How Cruyff stopped Barcelona from selling Guardiola

Former coach of Barcelona, Johan Cruyff, stopped the club from getting rid of Pep Guardiola to a second division club, after he took over at the Camp Nou.

The now Manchester City coach was regarded as a liability by Barca coaches and they were willing to sell him before Cruyff intervened.

He later went on to become one of the best players of the successful Barca team, that won four consecutive league titles from 1991 and 1994. They also won the European Cup in 1992.

But Cruyff in his autobiography, which he wrote before he died in March this year, tells of how he was almost rejected.

“Barca wanted to get rid of him,” Cruyff writes.

“They considered him scrawny, bad defensively and ineffective in the air. What nobody saw was that he had the basic qualities to go far: he had game intelligence, speed in his execution, technique. If I hadn’t been at Barcelona, for sure he would have been sold to a Segunda Division club.”

Cruyff promoted Guardiola to the Barca first team in 1990 when he was only 19.

“I told him that above everything else, you have to be the boss, the one that makes the decisions and is responsible for the consequences. In that sense, Pep followed the same path and guidelines that I did,” he stated.

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Onigbinde urges Rangers to sustain their NPFL momentum

Former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has advises the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Enugu Rangers, to sustain their new momentum.

The Flying Antelopes won the NPFL on Sunday I'm front of their home fans after 32 years of waiting.

“I want to congratulate them [Enugu Rangers] for their effort and great achievement,” Onigbinde told Goal.

“It takes strong determination, discipline and focus to achieve such success.

“I hope they will be regular at achieving this performance again and come back to their parmanent position in the league.

“This can be best achieved through proper planning, programming, coaching and logistics”, he added.

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FIFA considering 48-team World Cup

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has revealed the next World Cup might see 16 teams exit the competition after one knockout match.

The president has proposed a 48 teams in the tournament as play-in round added three days before the current 32-team group stage.

Infantino said the proposal will be discussed at a FIFA council next week, before a final decision is taken in January 2017.

“The idea is that 16 teams would qualify directly to the group stage and the other 32 would play in a preliminary phase, in the country where the World Cup is being played – they would play for the remaining 16 places,” Infantino said.

“It means we continue with a normal World Cup for 32 teams, but 48 teams go to the party.”

“FIFA’s idea is to develop football in the whole world, and the World Cup is the biggest event.

“It’s more than a competition, it’s a social event”, he added.

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Tyson Fury makes u-turn on retirement from boxing

British world heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury has addressed his earlier claim of retiring from boxing as a joke, maintaining that he is “here to stay.”

The boxer withdrew from the 29 October rematch with Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, due reported mental health issues tweeted, “I’m the greatest, and also retired.”

Three hours later, Fury took to his social media, asserting that his earlier claim had been a joke.

He tweeted, “Hahahaha, you think you will get rid of the Gypsy King that easy?”

“I’m here to stay. #TheGreatest. Just shows you what the media are like. Tut tut.

“Soon as I get better I’ll be defending what’s mine – the heavyweight throne.”

“Good news is I’m getting the right help and I’ll be back even stronger than before, try and stop me!”

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Ramirez: Two points lost for Costa Rica

Oscar Ramirez lamented Costa Rica's 0-0 draw against Paraguay at the Copa America Centenario, with the coach left feeling like two points were lost.

Costa Rica and Paraguay shared the spoils in warm conditions in their Copa America Group A opener on Saturday.

Both sides struggled to create any real cleat-cut chances in Orlando, Florida but Ramirez was still disappointed post-match.

"We struggled in the first 20 minutes when they really controlled the game," said Ramirez.

"But I thought that after the break we were able to dominate them in the way they had dominated us and in the end we had the chances to win the game.

"It feels like two points lost rather than a point gained."

The heat and humidity were factors for both teams throughout at Camping World Stadium and Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz added: "The heat definitely affected the game.

"It could have been a much better game in different conditions." 

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Peru deserved to beat Haiti - Gareca

After opening their Copa America Centenario campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, coach Ricardo Gareca insisted Peru were deserved winners in Seattle.

