James : I'll get a chance under Heynckes.

James Rodriguez has told Colombian media he believes he will get a chance under interim Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes.

James, 26, signed a two-year loan deal with an option to make his move from Real Madrid permanent.

He was signed by former Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti, who had also brought him to Madrid in 2014.

Bayern dismissed Ancelotti the day after a 3-0 Champions League defeat at Paris Saint-Germain last month, in which James was substituted at half-time.

But the attacker, who has made only five appearances for Bayern in all competitions, said: "A coach has arrived who I believe will consider me, and I think we will do good things together.


Heynckes said last week that James "can count on my support and my help because I like technically gifted players, and I believe he has a lot of talent."

James added that he was enjoying life in Munich, saying: "It is a good chance for me. I can go out and have a coffee and not get hassled too much. People respect you, and that is good."

He also spoke about his World Cup ambitions, having scored the goal that sealed Colombia's qualification for the tournament in Russia.

"I just want to have an excellent World Cup and that's it," he said. "I hope we reach the quarterfinals -- we want to continue to write history.
"I don't lose much sleep over again becoming top scorer at the World Cup, because I've already achieved that.".
And he praised international teammate Radamel Falcao, saying: "I get on very well with Falcao.

"I hope he has a great World Cup -- he deserves it. This is a reward for him and I hope he arrives in the best possible way.

"Everyone knows what happened at the 2014 World Cup [which Falcao missed due to an ACL injury], what he overcame."

Police raid PSG,homes of Di Maria,Pastore

Police investigating suspected tax fraud have raided the headquarters of Paris Saint-Germain and the homes of Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore, a French official says.

The official said police on Tuesday entered the head offices of PSG at Parc des Princes and other offices in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside the French capital.

Anti-corruption police units also searched the homes of three Argentine players -- Di Maria, Pastore and Nantes forward Emiliano Sala.

The national financial prosecutor's office opened an investigation in December after so-called "Football Leaks" reports allegedly detailed tax arrangements by top players, coaches and clubs.

In a statement released to French media, PSG said: "Paris Saint-Germain communicated all the information and documents requested on two of its players.

"Paris Saint-Germain emphasised that all of the relative contractual documents of these two players have been concluded in perfectly regular conditions, as the club has demonstrated systematically and with the utmost rigor.

"The club will continue to answer, in perfect transparency, any new request from the competent authorities."

Di Maria, formerly of Real Madrid, was also the target of tax charges in Spain in December.

A day earlier, reports in France said PSG star Edinson Cavani was also suspected of attempting to avoid paying nearly €500,000 in taxes, though the Uruguayan told Mediapart he was "very shocked" by the allegations and "in full compliance with French tax law."

A new statement from Cavani's agent on Tuesday said: "Mr Edinson Cavani again denies, with the utmost firmness, the unfounded accusations against him."

Koke signs extension at Atletico until 2024

Koke has signed a five-year contract extension that will keep the midfielder at Atletico Madrid until June 2024, the club announced on Tuesday.

"Jose Resurreccion 'Koke' and Atletico Madrid have completed an agreement for the player to sign a contract extension until June 30, 2024," a club statement said.

Koke, whose previous deal ran to June 2019, said he was is thrilled to have pledged his future to his all-time club.

"Atletico is the club of my life and it's an honor to be a part of its future," the 25-year-old told the club's website.

Koke joined Atletico at the age of eight and made his first team debut in the 2011-12 campaign. He has won five titles with Atletico, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League.

The Spain international scored four goals and set up eight more in 34 league starts to help Atletico finish third in La Liga in the 2016-17 campaign and qualify for next season's Champions League group stages.

"This is great news for all Atletico fans," Atletico sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero said. "He is one of the leaders of the team and has grown up with the values of this club.

"Despite his youth, he has vast experience and he is an example to all the children from our Academy. He is loved, respected and will make history in this club."

Conte wins Premier league manager of the season

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has been named Premier League manager of the year by the League Managers Association at their 25th annual awards dinner on Monday night.

Conte led the Blues, who finished 10th last campaign, to the Premier League title and this weekend's FA Cup final during his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea claimed a Premier League-record 30 victories under the stewardship of Conte, including 13 in a row from Oct. 1, to finish seven points ahead of second-placed Tottenham.

Griezman: 60% chance of Utd move

The France international continues to be linked with the Red Devils, and revealed his future will be finalised within the next two weeks.

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has admitted there is a "six out of 10" chance that he will join Manchester United this summer.

The France international has long been linked with the Old Trafford outfit, and Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is keen to add the player to his squad.
And now Griezmann has revealed there is a real chance of him moving to the Europa League finalists, with his future set to be finalised in the next fortnight.

"My future will be decided within two weeks, " he told French television show, Quotidien .

He was then asked what the possibility of him joining United this summer would be out of 10, he replied "six".

Some reports have suggested Griezmann will only sign for United if they can secure Champions League football for next season.

Mourinho: No mistake next season

The Red Devils have had a mixed campaign under the Portuguese coach, but he is confident there will be a great improvement next term.

Jose Mourinho insists he will not make mistakes in his second season at Manchester United now that he knows the club better from the inside.

United could still end Mourinho's first campaign at Old Trafford with two major trophies if they can defeat Ajax in the Europa League final next Wednesday, having already won the EFL Cup.

