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Stoke end battling win at Watford

2016-11-27T07:04:00.002-08:00

An own goal by goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes helped earn Stoke City a deserved win as 10-man Watford suffered a first home defeat since August.

Gomes could do little as Charlie Adam's header from Xherdan Shaqiri's corner hit the base of the post before ricocheting off the Brazilian and rolling into the net.

If there was a touch of fortune about the goal, Stoke were full value for their victory against sluggish opponents who missed out on the chance to climb to sixth in the Premier League table.

Watford had defender Miguel Britos sent off in the closing stages for a second yellow card after Gomes had saved well from Bruno Martins Indi, while Stoke's club record £18.3m signing Giannelli Imbula also went close from 25 yards.

Petulant Watford

There was controversy at the end of a scrappy game as Hornets boss Walter Mazzarri appeared to ignore Mark Hughes' handshake.

Watford were unrecognisable from the side that beat Manchester United earlier in the season and had won three of their previous five games.

They had started the day eighth in the table and could have climbed above both Everton and Manchester United, for a few hours at least, with victory.

Yet the Hornets picked up more yellow cards than shots on target - long-range efforts from Daryl Janmaat and Etienne Capoue easily dealt with by Lee Grant.

The loss of Younes Kaboul to injury early in the match did not help Watford's cause while questions were again raised about their indiscipline.

Britos will miss Saturday's game at West Brom after his dismissal while Jose Holebas, midfielder Valon Behrami and Nordin Amrabat were also booked.

Stoke at their battling best

In contrast to Watford's petulance, Stoke were organised and disciplined as they stopped their opponents from scoring at home for the first time this season.

The Potters were at their battling best as they comfortably overcame the loss of influential captain Ryan Shawcross and fellow defender Phil Bardsley to injury.

Imbula was making a rare start in place of suspended midfielder Joe Allen yet this turned out to be one of their most comfortable games of the season as the visitors dominated.

Adam revealed after the game he might have committed a foul just before the winner was scored but the visitors, who were brighter and more creative, deserved their success and are now on a run of one defeat in eight league games.

Man of the match - Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City)

'It was a foul'

Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam on his header which led to the goal: "I think it was a foul really, I pushed him but we will take it - it's a great win.

"They had a couple of chances but when the three big lads come up front for the last 10-15 minutes, you get a lot of balls in the box and that's where you have to be solid.

"We are delighted with that, it's a good three points and we move onto next week."

Stoke boss Mark Hughes on Walter Mazzarri not shaking hands at the end: "I think he just forgot for a brief moment what we do here. You offer your hand win, lose or draw. In fairness he came and apologised but I think he was told to."

On Stoke's win: "We were a little bit stretched in terms of personnel. I thought we worked really well and made it happen, I think that was the key. To a man they ran and made it work."

Happy hunting ground

Stoke have won on five of their last seven visits to Vicarage Road.
The Potters have conceded just five goals in their last eight Premier League games after conceding 18 goals in the eight games prior to that.
Heurelho Gomes is the ninth Brazilian to score a Premier League own goal and only the second goalkeeper, following Julio Cesar against Everton for QPR in October 2012.
It was Watford's 10th Premier League own goal and their first since May 2016 (Craig Cathcart against Norwich).
Only Sunderland (3) have received more red cards than Watford in the Premier League this season (2).
No side has conceded more goals from corners in the Premier League this season than Watford (7).
The Hornets failed to score in a home Premier League game for the first time since March.

What's next?

At the same time as Watford are away at West Brom on 3 December (15:00 GMT), Stoke entertain Burnley.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38041936

Aguero score twice in Man City win

2016-11-27T01:33:00.001-08:00

Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manchester City came back from a goal down to earn a hard-fought win at Burnley and claim back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since September.

The home side might have had a penalty before surprisingly taking lead when City defender Nicolas Otamendi could only head a clearance straight to Clarets midfielder Dean Marney, who volleyed in from 25 yards.

City struggled for fluency but Aguero equalised when he poked in a shot at the far post after a corner was deflected into his path.

The visitors controlled the game after the break and took the lead when a Fernandinho cross hit Aguero and went in after some sloppy Burnley defending.

Clarets defender Michael Keane had a late header blocked by Aleksandar Kolarov and an overhead kick from Ashley Barnes was saved by City keeper Claudio Bravo but Burnley failed to prevent a third home loss in the top flight this season.

Relive Burnley v Manchester City

Follow the rest of Saturday's Premier League games

City show strength of character and squad

This was hardly City at their best but their battling win highlighted their squad strength and battling spirit at what is proving one of the tougher trips in the Premier League this season.

City boss Pep Guardiola was worried about the toll on his players after his side's Champions League exertions at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Wednesday, with his side having lost one and drawn two of their past three games following outings in Europe.

He made five changes to his starting line-up, including leaving out defender John Stones and putting key player Kevin de Bruyne on the bench, as he wanted "fresh legs".

However, City conceded early on - and now have just two clean sheets in their past 16 league games - before they improved and dominated the second half to claim a sixth away win out of seven in the top flight.

"If you want to be a champion you have to play a game like this," said City skipper Fernandinho.

