Five key talking points from Manchester City v FC Barcelona

Five key talking points from Manchester City v FC Barcelona

ROGER BOGUNYÀ 

The managers' approaches, Suárez's finishing and Messi's excellence all played their part in the result at the Etihad



FC Barcelona got a great result in Manchester, a 2-1 win that leaves them within touching distance of a place in the Champions League quarter finals. Here are five key factors that we’ve picked out from Tuesday’s game.

• The managers’ approaches. Both Luis Enrique and Pellegrini went for attacking methods. That was not much of a surprise as far as Barça are concerned but perhaps it was somewhat from Man City. The Chilean opted to start with two strikers, Agüero and Dzeko, a brave and unexpected choice. But Barça won the tactical battle by swarming the midfield with Sergio, Rakitic and Iniesta and with Messi dropping back to great effect.

• Suárez’s finishing. The Uruguayan had only ever scored once against Man City, but he got two more tonight. He produced a fine finish for the opener and was in the right place for the second. And he had chances to get even more goals in the first 45 minutes.

• Stunning from Messi. He may have missed a penalty, but the Argentinian provided a terrific assist for the first goal and broke through the City rearguard in the build-up to the second. He finished with an extraordinary 90% in completed passes and created danger every time the ball came near him.

• Second half resistance. Man City came out much stronger after the break. But lack of accuracy in their shooting, the security generated by Ter Stegen and some fine interventions from the centre backs, especially Piqué, presented Man City from getting any further back into the match than Agüero’s 69th minute goal.

• Keeping control. Agüero’s goal didn’t stop FC Barcelona from controlling the game towards the end. Mathieu and Adriano injected some fresh blood into the team and when Clichy was sent off it was as good as game over. And they even managed to force a penalty in injury time.

Messi's great performance in Manchester in detail

Messi's great performance in Manchester in detail

WWW.FCBARCELONA.COM 

The Argentine was the foundation upon which the victory in the Etihad was built 



Lionel Messi put in a complete performance against Manchester City. Aside from the penalty, an excellent save by Joe Hart, the Argentine showed that even though he is the all time top scorer in the Champions League and is second top scorer this season with eight goals, he not only shines in this area of the game. He played an important role in both Luis Suárez’s goals and was a constant threat to the home side’s defence.


The statistics from the game only serve to back this up:

- 69 complete passes from 76 attempted, a success rate of 91%

-10 successful dribbles from 13 attempted

- He was involved on 114 occasions (Only beaten by Iniesta with 117)

-He won the ball 7 times  (only beaten by Piqué, Sergio and Dani Alves)

-In defence he cleared the ball 5 times (only beaten the four defenders and Sergio)

El Barça da un recital e indulta al Manchester City 1-2

1-2: El Barça da un recital e indulta al Manchester City

El Barça aplasta al City con un gran Luis Suárez en la primera parte, pero lo deja con opciones para la vuelta

Doblete del uruguayo y penalti fallado por Messi en la última jugada del partido

Joan Poquí | Manchester (Enviado especial) 

Una exhibición del Barça en la primera parte, con doblete de Luis Suárez, pudo haber dejado sentenciado el pase del Barça a los cuartos de final de la Champions, pero una serie de ocasiones desperdiciadas y, sobre todo, un penalti fallado por Messi en el último instante, dejan al City con alguna opción después de un partidazo de fútbol, vibrante y que acabó con el público inglés ovacionando a los dos equipos.


Messi ofreció un recital, igual que Suárez, pero tuvo la desgracia de fallar esa pena máxima, cometida por Zabaleta sobre él mismo, y la eliminatoria sigue abierta gracias a un gol de 'Kun' Agüero logrado en los mejores momentos del City, antes de quedarse con diez. Un gol insuficiente pero que mantiene las constantes vitales del conjunto 'citizen'.

El recital del primer tiempo lleva la rúbrica de Luis Suárez, autor material del estropicio de la primera parte, pero es colectivo. Posesiones largas, circulación rápida, recuperaciones rápidas tras las escasas pérdidas, concentración y tensión competitivas máximas y hasta detallazos técnicos como un control de espuela de Rakitic o un recorte de Neymar a Zabaleta que sentó al lateral argentino, que no le perdonó y anduvo buscando sus tobillos toda la noche.

Ciertamente, Pellgrini no mentía cuando dijo que iba a intentar tener el balón. El problema del City es que sus posesiones fueron inocuas, con David Silva desaparecido, un Djeko combativo pero aislado ante la defensa azulgrana y un Kun agazapado hasta el último minuto del primer acto, cuando aceleró y pasó a Milner, cuyo remate fue detenido por Ter Stegen.


