METRO NAIJA

Saturday, 31 October 2015

SerieA:-: Juventus 2 vs 1 Torino| Highlights Download

Juventus had Juan Guillermo Cuadrado to thank for an
agonising late winner to take down Torino, as the club
prevailed 2-1 in a crucial victory.

DOWNLOAD MATCH

Arsene Wenger felt Arsenal deserved their win over
Swansea City, despite being edgy in the first half.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was delighted to see his side
recover from a nervy start to end their recent hoodoo against
Swansea City with a 3-0 victory at the Liberty Stadium.

The visitors gained a first win over Swansea in four attempts
courtesy of second-half goals from Olivier Giroud, Laurent
Koscielny and Joel Campbell.

Having bounced back from their midweek League Cup exit at
Sheffield Wednesday, which saw Gabriel, Alex Oxlade-
Chamberlain and Theo Walcott limp off injured, Wenger felt his
side merited three points, dismissing suggestions of a foul in the
build-up to Koscielny's goal.

"I didn't see a foul but maybe I missed something and I have to
watch it again, there's always a diverse opinion from managers
on [issues like] that," the Frenchman told reporters, after seeing
Arsenal pass 2,000 goals in his reign.

"It is always a difficult game [at Swansea], last season Swansea
took six points off us so we came here a bit edgy.

"They showed quality again today, they are going through a
spell with less confidence but they are a good side and our first
half was difficult.

"In the second half we upped our tempo and the purpose in our
passing, with added pace in our combinations, and once we
scored the first goal we were the dominant team and won the
game normally.

"I rested eight players at Wednesday and gave them a breather
and it took us a while to get into the tempo today.

"I am proud of scoring goals because people come to see
people who try to play but the most important was the three
points."

With five Premier League wins in a row, Wenger's side appear
primed to mount a sustained title challenge - keeping pace with
Manchester City on Saturday while moving 14 points clear of
struggling champions Chelsea.

Wenger has a fractious relationship with Chelsea boss Jose
Mourinho and the Arsenal boss added: "I think it's better I don't
talk too much about that [gap to Chelsea].

"Let's focus on our game, we have made a little difference with
some teams but let's keep a good balance between hunger,
humility and confidence and not look too much at other teams."

Joe Hart won praise from Manchester City boss
Manuel Pellegrini despite his error almost costing the
Premier League leaders against Norwich.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini defended Joe Hart
after an error from the England goalkeeper almost cost the
Premier League leaders in their 2-1 win over Norwich City.

Nicolas Otamendi broke the deadlock after 67 minutes at the
Etihad Stadium, powering home Kevin De Bruyne's corner for
his first goal for the club, but Norwich were level seven minutes
from time when Hart spilt a routine take from Robbie Brady's
cross to leave Cameron Jerome with a tap-in.

The mistake ultimately did not prove costly, as Yaya Toure
converted an 89th-minute penalty after Russell Martin was sent
off for blocking Raheem Sterling's goalbound shot with his arm
to keep Pellegrini's team ahead of Arsenal at the summit on
goal difference.

Hart, one of City's most consistent performers this season,
partially redeemed himself with a vital save from Martin Olsson
when the score was 2-1 and he retained his manager's backing
after the match.

Pellegrini told reporters: "It was unfortunate. Sometimes, these
things happen. Joe is human and he can make mistakes.

"Apart from that error, there were only two shots at him in the
game that he saved because he is a very good goalkeeper."

Following the blow of conceding an equaliser and the prospect
of being dislodged from top spot, Pellegrini was delighted
with the character shown by his players in securing a win that
could have been by a greater margin - only for Aleksandar
Kolarov to miss from 12 yards after Sterling won a second
penalty deep into stoppage time.

He said: "Norwich played very well. They defended the whole
game with 100 per-cent concentration and the chances that we
created, we missed.

"After we scored the goal from Nicolas Otamendi it opened up
the game but, unfortunately, Joe allowed them to draw.

"The last 10 minutes was the most important 10 minutes from
my team. We had the character, the personality and the trust to
go again for the game.

"We were not finished in the last minutes because we always felt
that we could score another goal.

"It is a relief because it is important not to drop points here at
home."

Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed the
role of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville in
his development.

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted his time at Manchester
United played a huge role in his development.

The Portugal international joined United from Sporting CP in
2003 and matured into one of the best players in the world at
Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, who eventually left United for Real Madrid in 2009, has
now revealed that the guidance of players such as Paul Scholes,
Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs helped him become the player he is
now.

"Manchester was a huge education for me," Ronaldo told The
Times. "There were guys who always arrived for training one
hour early. Scholes and Neville were incredible examples.

Neville was the most professional player I saw. This is why
these guys played in the top level for 10 years.

"People like Giggsy, too. I learnt from them. I would go to
training early, too. I would do exercise, strength, abdominals,
core: many things. That example from the older players, I took
it.

"Sometimes, you try something different and you say, 'Ooh, if I
do that, then the ball is going to do this'. Everything was a
lesson for me at that age. [Being at United] taught me to train
hard all the time. To eat properly, sleep good, recovery
sessions, everything. You have to dedicate yourself 100 per
cent."

Ronaldo worked with Alex Ferguson during his time at United
and he has nothing but fond memories of his former manager.

"I learnt a lot from Sir Alex, too. One of the terms that I still
remember today is 'decision-making'.

"'You are great, but you don't have decision-making. Pass the
f***ing ball.' He always told me that. 'Cristiano: pass the f***ing
ball.' I still have contact with him. He is a great guy, great
coach, great human being."

Jose Mourinho largely refused to engage with a post-
match interview after Chelsea lost to Liverpool but
remains confident over his future.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insisted he has no fears over
his future at Stamford Bridge after Liverpool condemned the
defending champions to a sixth defeat in 11 Premier League
matches this season.

A Philippe Coutinho brace inspired the visitors to a 3-1 win at
Stamford Bridge, where Ramires headed a fourth-minute opener
but a late Christian Benteke strike sealed Chelsea's fate.