Aguero the man for all seasons

Aguero's goals were not exactly collectors' items but it was his ability to be in the right place at the right time which proved key against Burnley.

The Argentine's movement, desire and ability on the ball kept the Burnley defence occupied and he has now scored more than 10 goals in each of his six seasons in the Premier League.

Aguero has now scored against 29 of the 30 different teams that he's faced in the Premier League, only failing to score against Bolton.

"He played really well and moved really well. He had a really good game," said Guardiola.

"From the beginning he was ready, his body language was very good."

Robinson's key saves cannot save Burnley

Burnley boss Sean Dyche wanted a reaction from his side after the 4-0 hammering by West Brom on Monday, and he certainly got it as they were back to their tenacious selves against City.

Dyche's side had a strong shout for a penalty after Otamendi shoved Jeff Hendrick before Marney gave them the lead with his first top-flight goal in 2,558 days.

The home side were helped by 37-year-old keeper Paul Robinson, making his Clarets debut and first Premier League appearance since May 2012. He produced three key saves before a "comedy of errors" cost them the winner.

"I can't believe we haven't had a penalty again," said Dyche. "You need those decisions in these games. It's an obvious smash in the back and is a penalty."

Man of the match - Sergio Aguero

{Source: BBC Sport}

Liverpool see off Sunderland to extend unbeaten run

2016-11-27T01:17:00.000-08:00

Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 11 games with a win against Sunderland but could face a spell without Philippe Coutinho who was taken off on a stretcher at Anfield.

The Brazillian clutched his ankle after a challenge from Didier Ndong late in a first half where Liverpool failed to turn 80% possession into clear chances.

Sunderland threatened briefly in each period, with Steven Pienaar and Duncan Watmore taking heavy touches when presented with openings.

But as Jurgen Klopp's side continued to press, it was Coutinho's replacement, Divock Origi, who found the net with what appeared to be a right-foot cross from the left side of the area.

Relive Liverpool's win over Sunderland

Coutinho suffers injury

It sparked relief at Anfield and when Ndong felled Sadio Mane in the box, James Milner converted a spot-kick to make it 14 games unbeaten in all competitions for the Reds.

They now sit second in the table, a point behind Chelsea, while Sunderland drop to bottom spot.

Klopp's demand for more answered

Coutinho's injury, coupled with admirable Sunderland resistance, kept home fans quiet for long spells.

Klopp clearly banks on Anfield being an intimidating place to visit and a return of 16 points from 18 available at home this season points to him getting his wish.

But he was visibly frustrated early in the second half when he waved to the Kop and demanded more from supporters.

Sunderland created their best opening moments later when Liverpool keeper Loris Karius dived at Watmore's feet to block and Victor Anichebe's shot in the following melee was cleared.

But Liverpool's positivity was undeniable, with full-backs Milner and Nathaniel Clyne playing high up the pitch, Emre Can repeatedly joining attacks and even centre-back Joel Matip spending long spells in midfield.

They missed chances through a Dejan Lovren header and a Georginio Wijnaldum volley. But with a touch of fortune, Origi's in-swinging cross nestled in the corner and Milner's penalty was emphatic.

With no European football to distract them and no league defeat since August, Liverpool have clear momentum. Their former skipper Steven Gerrard watched their latest win from the stands just days after his retirement. Are Klopp's men capable of landing the one honour which eluded him?

A win at a cost?

How Liverpool deal with a potential lay-off for Coutinho will be critical in whether their momentum can lead to a push for that elusive Premier League title.

His contribution of five goals and six assists in the league sums up the key role he has under Klopp and his all-round displays have seen reports of interest from Barcelona.

Against David Moyes' side Coutinho seemed to be man-marked early on. When he escaped the attentions of Jason Denayer after half an hour he took a heavy touch in the area and felt the full force of Ndong's clearance.

There was no suggestion of a foul but Coutinho's foot took the impact of both the ball and Ndong's follow-through, and he instantly waved to the bench before grimacing during treatment.

Origi's impact points to Liverpool having the resources to deal with any spell out for Coutinho. But with Mane primed to attend the African Cup of Nations with Senegal in January, Klopp will desperately hope he has not lost arguably his most creative force for long.

'The most defensive team I ever saw'

Moyes had spoken of "parking the double decker bus at Anfield" and for long spells that tactic was deployed.

But Sunderland clearly had confidence as a result of back-to-back wins and they threatened early on, notably when Pienaar's heavy touch gave Karius the chance to save.

Frustratingly for their travelling contingent, the Black Cats dropped deep after half an hour and never really established a footing again. Denayer played the full match in midfield yet made just seven passes. He perhaps summed up Sunderland's retreat.

"This was the most defensive team I ever saw in my life," said Klopp afterwards.

Man of the match - Jordan Henderson

{Source: BBC Sport}

Swansea bit Palace in epic nine-goal thriller

2016-11-27T01:02:00.003-08:00

Substitute Fernando Llorente scored twice in stoppage time as Swansea recorded their first win since the opening day of the season in a remarkable encounter with Crystal Palace.

