Liverpool 'suffer blow in pursuit of Roma defender Emerson Palmieri'

irishmirror - Soccer
Liverpool 'suffer blow in pursuit of Roma defender Emerson Palmieri'
Liverpool 'suffer blow in pursuit of Roma defender Emerson Palmieri'
PLUS: Mignolet makes Stoke admission and Mascherano opens up on Anfield exit

Real Madrid register interest in Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne? Transfer news and gossip from Friday's papers

irishmirror - Soccer
Real Madrid register interest in Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne? Transfer news and gossip from Friday's papers
Real Madrid register interest in Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne? Transfer news and gossip from Friday's papers
PLUS: Arsenal are turning their attention back to an old centre-back target, plus good news for United on the David De Gea front

Chelsea ace Cesc: Beating Swansea without Hazard very important

Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Chelsea ace Cesc: Beating Swansea without Hazard very important
Chelsea ace Cesc: Beating Swansea without Hazard very important

Chelsea ace Cesc Fabregas says victory last night over Swansea City was important with Eden Hazard given a rest.

Cesar Azpilicueta was rested in the Premier League for the first time under manager Antonion Conte, ending a run of 74 successive league starts since December 2015, while Hazard was relegated to the substitutes' bench.

Read more on Tribal Football

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: 'Alexis Sanchez should be fit for Manchester United'

Football - Sports Mole
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: 'Alexis Sanchez should be fit for Manchester United'
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: 'Alexis Sanchez should be fit for Manchester United'
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says that he expects forward Alexis Sanchez to have shaken off a hamstring injury in time to face Manchester United on Saturday.

Result: Wayne Rooney hat-trick helps Everton thrash West Ham United

Football - Sports Mole
Result: Wayne Rooney hat-trick helps Everton thrash West Ham United
Result: Wayne Rooney hat-trick helps Everton thrash West Ham United
David Moyes is humbled on his return to Goodison Park as a Wayne Rooney hat-trick helps Everton claim a 4-0 Premier League win over West Ham United.

Stoke 0-3 Liverpool: Fresh legs helped Reds - Jurgen Klopp

BBC Sport - Football
Stoke 0-3 Liverpool: Fresh legs helped Reds - Jurgen Klopp
Stoke 0-3 Liverpool: Fresh legs helped Reds - Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp says "fresh legs" helped Liverpool after a much-changed side beat Stoke 3-0 at the Bet 365 Stadium.

Reason Why Furious Mourinho Yelled At Rashford vs Watford

BlameFootball
Reason Why Furious Mourinho Yelled At Rashford vs Watford
Jose Mourinho reacts as Marcus Rashford looks on.

Reuters/Carl Recine

Manchester United enjoyed a thrilling league outing on Wednesday away at Vicarage road. But despite the 2-4 victory over Watford, Jose Mourinho was still unhappy with Marcus Rashford.

The young Englishman sat on the bench by the United boss whilst Anthony Martial received the nod ahead of him. And Mourinho’s decision had paid off as the Frenchman secured his side’s third goal.

Martial’s walk off the pitch was followed by the introduction of Rashford, whose 25 minutes on the pitch showed the Portuguese was right to drop him to the bench.

However, it wasn’t the England international’s mediocre outing that annoyed the former Chelsea boss, it was a moment in stoppage time that got him infuriated.

Despite the two goal advantage, the Portuguese manager was seen scowling at the young winger at the 93rd minute. Though no one exactly knows what left the Red Devils manager so angered, many have speculated that it was the 20-year-old lack of involvement in defensive work.

Watch the video here:

Jose yelled at Rashford to get back in the defense🙄 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/nsnjbVIrwa

— Unitereddevils (@Unite_Reddevils) November 29, 2017

The 54-year-old definitely never loses his focus on the match and seems to be set on not conceding despite being in possession of a healthy lead.

On the other hand, the talented forward has also been very clearly shown of his weaknesses and would likely want to work on it.

 

Written by Ashish Sreejith 

Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.

 

The post Reason Why Furious Mourinho Yelled At Rashford vs Watford appeared first on BlameFootball.

Manchester United On Red Alert As Winger Admits He Could Leave PSG

BlameFootball
Manchester United On Red Alert As Winger Admits He Could Leave PSG

REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Javier Pastore has admitted that a move away from Paris Saint-Germain is a very distinct possibility in the summer.

