LVG: Di Maria has disappointed

Angel di Maria: Louis van Gaal admits the record signing has been a disappointment for Manchester United

Louis van Gaal says record signing Angel di Maria’s first season at Manchester United has been ‘a disappointment’.

But the United manager feels the £59.7m midfielder will not leave the club in the summer, following reports he is a transfer target for Paris St Germain.

Di Maria was Real Madrid’s man of the match in the Champions League final last season and was also in the Argentina side which reached the World Cup final.

Since moving to Old Trafford, however, Di Maria has only scored three times, and van Gaal admits he has not been pleased with the player’s contribution.

"He cannot say that he has had a marvellous season here," Van Gaal said.

"Normally Di Maria should have played, but the last weeks he doesn't play anymore and the team is winning. Now, we are losing, so the chance of him coming back is higher. It is always like that. It is never that it is not like that.

"The issue that he is not always in the line-up is for him a disappointment, but also for me a disappointment."

The former Barcelona coach conceded there is no guarantee that the player will perform better next season after a long holiday.

"I hope," Van Gaal said with a chuckle when asked if the World Cup was the reason behind Di Maria's poor form.

"You cannot always say that is the main factor. Of course, it plays a role, and I hope it is that, because then we can have a fantastic season next season.

"You have to adapt to our philosophy and that is also difficult for him, probably. Normally he shall have a fantastic season - I believe in that."

With that in mind, Van Gaal has no plans to sell Di Maria, whose family were subjected to a terrifying burglary in January during United’s home game against Leicester.

"I think Di Maria shall stay," the United manager said. "He is working hard. I am pleased with his attitude, so that is not a problem.

"The manager and the club is always dependable on the opinion of the player himself. The player decides. We shall see what he decides.

"The decision is not only to him because now we have a contract, so we shall speak always with every player - evaluation, as I always do.

"Then we speak with each other about the future, and that is with every player."

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Confederation Cup: Warri Wolves stun MK Etancheite with Etebo's late goal

The Nigerian side braved the odds to advance to the next round at the expense of their DR Congo hosts after a keenly contested tie which produced a late winner.

Warri Wolves have qualified for the play-off of the Caf Confederation Cup as they won 1-0 against MK Etancheite of Democratic Republic of Congo at the 80,000 capacity Stade des Martyrs on Friday evening to advance 3-1 on aggregate.

 A last minute goal from Oghenekaro Etebo ensured that Wolves qualified for the next round and thus secured their second road win of the campaign in volatile Kinshasa
 Wolves led 2-1 after the first leg played two weeks ago in Warri but the club from DR Congo threatened fire and brimstone after they almost left Nigeria with a draw.

 The last Nigerian club on the continent strove and puffed before they secured the win they needed to qualify for the playoffs spot at the expense of their hosts in Kinshasa.

 Wolves altered their formation and some of the players they used in the first leg and this rattled their hosts who expected their foes to parade same set of players that they played against in Warri.

 Abu Azeez, Ojo Mine, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Michael Egbeta and Onyekachi Okafor were some of the new introductions that rendered MK Etancheite powerless in Kinshasa.

 They have qualified for the next round and will hit the group stage if they beat their next foes-one from the drop outs of the Caf Champions league in the second round.

 Wolves are yet to be beaten in this year’s competition after six games.   

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Brendan Rodgers key to my progress – Ibe

The Nigerian youngster reveals how the Reds gaffer has been key to his smooth transition into the Liverpool first team since his return from a loan spell.

Liverpool rookie Jordan Ibe has said that manager Brendan Rodgers has been instrumental to his progress since returning to the Anfield based outfit after completing his loan move to Derby County.

The 19-year-old midfielder boasts of 10 appearances for the Reds' senior team, and would likely have added more had he not been sidelined due to injury.

 The winger's contribution since his return to Merseyside led Rodgers to hail him as a 'very important' part of the squad earlier this week.

