Friday, November 13, 2015
Man Utd News: Ronaldo to retire, Liverpool and Spurs stumped, Van Gaal's Bayern presence
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| Manchester United reportedly want to sign Newcastle's Ayoze Perez |
NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you all the latest news in Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo will retire at Real Madrid - despite Manchester United's determination to sign him.
Ronaldo, 30, has been touted with a move away from the Bernabeu in recent weeks.
United are known suitors of their former player, who quit Old Trafford in an £80million transfer in 2009.
Paris Saint-Germain have also targeted the Portugal superstar, while the MLS is reportedly considering offering him a £194m, 10-year contract to join one of their franchises.
But Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, insists the forward is going nowhere.
"[Cristiano will] end his career at Real Madrid," Mendes was quoted as saying by Marca.
"He loves Manchester United and Real Madrid, but his career will end in Madrid."
Bastian Schweinsteiger says Louis van Gaal is slowly making his message heard at Manchester United - just as he did at Bayern Munich.
Schweinsteiger played under the Dutchman in Germany and said United fans must be patient and wait for the boss to delver results.
"I recognise similarities between Louis van Gaal here and at Bayern Munich," Schweinsteiger said.
"In Munich, it took a while before the team understood exactly how we wanted to play football. But in the end we won the Bundesliga title and made it to the Champions League final.
"You have to be patient. But, of course, during that you have to win, you have to get results and you have to score. I think we are in a good way. We can improve but the team spirit here is great.
"It is not about October or November – it is about May. I am sure Louis will bring success to United. I am convinced that will happen but we have to do our work and we have to improve."
In transfer news, United are leading the race to sign Newcastle striker Ayoze Perez in January, according to the Telegraph.
Fresh off the Newcastle Chronicle's claim on Sunday that Liverpool and Tottenham were interested in the player, it has been reported that Louis van Gaal is primed to get his man.
Perez, 22, has scored three goals this season for Newcastle, who sit 17th in the Premier League.
The Telegraph also report that Arsenal are tempted with a bid for the Spaniard but that United need goals and will push harder for the move.
Neil Warnock signals intentions at QPR after jumping into caretaker role
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| Warnock denies wanting to reprise his role as permanent head coach at QPR |
NEIL WARNOCK has ruled out a permanent return to the dugout at QPR after insisting he is only keeping the hot-seat warm.
Warnock is back in charge at Loftus Road, three years on after being sacked, to take temporary charge following Chris Ramsey dismissal this week.
But Warnock, who has been parachuted in from his new advisory role, has no plans to head back on a full-time basis.
QPR have already been inundated with applications - but Warnock, 66, won't be one of them.
Warnock said: "This is a club close to my heart.
"I'm disappointed how it's worked out for Chris. I spoke with him the other night and he wished me all the best.
"But the situation for me is help to steady the ship. It's as simple as that.
"Me being here gives the club a bit more time to get the right one."
Burton boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Hibernian chief Alan Stubbs are among the front-runners for the job.
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| Burton Albion boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been lined up as boss at QPR |
Glasgow Rangers' Mark Warburton and the out of work Nigel Pearson have also been mooted.
Rangers, who are languishing in 13th place, host Preston today and Warnock added: "Some people have told me this squad is better than the one we had when we got promoted.
"Technically it is very good but in the Championship sometimes you need more than that. You need more desire at times and more passion at times."
Warnock is no stranger to success in the second-tier. He is still revered for leading Rangers up into the Premier League in 2011 and there will be a clamour for his return if he can spark a turnaround.
He added: "I'm looking forward to seeing if the lads can come up with that little bit more.
"Everybody is going to have to be on their toes and we are going to have to be better than what we've been."
QPR's poor start has left them in danger of being cut adrift. They are 12 points behind leaders Hull, who host fellow high-flyers Middlesbrough.
Hull manager Steve Bruce wants his side to lay down a marker in the promotion race and said: "Nothing is going to be decided from the outcome, but it will give you an idea of where you are and where you're up to.