El Barça fue todo lo contrario. Bien aposentado, supo aprovechar la fragilidad del doble pivote del City (nefastos Fernando y Milner) y de un Demichelis que continúa siendo una calamidad. Pero, aunque las pérdidas de balón del City en la media eran terreno abonado para la pegada del tridente barcelonista, los goles llegaron en jugadas de ataque estático.


Suárez, auténtica bestia negra del meta Hart, al que acribilló en el Mundial del pasado verano, inauguró el marcador a centro de Messi desde la derecha, un balón de los de toda la vida de extremo a 'nueve' pero a pierna cambiada: centro de un zurdo desde la derecha. El control de Suárez, afortunado, descolocó a Kompany, que dejó toda la portería para el charrúa, que marcó con la izquierda.


El segundo, que llegó después de otra ocasión a pase de Neymar que desperdició tratando de chutar por debajo del cuerpo de Hart, lo marcó con la derecha. Otra vez cambió de ritmo Messi para encontrar la subida de Alba, que centró al área pequeña y encontró al 'killer' Suárez presto para marcar.


Neymar y Alves tuvieron el 0-3 antes del descanso. Neymar se quedó solo ante Hart tras pase largo al hueco de Leo, pero trató de colocar el balón por encima del portero. Y unos minutos después, Alves robó un balón en terreno inglés y, con el tridente esperando el centro, le salió un centro-chut que se estrelló en el larguero.


Habiendo llegado con un marcador no del todo desastroso a la segunda parte, el City salió en tromba del vestuario. Djeko cabeceó a las manos de Ter Stregen desde la frontal de la pequeña completamente solo y el 'Kun' cruzó demasiado después de jugada personal.

La entrada en juego de Agüero, con libertad de movimientos entre líneas, estaba haciendo daño a un Mascherano impreciso y al Barça. El argentino acortó distancias tras un balón largo de Clichy que le llegó después de que Mascherano no llegase al despeje. El 'Kun' fusiló a Ter Stegen. Luis Enrique reaccionó situando a Mathieu de central y a Mascherano en la media, protegiendo mejor el eje. El sacrificado, Rakitic.


En estas circunstancias de partido, emergieron Piqué, mariscal de la defensa, e Iniesta, necesario para apostar una dosis de control. Cualquier posibilidad de que el conjunto de Pellegrini diese la vuelta al partido quedó en nada cuando Clichy, que ya tenía una tarjeta, no dudó en entrar con una plancha terrible sobre el tobillo de Alves, con lo que dejó a los suyos con diez. 


Y, si en la primera parte el Barça había perdonado, en el último minuto tuvo la sentencia definitiva desde el punto de penalti. Leo volvió a fallar desde los once metros. Hart detuvo su lanzamiento y el argentinio cabeceó fuera el rechace.

Messi perde pênalti, mas Barça fica perto das quartas em noite de Suárez

Messi perde pênalti, mas Barça fica perto das quartas em noite de Suárez

Uruguaio faz dois e deixa time culé com boa vantagem sobre o City. Enquanto argentino vai bem, Neymar tem desempenho regular. Volta será no dia 18 de março

O Barcelona deu um passo importante para garantir vaga nas quartas de final da Liga dos Campeões. Nesta terça-feira, com dois gols de Luís Suárez, o time culé venceu o Manchester City por 2 a 1, na casa do rival, e pode perder até por 1 a 0 que garantirá vaga na próxima fase da competição. O placar poderia ser até maior se Lionel Messi não tivesse perdido um pênalti já nos acréscimos. O jogo de volta, no Camp Nou, será no dia 18 de março. Sergio Agüero descontou para os Citizens, que tiveram o lateral Clichy expulso na etapa final.

Apesar do pênalti desperdiçado, Messi também teve boa atuação no duelo em Manchester. O argentino criou os principais lances de ataque do Barça, atuando mais no setor de armação. Quem não esteve bem foi Neymar. Bem marcado pelo argentino Zabaleta, o brasileiro acertou apenas um bom lançamento para Suárez, que perdeu uma ótima chance diante de Hart.

Os primeiros minutos de jogo já davam um panorama do que seria a partida. O Barcelona iniciou tomando a iniciativa e buscando os espaços na defesa do City. Os ingleses até tentavam marcar para sair nos contra-ataque, mas não repetiam, por exemplo, o bom esquema armado pelo Málaga, no último sábado, quando a equipe venceu os culés por 1 a 0, pelo Espanhol.