The Liberty Stadium witnessed an astonishing seven goals scored after the break and four in 11 second-half minutes.

Swansea were 3-1 ahead before Palace produced an extraordinary fightback to take a 4-3 lead.

It seemed as if the visitors would end their five-match losing run in the league, but then up popped substitute Llorente with two late goals as the ground erupted on the full-time whistle.

Regarding entertainment value, this match gets top marks. But look past the scoreline and it was a game that featured truly atrocious defending.

Palace took the lead in the 19th minute when Wilfried Zaha easily wriggled away from Neil Taylor and Federico Fernandez before slotting a low angled shot past Lukasz Fabianski.

The Swans hit back in the 36th minute through Iceland's Gylfi Sigurdsson, when he whipped his 20-yard free-kick over the wall and inside keeper Wayne Hennessey's far post.

It was 1-1 at half time and midway through the second period there was little to suggest of what was about to unfold.

Then the match exploded.

Dutch midfielder Leroy Fer scored twice at the far post in the space of two minutes. His first was following up from Llorente's blocked header - the Spaniard's first touch of the match - before he poked in after Sigurdsson's free-kick was flicked on by Jordi Amat.

A 3-1 lead became 3-2 in the 75th minute when the Swans failed to clear their six-yard area and James Tomkins poked in.

What followed was a goal rush:

3-3, 82 mins: Palace's Wilfried Zaha curls a delivery into the area which is inadvertently flicked in by Jack Cork.
3-4, 84 mins: Palace striker Christian Benteke's snapshot comes off the post and goes in.
4-4, 91 mins: Swans forward Llorente pokes in high past Wayne Hennessey from Sigurdsson's shot, after his initial effort was saved.
5-4, 93 mins: After a scramble in the area, Llorente stabs the loose ball past Hennessey.

Referee Kevin Friend played another four minutes of stoppage time, but Swansea weathered Palace's final assault for a much-needed three points after a thrilling contest.

The Spanish striker was dropped from the squad for last weekend's match at Everton, and this week his agent was reported in Italian media to have said that "things aren't going well" under new manager Bob Bradley.

The American boss explained in the build-up to the match against Palace that Llorente had a future at the club but suggested he lacked fitness.

Bradley decided to twist and bring on the former Athletic Bilbao striker, nicknamed El Rey Leon [The Lion King], who made an instant impact with a header that led to Fer's first.

But it was two goals in stoppage time that will have ensured him of a place among the hearts of Swans and could prove to be a timely fillip for both player and club.

Swansea boss Bradley said: "That's one we won't forget. I've been on the wrong side of those occasionally. I'm going to give the players all the credit today. They fought until the end."

Man of the match - Fernando Llorente

{Source: BBC Sports}

Chelsea fight back to end Spurs' unbeaten run

2016-11-27T00:41:00.003-08:00

Chelsea returned to the top of the table after coming from behind at Stamford Bridge to inflict Tottenham's first Premier League defeat this season.

Spurs looked on course to recover from their midweek Champions League exit when Christian Eriksen's superb 11th minute strike put them in front.

Mauricio Pochettino's side were completely dominant until the closing seconds of the first half when Pedro curled in a spectacular right-foot effort to draw Chelsea level.

And Spurs' miserable record at Stamford Bridge was extended to 30 games without a win - dating back to February 1990 - after Victor Moses scored what proved to be the winner six minutes after the restart.

Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris and Jan Vertonghen both got touches on Moses' goal-bound strike but the ball flew in as Chelsea recorded a seventh league victory in succession.

When Chelsea lost 3-0 to Arsenal on 24 September - a scoreline that flattered them - Conte's side dropped to 10th in the table, eight points behind then leaders Manchester City.

Conte was highly emotional in his post-match briefing but promised to put matters right. The Italian has been as good as his word and he has presided over a remarkable transformation.

He switched to three at the back, which has left no place for captain John Terry but has made surprise £30m summer signing David Luiz look more comfortable than in his first spell at Stamford Bridge.

Conte has also brought the best out of Pedro, who had struggled at Chelsea after his move from Barcelona, while Diego Costa is a warrior whose eyes are now right on the ball rather than opponents.

Chelsea look a solid, dangerous, formidable outfit and that desperate day at Emirates Stadium seems an age away after these seven straight league wins.

Victor Moses seemed destined for life away from Stamford Bridge after a succession of loan spells following his £9m move from Wigan Athletic in August 2012.

The 25-year-old had only made 23 appearances and scored one goal for Chelsea before this season and had stints at Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United before Conte took charge at Stamford Bridge.

Conte's tactical reshuffling saw Moses employed as a right wing-back in his new defensive system, the catalyst for an unlikely revival that has seen him emerge as one of Chelsea's most important players.

Moses is utilising his attacking qualities to give Chelsea width while also revelling in his more defensive duties, adding a new dimension to his own game and rewarding a manager who has complete trust in him.

The crucial goal he scored here was just reward for another fine performance and he fully deserved the standing ovation he was given when he was substituted.

Desperate week for Spurs

This loss in a game they controlled serenely for almost 45 minutes concludes a desperate week for Spurs and manager Pochettino.