But they have struggled in the Premier League and will finish sixth regardless of their result in Sunday's home match against Crystal Palace – meaning the Europa League represents their last chance to reach next season's Champions League.

Mourinho stressed that the first season at any new club is always difficult, but is more optimistic about 2017-18 after what he has learned this term.

"I try to analyse the realities before I arrived in the club, but you only know the reality when you are inside," Mourinho told Omnisport.
"The first season is hard. I enjoy the second because in the second I know I'm not making mistakes.

"You think you know the players, but you don't. You only know them when you have them in good moments and bad moments. The one I really enjoy to do is the transition from the first to the second season."

Herrera named Man Utd player of the season

Ander Herrera was named Manchester United's player of the season for 2016-17, ending David De Gea's run of three straight years winning the award.

Herrera, 27, edged Antonio Valencia and top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the prize after appearing in 31 Premier League games and providing six assists from midfield.

"It is very special for me to win this award because when you see the list of the winners you see how important it is," Herrera told MUTV on Thursday.

"Of course also I stopped the record of David [De Gea] and the trophy stays in Spain as well."
Herrera made his first appearance for Spain this season as a result of his fine performances for United.

Ecuador international Valencia was named the players' player of the season after a fine season a right-back in which he made 31 appearances and provided three assists.

Henrikh Mkhiatryan won goal of the season for his back-heeled volley against Sunderland in December.

Axel Tuanzebe took home the reserve team player of the year award.

Harry Kane one of a kind -Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino says Harry Kane is one of a kind after the striker's stunning performance in Tottenham's 6-1 win at Leicester City on Thursday.

Kane scored four goals for the first time in his career -- including a second-half hat trick, his fourth of the season -- to move ahead of Everton's Romelu Lukaku in the race for the Golden Boot.

The Spurs striker now has 26 goals, one more than he scored last season when he won the award, and two ahead of Lukaku.
Spurs play at relegated Hull City on the final day, while Everton visit Arsenal, who also have a contender for the Golden Boot in 23-goal man Alexis Sanchez.

"I think the most important thing is that he is more mature, a more experienced player. Then he's so professional. I think he's a striker that it is difficult to find another striker in the world like him," Pochettino told a postmatch news conference.
.
"I hope yes he will have another opportunity against Hull to score more. I hope that he can win."

No Liverpool bid for Mbappe

Reports in Spain on Thursday claimed the new Ligue 1 champions had rejected a €75 million bid from Anfield for the 18-year-old, who has also been linked with Manchester United.

But the sources told TOTAL FUTBOL  that, as things stand, Liverpool have been monitoring Mbappe but are not preparing any bid.

They said the Anfield scouting department is continually tracking the progress of high-performing young talent across the game.
France international Mbappe, who has two years remaining on his contract, has played a pivotal role in Monaco's title and their run to the Champions League semifinals.

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has said the teenager is not for sale for any price.

Liverpool will return to the Champions League if they beat relegated Middlesbrough at Anfield on Sunday, and manager Jurgen Klopp believes they will be in a financial position to compete with rivals in the summer window.
Asked at a news conference on Friday whether they would have the resources to recruit their top targets if Champions League qualification was achieved, Klopp replied: "Yes.

West Ham, Everton eye Iheanacho

Both West Ham United and Everton are considering a move for Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

Iheanacho has found first-team opportunities limited following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus in January and could fall further down the pecking order with coach Pep Guardiola keen to add Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez to his squad.
Sources have told Total Futbol  that Sergio Aguero is expected to stay at City despite speculation over his future.

Guardiola has spoken highly of Iheanacho's qualities, but the 20-year-old has played just 111 minutes in the Premier League since the turn of the year and reports have suggested City would consider selling for offers in excess of £20 million.

West Ham are prepared to meet that price, while Everton see him as a possible replacement for Romelu Lukaku if the Belgium international leaves.
Iheanacho, who has seven goals in all competitions this season, said in March that he was prepared to fight for his City future.

Cavani and Mbappe win top Ligue 1 awards

Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani has won the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award, while Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe has been named Ligue 1's best young player of the season.

The awards were handed out on Monday night by the National Union of Professional Football Players (UNFP).
Cavani, 30, picked up the award for the first time in his career after scoring 35 Ligue 1 goals for PSG in as many appearances this season -- nine more goals than his nearest challenger, Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette.

PSG's former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who left for Manchester United last summer, had won the award in three of the past four years. Eden Hazard, Lacazette, Karim Benzema and Didier Drogba are also among the winners in previous seasons.


Mbappe, 18, was the recipient of the award handed out to Ligue 1's best young player of the season following a breakthrough campaign with Monaco, in which he has scored 14 goals and registered eight assists in 27 league appearances to put his club on the verge of winning the French title for the first time since 2000.

Mbappe's Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim, meanwhile, landed the Ligue 1 Coach of the Year award for his excellent work with the Principality club, while Danijel Subasic was named the top goalkeeper.

Pep: I'd have been sacked by Barça and Bayern

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he would have been sacked had he had his current season with previous clubs Barcelona or Bayern Munich.

Guardiola will finish the campaign without silverware and his City side face West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday needing to avoid defeat to keep Champions League qualification in their own hands.