"We've played very, very well of late and we're on a good run so let's hope that we can continue that against one of the in-form teams."
Elsewhere, Brighton and Burnley could also go top if they beat MK Dons and Wolves respectively.
David Wagner begins life as Huddersfield's new boss with a Yorkshire derby against Leeds.
Chelsea Transfer News: £5.2m deal, shock swoop for Man Utd reject, Mourinho's shake-up
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| Chelsea want to tie Willian down to a new deal |
NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you the latest transfer news coming out of Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are preparing a new deal for Willian, according to reports.
The Brazilian star has been the Blues’ rare bright spark this term and has scored five free-kicks.
His scintillating displays are thought to have turned the heads of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
But according to the Sunday People, talks over a new Stamford Bridge are already underway between the club and the player’s representatives.
It is believed Willian, who is contracted with the Blues until 2018, could earn upwards of £5.2million should he sign a new deal.
The Blues are also considering taking a punt on Javier Hernandez, according to reports.
Hernandez failed to hit the mark at Manchester United and joined Bayer Leverkusen for £7.3m in the summer.
The Daily Star cites a report from the Sunday People which claim Mourinho is on the hunt for a proven Premier League goalscorer with Radamel Falcao failing to impress.
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| Jose Mourinho wants to wield the axe at Chelsea |
Hernandez has hit 12 goals in 19 games for club and country so far this term.
Mourinho has reportedly told Roman Abramovich he wants a major clear-out of Chelsea’s under-performing stars in January.
The Portuguese tactician has come under mounting pressure this term especially after his side’s 1-0 win over Stoke.
And according to The Sun, Mourinho has told Abramovich he wants to cull his squad when the transfer window re-opens.
A source close to Mourinho told SunSport: “He wants to get to the January transfer window to remove the players he considers to be bad apples in the squad and get the club moving in the right direction again.”
David Beckham takes over Man Utd's Instagram account and hails footballing legends
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| David Beckham posted several messages from Manchester United's Instagram account |
DAVID BECKHAM has 14.8million followers on Instagram. His former team Manchester United have 7.3m.
But yesterday, the Red Devils gave Beckham full control over their account to post several personal messages.
The former England captain posted several messages about some of his former team-mates ahead of Saturday's Match For Children.
The charity match at Old Trafford will see a number of famous faces return to the pitch as a British and Irish XI take on a Rest of the World XI.
Sir Alex Ferguson will lead the home team that includes the likes of David Seaman, John Terry, Michael Owen and Paul Scholes.
While Carlo Ancelotti takes charge of international stars Ronaldinho, Cafu, Robert Pires and Luis Figo, to name a few.
And Beckham was reliving the moments of his career as he paid special tributes to some of is peers.
On Ryan Giggs he posted: "When I watched Giggsy as a young player, he was truly something special.
"No matter if he was playing for the B team, A team, reserves or first team he was simply untouchable. A United great."
And speaking about Brazilian ace Ronaldinho he said: "There was a period in Ronaldinho's time at Barcelona where he was almost unplayable.
"Effortless, relaxed, always with a smile on his face, he's a genius with the ball. I love Brazilian football and he is one of the best ever players from that country."
GB and Ireland squad: David Beckham (Captain), David Seaman, David James, Sol Campbell, John Terry, Phil Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Michael Owen, Andy Cole
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
Rest of the World squad: Zinedine Zidane (Captain), Edwin van der Saar, Cafu, Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta, Luis Figo, Ronaldinho, Patrick Vieira, Michael Ballack, Massimo Ambrosini, Robert Pires, Dwight Yorke, Patrick Kluivert, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Landon Donovan
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
Referee: Pierluigi Collina
Manchester United star: I hate to see Jose Mourinho struggling at Chelsea
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| Juan Mata says he doesn't like to see Chelsea struggling |
JUAN MATA says he doesn't like to see Jose Mourinho struggling at Chelsea.
The Portuguese boss is goign through arguably the most difficult period of his career with the Blues, following their poor start to the season.