"It gives me a lot of confidence. I'm happy the gaffer thinks of me that way and hopefully I can just do what he thinks I can do on the pitch, do well and try to get goals for the team,” Liverpoolfc.com.

"He's given me the chance to play in the first team and I'm enjoying it and learning from all the players. 

"I feel I can take this into next season and keep playing and doing well."

"He's told me at times, 'Don't back down from going at a player'. If there's 10 opportunities to go at a player and I lose it nine times, he said the 10th time hopefully I'll go past the player,” he continued.

"It gives me the confidence and freedom when I'm in the final third to express myself and try to do something positive - get a goal or whip it in for someone to score."

The former Wycombe Wanderers starlet is currently focusing on contributing more goals and revealed one area where he feels he has made a big improvement of late. 

"I can remember there was a chance in a game where I could have been back post and got a tap-in, so it's just getting in the right areas and in the frame of the goal. I'm working on that," he added.

"I'm starting to get into the right areas now and making the right runs, so I think that's one of the key areas I've developed throughout the whole season. 

"One of the biggest improvements [I have made] would be that I used to get nervous but I feel like I handle it better and play with the team with freedom."

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Ancelotti: I don't know why Madrid fans boo Ronaldo

The Blancos boss says the Portuguese's insatiable desire for goals is why he has scored at least 50 times in the past five seasons.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended Cristiano Ronaldo's character and admitted he is baffled as to why the striker is whistled by some of the club's fans.

Ronaldo netted his 50th goal of the season in all competitions in the Liga win over Malaga on April 18 but he has failed to register in his last three outings and came in for heavy criticism for an allegedly petulant reaction to Alvaro Arbeloa beating him to a tap-in in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat of Almeria.

However, Ancelotti is amazed Ronaldo's unquenchable thirst for goals is being portrayed as a negative by the media and fans alike.

"I think if Ronaldo has scored 50 goals is precisely because of its nature," the Italian argued. "He is never happy with what he does, always fighting.

"That is why he scores 50 goals in a season and he has been doing that for such a long time.

"I do not understand why the Santiago Bernabeu whistles Ronaldo."
Meanwhile, Ancelotti revealed that he hopes to have Gareth Bale available for Saturday's vital Liga meeting with Sevilla, with the Welsh winger having recovered from a calf problem.

However, the Blancos boss refused to confirm whether the €100 million man or Karim Benzema, who has been out of action with a knee injury, will start at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

"I think he'll be ready," he added. "I have good options for the midfield. I will decide tomorrow if he will play.

"Are Bale and Benzema fully recovered? We will not take risks. It's not the last game of the season.

"If a player is available, he will play. They may not be in condition to endure 90 minutes but they are fit.

"However, we will not take risks."

Ancelotti also refused to be drawn on whether Sergio Ramos will play in midfield again, with the centre-back having done a sterling job in front of the back four in the Champions League, second-leg win over Atletico Madrid.

However, the former AC Milan and Juventus boss did argue that the versatile defender is an even better player than iconic Italy international Fabio Cannavaro.

"It's very difficult to compare Ramos with other historical players," he added. "There are players with extraordinary quality, some with ability to concentrate very well, others with a quality to defend well.

"But Ramos is extraordinary. He could be the most complete defender ever.

"Cannavaro was perhaps stronger. But Ramos is the most complete."

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Van Gaal: Poor pre-season cost Manchester United title tilt

The Dutchman believes last summer's exertions were to blame for a sluggish start to the campaign, but insists the club have now changed their plans to meet his requirements.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes the club's pre-season preparations cost them a run at the Premier League title.

Van Gaal took over at Old Trafford following the World Cup and the squad were immediately whisked away on a tour of the United States, which included matches in humid climates and long-haul flights.

Despite winning all of their pre-season matches United took just eight points from their first six games of the season proper, which left them eight points behind Jose Mourinho's side.

The Dutchman says his men would be level with the Blues were it not for that slow start, and insists this summer will be different.