The City boss says that the pressure to win does not compare to his time at his previous clubs in Spain and Germany, but added that he will be fired if he does not improve in his second season in England.

"I am not staying here because I am Pep or what I have done a long time ago, I know what the problem is," he told a news conference. "I am not going to be [wondering] all summer: 'Oh what will happen next season if I don't win some titles.'

"Pressure I had when I arrived in Barcelona, when I had nothing to defend [myself with]. At that club, if in six months you don't win, you are really out, like Barcelona or Bayern Munich, there you have to win by far. If not, they don't give you a second chance.

"Here they gave me a second chance and we will try to do it. In my situation at a big club, I'm sacked, I'm out, sure, definitely. At the clubs I worked at before I am not here, but here we have a second chance and we will try to do it better than this season."

Alexis and Aubameayang "Welcome" at PSG

The forward wants the soon-to-be deposed French champions to strengthen, although he says they are a "far superior" side to Monaco.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani has said that he would “welcome” Alexis Sanchez and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the club if they were to arrive in the summer.

It is almost certain that PSG will be deposed as Ligue 1 champions, with Monaco needing only to avoid two record-breaking defeats to claim the crown, and as a result, a significant summer spend is forecast at Parc des Princes.
Among those linked to the club are Arsenal attacker Alexis and Borussia Dortmund forward Aubameyang, and Cavani, who has scored 49 goals this season, would love to see them arrive.

“If they sign, they are welcome." “We are here for the team. Good players are here for the team.”
Nevertheless, he believes that his side are much better than Monaco, regardless of summer additions.

“The final of the Coupe de la Ligue against Monaco was a good time,” he said of the 4-1 win in Lyon. “That day, we showed that we are far superior to them"

Monchi wants Totti as Roma's director

Roma's new sporting director Monchi hopes Francesco Totti will accept the offer of a director's role next season, saying he wants to learn everything about the club from the 40-year-old.

Monchi recently revealed that Totti would not be offered a playing contract when his current deal expires in the summer, although he said a six-year contract is awaiting his signature to move upstairs.

Totti has yet to comment on his future beyond the end of the season, and has so far not confirmed that he will be retiring.

Monchi says he is, therefore, respecting his club's captain decision in the hope that he will lend him a hand next year and not seek to play on elsewhere.

"The future potential that Francesco has got is huge and we hope to be able to tap into it because he knows Roma better than anybody, and I, who am a new arrival, would have a great teacher to get to know everything as quickly as possible," Monchi is quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport as telling beIN SPORTS USA. "We're waiting for him to decide.

Argentina yet to begin Sampaoli talks

The Argentina Football Association (AFA) has yet to negotiate with Sevilla over the release of their coach Jorge Sampaoli from his contract.

Sampaoli is tied to Sevilla until June 2018 but can leave this summer provided his €1.5 million release clause is met.

AFA president Claudio Tapia told ESPN FC last month that Sampaoli is the only candidate for the vacant Argentina coaching position but that officials would wait until the end of the season before starting negotiations.

Asked about his future, Sampaoli told his club's official website after Sunday's 4-1 defeat at Real Madrid: "I'm not going to acknowledge something that does not exist, it doesn't exist in an official manner, which is what matters.
"The rest has to do with contracts, clauses. If there are no talks between the club and AFA, it doesn't exist."

Sanchez injury didn't look so good - Wenger

Arsene Wenger says Alexis Sanchez's thigh injury doesn't "look too good" but hasn't ruled out the forward from being fit to play against Sunderland on Tuesday.

Sanchez managed to score Arsenal's third goal in Saturday's 4-1 at Stoke despite struggling with a knock, and was substituted straight after.

Wenger said Arsenal's leading scorer will have a fitness test later on Monday and that Sanchez's unique physical abilities could give him a chance to play.

"Yesterday it didn't look too good, but with him you never know," Wenger told a news conference. "He's so keen. Maybe it was just a kick. It could be a possibility that he recovers for tomorrow."

Centre-back Laurent Koscielny also has "a little problem" with his calf after the Stoke game, Wenger said, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Coutinho happy amid Barça interest

Philippe Coutinho has told ESPN Brasil he is "happy to know" that Barcelona are interested in signing him but for now he is focused on helping Liverpool to qualify for the Champions League.

Coutinho, 24, took his tally for the Premier League season to 12 goals and seven assists with a fine performance in Liverpool's 4-0 win against West Ham on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp's side now need only to beat relegated Middlesbrough on the final day of the season to confirm a top-four finish.
And Coutinho prefers to concentrate on that than speculation of a move to link up with Brazil teammate Neymar at Barca.

"Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world, so far, nothing has come to me, because if anything comes, it comes to my manager, what I have to do is focus on the pitch," Coutinho said.

"I have a contract with Liverpool, there are two games, there are a lot of chances for us to be in the Champions League next year.
"What I have to do is focus on football and those things are resolved by the business people.

"I'm happy to know that a great club has an interest, it's cool, for the recognition of my work, what I have to do is keep working hard.
"Liverpool is a great club and we have to put Liverpool back in the Champions League."

Neymar : This is my best Barça season

The Brazilian international's hat-trick against Las Palmas continued a stunning 2016-17 season for the forward, who feels his campaign has been great.

