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at April 30, 2019 0

BARCELONA have been told to stop two key Liverpool players in particular if they are to progress to the Champions League final.

The Catalan giants host Jurgen Klopp's men tomorrow night (8 pm) in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Barca will go into the game as betting favorites after securing the La Liga title over the weekend.
They are attempting to become just the fourth team to beat Liverpool this season, after Chelsea and Wolves defeated them in cup competitions, while Manchester City inflicted the only league defeat that the Reds have suffered.
And it has been suggested that Barca will take a similar approach to the game as City did, with high pressing and wide attacking.

However, ESPN pundit Gab Marcotti explained that Barca will have to take a different tactical approach, and cut off the attacking prowess of full backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
Yeah, I don’t necessarily buy that,” Marcotte said of Barca copying City.
“Manchester City have the likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane out wide, whereas Barcelona has Lionel Messi, who is an entirely different player.
“I think that the lesson to take from that is the importance of the midfield.
Liverpool
Manchester City are the only team to have beaten Liverpool in the league (Image: GETTY)
“Barcelona are going to feel that if they can starve Liverpool’s front men’s supply from the middle of the park and also pin back the full-backs of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson with Jordi Alba and Messi.
“Then, they can overload the midfield, dominate the game and pick their spots.”
Marcotti agreed with Klopp's claim that Wednesday night’s game might not be a classic Liverpool performance and suggested that instead, it could be a more cagey affair.
“They feel that they have an edge there, and Jurgen Klopp even said himself that we’re not going to see the crash bang wallop heavy metal football that we’re used to seeing from them,” he continued.
Liverpool
Barcelona have been told to stop Andy Robertson attacking (Image: GETTY“We might see a much more measured approach, this is a more mature team than last year, one which can pace itself, and that knows the tie is going to last 180 minutes.
“Even if they don’t do it at the Camp Nou, they will have chances to go and win it at Anfield.”
The return fixture will be played at Anfield on May 7, just days before their final Premier League game of the season against Wolves.
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at April 18, 2019 0

PEP GUARDIOLA said VAR had dealt his Manchester City side a “cruel” blow as their hopes of landing a quadruple crashed at the Etihad last night.

Victory for Tottenham, 4-4 on away goals, saw two decisions go against the hosts late on delivering a controversial end to their Champions League hopes.
First Fernando Llorente scored a second-half goal despite appearing to divert the ball in off his elbow.
Then, Raheem Sterling, had a late ‘winner’ ruled out after Sergio Aguero was deemed offside in the build-up.
Referee Cuneyt Cakir ruled both decisions in favor of Spurs but Guardiola suggested the visitors’ winner should have been ruled out.
It is just to see the goal may be from Llorente’s handball,” he said. “From one angle it is a handball. It is tough but it would be better if we don’t concede. We were close to going through. It is cruel.
“Second half we did everything,” he said. “It was not easy to create chance s but we create a lot. We make mistakes in that competition but were punished a lot. It was a bad end for us.
Guardiola insisted he continued to support the use of VAR despite its late intervention.
And he maintained City it did not cost City a place in the semi-final.
“After 20 minutes we were 3-2 up. We missed a penalty in the first leg. We create an incredible amount of chances today. I am so proud, especially for the fans. It was an amazing night for us. I never saw the stadium like tonight since I was here in Manchester. I know they know we gave absolutely everything.
“Football is like this, it is unpredictable.”
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino called the finish to the match “unbelievable”.
“I am so happy, so proud. My players are heroes to be here. I am so happy for them, so happy for the fans.
“In a moment many things happened in your head, the disappointment was massive but they changed the decision. That is why we love football.
“We showed great character and great personality it was an unbelievable game.”
Christian Eriksen’s mistake, which led to Sterling’s subsequently disallowed goal in the 93rd minute as the match wound up to a dramatic conclusion, called himself the “luckiest man on the planet”.
“I must be one of the luckiest guys on the planet. I thought it was all over but It was a fun game. It was a rollercoaster, we gave them a lot but also got a lot it was a weird game.
“After today we take a deep breath, it will be a fairytale to play Ajax.”