Semi-finalists at last year's Copa America, record-breaking striker Paolo Guerrero scored the only goal of the match as Peru opened the centenary edition in winning fashion on Saturday.

Peru were the superior outfit throughout against the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finalists at CenturyLink Field and had to wait until the hour-mark to break the deadlock after Edison Flores hit the post in the first half.

Speaking afterwards, Gareca said: "It was a tough game as we expected. Haiti played good. [But] Peru deservedly won the game, and it was demonstrated during the 90 minutes.

"I have to congratulate my players, because it is good debut win in Copa America.

"We must continue to improve. It is the beginning of a cup. We won with a close score, but with a favourable process. I saw my team tried, had mobility, played short and long. The result is fair and I remain calm with the team's performance."

Guerrero's match-winning goal was particularly significant as he became Peru's outright all-time leading goalscorer with 27, leapfrogging Teofilo Cubillas.

"Guerrero is very important, so it transmits and for what it represents for the group," Gareca added.

"My assessment is very high on him. I know what it means to the country for him. It is very important that he has made a goal. Over time, the boys will understand more with Paolo."

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Carvalho: Mourinho can emulate Ferguson

Ricardo Carvalho has backed Jose Mourinho to follow in the footsteps of Alex Ferguson and win trophies at Manchester United.

Mourinho has been tasked with returning United to the Premier League summit after replacing former manager Louis van Gaal on a three-year deal.

With a point to prove at Old Trafford following his split from Chelsea during the London club's horrendous title defence, Carvalho - who played under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge and Real Madrid - is confident his countryman will lead United to their first Premier League trophy since 2012-13.

"I know that Jose will be a success at Manchester United," said Monaco's Carvalho, who is preparing for Euro 2016 with Portugal.

"I have no doubt that he can bring trophies back to United again and that he will make them champions.

"I don't know if it will be in the first year, the second year or the third, but he will win the title again. My prediction is that it will be in the second year.

"United have struggled since Alex Ferguson retired, but Jose can be the one to replace him.

"He will not worry what went before. He will want to make his own success.

"Jose deserves to be at the biggest clubs because he is one of the top coaches.

"He has the quality to make Manchester United win again."

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#CopaAmerica2016: Brazil 0 Ecuador 0: Honours even as Valencia has goal disallowed

Neither Brazil nor Ecuador could break the deadlock as the Copa America Centenario Group B fixture ended goalless in Pasadena.

After a lively start at the Rose Bowl, Saturday's match petered out to a 0-0 draw, though the storyline was a disallowed goal for Ecuador, who were unfortunate not to claim all three points.

Enner Valencia's cross-cum-shot somehow found the back of the net from the byline after a howler from Brazil goalkeeper Alisson, but the ball was deemed to have gone out of play.

Brazil were forced into two changes after edging Panama in their final pre-Copa fixture, with Miranda dropping to the bench due to a muscle problem in the build-up. Luiz Gustavo dropped out of the squad completely because of personal problems during the week, while Douglas Santos made way as Marquinhos, Casemiro and Filipe Luis came into the line-up.

After missing Ecuador's 1-0 loss to the United States, Antonio Valencia returned to the starting XI, along with captain Walter Ayovi and Arturo Mina at the expense of Frickson Erazo, Cristian Ramirez and Angel Mena. Esteban Dreer replaced injured goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez.

Unlike the two early games on Saturday, the clash in Pasadena was lively from kick-off with chances at both ends, as Brazil captain Neymar watched from the stands after opting to skip the Copa America in favour of the Olympic Games in August.

Miller Bolanos went close for Ecuador after almost curling the ball inside the post from outside of the penalty area but the best opportunity fell to Philippe Coutinho, who was somehow denied by Dreer from point-blank range in the sixth minute.

As the half wore on, space opened up across the pitch with Brazil dictating play but Ecuador remaining a threat on the counter, though neither side could make the breakthrough before the interval.

Brazil keeper Alisson was spared embarrassment past the hour-mark after Enner Valencia found the back of the net from the byline but the ball was adjudged to have just crossed the line by officials.