As has become customary over recent weeks, Mourinho
engaged in a seemingly ill-tempered post-match interview,
repeatedly telling broadcaster BT Sport that he had "nothing to
say" about any of the key moments in the match.

Asked whether he was "worried" Mourinho said: "No. Worried
about what?"

When it was clarified that the question related to his future at the
club, he said: "No."

On what he might do to turn Chelsea's fortunes around,
Mourinho added: "I cannot say."

The League Cup holders were dumped out of the competition
courtesy of a penalty shootout defeat at Stoke City in midweek
and they host Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday without a win in their
past two Champions League outings.

Liverpool won 3-1 at Premier League champions
Chelsea but manager Jurgen Klopp says it is "crazy" to
talk about a title challenge.

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed talk of a Liverpool title challenge as
"crazy" after his side beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Two goals from Philippe Coutinho and a late strike from
substitute Christian Benteke saw the visitors battle back from
Ramires' early opener to secure a first Premier League victory
for their new manager.

Klopp was thrilled with the way his side responded but was
quick to quash the idea of his side challenging for Chelsea's
crown this season.

When asked if he felt a title challenge was in the offing, he said:

"Oh, please! Are you crazy! I've been here three weeks!

"The second half was an open game. We got our goals at two
perfect moments. There was a bit of luck, but it was deserved,"
he continued, referring to Coutinho's deflected second goal.
"We didn't have the best start. We needed a few minutes. It's
important we stuck through and played football. We were in the
game. We deserved to be level at half time.

"Conceding an early goal is better. You have to make mistakes
so you can learn from them. We had to fight and we did that. It
was very important for us.

"Phil is a great player, he's unbelievably skilled and a great
guy. We are not at our limit. We could do better, of course."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was left incensed on the touchline
when Lucas Leiva escaped a second yellow card for a trip on
Ramires but Klopp insists the referee was correct.

"No, of course not," he said when asked if he felt a red card was
deserved. "I saw much more intensive situations when he can
give yellow cards but he gives yellow cards for nothing. We
cannot win at Chelsea without luck."

Jose Mourinho cited a lack of respect for his Chelsea
players after claiming their defeat to Liverpool was not
under their control.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims his side's defeat to
Liverpool was "out of our hands" and has alleged a lack of
respect towards his players.

Ramires put the home side in front at Stamford Bridge but two
goals from Philippe Coutinho and one from Christian Benteke
sealed a 3-1 win, Jurgen Klopp's first in the Premier League.

Mourinho refused to offer comment on any issue surrounding
the game or his Chelsea future when speaking to television
reporters after the match but was keen to take the blame away
from his players during his media conference.

"I'd like to listen more than being questioned," he said initially,
before stating: "There are things that are out of our hands.

"Two minutes extra time [at the end of the first half], we
concede the goal on two minutes 35 seconds.

"Then what happened in the second half, everything, is a
consequence of some crucial moments.

"Moments that the stadium saw, the players more than see, the
players felt it, from now, what happens is just a consequence.

"I have some players really sad in the dressing room and I am
full of respect for them. We see it match after match.
"As professionals they are not getting the respect they deserve. I
don't think we, myself and them, are not going to have a great
Saturday dinner, even families for sure.
"They have the same feelings that we have and I'm really sorry
with that lack of respect for professionals."
Asked to explain his remarks about respect, Mourinho added:
"You are all intelligent guys. If you want to write, you write.
"Next press conference I will bring you nice glasses, maybe you
see the game in a better way."
Mourinho was incensed on the touchline when referee Mark
Clattenburg refused to issue a second yellow card to Lucas
Leiva for a blatant trip on Ramires, but he refused to comment
on the officials for fear of another Football Association sanction.
"What do you think? You are not punished by the FA. I'm
punished if I tell you," he said.
"Now I go home, I go find a sad family. I will try to watch some
of the rugby [World Cup final] and disconnect a little bit from
this.
"Then I will start preparing the training session for tomorrow
morning and the game for Wednesday [against Dynamo Kiev]."

VIDEO DOWNLOAD:-: Jose Mourinho post conference after defeat to Liverpool

I had to dig this out....

Here is Jose Mourinho's post match conference after the humiliating defeat at the bridge by Liverpool...

Klopp's men snatched away three points from the Champions; courtesy goals from Coutinho with the double and Benteke...

Download and watch Mourinho reaction to the question after the match

DOWNLOAD CLIP

A second-half double from Riyad Mahrez inspired Leicester
City to come from behind and seal a 3-2 Premier League win
at Midlands rivals West Brom on Saturday.

Salomon Rondon gave the hosts the lead with a powerful
header after half an hour amid an otherwise bright start from
Claudio Ranieri's men, who came close early on when
Jamie Vardy saw an effort tipped onto the post.

Leicester continued to threaten and drew level just after
half-time when Mahrez got ahead of his man to volley home
Marc Albrighton's superb cross, before the two players
combined again just after the hour to edge the visitors in
front at The Hawthorns.

And a thoroughly satisfying afternoon for third-
placed Leicester was wrapped up 13 minutes from time as
Vardy broke away from the defence to slot home his 11th
league goal of the season, although West Brom did respond
through a late penalty from Rickie Lambert, who was also
denied by the woodwork in the dying seconds.

Vardy's goal edges him closer to Ruud van Nistelrooy's
record of scoring in 10 consecutive Premier League fixtures
and will see the 28-year old earn plenty more plaudits.

Premier League top scorer Vardy nearly gave the visitors an
ideal start inside 10 minutes, getting behind Gareth McAuley
before seeing a stinging drive tipped onto the post by
goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.

Albrighton drilled just wide from 25 yards 10 minutes later
as West Brom, unchanged from the 1-0 win at Norwich City
last weekend, continued to find themselves on the back foot.
But West Brom weathered the early storm and made
Leicester pay for their profligacy after 30 minutes.

A well-worked corner saw Rondon burst ahead of Danny
Simpson at the near post to head home Stephane
Sessegnon's whipped cross from the left.