The Argentine's team selection for the defeat in Monaco that confirmed their Champions League elimination almost seemed to have one eye on this game - but two losses suggest the ploy has backfired.

Pochettino restored Jan Vertonghen, Kyle Walker and Christian Eriksen here and while the Dane put Spurs ahead they ran out of steam and ideas after Pedro equalised in the dying seconds of the first half.

Now Pochettino must pick up his disappointed players.

Man of the match: Diego Costa (Chelsea)

{Source: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38036029}

Champions League: Ten-man Man City sunk by Barca

2014-02-19T02:10:00.004-08:00

Manchester City suffered a setback to their UEFA Champions League hopes after suffering a home defeat to Barcelona on Tuesday night.

Manchester City 0-2 Barcelona

Manchester City have it all to do to keep their UEFA Champions League dream alive after suffering a 2-0 defeat at home to Barcelona in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.

"The team played with courage, with personality, and tried to draw the match with 10 men"
Manuel Pellegrini

After a goalless first half Manuel Pellegrini's side had to play for most of the second period with 10 men following the dismissal of Martin Demichelis for a foul on Lionel Messi in the 53rd minute.

The Argentina international picked himself up to beat Joe Hart from the penalty spot and despite a valiant display by City, who came close to producing an equaliser through David Silva, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri, the visitors dealt a savage blow by scoring a second in the last minute through Dani Alves.

The result was harsh on the Citizens, who have a mountain to climb in the return leg at Camp Nou in three weeks' time, but Pellegrini has called upon his side to reproduce the sort of determined performance that saw them come back from two goals down to beat Bayern Munich away from home in the group stage.

"Barcelona had a lot of the ball but they had it where we wanted," said Pellegrini. "They were not near our area; that's what we wanted. The team played with courage, with personality, and tried to draw the match with 10 men.

"We're going to try, of course, at the Camp Nou - we did it at Bayern when we lost at home. The second goal makes it difficult because the match was almost over and now [Barcelona] have a bigger advantage but we will have to see what we can do there."

source:

Italian Serie A Fixtures and Results

2014-02-19T02:03:00.002-08:00

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2014
Time	Home		Away	Venue
19:45 GMT	Bologna	v	AS Roma	Stadio Renato Della`Ara

German Bundesliga Fixtures and Results

2014-02-19T02:02:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014

Time Home Away Venue

19:30 GMT Schalke 04 v Mainz Veltins-Arena

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2014

Time Home Away Venue

14:30 GMT Borussia Monchengladbach v TSG Hoffenheim Borussia-Park

14:30 GMT Hamburg SV v Borussia Dortmund HSH Nordbank Arena

14:30 GMT Nurnberg v TSV Eintracht Braunschweig EasyCredit-Stadion

14:30 GMT SC Freiburg v FC Augsburg MAGE SOLAR Stadion

14:30 GMT VfB Stuttgart v Hertha Berlin Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion

17:30 GMT VfL Wolfsburg v Bayer Leverkusen Volkswagen Arena

Spanish Liga BBVA Fixtures and Results

2014-02-19T01:59:00.002-08:00

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014
Time	Home		Away	Venue
20:00 GMT	Real Valladolid	v	Levante	Estadio Nuevo José Zorrilla

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2014
Time	Home		Away	Venue
15:00 GMT	Real Madrid	v	Elche	Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
17:00 GMT	Celta Vigo	v	Getafe	Estadio Balaídos
19:00 GMT	Real Sociedad	v	Barcelona	Estadio Anoeta
21:00 GMT	Almeria	v	Malaga	Estadio Mediterraneo

FIXTURES

2014-02-19T01:58:00.001-08:00

Saturday 22 February 2014
	12:45	Chelsea v Everton	Stamford Bridge
This fixture was previously scheduled on Saturday 22 February 2014 at 15:00 but was rescheduled due to live broadcasting on BT Sport
	15:00	Arsenal v Sunderland	Emirates Stadium
	15:00	Cardiff v Hull	Cardiff City Stadium
	15:00	Man City v Stoke	Etihad Stadium
	15:00	West Brom v Fulham	The Hawthorns
	15:00	West Ham v Southampton	Boleyn Ground
	17:30	Crystal Palace v Man Utd	Selhurst Park

Ashley Cole's England place under threat, warns Hodgson

2014-02-13T07:07:00.000-08:00

Roy Hodgson has admitted Ashley Cole's role as England's first-choice left-back is under threat.

The 33-year-old has featured in just two Premier League games in 2014 with Jose Mourinho mainly using Cesar Azpilicueta on the left side of Chelsea's defence.

Cole faces competition for an England place with Everton’s Leighton Baines as well as Southampton’s Luke Shaw, the latter of whom Hodgson hinted could be included in his squad to face Denmark on March 5.

"For years people have been understudy to Ashley. Now it's Ashley's turn to sit back," the England manager told reporters.

"We know what Ashley can do. We know how fit he keeps himself, how experienced he is. I certainly wouldn't write Ashley Cole out of any plans because he isn't playing in his club team.

