April 2016 - METRO NAIJA

Saturday, 30 April 2016

Simeone: I am not a fortune teller

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone says he is not a "fortune teller" and does not know if Barcelona will slip up in an intriguing La Liga title race.

Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to score the winner as Atletico beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday.

That followed third-placed Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, while Barcelona maintained top spot with a 2-0 triumph at Real Betis later on Saturday.

When asked if he sees Barca slipping up, Simeone simply said: "I am not a fortune teller."

Atleti are battling for honours on two fronts and take a 1-0 lead to Bayern Munich for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Tuesday.

With Atleti in such a crucial period of their season, Simeone opted to make seven changes from the side that beat Bayern at the Calderon in midweek.

"We bet on fresh players," he added. "The match needed that, so later on the pitch we wanted to try, if needed, to push with the most important players during the second half.

"The match was as I imagined at the beginning, so we took an important victory in a moment when points are the most important thing."

Simeone: I am not a fortune teller

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone says he is not a "fortune teller" and does not know if Barcelona will slip up in an intriguing La Liga title race.

Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to score the winner as Atletico beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday.

That followed third-placed Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, while Barcelona maintained top spot with a 2-0 triumph at Real Betis later on Saturday.

When asked if he sees Barca slipping up, Simeone simply said: "I am not a fortune teller."

Atleti are battling for honours on two fronts and take a 1-0 lead to Bayern Munich for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Tuesday.

With Atleti in such a crucial period of their season, Simeone opted to make seven changes from the side that beat Bayern at the Calderon in midweek.

"We bet on fresh players," he added. "The match needed that, so later on the pitch we wanted to try, if needed, to push with the most important players during the second half.

"The match was as I imagined at the beginning, so we took an important victory in a moment when points are the most important thing."

'Protests more like disappointed love' - Wenger sorry he cannot keep Arsenal fans happy

Under-pressure Arsene Wenger believes the protests against him from Arsenal supporters highlights their "disappointed love" more than any hostility.

Wenger's 750th Premier League match in charge of the Gunners ended in a 1-0 victory over Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium thanks to substitute Danny Welbeck's second-half goal on Saturday.

But some Arsenal fans in a divided home support held up banners opposing the Frenchman in the 12th and 78th minutes - referencing the 12 years since their last title success.

Wenger concedes that missing out on this season's title is a major disappointment and is sorry that he cannot fully satisfy the club's support, describing himself as "irritated and frustrated" by the situation.

"We were in a position for a long time where our fans thought we could win the league and didn't," he said at his post-match press conference.

"It was a strange atmosphere. Some fans were protesting, yes, but the vast majority were supporting the team.

"I'm sorry if I can't keep everyone 100 per cent happy. I think it is more disappointed love than real aggression.

"We were warned about the protesters. You want to make the fans happy and I'm sorry if I don't achieve it. I'm irritated and frustrated if I cannot keep people happy. I have respect for the club and gave so much for the club.

"Our job is to do the best. This season we hoped we could win the league - it didn't happen and that's why people are frustrated.

"I can share that frustration. The aim is to come back and do what is needed to do it next year. The club has moved forward in the last three years.

"We have Man City now. We have to give a special game next Sunday."

Wenger insisted he does not object to supporters airing their views, but again attempted to reiterate his commitment.

He added to Sky Sports: "We respect the opinion of everybody and we give absolutely the best. I have shown my commitment and care for the club and for the fans.

"I'm really sorry that I cannot make them all happy of course and I will continue to work hard to achieve it."

Bundesliga Re-cap: Monchengladbach and Dortmund delay Bayern's title party

Bayern Munich were made to wait for their fourth consecutive Bundesliga title as Borussia Monchengladbach earned a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena and Borussia Dortmund ran out 5-1 winners over Wolfsburg.

Thomas Muller, recalled by Pep Guardiola after being surprisingly left on the bench for Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League semi-final defeat at Atletico Madrid, smuggled home a sixth-minute opener for his 20th league goal of the season.

But Bayern, perhaps with an eye on their return with Atletico on Tuesday, failed to kill-off opponents in the hunt for Champions League play-off qualification, and Andre Hahn's goal 18 minutes from time edged Andre Schubert's men above Hertha Berlin and into fourth on goal difference.