Leicester persevered, with Myhill producing a smart save to
keep out Leonardo Ulloa's glancing header just before half-
time, but an otherwise impressive defensive performance
meant West Brom ended the opening 45 minutes in the
ascendency.

Only a last-ditch Simpson tackle prevented Saido Berahino
from doubling West Brom's lead five minutes after the
break, but Leicester responded and restored parity just
before the hour.

A wonderful deep cross from Albrighton found Mahrez at the
far post and he steered an expert volley home from close
range.

Vardy diverted a cheeky backheel just wide, but Leicester
were not to be denied a second as Albrighton again teed up
Mahrez with a deflected cross.

The visitors extended their lead after 77 minutes when the
in-form Vardy was on hand to finish a stunning counter-
attacking breakaway by slotting home, drawing him level
with Daniel Sturridge as the only Englishmen to net in eight
Premier League games in a row.

But West Brom hit back seven minutes later when substitute
Nathan Dyer was adjudged to have fouled Callum
McManaman inside the area, allowing substitute Lambert to
open his account for the club from the spot.

Tony Pulis' men pushed for an equaliser, with McManaman
firing wide and Lambert hitting the post late on, but
Leicester survived a frantic finish to claim the win.

Stoke City were indebted to Jack Butland for their battling
0-0 Premier League draw with Newcastle United at St
James' Park on Saturday.

The England international goalkeeper pulled off a string of
superb saves to keep the scores level while at the other end
Jonathan Walters missed the best chance of the game,
failing to turn in a fine Charlie Adam cross.

Newcastle are now unbeaten in five at home against Stoke,
but are without a win in their last four Premier League
clashes with the Potters.

Mark Hughes welcomed back his captain Ryan Shawcross,
who made his first Premier League appearance of the
season after a persistent back problem.

Aleksandar Mitrovic came closest for the home side when he
hit the post with a glancing header but the result does little
for Steve McClaren's men, who remain rooted in the bottom
three.

Newcastle were looking for a reaction to last weekend's 3-0
derby defeat to Sunderland and they started well with Ayoze
Perez and Mitrovic linking up, but the Serb's shot was
saved.

Stoke had a shout for a penalty in the fifth minute when Paul
Dummett clipped Bojan Krkic's heels, but referee Roger East
was not interested and replays showed the contact to have
taken place outside the box.

The visitors were seeking a third straight away Premier
League win and should have taken the lead after 15
minutes. Adam's superb cross evaded Chancel Mbemba,
but Walters was unable to get a telling touch when it looked
easier to score.

Mitrovic was at the heart of Newcastle's best play and
Butland was lucky to see the striker's header from Moussa
Sissoko's cross bounce back off the post.

Perez went close two minutes into the second half but his
shot from 20 yards curled just wide.

Georginio Wijnaldum - scorer of four goals for Newcastle in
their last home game against Norwich City - then brought a
smart save out of Butland with a free-kick.

Stoke were threatening on the break and Rob Elliot was soon
called into action for the first time, saving superbly from a
Walters header after a fine Marko Arnautovic cross. Walters
thumped the rebound wildly over.

Butland, the hero in Stoke's League Cup penalty-shootout
win against Chelsea in midweek, was keeping his team in
the game and he made an outstanding save to deny Sissoko
after the France midfielder had been played in by Wijnaldum.
From the resulting corner, Mbemba thudded a header
narrowly wide.

In the 58th minute Butland was called upon once again,
parrying a 20-yard drive from Perez around the post as
Newcastle started to dominate.

Butland was by far the game's outstanding player and he
showed razor sharp reflexes to tip over a drive by Sissoko
with seven minutes to go, before palming over substitute
Jamaal Lascelles' header as both sides had to settle for a
point.

EPL:-: Crystal Palace 0 vs 0 Man Utd| Highlights Download

Manchester United failed to score for a third consecutive
match as they drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace at Selhurst
Park.

DOWNLOAD MATCH

LaLiga:-: Real Madrid 3 vs 1 Las Palmas| Highlights Download

Cristiano Ronaldo went joint-top of La Liga's scoring charts
following his goal during Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Las
Palmas on Saturday.

DOWNLOAD MATCH

BundesLiga:-: Werder Bremen 1 vs 3 Dortmund| Highlights Download

Marco Reus and Henrikh Mkhitaryan ran the show as
Borussia Dortmund moved to within five points of
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich with a 3-1 win over
Werder Bremen on Saturday.

DOWNLOAD MATCH

EPL:-: Man City 2 vs 1 Norwich| Highlights Download

Yaya Toure scored a late penalty to spare Joe Hart's
blushes and earn Manchester City a 2-1 victory over
Norwich City.

DOWNLOAD MATCH

EPL:-: Swansea 0 vs 3 Arsenal| Highlights Download

Arsenal kept pace with Manchester City at the top of the
Premier League after beating Swansea City 3-0 at the
Liberty Stadium thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud, Laurent
Koscielny and Joel Campbell.

DOWNLOAD MATCH

EPL:-: Chelsea 1 vs 3 Liverpool| Highlights Download

Philippe Coutinho scored twice as Liverpool came from
behind to beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge and pile
pressure on under-fire manager Jose Mourinho.

The Blues have endured a torrid start to the season -
winning just three times - and headed into the game with
questions persisting over Mourinho's future, though Ramires
opened the scoring with a fourth minute header.

The Reds hit back, however, with Coutinho curling a brilliant
effort past Asmir Begovic from the edge of the box to level
the scores prior to half-time.

Coutinho then grabbed his second in the 74th minute, his
effort deflecting off John Terry, before Christian Benteke
completed the scoring with a low finish from just inside the
box 10 minutes later.

DOWNLOAD MATCH

Alan Pardew is pleased with Wilfried Zaha's work ethic
but has warned he will keep dropping him if he does
not take his points on board.

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has warned Wilfried Zaha he
will drop him without a word if he does not heed his advice
about his performances.

Zaha was left out of last week's Premier League defeat to
Leicester City and has twice been hauled off at half-time this
season, against Tottenham and West Ham, after failing to
impress his manager.

