My Heart Still At Anfield

After unrelenting and constant efforts frim Barcelona linking him with an imminent move to La Liga, Philippe Coutinho has reiterated that he is happy at Anfield, Liverpool.

Barcelona tried to lure Coutinho to Camp Nou in an effort to replace Neymar before the transfer window closed but Liverpool refused to sell the Brazilian international.

Coutinho attempted to force through a move without success, though Barca are reportedly set to reignite their interest during the January window.

However, the 25-year-old said is happy playing in the Premier League at Anfield.

“I’m playing in one of the biggest leagues in the world,” said Coutinho, who has scored four goals in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

“I’m always happy. But now it’s important to concentrate on the national team.

“At the moment I am very happy with my life.”

Coutinho is set to return to action when Brazil face England in an international friendly at Wembley on Tuesday.

The attacker has not featured for club or country since October 22 due to a muscle problem.

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World Cup Qualification Turned Violence In Brussels

Celebrations in Brussels to mark Morocco’s return to  the  World Cup  for the first time in two decades turned violent late Saturday, when crowds clashed with police, setting cars on fire and injuring over 20 police officers.

Images on social media showed burning of cars and broken shops in Brussels city centre  as well as police trucks firing water cannons at crowds gathered in front of the city’s stock exchange.

Brussels police said that about 1,500 people had come to celebrate Morocco’s 2-0 win over Ivory Coast, but stated that around 300 started to behave violently and attacked police officers, firemen called to put out burning cars and dust bins.

More than 100,000 people of Moroccan origin live in Brussels.

Belgium saw an influx of Moroccan workers in the 1960s and 1970s.

Prosecutors said by Sunday morning no arrests had been made, but Belgium’s interior minister vowed to hold those responsible to account, calling the events unacceptable.

“The fundamental problem is that such events are used as an excuse for reckless behaviour and doing unacceptable things,” Interior Minister Jan Jambon told Belgium’s Radio 1.

“We have camera images – whoever did this will pay for this, there is no way around it,” Jambon added.

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Sepp Blatter Grabbed My Ass - Hope Solo

The former head of world football, Sepp Blatter had denied claims by US women’s goalkeeper, Hope Solo, that he had grabbed her backside.

Solo told Portuguese newspaper, Expresso,that then-FIFA president, Blatter, had sexually harassed her at the 2013 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The 36-year-old goalkeeper, who stood out that year, claimed that Sepp Blatter pounced as she was about to present an award to her teammate Abby Wambach.

“Sepp Blatter grabbed my ass, it was a few years ago at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, just before I got on stage,” Solo said.

However, Blatter, 81, told AFP the accusations were “absurd and ridiculous.”

Solo, a World Cup winner and two-time Olympic champion, made the allegations on the sidelines of the Web Summit being held in Lisbon.

She said that sexual harassment at the hands of male officials was a common problem in women’s football.

“I have seen this all of my career and I would like to see more athletes speak about their experiences,” said Solo.

“It’s out of control, not just in Hollywood but everywhere,” she added in reference to the firestorm of sexual harassment allegations in entertainment, politics and sport since the scandal involving Hollywood mogul, Harvey Weinstein, unfolded.

Solo made reference to the fact that female players sometimes married their US college coaches, “which obviously a coach should not be doing, especially with a young player.”

Blatter was president of FIFA from 1998 to 2015 until he was banned for corruption.

The Swiss official ran FIFA with an iron hand and oversaw a period in which football’s premier tournament was hosted in Asia for the first time and he paved the way for it to be held in Qatar in 2022.

After the corruption allegations emerged, FIFA banned Blatter from the sport for eight years, a term later reduced to six years after appeal.

Blatter told AFP last month that he would attend next year’s World Cup finals in Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.

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Fabbio Cannavaro Returns To Chinese League

Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro was named the manager of Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday, returning to the club that cut him loose in 2015.

The 44-year-old former world footballer of the year who quit Tianjin Quanjian earlier this week, signed a five-year contract and replaces Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari at China’s perennial league winners.

Cannavaro will be expected to continue Guangzhou Evergrande’s domination of the Chinese Super League (CSL). They lifted a seventh consecutive league title on Saturday which and inspire them to a third AFC Champions League crown.

Speaking at the Italian’s unveiling, club boss Xu Jiayin, China’s richest man, said Cannavaro will also be tasked with fielding a side of only Chinese players by 2020.

In the summer they lost Brazilian international midfielder Paulinho to Barcelona, but their overseas contingent still includes three other Brazilians and Colombian striker Jackson Martinez.

“I am flattered and happy to come back here, I said that I will come back one day,” Cannavaro told the media.

“I am excited by Evergrande’s plan in the next few years and happy to work together with the club.”

Cannavaro said that he was relishing building a team of homegrown stars, part of a bigger push by the Chinese government to improve the fortunes of the underachieving national side by promoting local players.

“I am sure that players from Evergrande can not only serve Evergrande, but what we hope even more is that they can serve the national team,” said Cannavaro, cautioning however that would take time.

Cannavaro, who resigned as Tianjin boss just days after steering them into the Champions League for the first time in their history, was in charge at Evergrande for seven months to June 2015.

But he was replaced by World Cup-winning coach Scolari after what Cannavaro described at the time as a “consensual resolution” of his contract.

Cannavaro’s abrupt departure in 2015 disappointed many Evergrande supporters and he left with the team top of the league and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Hundreds of fans had mobbed him at the airport as he departed the southern Chinese city.

The Italian former international defender, who captained his country to World Cup glory in 2006 managed for a brief time in Saudi Arabia before returning to China with ambitious Tianjin.

He led them to promotion from China’s second-tier League One and then to third in the CSL and a Champions League play-off berth by beating Evergrande 2-1 away on the final day of the season.

The Tianjin players tossed Cannavaro up in the air afterwards in celebration, but speculation was already swirling that he was poised to leave to go back to Guangzhou.

Former Portuguese international Paulo Sousa replaced Cannavaro at Tianjin.

Two-time former Champions League winners Evergrande reached this season’s quarter-finals before being narrowly beaten over two legs by Andre Villas-Boas’s Shanghai SIPG, their nearest domestic rivals.

Cannavaro is among a trio of big-name Italians coaching in China, with Fabio Capello at Jiangsu Suning and Marcello Lippi formerly in charge at Evergrande manager of the national side.

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Germany v England Match Is More Than Just A Friendly - Dier

England international Eric Dier believes Friday’s match against Germany at Wembley cannot be considered a friendly because of the long rivalry between the two country.

While England came out on top in the 1966 World Cup final on home soil, Germany have since enjoyed far greater success in the tournament, lifting the trophy in 1974, 1990 and 2014.

Gareth Southgate’s squad has been hit by a number of high-profile withdrawals, with the likes of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Dier’s Tottenham team-mates Harry Kane and Harry Winks pulling out due to injury.

But Dier believes the time is right for England – who qualified for the 2018 tournament with ease to test their ability against top teams such as the world champions and Brazil, who visit Wembley on Tuesday.

“I think the manager has already said that, if we are going to play friendlies, he wants to be playing the very best nations in the world and to challenge ourselves and I think that is the right mentality,” Dier told a news conference.

“These are two really big friendlies. I don’t think there is ever going to be a friendly between England and Germany, so we are really looking forward to it.”

With England progressing through qualification unbeaten, confidence has grown in the squad since a shock loss to Iceland in the first knockout round at last year’s European Championship.

Dier accepts England’s performances at major tournaments have been below par for many years and the versatile 23-year-old claims winning the World Cup is the only measure of success in his mind ahead of the finals in Russia.

“I think the minute we qualified we had to start our focus on the World Cup,” Dier added. “Everything we do from now onwards is with the World Cup in mind, so we are going to prepare for it in the best way we possibly can and that starts on Friday.

“Obviously there is a lot of room for improvement. I wouldn’t just say the last two tournaments, it goes back a long way that England haven’t done well in the tournament.