Mata left Stamford Bridge in 2014 to complete a £37.1million move to Old Trafford, having spent three years in west London.
And while his fellow team-mate Eden Hazard is struggling for form this season, Mata is flying with four goals and three assists to his name.
But the Spaniard insists he doesn't like to see his former-team sat 16th in the table and with pressure on Mourinho to get results.
"No, I'm not that kind of person," Mata told Goal.com. "I'm a person who doesn't think bad about other people or feel happy when other people don't get results.
"I'm just happy because of what I'm living, because my life is good, I'm happy where I am and nothing else.
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| The Spaniard played for Chelsea between 2011 and 2014 before moving to Manchester United |
"I don't like to think about others losing or not performing well. No, no - I'm not that kind of person.
"I always said I was very grateful for Chelsea. I spent an amazing time of my career there, we won a lot of trophies, and I think I became a better player.
"I have great friends in the club and I always wish the best for them."
Man Utd News: Psg talks begin, Van Gaal reveals transfer targets, shock injury update
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| Manchester United are set to begin talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic |
NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Manchester United are set to begin talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic over a potential deal, according to reports.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker has been linked with a move away from France and United are reportedly keen to bring him to Old Trafford.
Spanish outlet Fichajes, report the Red Devils will begin discussions with the 34-year-old to suss out his potential interest in joining the Red Devils.
The Sweden international has 12 goals in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit this season.
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| Louis van Gaal says he wants to add "speedy wingers" to his squad in January |
Sam Allardyce claims Sunderland are in good position to take on Southampton
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| Allardyce believes he has inherited a healthy enough set-up |
IT'S the season ticket that should come with a government health warning.
Watching Sunderland at the Stadium of Light can be seriously damaging with fans having seen their side win just 15 league games at home in the last four seasons.
Sam Allardyce can recall during his early days at Bolton when a trip to Wearside represented one of the toughest days on the football calendar. Not any more.
In recent years, it's become the nearest thing to an away-day banker for opposition managers, players and visiting fans.
Now the Sunderland manager wants to re-establish the ground's long-lost reputation as a fortress - beginning against Southampton.
"There's a fear factor," said Allardyce.
"I don't want to get myself in trouble here but some of the players can feel slightly intimidated by the size of the crowd and how it reacts sometimes.
"You've got to overcome that by being psychologically brave enough to accept it."
Sothampton boss Ronald Koeman has challenged Dusan Tadic to prove he is now better equipped to cope with the Premier League's unforgiving schedule
The Serbia winger's formed tailed off last season as he struggled to cope with the relentless winter programme.
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| Koeman has been quizzed over his squad's depth as winter approaches |
"At this time last year Tadic was fantastic and he was starting with physical problems in December, January," said Koeman.
"Wait until January and ask me again."
Liverpool ace reveals why Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is his inspiration
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| Jordon Ibe (left) hugs Jurgen Klopp after the win against Rubin Kazan |
JORDON IBE hopes working with Jurgen Klopp can help transform into a player of a similar calibre to Robert Lewandowski.
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| Robert Lewandowski has gone on to become one of the most feared strikers in Europe |
Barcelona legend Xavi: Man Utd’s Rooney will prove critics wrong… just like Iniesta did
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| Wayne Rooney has been out of form for Manchester United this season |
XAVI is convinced Wayne Rooney will rediscover his form of old for Manchester United.
Rooney has struggled for form this term, managing just two Premier League goals in 11 outings.
There have been calls for Rooney to be dropped this season, but Louis van Gaal’s faith in him has unwavered.
But speaking ahead of his country Spain’s friendly game against England tonight (7:45pm), former Barca midfielder Xavi thinks Rooney will prove his critics wrong just like his old team-mate Andres Iniesta did.
“Footballers go through stages when things don't go well, it might be a few months, look at Iniesta last season," Xavi said as quoted by FourFourTwo.
"People were critical of him; they said he wasn't the same player. What happened in the Champions League final, the biggest game? He was fantastic.
