Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Tottenham vs Barcelona: Mauricio Pochettino comes up against Ernesto Valverde.. the man who ended his playing career

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 Mauricio Pochettino and Ernesto Valverde met in pre-season as Spurs faced Barca

MAURICIO POCHETTINO will see the man who ended his playing career in the opposite dugout tonight - and he claims he is thankful.

Ernesto Valverde took over Espanyol in 2006 and immediately axed Pochettino, who was 34 at the time.

Mauricio Pochettino and Ernesto Valverde met in pre-season as Spurs faced BarcaCredit: YouTube

Tearful Poch said goodbye in an emotional press conference before hanging up his boots - although he insists the duo have buried the hatchet.

The Spurs chief, 46, said: That day, it was difficult to understand his position but I talked to him in pre-season, when we played Barcelona in Los Angeles, and I completely understand.

He arrived at Espanyol at not a good time for me. I could not see it at the time but I can now.

In football, you are always protected by this bubble and then, when somebody shows you the reality, it can surprise you."

Mauricio Pochettino played for and managed EspanyolCredit: Getty Images - Getty
The Spurs chief takes on Ernesto Valverde todayCredit: Alamy Live News
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino explains once and for all why he will never manage Barcelona

Valverde decided to axe veteran defender Pochettino as he felt he had too much influence in the dressing room and undermined predecessor Miguel Angel Lotina, which the Argentinian denies.

Pochettino has had time to reflect on the incident and in glad for the chance to move into management.

Ernesto Valverde inspects Wembley ahead of the Champions League clashCredit: AP:Associated Press
Tottenhams Harry Kane says he is hoping to beat the goalscoring exploits of Barcelona legend Lionel Messi

He added: "These things show you that situations in life and in football change very quickly and, when one door closes, many others open.

"I never wanted to be the victim and I am now going to face the coach who gave me the opportunity to become a coach.

The three reasons Man Uniteds controversial penalty against PSG was rightly awarded

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 Referee Damir Skomina made the decision of his own accord to award Manchester United a penalty

MANCHESTER Uniteds controversial penalty winner at PSG was rightly awarded - according to the guidelines from the Uefa referees' chief.

Slovakian official Damir Skomina initially awarded a corner kick when Presnel Kimpembe blocked Diogo Dalots late shot.

Referee Damir Skomina made the decision of his own accord to award Manchester United a penaltyCredit: Getty - Contributor

Dalot appealed for a spot-kick, although hardly with any vehemence and United were ready to take the corner.

Instead, Skomina was then informed by Italian VAR Massimiliano Irruti that he had missed a potential penalty offence.

It was then down to Skomina to view the incident himself on the pitch-side monitor to confirm the view of the VAR.

But Uefa refs chief, former Italian whistler Roberto Rossetti, outlined the criteria at a briefing in Rome last month.

This was the incident that PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe wont be forgetting for some timeCredit: AFP
Marcus Rashford made no mistake and hammered home what was the winning goalCredit: AFP

Asked when VAR officials would be expected to intervene over alleged handball decisions in the box, Rossetti explained: There are three things that we start with.

The first is whether there is movement of the hand towards the ball.

Then there is the distance between the players. And finally the position of the hand or arm.

If the VAR sees a clear movement towards the ball, clear movement, there is a need to intervene.

And if we see a clear unnatural position, 100 per cent, and the player making his body bigger to block the ball, we need to intervene.

Kimpembes body posture as he turned to block Dalots late shot was exactly the type of making his body bigger incident Rossetti highlighted with a series of video clips.

He added: If a player blocks with his arm clear of the body, it IS a penalty.

The same presentation was also given to Champions League broadcasters and at the workshop in Switzerland that only five of the 16 surviving managers attended.

Ironically, one of those who did go was PSG boss Thomas Tuchel but a frustrated Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin pointed out: That was a lack of respect for Roberto Rosetti.

We want, always, the referee at the centre of the decision-making process

The influence of managers is huge and if they complain about referees they should at least come see what the experts say about VAR.

So no, they have no excuses any more - especially the ones who did not come.

The key was that it was Skomina, not the VAR man, who took the final call.