That was the highlight of the second half, after an entertaining start to proceedings, which was reflected in the stands as the Mexican wave swept through the stadium.

Substitute Lucas Moura, though, did come close to earning maximum points with 10 minutes remaining as Dreer hesitated but the Paris Saint-Germain speedster's header flashed wide.

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#CopaAmerica2016: Diaz questions Copa scheduling

Paraguay coach Ramon Diaz was unhappy with the scheduling of his side's clash against Costa Rica as they were held to a 0-0 draw at the Copa America Centenario.

There were few chances in the Group A clash at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Saturday.

Warm conditions made for a slow tempo, particularly in the second half, and Diaz was far from impressed with the scheduling.

"It's crazy to play at the time we played," he said.

"I would like to see a little more consideration and respect for the real protagonists, who are the players."

Despite the result, the Argentinian said he was content with his side's display in their Copa opener.

Paraguay had looked the more likely to score throughout, while Costa Rica had Kendall Waston sent off in additional time.

"We controlled the ball, but were just missing a goal," Diaz said.

"I'm satisfied. Personally, I liked the team. The players made a huge effort and a good match was played."

Paraguay's next outing is a clash against group-leaders Colombia on Tuesday.

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#CopaAmerica2016: Haiti 0 Peru 1: Record-breaker Guerrero scores winner

Record-breaker Paolo Guerrero inspired Peru to a 1-0 win over Haiti in their Copa America Centenario opener on Saturday. 

Guerrero scored the only goal of the game at the CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington as Peru begin the special-edition tournament with an important win. 

The goal also meant 32-year-old Guerrero moved above Teofilo Cubillas as outright all-time leading goalscorer for the national team with 27. 

Peru were the better team throughout the game and should have taken the lead on the stroke of half-time when Guerrero set up Edison Flores, but the 22-year-old smashed his shot off the post. 

But Flores managed to return the favour in the 61st minute, putting in a delightful cross to Guerrero, who lost his man and converted the winning goal with a diving header. 

The win puts Peru top of Group B, with Brazil still to face Ecuador later in the day.

Peru coach Ricardo Gareca made a host of changes from the side's 3-1 win over El Salvador in their final warm-up game for the Copa, with Guerrero the biggest inclusion. 

Sao Paulo's Christian Cueva also made it into the starting XI and almost had an immediate impact, but his shot in the fourth minute went straight to Haiti goalkeeper Johnny Placide.

Peru continued to threaten in the opening stages and Guerrero's cutback found Alejandro Hohberg in the box, but the 24-year-old fluffed his shot. 

A poor giveaway by the Peruvian midfield gave Kevin Lafrance a chance to attack the defence, but after dribbling into the area he was unable to get a proper shot away. 

As the half went on, Haiti were able to gain more confidence and had a great chance to take the lead in the 28th minute after Alberto Rodriguez gave away a free-kick in a dangerous position. 

However, Mechack Jerome could not find the target from the edge of the area, hitting his set-piece just over the crossbar. 

A long-range effort from Peru's Renato Tapia went well wide of Placide's goal, before Guerrero blasted a volley wide just a minute later after being found unmarked in the box by Cueva.

Haiti coach Patrice Neveu was seemingly unimpressed with Max Hilaire's contribution in the first half, replacing the Cholet midfielder with Jean Alexandre before the 40th-minute mark, much to the 30-year-old's displeasure. 

The best chance of the opening period then fell Peru's way in the closing stages, but Flores' shot cannoned off the post after he was teed up by Guerrero.

Peru looked the most likely to open the scoring in the second half, and defender Renzo Revoredo had a great chance blocked by the onrushing Placide. 

But the South Americans would have to wait just 60 seconds to take the lead, with Flores' cross setting up Guerrero for the diving header just after the hour-mark.

Some great build-up play from Peru led to another chance for Guerrero in the 65th minute, but the Flamengo striker's shot was stopped by Placide.

Haiti pushed in the closing stages and almost found a dramatic equaliser in the 94th minute, but substitute Kervens Belfort put a close-range header wide, much to the relief of the Peruvians.