Pardew has twice explained to the 22-year-old his reasons for
replacing him but the former Newcastle United boss says he
should not expect it a third time.

"I've told him what I think he needs to do and I've told him about
a couple of issues within the game that managers are going to
keep citing unless he corrects them," Pardew said. "I've left him
out twice now. Both times I've sat him down and spoke to him
very methodically about why I was leaving him out. I think he
needs to understand why but I'm not going to do it again.

"Next time I won't speak to him. He'll be out the team because
he didn't do what was asked of him.

"His reaction each time I've left him out has been very, very
strong. He was terrific against Manchester City [in the League
Cup], the only real bright spark we had on the night.

"I don't want to leave him out to get that reaction every time. I
want that great reaction every week and that's really the
message for him. You need to find that inspiration and
enthusiasm for every moment of every game.

"He is now a better player than when he went to [Manchester]
United. He knows now and I think the message is clear to him."
Zaha is expected to line up against former club United at
Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho left Real Madrid under something of a
cloud in 2013, but Alvaro Arbeloa believes the
Portuguese could return in the future.

Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Arbeloa sees no reason why Jose
Mourinho could not make a sensational return to the Santiago
Bernabeu and says "the door is never shut" for the Portuguese.

During a three-year stay in the Spanish capital between 2010
and 2013, Mourinho won one La Liga and one Copa del Rey title.

However, he left after his third season amid well-publicised
reports that his relationship had soured with key players,
including captain Iker Casillas.

Mourinho has since returned to Chelsea and led the club to a
Premier League and League Cup double last season, but a poor
start to the current campaign has left his future in doubt.

Former Madrid president Ramon Calderon claimed in an
interview with beIN SPORTS that Mourinho is still held in high
regard at the club, and Arbeloa believes a return remains a
possibility.

"I've been asked before and I always say 'Yes, why not?'" he told
The Independent. "He was a very important coach here.

"It is clear that because of the way he is, because he is very
direct and he tells people straight, without hypocrisy, he upsets a
lot of people.

"There are a lot of people waiting [for him to fail] but there are a
lot more waiting to see him turn things around and move
forward again. He's a very good coach so I don't think the door
at Real Madrid is shut to him, no."

Mourinho may have faced criticism this season, but Arbeloa
defended his former coach and says he will always remain one
of the greats.

"He was like a bullet-proof vest for the players," he added. "If
someone was picked on by the critics he was the first to defend
him.

"He fought against the fixture list; against the kick-off times if he
thought they went against us; or against a referee if he thought
he had been unfair to Real Madrid.

"He has won the league in England, Italy, Spain and Portugal and
two Champions Leagues with two different clubs. You can't
have any doubts about him. He still guarantees success.

"His problem is that he has spoiled people - every club he has
managed, he has won things. He could retire today and he
would go down as one of the best coaches in history. So
imagine what he can still achieve in the future."

Sinisa Mihajlovic has acknowledged that AC Milan are
not the favourites in Sunday's match against Lazio and
he could accept it if they lost.

Sinisa Mihajlovic has admitted AC Milan could very well lose
Sunday's Serie A match against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Milan coach feels his side are often favourites, yet believes
Lazio are one a number of teams that are on equal footing.

"As I often say, there are 13 teams in the league against which
we start as the favourites," he said.

"Then, there are another five or six teams where it's all to play
for. One of these is Lazio. The others are Juve, Roma, Inter,
Fiorentina and Napoli.

"In those matches, you can win, lose or draw and it depends on
a host of factors. Should we win, it would be a big confidence
boost. When you lose, it’s never nice. But it's easier to accept a
defeat against a side like Lazio than a team of a lower quality.

"We're going to Rome to try and win. We know Lazio have
problems on the road, but at home, they have won all eight
home games. To come away with a win, we need to give our
best performance of the season.

"I have confidence in my players and we have the ability to beat
Lazio. We will go there to try and impose our game and win.

They have weak points. Mentally we're stronger after a three-
match unbeaten run and we want to extend our unbeaten
streak."

Milan sit eighth in the Serie A table heading into Sunday's
encounter, with 16 points from 10 games, while Lazio are two
points and two places better off.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva hopes the
Ligue 1 champions will succeed in luring Cristiano
Ronaldo away from Real Madrid.

Thiago Silva hopes Paris Saint-Germain manage to sign Real
Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of next season.

The Portugal international has a contract with Madrid until June
2018 and the club have so far been adamant that he is not for
sale.

Ronaldo is continually being linked with a move elsewhere,
though, with a return to Manchester United or a transfer to PSG
mooted as potential next step in his career.

"I love the player Ronaldo is. He has had an incredible career,"
Thiago Silva told L'Equipe ahead of the two clubs' Champions
League meeting on Tuesday.

"He did some amazing things at Manchester United and then
became Real Madrid's all-time top goalscorer. He has been
great for the image of football.

"I hope the PSG president can find an agreement with Ronaldo's
agent, so he can continue his career here. It would be much
better to play with him than against him.

"Paris Saint-Germain are the team of the moment."

Ronaldo has scored 12 goals in as many games in all
competitions for Madrid so far this campaign.

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear
that negative comments only help him push himself to
become an even better player.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he does not mind being criticised as it
only motivates him to improve even more.

Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo is often being accused of
selfishness and arrogance, but he has made it clear that
negative comments only help him get the best out of himself.

"I don't mind people hating me, because it pushes me. When I
go to play away, they are always against me, but it’s good,"
Ronaldo told The Times.

"You have to see the good things from the haters. I need the
enemy. It is part of the business. They start screaming when I
touch the ball. It had started already when I was 18 or 19. It is
not a problem for me. It is a motivation.

"I am not the humblest person in the world, I admit that. I am
not fake.

"But in one way I am very humble. I like to learn, I want to learn
from other sports, the best athletes. What are they doing? You
can improve on this, on that. I think it is interesting. A person
who is like that, they are humble – because they like to learn."

Ronaldo left his family home in Madeira at the tender age of 12
to pursue his dream of becoming a professional at Sporting CP
in Lisbon, but he has admitted that he nearly gave up at some
stage.