"But he will have to accept, like everyone else, that the competition for his place in the club team and international team gets stronger all the time, and I will have a decision to make.

"It's a bit of a problem when you are a full-back. If you are a midfield player, there might be three or four positions you can play. Full-backs are like goalkeepers - either you play or you have to be understudy."

'I'd pick Hazard over Messi, Ronaldo or Neymar'

2014-02-13T06:35:00.001-08:00

Belgium boss Marc Wilmots has claimed he would prefer Eden Hazard in his team than Lionel Messi,Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar.

The Chelsea star, 23, has been in stellar form in the Premier League lately and has helped his side rocket up to the top of the table at Arsenal and Manchester City's expense.

Wilmots, who is sure to take Hazard to this summer's World Cup, lavished praise on the former Lille winger, whom he believes is becoming a candidate for the Ballon d'Or with his performances at Stamford Bridge.

"Eden has found in the Belgium team a side that can take him as high as his dreams," the Belgium head coach told L'Equipe.

"Even within a very strong team, Eden stands out because he has something more. Technically, he is amazing! I'd put him on my podium Ballon d'Or because he totally convinced me of his talent.

"If you ask me if I want Messi, Ronaldo or Neymar, I'd keep Hazard."

Wilmots thinks Hazard can replicate Messi and Ronaldo's impact in La Liga, and pointed to the young Belgian's performance as Jose Mourinho's side beat Manchester City earlier this month as evidence of his prowess.

"Eden is already plays the centrepiece at Chelsea," the trainer added. "Messi and Ronaldo have made the difference at Barcelona and Real for five years, and Eden will do the same.

"At Manchester City, he toyed with defenders internationally! He is, however, still very young and is advancing step by step. He is intelligent, he knew he had to make efforts to reach the top. He has also learned to heal very well; he is hardly ever injured.

"His small flaws, of which Mourinho and I have noted, are almost never seen nowadays, in particular his former nonchalance. His defensive impact is huge and his work for the team as well."
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Rodgers hails 'peerless' Gerrard after late Fulham winner

2014-02-13T06:31:00.002-08:00

Brendan Rodgers has labelled Steven Gerrard as "peerless" after the midfielder's late penalty secured a 3-2 win for Liverpool over Fulham.

The Merseysiders twice fell behind at Craven Cottage on Wednesday as Kolo Toure sliced past his own goalkeeper before Kieran Richardson made the most of Martin Skrtel's deflection to score from close range.

On both occasions, though, Liverpool pulled level. First, Gerrard's exquisite pass was received by Daniel Sturridge, who kept his cool with a neat finish, before Philippe Coutinho cut inside to strike home from 20 yards.

It looked like Liverpool would be frustrated in their efforts to find a winner until Sturridge was chopped down by Sascha Riether in the last minute, and Gerrard held his nerve to convert the penalty.

"Steven is peerless in many aspects of football," Rodgers said. "His performance again was [brilliant].

"His pass for the first goal, that penetration he has that he's shown all his life and then the composure at the end.

"It's no coincidence, he studies the goalkeepers and what side they dive. The professionalism he's showing at this stage of his career is still there.

"There's no more ideal person than Steven Gerrard when you have a penalty in the last couple of minutes in games, he stuck it away brilliantly."

Rodgers is also unconcerned by Luis Suarez's current run of three games without a goal and insists the Uruguayan continues to influence in other areas.

“Luis is a world-class player, but I'm building something here that isn't reliant upon one player,” said Rodgers.

“Other players have scored goals when Luis wasn't in the team, or Daniel wasn't in the team. You don't score the number of goals we do when you're reliant upon one player.

“Would Luis want the golden boot or be in the Champions League? He'd want to be in the Champions League. He's such a selfless player, working wide and pressing all the time. The team is the most important thing.”

Cleverley: Man Utd will be better after Dubai

2014-02-13T06:20:00.002-08:00

Tom Cleverley hopes a warm-weather training trip to Dubai will kick-start Manchester United's disappointing season.

Wednesday's goalless draw with Arsenal means United are 11 points adrift of fourth place in the Premier League and winless in their last three games.

Already out of the FA Cup and adrift in the league, United have a last-16 Champions League clash with Olympiakos later this month and Cleverley expects the training break in the Middle East will help preparations for the tie with the Greek champions.

"We'll go away and have a good five days of warm-weather training which will bring us together and hopefully do us good for the run-in," he told the club's official website.

"Warm-weather training is good for fitness as well as team bonding and the team spirit you get from having all the lads together.

"We did it last year and it really helped us - hopefully it'll have the same effect this time."

Cleverley has made 27 appearances for United in all competitions this season as David Moyes' men have struggled to keep pace with the top four.

Mazzarri: I had no doubts over Inter job

2014-02-13T06:04:00.004-08:00

Walter Mazzarri has revealed that he had many clubs after his services last summer, but had no doubts over taking over at Inter.

The 52-year-old took the reins at Giuseppe Meazza following Andrea Stramaccioni's sacking after four years with Napoli at the San Paolo.

And the Italian says discussions with then-Inter president Massimo Moratti convinced him that they were the right club for him.