The champions' lead now stands at five points with two games remaining after Dortmund's demolition job against Wolfsburg.

Shinji Kagawa and Adrian Ramos were on target inside the first 10 minutes to help lift a toxic atmosphere brought about by captain Mats Hummels' announcement that he wishes to join Bayern at the end of the season.

Wolfsburg were indebted to goalkeeper Diego Benaglio for preventing further damage before Marco Reus made it three with an hour played and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang helped himself to a late brace.

Hertha slipped to fifth as Bayer Leverkusen made sure of third place with a 2-1 home win - Julian Brandt and Lars Bender on target before Vedad Ibisevic reduced the arrears midway through an eventful first half.

Schalke pulled ahead of Mainz into sixth with a 3-1 triumph at Hoffenheim, while their rivals for European qualification were held 0-0 by Hamburg.

Artur Sobiech cancelled out Eric Choupo-Moting's 11th-minute opener for Andre Breitenreiter's men but Klass Jan-Huntelaar restored the advantage on the stroke of half-time and substitute Alessandro Schopf made sure of the points 10 minutes from time.

Eintracht Frankfurt climbed out of the bottom two by winning 2-1 at fellow strugglers Darmstadt, who would have ruled out the prospect of a bottom-two finish with victory.

Hoffenheim further eased their own relegation fears in beating Ingolstadt by the same scoreline - a fifth win in seven outings for Julian Nagelsmann's side.

LALIGA: Real Betis 0 vs 2 Barcelona| Highlights Download

The Catalan giants ran out routine winners on Saturday evening to return to the top of the division, overtaking Atletico Madrid, who defeated Rayo Vallecano, in the process.

Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez both found the net as Barcelona beat Real Betis 2-0 on Saturday to return to the top of La Liga.

Luis Enrique's men initially struggled to break their rivals down in Sevilla but Rakitic opened the scoring in the 50th minute, before Suarez completed the scoring with nine minutes remaining.

Barca subsequently return to the summit, overtaking Atletico Madrid, who had beaten Rayo Vallecano earlier in the day.

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Ribery a doubt for Bayern's crunch Atletico clash

Pep Guardiola is unsure whether Franck Ribery will be passed fit to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after the French winger missed Bayern Munich's 1-1 draw against Borussia Monchengladbach with a back injury.

Bayern would have wrapped up the Bundesliga title with a win, but their celebrations were kept on ice as Guardiola's 100th league game in charge ended all square at the Allianz Arena, with Thomas Muller's opener cancelled out by Andre Hahn's second-half equaliser.

And there was concern for Ribery, who is struggling with discomfort in his back.

Guardiola admitted that Ribery may not be cleared in time to face Atletico at the Allianz when Bayern attempt to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit in the Champions League semi-final.

"Ribery is injured. He has a bad back," Guardiola said. "I do not know if he will play Tuesday because he is with the physios. We'll do all that we can so that he can play.

"He trained [on Friday] but [on Saturday] he came and said that he has a pain. The doctors said he cannot play."

It is a further concern for Bayern, who are already without star winger Arjen Robben due to an adductor problem that has ruled him out since the 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund on March 5.

Speaking before the match, Robben outlined his hopes to play again this season, but is unsure on when he will return.

"I don't feel like I wished I felt," he told Bayern's official website. "But I am fighting to play a role again during this season.

"That is my goal. I can't say whether it will work out. If it does, it would be superb."

The Arsenal fan protest wasn't that convincing and Twitter thought it was pretty funny

No-one was really taking a protest by Arsenal fans calling for change at their club seriously.

There's no doubting that Arsenal fans have grown weary after a 12th season without winning the Premier League title, but if they were looking to send a message the only thing loud and clear was that they're not really sure what should happen next.

Arsenal fan protest — (John Walton/PA)

The crowd against Norwich was sprinkled with fans holding up A3 sheets of card that read "Time For Change", and there were also fans outside the Emirates beforehand calling for manager Arsene Wenger and, or, the owners to move on.

The problem was, it seemed as though there are just as many fans who aren't that fussed.

.@Arsenal protest.. or 50 fans and press watch 20 fans with banners which either you prefer to call itpic.twitter.com/6bgfPFGHHl

-- Kevin Quigley (@KevinQuigley_DM) April 30, 2016

The plan amongst disgruntled Arsenal fans was to vent their anger in the 12th and 78th minutes by lifting their little A3 sheets.