Asked what he must do to bridge the gap to the league leaders, Van Gaal replied: "We need balance in our selection, I said that many many times, I cannot deny that we need balance in our selection.

"I think also the preparation of our season, Manchester United has already adapted to a better preparation - we shall have two base camps in the United States so we are not flying between the matches, we are going via a bus. That’s better.

"The temperature is lower as we are on the [opposite] coast to last year, so they have adapted to my criteria. So we shall have a better preparation also.

"We started very badly this year because when you cut the start of it I think we shall equalise Chelsea, for example, but now we have to start better.

"When I preview our preparations now it looks better, but we have to see of course. Then we have to make the balance in our selection better, and then we have to perform at the moment that it has been asked.

"We have to perform better than this year."

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Luis Enrique: Suarez hasn't made any mistakes at Barcelona

The Uruguayan had a patchy reputation and arrived at Camp Nou carrying a four-month ban, but his coach says the striker has been immaculately admirable.

Luis Enrique has lauded Luis Suarez for the way he has conducted himself on and off the field at Barcelona.

Suarez signed for the Catalans last summer but was unable to make his debut until October because he was serving a four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at World Cup 2014 - the third such offence of the Uruguay international's career.

The striker initially struggled to score goals at Camp Nou but he has rediscovered his very best form since the turn of the year and Luis Enrique feels that the 28-year-old deserves credit for the way in which he has gone about his business since arriving from Liverpool.

"The things we work on are between us but I would like to comment on his attitude and behaviour," the Barca boss told reporters on Friday.

"He made a mistake on the pitch but here he hasn't made any mistakes. I'm very conscious about all our players' individual situations, especially for him.

"I understand the way he feels and lives football matches. He has demonstrated self-control and we're very happy with him.


"Not just his performances but behaviour on the field. It's great for everyone to have him carry himself in that way."
Suarez has formed a formidable forward line with Lionel Messi and Neymar, with the trio's goals propelling Barca towards a treble.

However, Luis Enrique insists he will not be afraid to rest one of his star strikers in the coming weeks if he feels it would be beneficial for the squad.

"I see them the way I always see them, like the rest of the players," he said.

"Everything's possible, it depends on decisions I make. What, do you want me to rotate them or not? Do you want me to explain who I'm going to rotate?

"Nothing is decided, it will be a function of what I think will be best for the team and for the games this season."

Barca currently sit two points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with four rounds of the season remaining, while they face Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals next week.

Luis Enrique insists there is no chance of his players taking their eyes off the Primera Division prize, claiming that they will treat every game with the utmost respect, starting with this weekend's meeting with Cordoba.

"La Liga is not decided and the players know that. I can see that in training," he added.

"We will need a good level to overcome Cordoba. With four games still to play, there is still much work to do.

“It's like a marathon. You can't get close to end, stop and start walking.

"We are in the most exciting stretch of the season. It is the most decisive stage."

Meanwhile, the former Spain international refused to be drawn on the futures of forward Pedro and full-back Dani Alves, both of whom are being linked with moves away from Barca this year.

"I have already known for years how good Dani Alves is," he stated. 

"This year his behaviour has been spectacular and he has been at his best from an athletic perspective.

"We are now focused on our objectives. At the end of the season we'll talk about each individual case.

"But all I can say is that Pedro is a top player and has always helped us from within or outside the group."

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Federation Cup: Enyimba begins title defence against Nasarawa Feeders

Enyimba FC – 2014 Federation Cup champions

Back-to-back Federation Cup champions Enyimba International FC have been handed an easy draw in the Round of 64 of the Nigeria oldest cup competition.

The Aba Millionaire, who defeated Dolphins 2-1 in last year’s Federation Cup final played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, were paired against Nasarawa Feeders FC in the year’s knock-out round.

The draw which was held on Thursday 30th April at the Main Auditoriom of the FIFA Goal Project Technical Centre in Abuja also squared Nembe City with rivals Bayelsa United in a derby tie.