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| Xavi thinks Wayne Rooney will recapture his best form for Manchester United |
"But if you score an important goal then your confidence can soar. Confidence is the greatest variable in life, not just in football.
"[Rooney] scored an important goal [against CSKA Moscow]. He'll be back."
Paper Round-Up: Man Utd transfer plans, Arsenal ace in spin, Chelsea cull, Liverpool fury
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| Diego Simeone is being eyed up by Chelsea |
NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you the best of the morning’s back pages.
NEWS NEWS BLOG: Diego Simeone is in the frame to take over at Chelsea should Jose Mourinho get the chop.
DAILY STAR: Arsenal earned a draw despite Santi Cazorla being substituted at half-time after complaining of being dizzy.
ALSO: Chelsea are set to stick with Mourinho despite their alarming slump this season.
DAILY MIRROR: Garry Monk could be sacked by Swansea after a poor start to the season.
ALSO: Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is looking to buy a couple of wingers in the January transfer window.
THE SUN: Mourinho has vowed to put things right at Chelsea.
DAILY MAIL: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is angry the Reds fans left early after Crystal Palace scored the winner.
Jorge Mendes: Cristiano Ronaldo loves Man Utd but he'll retire at Real Madrid
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| Cristiano Ronaldo at the launch of his film premiere of his biopic |
CRISTIANO RONALDO will retire at Real Madrid, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.
The three-time world player of the year has been linked with a return to Old Trafford in recent months with United reportedly keen to bring him back to Manchester.
Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed a desire to sign the Real Madrid forward.
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| Jorge Mendes insists Ronaldo will retire at Real Madrid |
But his agent has quashed speculation of Ronaldo finishing his career anywhere other than at Real.
"[Cristiano will] end his career at Real Madrid," Mendes was quoted as saying by Marca.
"He loves Manchester United and Real Madrid, but his career will end in Madrid."
But the 30-year-old recently fuelled rumours of one day returning to United.
Regarding a move back to the Premier League, he was quoted by Sport Magazine saying: "In football, you never know what will happen tomorrow.
"I’m very good here at Madrid, but in the future: nobody knows. Let’s see what’s gonna happen."
Newcastle manager Steve McClaren predicts the man to replace Roy Hodgson as England boss
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| McClaren's Newcastle are languishing at the wrong end of the Premier League table |
ENGLAND managers past and future will go head-to-head at Bournemouth today, if Steve McClaren's prediction proves accurate.
Newcastle boss McClaren endured a traumatic spell in charge of the national team before resigning after failing to lead England to Euro 2008.
But he believes opposite number Eddie Howe will one day be an England boss too.
"There are plenty of names bandied about so I'll band his name about," said McClaren. "I like him, his manner, the way his team plays and the way he goes about the job in such a calm manner.
"He's very modern, very attack-minded and has found a home at Bournemouth who he's got playing very well.
"What he's built there, to get that club where it is now is a great achievement, so yes, he has the potential to be a future England manager if he keeps going the way he is. He's young and has got years ahead of him."
Newcastle can leapfrog the Cherries if they win on the south coast, but their form on the road doesn't point to a victory despite Bournemouth's recent slump.
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| Eddie Howe is the Premier League's second longest serving manager |
Midfielder Harry Arter said: "We just have to stick together and to our principles.
"We need to rebuild that self-belief again and build it quick."
Man Utd Transfer News: De Gea slams Van Gaal, Chelsea plot £70m bid, shock Rooney exit
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| Chelsea to make shock bid for Cristiano Ronaldo |
NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you all the latest transfer news coming from Old Trafford.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has questioned Louis van Gaal's decision to sell striker Javier Hernandez to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
"These are decisions for the coach. But in my team he would always play," De Gea said. "He was an undisputed starter and player of the year at United. He can get you 20, 30 goals a season."
Meanwhile, Spanish publication AS claim Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is preparing a £70million bid to sign Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Blues are hoping to cash in on Eden Hazard, Oscar and Nemanja Matic to raise funds for the Portuguese star, who is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain and United.