Neymar believes he has produced his best season in a Barcelona shirt after his hat-trick sealed an emphatic victory over Las Palmas.
The Brazil international's first away hat-trick for Barca secured a 4-1 victory on Sunday that ensured La Liga's title race will go down to the final day of the season.

Neymar has scored 19 goals and contributed a further 20 assists for his club in 2016-17 and thinks this has been the best of his four campaigns at Camp Nou.

"This is a great season for me," Neymar said to France Football .
"I even think I have had my best season since I arrived here. I do not know if I have reached a new level, it is hard to have that judgement when you are on the pitch.
"I have always had the same role from my arrival until today – it has not changed. I have always taken responsibility on this team and everyone knows their role."

Guardiola lauds City hero Zabaleta

The Argentine will bid an emotional farewell to the Etihad Stadium this summer, but he has been told his place in the club's history is secure.

Pep Guardiola has heralded outgoing full-back Pablo Zabaleta as one of the most important players in Manchester City history.

City announced late on Saturday that Zabaleta had informed the club he will leave when his contract expires next month, bringing down the curtain on a celebrated nine-year spell in Manchester.

Rashford can fill Zlatan's boot - Lingard

Jesse Lingard says Marcus Rashford can handle the pressure of firing Manchester United to success at home and abroad in the final weeks of the season.

The teenager has been handed the task of filling Zlatan Ibrahimovic's boots by manager Jose Mourinho after the Swedish striker suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Rashford's free kick against Celta Vigo on Thursday has given United a slender advantage heading into next week's Europa League semifinal second leg at Old Trafford.
And after important goals against Chelsea and Anderlecht last month, Lingard insists Rashford is proving he can shoulder the responsibility.

"He can handle the pressure," said Lingard. "He's been about long enough now to handle the pressure. He's scored major goals for United and again he's got the important goal. He's still going.

"He's going to fill out even more. His knowledge of the game, his game intelligence will continue to grow and he'll keep learning and go from there."

Spurs let title hope slip up their grasp

This might well be it for Tottenham Hotspur. By the time they next play, a week on Sunday against Manchester United, Chelsea might already be champions.

 One cannot say that they have blown the title race, given that their previous run of nine wins in nine cut a lead of 10 points to four, but their 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Friday means Chelsea can confirm their title win should they beat Middlesbrough on Sunday then West Brom next Friday.

Manuel Lanzini scored the only goal of an exciting, if often scrappy, derby at the London Stadium, which was unusually atmospheric for the visit of Spurs. At the end, manager Slaven Bilic roared in celebration and perhaps relief, while the fans sang "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" with a gusto rarely heard this season.

For West Ham, these three points dispelled any remote possibility that they might be relegated. So tight is the bottom half of the table that this win takes them into ninth, on 42 points, 10 clear of the bottom three. The relief was palpable.
West Ham had the better of the opening stages, two early chances falling to Lanzini, with a left-footed shot, and Sam Byram, whose back-post header was turned behind for a corner.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic second on sport rich list

Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic has entered the list of the richest sportsmen in the UK in second spot, behind 2016 leader Lewis Hamilton.

The Swedish striker is included in the list of top-earning athletes in Britain after joining United last July.
With a fortune of £110m, he overtakes team-mate Wayne Rooney, who is third on the list with £93m, as Britain's richest footballer.

Formula 1 world champion Hamilton has a wealth of £131m.
His fellow driver Jenson Button is fourth on the Sunday Times list, which is published on Sunday.
Five of the top 10 are from football - three players and two managers - with tennis player Sir Andy Murray, golfer Rory McIlroy and basketball player Luol Deng also included.

The Sunday Times sport rich list 2017
1. Lewis Hamilton, motor racing, 2017 wealth £131m, up £25m

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, football, 2017 wealth £110m

3. Wayne Rooney, football, 2017 wealth £93m, up £11m

4. Jenson Button, motor racing, 2017 wealth £86m, up £9m

5. Rory McIlroy, golf, 2017 wealth £82m, up £26m

Jordi Alba wants to stay amid Barça rumours

Jordi Alba admits finding himself on the bench at times this season has been a new experience for him but insists he wants to remain at Barcelona.

Alba has been a regular in the Barca side since signing from Valencia in 2012, but Luis Enrique's switch to a back three after the four-goal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain left him without a place in the team.

It led to speculation he could leave Camp Nou this summer, while Barca have also been heavily linked with a move for Atletico Madrid left-back Theo Hernandez.

"A player always wants to play as much as possible and this season I haven't played all the minutes I would have liked to," Alba told reporters after the Blaugrana 's derby win over Espanyol.

"But I'm not going to ask for explanations. It's clear I'd like to play more, but now I'm getting minutes [again]."
Alba was left on the bench for Champions League games against PSG and Juventus as well as important league matches against Sevilla and Valencia.
Admitting things have been difficult, he added: "Everything goes through your head when you are in a situation like that and for me it was new. I'm not used to it but it helped me mature and evaluate things more.
"The change of system had an influence but these are the coach's decisions. Whether I like it or not, I have to accept it.

Radamel Falcao wants to sign new Monaco deal

Radamel Falcao has told L'Equipe he hopes to extend his contract with Monaco, as he prepares for Wednesday's Champions League semifinal first leg with Juventus.
After a difficult two seasons in England, Falcao, 31, returned to Monaco last summer and has since flourished.