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Suarez ruled out of Uruguay's Copa America opener

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has confirmed Luis Suarez will not take part in his team's Copa America Centenario opener against Mexico on Sunday. 

Suarez limped off in the second half of Barcelona's Copa del Rey final triumph against Sevilla a fortnight ago. 

The 29-year-old suffered a right hamstring injury and was reduced to tears, leading to fears he would miss Uruguay's entire Copa America campaign.

Suarez arrived in the United States this week and has been training away from the main group as he looks to regain his fitness.

However, Tabarez confirmed on Saturday that Suarez would miss their Group C opener against Mexico, and he could not put a timeframe on his return. 

"Luis Suarez is ruled out [against Mexico]," the 69-year-old confirmed in his pre-game news conference. 

"He is a footballer that always surprises us with his recovery, but he is not ready yet. 

"It's only been 14 days since his injury.

"We will consider him when he demonstrates that he is at 100 per cent."

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Ibrahimovic: I'm still getting better

Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists he is only getting better as the Swede reportedly inches closer to a Manchester United move.

The 34-year-old is coming off another impressive campaign at Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 50 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions.

Ibrahimovic, who is preparing for Euro 2016 with Sweden, is reportedly close to sealing a move to Old Trafford as his next destination.

The striker said he was still getting better despite approaching his 35th birthday.

"Whether I am 34 or 35, I have never had a better season than this," Ibrahimovic told the Daily Mirror.

"I am still developing as a player, but it is all about getting the job done - and I do a hell of a job."

Ibrahimovic said he had proven he was still capable of performing, having helped PSG to four straight Ligue 1 titles.

"I have proved that I still have a young mind," he said.

"The mental part is 50 per cent of football and that has never been a problem for me."

Ibrahimovic and Co. will take on Belgium, Italy and the Republic of Ireland in Group E at Euro 2016, which starts on June 10.

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#CopaAmerica2016: Costa Rica 0 Paraguay 0: Dull draw at Copa

Paraguay and Costa Rica played out a dull 0-0 draw in the Copa America Centenario on Saturday.

The Group A clash never reached any great heights at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida as the teams shared the spoils in warm conditions.

Jorge Benitez had the best chance of the game early on, but his poor attempt at a finish illustrated the struggles of both sides.

With men behind the ball throughout, Costa Rica were left to try and make the most of set-pieces and Bryan Ruiz's first-half header was as close as they got.

Costa Rica were reduced to 10 men in additional time as Kendall Waston was sent off for a crude late challenge.

A draw always looked the most likely result as the teams were left behind Colombia, who had a tournament-opening win over hosts the United States.

Ramon Diaz made three changes to the Paraguay team beaten by Mexico, with Fabian Balbuena, Blas Riveros and Antonio Sanabria making way for Miguel Samudio, Gustavo Gomez and Dario Lezcano.

One of Costa Rica's two inclusions - Yeltsin Tejeda - made his presence felt immediately, picking up a yellow card for a rash sliding challenge inside 20 seconds.

Oscar Ramirez is without goalkeeper Keylor Navas, the Real Madrid shot-stopper having suffered an Achilles injury to rule him out of the tournament.

Paraguay controlled the opening exchanges and should have made the most of their dominance in the 13th minute.

Benitez was played in behind by Derlis Gonzalez, but the Cruz Azul forward scuffed his shot across the face of goal.

Paulo da Silva headed a great chance just wide from the resulting corner.

Costa Rica almost made Paraguay pay for the misses as Joel Campbell picked out Ruiz with a set-piece, but the captain's header was straight at Justo Villar.

While Diaz's men looked the more likely, Costa Rica settled into the encounter as the half wore on.

Neither team was able to penetrate to start the second half, with Bruno Valdez threatening for Paraguay - but he was unable to get enough on a 71st-minute corner.

A scuffle in the dying stages brought some much-needed life to the encounter and substitute Cristian Bolanos forced a save out of Villar in the 88th minute before Waston was red-carded for a late challenge on Nelson Valdez.

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