Luis Enrique: If PSG scored four, Barcelona can score six
Barcelona's hot scoring form of late has Luis Enrique confident that his side can not only knock out Paris Saint-Germain from the Champions League on Wednesday night, that they can do so with goals to spare.
Recent routs over Celta Vigo and Sporting Gigon have boosted the Catalans' morale and their optimism is high going into the return leg of the last-16 tie, despite their 4-0 deficit.
"We are in the middle of the tie, we have nothing to lose and a lot to win - if they scored four, we can score six, " the Asturian told the press on Tuesday afternoon. "We arrive in good form and we have o be confident.
"Without a doubt, we have to be patient as the result of the first leg was very clear, but we are only halfway through.
"We have to do a lot of things throughout the game and assert our dominance in attack and defence because PSG are difficult team and will make thing hard for us."
With Unai Emery naming a large travelling party of players to travel from the French capital, the Barcelona boss was similarly keen to keep his cards close to his chest regarding team selection.
"Any of the 20 players I have at my disposal could play together, " he said.
"We can play with many systems and I do not want to give any hints to Emery.
"Everyone has to be professional and know that sport puts you in situations of all kinds. If this team has not needed a comeback like this so far, it's because we've been generally very good in our first legs."
A boisterous Camp Nou will greet the two sides on Wednesday night and Luis Enrique is hoping for constant backing from the home fans, even if the tie goes to penalties.
"Every football game needs good emotional management, but this one even more," said the coach. " The players should be calm but not the fans.
"The Camp Nou must be a pressure cooker from 20 minutes before kick off, we need the supporters to be hyper alert and hyper exited.
"Marc-Andre [ter Stegen] does not need to hear about [penalties], he knows that all he has to do is stop them from scoring. Our players will know in themselves if they are more or less prepared to take a spot-kick."
The veteran ex-Manchester United defender has left Turin for his home nation after a two-and-a-half-year spell with the Serie A champions.
Marseille have completed the signing of Patrice Evra from Juventus, the Ligue 1 club have confirmed.
The 35-year-old has agreed an 18-month contract at the Stade Velodrome, with Marseille not disclosing the fee.
Evra had been linked with former club Manchester united as well as Valencia and Crystal Palace in recent weeks, but has opted to return to the French top flight.
The left-back started his professional career at Italian minnows Marsala after coming through the racks at Paris Saint-Germain and also had spells with Monza, Nice, Monaco and United before eventually joining Juventus in 2014.
He won two Serie A titles with the Turin giants, but had set his sights on a move elsewhere after losing his starting berth this campaign.
Marsielle have already secured the services of Morgan Sanson from Montpellier this month and remain hopeful of luring Dimitri Payet back from West Ham.
Phillippe Coutinho is close to agreeing a new five-year deal with Liverpool
LIVERPOOL are confident they have reached agreement on a five-year deal to keep Phillippe coutinho on Merseyside and away from the clutches of Barcelona.
The Brazil international is ready to put pen to paper on a contact which will make him the Reds' highest earner.
His current deal runs until 2020 but the new contract, which club officials hope will be wrapped up in the next 48 hours, will keep him at the club until 2022.
Despite the interest his improved performances have attracted around Europe and particularly from the Catalan giants, there is set to be no buyout clause inserted in the contract.
Both Liverpool and the players' representatives are understood to believe it would do little stop a move going ahead if the player wanted to leave in the future.
However agreement on his new contract - which is believed to have nearly doubled his £75,000 a week wages - confirms the Brazil forward is happy at the club and on Merseyside which he has said "feels like home". And that he continues to believe that the Premier League is well suited to showcase his considerable talents. Coutinho, 24, has proved a massive hit at Anfield since signing from Inter Milan for £8.5million in January, 2013 and has blossomed under Jurgen Klopp. Since his move he has scored 34 goals in 163 appearances and Coutinho has six this season despite missing six weeks with ankle ligament damage from November to January.
Although Garth Bale has previously expressed his desire to remain at Real Madrid, both Manchester United and Chelsea are thought to be preparing 200 million euro bids to bring the Welshman back to the Premier League.
Aside from that hefty outlay, the former Tottenham wide-man would also command a salary in the region go 400,00 euros per week.
Various outlets in the English media are reporting on a potential deal, which would overtake Paul Pogba's world-record move to Manchester United as the most expensive in football history were it to be concluded.