“I think sometimes people forget that. It’s been a long, long time since you could say England had a successful international tournament.

“Winning it is the only way I’d see it as being successful. There’s a long way to go and this is quite a new group that has come together since the Euros. It’s quite a young team, so I think the margin of progression is huge.”

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I Almost Shed Tears When I Scored The Winning Goal

Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi has revealed how he felt after scoring the only goal that sealed Nigeria’s spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Arsenal star Iwobi scored the only goal in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over a resilient Zambia in October, sending the Super Eagles to their third straight World Cup.

“It’s so hard to describe, you know what I mean. When I actually scored the moment was crazy, I remember running off celebrating,” Iwobi told Arsenal’s official website.

“I almost cried, I actually almost cried to see how the fans were reacting, to see my mum and dad in the stands, it was just an amazing feeling.

“When I scored the goal, because the security are very strict the fans were trying to come on the pitch as I scored, but the security guards stopped them and after the fans they played trumpets and banged drums, so the players were just dancing, it was just crazy.”

Iwobi says he also feels happy wearing Nigerian colours.

“Yeah, it’s basically my family, where they’re from, where I’m from it’s my homeland, so it’s always an honour to wear the green, white and green, I mean I’ve seen so many kids on the street when we’re like in the bus, they’re screaming “go Nigeria, go Nigeria”, so to represent them I’m just proud.

“It makes me feel grateful for what I have, because I’ve always grown up in England, so I didn’t really know what it was like back then. When I go back I see how people struggle in life, it’s not as easy as it is over here, so it gives me that reality check, but also I try to help people out there as well.

“It was the way they were like… it was almost like everyone won the lottery, they were just jumping. To go to the World Cup you can see it’s not just the players’ dream, it’s the fans’ dream as well and for me to get the goal for us to go through I’m just proud to do that.”

The Super Eagles who have already qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup will depart their Morocco training camp on Thursday for Constantine where they will face the Fennecs Foxes of Algeria in the largely inconsequential qualifier.

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Oxlade-Chamberlain Is Keen to Inject Into The First-team

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is keen to secure a regular first-team spot after patiently waiting for his chance.

The summer signing scored on his first Premier League start for the club in Saturday's 4-1 win at West Ham.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has now started back-to-back games for the first time since joining from Arsenal, having been in the team for the Champions League win over Maribor, and wants that run to continue.

'It's never easy coming into a new team with as much quality as we've got here. It takes time to settle in and learn a new formation and style of play,' he told liverpoolfc.com.

'I've had to be patient. I would have liked to have played as much as I can, that's natural.

'The only thing I can do when I get the chance is try to impress and help the team to win, with goals and creating chances.

'I'm going to keep trying to do that and keep pushing for starting places, just as everyone else will. That's the best thing - competition for places.

'The most important thing is that we're winning. I'm happy with the result and obviously it was nice to start as well.'

While Oxlade-Chamberlain is concentrating on nailing down a first-team place, Liverpool's Under-17 World Cup winner with England Rhian Brewster hopes to inspire the next generation of youngsters.

The teenager, who was top scorer at last month's tournament in India, wants to follow in the footsteps of his heroes and be a role model and an inspiration for other youngsters.

'I want to be a legend for young people, like Suarez and Thierry Henry were for me,' he said in a video posted on Facebook.

'I want people to look up to me. I was young once, so I know what it's like to look up to people.'

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Naby Keita Going Nowhere Now - Leipzig

RB Leipzig boss Ralph Rangnick has ruled out key midfielder Naby Keita joining Liverpool during the January transfer window, six months earlier than planned.

The Guinea international midfielder signed a deal in August to join Premier League giants Liverpool for the 2018/19 season after the Merseyside club triggered a release clause in his contract.

The deal is reportedly worth 51.9 million euros ($62 million, 45.8 million pounds) and there had been speculation RB Leipzig could let Keita join Liverpool early, during the Bundesliga's winter break in January.

However, Leipzig's director of sport Ralph Hasenhuettl has ruled out Keita leaving before the end of the season, because they need him in their bid to qualify for next season's Champions League.

"Even if we should not reach the knockout stages of Champions League, it would make no sense to allow Naby to join Liverpool earlier," Rangnick, RB's director of sport, told the Leipziger Volkszeitung newspaper.

"We want to qualify internationally (for the Champions League) from the Bundesliga again and we need Naby for that."

Leipzig are currently second in the Bundesliga, four points behind Bayern Munich, and in contention to qualify for the next round of the Champions League.

They are currently third in their group with two games left, needing to make up the two-point deficit on second-placed Porto in their final games away to bottom side Monaco and home against leaders Besiktas.

Keita has had a difficult few weeks after being sent off three times in seven games for club and country.

The 22-year-old hit the headlines for the wrong reasons at the weekend when it emerged he is accused of using a fake Guinean licence to twice try to obtain a German driving permit.

He reportedly faces a fine of 415,000 euros (£366,731, $480,009), based on his salary.

"We, of course, stand by Naby," was all Rangnick would say on the legal issue.

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PSG Ready to Sell Di Maria in Jan Transfer After Being Told to Raise £70m by UEFA

Paris Saint-Germain are expecting to raise £70million in revenue to meet Financial Fair Play requirements.

The big spending French club met with UEFA auditors last month to explain their finances after signing Neymar for £198m and Kylian Mbappe for a potential £165m.

PSG expect to sell Angel Di Maria and Lucas Moura in January but will also look to attract new sponsorships from America plus TV deals.

With Premier League clubs spending over £1bn in the summer, PSG will hope to attract interest from English clubs, but Di Maria's failed spell at Manchester United and large wage demands is likely to count against him.

The Argentine briefly became a British record signing in 2014 after moving to Old Trafford from Real Madrid, but failed to settle in Manchester. In an effort to get out of the club, Di Maria failed to report to Louis van Gaal's squad for a pre-season tour and was soon sold.

Lucas turned down a number of Premier League clubs, including United, in order to make the move to Parc des Princes in 2012, but has since failed to fulfil the early promise that attracted Sir Alex Ferguson.

PSG are unlikely to get the required funds from clubs outside of the Premier League and may have to rely on new sponsorship deals and increased revenue from growing TV audiences.

A complex loan agreement with Monaco allowed them to bring Mbappe to the club this summer, but they are committed to paying the huge £165m sum at the end of the season.

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Oxlade-Chamberlain Is Keen to Inject Into The First-team

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is keen to secure a regular first-team spot after patiently waiting for his chance.

The summer signing scored on his first Premier League start for the club in Saturday's 4-1 win at West Ham.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has now started back-to-back games for the first time since joining from Arsenal, having been in the team for the Champions League win over Maribor, and wants that run to continue.

'It's never easy coming into a new team with as much quality as we've got here. It takes time to settle in and learn a new formation and style of play,' he told liverpoolfc.com.

'I've had to be patient. I would have liked to have played as much as I can, that's natural.

'The only thing I can do when I get the chance is try to impress and help the team to win, with goals and creating chances.

'I'm going to keep trying to do that and keep pushing for starting places, just as everyone else will. That's the best thing - competition for places.

'The most important thing is that we're winning. I'm happy with the result and obviously it was nice to start as well.'

While Oxlade-Chamberlain is concentrating on nailing down a first-team place, Liverpool's Under-17 World Cup winner with England Rhian Brewster hopes to inspire the next generation of youngsters.

The teenager, who was top scorer at last month's tournament in India, wants to follow in the footsteps of his heroes and be a role model and an inspiration for other youngsters.

'I want to be a legend for young people, like Suarez and Thierry Henry were for me,' he said in a video posted on Facebook.

'I want people to look up to me. I was young once, so I know what it's like to look up to people.'

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Barcelona Remain One of The Strongest Team in Europe

It's International break of the season and Barcelona remain one of the strongest teams in Europe.