The Argentine has been out of favour at the Parc des Princes, and understands that he will face an uphill struggle to win his place back ahead of the likes of Neymar, Julian Draxler and Kylian Mbappe.

PSG’s front-line is one of the most lethal in the world at the moment, and there seems to be no room for Pastore in it.

Recently, Eric Cantona gushed over Pastore during an interview with a fan channel on YouTube, and revealed that he would absolutely love to see the 28-year-old pull on the Red jersey someday. With his future up in the air at the moment, that could turn out to be a very real possibility.

Once again, Pastore was snubbed for PSG’s victory over Monaco on Sunday, and was just given the last eight minutes to play. The frustration eventually got to the Argentine and after the game, he admitted that he is genuinely considering a move away from the club.

“I was disappointed,” he said. “I always want to play, I do not play important matches like in the Champions League or today against Monaco. It was more or less like that all year long.

“I have already said it, I’m going to think about my future but the important thing is to try to help the team during the ten minutes that I enter the field.”

Keep up to date with the biggest transfer news from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and a lot more

 

Written by Reyhan Ashley  

Manchester United fan, Wayne Rooney is his role model. Passionate writer who has written for several sites in the past. He’s also an aspiring pianist and creates background music for BlameFootball’s Youtube channel.

 

The post Manchester United On Red Alert As Winger Admits He Could Leave PSG appeared first on BlameFootball.

Result: Real Madrid through to Copa del Rey last 16 after draw with Fuenlabrada

Football - Sports Mole
Result: Real Madrid through to Copa del Rey last 16 after draw with Fuenlabrada
Result: Real Madrid through to Copa del Rey last 16 after draw with Fuenlabrada
Real Madrid reach the last 16 of the Copa del Rey after a 2-2 draw with Fuenlabrada on Tuesday night sees Zinedine Zidane's side progress 4-2 on aggregate.

2018 FIFA World Cup draw: Qualifying teams, date, time and how to watch

ESPN FC News
2018 FIFA World Cup draw: Qualifying teams, date, time and how to watch
Watch the best and worst scenarios from the draw. Watch the best and worst scenarios from the draw. The draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place on Dec. 1 at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow. It will start at 10 a.m. ET/3 p.m. GMT -- 6 p.m. local time in Moscow. How can I watch? In the U.S., Fox have the rights in English, while Telemundo will have them in Spanish. The BBC and ITV will show it in the U.K. and FIFA's official website will have a live stream. ESPN FC will bring you all the latest with a live blog as the teams are drawn, and in the U.S. you can...

Old boys the firm favourites as Premier League clubs play it safe

Football – The Indian Express
Old boys the firm favourites as Premier League clubs play it safe
Old boys the firm favourites as Premier League clubs play it safe

Potential Lineups: Watford vs Manchester United

BlameFootball
Potential Lineups: Watford vs Manchester United

Reuters / Eddie Keogh

Disregarding the fact that the victory was facilitated by their opponent’s mistake, Manchester United celebrated the triumph against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 1-0 victory had a positive impact on the players, and it would indubitably influence their performances on their next fixture, as they are now ready to take on Watford on a Tuesday night away-fixture.

With eight points separating them from the team on top, the Old Trafford outfit will not be rooting for a victory but indeed a triumph with a great margin to separate them from the opposition, in the hopes of bettering the gap between them and Manchester City.

Manchester United:

Jose Mourinho has reportedly reassembled Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind and Jesse Lingard to the squad for the Premier League fixture. However, Luke Shaw, Marouane Fellaini and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were not among the travelling squad, according to MEN. Club captain Michael Carrick is still building his fitness after having a cardiac ablation to deal with an irregular heart rhythm.

Dropping Darmian, Blind and Lingard for the Brighton fixture, the Portuguese tactician has them well rested and available for the important fixture. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returned from a long-term injury a week ago, is pushing to start, but the availability of Lukaku could rule out any possibility of that occurring. The Swede marked his appearance in three previous games of the Red Devils, albeit as a substitute.

Mourinho recently spoke of Watford: “They have an unusual squad for a mid-table team. They have a squad full of very good players who are not normal to be in these mid-table teams. They have a good coach. They have improved a lot from last season too.”

Potential lineup:

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

Defenders: Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young

Midfielders: Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Juan Mata, Rashford

Striker: Romelu Lukaku

Reuters / Eddie Keogh

Watford:

Having won the last two games, the Vicarage Road outfit will be possessing a positive outlook on the match and would be ridden with confidence as they go up against the Red Giants. Nonetheless, a victory could hardly be easy, even though they could offer much resistance, making it hard for the opposition to snatch away three significant points.