Inter FC are up against last year finalist Dolphins FC while Plateau United will face Shooting Stars SC.

Kaduna United FC will host Rangers International FC amongst many other pairings.The round of 64 matches will take place on 13th and 14th May. Winners of the Federation Cup which is a knockout competition, will represent Nigeria at the CAF Confederations Cup.

Round Of 64 Fixtures:

A.B.U Zaria FC Vs Ajiroba Oni FC

Niger Tornadoes Feeders Vs Shinkafi United FC

Zagbai FC Vs Niger Tornadoes FC

FRSC FC Vs Sharks FC

Kaduna United FC Vs Rangers International FC

Idah United FC Vs Spotlight FC

Akwa Starlets FC Vs Kwara United

Giwa FC Vs Kukuruku Dragons FC

Doma United Vs Jalingo United FC

El Kanemi Babes Vs Abia Warriors FC

Akwa United FC Vs Dalhatu United FC

Christ Ambassadors FC Vs Prime FC

Bilani FC Vs Gateway United

Plateau United FC Vs Shooting Stars SC

Heartland FC Vs Bizi Cashless FC

Gabros FC Vs Chuson FC

Julius Atete FC Vs Sunshine Stars FC

Peacemaker FC Vs New Stars FC

Junior Spotlite FC Vs Lobi Stars FC

Nasarawa United Vs New Vision FC

FC Abuja Vs Wikki Tourists FC

Papilo FC Vs Gombe United FC

Enyimba FC Vs Nasarawa Feeders FC

El Kanemi Warriors Vs Kwara Football Academy

Caliphate Sokoto Vs Crown FC

Makwada Warriors FC Vs Jigawa Golden Stars FC

Kurmi Market FC Vs BJ Foundation

FC Taraba Vs Akampa United FC

Cardinal FC Vs Remo Stars FC

Kano Pillars FC Vs Zara FC

Inter FC Vs Dolphins FC

Nembe City Vs Bayelsa United

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'Injuries cost Arsenal title'

Arsene Wenger thinks his Arsenal side have made progress since last season, but believes Chelsea have the upper hand in the league due to their consistency

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal would have mounted a sustained push for the Premier League title had his squad not been hampered by injuries in the early part of the season.

The Gunners find themselves 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea who, having drawn 0-0 at the Emirates on Sunday to all-but end Arsenal’s title challenge, moved to within one win of the title with a 3-1 win at Leicester on Wednesday.

Arsenal have fallen victim to a number of long-term injuries setbacks this season, with only three of the Sunday’s starting line-up playing more than 25 Premier League games, compared to ten from Chelsea’s side.

And Wenger maintained his squad could have been challenging Jose Mourinho’s side had they navigated through the season injury-free

“I think so, but it’s easy to say,” he told Sky Sports. “I’ve said many times we had big injuries at the start of the season after the World Cup.

“It took us some time to find a good balance in the team we dropped some points because of that.

“When you look at games like Stoke away, that was a big disappointment for us. We had a very young defence on the day and that was certainly detrimental to our results.

Gabriel: Injured hamstring at QPR

"But the gap is the gap. They [Chelsea] have been more consistent than us since the start. They had a very strong start and that kept them going until the end."

Early exits from the Capital One Cup and Champions League, coupled with their title challenge falling away, have drawn question marks over Arsenal’s season.

However, with the Gunners on course to finish second in the league and in with a shout of retaining the FA Cup, Wenger argued his side had made progress.

Jack Wilshere: Seen little action this campaign

“To look at it in a realistic way, I feel personally that we have progressed so I look at it in a positive way,” Wenger added.

“What you want from a team is to show during a season is to grow together and become better.

“We faced a big challenge because Chelsea, who are in front of us, didn’t drop their level and were more consistent from the start to the end, that’s why we didn’t catch them. But overall we feel we have made progress.”