"I had so many requests, but after the words of Moratti, I had no doubts," he told Quotidiano Sportivo.

"I did not look at the squad, nor the club, nor the market - I just said I will go and nothing else."

Inter finally picked up their first win of 2014 by beating Sassuolo 1-0 but face a daunting trip to the Artemio Franchi to play Fiorentina on Saturday.

"Could we face a worse opponent at this time? They are a very dangerous team, especially on their own ground. But we are confident that we can bring come continuity to our results," said Mazzarri.

"Are Fiorentina superior? I don't make comparisons. I speak about Inter and finishing as high as possible and thinking about every game without limits."

Finally, Mazzarri revealed that he would not have any qualms about fielding Fredy Guarin, despite the player's dissatisfaction that a January move to Juventus did not materialise.

"With me, he has always played. The facts say that he's played even when people turned up their noses. I left him out only when he was likely to be leaving, but now he is back."

Atletico are tired, admits Simeone

2014-02-13T06:01:00.002-08:00

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has admitted that his side are tired after their exploits this season.

The capital club are level on points at the top of La Liga with Real Madrid and Barcelona and have made sound progress in the Champions League, but have suffered three defeats in succession, including two losses in the Copa del Rey semi-final to Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Simeone has admitted that his team are fatigued after an exhausting campaign thus far, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: "The team might be tired, but their continuity has been one of the key factors for their sense.

"If others had played, no-one could be sure that we would be in this position. But two of the losses were in the Copa del Rey against one of the best teams in the world, Real Madrid.

"Eight days ago, were leading La Liga. Sooner or later, all teams go through some difficult times, let's see how we do after 38 games. Madrid and Barcelona have quality that makes a difference in the long term."

Atleti face AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League and Simeone is refusing to underestimate theRossoneri, despite their poor Serie A form.

"Milan are always much stronger in the Champions League than in Serie A. They always do well in Europe traditionally.

"It'll be tough. They have many champions and we have to be very humble, knowing that they'll give their all.

"Massimiliano Allegri's Milan were suffering this year. Now Clarence Seedorf is there and he has to form a team."

Man Utd chief Woodward acknowledges 'disappointing' EPL position

2014-02-12T09:54:00.003-08:00

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has admitted that everyone associated with the club is disappointed with their current Premier League position.

MAN UTD QUARTERLY RESULTS

RECORD €149.5M REVENUE ANNOUNCED

The Premier League champions are stuttering down in seventh place in the table having only picked up 12 wins from 25 games, with David Moyes thus far struggling to meet expectations in his first season in charge of the club.

Moyes's side face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday with anything but a win likely to see them fall further behind in the race to secure a Champions League spot.

In a statement to shareholders, where United announced second-quarter revenue of €149.5 million, Woodward acknowledged that things haven't gone to plan on the pitch in the league.

"We once again achieved a record revenue quarter with strong contributions from our commercial and broadcasting businesses despite the current league position, which everyone from the manager down has acknowledged is disappointing," the statement read.

"We continue to see meaningful opportunities to grow our commercial business and the popularity of football on TV is leading to continued broadcasting revenue growth – all of which bodes well for the long-term stability and financial strength of our business.

"We are also very pleased to have added a world class player in Juan Mata to our squad, who has already made a positive impact."

Man Utd lack leadership, insists Paul Ince

2014-02-12T09:46:00.002-08:00

Paul Ince believes Manchester United's lack of on-field leadership has played a big part in their disappointing season so far.

The Premier League champions face a battle to qualify for the Champions League as they are seventh in the table, nine points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

David Moyes has endured a disappointing first campaign after he was charged with the task of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson and former United captain Ince believes the Scot is in need of a Roy Keane-type player.

"When you look at the team, they have never replaced Roy Keane," Ince told talkSPORT.

"Ryan Giggs is coming to the end, Paul Scholes has retired. There are lots of players who have been there a long time. They are senior players who are Man United through and through.

"Tthere are no leaders. It’s a major problem. Chelsea have people like John Terry and Gary Cahill, proper leaders, Man United don’t."

And the man who won two Premier League titles and two FA cups under Ferguson has called for Moyes to be given time to replace the Old Trafford legend and build his own side.

"I don’t think you’ll see the best of Man United and Moyes for another year or year and a half," Ince said. "He’s got a lot of changes to make, not just one, two or three people, which Sir Alex Ferguson would do.

"He’s got seven or eight players to change in that team. They have to give Moyes time to build that team. He has to change the whole team."

"They’ve got to give him time. Moyes has got a huge renovation job to do. He’s going to lose probably a lot of players in the summer.

"Who knows what’s going to happen with Wayne Rooney? Robin van Persie is going to be a year older. It’s essential that they do finish in the top four but it’s going to be tough.”