O Barça teve duas chances aos 10 e aos 12. Uma com Messi, que teve o chute travado, e outra com Suárez, que errou o alvo. Na sequência, aos 15, o uruguaio aproveitou corte errado de Kompany após cruzamento na área e bateu cruzado para vencer Joe Hart. Na comemoração, o camisa 9 culé nem ligou para as vaias da torcida dos Citizens, rivais nos tempos de Liverpool. 

A equipe espanhola seguiu pressionando. O trio formado por Neymar, Suárez e Messi comandava as ações e levava o Barça ao ataque. Aos 30, Messi fez ótima jogada e rolou para Jordi Alba pelo lado esquerdo da grande área. O jogador cruzou na medida para Suárez, que surgiu entre os zagueiros e deu um leve toque para marcar o segundo do Barça.

O segundo gol desarticulou de vez o City. O Barça dominava completamente a partida e buscava ampliar o resultado nos contra-ataques. Aos 43, Daniel Alves quase fez mais um. O lateral aproveitou bobeada da defesa, avançou até a entrada da área e bateu colocado. A bola explodiu no travessão e saiu pela linha de fundo.

Sem alterações, o City voltou um pouco melhor do que o Barcelona. Em dois lances seguidos, em cabeçadas, Dzeko teve a chance de diminuir o marcador. Em uma delas, completamente sozinho na entrada da pequena área, Ter Stegen fez a defesa. A pressão seguiu e o bósnio chegou a reclamar de pênalti no início da etapa final. O árbitro mandou o lance seguir.


Os ingleses ainda assustaram uma outra vez, em finalização de fora da área de Agüero, antes de diminuir o marcador, aos 24. O argentino aproveitou bola escorada por David Silva, invadiu a área e tocou na saída de Ter Stegen. Quatro minutos depois, Clichy errou o tempo de bola e deu um pontapé em Daniel Alves. Como já havia recebido o amarelo, o jogador acabou expulso.

Após o lance, Daniel Alves acabou deixando a partida para a entrada de Adriano. Irritado com a alteração de Luis Enrique, o camisa 22 deu um pontapé em uma garrafa de água na beira do gramado. Com um a mais, o Barça tocou a bola, buscou espaços, mas ousou pouco.

Nos acréscimos, Messi fez boa jogada, invadiu a área e foi derrubado por Zabaleta. Um gol poderia ser fatal para o City. O argentino correu para a bola, bateu colocado e Hart caiu para defender. Na sobra, o camisa 10 conseguiu testar de cabeça, mas errou o alvo. No fim, após o apito final, o 2 a 1 foi até comemorado pelos donos da casa.

Lyon reclaim lead, Etienne and Marseille split points

Lyon reclaim lead, Etienne and Marseille split points

Lyon moved back to the top of the French Ligue 1 standings thanks to a 1-0 win over Nantes. Nabil Fekir scored the only goal of the game in the 66th minute to ensure his side leapfrogged Paris Saint-Germain and reclaimed top spot after the capital club had beaten Toulouse on Saturday. Lyon were awarded a late penalty after keeper Remy Riou felled Fekir but Maxime Gonalons fired wide with the last kick of the match.

A late equaliser from Mevlut Erding earned Saint-Etienne a 2-2 draw against Marseille. All the goals came in the second half, with Les Verts taking the lead through a penalty from Max Gradel.

But the introduction of Michy Batshuayi changed the game - the Marseille substitute netting twice within five minutes of his introduction in the 62nd minute. The visitors were unable to claim the three points, though, and slipped four points behind Lyon after Erding made sure Saint-Etienne's pressure paid off with an injury-time header.

Montpellier boosted their hopes of breaking into the top four with a 2-0 win against Guingamp. Morgan Sanson opened the scoring for the visitors in the second minute before Kevin Berigaud wrapped up the points early in the second half.

Reims made it just one win from their last seven league games after being held to a goalless draw by bottom side Metz.

Dost double downs Hertha, Gladbach get late point

Dost double downs Hertha, Gladbach get late point

Bas Dost scored his eighth and ninth goals of 2015 as Wolfsburg claimed a 2-1 German Bundesliga victory over Hertha Berlin on Sunday. The Dutchman, who netted only twice in the first half of the season, put the Wolves in front after ten minutes before supplying the winner after Julian Schieber equalised.