Rossetti added last month: We want, always, the referee at the centre of the decision-making process.

Then, when VAR has clear video image evidence, he can intervene. Only in case of clear evidence that something is wrong, a clear mistake.

For interpretations, we want the referee to go out of the field of play and watch with his own eyes on the screen.

Then the referee will take the final decision. We believe the referee must do that.

Why? Because the referee has to take responsibility, continue the match and explain to the players what he has seen.

He didn't care how it happened, all Marcus Rashford wanted to do was be the hero on the night for his clubCredit: Getty

It cant be someone in another place, who cant be seen. The referee has to be at the centre.

This season, backed by PGMOL boss Mike Riley, Prem refs have ignored the World Cup protocols on handball.

And they will do again next season.

Riley and his officials believe that there needs to be more sustained and evident intent for a spot kick to be avoided and in a situation where Kimpembe turned his back on the ball, would normally rule that could not be said to be the case.

It means that, were a similar incident to take place in the Prem - or even in a VAR-available FA Cup tie - it would NOT be deemed a spot kick.

The International FA Board agreed new handball Laws, to come into effect in June, in Aberdeen last week.

That stated that if the ball struck an arm or hands raised above the shoulder, it would always be deemed a handball offence.

And should a player place his arms outside the natural silhouette of his body, he will run the risk of a spot-kick being awarded.

However, the final decision remains the preserve of the referee, with Riley and PGMOL sticking with their softer interpretation of what makes a handball.

Man Utd awarded controversial VAR penalty against PSG in injury time for Kimpembe handball

Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos overtakes Paul Scholes as most yellow carded player ever in Champions League history with 36

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 Sergio Ramos, left, picked up his 36th booking of his career against Roma

REAL MADRID star Sergio Ramos has set a new record in the Champions League - becoming the competition's most yellow carded ever player.

The 32-year-old picked up a caution in Madrid's convincing 3-0 win over Roma on Wednesday night - the 36th of his career.

Sergio Ramos, left, picked up his 36th booking of his career against RomaCredit: AP:Associated Press
Ramos has overtaken Scholes' record, which had not been surpassed since his retirement in 2013Credit: Reuters

Goals from Isco, Gareth Bale and Mariano gave the La Liga giants the perfect start to their European campaign.

And now Ramos has overtaken Manchester United legend Paul Scholes's record of 35 yellow cards, which has stood since the midfielder's retirement in 2013.

Ramos' style of defending has made him somewhat of an unpopular figure in England, particularly with Liverpool fans.

The defender outraged Reds fans far and wide for his challenge on Mohamed Salahin last seasons Champions League final - which resulted in the Egyptian suffering a dislocated shoulder.

Madrid have been in superb form under new head coach Julen LopeteguiCredit: Getty - Contributor
Ramos, right, remains a key figure at the BernabeuCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

However, Ramos has been a central figure to his club and country's success for a large period of time - with Real gunning for a fourth Champions League in a row this season.

Madrid fans will be unconcerned about Ramos' latest feat, considering how impressive the performances have been from the whole squad since Julen Lopetegui's arrival as head coach.

They remain unbeaten under Lopetegui - with four wins out of five in all competitions.

They return to La Liga action on Saturday as they host Espanyol at the Bernabeu.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Jurgen Klopp rages at 500,000 interruptions and singles out Neymar as Liverpool crash to Champions League defeat

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 Jurgen Klopp was furious with the antics of PSG star Neymar

JURGEN KLOPP accused Neymar of diving as his team suffered a third successive Euro away defeat.

Liverpool must beat Napoli with either a 1-0 scoreline or by two clear goals to reach the knockout stages.

Jurgen Klopp was furious with the antics of PSG star NeymarCredit: PA:Press Association
The Liverpool boss accused the forward of diving during the Reds' defeat in ParisCredit: AP:Associated Press

Goals from Juan Bernat and Kylian Mpbappe put the French side ahead before James Milner pulled one back from the penalty spot.

Furious Klopp, who believes Neymar kept trying to win free-kicks, said: "It was clever of PSG, Neymar especially him but a lot of players went down as if it was really serious.

