany boss Joachim Low after the loss in Dublin. "The medical staff said he has to take a break for two or three days. He will stay with us and we will see, what is possible. But it does not look like he can play. [Mario] Gotze certainly won't play." Wayne Rooney will also miss England’s final two Euro 2016 qualification games due to an ankle injury and will not travel with Roy Hodgson’s squad to face Lithuania on Monday. Marcos Rojo also withdrew from t

Klopp: I am 'The Normal One'

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The former Borussia Dortmund manager was asked about Jose Mourinho's infamous 'Special One' comment when he arrived at Chelsea, but he played down his own abilitiesNew Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed he is 'The Normal One' after taking over the reins at Anfield. The former Borussia Dortmund manager was asked how he would describe himself after Jose Mourinho's infamous 'Special One' comment on his arrival at Chelsea, but he was not willing to talk up his own abilities.

Klopp's message to Liverpool fans: Stop doubting and start believing

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The former Borussia Dortmund manager has called on the Anfield faithful to stop being so pessimistic and look forward to a bright future under their new coachNew Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has launched a rallying call to fans of the club to stop doubting the team and start believing in them. The former Borussia Dortmund manager replaces Brendan Rodgers at Anfield, and admitted he felt there was a negative atmosphere around the club that he is looking to change. But Klopp is now keen for Reds supporters to forget about their illustrious history and concentrate on building towards more success under his guidance. "First of all, we have to talk with all LFC fans to talk about our expectations," he told LFCTV . "Expectations can be a real big problem. "Having a backpack with 20 kilos in it is not so cool to run with. We have to talk about this and then we can start. "The LFC family is a little bit too nervous and a bit too pessimistic. They all celebrate the ga

Sanchez, Vidal doubtful for Brazil clash

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Chile striker Alexis Sanchez and midfielder Arturo Vidal are doubtful for Thursday's World Cup qualifier against Brazil after struggling to shake off injuries, coach Jorge Sampaoli said on Wednesday. Copa America champions Chile are due to play Brazil on Thursday in Santiago before travelling to Lima for a clash with Peru on Tuesday. "Neither Vidal nor Alexis are confirmed for the Brazil game," Sampaoli said at a pre-match news conference. Neither player has been in full training since travelling to join the Chile squad this week, he added. Arsenal forward Sanchez left the field early during the second half of Sunday's encounter with Manchester United, after suffering what manager Arsene Wenger described as "a little groin problem". Vidal missed Bayern Munich's last Champions League clash due to a knee injury and only played a few minutes of last weekend's Bundesliga game. "Right now I see Arturo Vidal far from fit for the game, at least the fir

Ronaldo casts doubt on Real future

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Cristiano Ronaldo refused to commit his future to Real Madrid just hours after becoming the club's joint leading scorer of all time with two goals on Wednesday. Ronaldo equalled Raul's record of 323 goals for the Spanish giants in their 2-0 Champions League win over Malmo despite Raul playing over 400 games more for Los Blancos than the Portuguese star, who also passed 500 career goals on the night. Ronaldo has long been linked with a return to Manchester United, where he starred between 2003 and 2009 before a then world record €80 million transfer to Madrid. A move to Paris Saint Germain or even a shock transfer to Major League Soccer in the United States have also been rumoured. "I am happy here, I want to win things here. I feel good, but as I have said millions of times no one knows what will happen in the future," the three- time World Player of the Year told Spanish radio station Cadena SER. "We will see what happens tomorrow but at this moment in time I a