The Wolves were good value for their win, which puts them ten points clear of third-placed Borussia Monchengladbach and, more importantly, 12 ahead of Schalke in fourth, meaning they are on course for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Monchengladbach snatched a last-gasp equaliser at Hamburg to maintain their two-point advantage over Schalke. Zoltan Stieber gave the hosts the lead in the 75th minute, but it was not enough to earn Josef Zinnbauer's men a much-needed victory. Branimir Hrgota made it 1-1 with a stoppage-time header to leave Hamburg just two points above the relegation zone.

Infographic: All the key facts and figures about Manchester City

Infographic: All the key facts and figures about Manchester City

BARCELONA&MANCHESTER-CITY

The countdown to Barça’s quarter-final first leg match up with The Sky Blues has begun. We take a look at the stats of Manuel Pellegrini’s side ahead of the game on Feb 24th

FC Barcelona arrive in Manchester

WWW.FCBARCELONA.COM

The team's flight touched down in England at 11.55am GMT

FC Barcelona have arrived in Manchester for Tuesday’s Champions League game. Luis Enrique has taken 21 players on the trip and their flight departed El Prat Airport at 10.40am CET and landed in England at 11.55am GMT.

The group is being led by vice-president Javier Faus, directors Susana Monje, Jordi Moix, Josep Ramon Vidal-Abarca and Pau Vilanova. President Josep Maria Bartomeu, vice-presidents Jordi Mestre and Manel Arroyo and directors Silvio Elías and Dídac Lee will be travelling on the day of the match.

The squad are staying at the Lowry Hotel. At 7.00pm CET Gerard Piqué and Luis Enrique will be giving a press conference and an hour later there will be a training session on the City of Manchester pitch. The game kicks off on Tuesday night at 8.45pm CET.

O Real Madrid quer aumentar a vantagem na liderança em Elche

NOTÍCIA | JAVIER GARCÍA

Os brancos procuram uma vitória no Martínez Valero para aumentar para quatro os pontos de vantagem sobre o Barcelona. 

Em estádios como o Martínez Valero ganham-se Ligas. O Real Madrid está consciente disso e sabe que neste momento da temporada todos os jogos começam a ser decisivos. Assim, enfrenta o jogo desta noite (20:00 h portuguesa) com a intenção de conseguir a vitória em Elche e aumentar para quatro pontos a vantagem sobre o Barcelona, que perdeu contra o Málaga.

O confronto acontece depois das importantes vitórias contra o Deportivo e Schalke 04. Agora, o objectivo é dar continuidade a essa linha num jogo que será de intensidade máxima. “Será um jogo difícil que acontece no final de uma semana em que estivemos bem e assim queremos continuar ”, advertiu Ancelotti,  que alcança os 100 jogos oficiais no clube. 

O MADRID PROCURA A VIGÉSIMA VITÓRIA NA LIGA. 

O técnico italiano convocou 20 futebolistas; entre eles os canteranos Diego Llorente e Álvaro Medrán. Continuam de fora Ramos, Coentrão, Modric, Khedira e James. Por seu lado, Cristiano Ronaldo já é o terceiro melhor marcador da história madridista, e enfrenta um adversário a quem marcou quatro golos no jogo da primeira volta.

 O adversário
O Elche recebe o conjunto branco em trajectória ascendente. Os comandados por Fran Escribá ocupam a décima sétima posição, com 23 pontos, e vão tentar continuar a somar pontos para se distanciarem dos lugares de descida. “É difícil mas temos muita ilusão na vitória. Há que estar muito concentrados e imprimir intensidade", assinalou técnico. Jonathas, com nove golos é a principal arma ofensiva.  

Ancelotti: Modric will be ready for El Clasico

Ancelotti: Modric will be ready for El Clasico

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that midfielder Luka Modric will be fit by the time his side face Barcelona in a crucial Spanish La Liga clash on 22 March.

Modric returned to training this week after three months out due to a torn thigh muscle. The Croatian's influence has been badly missed by the Madrid midfield in recent weeks as Barca have closed to within a point of Real at the top of the table, whilst Los Blancos were also dumped out of the Copa del Rey by city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Ancelotti has also been short on numbers in midfield as James Rodriguez faces two months on the sidelines due to a broken bone in his right foot, whilst Sami Khedira has a hamstring injury. "He feels good, but we will take it slowly," Ancelotti said on Saturday. "He hasn't done a full session with the team yet, but he will do next week and by the 22nd he will be ready. We hope he can play before the Camp Nou."

Ancelotti will oversee his 100th game in charge of the European champions tomorrow night when they travel to Elche. Despite winning four trophies in that time, the Italian's hold on the job has been questioned in recent weeks, particularly after Real were humbled 4-0 by Atletico earlier this month.