Though doubts arises in the last few matches about the style of play and their theoretical goalscorer, Luis Suarez, who is enduring his worst goal drought since arriving at the Camp Nou in 2014, the Blaugrana have reversed the dark times since losing against Real Madrid (3-1 and 2-0) in the Supercopa de Espana.

Ernesto Valverde's side lead LaLiga with a four-point advantage over Valencia and also occupy top spot in their Champions League group, which includes the runner-up of the competition last season, Juventus.

In Europe, only two teams can be compared to Messi and Co.

The first is Paris Saint-Germain, who have a brilliant front three and the most goals on the continent from Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe.

Manchester City, a very prominent leader in the Premier League, are the other.

Pep Guardiola's team have, like Barcelona, 31 points in 11 games (10 wins and a draw).

Barcelona's defence is one of the main aspects to their great start and strong statistics this season.

Since that painful Supercopa defeat, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has only conceded five goals; four in the league and one in the Champions League.

It is the least amount of goals conceded in Europe.

The German is enjoying a great moment with his club, as many of his world-class saves have given the Catalans some important results.

For example, the Blaugrana would not have drawn at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano nor would they have claimed the three points at the Estadio San Mames against Athletic Club.

84 minutes behind

PSG and Manchester City both surpass Barcelona in terms of minutes spent losing.

The Blaugrana have been behind for a total of 84 minutes (out of 1,440), which occurred during their fixture against Atletico Madrid.

Guardiola's group have spent a total of 68 minutes behind with PSG losing for only 45 minutes of the 2017/18 season.

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Newcastle set to renew interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings in January

Newcastle United Set to renew interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings when January transfer Opens.

25-year-old Danny Ings has had a rough time with knee injuries since moving to Liverpool from Burnley and has been making progress in Liverpool U23s, scoring four goals in the 7-0 thumping over Bristol City at the weekend.

Newcastle want another striker, and were keen on Ings in the summer and have earmarked him for a potential loan deal.

Liverpool's Harry Wilson, Jon Flanagan and Ovie Ejaria may also be allowed out in January while Lazar Markovic is available for sale.

Ings' Anfield career began brightly and he scored three times in his first eight appearances under Brendan Rodgers after joining  in 2015.

But two serious knee injuries have limited the England striker to only three first-team appearances under Jurgen Klopp.

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Villarreal’s Sporting Director Would Not Rule Out Signing Carlos Bacca

Balaguer praises Carlos Bacca and would not rule out signing him permanently from Milan.

The Colombian has scored five goals in 14 appearances since joining the Spanish club from the Rossoneri on a season-long loan deal.

And speaking to TMW, the Balaguer said he was impressed with the 31-year-old’s contribution to the Yellow Submarine’s campaign so far.

“He is doing very well. We are happy with him and he is scoring a lot,” the official commented.

“The League in Spain isn’t easy but he is giving a lot to the team.”

Pressed as to whether Villarreal would attempt to sign Bacca on a permanent basis, Balaguer was non-comittal.

“We will see at the end of the season. For now, we are focused on the present and Bacca is doing very well.”

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Dixon Insists The Club Are 'Unfixable' Under Wenger After Man City Defeat

Arsenal legend Lee Dixon Believes former club can't fix their problems under Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners were defeated 3-1 by Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday, leaving them 12 points adrift of Pep Guardiola's men already after just 11 matches.

Arsenal failed to convince once again in defence against one of their Premier League rivals at the Etihad Stadium on the weekend.

And these defensive issues are continuing to concern  former Arsenal right back Dixon, who claims Wenger doesn't know how to properly set up his players when they don't have possession of the ball.

Dixon told BBC 5 Live: 'I honestly think they're unfixable under Arsene. What he's got there is he's created an environment which the players don't really know what they're doing without the ball.

'It's quite simple - when I watch them I think "they could beat anyone on their day going forward, but they could lose to anyone defensively".

'That summed it up at the weekend against City. The Lacazette thing is another issue, as to why he's not playing, but you play Sanchez up front, who is a chaser of the ball; if he loses the ball then he'll chase to win it back.

'If you've got that, as a manager, you have to have the players to go and back that up, and he didn't have that. He hasn't got that because they don't know how to do that on a regular basis - they are not a pressing side.

'They do it now and again - they did it against Chelsea, they got it right against Chelsea in the cup final and in the league, and you think "wow, they're back".

'And then they fall again like they did against Watford, and then you see them trying to press Man City, one of the best passing sides in the league. How is that allowed to happen?

'If you're not a pressing side, then you have to press for months and years at a time in order to get it right, it's really difficult. It's not just a case of "you all just rush to the ball".

'There have to be triggers, and you need to know when to press - which is just as hard as knowing when not to press if you're a pressing side, because sometimes you have to unpress, if you like, and just sit where you are.

'Just running willy-nilly at the ball is a disaster, especially against City.'

Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus on Sunday meant that Arsenal have lost four times in just 11 games this season.

Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways following the international break when they face north London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates on November 18.

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No Risks And No Rushing as Bayern's Ribery Continues Rehabilitation

France Winger has been on the sidelines for over a month after tearing a knee ligament, but he is keen to retake the field when the time is right

Franck Ribery is taking no risks with his return from injury as he slowly looks to regain full fitness at Bayern Munich.

The Frenchman tore the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee in a 2-2 draw against Hertha Berlin at the start of October, with a lengthy lay-off initially predicted.

But Ribery has made good progress and says he feels "great", even if he is in no rush to get back to full training.

"Obviously I feel great right now, but we have to control my progress and we don't want to take any risks," he told Bayern's official channel.

"I know I'm not at 100 per cent yet, but I can already work hard indoors and outdoors again.

"Next week we're going to conduct further examinations and, if everything is 100 per cent okay, I can slowly begin to train with the ball again."

Ribery has often struggled for fitness in recent seasons, and has not started 20 Bundesliga games since the 2012-13 campaign, when he was influential as Bayern won the treble.

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Barcelona Made Contact With Gerard Pique On Contract Renewal

Barcelona have made first attempt to contact Gerard Pique about his renewal

Reports say that talks are in its initial phase. Club's negotiation team is formed by football manager Pep Segura and general manager Oscar Grau.

Pique's current contract ends in 2019. And his buyout fee is €200m.

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How Mourinho uses PSG interest to pressure Manchester United

After Manchester United's dismal defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, stories about Jose Mourinho would emerge once again, after having previously been linked with a switch to Paris Saint-Germain it seems he is using this interest to pressure his current employers.

Mourinho's current Old Trafford contract only runs until June 2019 and there is a sense that the former Real Madrid coach would like an improved deal as he continues his job of placing United back at the forefront of English football.

According to a report in The Sun, Jorge Mendes has held informal talks with the French giants about the 54-year-old taking over at the Parc des Princes at some point in the future.

The aforementioned report suggests that these talks are all part of a coherent strategy from the Mendes camp to put pressure on Ed Woodward and Co. with regards to handing the Portuguese coach a salary increase.

All is not well for the tactician at Carrington, he is witnessing Pep Guardiola's Manchester City play some of the finest football England has ever seen and is coming in for criticism from sections of his own fanbase for his perceived negative tactics in big matches.

Failing to sign Ivan Perisic in the summer is known to have left Mourinho disappointed. Looking across at Guardiola being given over 100 million euros to spend on three full-backs, he is not being allowed to spend 45m euros on a player he sees as pivotal to the season's success.

Just how important this kyboshed deal is to the coach is not known fully, yet it is clear he will want reinforcements in January.

Another facet of the campaign to pressure the Old Trafford club is to try and get the funding for January signings. It may well be that the 2017/18 championship is Manchester City's to lose, but it can't hurt Mourinho to begin his preparations for the next campaign early.

Generally, it is hard to suggest the former Porto coach has done anything other than a fine job with the Red Devils, in his debut season he took a team that was on its knees to glory in both the League Cup and Europa League.