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| Chelsea favourites to sign Wayne Rooney if he leaves Manchester United |
And finally, Chelsea have emerged as favourites to sign Red Devils captain Wayne Rooney, despite his form of just two Premier League goals this term.
Sky Bet have priced Jose Mourinho's side at 7/1 to land the England international, while PSG and former club Everton can both be backed at 10/1.
Remi Garde challenges Aston Villa star to prove his worth ahead of Manchester City clash
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| Grealish must prove to his new boss he is prepared to put the work in |
REMI GARDE has told Jack Grealish to prove he is the real deal.
Aston Villa's new boss is refusing to get caught up in the hysteria surrounding the 20-year-old.
Garde acknowledges Grealish is gifted but insists talent alone is never enough.
England boss Roy Hodgson and the Republic's Martin O'Neill were involved in a tug-of-war for Grealish after he burst on the scene last season.
The youngster has plumped for England but Garde has warned him he has got a lot of hard work in front of him.
The Frenchman said: "Jack is among the talented young players and of course he will have an important role.
"With young players, you must have talent but there is far more to it than just that.
"Young players can be impatient If you don't have talent, you have no chance but you also have to put in a lot of hard training sessions."
The former Lyon boss could hardly have been given a tougher start to his reign with Villa, stranded at the bottom, entertaining leaders Manchester City.
Garde added: "It is a tough game. They are top of the league and unbeaten for eight games while we have lost the last seven...ah well!
"We need to focus on ourselves and what we need to do. But we won't be going into the game thinking we have already lost before a ball has been kicked.
"When you look at their team they have top class players and that's not just on the pitch but on the bench.
"City are a great side with great players but I prefer to think of it as one where we have nothing to lose."
Garde flew in on Monday night to watch Villa's 3-1 defeat at Tottenham but insists he didn't walk away wondering what he had taken on.
"At 2-0 down against a very good team like Tottenham, the players still didn't give up. We showed good spirit," he said.
"Of course there's a lot of hard work to be done but I wasn't disappointed with the players."
Manuel Pellegrini is feeling similar puffed up about his players, and in particular Raheem Sterling.
Sterling's cool finish in the midweek Champions League win over Sevilla gave him six for the season - only five short of equalling the personal best of 11 he scored in his final season at Anfield.
City boss Pellegrini confirmed Sterling has been putting in extra shooting practice in a bid to improve his goals output.
"I knew he scored 11 for Liverpool but I don't think that's a huge amount for Raheem. I knew from the beginning he could improve a lot," said Pellegrini.
"He must score more and to do that he must work a lot. We try to work with all the players in different moments in training.
"It is important for a striker who wants to improve his number of goals to be calm in the penalty area. It's important to finish with your head up and dominate the situation, not let the situation dominate you. And that's something we are trying to improve every day.
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| Garde will be looking for stars to pull Villa out of the relegation zone |
"When you are 21 years old and you work as a good professional you will improve. And playing every day with important players is good for a young player like Raheem - you are always learning from experienced players.
"The third thing, which is very important, is the style we play is good for him. He will have good chances to score. He soon settled into our style of play and I'm happy that he has six goals already."
Comeback man Fabian Delph, who has recovered from his second hamstring injury since his controversial move to City from Aston Villa, makes his first trip back to his former club tomorrow with Pellegrini insisting he made the right move, even though he faces a fight to be a regular starter.
England midfielder Delph had second thoughts about joining City and initially called off the move, only to perform a U-turn a few days later to spark a furious reaction from Villa fans.
Pellegrini said: "There were different problems he had at that moment. But in the end I am happy for him because he took the correct decision. I'm sure he will be an important player for us in the future.
"I hope he will not receive a bad reception. He played a lot of years for Aston Villa and I don't think the fans will forget that."