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Watford Jokanovic manager of the month

.Sky Bet Championship Manager of the month for April - Slavisa Jokanovic

Watford’s Slavisa Jokanovic, MK Dons’ Karl Robinson and Southend’s Phil Brown have won the Manager of the Month awards for April.

Derby’s Tom Ince, Preston’s Jermaine Beckford and Southend’s Adam Barrett scooped the player awards.

Watford boss Jokanovic led his team to promotion to the Premier League.

George Burley chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel and he said: “Watford have had a fantastic April, collecting 16 points. 

“The Sky Bet Championship has been the most closely contested division in England this season and Slavisa and his team must be congratulated for earning automatic promotion.”

Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “Slavisa Jokanovic could not have wished for a better first season in charge of the Hornets. He has led his team into the Premier League with one game to spare and goes into the final game in pole position to win the Sky Bet Championship title.”

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson - battling for promotion

Robinson guided his side through a month of crushing dominance as they closed in on the automatic promotion places.

The Dons gained 19 points from a possible 21 with a 20-3 goal differential, winning five games by at least two goals.

Burley said: “Yet again Karl has pushed MK Dons forward with a phenomenal goal difference.

“Simon Grayson’s Preston have also been in great form and it will be an interesting battle between the two of them to see who gets automatic promotion alongside Bristol City.”

Southend United boss Phil Brown - seven straight wins

Brown proved himself to be the master of timing as Southend charged towards automatic promotion with seven wins from seven games, including a vital 1-0 victory at rivals Bury.

Brown told Sky Sports News HQ: ”I put it down to hard work, preparation, a first-class backroom staff, great support from the chairman from a financial perspective and most importantly the camaraderie and spirit of the players.

"We were beaten by Burton 2-1 and it was a tough pill to swallow. We were beaten in the 90th minute and they were down to 10 men. We had a real heart-to-heart with the players. It just shows you how much they care. Then Cambridge came and parked the bus - we drew 0-0. After that the team has been galvanised."  

Ince scored five goals in six April games. Rams coach Steve McClaren said: “Tom has been fantastic for us since his arrival at the start of February. He has scored plenty of goals and shown his quality.”

Tom Ince: Derby County star scored five goals in April

Preston striker Beckford scored five important goals in the month.

He has formed a brilliant partnership with Joe Garner, and is once more demonstrating his finishing prowess under pressure.

Preston manager Simon Grayson said: “Jermaine can finish goals and has scored them at the highest level. He works extremely hard for the team and I’m delighted for him that he has won this award.”

Veteran defender Barrett has put in a series of inspiring displays at the heart of a Southend defence which did not concede in seven games in April.

Brown said: "He has been a revelation, it's got to be said. His spirit and drive and determination to stay in the team has been exemplary. Congratulations to him."

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Mayweather: I will attack Pac From the start

Floyd Mayweather: I'll attack Pacquiao from the start

Floyd Mayweather says he is going to come out swinging and be the aggressor early against Manny Pacquiao when they meet in Saturday's super fight in Las Vegas.

The 38-year-old, who is putting his undefeated record on the line to fight Filipino icon Pacquiao at the MGM Grand, usually needs a few rounds to feel out and adjust to his opponent's game plan.

"I am going to approach it in a very, very aggressive way and go out there and press the attack early," Mayweather said on TNT.

"Of course I would love to win by knockout. I am pretty sure he is going to come at me extremely strong. I am facing one of the best fighters I have ever faced."

Floyd Mayweather claims Pacquiao has picked a groin protector that will restrict him hitting hard.

Mayweather was on the NBA television show with hosts Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson.

Mayweather's insistence that he will be the aggressor is welcome news to boxing fans. The 12-round welterweight unification fight is expected to generate a record $400m in revenue.

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'Pacquiao's a shot fighter'

Manny Pacquiao lays face down after being knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in 2012

Manny Pacquiao is not the same fighter since he suffered a savage knockout at the fists of Juan Manuel Marquez, believes Floyd Mayweather's father and trainer.