The Colombia international has found the back of the net 19 times in as many starts in Ligue 1 this term to help push the club to the brink of a first French title since 2000, while also netting crucial goals in the Champions League to take Monaco into the last four.

Falcao will have just a year left on his contract at the Stade Louis II come the end of the season, and though Monaco's policy is now to sign promising youngsters rather than established stars, as it was when he moved there from Atletico Madrid in 2013, the striker hopes to stay on.

"Of course I would like to," he replied when asked whether he wanted to extend his contract. "I feel really good here, my wife and daughters too, with the club and the city. We've adapted, we have a good social life and that enables my work to bear more fruit. I'm at peace here since the start of the season, and I hope to be able to continue living here."

De Gea not angling for Utd exit

David De Gea is not pushing to leave Manchester United this summer, sources have told ESPN FC, despite being linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.

Last week, Spanish newspaper Marca reported De Gea had agreed personal terms ahead of a move.
But sources have told ESPN FC that De Gea has not indicated he wants to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

He still has two years left on the contract he signed following the breakdown of his move to Real Madrid 2015. There is also an option to extend the deal for an extra year to 2020 should all parties agree.

There is an acceptance among senior figures at Old Trafford that Real offer a significant pull for a player who grew up in the Spanish capital.

However, they are buoyed by De Gea's decision to stay at United last summer and see no reason why he should not make the same choice this time around.
United effectively beat Real on two fronts last summer, firstly by convincing De Gea to stay and then signing Paul Pogba in a world-record deal.

There is also a hope Real could still make Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois their top target to replace Keylor Navas.
United are, however, drawing up a list of replacements just in case.
They employed a similar tactic in 2015 when they had both Navas and Jasper Cillessen, then at Ajax, lined up until the last minute.

Countdown to one of the greatest derby

It is clearly obvious that both team needs to win but only one will be victorious. Tottenham needs a win to keep their title hopes alive. While Arsenal also needs a win to probably secure a top four  position if possible. 

If Tottenham should win,it will ensure that they finish above Arsenal on the #PL table for the first time since 1994/95.

Teddy Sheringham blasts Jose Mourinho's public criticism

Teddy Sheringham believes Jose Mourinho’s tendency to criticise his Manchester United players publically creates unnecessary pressure.

The Red Devils boss has not been afraid to single out individuals, who he believes have been underperforming, and has picked on Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial in particular this season.
Mourinho dismissed claims earlier this week that his approach would have a negative impact on his squad, citing his behaviour as having ‘common sense.’

But Sheringham, who played under Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford, believes the Portuguese coach is in danger of losing the respect of his squad.
Sheringham told the Players’ Lounge: “I’m one that played for a lot of top managers and never really got castigated in the press.

“Sir Alex Ferguson would never have done it, Terry Venables definitely wouldn’t have done it – and they were top managers for me.
“They would dig you out in the changing rooms or in their office and tell you how wrong you’d been and fine you a week’s wages. But they would always back you to the press or within.”
And Sheringham insisted Shaw and Martial – who are both 21 – should be treated carefully, given their tender age and potential to improve.
“I had a lot of respect for my managers because – at the end of the day – you’re all young lads. You’re all growing up learning – not just about football – but about life as well,” Sheringham said.

Madrid must sell Benzema this summer

The Frenchman failed to score yet again as Marcelo came to the rescue late on against Valencia, proving it is time to sell the No.9

When Real Madrid have needed a hero this season, Karim Benzema has been nowhere to be seen.
Usually, it has been Cristiano Ronaldo who has flown to the rescue. Last week, with Madrid’s Champions League hopes in the balance in extra time against Bayern Munich, he proved decisive with a clinical hat-trick at the Santiago Bernabeu to take his total tally in the quarter final tie to five goals.

On Saturday, Ronaldo once again played a key role. Madrid were labouring against Valencia in the capital in what was a must-win game for the home side following last week’s Clasico defeat to Barcelona.


The visitors missed two early chances – Santi Mina hitting the post in the first minute – before Ronaldo settled the nerves as he always does. His intelligent run from left to centre saw him dart in front of Ezequiel Garay to nod home a trademark header from Dani Carvajal’s curling cross.

It was Ronaldo’s 20th Liga goal of the season and incredibly the eighth straight year in which the Portuguese has reached that mark in league football.

At 32, he should be starting to slow down, but Ronaldo continues to score at an incredible rate. He now has 32 goals in all competitions, with a potential seven matches still to play between La Liga and the Champions League. He would have 33 goals had he not seen a 57th minute penalty saved by Diego Alves – the Valencia No.1’s record now standing at an incredible 26 saves from 53 penalties.

Sigurdsson strike denied injury-hit United

Manchester United suffered a big blow to their top-four hopes as Swansea City held them to yet another draw at Old Trafford.

Gylfi Sigurdsson cancelled out a controversial Wayne Rooney penalty to secure a 1-1 draw for Swansea City at Old Trafford that damages Manchester United's top-four ambitions.

Rooney swept home from the spot moments before half-time after Marcus Rashford had gone to ground under almost no contract from Lukasz Fabianski, but Swansea's set-piece maestro stole a point that could wreck the hosts' hopes of qualifying for the Champions League through domestic competition.