"It was one of the worst days of my life. I cried every day. I
can't imagine letting my son, little Cristiano, go to another city
at 12 years old," he added. "I don’t blame my parents for letting
me go, because they were trying to give me an opportunity. But
it was tough. We had lived all together – my brothers and my
parents – but now I was on my own.

"I very nearly didn't make it. One day, I was in school and
something happened in my mind. It was as if something
snapped. I went to the club to speak to the director. I said,
'Listen, I can't deal with this any more. I am going to give up. I
am going home. I don’t want to be here.' 'But you are only 12,
Cristiano,' they said. 'You have huge potential. You can become
a professional'.

"These people helped me to stay strong. My team-mates helped
me, too. And my parents pushed me to stay: 'You are just
having a bad moment. Be strong.' I went to bed that night and
kept crying. But after a few days, it started to get better. I
started to come to terms with it. But I will never forget that
difficult time. I was ready to give up."

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola was frustrated his
side passed up opportunities to score in a goalless
draw with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Pep Guardiola rued Bayern Munich's missed chances as they
were held to a 0-0 draw by Eintracht Frankfurt.

After 10 successive wins at the start of the Bundesliga season,
the Bavarian side dropped points for the first time at the
Commerzbank Arena on Friday.

Javi Martinez, Douglas Costa and Robert Lewandowski all
passed up opportunities to find the net as Armin Veh's side
defended resiliently to earn a share of the spoils.

Guardiola felt his side deserved more from the game and
praised their efforts despite failing to make a breakthrough.

"Of course, the opponent can play as they please," the Spaniard
said afterwards.

"They defended very well with depth, because we had less
space.

"I think we had enough chances to win the game.

"A big compliment to my team for their great hear and for having
tried everything."

The fixture saw Philipp Lahm make his 450th competitive
appearance for Bayern, but he was not pleased with the
gameplan of their opponents or the result.

"Every game you think it cannot get more defensive and then
another opponent arrives," the Bayern captain said.

"We had some tremendous opportunities that you have to take
against such opponents and today we did not succeed."

Manuel Neuer suggested that Frankfurt's defensive tactics may
have been more suited to a different sport.

"Frankfurt were clever and defended for a long time like it was
handball or basketball," he commented.

"It is frustrating. Frankfurt created very few chances."

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes his
team's 1-1 draw at Deportivo was a fair result.

Diego Simeone says his Atletico Madrid side deserved to draw
1-1 at Deportivo La Coruna on Friday.

Atletico would have gone top of La Liga with a win but Lucas
Perez equalised with 12 minutes remaining to cancel out a first-
half volley from Tiago.

Deportivo almost stole the points at the death when Faycal Fajr
hit the crossbar with a curling strike from 25 yards.
"A goal for each side, so I think that this result has been fair,"
said Simeone.

"In the first half we did very well."

Deportivo were grateful for a mistake from Jose Maria
Gimenez, who dallied to allow Perez his goal, a sixth of the
season for the striker.

But Simeone refused to blame the defender for his team failing
to close out the result.

"These are details of football," he said.

With Real and Barcelona both in action on Saturday, Simeone's
men could ill afford to drop two points.

They travel to Kazakhstan to take on Astana in a crucial
Champions League fixture on Tuesday.

Atletico midfielder Koke added: "We really wanted to sleep as
leaders, but this is a very long season. We will do our best to be
up there."

Arsene Wenger defended himself after Dutch fitness
expert Raymond Verheijen attacked his training
methods.

Arsene Wenger has defended Arsenal's training methods after
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott joined the club's
long injury list

Outspoken Dutch fitness expert Raymond Verheijen accused
Wenger of being outdated following injuries to Oxlade-
Chamberlin and Walcott.

Oxlade-Chamberlin and Walcott were hurt during Arsenal's 3-0
League Cup fourth-round loss to Sheffield Wednesday on
Tuesday.

However, Wenger stood up for himself ahead of Saturday's
Premier League match against Swansea City.

"This guy looks like he knows absolutely everything," said the
Frenchman.

"I'm amazed that he knows more than all our physics and all our
doctors. I trust the medical staff to do well and my coaching
staff to do the fitness planning very well.

"It's like in life, why does he catch the flu and him not? You have
to accept that medically we are not all even."

With Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky, Jack
Wilshere and Danny Welbeck all out, Wenger's options are
suddenly limited.

"It is always disappointing to lose players," Wenger added.

"But we are equipped first of all with the quality of our squad
and we are equipped mentally as well ourselves to deal with
anything. We have a very big squad."

Manchester City must continue winning trophies at
home and be more competitive in Europe to become a
top team, says Yaya Toure.

Yaya Toure believes Manchester City require success in the
Champions League in order to be considered a "great club".

The Ivorian has won every domestic trophy with City but
European success still eludes the club.

Having never progressed beyond the last 16 of the Champions
League, Toure insists they must prove their quality on the
continent as well as at home in order to be considered among
the elite.

"We know that to be a big club we must continue winning
important trophies and making our imprint in Europe," Toure
said.

"If we do that, people will say Manchester City is one of the
great clubs.

"The target is to try and compete as much as possible in all
competitions.

"We know it's difficult because things can happen during the
season like injuries, but we know we have the team and we
have the squad. The mentality is positive."

Toure praised the work coach Manuel Pellegrini has done at
City and revealed that all the players are happy to work under
him, despite persistent reports that the Chilean could be axed to
make way for Pep Guardiola.

"He's done brilliantly well in his three seasons here. The club
and the fans are very satisfied with the way we play," Toure
added.

"We have progressed very well with him. He is a very clever
manager who always backs his players.

"He comes and chats with you and is very open with you. Not
just with me but with all the players. He gets the best out of the
players.

"We are all grateful and happy to work for him."

Wayne Rooney's run of poor form in front of goal is
nothing to do with a lack of desire, Louis van Gaal
says.

Louis van Gaal believes Wayne Rooney's lack of goals can be
put down to the Manchester United captain being too involved
in games.