Marquez sent Pacquiao crashing to the canvas with a straight right hand to bring a premature end to their fourth fight in December 2012 and plunge the Filipino's future in doubt.

Pacquiao had previously beaten the Mexican twice after their first fight ended in a draw but the six-round knockout had some questioning whether he would hang up his gloves.

The southpaw responded by claiming one-sided victories over Brandon Rios, Tim Bradley and Chris Algieri to finally secure a showdown with the undefeated American.

Ed Robinson and Andy Scott were at the media centre for MayPac and they bring you the latest news from Vegas

Mayweather Sr, however, who returned to his son's corner in 2013 following a 13-year estrangement, believes Marquez has left the Filipino southpaw's career on borrowed time.

"Once you get hit like he did by Marquez and your ass goes to sleep, it won't take too many more punches before it happens again. He's gone," Mayweather Sr said.

"Anyone who has been in boxing long enough knows what I'm talking about. I don't know what round it will happen in, but when he gets hit like that again, it will happen again. Simple."

Once you get hit like he (Pacquiao) did by Marquez and your ass goes to sleep, it won't take too many more punches before it happens again. He's gone.

Floyd Mayweather snr

Freddie Roach, Pacquaio's trainer of 15 years, has shrugged off concerns that his star pupil is not the same fearsome fighter he was.

"Manny knows that knockouts are a part of boxing," said Roach, a seven-time trainer of the year. "If you don't want to get knocked out, go do something else.

"It was a bad knockout against Marquez, he was down for a long time. I was worried but when we got back in the gym there was no change, he wasn't gun shy.

"But Floyd has put on extra muscle and can punch when he wants to. So I hope he chooses to come out in the early rounds and tries to knock us out.

"Floyd will be looking to land that big overhand right, which was kind of a sucker shot, a shot fighters like Manny shouldn't be hit with."

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Official: Brazil to meet Mexico in Sao Paulo

The Selecao will face El Tri at Allianz Parque on June 7 in what will be their first match on home soil since last year's World Cup

Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour has confirmed the venue of Brazil’s upcoming friendly with Mexico.

The Selecao will meet the North Americans in their penultimate Copa America warm-up match at Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo.
Home of Palmeiras, the stadium was opened in 2014 and holds over 43,000 spectators.

“We are thrilled to host the national team’s first match in Brazil on the road to the 2018 World Cup,” said Venancio Castro, executive director of AEG Facilities Brasil.

“Allianz Parque is the perfect venue and will provide a spectacular setting for these two storied teams. We have enjoyed working with both Pitch International and the CBF to bring this match to Allianz Parque and are certain that with Brazil’s recent strong performances against France and Chile that demand will be extremely high.”

The clash will be Brazil’s first in front of a home crowd since last year’s World Cup.

“Having organized over 25 Brazil matches in the last two years we have extensive experience of working with different stadiums and promoters all over the world.” said Jonathan Rogers, managing director of Pitch International
“However, we are extremely excited to begin our working relationship with AEG in their fantastic Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo.

Each and every game played by the Selecao is a unique footballing experience, delivering sold out stadiums globally, but playing a vital preparation game against Brazil’s great rivals, Mexico, in Sao Paulo is sure to be a very memorable match.”

General public tickets for the Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour friendly will go on-sale at 9:00am on Monday, May 4 with pre-sale opportunities for MasterCard/ITAU cardholders will begin on 1st of May. Tickets will be available for purchase online at www.futebolcard.comand prices begin at R$100.

Brazil will follow up the clash with El Tri by meeting Honduras three days later in what will be their final test ahead of the Copa America in Chile.

The Selecao are on a run of eight consecutive victories under new coach Dunga. They have been drawn in Group C alongside Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.

Brazil v. Mexico
Allianz Parque, Sao Paulo
Sunday, June 7th
Kick-Off: 17.00 BRT / 20:00 GMT

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