United also saw Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly added to their already lengthy injury list just four days ahead of their Europa League semi-final first leg against Celta Vigo.

Swansea, who are now just two points adrift of safety in 18th place, looked the brighter of the teams for much of the first half but chances were limited before the penalty incident in stoppage time.

Jose Mourinho was without injured trio Paul Pogba, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and Shaw and Bailly were forced off in either half to compound their concerns ahead of a crucial run of fixtures that includes trips to Arsenal and Tottenham alongside that European semi-final.
United looked likely to hold onto the three points regardless but Sigurdsson's stunning free-kick snatched a draw for the visitors to deny Mourinho's men the chance to move into the top four.

Pochettino: I can't guarantee Ali 'stay'

Mauricio Pochettino has offered no guarantees that Dele Alli will still be at Tottenham Hotspur next season, while urging his players to ignore transfer speculation and focus on beating Chelsea to the Premier League title.

Newly crowned PFA Young Player of the Year Alli has been linked with a summer move to Manchester City, and Barcelona legend Xavi has suggested that his former manager Pep Guardiola wants to bring the 21-year-old to the Etihad Stadium.

Kyle Walker is another player reportedly admired by City and their rivals Manchester United, while Danny Rose, Hugo Lloris and Pochettino himself have all been linked with moves away from Tottenham since their 4-2 FA Cup semifinal defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.


Pochettino was asked at a news conference if Alli would still be a Tottenham player next season but said: "I cannot guarantee anything in life.

"The most important thing is to enjoy the present. I am so sad [about the death of the club's under-23 coach Ugo Ehiogu] -- don't think about the future. In the future, we'll take the best decision for the club.

"After three years you can see how the team is improving every year and all our decisions so far have been good. Trust in the club that we will take the best decision for the club to achieve [our goals], improve next season again. That's the most important thing.
"We care a lot about the club and now we must focus on the present, try to help the team and the club to be there if Chelsea drop points. And it will be special if in the last season at White Hart Lane we win the Premier League.

"We have three to four weeks [until the summer]. We must give our best, big efforts for all of us, for the players to try to focus. Don't think about the holidays, don't think about the rumours, don't think about what will happen next season. I want the last three to four weeks to be a big effort from everyone to achieve [something]. Then we can congratulate everyone and try next season."

Chelsea have the edge, but we have not given up- Lloris

Hugo Lloris admits Chelsea's FA Cup victory could give them renewed belief in the Premier League title race, but insists Tottenham have NOT given up just yet.

Spurs hoped to gain a psychological boost at Wembley by continuing the Blues' recent dip in form while extending their own excellent run of seven victories on the bounce.
Instead, however, Chelsea clinched a dramatic 4-2 win to book their place in the FA Cup final and reassert their status as England’s top team.

Tottenham are four points behind in the league but could be seven back by the time they visit an in-form Crystal Palace side on Wednesday, while Chelsea host
Southampton on Tuesday.

"We know that they have an advantage but we need to believe until the end," Lloris said.
"We knew before that this game can have maybe an impact for the rest of the season.
"But in football you need to believe because everything is possible and we don't know what will happen in the next few weeks.

"They are human and that's the case for us. The only thing that we can do is keep working hard, keep believing and playing the same way that we play in the last few weeks."

Tottenham have now lost a record seven consecutive FA Cup semi-finals and their latest disappointment also continued their struggles against elite clubs this season.

Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool can beat Man Utd to top four

Brendan Rodgers expects former club Liverpool to beat Manchester United to a place in the Premier League’s top four this season.

Just three points separate the third-placed Reds and the fifth-placed Red Devils after Liverpool suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace and United beat Burnley 2-0 this weekend.

Jose Mourinho's men also hold two games in hand over their rivals and can, of course, still seal a spot in next season’s Champions League by winning the Europa League title.
But Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said following the Palace game - where
Christian Benteke scored twice against his former club - that he was confident his side have not blown their chances.

And Rodgers agrees, telling the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “With the games
Liverpool have left they would expect themselves to qualify.
“They haven’t got European football, so they’re just preparing for that one game a week.
“Manchester United have got a couple of games in hand, but towards the end of the season that can be tough and they’ve got other games [with their two-legged Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo] and maybe they’ll see other priorities.
“Liverpool have points in the bag, they’ve won more games and if they win their next four games or so hopefully that’ll be enough for them.”

I will come back stronger - Ibrahimovic

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he will "come back even stronger" after suffering cruciate knee-ligament damage.
The 35-year-old was injured in the final minute of normal time during last week's Europa League quarter-final second-leg
win over Anderlecht.

Ibrahimovic is United's top scorer this season, with 28 goals but it is unclear when he will be fit to play again.
"I will be out for a while," he wrote but added "giving up is not an option."

Writing on Instagram, the Swede added: "I will go through this like everything else and come back even stronger. So far I played with one leg so it shouldn't be any problem.
"One thing is for sure, I decide when it's time to stop and nothing else."

Neymar trolls Madrid after Clasico win

The Brazilian was suspended for Sunday's meeting with the Blancos, but savoured every moment as his Argentine team-mate netted a match-winning brace.