In his second season he currently sits second in the Premier League and is all-but qualified for the Champions League knockout phase after four matches; it is worth remembering United haven't been in that position since David Moyes was coach in 2013/14.

It is understandable that he would want an increase in pay, although very few individuals have taken on Manchester United over the years and remained in place.

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Wenger Escapes Disciplinary Action

Arsene Wenger escapes disciplinary action from the Football Association over claims of Raheem Sterling 'dive' following Manchester City's 3-1 Premier League victory on Sunday.

England winger Sterling was adjudged to have been pulled down by Nacho Monreal early in the second half of the match at the Etihad Stadium, with Sergio Aguero converting the penalty to put the home side 2-0 ahead.

Wenger disagreed with the decision, and was also upset by the lack of an offside flag in the build-up to City's decisive third goal from Gabriel Jesus after Alexandre Lacazette had given the Gunners a life-line just after the hour mark.

In a post-match interview with BBC's Match of the Day, the veteran Frenchman said: 'I believe it was no penalty. It was a provoked penalty by Sterling. We know that he dives well - he does that very well.'

Wenger also added: 'You can accept it if City win in a normal way, they are a good side, but the way it happened is unacceptable.'

Wenger's comments could have left him facing a sanction from the governing body.

However, it is understood the Arsenal manager has been viewed to have not overstepped the mark - albeit only just.

Sunday's defeat left Arsenal in sixth place, now some 12 points behind Pep Guardiola's unbeaten side.

Following the international break the Gunners will host Tottenham, who sit third, four points ahead of their north-London rivals.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon Joseph Montemurro was set to join the club from Melbourne City to take over as manager of Arsenal Women.

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Jose Mourinho Has To Sell In January If New Players Is To Be Welcomed

Jose Mourinho will not be able to add to his Manchester United squad in the January transfer window unless he offloads some of the fringe players at Old Trafford.

United chiefs want to keep a lid on spending when the window reopens and don't plan on making the squad any bigger than it currently is, according to the BBC.

Mourinho has been allowed to spend big since taking over the reins at the start of last season, splashing out £285million on six major signings.

The Premier League club's latest financial results were released in September and showed a significant rise in their wage bill, with an increase of 13.5% to £263.5m.

And Portuguese boss Mourinho will be told by the Old Trafford board that he has to sell players in order to bring new faces in.

Luke Shaw is among those who could be heading out the exit door, having struggled to cement a first-team spot following his £27m move from Southampton in 2014.

The left back has started just four top-flight matches in a year and it is believed Mourinho would be happy to sell the England international.

Marouane Fellaini could be another departure in January. The midfielder is out of contract in the summer and will be free to talk to overseas clubs when the window reopens.

Mourinho has sold 16 first-team players since replacing Louis van Gaal in 2016 but rarely have those departures generated significant income.

Only the sales of Memphis Depay — sold to Lyon for £16m — and the £22m exit of Morgan Schneiderlin to Everton can be viewed as profitable departures.

However, high-earners Wayne Rooney and Bastian Schweinsteiger have also left the club in the last year.

On the pitch, Mourinho's men suffered a setback at the weekend after the 1-0 defeat at Chelsea saw them slip eight points behind league leaders Manchester City.

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Younes Amin Rule Out Of German Friendly Clash

Younes Amin has been ruled out of Germany's friendlies against England and France with a knee injury.

The Ajax winger has five caps for his country, having made his debut for Joachim Low's team in a friendly clash with Denmark in June.

However, Younes will not add to that tally just yet, as he has returned to Amsterdam for treatment.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach man has made nine Eredivisie appearances this season, scoring once.

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David Moyes Becomes West Ham United Manager

David Moyes has been confirmed as the new manager of West Ham United, on Tuesday, to shake up a dressing room that senior figures at the club felt was not being driven hard enough by Slaven Bilic.

Bilic’s tenure ended in a meeting with David Sullivan on Monday morning and the club moved immediately to secure the services of David Moyes, who flew in from Qatar on Monday morning for talks.

Moyes, 54, is set to sign a two-and-a-half year deal that will include a break clause at the end of this season if the Scot fails to make an impact.

His arrival will certainly lift the intensity of training and for good measure he has turned to Stuart Pearce, a former West Ham player he hopes he can persuade to join his coaching staff. 

Alan Irvine is also expected to team up again with the former Everton and Manchester United boss, while Chris Woods was the one member of the Bilic backroom team to survive the axe. Moyes had Woods as his goalkeeping coach at Everton and United.

Sportsmail understands Moyes’ deal is heavily weighted towards a £2million bonus for keeping the club in the Premier League after Saturday’s crushing 4-1 defeat by Liverpool saw them slip into the bottom three. 

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David Moyes Becomes West Ham United Manager

David Moyes has been confirmed as the new manager of West Ham United, on Tuesday, to shake up a dressing room that senior figures at the club felt was not being driven hard enough by Slaven Bilic.

Bilic’s tenure ended in a meeting with David Sullivan on Monday morning and the club moved immediately to secure the services of David Moyes, who flew in from Qatar on Monday morning for talks.

Moyes, 54, is set to sign a two-and-a-half year deal that will include a break clause at the end of this season if the Scot fails to make an impact.

His arrival will certainly lift the intensity of training and for good measure he has turned to Stuart Pearce, a former West Ham player he hopes he can persuade to join his coaching staff. 

Alan Irvine is also expected to team up again with the former Everton and Manchester United boss, while Chris Woods was the one member of the Bilic backroom team to survive the axe. Moyes had Woods as his goalkeeping coach at Everton and United.

Sportsmail understands Moyes’ deal is heavily weighted towards a £2million bonus for keeping the club in the Premier League after Saturday’s crushing 4-1 defeat by Liverpool saw them slip into the bottom three. 

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Chelsea Longest Serving Star Ready To Leave Club After Seven Years

Chelsea goalkeeper Matej Delac has admitted he is looking for a way out of Stamford Bridge, after spending seven years at the club without ever playing a competitive match.

The 25-year-old joined the Blues back in 2010, and is currently the longest-serving member of their first-team squad.

Dalec, however, has never even been registered in the Premier League due to work permit issues, and the Bosnian has spent almost off of his career on loan.

Now, he believes the time is right to seek a permanent move.

"Yes, soon will come a time I'll have to leave Chelsea. Many people ask me do I regret coming to Chelsea so young, and not joining some smaller club, but I feel no regret," he explained to SportSport.

"Your career can always be better, but I am 25 and have been through so much, met many coaches, players, gained experience."The problem was not my quality, Chelsea believed in me, extended my contract several times, but the problem was always work permit."

Despite his frustration at remaining on the fringes at Stamford Bridge, Delac is grateful to all involved at Chelsea."Chelsea had a plan for my career, but you can not plan some things.

 As I arrived, aged 18, it seemed like some movie, I can't describe that feeling. 

I will remember the greatness of Chelsea FC, they raised me and taught me human and football manners. 

And of course my first game, in Ljubljana vs Olimpija, when I plqayed with Fabregas, Costa," he said, while also backing manager Antonio Conte to turn things around after a mixed start to the current season.

"Conte is great worker, professional, even when Chelsea is not doing well, I know it is just a phase and Conte will find a way out."

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OFFICIAL: Iker Casillas Floors Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi to 2017 Golden Foot

The Golden Foot is awarded to a player over the age of 28 and marks the whole of a career rather than being decided on performances over a season or calendar year. Casillas is the second consecutive keeper to win the award after Gianluigi Buffon scooped the prize last year.

The veteran Porto keeper saw off competition from nine other candidates to lift the award: Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Manuel Neuer, Leo Messi, Arjen Robben, Thiago Silva, Luis Suárez, Yaya Touré and Andrea Pirlo, who this week announced his retirement from the game.

Previous Golden Foot Awards by country

Italy: Roberto Baggio (2003), Alessandro Del Piero (2007), Francesco Totti (2010) and Buffon (2016).