However, the 55-year-old said he wasn't concerned that talks over an extension to his contract, which runs until 2016, seem to have stalled and that the matter will be resolved at the end of the season. "I feel valued and happy here. There is no rush for the renewal of my contract, we have a year-and-a-half.

"Since I arrived here I knew we need to win, but that isn't something new, in all the teams I have coached the objective was to win titles. I don't think I will renew only if we win. The end of the season will be a good time to talk about the renewal, but if not then there is no rush. I have a contract here until 2016."

Bravo iguala a su compatriota Zamorano

Bravo iguala a su compatriota Zamorano

Mundodeportivo.com  


Claudio Bravo sigue igualando y batiendo registros en la portería del Barcelona en la Liga BBVA esta campaña. El meta se ha convertido en el chileno con más partidos en la máxima competición del fútbol español en el choque ante el Málaga de este sábado, igualando a su compatriota Iván Zamorano con 196 partidos en Liga.



El portero iguala así los números del histórico jugador chileno, que logró este registro defendiendo las camisetas de Sevilla y Real Madrid. El meta azulgrana lo ha conseguido con la Real Sociedad y el Barcelona. En este sentido, debemos destacar que Bravo podía haber superado antes a su compatriota si no hubiera militado en Segunda División con la Real Sociedad y lo hubiera hecho en Primera.

Chelsea can create 10-point gap at the top with win over Burnley

Chelsea can create 10-point gap at the top with win over Burnley

Chelsea will look to open up a 10-point lead over title rivals Manchester City when relegation-threatened Burnley travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho's Premier League leaders can put the champions under real pressure by claiming three points ahead of their Saturday Night Football clash with Newcastle United.

The Blues were forced to hold on at times in their 1-1 Champions League last-16 draw at PSG, but Mourinho will be confident they can return to winning ways in front of their own fans where they have failed to win on just one occasion this season. 

Burnley sit second from bottom of the Premier League and travel to the Bridge with the odds stacked against them, having won just once on the road this season.


Despite the lack of resullts away from home, the Clarets have produced a number of industrious displays which, if repeated, could cause a potenitally fatigued Chelsea side problems.

Team news

Awaiting Chelsea team news

Burnley welcome Stephen Ward back into the squad for the first time in two and a half months for the trip to London.

The full-back has recovered from a fractured ankle suffered in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle at the start of December.


Dean Marney has undergone successful surgery on his cruciate ligament injury but will be out until next season along with Kevin Long. Matt Taylor suffered a slight setback in his recovery from Achilles surgery but he is back training with the squad again.

Opta facts

Chelsea have kept 16 clean sheets in their last 20 Premier League home games, conceding just six goals in that run.

Burnley have won just two of their 31 Premier League away games (W2 D5 L24) and kept just one clean sheet in those matches.

All four shots on target in the first half of Burnley v Chelsea on the opening weekend of the Barclays Premier League season resulted in goals.

Danny Ings has scored in five of his last six Premier League matches, while Diego Costa has scored six goals in his last seven top-flight outings.


The Clarets have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches (W1 D3 L5)

The Londoners have won 33 and lost just one of their last 40 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge.

Merson's prediction

Chelsea did enough in midweek against PSG and when they scored they were happy because they’re confident of beating them at Stamford Bridge. I don’t see a problem for Jose Mourinho’s men against Burnley. Sean Dyche will set up his side to have a go and they can cause teams problems, but I just don’t see any problems for the Blues. Burnley will score because they’re not going there with 10 men behind the ball, but a goal is all I see them getting.

Jose Mourinho says John Terry will be offered a new deal at Chelsea

Jose Mourinho says John Terry will be offered a new deal at Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has confirmed captain John Terry will be offered a new contract with Chelsea.


Earlier this week Terry said he was hopeful of securing a deal but admitted he had yet to hold any talks with the club over an extension.

However, manager Mourinho believes the 34-year-old, who has started every league game this season, has won the right to play in the Premier League for another year.


Terry, who joined Chelsea 20 years ago as a schoolboy, had accepted the club's rule that over-30s will be offered only yearly contracts.

"I think everybody wants to stay and especially him who has been here all his life,” said Mourinho. “He accepted our policy of going year after year with a smile and he accepted it as a challenge.

"Last year he won the challenge and this year he is winning the right of getting a one-year extension. Sooner or later he will get the season contract he deserves."

Mourinho, meanwhile, added he was not talking about his own contract, despite media reports of an extension.

"I'm different. I have two more years of contract. I want to stay. I think the club is happy but... I don't need a contract right now," Mourinho said.