Lionel Messi stole the show again for Barcelona against Real Madrid, with suspended team-mate Neymar saluting him after a memorable night at Santiago Bernabeu.

A topsy-turvy encounter in the Spanish capital delivered five goals, including a last-gasp winner, a red card and more records for a mercurial Argentine playmaker.

Conte: I'd prefer Hazard to be selfish

Antonio Conte has rejected the suggestion that Eden Hazard could reach Lionel Messi's level if he became more selfish on the pitch, and said that he would rather lose than have a selfish player in his Chelsea team.

Speaking after Hazard came off the bench to score the third goal in Chelsea's 4-2 win over Tottenham in Saturday's FA Cup semifinal at Wembley, Cesc Fabregas said that Messi is the only player in world football with more ability than the Belgium international and added that he often urges his teammate to show more "killer instinct" in the final third of the pitch.

But in a news conference at Cobham on Monday, Conte dismissed the idea that Messi -- who scored his 500th goal for Barcelona in the last minute of Sunday's 3-2 victory over Real Madrid -- plays selfishly, and said that the first responsibility of every player is to his teammates.

"No, no, no, absolutely not," Conte said when asked if Hazard should be more selfish. "I don't think that a player like Messi is a selfish player. The first target for every great champion is to play for the team and to put your talent into the team. If you do this, the team [increases] your talent.

"The best players in the world don't exist without a team. For me, it's sad to listen to this, that a player must 'be more selfish' to reach the top level. That's very sad. It's not my idea of football and I will never understand this. Never, never. In my team, I don't want selfish players.

Ramos deserved red card -Pique

Gerard Pique says there is no question Sergio Ramos deserved to be sent off as Barcelona beat Real Madrid in Sunday's Clasico, with Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez calling for Ramos to face an investigation for the way he reacted to his 77th-minute red card.

Referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez took the decision to dismiss Ramos after he lunged in two-footed on eventual match-winner Lionel Messi by the halfway line.
Ramos didn't go quietly, though, and left the Santiago Bernabeu pitch gesturing, applauding and directing comments at someone.

"I am sure when he gets home he will realise it was a red card," Pique told reporters after Barca's 3-2 win took them to the top of La Liga.

"It was clear: he went in with both feet off the ground, nowhere near the ball. There's no argument. What happens is that [Madrid] are used to having very permissive referees here and when there isn't one, that's how they react."
Pique added that he thought Ramos' complaints after the red card were directed at him, but he didn't hear what was said.

"I didn't hear him, I saw that he was pointing at me, I suppose he was referring to the red card," the Barca defender said.
"When he gets home and sees the replay he will regret [his reaction], because it's a clear dismissal. It's a straight red card."

Toure hits out at referees after cup defeat

Yaya Toure has hit out at refereeing standards after Manchester City's controversial FA Cup semifinal loss to Arsenal on Sunday.

Toure was angered after referee Craig Pawson ruled out what seemed a good first-half goal for City as they were beaten 2-1 in extra time.
Sergio Aguero thought he had scored but the effort was chalked off because Leroy Sane's cross was ruled to have drifted out of play.
Replays indicated the decision was wrong, while Aguero also thought he should have had a penalty early in the game.

Toure said: "I think the referees have to stop this. I am very disappointed. It is not the first time -- there have been a couple of times.

"If we have to talk about referees, people are going to say we complain -- but when we see the highlights, it is very disappointing.

"Maybe on Thursday [for the Manchester derby at the Etihad] we are going to have a better referee or maybe play without a referee -- I'd prefer that."

Mata: I could return before end of season

Juan Mata has hinted that he could return to the Manchester United team before the end of the season.

Mata underwent groin surgery last month and has missed the last seven games.
Jose Mourinho had suggested Mata would not be fit to return until the end of May, ruling him out of the bulk of the run-in.

But the 28-year-old is hopeful he may be able to play some part as United chase the Europa League and a place in the Premier League's top four.
He wrote on his blog: "As you can imagine, this month has been a bit too long for me due to my injury.

"I had never been in a situation like this before (I've been very lucky), but the truth is I'm feeling much better now and I hope to be back with the team soon, to try to help in the last spell of the season.

"I hope so, because that's all I want: being always available to help and to contribute as much as I can, both on and off the pitch."
Mata, who has scored 10 goals in 38 games this season, will miss the Manchester derby against City at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
It is unlikely he will be ready for Swansea's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, but there remains a possibility

Wenger: Huge Alexis Sanchez contract could put Arsenal in trouble

Arsene Wenger is worried that a new big-money contract for Alexis Sanchez could destabilise the Arsenal dressing room and "put the club in trouble."

Wenger is well aware that Arsenal will have to shatter their current wage structure in order to keep Sanchez at the club for the long term, but with Mesut Ozil also demanding similar money, he is wary of the effects such deals could have on their teammates.

Asked if he was concerned that paying one star player a massive figure could destabilise the team, Wenger told a news conference: "Always. But we must accept as well that modern life has changed a little bit. We always had a wage schedule that was respected, and players earn so much money now that the cases have become much more individual than global.

"But you have many different opinions there. Some people tell me, 'just give him what he wants.' But then you cannot respect anymore any wage structure and you put the club in trouble as well."