Chinese clubs can't be ruled out either, however the likelihood of Bale opting for anything other than a move back to England if Real were to accept and bid for his services, is low.
Real Madrid have effectively been based around expensive, world-famous football players. Under such "galacticos" policy, Kroos is not the one emerging as star on the pitch. nor the one better than others at the same position. However, he is the most important one for Zidane.
The 27-year-old became the highest-paid German footballer in October, 2016. This new contract which is extended until June 2022 gives him 20m euros per year. What's worth mentioning is that Kroos is the unquestioned starter for both Germany National Team and Real Madrid.
In fact, a peaceful life is what Kroos wants to live, so it came as something of a surprise that such unassuming player can achieve a lot on both the economic and sporting level. However, he does have some quality.
First of all, the midfielder has aptitude for sport. His father Roland works as youth coach for Hansa Rostock. His mother, Birgit, is Est German badminton champion. And his younger brother Felix now plays for Union Berlin.
It's said that Kroos was once a high-profile teen football player with fancy footwork. His way of touching a ball was impressive.
Secondly, Kroos has a lot of good qualities - He is a pace setter with wisdom on the pitch and great skill. He could find a combination of passes in a Gegenpressing situation. He is brimming with confidence and sustained performance in each game.
Finally, toni is a resilient player. He couldn't speak a word of Spanish when he got there. However, only 2 and a half years, he not only became integral to Los Blancos, but also clinched the title of Champions League with his club.
Kroos is also brilliant for some coaches and some media.
He spent a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen between January, 2009 and June, 2010. And he met Jupp Heynckes there.
The German coach like Kroos so much that Robben became a replacement for Kroos following the latter and Heynckes' re-union at Bayern Munich.
Later, Josep Guardiola replaced Heynckes. And Pep also considered Kroos as a key man for his tactical reform.
According to Marti Peranau , a Spanish journalist, Pep regards Kroos as the playmaker.
Last summer, when Guardiola took charge of Manchester City, he even pressed for ringing the German midfielder to the Premier League.
Karel Jarolim, the Czech Republic suffered a 0-3 defeat to Germany. And the Real Madrid midfielder, who scored a goal, impressed Jarolim.
He said that Toni Kroos played as if his head was a GPS transmitter.
Actually, the media pay close attention to him.
2014 FIFA World Cup is one of the landmarks of his career. Especially in the semi-final where Germany trashed the hosts Brazil 7-1, Kroos was superb.
The 27-year-old fired in his two goals just 69 seconds apart. which is the fastest in World Cup history.
Since then, he has been at the centre of the German media's attention.
With these qualities, Toni Kroos is indeed indispensable.
JOSE MOURINHO says he won't stop Wayne Rooney going to China.
Manchester United's record-breaking striker is being lined up for a mega-money move to the Far East.
But after watching the 31-year-old become United's greatest ever goalscorer to rescue a point at Stoke, boss Mourinho says it's up to Rooney what he does next.
" The future belongs to him and wwhat he wants in his career," said Mourhinho.
" The way he wants to end it, the way he wants to enjoy the last part of it, that belongs to him.
" I don't know about China - it's up to him. I don't like to be critical of player who decide to go to China.
" It's their life and their career. The money is huge, the experience can also be interesting.
" I know some of my colleagues think they are more important than they are and think they can interfere in the lives of other people, but I'm not that sort of guy.
"Everybody is responsible for their own life, I'm not critical with anyone. To be honest, in Wayne's case, I have no idea, because he has never mentioned it to me."
Rooney has made just eight league starts this season and was a substitute again on Saturday before coming on the score his 25th goal for the club.
He still has another two seasons left on his contract.
But despite his lack of starts, Mourinho says the England captain still has a part to play at Old Trafford if he chooses to stay.
" I think he has more to give us, " said Mourinho.
Man United striker Wayne Rooney could be allowed to move to China
" But, I repeat, you reach a certain level in a career when it is up to him.
" Wayne owns his career. It is a decision for him and his family but of course, yes, I see him with an important contribution for us."
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Rooney should give it a go in the Chinese Super League.
" He has to make that decision together with his family and agent and so on, but why not?" said Eriksson, who has been coaching in China since 2013.