Brazil: Ronaldo, (2006), Roberto Carlos (2008) and Ronaldinho (2009).

Spain: Andrés Iniesta (2014) and Iker Casillas (2017)

One award each:

Ukraine (Andriy Shevchenko, 2005), Wales (Ryan Giggs, 2011), Sweden (Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 2012), Ivory Coast (Didier Drogba, 2013), Cameroon (Samuel Eto’o, 2015).

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My Focus Is To Play In England Team

Swansea City forward, Tammy Abraham, has categorically stated that he never considered playing for Nigeria despite being approached by the NFF.

Born and raised in London, Abraham was eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents,  but he opted to pledge his allegiance to England.

But after being called up to England’s senior squad for the friendlies against Germany and Brazil, Abraham maintains that there was never any real prospect of him playing for Nigeria.

“I was pretty set on England really,” Abraham told Sky Sports. “Playing in the Premier League meant it would be nice to play in the England team as well.‎

“It was flattering [that Nigeria wanted me], but for me my main focus was here.

“They tried to, but like I said, the main focus was England. I see myself as being a long-term England player — I am 100 percent focused here to try and get into that team.”

Since joining Swansea on loan from Chelsea in the summer, Abraham has scored four goals in 10 starts.

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Desailly Rises To Mourinho’s Defence, Begs For More Time For Manchester United Boss

Chelsea iconic superstar Marcel Desailly has pleaded to Manchester United fans to remain patient with manager Jose Mourinho as he shapes the squad to his own liking after the team were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to fall eight points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

The Portuguese delivered EFL Cup and Europa League glory in his first season at Old Trafford, but the devastating form of neighbours City has left United trailing in their wake in 2017-18.

And Desailly believes Mourinho should remain true to his style as the manager grapples with a playing staff not yet entirely to his satisfaction.

“He has to stay as Mourinho. He knows the capacity of his team,” Desailly told Omnisport, speaking ahead of the Golden Foot Hublot Award in Monaco.

“He looks like he’s not really had the team he wanted, like when you compare with [Pep] Guardiola, who really chose every player he wanted in and out. Mourinho, he’s still dealing with some players that he didn’t really want in his system.

“He’s doing well, so I hope United will shine like they were shining at the time with [Alex] Ferguson.

“But it’s tough. Every time, every game, there’s big history on the shoulders of all the players and on the manager. So, let’s give him time.”

Credit: Complete Sports

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John Mikel Obi, Others Arrive Tuesday For Algeria Clash

Nigeria captain John Mikel Obi and young Deportivo La Coruna  goalkeeper Francis Uzoho as well as South African Chippa United custodian Daniel Akpeyi are expected to arrive in Rabat, Morocco today Tuesday as the Super Eagles prepare  ahead of their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Constantine  on Friday.

Meanwhile, much-maligned Turkey-based defender Kenneth Omeruo will look to resurrect his international career after he was invited by Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr for the Algeria clash and the friendly fixture against South American powerhouse Argentina in Krasnodar, Russia, on November 14.

Kasımpasa star Omeruo, who was placed on the standby list by Rohr reported to the Eagles’camp  in Rabat on Monday after he was asked to replace Ogenyi Onazi, who withdrew from the upcoming fixtures at the weekend along with Moses  Simon due to injuries. Belgium-based attacker Simon was replaced with Girona forward Olarenwaju Kayode, who also arrived in the North African country from Spain on Monday.

South Africa 2013 winner Omeruo  last played for  the  national  team  in  their  1-1 draw against Senegal in March, while Manchester City forward  Olarenwaju, who is on a season-long loan deal at Girona, has not been invited since he made his international debut in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against  South Africa in Uyo in June. Nigeria lost to Bafana Bafana 2-0.

China-based striker Odion Ighalo and Chelsea wing-back Victor Moses  have long been ruled out of the clashes due to injuries.

The Nigeria Football Federation, who confirmed the development on their official website on Monday, said 15 players had arrived in Rabat.

Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi, Mikel Agu and goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa arrived in Morocco with the coaching staff on Sunday.

 Other players who reported on Monday are Oghenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru, Chidiebere Nwakali, Kelechi Iheanacho, Uche Agbo, Chidozie Awaziem, John Ogu and Anthony Nwakaeme.

The Eagles have already qualified for Russia 2018  after winning four of their five qualifiers to lead Group B, which also houses African champions Cameroon and Zambia, on 13 points.

However, Rohr  has promised to field a strong team for the   Constantine encounter at  Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui.

On Saturday, the Nigerian team will fly aboard a chartered flight to Krasnodar for the friendly against Argentina.

Credit Punch Newspaper

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Everton Discusses With Sam Allardyce Representatives

Everton have held preliminary discussions with Sam Allardyce’s advisors as Farhad Moshiri puts together a contingency plan for the club’s next manager.

Sportsmail understands Moshiri, Everton’s major shareholder, has held talks with representatives of Allardyce, who revealed on Monday that he would give deep consideration to the opportunity of “putting them back together”.

Moshiri is considering a number of candidates, with Burnley’s Sean Dyche and Watford’s Marco Silva amongst them; Allardyce would be immediately available and could work on a contract until the end of the season.

Everton’s hope is that David Unsworth, who was placed in temporary charge after Ronald Koeman was sacked on October 23, wins the next two matches – against Lyon, on Thursday evening, and Watford on Sunday – to settle the situation down.

Unsworth has made no secret of his desire to step up from his role as Under-23 boss on a permanent basis but he has accepted, after losing against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and Leicester on Sunday, that his prospects will be determined in the next four days.

‘That doesn’t scare me, because I know the game and I know that in the end you will be judged on performances,’ said Unsworth, who has left senior figures Wayne Rooney, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines on Merseyside to be ready for the game with Watford.

‘I think performances have improved for a game and a half but within those performances, you’ve got to try and dig out some results. So I want to win (here); I want to perform. Sunday is a massive game as well. It’s a cup final, for me, and I think we’ve got to play it like a cup final.

‘I wouldn’t know who was in the running for [the manager’s job]. I’ve heard certain things, but it’s a top job, and I’m not surprised with whoever would be linked with it. We just carry on, day by day, and hopefully we will be in a better position on Sunday.’

For all that Koeman paid the ultimate price for Everton’s dismal form, Ashley Williams – who will captain the side in Lyon – recognises the players must take their share of the responsibility; he gave a frank insight into how the dressing room has been affected.

‘It hurts, definitely, he was someone we all liked and you feel responsible as a player,’ said Williams. ‘We're disappointed for everyone; it's not nice when you're not winning games and it effects everyone. When a manager loses his job and you do take responsibility for that.’

Everton will be eliminated after four games if they lose in Lyon and Italian side Atalanta avoid defeat against Apollon Limassol.

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Madrid Will Prove Critics Wrong - Sergio Ramos

The defender warned that the Merengue would bounce back, saying that talk of a crisis at the Bernabeu was premature despite two defeats.

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has no doubt his team will turn their season around after suffering a 3-1 loss to Tottenham in the Champions League.

The La Liga champions suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since January as a Dele Alli brace and Christian Eriksen strike saw Spurs to their win at Wembley on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo netted a consolation goal for Madrid, who are eight points behind rivals and leaders Barcelona in LaLiga after losing 2-1 to Girona on Sunday.

But Ramos insists Zinedine Zidane's side, who are second in Group H, will bounce back.

"We understand that the fans could get disillusioned after recent results, but Real Madrid always fight back and if anyone thinks that we're done for, we'll put them in their place," the Spain defender told reporters.

"From my experience at Real Madrid, when you lose a couple of games, people begin to talk about a crisis. You have to stay calm and be united.

"We're alive in our favourite competition, the Champions League. We must stay calm, remain united and convinced that the Real Madrid we know will be back very soon."