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at April 03, 2019 0

REAL MADRID boss Zinedine Zidane has confessed he will only let Isco leave Real Madrid should the club sign Chelsea star Eden Hazard, according to reports.

Real Madrid boss Zidane is eyeing a summer transfer for Chelsea star Hazard, who spearheads the Frenchman’s Bernabeu transfer wishlist.
The 27-year-old is widely expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, with Madrid his preferred destination.
The return of Zidane as Real Madrid manager has only seen transfer talk intensify, with the 46-year-old a huge admirer.
That was back in 2010 but, that summer, the La Liga giants opted to sign Angel Di Maria from Portuguese side Benfica instead.
Now, however, could be the time to strike.
And OK Diario claim Zidane will only ponder cutting Isco loose if he lands Hazard from Chelsea at the end of the campaign.
Director Eduardo Inda said: “Zidane has said that as soon as he is tied, Hazard will let Isco go out.”
OK, Diario then elaborates on the situation, claiming that Isco is now eager to stay at Real Madrid and fight for his place.
The Spain international had previously toiled under Santiago Solari, often having to make do with a place on the bench.
But, with Zidane back, he wants to stay.
His cause may not be helped by the signing of Hazard, however, who will provide yet more competition for attacking places.
News of Zidane confessing about Hazard and Isco comes at a time where:
Meanwhile, pundit Chris Sutton believes Real should prioritize Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling over a deal for Hazard.
“You have to say that Raheem Sterling is now world class.
“If you were Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, surely you would want to buy him over Eden Hazard?
“Is there anything Sterling cannot do? His weight of pass is superb, his movement off the ball is lethal and he has become deadly in front of goal.
“What defender in the world would want to face Sterling in this form? It doesn’t matter if you take him on or back off — either way he will destroy you.
“He is still just 24 and improving year on year. His wonderful performances for England in the last two games have confirmed that he can thrive on the international stage.”

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at April 01, 2019 0

A wink from Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has “added to the uncertainty surrounding Paul Pogba’s future” with the Real Madrid head coach making it known how highly he regards his compatriot.
Last week Pogba spoke highly of Zidane when asked how he felt about his return to Real Madrid, and it seems like a mutual love-in is now in progress, which will only fuel speculation that the French World Cup winner will quit Old Trafford.
The Sunday Times describes how Zidane was asked for his opinion of Pogba at a press conference at the weekend.
“I like Pogba a lot and it’s not new,” he replied. “I know him personally. He is different. He contributes to what few can do. He knows how to attack and defend. He knows how to do everything on the pitch.” 
Door always open
Although Pogba still has two years on his contract, Real are expected to make him their No.1 summer transfer target as they look to replenish their squad after a disappointing season.
Zidane was careful not to tread on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s toes, but his words will nonetheless be seen as a flirt.
“He’s not part of my squad,” Zidane emphasized. “If when he finishes his experience at United he wants to come here, why shouldn’t he come to Real Madrid? But especially Madrid, more than Zidane.” 
Phone flirting
The Manchester Evening News (MEN) embellishes the story with a claim that Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, “has held two phone conversations with Real Madrid” over the midfielder’s future.
The MEN quotes Spanish newspaper Marca, which alleges that Raiola is actively courting Real with a view to a summer move to the Bernabeu.
As a result, a deal “seems to be on the cards again”, a possibility that was ruled out earlier in the season because of financial constraints.
Real know they would have to pay well in excess of €100m (£86m) for the 26-year-old Pogba, but the board is also conscious that they need a big-name player to boost morale after the disaster of this season.
The MEN said: “Pogba’s wages can be taken on by Madrid due to his profile as a player, both in a sporting and commercial sense.”
Pogba out, Bale or Kroos in?
If Pogba leaves this summer United could demand a Real Madrid player as part of any potential deal.
The Daily Express, via Spanish newspaper AS, reports that the Red Devils may seek either Welsh forward Gareth Bale or German midfielder Toni Kroos in part-exchange for Pogba.
Bale has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital, to United or back to Tottenham, but talks or reports that his future will be decided at the end of the season. 
Griezmann says ‘non’
There’s more bad news in the Manchester Evening News with a report claiming that Antoine Griezmann has told Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone that he will be staying.
Rumours had suggested that Man Utd were exploring the possibility of signing the Frenchman in the event Pogba heads to Real, but apparently he’s decided to remain loyal to Atletico.
Spanish outlet AS says that Griezmann has informed Simeone of his intention because “he believes he can win trophies under him”. 
Ole eyes Wan-Bissaka
The Daily Mail reports that new United full-time manager Solskjaer is preparing a summer bid for Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka, 21, is being lined up as a replacement for Antonio Valencia and could cost around £35m. United’s rivals Manchester City are also interested.