Arsenal protest card — (Tom Allnutt/PA)

And even though the Emirates was again hardly full, they were easily outnumbered.

Arsenal fan protest — ( John Walton/PA)

Twitter certainly wasn't convinced. In fact, most people found it quite funny.

That was like a party political broadcast by the lib dems#arsenal

-- SG (@sharonGOONer) April 30, 2016

I really don't know what to make of this #Arsenal protest

-- Marcus Roi Medford (@marcus_roi) April 30, 2016

It's just infinitely fitting that Arsenal nation can't even manage toxicity with real conviction.

-- Mike L. Goodman (@TheM_L_G) April 30, 2016

#Arsenal fans at the Emirates ?pic.twitter.com/0FlrTaVUHl

-- Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk)April 30, 2016

Kicking off in the stands at Arsenal. Brioche and mini vol au vents flying everywhere.

-- Jack (@JackEC_mufc) April 30, 2016

I'm not sure how the Arsenal players/manager/club will recover mentally from such a monumental protest.......

-- James Wright (@jameswright2004) April 30, 2016

The Gunners' performance on the pitch was as half-hearted as the protest off it, until the hour-mark when Wenger turned to Danny Welbeck and he promptly scored the only goal of the game.

Quick quick, turn the banner round the other way to say#wengerin #arsenal #protest #wengerhockeycokey

-- Matt Davis (@matt45davis)April 30, 2016

Well that protest went well! Emirates Stadium now singing: "One Arsene Wenger". More supporting the boss than against him today #Arsenal

-- Kevin Palmer (@kpsundayworld) April 30, 2016

Perhaps if Arsenal fans need some pointers on protests they should look to Blackpool, who made their feelings about their owners very clear.

Blackpool fans protest against the Oyston family's running of the club today. Brilliant photo.pic.twitter.com/yOanboSPV3

-- Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) April 30, 2016

Credit: AOL SPORTS

EPL: Arsenal 1 vs 0 Nowich| Highlights Download

The home side had to work for their victory but moved to within two points of second-placed Tottenham as a number of fans protested against the management of Arsene Wenger.

A goal from substitute Danny Welbeck helped Arsenal to a narrow 1-0 victory over Norwich City as Arsene Wenger's men took a big step towards securing Champions League qualification amid fan protests against the Frenchman.

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LALIGA: Real Sociedad 0 vs 1 Real Madrid| Highlights Download

The Wales international scored late in the second half to keep his side's hopes of winning La Liga alive in a closely-fought affair at the Anoeta Stadium on SaturdayA late header fromGareth BalekeptReal Madrid'sLa Liga title challenge alive as they battled to a 1-0 win atReal Sociedadon Saturday

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Allegri still hopes to keep Morata at Juventus

Massimiliano Allegri remains hopeful that Alvaro Morata will stay at Juventus as he predicts a turbulent transfer market ahead of next season.

The future of Spain international Morata remains shrouded in doubt, with speculation that Real Madrid will exercise their buy-back option on the striker before selling him to bolster their own transfer plans.

Morata has admitted that leaving Juve remains "a real possibility", even though he has professed a desire to stay with the Serie A champions, for whom he has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season.

But despite Juve being linked with possible deals for Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes and Madrid's James Rodriguez, Allegri says he does not want to sanction the sale of any of his first-team players.

"I would hate to lose any player," he said on Friday when asked about Morata. "He's got back to doing well once again. I hope he stays at Juventus.

"There are many good players, in Italy and abroad. It will be a strange market and a long one, especially with the Euros [Euro 2016 finals]. Juve will make a competitive team."

Juve sealed the permanent signing of Mario Lemina this week and Allegri is delighted with the 22-year-old's efforts in Turin so far, despite this season being interrupted by injury problems.

"I gave my technical judgment to the board. He started the season with a problem with his patellar tendon, but he's always played well when called upon," he said. "He's a young player with a bright future ahead. Juve have done well to sign him."

Juve clinched the Scudetto on Monday after Roma's 1-0 win over Napoli, but Allegri has urged his players not to allow their focus to drop as they prepare for the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan on May 21.

"It was an extraordinary run after the Sassuolo defeat [in October]," he said. "I congratulate everyone who worked for this success. It's hard to imagine another team having the recovery we did.