Defender Miguel Britos’s presence is sceptical as he suffered a knock in the 3-0 victory over Newcastle and will be given a late fitness test, according to SkySports. Craig Cathcart (knee) and Younes Kaboul (hamstring), midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah (knee) and forward Isaac Success (knee) are reportedly likely to miss out once more.

Watford have lost 12 of their last 13 games against Manchester United in all competitions, winning the other in the Premier League in this exact fixture last season (3-1).

Potential lineup:

Goalkeeper: Heurelho Gomes

Defenders: Sebastian Prodl, C. Kabasele, Adrian Mariappa

Midfielders: Femenia, Marvin Zeegelaar, A. Doucoure, Tom Cleverley, Will Hughes

Forwards: Richarlison, Andre Gray

 

Written by Hritwik NE 

Passionate writer, coated in Blue.

 

The post Potential Lineups: Watford vs Manchester United appeared first on BlameFootball.

Former South American football chief Nicolas Leoz appeals extradition to US

Football – The Indian Express
Former South American football chief Nicolas Leoz appeals extradition to US
Former South American football chief Nicolas Leoz appeals extradition to US

Ousmane Dembele Intimidated By The Club’s Recent Links With Griezmann

BlameFootball
Ousmane Dembele Intimidated By The Club’s Recent Links With Griezmann
Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele.

REUTERS/Albert Gea

Recently, Barcelona have been linked with a shock transfer concerning Atletico Madrid talisman Antoine Griezmann. But unlike the fans, it doesn’t seem like all the players at Camp Nou are excited by the idea.

The striker’s links to Los Rojiblancos’ rival club seemingly came out of nowhere, with multiple reports claiming a deal had already been agreed between the two parties.

However, as much as the Frenchman’s arrival would benefit the team, it seems like Ousmane Dembele is not exactly excited about his fellow compatriot joining the club, according to Spanish outlet Don Balon.

The report reveals that the former Borussia Dortmund man had made it clear to the Catalan club upon joining that he wanted to be a starter, and not a benchwarmer.

However, Dembele now believes the arrival of Griezmann would potentially put his starting spot among the Catalans at risk, and he is thus, unhappy about the situation.

Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi before the match.

REUTERS/Javier Barbancho

On the other hand, Barca president Josep Bartomeu is said to be keen on securing the Atleti star’s services, and will likely not be held for ransom by the new arrival’s protests.

Further, Bartomeu reportedly wishes to club together the skills of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez with those of Antoine Griezmann’s, which makes the young winger’s concerns understandable.

The 26-year-old has not ruled out a switch away from the Wanda Metropolitano, and could truly be seen departing the Spanish capital in the near future.

And with elites like Man United competing for the French international’s signature, the January window looks to be shaping up to something worth looking forward to.

Keep up to date with the biggest transfer news from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and a lot more

 

Written by Ashish Sreejith 

Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.

 

The post Ousmane Dembele Intimidated By The Club’s Recent Links With Griezmann appeared first on BlameFootball.

United Sensation Could Leave Old Trafford In Massive €90m January Deal

BlameFootball
United Sensation Could Leave Old Trafford In Massive €90m January Deal
Henrikh Mkhitaryan celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Anthony Martial, Nemanja Matic and team mates.

REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Bestowing exhilaration to Real Madrid supporters, the higher-ups are determined to pounce on Anthony Martial according to French outlet Le10 Sport.

The Los Blancos have been suffering from a disturbing spell so far this season, as they sit fourth on the table with their arch-rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona above them.

In what seems to be the hopes of getting themselves forward, Zinedine Zidane has been focusing on foreign forwards to reinforce the club in the winter window.

Real, although a household name for the trophies the accumulate, is facing a shortage of youth products to be employed in the offence.

With the majority of the skilled players available at his disposal getting too old for the counter-attacking fashion of the La Liga giants, it’s no wonder that the gaffer is craving for starlets whose services are reliable.

READ MORE: Neymar Who? Fans Want Memphis Depay Back After Seeing What He’s Doing In Ligue 1

Ostensibly, the chief target of the Bernabeu outfit appears to be the United attacker, who has been showcasing noteworthy performances in the Premier League currently.