Sepp Blatter to stay in hospital until Monday after 'breakdown'
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| Blatter's advisers claim he will still fight the accusaitons against him |
But his stay will not prevent him from fighting against his provisional ban imposed by FIFA's ethics committee, his advisor has said.
Blatter, 79, the outgoing FIFA president who is suspended for 90 days, was admitted to hospital in Zurich for a check-up due to stress last week and is expected to remain there until the beginning of next week.
Sources close to Blatter said he was admitted after "a small emotional breakdown".
His advisor Klaus Stoehlker said: "He is in hospital but he has just been told to relax for a few days and he will be back to work on Tuesday."
Arsenal boss reveals the real reason why he is so frugal in the transfer window
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| Arsene Wenger has tended not to lavish large amounts of money on players |
ARSENE WENGER has finally revealed why he is generally so thrifty in the transfer window.
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| Mesut Ozil joined Arsenal for a club-record fee of £42.5m in 2013 |
Bundesliga expert: Liverpool will go all out to sign Arsenal target
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| Leroy Sane is on Liverpool's radar |
LIVERPOOL have been tipped to ‘go big’ to sign Leroy Sane.
The 19-year-old has seen his stock rise at Schalke this term after netting five goals in 15 appearances.
Sane has attracted interest from Arsenal, who are thought to have sent out scouts to watch him in action last month.
He was tracked by Liverpool in the summer, but ended up staying in the Bundesliga.
However, German football pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft thinks Liverpool will make a concerted effort to sign Sane.
I expect Liverpool and Klopp go "big time" for Schalke-striker Leroy Sane
#LFC
— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) November 8, 2015He tweeted: “I expect Liverpool and Klopp go "big time" for Schalke-striker Leroy Sane #LFC.”
Sane can operate as either a striker or an attacking midfielder.
Carlo Ancelotti talks Chelsea return and reveals all on Liverpool speculation
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| Carlo Ancelotti open to rejoining Chelsea one day |
CARLO ANCELOTTI admits he would have 'no problem' returning to Chelsea in the future but has ruled out an imminent move.
Ancelotti, who is currently unemployed after leaving Real Madrid at the end of last season, led the Blues to a Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010 but left the club a year later.
The Italian turned down an approach from former club AC Milan, but dismissed suggestions he was ready to replace the under-pressure Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
"I would have no problem with Chelsea," he told the Daily Mail. "But Jose won't be sacked. They already chose to keep him, and I think they made a good choice."
Ancelotti said he had not been approached by Liverpool prior to the appointment of Jurgen Klopp, but said he would be keen on a return to the Premier League if the right job came up.
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| Carlo Ancelotti backs Jose Mourinho to keep Chelsea job |
"I would like to come back to work in England," he added. "I love the football here, I still have a house in London, and I would like to be with a team that is competitive in England and in Europe.
"I think Liverpool are a good team...I think they can be really competitive. But I did not speak with them. If I spoke with them I can say 'yes' but no, I did not."
Roberto Martinez eyeing top four spot for Everton at Chelsea's expense
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| Martinez wants to capitalise on Chelsea's failings and gatecrash the top four |
EVERTON manager Roberto Martinez believes Chelsea's faltering form has provided a chink of light for clubs seeking to gatecrash the top four.
Martinez name checked today's opponents West Ham - and Leicester - as the most impressive sides to emerge in the Premier League's opening stretch and considers both rivals for a coveted Champions League berth.
He said: "With the poor start of Chelsea, it has opened up one position in that top four.
"If Chelsea would have had 23, 24, 25 points it would have been very difficult to see light at the end of that top four. Now, with the way West Ham and Leicester have started, it's very significant how good those two teams are.
"Obviously you have teams like Spurs and Liverpool who will be trying to push into those positions. But West Ham have impressed me. They have got a big team mentality."
Slaven Bilic needs no reminding of the threat possessed by Romelu Lukaku - the Belgian striker who has scored in each of his six appearances against his West Ham side.
He added: "That record only proves how good he is as a player.
"Lukaku's a top striker and gets assists. That's why they paid all that money for him."
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