2013-06-01T03:27:00.002-07:00

Mexico 2-2 Nigeria: Heat in Houston during a breathless friendly

An exciting and often breathless friendly ended all square as the Super Eagles and El Tri battled to a 2-2 draw in the Reliant Stadium, Texas

By Ed Dove

MORE ON : Mexico, Nigeria, Mexico vs Nigeria

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Nigeria and Mexico played out a tantalising, and at times, breathless, 2-2 friendly in Houston’s Reliant Stadium. A Chicharito strike was cancelled out by an Ideye Brown penalty, and with Mexico down to ten men following the dismissal of Pablo Barrera, Nigeria took the initiative through a deflected John Ogu strike.
Unfortunately, their lead was not to last, and Chicharito popped up once again in the second half to save face for El Tri.

Ricardo Carvalho joins Monaco and Radamel Falcao may follow

2013-05-30T01:31:00.001-07:00

Ricardo Carvalho joins Monaco and Radamel Falcao may follow

Monaco have signed Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho and French media reports say Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao will be next for £50m.

Former Chelsea centre-back Carvalho, 35, has agreed a one-year deal.

And 27-year-old Falcao, thought to be a target for Chelsea and Manchester City, also looks set to join Monaco.

The French second division champions, backed by Russian Dmitry Rybolovlev, have already spent £60m on Porto duo Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez
.

Sergei Bubka: Pole vault great wants to be IOC president

2013-05-30T01:24:00.000-07:00

Sergei Bubka: Pole vault great wants to be IOC president

Ukrainian pole vault great Sergei Bubka is joining the race to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee.

The 49-year-old former Olympic and world champion notified IOC members he wants to succeed Jacques Rogge, who steps down in September.

"I would like to take this opportunity to humbly inform you that I will submit my candidacy for the presidency of the IOC," Bubka said in a letter.

He is the sixth contender
.

2013-05-30T01:18:00.001-07:00

Hughes appointed Stoke City manager

Mark Hughes is confirmed as Stoke manager, taking over from fellow Welshman Tony Pulis at the Britannia Stadium. 101

2013-05-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Next stop, Falcao: Monaco's fertiliser tycoon accelerates growth of a super club

Dmitry Rybolovlev has spent €70 million on two Porto players in a major statement of intent ahead of the summer window and Goal takes a closer look at the Russian backer

By Robin Bairner

The forthcoming transfer window is set to be remembered as the summer of Monaco. Already they have captured the signings of Porto duo James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho with a remarkable €70 million double swoop while this week, it is expected they will reveal RadamelFalcao as the latest addition to their quickly-growing arsenal.

Monaco’s lavish spending will not stop there, though. It is envisaged that at least two more players of such calibre will join before the season begins, with head coach Claudio Ranierihaving admitted publicly he wants a strong idea of his squad by the time pre-season training begins on July 1.

Once again, it seems, Monaco will have a team capable of competing with Europe’s best.

The man behind the project to reinvigorate the side from the principality is 46-year-old Russian tycoon Dmitry Rybolovlev, who is to the Stade Louis II club what Roman Abramovichis to Chelsea.

Football, like his other hobbies of art and surfing, is a relief from day-to-day activities for Rybolovlev, who took over the club in December 2011, when the team was under threat of dropping to the third tier of the French game.

“Having lived long enough in Monaco, I realise the club is not just one of the principality's sports teams but also represents one of the main symbols of the principality, its pride and traditions,” he declared on taking over.

Initially he pledged to invest up to €100 million in the side over four years but reports now suggest that figure could be up to €200m. Indeed, the signings of Moutinho, Rodriguez andFalcao alone will push the transfer dealings of the club towards that figure.

Jewel in the crown | Prince Albert II (right) wants Rybolovlev (left) to help Monaco rise again
Prince Albert II wants the club to return to being a “jewel” of the principality and boosted by the wealth of their owner they are nearing a position from which they can once again challenge for the Champions League, the competion in which they reached the final as recently as 2004.

Unlike Abramovich, Rybolovlev has not made his money from fossil fuels but fertiliser. In stark contrast to the glamorous lifestyle he now enjoys in Monaco, his path to wealth was long and winding.

He graduated in medicine and developed an alternative therapy using magnets, but during the process of perestroika as the USSR moved away from communism and towards capitalism, his services were paid for not in cash but via discounted products. These were then sold at a profit, allowing Rybolovlev to grow wealthy enough to take a course in brokerage in Moscow.

As Russia continued to de-privatise, this proved invaluable as he was one of the few people in his home town of Perm qualified to pinpoint the best areas of investment, which he richly exploited. Only once he had seen his wealth multiply by doing this did he consolidate his wealth in Uralkali, a fertiliser company.

Fifteen years after his initial investment in Uralkali, Rybolovlev was able to sell his stake in the company for well over $5 billion [€3.86bn].

FOOTBALL'S RUSSIAN REVOLUTION
ROMAN ABRAMOVICH
	The Russian billionaire and 50th richest person in the world, according to Forbes list 2012, bought Chelsea in 2003 with the club winning 11 trophies since including the Champions League, Europa League and three league titles.
ALISHER USMANOV
	In April this year, he topped The Sunday Times Rich List and is a major shareholder in Arsenal. Usmanov was critical of the Premier League club's decision to sell Robin van Persie to Manchester United last year, but has no intention of selling up and reported to be worth around €13.6 billion.
SULEYMAN KERIMOV
	Purchased Anzhi Mahachkala in January 2011, Kermiov has invested heavily in the Russian club, overseeing a host of star-studded names waltz into Anzhi including Samuel Eto'o, Roberto Carlos and January signing Willian from Shaktar Donetsk.