Pressure is growing on Madrid after recent games and their chances of getting a result against Spurs were over when Eriksen made it 3-0 in the 65th minute.

Ramos felt the result was harsh on his team, who host Las Palmas in LaLiga on Sunday.

"The score line is a bit deceptive, not to take anything away from Tottenham," he said.

"They played very well, they're a great side, with a great stadium and fans who really make a difference.

"We've benefitted from Borussia Dortmund's draw [against APOEL] and we're still well in the mix.

"We would have liked the result to be different, and to be fighting to be top of the group. We did certain things quite well but that's overshadowed by the result."

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I Can Understand Why Nemanja Matic Was Sold

The Blues stopper saw his side whitewashed in Rome and now faces another tough task against the Red Devils who line up with a former team-mate.

Thibaut Courtois and Nemanja Matic won two Premier League titles together but they will line up against each other on Sunday and the Chelsea goalkeeper understands why his club sold their midfielder.

Matic joined Manchester United for £40 million this summer and he has been in good form ever since his move to Old Trafford, while Chelsea's midfield has struggled in his absence.

Chelsea's sale of a regular starter from last season to a rival has seen a negative response, particularly as their form has dipped this month, with their most recent defeat coming in a 3-0 away loss to Roma.

Courtois thinks that Chelsea have sold a quality player in Matic but he understands why they chose to let him go.

"I don't know. I think we know he has qualities, he is someone that last year, give us the balance as well," Courtois said at the Stadio Olympico. "He decided to go to another team, we won't live in the past. He decided to leave, he left. Our midfield is very good, we have strong players.

"I don't know if we miss him but obviously, if you see we have two injuries in the midfield then obviously you could say we missed Nemanja. He is a quality player who is doing well at Manchester United. That's not my decision to make [about selling him].

"Those are questions that you need to ask to the people who made that happen. I think that if a player nowadays wants to go to a team, the player has a strong will to join another team, it is hard and you cannot just ignore him and say you can't leave.

"Then you have a disappointed player who maybe won't play at his best. For us, you have given another player to another big teams. These are the choices made in football. He is a quality midfielder but hopefully we can show that we are better on Sunday."

Chelsea have struggled to show the same balance in their side that they showed last season when they won the Premier League and racked up a 13-game winning run in the winter period.

N'Golo Kante's injury has rocked Chelsea and Danny Drinkwater is still being eased back into the squad after a prolonged period of injury. Courtois acknowledges that Chelsea's midfield is part of the problem at the moment and he thinks that Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko are growing tired.

"This season we are conceding more chances than we did last year," Courtois added. "We have to try to get that extra step in, that extra per cent to stop actions, not be 90 per cent. Maybe with a lot of games, sometimes you maybe go a bit less.

"Obviously it is different to last season. Injuries have been coming and not at a good time. We know how important N'Golo is for us, he is the guy that brings a lot of balance into the team. But we can't push him to play if he doesn't feel ready.

"Danny (Drinkwater) was also out for a long time as well. It means Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas have played a lot of games in midfield and obviously that goes into their legs and it is harder for them to keep up the pressure, especially against the midfield three like Roma had last night".

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Gremio Through To The Final Despite Loss

Gremio’s long awaited time to reach a fifth Copa Libertadores final is over despite a 1-0 home loss against Ecuador’s Barcelona in the semi-final second-leg on Wednesday.

A powerful strike from Jonathan Alvez just after the half-hour mark gave Barcelona the win in Porto Alegre, but Gremio held their nerve during the second half to prevail 3-1 on aggregate

The result brings to close an epic Copa Libertadores campaign from the Guayaquil-based side who knocked over a number of big-names in their run to the semi-final.

The Brazilian side will now meet Argentina’s Lanus in the final, with a spot at next month’s FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 on the line.

Gremio have won previously won the Copa Libertadores in 1983 and 1995.

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Am Not Surprised Of Our Performance

Two-goal hero Dele Alli said he is not surprised by the quality of Tottenham's performance in their upset win against Champions League holders Real Madrid.

Tottenham were a class above Spanish giants Madrid as they ran out comfortable 3-1 victors at Wembley in Group H action on Wednesday.

Spurs star Alli scored in either half, while Christian Eriksen was also on target to seal Tottenham's passage through to the last 16.

"To be honest, no," Alli told  BT Sport  when asked if he was surprised by Tottenham's performance following their 1-1 draw in last month's reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"We spoke after the game at their place and said we couldn't believe how much space we had at times and that the easy pass looked too obvious at times and we were too sloppy.

"I think we knew that if we were solid at the back we'd get the chances and with the team we've got here we don't just want to be competing with these teams, we want to be winning.

"It was a fantastic performance from us. We stuck to the game plan and made a lot of chances - it could have been more but we're very happy with the result."

After Alli doubled Tottenham's lead approaching the hour-mark, having opened the scoring in the 27th minute, Spurs team-mate Eriksen settled the contest with 25 minutes remaining in London.

Four-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo reduced the deficit 10 minutes from the end but it was merely a consolation.

"We played a very professional game. We could have had more if we'd had a bit more composure in the final third," Eriksen said.

"This will take us on to the next stage. We need to keep it going. We're just happy to be through and we can focus on the league now."

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I'm Not Disturbed' - Zidane Refutes Real Madrid 'Problems' After Defeat at White Heart Lane

Zinedine Zidane insists Real Madrid do not have any problem following their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Tottenham.

The current champions were ruthlessly despatched at Wembley on Wednesday, with Dele Alli scoring twice and Christian Eriksen adding a third before Cristiano Ronaldo netted a consolation.

The defeat came just three days after a shock 2-1 loss to Girona left the La Liga champions eight points behind Barcelona domestically.

It was also their worst group-stage loss since a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in November 2008 and their first at this stage of the competition since a 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in 2012.

Madrid's form has left Zidane facing the first serious questions about his capabilities since taking charge in January 2016, but he is adamant there is no reason to panic.

"We're not in crisis," he told a news conference. "I'm not worried and I won't be for the rest of the year, whatever happens.

"Losing two games in a row can't be good for us but we have three or four days to rest and then football continues. The analysis I can give today is that we lost to the better team.

"The dressing room can't be happy or be in high spirits. This is a bad moment but we have to accept it. We must keep our heads up.

"We didn't play a bad game, we had some chances and, as has been happening with us lately, we didn't find the goal.

"We're missing that calm that we've always had in front of goal. Sometimes you have two chances, you score two goals, but not today - we had chances and we didn't take them.

"We lost but it's a long season. We congratulate the opposition and now we have to reflect. We're all very disappointed.

"Maybe we're not at our usual level. These things happen in football. It's upside-down at the moment."

Spurs' win sealed their place in the knockout rounds and put them three points clear of Madrid at the top of Group H.

Zidane's side were given a boost by APOEL holding Borussia Dortmund to a 1-1 draw, though, with that result ensuring they need only two more points from their final two group games to go through to the last 16.

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Lloyd Wallace Back In Training For The 2018 Winter Olympics

British aerial skier Lloyd Wallace doesn't remember what happened on 17 August 2017.

He doesn't know what he had for dinner the night before, and also doesn't remember anything about the few days that followed.

But the 2018 Winter Olympic hopeful knows he had a lucky escape.

The 22-year-old was undertaking a routine training day in Mettmenstetten, Switzerland, when everything went a little blurry.

"I was halfway through my session and I was coming down the ramp. As I was coming into the transition, I caught an edge," he told BBC Sport.

"I was completely off balance, and because I wasn't prepared I buckled into the jump and hit my head. I was knocked out immediately and fell into the water."

Aerial skiers land in water instead of snow during summer training, and Wallace had to be hauled unconscious from the pool by Ukraine and Russian team doctors who happened to be nearby.

"They dived in immediately after they saw what happened. The paramedics were called and I was airlifted to Zurich hospital and put into an induced coma for 24 hours," he added.