The Blues' project is set to cost upwards of £500 million and will see them temporarily move home over the course of a three-year construction period Chelsea have been granted planning permission to increase the capacity of Stamford Bridge to 60,000 by Hammersmith & Fulham council at a hearing on Wednedsday evening. The meeting could be regarded as a historic day for the club as it is intended to mark the final decision in the planning process, but the Mayor of London will have a period to endorse or rebound the plans. Rather than move site, the Blues will expand Stamford Bridge over the course of a three-year schedule that will see the team temporarily uprooted to a new stadium- with Wembley, home of the England national team, their preferred location.
Building within the grounds of Stamford Bridge would be demolished to allow the expansion of the stadium, while Chelsea have also proposed decking platforms over the District Line and Southern Mainline, which run close by the ground. Additionally, they will construct a club shop, museum and restaurant and cafe facilities. Planners have recommended the proposals as they will allow the club to remain an iconic brand based within the Hammersmith and Fulham borough. Indeed, with dedicated tickets set to local residents, it is believed that the new ground would allow a younger generation of supporters to enjoy the team, whose average season ticket holder is aged 55. Chelsea had previously looked at moving to Earls Court or Battersea Power Station, but both options were rejected. " Both were ruled out on policy grounds as the inclusion of a football ground was found not to be consistent with housing regeneration objectives identified for those areas, " planning documents state. It is expected that any redevelopment will cost around £500 million and could be by the 2012-22 season, with the Blues hoping to secure the use of another stadium for the beginning of the 20185-19 campaign.
Chelsea have already begun discussions over a temporary new home as they expected to win the council vote today and the new stadium with be around 18,400 seats bigger - increasing from the current capacity of 41,629.
The Real Madrid superstar enjoyed a staggering 2016 and has now been awarded the title of the best player in the world, beating Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann
Ronaldo crowned FIFA's Best Player in the World
Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned the world's best player at FIFA's annual awards gala in Zurich.
Martial two goals away from costing Man Utd €10m more
The Real Madrid superstar enjoyed a fantastic 2016, and has now beaten his perennial rival Lionel Messi and Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann to the prize.
" It's a great feeling, as I mentioned many times last year was a dream year, no doubt about that, " the striker said at the ceremony shortly before receiving the prize.
"Real Madrid win the Champion League and the national team won the Euros for the first time in history.
Unbelievable season. I'm so proud and happy.
"I have to say thank you to my team-mates of Real Madrid, and team-mates of Portugal and the coaches. It was an amazing year."
Ronaldo scored a total of 59 goals for both club and country throughout the 12 months, as his career reached new heights.
The Real Madrid superstar enjoyed a staggering 2016 and has now been awarded the title of the best player in the world, beating Lionel Messi and Antoine Grizmann
Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned the world's best player at FIFA's annual awards gala in Zurich.
Martial two goals away from costing Man Utd €10m more
The Real Madrid superstar enjoyed a fantastic 2016, and has now beaten his perennial rival lionel Messi and Atletico Madrid's Antoine Grizmann to the prize.
"It's a great feeling, as I mentioned many times last year was a dream year, no doubt about that," the striker said at the ceremony shortly before receiving the prize.
" Real Madrid win the Champions League and the national team won the Euros for the first time in history.
Unbelievable season. I'm so proud and happy.
"I have to say thank you to my team-mates of Real Madrid, and team-mates of Portugal and the coaches. It was an amazing year."
Ronaldo scored a total of 59 goals for both club and country throughout the 12 months, as his career reached new heights.
Manchester United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco, as well as Antoine Griezmann according to the Daily Star.
Earlier this month, the Daily Star reported that United had opened talks to sign Griezmann, with his buyout clause standing at £84 million. The tabloid now cite IK Diario in reporting that Jose Mourinho is eyeing a second Atletico player in Carrasco, who would likely cost £85 million. As per the source, a deal 19 goals between them for Atletico this season, and thus would undoubtedly had a considerable amount of fire-power to the United attack. United have demonstrated their extraordinary financial power on multiple occasions in the past few years, but the signing of Paul Pogba in the summer for a world-record fee was huge statement, Mourinho's side could certainly afford to bankroll a £169 million swoop for the two of them if they desired.
2016 witnesses the joy and tears in football, especially the Premier League. Top 10 impressive moments of the Premier League this year. Let's go over them together.