"There is enthusiasm and euphoria, but we still have another three rounds to go and the Coppa Italia final. We've got to stay on our toes, as otherwise it might be difficult to get focus back again."

Juve host relegation-threatened Carpi on Sunday.

Allegri still hopes to keep Morata at Juventus

Massimiliano Allegri remains hopeful that Alvaro Morata will stay at Juventus as he predicts a turbulent transfer market ahead of next season.

The future of Spain international Morata remains shrouded in doubt, with speculation that Real Madrid will exercise their buy-back option on the striker before selling him to bolster their own transfer plans.

Morata has admitted that leaving Juve remains "a real possibility", even though he has professed a desire to stay with the Serie A champions, for whom he has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season.

But despite Juve being linked with possible deals for Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes and Madrid's James Rodriguez, Allegri says he does not want to sanction the sale of any of his first-team players.

"I would hate to lose any player," he said on Friday when asked about Morata. "He's got back to doing well once again. I hope he stays at Juventus.

"There are many good players, in Italy and abroad. It will be a strange market and a long one, especially with the Euros [Euro 2016 finals]. Juve will make a competitive team."

Juve sealed the permanent signing of Mario Lemina this week and Allegri is delighted with the 22-year-old's efforts in Turin so far, despite this season being interrupted by injury problems.

"I gave my technical judgment to the board. He started the season with a problem with his patellar tendon, but he's always played well when called upon," he said. "He's a young player with a bright future ahead. Juve have done well to sign him."

Juve clinched the Scudetto on Monday after Roma's 1-0 win over Napoli, but Allegri has urged his players not to allow their focus to drop as they prepare for the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan on May 21.

"It was an extraordinary run after the Sassuolo defeat [in October]," he said. "I congratulate everyone who worked for this success. It's hard to imagine another team having the recovery we did.

"There is enthusiasm and euphoria, but we still have another three rounds to go and the Coppa Italia final. We've got to stay on our toes, as otherwise it might be difficult to get focus back again."

Juve host relegation-threatened Carpi on Sunday.

'Even Guardiola needed time' - Brocchi has no regrets over taking AC Milan role

Cristian Brocchi does not have any regrets over taking the role as AC Milan caretaker boss and pointed out that even Pep Guardiola had a difficult start to his coaching career.

Milan have picked up four points from Brocchi's three Serie A matches since he took over from the sacked Sinisa Mihajlovic, the most recent being a 2-1 loss to bottom-of-the table Verona.

The Rossoneri sit sixth in the table, one point ahead of Sassuolo as they look to ensure they will have a place in next season's Europa League in case they suffer defeat to Juventus in the Coppa Italia final on May 21.

Ahead of the home match against struggling Frosinone on Sunday, Brocchi insisted he had no choice but to accept the offer to take over from the popular Mihajlovic.

He said: "If the chief offers you a top role, how can you say no? All coaches are criticised, even [Juve boss Massimiliano] Allegri was this season.

"I have my ideas and will continue with them whether I am at Milan next season or not. All great coaches had initial difficulties. Arrigo Sacchi, Pep Guardiola, even Maurizio Sarri needed two and a half months at Napoli to get his team playing this well.

"Having said that, the lack of time must not be a justification for me. I am trying to give something to my team and have been studying football for five years, so I have a fortified idea of the sport.

"I prefer to watch Barcelona and Bayern Munich, or if we want to be more close to home the way Napoli, Sassuolo and Empoli play.

"It's a difficult moment for everyone and we are all disappointed. I am responsible for the players and if they don't do what I ask, I have to take responsibility for that too."

Brocchi stressed he does not want to see negative football at Milan, but urged his team to work together more effectively in difficult moments.

He continued: "In my idea of football we can't just focus on the counter-attack, but must entertain the fans. It's not arrogance, it is my idea of football.

"On Sunday, however, the result is too important. In Italy the number one rule is to get the three points, but that doesn't mean my team will be clammed up trying to counter to snatch a result. That has never been our approach.

"Not making Europe would be a collective failure - the fault would lie with me and the players. We are always here working, my staff and I only stop for the eight or nine hours per day we get to spend at home."

Mancini praises 'top-quality' Banega

Inter coach Roberto Mancini has professed his admiration Ever Banega amid reports linking the Sevilla star with a move to San Siro.