"I don't remember waking up for a couple of days after that."
Remarkably, Wallace suffered no other injuries save for serious concussion and was released from hospital soon after the accident.

After a period of rest and rehabilitation at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, he was back training within two months.

"I was lucky I got over it so quickly. I've got friends who have had smaller head knocks in rugby and have been out for longer," said the world junior bronze medalist.

"Not remembering it meant I wasn't petrified when I got back into it.

"There were butterflies in my stomach when I stood at the top of the jump. But as soon as I did my first flip and got to the bottom, I got a big cheer because everyone knew it was a huge step for me.

"It was a moment of euphoria, realising I could do it and I was fine. It felt great."

Wallace's focus has now returned to qualifying for his first Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, which start in 100 days.

The Briton, who trains full-time with the Swiss team, is aiming to become the first male aerial skier since Richard Cobbing in 1998 to compete for Team GB at a Games.

He has used a crowd-funding site to help his bid to reach the Winter Olympics.

Wallace needs enough points from six World Cup events to finish inside the world's top 25 and earn a place in the field in South Korea.

"As an athlete, when you hear about the Winter Olympics you get that little tingle. I think that tingle has been exaggerated since I've come back from my injury," he said.

"Representing GB and wearing the flag would be an honour. There were a few days when I was scared I wasn't going to be able to make the Games.

"Coming back into it and realising I can still fulfil the aim I've been working on for the last six years is going to be huge."

CREDIT : BBC SPORTS

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Lewis Hamilton Targets World Best By 2020

Lewis Hamilton is now one of the best drivers of all time.

The 32-year-old has won his fourth world title, eclipsing Sir Jackie Stewart's record to become Britain's most successful Formula 1 driver ever.

Hamilton has his idol Ayrton Senna's speed - but Michael Schumacher continues to dominate the statistics.

The German has more titles (seven) and more wins (91) than Hamilton, but how long before the Briton catches up?

If Hamilton wants to leave the sport with the most world titles of all time, he's going to have to stick around for at least another four seasons.

He is currently three behind Schumacher's all-time record but time is very much on his side. Schumacher was the same age - 32- as Hamilton when he won his fourth title and went on to win it again in the next three seasons.

Hamilton's former team-mate, Jenson Button, believes his compatriot will at the very least equal Schumacher's record.

"When you look at the facts and the stats, he's out-qualified Michael but in terms of world championships he's got a little way to go," Button told BBC Sport.

"Michael is still the greatest when you look at the outright results but if Lewis stays in the sport and if Mercedes stay as competitive, you could see him getting close to winning seven world championships - but only time will tell."

Hamilton is a driver who you get the sense won't be fully satisfied until his name is at the top of all notable record charts in Formula 1.

Schumacher's seven world titles will be his main ambition but he will also be keen to take the German's record of most wins.

Schumacher is currently way out in front on 91 but Hamilton is creeping closer...

CULLED FROM BBC SPORTS

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Wasteful Athletico In Elimination "Dig"

Atletico Madrid were left staring an embarrassing early Champions League exit in the face after being held  to a draw at home by 10-man Azerbaijani champions Qarabag on Tuesday.

The 2014 and 2016 finalists now need to beat Roma and Chelsea in their last two Group C games and hope other results go in their favour after a paltry return of three points from their opening four games.

Once again Diego Simeone's men were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal after Michel headed the visitors into the lead five minutes before half-time.

Thomas Partey's stunning drive from outside the box levelled 11 minutes into the second period and Qarabag had to survive for half an hour a man down after Pedro Henrique saw red.

But Diego Godin, Filipe Luis and Nicolas Gaitan fluffed their lines with big chances to leave Atletico on the edge of the European abyss.

Atletico have now won just once in their last eight games as their debut season at the Wanda Metropolitano is descending into a disaster.

The hosts had started on the front foot as Antoine Griezmann's right-footed volley from the edge of the area forced Ibrahim Sehic into a smart save.

However, despite the vast disparity in budgets between the sides, it was the visitors who looked the more composed side in possession as the first half wore on, drawing whistles from the frustrated home crowd.

Henrique was first to threaten as he ghosted past the out of sorts Godin, but his cross was cut out by Stefan Savic with two teammates waiting to apply the finishing touch at the back post.

Atletico's major problem in recent months has been finding the net and their lack of cutting edge was demonstrated as Sehic raced from his goal to smother Kevin Gameiro's shot from a narrow angle and Godén powered a header over.

Simeone's side concede another header

Simeone was infuriated when Jakub Rzezniczak was only shown a yellow card for hauling down Gameiro on the edge of the box 10 minutes before half-time.

And the Argentine had even more to more to be concerned about five minutes later when Michel met Donald Guerrier's corner flush to send a header into the top corner despite Jan Oblak's best efforts.

Of the 10 goals Atlético have conceded this season, seven have now come from headers as a former strength of Simeone's teams has quickly become an alarming weakness.

Buoyed by a half-time dressing down from Simeone, Atlético again started the second period at a higher tempo and Gameiro somehow fired wide after Sehic had parried Angel Correa's initial effort straight back into the heart of the area.

Moments later Atlético could have found themselves 2-0 behind but for a brilliant goal line clearance from Savic.

That proved to be a turning point as Partey swept Griezmann's layoff into the top corner on 56 minutes.

Qarabag have man sent off

Qarabag were then reduced to 10 men just before the hour mark when Henrique was shown a straight red for a dangerous high challenge on Godin.

The Uruguayan defender's eventful 90 minutes continued as he then saw a powerful header cleared off the line.

Luis had the best chance to leave the 10 men without a reward when he stabbed wide when clean through.

The Brazilian full-back sent another long-range effort off target and Godin saw another late header saved by Sehic.

And Sehic saved Qarabag again in the dying seconds with a brilliant block from Gaitan, while Atletico were also reduced to 10 men when Savic was shown a second yellow.

Atlético missed the creative impact of the injured Koke and Yannick Carrasco as a third straight home draw leaves their European dreams hanging by a thread.

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No Excuse If We Can't Stop Manchester United - Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois thinks that Chelsea need to win at Stamford Bridge against Manchester United on Sunday to give them a chance of retaining their Premier League title.

Chelsea sit in fourth place after 10 games with a nine-point gap between them and Manchester City, who sit at the top of the table. Ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is now leading Man United and his side are four points above the champions ahead of Sunday's clash in west London.

Courtois conceded three goals as Roma comfortably beat the Blues in the Champions League on Tuesday and the Belgium international is hoping to see his side return to winning ways to stay in contention for the title.

"If we want to remain near the top of the Premier League then it is a must win game for us," Courtois said at the Stadio Olympico. "I think City is at nine points [ahead of us], United is at four. Tottenham is just one in front but this game is a must win if you want to remain near the top and near the other teams.

"We will try to get three points and give our lives for it on Sunday.

Chelsea won the title last term without having to play any European football after a rough 2015-16 campaign. Courtois was asked if the Blues were having trouble coping with the Champions League and the Premier League this season.

"I don’t think so," the goalkeeper replied. "We try to do our best and we want to be in the Champions League. A few years ago, we won the league while playing in the Champions League.

"Obviously it is a change so it is harder. We are tired quicker than last year but I don’t think it affects us. I think we just need to keep training well and be ready for Sunday. I think after the Palace game and I think Roma after, we showed some good character against Watford and Bournemouth.

"We could have won 4-0 vs Bournemouth so I think we will have to meet tomorrow, see the images and see what we could have done better and then give 150 per cent of ourselves on Sunday."

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Barcelona In Race To Sign Arsenal Target

The Daily Telegraph report that Barca are showing interest in the France international as they face having to reshape their midfield next summer.

They are looking for a long term replacement for Andres Iniesta, and with their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho continuing to be frustrated by Liverpool, are now considering Lemar instead.

Arsenal almost signed Lemar on transfer deadline day in the summer for a club record £90million, and although the deal fell through the Gunners remain keen.