"I will stay (as long as) Mr Abramovich will want me to stay."

The Week in Quotes

The Week in Quotes

"Well, they are both ugly." 
David Luiz, when asked about similarities between Jose Mourinho and Laurent Blanc

"Every time we scored as kids, she used to give me and my brothers a pound. Even though I'm 26 now, I still carry that tradition on. She was the first person I rang last night and I said: 'I want that pound'. I tried saying I wanted a bit more because it was against Manchester United, but she says that wasn't in the contract." 

Scott Laird, Preston North End's goalscorer against Manchester United, fails to get any more cash out of his thrifty granny

"We want to keep the ball with us for as long as we can, so that's why I want players like Xabi and Thiago [Alcantara]. But when it comes to running after another player, Xabi Alonso is the worst player in the world!"

Pep Guardiola offers a frank assessment of Xabi Alonso's strengths and weaknesses 

"I am always aiming high and the dream signing would be Messi. I can only say that he likes Sampdoria's colours and that I am here to win things and not to count ants." 
Sampdoria owner Massimo Ferrero

"Embrace the baldness. And that's the bottom line..."
Former wrestler 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's advice to Wayne Rooney on Twitter


"I’ll not forget this day for the rest of my life. The margin of victory is the right one. Bayern were world class but there is no excuse for losing 8-0. By the end, I was hoping that we wouldn't lose by double digits." 
Hamburg coach Josef Zinnbauer's candid reaction to his team's 8-0 loss at Bayern Munich

"It should have been Henderson. Mario has been a bit mischievous. Jordan is the captain and Mario showed Jordan a bit of disrespect there. I think six or seven players would have wanted to take that penalty so if they all say they are taking it, what happens then?! Rules are in place for a reason." 
Steven Gerrard rebukes Mario Balotelli after a dispute with Jordan Henderson over penalty duties

"He can be as good as Robben. Both always have the desire to improve; neither player hides from training, which is a good sign for Depay." 
PSV Eindhoven coach Phillip Cocu on Memphis Depay

"I knew I was coming off the back of a not very good year, during which I went through a lot of problems on and off the field. It was a challenge to change the image that I had given out last season and to be the player I had been in previous seasons again. That was my objective and that's how I came out at the start of this season, really up for it." 
Lionel Messi on bouncing back from a disappointing 2014

"There's lots of things to report from the trip. Apparently it's really sunny out there compared to here. It was a nice flight and he didn't get sick. The food wasn't great on the flight but he came back with one of those hats [sombrero] and those donkeys [pinata] which my folks brought back in the 70s and told everyone they were fantastic. He bought me them which I thought was a nice gesture." 
Burnley manager Sean Dyche on Danny Ings' reported trip to Spain to discuss signing for Real Sociedad

"I have played in some really tough places in terms of the noise and the passion the fans create. Every game I have played in Turkey stands out for passion created by the fans. But the best has been at Celtic Park." 
Inter Milan's Nemanja Vidic picks his favourite stadium 

“The manager has killed me with this decision. I feel I deserve my place and other people have told me the same. People have told me I am a great player, but it is clear that the manager doesn’t think the same way." 
Stefan Jovetic reacts to being replaced by Wilfried Bony in Manchester City's UEFA Champions League squad 

"Bayern were always a good team but now the club has arrived on a global level, and that is mainly due to Pep, who has given the club an extra touch of class. He is doing a fantastic job, as he did at Barcelona. I'm fascinated by how he works and I can learn a lot from him." 
Zinedine Zidane on Pep Guardiola

"Yes, I have already received an offer from Manchester City. They said they will sell Nasri, Kompany and Yaya Toure to get me!" 
Slaven Bilic laughs off reports of an approach from Manchester City

Wilshere returns, Wenger to focus on balance

Wilshere returns, Wenger to focus on balance

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has welcomed the return of England midfielder Jack Wilshere from three months out with an ankle injury, but warned the "balance of the team" must always come first.

The 23-year-old has not played since needing an operation after hobbling off in the defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on 22 November. Wilshere, though, has come through his rehabilitation quicker than expected, and is expected to be involved again at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

Wenger has praised the way the player has dedicated himself to a speedy recovery. It was not so long ago the dynamic midfielder would have been a certain starter in the Arsenal XI. However, with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez all in impressive form as Francis Coquelin shields the defence, Wenger accepts there can be no guarantees of selection for anyone.

"Jack is a bit ahead of schedule and has worked hard with no big problems, so it's good to have him back," said Wenger. "It is always difficult to come back straightaway. What is good is that [he is] already back (earlier than expected). That injury was on the left ankle. He had all his problems on the right ankle. It is a straightforward injury - once it's healed, there's no problem." Wenger, though, added: "No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team, yes."