The Argentina midfielder continued his fine season with an excellent display in Sevilla's 2-2 draw at Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Tuesday.

Earlier this week, Mancini stated it would be hard to persuade Yaya Toure to leave Manchester City, potentially making Banega - five years the Ivorian's junior at 27 - an attractive alternative.

"Banega is a Sevilla player so it would be premature to talk about him now," Mancini told a news conference ahead of his team's trip to Lazio on Sunday.

"He's top quality, skilful and experienced and he plays for Argentina but he doesn't play for Inter.

"It's hard to say what sort of players we're looking for in the transfer market. It depends on how various situations develop in the summer. It's hard to assess now.

"What we need is to get players who can improve us where we are currently lacking. In attack? No."

Willian desperate for next season to arrive

After a forgettable season, Willian says Chelsea are determined to compete for silverware under Antonio Conte next term.

The Blues' Premier League title defence fizzled out early in a campaign that saw Jose Mourinho sacked in December, to be replaced on a short-term basis by Guus Hiddink.

Willian, one of Chelsea's few consistent performers early in 2015-16, has acknowledged the team's difficulty in motivating themselves after falling out of contention for the big prizes.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Monday's London derby at Stamford Bridge, he said: "When we started this season we wanted to win the title, to win the league again, to win everything. But we didn't. I think now we know what we have to do next season.

"Last season we were champions and this season we have won nothing. This is difficult for us because now we do not have the motivation to play, to train, because we have nothing to win. We only play for our pride.

"This season was difficult for us. It was strange. Sometimes we played good football but we didn't have the luck. Sometimes we couldn't score.

"We want to finish this season quickly because we want to start the next one better, and next season win some titles.

"Next season will be difficult as well because the other teams will buy players. Other managers will come and it will be a difficult season for everybody."

Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas have both revealed recently they do not want cross-city rivals Tottenham to win the Premier League ahead of Leicester City, comments that have drawn criticism from north London and elsewhere.

But Willian has taken the same stance as his team-mates, making no secret of Chelsea's determination to prevent the championship crown going to White Hart Lane.

"We don't want Spurs to win the league, of course we want to win against them," he said. "The fans of Chelsea do not want them to win the title.

"Of course it will be a difficult game, a massive game. We have to win for our pride, not because Spurs are fighting to win the league.

"They come to win. They respect us but if they win here they have a chance to win the league. We have to stop them winning the league."

Mancini: Inter season not a disaster

Robert Mancini defended Inter's record this season and hopes to keep the nucleus of his squad together in order to progress next term.

Inter travel to the capital to face Lazio on Sunday, their opponents now led by Mancini's former Stadio Olimpico team-mate Simone Inzaghi.

Their pre-Christmas title challenge having long since subsided, Inter lie fourth - seven points shy of third-placed Roma - and their slim mathematical hopes of claiming a Champions League spot will end if they fail to better the result achieved by Luciano Spalletti's side in this round of fixtures.

Roma are away at Genoa on Monday but Mancini was keen to focus on his own team's achievements, having accepted culpability for some of their failings during the second half of the campaign earlier this week.

"As I've said lots of times before, all the players have shown 100 per cent commitment from day one," he told a pre-match news conference.

"We need to produce three top performances because you never know what can happen. As long as third place is still possible we'll keep trying.

"We can talk about any regret we may have next Saturday. There hasn't been a single game where we haven't set out to win. We've always tried our very best but this is football: you win some and you lose some.

"It hasn't been a disastrous season and the fans should know that. We're fourth behind three very well-equipped sides. We were superb in the first half of the season, then we had a natural dip in form and dropped points but overall it's been an excellent season.

"I gave myself a low mark the other week because I'm very demanding. I had hoped to give Inter the Champions League stage they deserve.

"Of course, I have to assess other things and I don't think it's been a negative season."

Mancini confirmed Adem Ljajic would miss the Lazio match after sustaining a thigh injury in training, while he also reflected on the long-term future of reportedly sought-after stars such as captain Mauro Icardi and Marcelo Brozovic.

"I hope the team gets better every year and how that happens is not important," he added.

"Inter are a great club and must aim to improve constantly. We're on the right track.

"A side that has been playing together for two or three years naturally has an advantage over a team that changed eight or nine players."