At just 21, the Frenchman is no longer a novice in his professional football career. The decorated forward enticed a great deal of attention with the resounding transfer back in 2015 for €80 million from AS Monaco. Demonstrating his talents, the France international even earned the boss’ trust, although he’s not yet a guaranteed starter.

Reuters / Andrew Boyers

Zidane, who’s excited by the potential move, is ready to test Mourinho’s side with €90m January bid. The influential gaffer believes landing the United forward would be the first step in realizing his goal of building a young, prominent squad in the near future.

However, the very fact that he showcases a sensational form could turn against Real, as many top-tier clubs are interested in hauling the Frenchman over to their respective sides.

Nonetheless, when it boils down to negotiating, Florentino Perez is the boss, aided by the massive financial resources.

Despite the prevailing contract pinning Martial down for a couple more years, a move to Spain could be highly anticipated this summer, with Madrid being the primary destination.

Keep up to date with the biggest transfer news from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and a lot more

 

Written by Hritwik NE 

Passionate writer, coated in Blue.

 

The post United Sensation Could Leave Old Trafford In Massive €90m January Deal appeared first on BlameFootball.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's undercover prank backfires spectacularly when young Liverpool supporter slates him

irishmirror - Soccer
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's undercover prank backfires spectacularly when young Liverpool supporter slates him
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's undercover prank backfires spectacularly when young Liverpool supporter slates him
The former Arsenal winger was left with egg on his face while trying to sell a shirt with his name on the back

Wife Of Robert Lewandowski Hints At Striker’s Next Club

BlameFootball
Wife Of Robert Lewandowski Hints At Striker’s Next Club
Robert Lewandowski celebrates his goal against PSV Eindhoven.

REUTERS/Michael Dalder

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski could be leaving Germany soon and play for a new club. Speculations continue to link him with Real Madrid but another club finds itself in the mix.

Lewandowski has been a sensation in the Bundesliga after enjoying success with Borussia Dortmund and now Bayern. The charismatic striker is one of the game’s best ever strikers in the modern day game and it would take a lot for any other European club to lure the in-form Polish striker. Lewandowski has been in supreme form once again after netting 18 times in just 20 games for the Bavarians this season.

Real Madrid are interested in Lewandowski and it will give them the room for making another statement. But according to the player’s wife, the Poland international could rather go in the United States of America and play in Los Angeles.

In a conversation with German outlet Business Insider, Lewandowski’s wife stated that the couple dreams of Los Angeles and would be excited to spend some time in the States.

“I think we will spend some time in the United States, too. We dream of Los Angeles. There we want to develop our brands,” his wife Anna said.

The United States has been a suitable destination for players in their twilight of the career. Several high profile players over the years have gone and plied their trade there. Los Angeles boasts of LA Galaxy, a club that football superstar David Beckham joined. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard too graced the club and now Lewandowski could be in for a move there.

His wife also went on to add that she dreams of Robert ending his career there at Los Angeles. “We hope that Robert will end his career at a club in Los Angeles. We can now say that it would be our dream.”

Although not now, the star sensation could well go on to end his spell there. Till then Real will hope they can lure him for a couple of seasons at least.

Keep up to date with the biggest transfer news from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and a lot more

 

Written by Rajdeep Saha 

Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.

 

The post Wife Of Robert Lewandowski Hints At Striker’s Next Club appeared first on BlameFootball.

Report: Manchester City keeping tabs on Inigo Martinez

Football - Sports Mole
Report: Manchester City keeping tabs on Inigo Martinez
Report: Manchester City keeping tabs on Inigo Martinez
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is weighing up a move for Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez, according to a report.

Dyche 'raging' after Sanchez injury-time penalty gives Arsenal win at Burnley

BBC Sport - Football
Dyche 'raging' after Sanchez injury-time penalty gives Arsenal win at Burnley
Dyche 'raging' after Sanchez injury-time penalty gives Arsenal win at Burnley
Alexis Sanchez scores an injury-time penalty to give Arsenal victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.

Borden: Chapecoense's unthinkable fate

ESPN FC News
Borden: Chapecoense's unthinkable fate

Liverpool coach Gerrard: In that mood, Hazard is unstoppable, unplayable

Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Liverpool coach Gerrard: In that mood, Hazard is unstoppable, unplayable
Liverpool coach Gerrard: In that mood, Hazard is unstoppable, unplayable

Liverpool coach Steven Gerrard branded Eden Hazard as "unplayable" for last night's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Gerrard made the claim as fellow BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand criticised Liverpool's players for not doing more to nullify the Belgian.