Rooney has found the net just twice in the Premier League this
term and has seen his form deteriorate badly in recent weeks.

The England skipper drew another blank in midweek as United
suffered League Cup elimination to Middlesbrough after a
penalty shoot-out which saw Rooney's effort saved by Boro
goalkeeper Tomas Mejias.

Several onlookers, notably including Barcelona legend Xavi have
suggested Rooney could turn his form around by taking up a
role deeper in midfield, but Van Gaal has other ideas.

The Dutchman said: "Players are human beings and they want
to score goals but maybe they want it too much and maybe
then the choices are not always good.

"Maybe he [Rooney] is doing too much, because you never
know as a player how you can improve your shape or your
finishing. It can also [create] a lot of doubt and I try to influence
that.

"But it can be too hard and then your mental state shall be a
little bit less and that has an influence on everything and that's
the most difficult thing as a manager and player to cope with.

"When I was manager of Bayern Munich, the striker was [Mario]
Gomez and he touched the ball nine times on an average in a
game - the highest 14 touches - but he scored every game.

"I don't think our strikers touch less the ball. It's how the balls
are coming to him, how he decides, how quick he is in dealing
with the situation."

Jose Mourinho believes he is judged differently to other
Premier League managers following Chelsea's
lacklustre start to the campaign.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho feels he continually comes in
for different treatment from the media.

The Portuguese saw his side suffer elimination from the League
Cup in midweek following defeat to Stoke City on penalties.

With just one win from their past seven matches, Mourinho was
irked by suggestions results had become more important for his
side than performances.

He believes he has been judged against a separate benchmark
to his colleagues and remains adamant his team are showing
signs of improvement.

"I'm always judged differently on everything, so it's nothing new
for me," Mourinho said.

"In terms of the confidence of playing, [we are] playing better
and better.

"Against Stoke we played very well. At half-time it should have
been 4-0. It wasn't a lack of confidence.

"You feel more of a lack of confidence when you don't want the
ball, you don't want to play, you hide.

"In the last two matches, it's been the opposite of that. We've
played very well."

Chelsea host Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in the Premier League on
Saturday.

As Crystal Palace prepare to host Manchester United,
Wilfried Zaha opened up about his forgettable spell at
Old Trafford.

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha said he did not enjoy his
time at Manchester United, admitting he felt depressed at times.

Zaha re-joined Palace on a permanent basis in February
following a forgettable spell at Old Trafford, making only four
appearances without starting a Premier League match.

The 22-year-old, who was signed by Alex Ferguson in a deal
worth £15million in 2013, was plagued by rumours about David
Moyes' daughter and his application in training.

"At times I was depressed. I felt a lot of things. When I don't
play well nobody needs to say anything to me," Zaha said.

"I beat myself up. It stresses me out if I mess it up."

He added: "I played in all the pre-season games and then in the
Wigan game I never played my best.

"I played for England and then zero games. Then the rumours
started basically because he just stopped playing me with no
actual reason that I knew.

"It was either: I slept with David Moyes' daughter or I have got a
bad attitude. Those are the two rumours that stuck with me until
I left Man United. I have had no say since then.

"I never even met her [Moyes' daughter]. But as soon as
anybody sees me now, people think: Wilfried Zaha, bad attitude.

I just don't understand why. I went through that every single
day.

"Getting constant tweets, people outside making jokes. I just
had to take that on knowing that I wasn’t going to play for
United either. I lived up there by myself as well so there was not
really anybody to speak to."

The Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) has
parted ways with Volker Finke, appointing Alexandre
Belinga on a temporary basis.

Volker Finke has been axed as Cameroon coach, the nation's
football federation announced on Friday.

The Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) decided to part
ways with Finke, two weeks before Cameroon's CAF World Cup
qualifier against Niger, after an executive meeting.

Alexandre Belinga was appointed on a temporary basis, with
fellow Cameroonian Bonaventure Djonkep his assistant ahead
of a two-legged second-round tie against Niger, which gets
underway on November 13 and concludes four days later.

Finke, who took the reins in May 2013, was under pressure
following a number of poor results.

The 67-year-old German oversaw Cameroon's winless 2014
World Cup campaign, where they lost all three games against
hosts Brazil, Mexico and Croatia.

Cameroon also endured a forgettable time at the African
Nations Cup finals in January, having failed to make it out of the
group stage following two losses and a draw.

Dutch centre-back Stefan de Vrij will have knee
surgery, Lazio confirmed.

Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij faces a spell on the sidelines as he
prepares to go under the knife to correct a knee issue.

De Vrij, 23, has been plagued by a long-standing knee problem
and the Netherlands international will be operated on next week,
Lazio confirmed on Friday.

Speaking to Lazio Style Radio, chief medic Stefano Salvatori
said: "Today we met Stefan de Vrij and the Dutch defender will
undergo surgery next week.

"We will soon confirm where the operation will take place.
Unfortunately, this decision was necessary.

"The time taken to recover will be quite long."

De Vrij has only appeared in two Serie A matches this season,
while he played in both Champions League matches against
Bayer Leverkusen.

Joel Campbell is running out of time to prove himself
at Arsenal, manager Arsene Wenger warned.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger warned striker Joel Campbell it
was "now or never" for him to prove his worth to the club.

The Costa Rica international has struggled to make an impact at
Arsenal since his move to the club in 2011, sent out on loan to
numerous clubs after his arrival.

But Campbell is set to start for Wenger's injury-hit team when
they visit Swansea City on Saturday.

Wenger said time was running out for the 23-year-old and he
needed to prove he was worth keeping at Arsenal.

"I wanted to keep him here. I felt he has been on loan two or
three times and that it is now or never for him with us," the
Frenchman said.

"For him, as well, you belong to a club, you go one time out, two
times out then after that you don't know any more if you belong
to the club or not."

Campbell has only made four Premier League appearances for
Arsenal, but is yet to feature this campaign.

Wenger said the 50-time Costa Rica international was versatile
and capable.