Klopp: Flanagan still faces fitness battle

Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan must work on his "physical resistance" if he is to play regular first-team football, according to manager Jurgen Klopp.

Prior to his January comeback, Flanagan had spent 19 months on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

The 23-year-old, who has one England cap, last played for the Anfield club when he skippered his side at Southampton in March.

After featuring in the under-21 side's 2-1 victory against Norwich City on Monday, Klopp provided an update on the right-back's fitness,

"Flanno is in a situation that [means] he cannot train all the time," he told a news conference. "When you're out for this long period, you can't train all the time and you can't build a base, that's all.

"It's a little bit similar, different story, to what I said about Daniel Sturridge with the long injury breaks.

"If we want to help him, we need to work on his physical resistance so that he is ready for more than one game and then two or three days' recovery or something."

Since making his debut as an 18-year-old against Manchester City in April 2011, Flanagan has made 48 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions,

His best season came in 2013-14, when his 25 appearances earned him a place on Roy Hodgson's standby list for the 2014 World Cup.

Hummels to Bayern is the logical deal - Hitzfeld

Former Bayern Munich boss Ottmar Hitzfeld says Mats Hummels would be making the correct decision should he leave Borussia Dortmund for the Allianz Arena.

Dortmund announced this week that the Germany international has informed the club that he wants to leave at the end of the season in order to join the reigning Bundesliga champions.

Hitzfeld - who delivered league and Champions League success to both Bayern and Dortmund during a stellar coaching career - believes Hummels will give himself the best chance of winning trophies by moving to the Allianz Arena.

"To me, this would be a logical transfer - especially for Mats and Bayern. It would be a great acquisition for those in Munich," he told RND.

"He can win trophies consistently, not only the Bundesliga, but he'll have the chance to get the Champions League every year.

"Bayern would be attractive for Mats because he can play alongside Jerome Boateng and Manuel Neuer is in goal behind them."

Dortmund have watched Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski join Bayern in the last three years and Hitzfeld accepts it will be difficult for Thomas Tuchel's side to watch another star join their rivals.

"For BVB, it's extremely bitter, because another top performer is leaving the team," he said. "Hummels was not simply a captain, he's a leader, a role model, the head of the team."

Shaw pushing for United comeback this season

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is hoping to return to action for the first team before the end of the season.

The 20-year-old resumed outdoor training on April 4 after months of recovery from a double leg fracture sustained in the Champions League defeat to PSV in October.

Manager Louis van Gaal stated last month he was delighted with Shaw's progress and the former Southampton man admits he is pushing to be back in the squad for United's remaining matches.

"I am back outside now, still with the physio but, day by day, I am getting better and fitter," he told MUTV. "I am just going to keep pushing now until the end of the season and see what happens.

"At the moment, my leg feels really great every time I go outside. There was a bit of aching at the start but now they are all gone. It is just back to hard work now and hopefully I will see the fans before the end of the season.

"I have missed football so much. It was hard for me to watch it at times because I missed it so much and I just wanted to be out there.

"It has not been easy for [the medical staff] either because they have to sometimes deal with me being a little bit moody or what not, but we have all got through it really well."

United face Leicester City, Norwich City, West Ham and AFC Bournemouth in their final four Premier League matches before the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 21.

Shaw pushing for United comeback this season

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is hoping to return to action for the first team before the end of the season.

The 20-year-old resumed outdoor training on April 4 after months of recovery from a double leg fracture sustained in the Champions League defeat to PSV in October.

Manager Louis van Gaal stated last month he was delighted with Shaw's progress and the former Southampton man admits he is pushing to be back in the squad for United's remaining matches.

"I am back outside now, still with the physio but, day by day, I am getting better and fitter," he told MUTV. "I am just going to keep pushing now until the end of the season and see what happens.

"At the moment, my leg feels really great every time I go outside. There was a bit of aching at the start but now they are all gone. It is just back to hard work now and hopefully I will see the fans before the end of the season.

"I have missed football so much. It was hard for me to watch it at times because I missed it so much and I just wanted to be out there.

"It has not been easy for [the medical staff] either because they have to sometimes deal with me being a little bit moody or what not, but we have all got through it really well."

United face Leicester City, Norwich City, West Ham and AFC Bournemouth in their final four Premier League matches before the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 21.