Arsenal can expect a stern test of their top-four credentials at Selhurst Park against a side which is now well organised and hard to break down under new manager Alan Pardew. Wenger said: "They have found confidence again and they made positive results and that is what it is about when you are a manager. We always expect a passionate afternoon there."

No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team.Arsene Wenger on not disrupting Arsenal's balance to include Jack Wilshere
Pardew has hailed midfielder Cazorla as Arsenal's stand-out player. The 30-year-old Spaniard has been linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid, but Wenger insists the diminutive midfielder remains very much integral to Arsenal's future plans. "Until now he has been maybe the most consistent, since he has moved centrally his influence on the team has been bigger as well," Wenger said.

"He has extended his contract last year. I think he has still two years to go. You know our policy at the club, so I don't think there's anything special to worry about there. The suggestion (of a transfer bid) is only a suggestion. We have never been approached by anybody about him."

Wenger confirmed former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry had been back at the club this week working with the Academy as part of his first steps into a coaching career. "It is good for our young players to be coached by him, a legend of the club," said Wenger.

Asked if the French FIFA World Cup™ winner could one-day replace him as Arsenal manager, Wenger replied: "That would not be my problem, it would be a problem of the board to make that decision. Yes of course (he could be a future Arsenal manager). I have said that many times, but I have had many, many players who can do this job."

Leo Messi delighted with the way things are going

Leo Messi delighted with the way things are going

WWW.FCBARCELONA.COM 


"We are FC Barcelona and it is our duty to fight for the title" says the Argentinian 


"We don't want to end up empty handed like we did last year"



Leo Messi attended an event in Barcelona on Thursday afternoon, and used the occasion to discuss a variety of different issues. After scoring a hat-trick against Levante, he is oozing with confidence going into the most decisive stage of the season.

On his personal form:

“I feel fine. I’m happy with the way things are going. I want to keep helping the team. Last year was not a good one for us. There were too many setbacks on and off the pitch. But I hope all that changes this year.”

“I am not 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 years old anymore, when you’re body doesn’t feel the strain. You get older, and you feel it. Now I make more of an effort to look after myself at half-time and be careful about what I eat”.

“I have changed a lot since I first started out. I’m more mature, and I have learned things both on and off the pitch. Some of the old Messi is still here, but not much”.

On the team:

“We are working to win all of the titles at stake. We are Barça, and it is our duty to fight to win everything. We don’t want to end up empty handed like we did last season”.

“I think our attitude has changed since Anoeta. We’re hungrier. We take to the field in a different way. The team wanted to change things and we did that. It’s not that we weren’t trying in that game, but we just couldn’t get the right result”.

“We like to get quickly through on goal now and exploit the gaps that defences leave open. It doesn’t mean we’ve changed the Barça style of holding onto the ball, but we have also started using counter attacking tactics, which is not something we did that much before”.

“You can tell that the team has changed. Our morale is great at the moment, we’re playing top football. We know we haven’t won anything yet, but playing at this level, we know we are capable of doing so”.

On weekend opponents Málaga, who drew with Barça earlier this season:

“We are playing at home. You approach games differently when you’re at home and when you are away”.

FC Barcelona v Málaga. Did you know.....?

FC Barcelona v Málaga. Did you know.....?

WWW.FCBARCELONA.COM 

• Luis Enrique and Javi Gracia met ten times as players with the current Barça coach winning four of those duels, drawing four and losing twice

FC Barcelona and Málaga meet on Saturday at Camp Nou at 4.00pm CET in week 24 in the Spanish League and here we take a look at some of the stand out facts, figures and curiosities surrounding
the game.

• Luis Enrique and Javi Gracia met on ten occasions representing various clubs during their playing careers. The Barça coach had spells at Real Madrid and FC Barcelona whilst the current Málaga coach played for Valladolid, Real Sociedad and Villarreal. Luis Enrique won four of those matches, four ended in draws and the Málaga boss won twice.

• FC Barcelona and Málaga have met 33 times in the league at Barcelona, with the blaugranes having won 30 times, drawn once and lost twice.

• Former Barça B player Luis Alberto currently plays for Málaga and he has scored twice this season. In the B team he played alongside current Barça first team squad members Rafinha, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Masip.

• In the last meeting between Barça and Málaga at Camp Nou, tribute was paid to Xavi Hernández as he made appearance number 700 for Barça in official competition.