"You act like you die and the next moment you get up. It could be a yellow card. You could do that. Everybody's going down, it's not football anymore

"But I don't want to say 'Paris didn't deserve it.' We were not calm enough ... Our decision making was not good enough.

Klopp's Liverpool must beat Napoli with either a 1-0 scoreline or by two clear goals to reach the knockout stagesCredit: Getty Images
Jordan Henderson is suspended for the Merseyside derby on SundayCredit: Reuters

We scored once and then it was clear they would struggle as they couldnt have that intensity in the second half. We tried everything.

A little hurdle was the 500,000 interruptions in the second half and the referee still thinks he did everything right. We are the fairest team in England but tonight we looked like butchers. They were always down and it looked like we used elbows. It was smart if you want, the ref let that happen.

Neymar does a money celebration with Kylian Mbappe after his goal against Liverpool in the Champions League

RUBS IT IN Neymar does money celebration with Kylian Mbappe before celebrating in Alissons Liverpool jersey


You can lose in Paris, but it still feels a bit rubbish and we have to use Anfield one more time. We are calling Anfield right now.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson, suspended for Sundays derby with Everton, said: I am disappointed because we feel were good enough to come here and win. It wasnt our night but we kept going until the end.

It gave us a boost to get the goal before half-time but we kept going and fighting and now weve got to keep it in our own hands by winning at Anfield.

We didnt start well and they started quickly so that disappointing. If you dont start at 100 per cent, you get punished in the Champions League.

PSG boss Thomas Tuchel said: It was important to show we could fight against Liverpool. We defended incredibly well.

LIVERPOOL must do exactly what they did against Olympiakos in 2004 when they take on Napoli at Anfield in two weeks.

TheReds' 2-1 defeat at PSGmeans they are in serious danger ofgoing out on head-to-head recordand must now win either 1-0, or by two clear goals to progress.

Lorenzo Insigne's last gasp winner in Naples against Jurgen Klopp's mencould end up being crucial with away goals taken into account should two or more teams end up level on points.

But click here to find out why it is not such a daunting task for the Reds.

Lionel Messi shock inclusion in Barcelona squad for Champions League game just weeks after breaking his arm

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 Lionel Messi broke a bone in his right arm during Barcelona's win against Sevilla

BARCELONA have included Lionel Messi in their Champions League squad to face Inter Milan - despite the forward not being given the "medical all clear".

The 31-year-old broke his right arm little over two weeks ago during the 4-2 win against Sevilla on October 20, but could still feature against the Serie A side on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi broke a bone in his right arm during Barcelona's win against SevillaCredit: EPA
Messi missed the 5-1 victory against Real Madrid at the Nou CampCredit: Alamy Live News

The 31-year-old recently returned to training just ten days after picking up the injurydespite initial fears he would miss three weeks of the campaign.

And Ernesto Valverde has selected him in his squad to face the Italians at the San Siro as Barca look to rack up their fourth win of Group B.

Messi's name was marked with an asterisk in the team list, with the Catalan club stating: "The player travels without the medical all clear."

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been in fine form this season, netting 12 goals in as many games in all competitions - including five in the Champions League.

World Cup runner-up Messi got on the score sheet against Sevilla before getting injuredCredit: Reuters
Messi has banged in 12 goals for Ernesto Valverde's side in all competitions this seasonCredit: Reuters

Barca have continued to impress in Messi's absence, notably beating Real Madrid 5-1 in El Clasico last week.

It has been reported that Manchester City were ready to sign Messi last season in a whopping 663million deal.

While Barcelona are looking at both David Luiz and Laurent Koscielny in the winter transfer window.

Valverde is desperate to bolster his backline with Samuel Umtiti currently injured.

Lionel Messi's son shows he is a fan of Ronaldo's Juventus by drawing him a picture of the club crest

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Suarez vows NOT to celebrate if he scores at Anfield unlike what Barcelona striker did after goal against Liverpool in Nou Camp

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 Luis Suarez is preparing to face Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League semi-final second leg

BARCELONA striker Luis Suarez has vowed not to celebrate against Liverpool as he prepares to play at Anfield for the first time since leaving in 2014.