Earlier on Friday, Wenger had laughed off a report that Arsenal were ready to hand Sanchez a new deal worth £300,000-a-week in order to stave off reported interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and several clubs from abroad.

Sanchez and Ozil are both out of contract at the end of next season, and Wenger has previously said he is hopeful that deals can be reached with the star duo this summer.

Any new contracts may have to be worth at least £250,000-a-week to put the pair on par with the Premier League's top earners -- a raise of more than £100,000-per-week for each player.

And with a handful of other players set to negotiate new deals this summer as well -- including Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain -- it could lead to more demands for higher wages.

"That is why you have to make the decision in an objective way. Always the club has to be the priority," Wenger said. "I understand as well that top players is a big priority but at the end of the day, even for important players, you can only pay as much as you can afford."

Sanchez is one of many top stars who have been linked with a big-money move to China this season, where clubs are paying salaries that are higher than any on offer in Europe.

But Wenger reiterated that players have to take the level of competition into their decision-making as well and not only focus on where they can make the most money.

"I think every club and every player has to make decisions," Wenger said. "Where are your priorities? Where do you want to play? I think the first priority for top players is to play with the best players and in the best league. The best combination of playing at the top and [making] big money is in England at the moment. So China for me is not a debate."

Shaw: I told Mourinho I'd prove him wrong

Luke Shaw has told Sky Sports that he wants to prove Jose Mourinho wrong after the Manchester United manager questioned his commitment and said he was a long way behind his teammates.

Shaw has since fought his way back into Mourinho's plans and he is determined to learn from the criticism and use it in a positive way in order to help United finish the season well.

"The criticism was very hard but I've had it before," Shaw said. "But this time around I dealt with it better.

"When I first came to United there was a lot of discussion about me and that was hard, it was something that was new to me. I was used to positive feedback and comments in the media but coming to United everything changed, there was negativity.

"I took that badly and it knocked me down a bit but this time I've come back wanting to fight and I want to prove everyone wrong.

"At the end of my meeting with the manager I said 'I'm going to prove you wrong.' I believe and want to do that, not just for myself but for the fans that have been behind me and supported me through this time.

"I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I want to push for the best from me.

"I wished the season wasn't coming to an end, I wish it was the start, because I want to play games and games and hopefully I can keep giving good performances and keep my spot in the team and push for the Europa League and top four."

Shaw returned to United's starting lineup for the 3-0 Premier League victory against Sunderland on Sunday and although he only played an hour before being substituted he is confident that he is making good progress and is happy with Mourinho's management of him.

"I had a really good chat with him [after the criticism] and I totally agree with him -- I will do whatever he wants," Shaw added. "I've always been a hard worker but maybe, if I look back, maybe I wasn't working as hard as he likes.

"We had a really good talk and he discussed what he wanted from me and even in a week-and-a-half I've seen a massive change in myself, not just on the pitch but off it as well.

"Now it's my time to fight until the end of the season and show the boss what I can bring to help his team."

Alli; I'm definitely a midfielder

Tottenham's Dele Alli says he is not comfortable being deployed as a striker, insisting "I'm definitely a midfielder."

Alli has scored 16 goals in the Premier League this season, but despite his high scoring rate, he says he would prefer to play behind forward Harry Kane.

"I'm definitely a midfielder," Alli told Sky Sports. "When I start playing up top where H [Kane] plays I don't feel comfortable.

"I grew up watching Steven Gerrard a lot and he was a No. 8 so I'd like to play there, but when competition is like it is. You play anywhere the manager wants you to. And I can't complain, I really am happy where I'm playing.

"The formation we were playing with three at the back gave me a bit more freedom and the chance to get more goals. Sometimes I have to make runs to get in behind H and give him a bit more room to get shots off and stuff like that. But, as I say, I'm definitely a midfielder."

At just 21, Alli has scored 26 league goals for Tottenham while assisting on another 14 for a combined total that puts him Gerrard at this stage of his career.

But asked how he stacks up to the likes of Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes, Alli said he still has a long way to go.

"It's an honour to be put next to those names but I've still got so much to achieve before I can even start thinking I'm as good as them," he said.

"They all did so much for their clubs and their country. I think they're unbelievable players. For me they're legends and people I look up to massively, so I don't get carried away with those stats."

Guardiola: Don't blame Bravo when Man City concede

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's goalkeeping woes this season have been due to his players' inability - or unwillingness - to defend properly.

Claudio Bravo has endured a torrid debut season in English football and was taken out of the firing line at the turn of the year having conceded six goals from six shots on target.

Willy Caballero had proven a capable stand-in, though was caught out by a deflection after Eden Hazard strolled through the City midfield in the game at Chelsea earlier in April.

Bravo was recalled to the line-up for last weekend's game against Hull City, where he conceded his seventh goal from seven shots on target late on.

But Guardiola was annoyed with his side's defending after the Hull game, and returned to the point on Thursday when asked about Bravo's struggles this season.

"The problem when we concede goals is not the goalkeeper - it's not Claudio, it's not Willy," he insisted. "So the problem with the goal against Hull was six players didn't want to defend. There was a corner, a second ball and six players said 'OK, that's not my business'. We defended in the box four against six.

"The problem is not the goalkeepers. Everyone can make mistakes, make a good save, a lot of players miss clear, clear goals."