But the life of Monaco’s owner is far more colourful than simple business transactions. In the mid-1990s he was accused of the murder of a local businessman and spent 11 months in jail only to be acquitted at trial. Subsequent threats on his life led him to wearing a bulletproof vest and would ultimately see him move to Switzerland.

A publicity-shy figure, he would also hit the headlines in 2010 when an explosive divorce from former wife Elena began and still continues to rumble on to this day. His former spouse is insisting on an incredible €4.63bn, claiming this is half the wealth he has gained since they married in 1987.

Forbes magazine lists Rybolovlev as the 119th richest man in the world, with assets totalling €7.03bn, yet Elena alleges that he is worth significantly more, claiming that much of her former husband’s wealth is held in offshore accounts while accusing him of finding tax loopholes such as one used to buy a €68m apartment in New York for his daughter to ostensibly use as a pied-a-terre at college.

Indeed, in the USA, Rybolovlev is primarily known as a property magnate, having purchased Donald Trump's Palm Beach mansion for close to $100m [€77.2m]. In addition, he spent €231.9m on his pad in Monaco – ‘La Belle Epoch’ – which is where he is presently based.

Along with Abramovich, Rybolovlev has been ranked as one of the world’s top 200 fine art collectors and his collection of 19th and 20th century paintings, in itself estimated to be worth anything up to €780m, have also provoked controversy from his ex-wife, who has done her best to lift every stone to uncover the Monaco owner’s wealth.

While this bitter dispute rages in the background, the focus on Rybolovlev remains altogether more positive due to his footballing dealings.

His investment in the team has been broadly welcomed by the owners of their soon-to-beLigue 1 rivals – even if the tax breaks his side benefit from are not – and there can be little doubt the profile of Le Championnat and Monaco will only be more to the fore under his ownership.

Rybolovlev, it would seem, will make the Monegasques a force to be reckoned with.

Transfer Zone

2013-05-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Lewandowski will join Bayern this summer, says agent

The Poland international's representative has revealed that his client will follow Mario Gotze to the Champions League winners ahead of next season

Cezary Kucharski, one of Robert Lewandowski's agents, has revealed that the striker will leave Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.

The Poland international has long been linked with a move to the Champions League winners and his representative has made it clear that the deal could be completed shortly.

"Robert will join Bayern this summer. There is no point in pretending that he will not move to Bayern. Robert wants to leave and that is what will happen," Kucharski told TVN24.

"It is a matter of time. It could be a done deal within a week or within two to three weeks. We are waiting for a signal from the club. We are working on this deal.

"Robert needs a new challenge. He needs other people around him, a new coach and new motivation."

Maik Barthel, Lewandowski's other agent, claimed earlier this season that the 24-year-old has already agreed terms with another club, prompting Bayern to issue a statement denying that they had reached an agreement with the striker back in April.

Nevertheless, Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes suggested at the weekend that Lewandowski is destined to follow in the footsteps of Mario Gotze and leave BVB for the Allianz Arena side.

Lewandowski has a contract with Dortmund until June 2014, yet he's widely expected to leave the club this summer following his refusal to sign a new deal.

He had also caught the attention of clubs such as Juventus, Manchester United and Real Madrid, but his next destination seems to be Munich following Kucharski's latest comments.

2013-05-28T06:43:00.004-07:00

French Open: Gael Monfils survives first-set epic against Tomas Berdych

Gael Monfils: Needed more than four hours to reach the second round at Roland Garros

The Frenchman, who missed his home Grand Slam last year with a knee injury, prevailed 7-6 (10-8) 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 after four hours and three minutes.Gael Monfils made a memorable return to the French Open with a marathon first-round win over fifth seed Tomas Berdych.

Monfils, ranked 81st in the world, had Court Phillipe Chatrier in raptures as he came good in the decider after squandering a two-set lead, wrapping up a gruelling victory on his fourth match point.

His reward for the win, sealed when a Berdych backhand dropped long, is a clash with Latvia's Ernests Gulbis.

Stat Attack

Monfils reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2008.

"There was the adrenaline and the match and the crowd, but I didn't think I would do this well," said Monfils.

"It was a match up there in my top five."

Former world number seven Monfils, who started his freefall in the ATP rankings when he pulled out of last year's French Open, is no stranger to upsets and prolonged ties at his home slam.

In 2010, the Parisian played until almost 10pm against Italian Fabio Fognini in a second-round match which he lost the following day after more than four hours of tennis.

Two years ago, Monfils toyed with David Ferrer's nerves and beat him 8-6 in the fifth set to reach the last eight. In 2009, Andy Roddick lost his temper, complaining to the umpire that it was too dark, after both were forced to continue playing, with Monfils sealing a fourth-round win in straight sets.

Monfils, who survived four break points in the decider, added: "It's magical here, it's a place where I feel good, where I manage to transcend myself.
"