"He has two positions - right side and centre-forward. He is a bit
of a mixture between [Theo] Walcott and [Olivier] Giroud," he
said.

"He likes to play with his back to goal like Giroud, but as well is
a bit of a dribbler."

Ben Foster has been sidelined with a knee injury since
March but the West Brom goalkeeper could return by
the end of November.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis revealed number one
goalkeeper Ben Foster is edging closer to a return from a knee
injury.

Foster suffered a setback in his comeback from a damaged
cruciate knee ligament injury that has sidelined him since
March, with Pulis initially ruling out the Englishman until
Christmas.

However, Pulis now believes the 32-year-old international could
return by the end of November.

"Ben is hopefully on the grass next week, that's getting closer
for us," said Pulis, ahead of Saturday's Premier League hosting
of Leicester City.

"I don't think people have mentioned it as often as they could
have, in respect to missing such an influential player - and an
influential player in the dressing room as well.

"It's been a little bit of a setback but the lads have coped very
well with it."

Chelsea will still be title contenders under Jose
Mourinho this season, according to Manuel Pellegrini.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is certain Jose
Mourinho's Chelsea will be a threat in the Premier League title
race.

Mourinho is under pressure after leading his team to just three
wins from their opening 10 league games.

The Portuguese tactician's men are already 11 points behind
leaders City ahead of Saturday's clash at home to Liverpool.

Despite that, Pellegrini backed Mourinho to turn Chelsea's
fortunes around.

"All managers have a moment in their career, in their season, a
bad moment," he said.

"It's normal, but I hope, because he [Mourinho] is a very
important manager, that he will arrange his team.

"I think he has already demonstrated what he can do. He's the
champion of the Premier League this year.

"I always say mathematics show when you can do it and when
you can't and I am sure Chelsea will be involved in the title race
or for the first position.

"They will continue to be a very strong team. They are not in
their best moment, but I am sure they will improve."

Chelsea claimed the title last season by a convincing eight
points ahead of City after losing just three games.

Pellegrini said it was difficult to go back-to-back, with
Manchester United the last team to do so in 2007-08 and 08-09.
"It's difficult to say why," he said.

"Maybe some relax, you don’t want it to happen, but it normally
does. It is difficult to repeat it.

"All the other teams who couldn’t win it last season become
stronger because they don’t want to go two years without
winning silverware.

"But the most important thing is that you have five very strong
teams here in England and they can all win the Premier League
title."

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton
described the conditions in Mexico as "crazy".

Lewis Hamilton enjoyed practice at the Mexican Grand Prix
despite the "crazy" conditions on Friday.

The world champion was 11th and fourth fastest in the
respective sessions at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in
Mexico City.

Hamilton was shocked by how slippery the track was but said
he enjoyed the tricky conditions.

"It was really challenging out there today - for everyone I think -
but also a lot of fun," the Mercedes driver said.

"The track feels more like a go-kart track in the slow areas. It's
crazy how slippery it is.

"Because we're so high up in terms of altitude, there's even less
grip than in Monza, so the car was just sliding around.

"Of course, this is also because the track is new, so there is no
rubber on it yet, but it's getting better and better the more we
drive."

Hamilton's team-mate Nico Rosberg topped second practice
after Toro Rosso's Max Verstappen was fastest in the opening
session.

Arturo Vidal criticised Eintracht Frankfurt for their
approach to their 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal was unhappy with
Eintracht Frankfurt's negative approach after his side were held
to a 0-0 draw.

For the first time this Bundesliga season, Pep Guardiola's side
failed to win as their 10-match winning streak to start the
league campaign was ended.

Vidal criticised Eintracht for what he believed were negative
tactics in pushing numbers behind the ball.

"It was very hard work today. Frankfurt pulled all 11 men back
to the edge of their own box. This is not football," he said.
"That makes it almost impossible for any team to score.
"We controlled the play and we worked well together as a team.
All that was missing was a goal.

"We’re obviously disappointed with the draw. We need to keep
on working if we’re to hit our targets."

Despite the draw, Bayern sit eight points clear at the top,
although that lead will be cut to five if Borussia Dortmund beat
Werder Bremen on Saturday.

Bundesliga:-: Eintracht 0 vs 0 Bayern Munich| Highlights Download

Bayern Munich failed to maintain their 100 per cent start to
the Bundesliga season as they were held to a 0-0 draw by
Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.

DOWNLOAD MATCH

LaLiga:-: Deportivo 1 vs 1 A. Madrid| Highlights Download

Lucas scored a late equaliser to earn Deportivo La Coruna a
1-1 draw and deny Atletico Madrid at least temporary
ownership of first place in La Liga on Friday night.

DOWNLOAD MATCH

Ligue1:-: Rennes 0 vs 1 PSG| Highlights Download

Champions Paris Saint-Germain opened up a 10-point gap
the top of Ligue 1 as Angel Di Maria's second-half strike was
enough to see off plucky Rennes 1-0 on Friday.

DOWNLOAD MATCH

Nacho Monreal 'talking' over new Arsenal contract

Arsenal's Spanish fullback Nacho Monreal is in talks
over a contract extension to stay at the Emirates
Stadium.

Nacho Monreal has revealed he is in talks with Arsenal over
signing a new contract to stay at the club.

The Spain left-back's deal is due to run out at the end of the
season, but Arsenal have the option to extend it by a further
year.

Monreal, who joined the club from Malaga in January 2013,
appears to have won the battle with Kieran Gibbs for a regular
place in the side and now appears likely to be rewarded with a
new contract.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Monreal said: "I have always said that
my idea is to stay here.

"We are talking [with the club], we need to talk and reach an
agreement. I wish that to happen. Of course I'd like to stay
here."

Monreal, who has made 12 appearances in all competitions for
the Gunners this season, feels he has Arsene Wenger's
confidence.

However, the 29-year-old has lost his place in the Spain squad,
with Jordi Alba, Juan Bernat and Cesar Azpilicueta all providing
competition.

"It is complicated because there are many players like Cesar,
Bernat or Jordi Alba. It is difficult but I have not lost the hope,"
said Monreal, who has 16 caps for Spain.