NO.10 Britian's exit from the European Union
Britain's exit from the European Union
On 24th June, Britain voted to leave the European Union. In fact, they have to wait at least two years before exiting. However, this news has undoubtedly affected the Premier League, where everyone becomes worrying about their future. At the same time, Premier League official also made a statement, that none of the rules would be changed by far. They won't make any decision until Britain officially separated from the Union. Having said that, the football world will be influenced without question. There might be a storm in the near future.
NO.9 Jose Mourinho joined the Red Devils
Jose Mourinho joined the Red Devils
Jose Mourinho's wait to Manchester United was ended On May 27th. Everyone would wonder about his efficiency in this club. Can Mourinho save Manchester United from the awkward situation? The 53 year-old Portuguese has wrapped up 9 wins, 6 draws and 3 defeats in the first 18 round of the league. They have been in fine form of late, and will be hopeful to make it five wins in a row. Although Chinese club offered United manager a fascinating price for transfer, he still wants to fight alongside United in the near future.
NO.8 Manuel Luis Pellegrini left, Pep Guardiola arrived
Manuel Luis Pellegrini left, Pep Guardiola arrived
An away draw at Swansea City marked the end of management for Manuel Luis Pellegrini on May 15th. The Chilean then moved to China and began his new journey in Hebei China Fortune Football Club 3 month
later. Meanwhile, former Bayern Munich manager replaced him to be the head coach of Manchester City. The widely admired Spaniard comes to the club with high expectation and pressure, but he seemed to be confident with the Blue Moon in the future and be willing to welcome the challenge. Guardiola's arrival brought Premier League a fresh season, not to mention the records of Manchester City.
NO7. Aston Villa and Newcastle United's relegation
NO fight! No pride! No effort! Villa deserved to relegate?
Some are jubilant, but others are anxious. After losing to Manchester United 0-1 away from home, Aston Villa were relegated in advance on April 16th, 15 points adrift of the last 4th Norwich Cit. This moments is a shame for Villa since 1874, when they first built up squad. Meanwhile, another traditional giant in the top division - Newcastle United, relegated as well.
No.6 Paul Pogba transferred with €105 million
Paul Pogba transferred with €105 million
Manchester United and Real Madrid are both interested in buying Paul Pogba, but the 23-year-old midfielder finally decided to return to Old Trafford. United completed a prodigious 5-year contract with Juventus. His transfer fee has broken the all-time record of €105 million in football world.
NO.5 Oscar moved to Shanghai SIPG
Oscar moved to Shanghai SIPG
Oscar Dos Santos transferred from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG with reportedly about €61 million, which has refreshed the transfer record of Chinese Super League. As we all know, Oscar's arrival will strengthen the club. Yet, he was lacking of playing chance in the Blues, so his condition is doubtful. What's more, how well can Oscar adapt to a new campaign would be another concern. Therefore, we still have to find out whether it is right or not for him to come here.
NO.4 Louis van Gaal's tumble
Louis van Gaal's tumble
65-year-old Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal finally waved goodbye to Manchester Uinted after having a difficult time. However, here we won't talk about his struggling period, but want to talk about a funny moment to be remembered - Van Gaal's diving on the pitch. During Man United's 3-2 home clash against Arsenal, United manager made a humoristic action. In order to express his complaint about Arsenal player's diving, he imitated Sanchez's action and fell down to the floor in front of Arsene Wenger and the fourth official. What a funny manager!
NO.3 Ryan Giggs said goodbye to the Red Devils
Ryan Giggs said goodbye to the Red Devils
Another veteran in Premier League, Ryan Giggs, left Manchester United on 2nd July after 29 year's working. There are rumours about his leaving. Many people thought that Jose Mourinho's arrival might be the most possible reason Manchester United manager, however, has said on his first press conference that Giggs wants to try to be a head coach rather than an assistant. Lately, Manchester United legend is in contention for the Swansea job, according to Dailystar. Will Swansea be the next stop for Giggs?
NO.2 Wenger coahced 20 years at Arsenal
Arsen Wenger, has an exactly alike name with Arsenal. When I first heard of this word, I can't help connecting him with the club Arsenal. He seemed to be innately belonging to the Gunners, and contributed more than 20 years to the club. During his career at Arsenal, professor created a strong team ranking rop 4 in Premier League, which makes him one of the most successful football coach es nowadays as well. Arsenal manager wrapped up 9 domestic champions for his club in 20-year's coaching, including 3 premier league titles and 6 FA Cup titles. Moreover, they have reached the chmapions League in 19 seasons in a row. Yet, what seemed to be missing is a trophy of UEFA Champions League for Wenger. Now the 67-year-old French becomes the longest-serving boss among all the managers who are coaching in the five richest leagues, but he is still filled with enthusiasm. Somebody like managerial position, Wenger's dedication should be indelible.