• Douglas Pereira made his Barça debut this season in the league game at La Rosaleda earlier in the season.

• Málaga have lost on their last 12 visits to Camp Nou in the league. Their last win came in a 2-1 victory back in the season 1999/2000.

• Javi Gracia’s side have not won away in 2015, recording three defeats and a draw so far this year.

• Leo Messi could continue his scoring run at Camp Nou this weekend. If he scores against Málaga that would be 11 games in a row at home.

• In the season 2011/12 Leo Messi scored two hat tricks against Málaga - one at Camp Nou and one in La Rosaleda.

• On Saturday, Barça could win their 12th game in a row: The Club record stands at 18 wins in a row set by Frank Rijkaard’s team in 2005/06 when they clained victory in 13 games in the league, three in the Champions League and two in the Spanish Cup.

• FC Barcelona and Málaga have met twice before in week 24 of the league. Both games ended in 2-1 wins for the blaugranes, in 2009/10 and 1982/83.

• A Barça side already crowned league champions beat Málaga 4-1 in the season 2012/13 at Camp Nou. That win allowed them to reach an historic total of 100 points in the campaign.

City look for Bony impact, Blues aim to skip clear

City look for Bony impact, Blues aim to skip clear

Wilfried Bony believes he can be Manchester City's secret weapon in the Premier League title race as he prepares to make his debut against Newcastle on Saturday.

Bony joined Manuel Pellegrini's side from Swansea in a £28 million (USD $43 million) move during the January transfer window, but has yet to make his bow in a City shirt after spending the last few weeks helping Côte d'Ivoire win the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The 26-year-old is in contention to finally give City fans a first glimpse of their new signing when Newcastle visit Eastlands in a fixture crucial to their hopes of retaining the English title.

Second-placed City could be 10 points behind leaders Chelsea by the time they kick-off as Jose Mourinho's team will have finished their match against struggling Burnley earlier in the day.

But Bony, who netted 34 times in 70 appearances for Swansea, is confident he can give a timely lift to a City attack that has sometimes struggled when Sergio Aguero has been injured or off-form this season.

"It feels like a while since I signed the contract but finally I'm here, I'm really happy about that and now I'm just focusing on this Saturday's game," Bony said. "It's not easy because I've just arrived from Africa and I will have had five days of training before we play Newcastle.

"If I am needed, I have a good record against Newcastle. I've scored three goals in two games against them. They are a good side and are strong at the back but they are coming to our stadium and we need to win this game."

Clarets seek to avoid Blues
Chelsea, bolstered by their hard-fought 1-1 draw at Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg in midweek, will be expected to brush aside Burnley, who haven't won at Stamford Bridge since 1971. The Clarets, second bottom of the table after four league games without a win, took a shock lead through Scott Arfield when the sides met in the season's opening round of fixtures.

But Chelsea hit back to win 3-1 and Burnley boss Sean Dyche said: "At the beginning of the season I thought anyone who finishes above them must be some side and I still think that because they've got strength everywhere, they're showing that, and they just keep getting results whichever way they need to.

"We're not like a non-league side going there. We've shown we're capable to compete at this level. We have that underdog spirit but also that freedom to play."

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has a chance to avenge the defeat that started his Old Trafford reign on a low note when his side travel to Swansea. Van Gaal saw United crash to a shock 1-0 defeat against Swansea on the opening day of the season, courtesy of Gylfi Sigurdsson's goal.

But third- placed United have gradually improved during the Dutchman's first season in charge and winger Ashley Young credits their ascent, after last season's travails under David Moyes, to the squad's spirit.

"All the boys in the dressing room are fighting for each other and when you have that off the pitch you take it on to the pitch," Young said. "We showed that at Preston on Monday night from the first minute to the last and in the way we came back into the game and won it."

The tense race to qualify for the Champions League should take a few more twists and turns this weekend, with fourth-placed Southampton hosting Liverpool, who are only four points behind in seventh.

Arsenal, one point behind Southampton in fifth place, travel to Crystal Palace and sixth-placed Tottenham, three points adrift of the Saints, take on London rivals West Ham at White Hart Lane.

Aston Villa's new manager Tim Sherwood, whose side are languishing in the relegation zone, needs to make a fast start at home to Stoke 

English Premier League fixtures
Saturday
Aston Villa v Stoke, Chelsea v Burnley, Crystal Palace v Arsenal, Hull v QPR, Manchester City v Newcastle, Sunderland v West Brom, Swansea v Manchester United 

Sunday
Everton v Leicester, Southampton v Liverpool, Tottenham v West Ham