Read more on Tribal Football

What time is Valencia vs Barcelona on? Kick-off time, TV details, team news and more

irishmirror - Soccer
What time is Valencia vs Barcelona on? Kick-off time, TV details, team news and more
What time is Valencia vs Barcelona on? Kick-off time, TV details, team news and more
La Liga's top two go head to head at the Mestalla

Confirmed Premier League Lineups: Matchday 13

BlameFootball
Confirmed Premier League Lineups: Matchday 13
Henrikh Mkhitaryan celebrates scoring goal with Romelu Lukaku.

REUTERS/Andrew Yates

1.  Manchester United vs Brighton

With seven successive league wins at Old Trafford, and 12 victories on the spin in all competitions here, United can boast their best run of home form since March 2013 when legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson was still at the helm.

Same Manchester United team as last weekend – same result as Newcastle too?

 

The #MUFC team news is in for #MUNBHA! pic.twitter.com/xvMq6QJbr3

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 25, 2017

Recent form in Premier League: WDLWLW
Recent form (all competitions): WWWLWL

Related:

LEAKED: Manchester United’s Gold Third Kit For The 2018/19 Season Is Their Best One Yet

Here's how #BHAFC line up against @ManUtd at Old Trafford this afternoon. ⚽🔵⚪ #MUNBHA pic.twitter.com/bU1uWLwe7y

— BHAFC ⚽ (@OfficialBHAFC) November 25, 2017

Recent form in Premier League: LDWDWD

 

The post Confirmed Premier League Lineups: Matchday 13 appeared first on BlameFootball.

Valencia defender Gabriel blasts Arsenal: I deserved better

Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Valencia defender Gabriel blasts Arsenal: I deserved better
Valencia defender Gabriel blasts Arsenal: I deserved better

Valencia defender Gabriel has taken aim at former club Arsenal.

The 26-year-old, who left to join Valencia in the summer, was disappointed that he only used by Arsene Wenger when there was an injury to a first-teamer.

Read more on Tribal Football

David Moyes hails West Ham supporters after Leicester draw

Football – The Indian Express
David Moyes hails West Ham supporters after Leicester draw
David Moyes hails West Ham supporters after Leicester draw

West Ham draw with Leicester to give Moyes first point

BBC Sport - Football
West Ham draw with Leicester to give Moyes first point
West Ham draw with Leicester to give Moyes first point
West Ham earn their first point under new manager David Moyes as they come from behind to draw with Leicester City at London Stadium.

Liverpool boss Klopp happy Salah flopped at Chelsea

Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Liverpool boss Klopp happy Salah flopped at Chelsea
Liverpool boss Klopp happy Salah flopped at Chelsea

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits he's happy Mohamed Salah flopped at Chelsea.

Salah will face his former club tomorrow at Anfield amid accusations aimed at Chelsea for not supporting the Egyptian when he was with them.

Read more on Tribal Football

Slaven Bilic: Ex-West Ham manager rejects West Brom talks

BBC Sport - Football
Slaven Bilic: Ex-West Ham manager rejects West Brom talks
Slaven Bilic: Ex-West Ham manager rejects West Brom talks
Ex-West Ham boss Slaven Bilic turns down the chance to speak to West Brom about replacing the sacked Tony Pulis as manager.

Everton’s misery compounded by Europa League home humiliation

Football – The Indian Express
Everton’s misery compounded by Europa League home humiliation
Everton’s misery compounded by Europa League home humiliation

Gerard Pique angry with Barcelona board for ditching appeal

Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Gerard Pique angry with Barcelona board for ditching appeal
Gerard Pique angry with Barcelona board for ditching appeal

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is again feeling let down by management.

Pique, reports Don Balon, has been left stunned that Barca chose not to appeal his yellow card received in the win over Leganes last weekend. The booking sees the defender suspended for the looming clash with Valencia.