Arsenal must change to end title drought - Cazorla

Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla says the team must change to win the Premier League title after yet another season of disappointment at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners had one of their best chances in several years to claim their first championship since 2003-04, as holders Chelsea and traditional heavyweights Manchester United struggled throughout the campaign, with Manchester City also below their best.

Rather than seize the opportunity presented to them, Arsenal have had to watch as Leicester City defied expectations to climb to the top of the standings, with north London rivals Tottenham proving to be the Foxes' nearest challengers.

And Spanish attacking midfielder Cazorla, who has been linked with a transfer back to Villarreal, has acknowledged the squad's shortcomings as they prepare to end the campaign empty handed.

"Certainly we need to change something, because if we want to win we need to change," he told Sky Sports.

"We will see what we have to do, but I think we need to be more regular [consistent].

"This year we lost at home to Swansea, drew at home to Crystal Palace, and this is the difference if you want to win the league.

"It's true we have a great mentality and great philosophy, because we always want to attack and always want to score, but sometimes we need to be clever, and if we are winning 1-0 we need to protect this result and win the three points."

Some Arsenal supporters are planning to stage a protest directed against manager Arsene Wenger during the home match against Norwich City on Saturday.

Cazorla, though, insisted everyone connected with the playing squad, not just the manager, must accept a share of the blame for the team underachieving.

"We all have the responsibility this season," he said. "When we win we win together, when we lose we lose together, we are a team.

"We had a great opportunity, we know that and we were disappointed. But this is football, and we only look to the future.

"I hope next season we improve a lot and I hope we win next season.

"We know we had a great opportunity to win the league this year and the only thing now is to fight until the end for the final three games."

Montero, Valencia set for Copa America Centenario

Antonio Valencia, Enner Valencia and Jefferson Montero have all been named in Gustavo Quinteros' provisional 40-man Ecuador squad for the Copa America Centenario.

Antonio Valencia missed out on a place in last year's edition after undergoing ankle surgery, but is set to have the chance to represent his country in the United States.

Ecuador will be looking to improve after failing to progress from their group in Chile, with the Premier League-based trio joined in the preliminary group by Watford's Juan Carlos Paredes.

Coach Quinteros has selected a large number of players who ply their trade in the domestic league, including seven from Independiente del Valle, who are on course to reach the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals with a 2-0 aggregate lead over defending champions River Plate.

Family ties see cousins Walter and Jaime Ayovi once again in the same squad, while brothers Alex and Miller Bolanos have also been named.

Ecuador have been drawn alongside Brazil, Peru and Haiti in Group B, with their first match against Dunga's side at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, on June 4.

Ecuador's preliminary 40-man squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Alexander Dominguez (LDU Quito), Esteban Dreer (Emelec), Maximo Banguera (Barcelona SC), Librado Azcona (Independiente del Valle).

Defenders: Juan Carlos Paredes (Watford), Mario Pineida (Barcelona SC), Jose Quinteros (LDU Quito), Arturo Mina (Independiente del Valle), Gabriel Achilier (Emelec), Jorge Guagua (Emelec), Frickson Erazo (Atletico Mineiro), Robert Arboleda (Universidad Catolica), Dario Aimar (Barcelona SC), Luis Caicedo (Independiente del Valle), Walter Ayovi (Monterrery), Oscar Bagui (Emelec), Cristian Ramirez (Ferencvaros).

Midfielders: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United), Angel Mena (Emelec), Renato Ibarra (Vitesse), Christian Noboa (Rostov), Fernando Gaibor (Emelec), Pedro Larrea (El Nacional), Segundo Castillo (Barcelona SC), Pedro Quinonez (Emelec), Alex Bolanos (Aucas), Carlos Gruezo (Dallas), Jefferson Orejuela (Independiente del Valle), Jefferson Montero (Swansea City), Bryan Cabezas (Independiente del Valle), Michael Arroyo (Club America), Fidel Martinez (Pumas).

Forwards: Enner Valencia (West Ham), Felipe Caicedo (Espanyol), Jaime Ayovi (Godoy Cruz), Jose Angulo (Independiente del Valle), Juan Cazares (Atletico Mineiro), Miller Bolanos (Gremio), Junior Sornoza (Independiente del Valle), Daniel Angulo (LDU Quito).

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