"I would like to go back. I'm doing things the best I can and if
the manager [Vicente Del Bosque] decides to call me back it
would be welcome."

Eva Alordiah and Ice Prince dated for a while when they weren ’ t
both as famous as they are today. However , as Ice Prince turned
a year older today, her birthday message got many wondering if
there are still sparks somewhere …
Hey Panshak honey @ iceprincezamani

It is 9 :01 AM and I am standing undraped in the shower , a part of
my brain processing how my Friday is gonna go , the other part just
simply hating the fact that I have no hot water .

You see , Months ago I was working out in my room when I heard
the loudest bang I ever heard in my life ! Frankie shrieked and began
to bark hysterically and when I got out to see what had happened , I
found my bathroom door ajar , my water heater smashed in several
plastic pieces on the floor in the bathroom .

I remember thinking “ What the hell?? How the fvck did this shit
come lose off the wall ?

What if I was in there , all 5 Ft 7 of me trying to have a shower , my
breasts a couple mounds protruding from my chest and the water
heater smashing through my skull . The thought of it made me
wince .

Well I just haven’ t bothered to replace it since then. I have had a
cold shower everyday for several months now and never really
cared . It didn ’ t matter. Hot or cold. I usually have always prefered
cold showers though.

Several mornings in Boarding school, I stood tall and scrawnily thin
in the cold dark early mornings , doing rub and shine with two bowls
of ice cold water . Water that I mostly had to tap from under
everyone’ s bunks in the middle of the night . I guess you could say I
been baffing cold long time . I am used to this shit !

But today is different . It is your Birthday Ice, and I ’ d hate to be
baffing ice water on your birthday! All this chilling might suck the
life outta me .
I want hot water .
Just this morning.

I don ’ t know where you are or what you are doing Ice honey. But it
is your birthday. Don ’ t baff ice water like I am about to do now.
Oh Lord ! I just turned on the shower and as the coolness of the
water hits my skin , I am reminded of things. Things eh !! Life is made
up of things.

It is even better when it is made up of Memories .

As you celebrate today Panshak … think only of the most beautiful
and the best memories .

Let Gratitude consume your soul and let there be an outpouring
of thanks from your heart .

Today , do not baff cold water like I am about to do now .
Smile honey .

Happy Birthday.
Love . ��
She.

# EvaAlordiahLetters # PanshakDay

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri remains optimistic
his Serie A champions can return to winning ways after
their poor start to the season.

Massimiliano Allegri is confident Juventus have what it takes to
turn things around following their underwhelming start to the
2015-16 campaign.

The reigning champions find themselves sitting 12th in the Serie
A table following their defeat to Sassuolo on Wednesday, a
fourth loss from 10 matches played.

Allegri though is optimistic his team can get their faltering title
defence back on track.

"This team has the required qualities to turn the corner. We
must start putting together a consistent run of results," he told a
news conference.

"Against Sassuolo, we didn't play well from a technical
perspective in the first half. After the break we improved, even
with 10 men. Our edginess is something that can't be explained.
We simply must improve.

"The criticism is justified. There's a rule in football: the winners
are the smart guys, while those who lose [are criticised]."

Juventus will be looking to return to winning ways on Saturday
when they take on city rivals Torino, but Allegri expects a
difficult match.

"There are no favourites in a derby. The last two were both good
games and this one will also be a hard-fought affair. I'm
expecting a classic Torino performance, they'll look to slow the
tempo. They're a very tough team to play against.

"We'll keep our sights set on Saturday's game. Then we'll focus
our thoughts on the Champions League."

Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald believes former Lyon
coach Remi Garde is likely to become the new
manager at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald expects Remi
Garde take charge at Villa Park, if the club are willing to splash
the cash to get their man.

MacDonald will take charge of the Premier League's bottom-
placed side at Tottenham on Monday following the sacking of
Tim Sherwood last weekend.

Villa are believed to want former Lyon coach Remi Garde,
but the ex-Arsenal player's insistence on bringing his backroom
staff - under long-term contract at the Ligue 1 side - is proving
to be an obstacle.

But Macdonald said on Friday: "If they're desperate to get him,
then they'll pay the money.

"He's got a good pedigree as a coach and obviously the
hierarchy think he's the man for the job.

"Arsene Wenger came in with no Premier League experience
and he didn't do badly."

While Garde remains the firm favourite to land the job,
MacDonald's sole focus will be on getting his side ready for the
trip to White Hart Lane.

"I've been told I need to prepare the team for Monday - whether
Remi has been given the position or will be in the stand to
watch, I don't know," he added.

It remains to be seen if Villa and Garde can come to an
agreement, though, with Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas
determined to retain coaches Bruno Genesio and Gerald Baticle.

Aulas told Le Progres: "Remi, I hope, will go to Aston Villa, he
deserves a big English club. But an assistant under contract
cannot leave. And a deputy cannot ask [to leave]."

Amid reports she is to sue the club for constructive
dismissal, Chelsea say they have not received any
legal documents from Eva Carneiro.

Chelsea have not received any legal paperwork amid reports
Eva Carneiro is to sue to the club for constructive dismissal.
Reports in the British media stated Chelsea had been served
legal papers by their former team doctor that will trigger a public
employment tribunal.

Carneiro was removed from first-team matchday duties in
August after she and physio John Fearn received criticism from
manager Jose Mourinho for treating Eden Hazard.

Their decision left Chelsea temporarily down to nine men in their
2-2 draw with Swansea on August 8.

Mourinho was cleared by the Football Association in September
of using sexist language towards Carneiro - who subsequently
left Chelsea following her demotion - during the touchline row
against Swansea, leading the doctor to question the governing
body's disciplinary process.

Former Real Madrid and Inter coach Mourinho said he was not
aware of the reported latest development in the saga when
asked about it at Friday's media conference before a Chelsea
spokesman interjected.

The club official said: "I'm not aware we have received any
paperwork so we will keep to our stance that it is an internal
staffing matter."

Saturday, 31 October 2015

Friday, 30 October 2015