There is a complication, however, in that Arsenal were only able to bid £90m after accepting a bid for Alexis Sanchez, which also fell through.

Sanchez is set to leave on a free next summer, along with Mesut Ozil, with both showing little inclination to extend contracts that expire in 2018. The situation leaves the Gunners short of funds.

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Mathew Debuchy Having A Surprise Return To The First Team

Debuchy was a surprise presence in the Gunners squad that travelled to Belgrade for a Europa League tie last summer having been ostracised by Wenger at the end of last year.

Wenger had said before the opening of the January 2017 transfer window that the 32-year-old was free to leave, accusing Debuchy of lying about a failed move to Manchester United.

Summer transfers to Brighton and Nice fell apart but it seemed Debuchy was unlikely to feature again until both Shkodran Mustafi and Calum Chambers were ruled out through injury, after which Wenger gave the former France international starts against Red Star Belgrade and Norwich in the EFL Cup.

Barring a late error in the latter game that should have seen Norwich awarded a penalty, Debuchy has performed credibly, doing enough to earn Wenger’s trust again.

“We are all very pleased for him here because he has gone through some very difficult moments with setbacks,” Wenger said. “The fact that he got through 120 minutes the other night is a huge boost for him. He needs to recover now but from now on, he’ll be a candidate to fight for the team places again.

“Mathieu is absolutely strong and determined as well. He’s a quiet character but a very strong one. I must say he’s 100 per cent a professional player. Everybody in the medical department just says he’s exceptional.

“Maybe his future is as a centre-back. He has the attributes because, despite his size, he’s very good in the air. You think he couldn’t play centre back because he’s not tall, but if you look at the number of balls he wins in the air, it’s impressive.”

Debuchy will hope to play again the Europa League when Red Star Belgrade visit the Emirates on Thursday, though Chambers is in line to feature having overcome a hip injury.

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Celtic Bow To German Giant With Heads Up High

The Parkhead side threatened to win a precious point after Callum McGregor’s strike cancelled out Kingsley Coman’s first-half opener following slack defending by Dedryck Boyata. It proved futile, however, when Javi Martinez headed Bayern’s winner with 13 minutes to play.

Celtic can still secure Europa League football after Christmas by avoiding defeat against Anderlecht in their final home game in Group B.

Insisting his team were gutted to lose to a side rejuvented under Jupp Heynckes, Rodgers said: ‘The disappointment in the changing room afterwards leads us to think about how we played tonight. That disappointment shows you how well we played.

‘The level of composure and quality we played with, I was very proud of the team. We caused them lots of problems. Individually, of course, they are world class and you can see that at times.

‘We are disappointed with the goals, you get punished at this level, but overall we looked like a proper team who are developing at this level. Okay, we are disappointed to have lost, but there were so many positives from the game.’

Celtic began the game the stronger team but Boyata was at fault for Bayern’s 22nd-minute opener, the Belgian defender failing to head a long ball from keeper Sven Ulreich, although Parkhead No 1 Craig Gordon also looked suspect after rushing off his line.

‘We’ve got to deal with it,’ added Rodgers, ‘as simple as that. We’ve got good pressure on their goalkeeper, our positioning is good, so we’ve got to head it and defend it.’

Gordon claimed there had been a handball by Coman before the Frenchman slotted the ball into an unguarded net.

‘I haven’t seen it so I wouldn’t be sure if Coman handballed it or not,’ said Rodgers. ‘I’m more disappointed we didn’t deal with the header.

‘Craig was in a good start position and that, at least, gives him a chance. From when the keeper kicks it you want your goalkeeper high and your defence on a good line, so head it.’

Celtic recovered their poise to almost snatch a point after fine performances from Scots trio James Forrest, Kieran Tierney and goalscorer McGregor.

‘Callum can keep the ball,’ said Rodgers. ‘People maybe wonder why he played in front of others, but he is a player who looks after the ball. We still have a bit of work to do on that front at this level, we can give it away loosely at times. But Callum was exceptional.

‘The goal was a wonderful example of two Scottish players. If a European player had done what James did, everyone would be raving about it. It was an incredible skill to make the pass and then Callum does what he does.

‘Kieran Tierney was outstanding against Arjen Robben, Scott Brown was controlling in midfield and Moussa Dembele very good up front to give us that platform. It’s another step for us in terms of being a competitive side and playing proper football at this level.'

Bayern  secured second place in the group. Praising Celtic’s players and fans, however, veteran coach Heynckes said: ‘Celtic played an amazing game today, the fans were a super support, and it was a wonderful experience for us here.’

Leaving Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller in Germany as a precaution ahead of a vital Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Heynckes said: ‘I changed the team because I had to take into account the players’ conditioning and their training. It was difficult. We knew it would be a difficult game, it would be challenging, but we have to compliment the players tonight.

‘Javi Martinez can be very dangerous when he is in this position, in front of goal. He is also very important in defence for us.’

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Celtic Bow To German Giant With Heads Up High

The Parkhead side threatened to win a precious point after Callum McGregor’s strike cancelled out Kingsley Coman’s first-half opener following slack defending by Dedryck Boyata. It proved futile, however, when Javi Martinez headed Bayern’s winner with 13 minutes to play.

Celtic can still secure Europa League football after Christmas by avoiding defeat against Anderlecht in their final home game in Group B.

Insisting his team were gutted to lose to a side rejuvented under Jupp Heynckes, Rodgers said: ‘The disappointment in the changing room afterwards leads us to think about how we played tonight. That disappointment shows you how well we played.

‘The level of composure and quality we played with, I was very proud of the team. We caused them lots of problems. Individually, of course, they are world class and you can see that at times.

‘We are disappointed with the goals, you get punished at this level, but overall we looked like a proper team who are developing at this level. Okay, we are disappointed to have lost, but there were so many positives from the game.’

Celtic began the game the stronger team but Boyata was at fault for Bayern’s 22nd-minute opener, the Belgian defender failing to head a long ball from keeper Sven Ulreich, although Parkhead No 1 Craig Gordon also looked suspect after rushing off his line.

‘We’ve got to deal with it,’ added Rodgers, ‘as simple as that. We’ve got good pressure on their goalkeeper, our positioning is good, so we’ve got to head it and defend it.’

Gordon claimed there had been a handball by Coman before the Frenchman slotted the ball into an unguarded net.

‘I haven’t seen it so I wouldn’t be sure if Coman handballed it or not,’ said Rodgers. ‘I’m more disappointed we didn’t deal with the header.

‘Craig was in a good start position and that, at least, gives him a chance. From when the keeper kicks it you want your goalkeeper high and your defence on a good line, so head it.’

Celtic recovered their poise to almost snatch a point after fine performances from Scots trio James Forrest, Kieran Tierney and goalscorer McGregor.

‘Callum can keep the ball,’ said Rodgers. ‘People maybe wonder why he played in front of others, but he is a player who looks after the ball. We still have a bit of work to do on that front at this level, we can give it away loosely at times. But Callum was exceptional.

‘The goal was a wonderful example of two Scottish players. If a European player had done what James did, everyone would be raving about it. It was an incredible skill to make the pass and then Callum does what he does.

‘Kieran Tierney was outstanding against Arjen Robben, Scott Brown was controlling in midfield and Moussa Dembele very good up front to give us that platform. It’s another step for us in terms of being a competitive side and playing proper football at this level.'

Bayern  secured second place in the group. Praising Celtic’s players and fans, however, veteran coach Heynckes said: ‘Celtic played an amazing game today, the fans were a super support, and it was a wonderful experience for us here.’

Leaving Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller in Germany as a precaution ahead of a vital Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Heynckes said: ‘I changed the team because I had to take into account the players’ conditioning and their training. It was difficult. We knew it would be a difficult game, it would be challenging, but we have to compliment the players tonight.

‘Javi Martinez can be very dangerous when he is in this position, in front of goal. He is also very important in defence for us.’

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