NO.1 Leicester City miracle
Leicester City win Barclay English Premier League15-16
2015-2016 season created a fairy tale for Leicester City. they grabbed the trophy of Premier League with 2 games in hand, 7 points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur. This is the first trophy for the Foxes in the top flight since the club was built 132 years ago. Leicester City become the 6th team to be the winner in Premier League, following Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Blackburn since 1992.
The final Premier League game of 2016 is likely to be an absolutely mouth-watering one, with Liverpool hosting Manchester City in the late kick-off.
It's a huge top-of-the-table clash, with the Reds currently on 40 points, six points behind leaders Chelsea and both a point and a place ahead of Man City.
The potentially ferocious and high-octane encounter will also renew the rivalry between Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, who tussled many times in Germany during their respective reigns in charge of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
No team in the top eight has conceded more goals than Liverpool, and City will be massively bossted by the return from suspension of prolific marksman Sergio Aguero, however going forward, the Merseyside club are the division's top scorers on 45 goals.
Ahead of his first trip to Anfield, Guardiola, regarded by many as the best managerial mind in world football, has revealed his admiration for Liverpool's attacking, rock and roll style of football under Klopp and has even labelled the 49-year-old the best in the world in one department.
PEP:KLOPP THE BEST IN THE WORLD AT ONE THING
In his pre-match press conference, the Spanish coach said: " I like a lot the way they (Liverpool) play, because for the spectators, in three or four seconds, they are attcking.
"Maybe he (Klopp) is the best manager in the world - the best manager who creates the teams attacking the back four with this amount of players, with this high intensity, with the ball, without the ball."
Guardiola, who won 14 trophies in just four yer at Barcelona, continued: " So, it's not easy to do that. They attack there (points centrally), out wide sometimes with Clyne, with Milner , but especially they attack inside
(the middle of the pitch) and they do it really well.
" I think there is not another team in the world attacking with so many players inside. I learned a lot in Germany, the first time I played against them (Klopp's Dortmund team) in the Supercup. I was new there and I said 'Wow'.
"it was a good lesson for me, that game, and we(Bayern) lost 4-2, and after in the league I learned a lot (more). I learned (how) to control a little bit that situation, but it's not easy, it's not easy.
"So, when he (Klopp) speaks about his football being 'heavy metal' I understand completely because it's so aggressive in that sense. So for the spectators and the fans, it's really really good, really good."
It promises to be a very eventful game, and a win for either side would be vital in their hopes of catching-up to Chelsea, whose club record 12-game unbeaten run has seen them break clear of the chasing pack.
Manchesrter United and Chelsea target James Rodriguez is versatile and can do a job in various roles according to his agent, Jorge Mendes.
The Colombian international has struggled to settle at Real Madrid since his arrival in the Spanish capital in 2014, and has been limited to just 16 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
Despite that lack of playing time, he has still managed to produce nine assists and two goals to prove his quality, although it's clear that Zinedine Zidane prefers other options in his 4-3-3 system.
In turn, that hs consistently led to speculation linking Rodriguez with an exit from the Bernabeu, and Mendes appears to be doing his best to dismiss any fears about his client in that he can't be useful to his manager in other positions other than his natural one.
The 25-year-old will need to show flexibility and versatility whichever club he plays for, and with The Sun reporting both United and Chelsea are ready to splash out in January, Mendes has allayed any fears they might have over Rodriguez's character.
" He's a top player. He can play anywhere. He doesn't have to prove anything .
" He's a top player who has done well. Now, he has to recover to convince Zidane. I don't speak of clubs. We'll see what will happen."
It's added in the report that Real have no interest in selling their creative star in January, and so any intersted parties will have to wait until the summer to make their move.
Nevertheless, if the right move presents itself which allows the Spanish giants to recoup the £71m that they spent two years ago, as per BBC Sport, then perhaps they might be willing to do business giving the likes of United or Chelsea a mid-season boost.