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at March 16, 2019 0

Messi did not hesitate to react to the draw of the Champions League, which has paired Barca with Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, who has been charged to PSG.
Barca, in case of overcoming their tie, something that is taken for granted, would be measured against the winner of Liverpool-Oporto, Jürgen Klopp having the poster clear favorite.
Piqué, Leo, Luis Suarez, and company hope to overcome the duel against the 'reds', more aware of their options to boost the Premier League than the Champions, and since the Camp Nou and imagine playing the grand final in the Metropolitan Wanda.
A final that, with almost all the odds, will play against Manchester City or Juventus of Turin. That is, against Pep Guardiola or Cristiano Ronaldo.
The English side will face the Tottenham of Mauricio Pocchetino. In principle, there should be no problems to overcome the combined London, which is going through a blip of negative results but could overcome Borussia Dortmund in the last 16.
 
The 'Vecchia Signora', on the other hand, will be measured at Ajax, revelation team, who will arrive with morale through the clouds after humiliating Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. An intense duel in which the Allegri depart as great favorites.
But CR7 and company do not trust each other. They will have to give everything to overcome those of Amsterdam, who play a colorful and offensive football that puts in trouble all the rivals, as demonstrated against Madrid and Bayern Munich. In addition, the role of victims comes as a glove. 
If they overcome their respective eliminatory, Ronaldo and Pep would be in semifinals. And whoever wins, against a Messi who has already sent a message to both: see you in the final.
Sparks will fly.
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at March 05, 2019 0

Jose Mourinho has advised Jurgen Klopp to be ‘honest’ with his Liverpool players if they are to pip Manchester City to the Premier League title. The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager believes the German should deliver it straight to his under-performing squad, who have drawn five of their last seven matches in all competitions. Their latest 0-0 draw with Everton saw them slip off their perch at the top of the Premier League, with Pep Guardiola’s defending champions taking a slender one-point lead.

Mourinho believes the title race is still wide ‘open’ and offered some advice to Klopp on how to handle this difficult situation. ‘It’s never easy and of course, the personality of the manager is very important,’ he told BeIN Sports. Klopp reacts to Everton draw Play Video Loaded: 0%Progress: 0% Play Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration Time 6:42 Fullscreen Jurgen, I don’t know him personally well enough like I do some other managers, but it looks from the outside that he’s a positive person – happy guy that has some contacts with the players, he’s very tactile. He’s very supportive. I think he’s going to make them believe what we also believe: that’s it’s open. It’s not closed. The city is not championed: it’s open. ‘He’s trying to prepare them and I think the best way to prepare sometimes is to be really honest. To be honest.


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at March 01, 2019 0
1

Barcelona (+2)

2

Paris Saint-Germain (no change)

3

Manchester City (-2)

4

Atletico Madrid (no change)

5

Liverpool (+1)

6

Bayern Munich (-1)

7

Juventus (+1)

8

Porto (+1)

9

Borussia Dortmund (new)

10

Istanbul Basaksehir (new)

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