Read more on Tribal Football

Zlatan Ibrahimovic sets Champions League record with Manchester United

ESPN FC News
Zlatan Ibrahimovic sets Champions League record with Manchester United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic became the first player to represent seven different clubs in the Champions League when he came on as a 74th-minute

Study to look at long-term health risks of playing football

Football – The Indian Express
Study to look at long-term health risks of playing football
Study to look at long-term health risks of playing football

Nainggolan reaffirms Roma commitment after Simeone praise


Roma star Radja Nainggolan reiterated his desire to remain with the Serie A side as he accepted praise from Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.
Nainggolan, 29, and Roma left the Spanish capital emptyhanded as Atletico boosted their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout round with a 2-0 victory on Wednesday.
Belgium international Nainggolan caught the eye of Simeone, who said the reported Chelsea and Manchester United target would be "extraordinary" for Atletico.
Nainggolan, however, reaffirmed his commitment to Eusebio Di Francesco and the high-flying Italian outfit.

Allegri satisfied with draw against ´extraordinary´ Barcelona


Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri praised his team for holding "extraordinary" players at bay in a 0-0 Champions League draw against Barcelona.
The goalless draw in Turin left Juve in second in Group D, three points behind LaLiga giants Barca.
But, coming off a shock 3-2 loss at Sampdoria in the Serie A, Allegri was pleased with the way his team defended on Wednesday.
"The boys did really well. When you play games like this, everyone needs to defend. They worked well when not in possession and we made it difficult for Barcelona to play through our defence," he said.
"This means we've done well and we need to kick on from here. Today, I was more interested in the performance than the result, because in Genoa we conceded goals that Juve cannot concede.
"Tonight, faced with some extraordinary players, we maintained a very high level of focus and they didn't hurt us. When Juve defend like that, it's very tough to score."

Neuer or De Gea? Digne says Ter Stegen is world´s best keeper


Lucas Digne believes Barcelona team-mate Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the best goalkeeper in the world following his exploits against Juventus in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich veteran Manuel Neuer and Manchester United's David de Gea are widely regarded as the top keepers in football.
However, Digne put forward Ter Stegen's case after the Germany international produced two decisive saves to deny Douglas Costa and Paulo Dybala in Wednesday's goalless draw in Turin as Barca reached the last 16.
"For me, Ter Stegen is the best goalkeeper in the world right now," Digne told reporters.
"He is playing at an extremely high level."

Hazard: I admire Madrid, but I´m happy at Chelsea


Chelsea star Eden Hazard insists he is happy at the Premier League club, but again admitted he admires Real Madrid.
Hazard, 26, is often linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, where he arrived from Lille in 2012.
The Belgium international has previously spoken about his admiration for Madrid and their coach Zinedine Zidane.
Hazard, who has recaptured some of his best form with six goals and five assists in 15 games in all competitions this season, said he was still happy at Chelsea.
"I am always very fine at this club. I still have two years of contract [left]. When I feel the desire to leave, I'll leave. But, for now, I'm a Blue," he told Canal+.
"We know the admiration that I have for Real, but I'm at Chelsea. Every year, things were said about me but I stayed.
"In Lille, I was announced in Paris, but I stayed. And in Chelsea, people always said that I'm leaving, but I'm still here."

Federer congratulates Basel after Man Utd scalp


Tennis great Roger Federer joined the celebrations as Basel stunned Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Michael Lang scored at the death to condemn United to a 1-0 defeat, denying the Premier League giants qualification for the last 16.
It was also United's first loss in Group A and Basel's most famous supporter, 19-time grand slam champion and Swiss star Federer, revelled in the memorable win.
"Words can't possibly describe this incredible moment for this club, wow!!!! Congrats to the team," Federer wrote on Twitter.

Bayern played their worst ´for a long time´ - Boateng


Jerome Boateng lamented Bayern Munich's below-par performance against Anderlecht, despite the Bundesliga giants picking up a Champions League win in Belgium.
Robert Lewandowski and Corentin Tolisso secured a 2-1 success at the Constant Vanden Stockstadion, but Jupp Heynckes' men rode their luck for large parts.
Anderlecht's equaliser through Sofiane Hanni was their first Champions League goal of the season, hinting that the Belgians' profligacy, rather than Bayern's backline was key.
Bayern have slim hopes of topping Group B with a game to play, but they must overturn a three-goal deficit to Paris Saint-Germain while beating the pool leaders on the final matchday.
Carlo Ancelotti was sacked following the 3-0 loss at Parc des Princes, but Boateng pegged Wednesday's performance as worse than anything they have offered up for some time. 
He said: "I think everyone saw that we played really bad in the first half. One of the worst matches for a long time. 
"We couldn't get used to the pitch, made too many errors, weren't aggressive, weren't compact. 
"Every one of us has to ask ourselves what kind of a half that was and we can thank Sven Ulreich that we weren't behind at the half.