The 32-year-old failed to contain his emotions last week at the Nou Camp after breaking the deadlock against the Reds in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

Luis Suarez is preparing to face Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League semi-final second legCredit: PA:Press Association

Barca eventually beat Jurgen Klopp's side 3-0 thanks to Lionel Messi' double - including a stunning free-kick from the Argentinian that brought up 600 goals for the Blaugrana.

And should Suarez get on the score sheet to send his side into the final on June 1, the Uruguayan international insisted he will not celebrate in the same vigour.

Speaking ahead of the clash in Merseyside, he said: "Celebrating the goal? Everyone who football knows the importance of the goal I scored last week.

"I have all the respect in the world for Liverpool's fans. Im very thankful to them. If I score a goal here, I wont celebrate it in the same way.

"I say sorry (if anyone was offended) but the Liverpool fans would applaud me. I am very thankful to Liverpool to the fans and the club and it is clear if I score a goal against Liverpool I won't celebrate it.

"I am thankful for Liverpool. I think I was here for three and a half years and the team had been four or five years without being in the Champions League."

Before adding: "I think there will be more applause than whistles and I think if people want to whistle and that makes them happy there may be quite a few who are not happy but I think there will be more who are happy and grateful."

Fans weren't too bothered by his statement, as one tweeted: "Literally no proper Liverpool fan is a**** he celebrated, why is still being peddled?"

Another commented: "He can celebrate however he likes. small-time to think otherwise."

One said: "If it was the other way around and Liverpool signed him from Barca and he scores in a semi, I'd expect him to celebrate."

Reds fans are sweating on the fitness of Virgil van Dijk after the defender missed training today, with Klopp already without Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Suarez, 32, got on the score sheet along with Lionel Messi during Barca's 3-0 win against the Reds last weekCredit: Reuters
Former Liverpool fan favourite will play in Merseyside for the first time since leaving in 2014Credit: Reuters
Barcelona are looking to win their first Champions League title since beating Juventus in 2015Credit: PA:Press Association
Suarez failed to contain his emotions after breaking the deadlock at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Champions League semi-final Liverpool vs Barcelona: How to watch, live stream, kick-off time, team news for Anfield second leg

Sanchez and Lukaku among Man Utd stars out for a stroll before PSG clash

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 Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku have a chat as they take a lunchtime stroll

MANCHESTER UNITED have prepared for tonight's big match with Paris Saint-Germain with a lunchtime stroll around Old Trafford cricket ground.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side take on the French champions in the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 on the back of an 11-match unbeaten run.

Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku have a chat as they take a lunchtime strollCredit: Zenpix
Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick were in discussion as United prepare for their clash with PSGCredit: Zenpix

And the squad looked in relaxed mood as they went for a gentle wander around the cricket ground today.

United have been staying in the hotel on the site just a mile up the road from their own Old Trafford stadium in the build-up to the match.

And they took advantage of the tranquil setting to stretch their limbs as they wound down the hours before kick-off this evening.

United know they may not get a better chance to see off the big-spenders of world football given the injury problems that have hit PSG.

David De Gea stretches his neck as he looks ahead to taking on PSG at Old TraffordCredit: Zenpix
Nemanja Matic will play a key role in the midfield but Chris Smalling may only be on the benchCredit: Zenpix

They were already missing superstar Neymar with a broken bone in his foot - but last weekend they were hit with two more fitness worries.

Fellow forward Edinson Cavani suffered a thigh tear which rules him out of this match and threatens to see him miss the return leg next month as well.


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Boss Thomas Tuchel has also lost Thomas Meunier at right-back after he suffered concussion in the weekend win at home to Bordeaux.

That has left PSG with the prospect of having to play with only one up front and draft in the veteran Dani Alves into their side against in-form United.

Solskjaer's only problems are over who to start and who to leave out - with all his players fit and in form.

Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku were spotted in conversation during their walk today, but the likelihood is both will be on the bench at kick-off.

United are likely to recall Marcus Rashford to the role as central striker, while Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard will provide support.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer boldly predicts Manchester United capable of winning Champions League