MY PLAYERS PLAYED AN INTELLIGENT GAME; ANTONIO CONTE.

Chelsea registered their fifth win in their last six league games as they kept up their pursuit of Manchester City at the top of the table, thanks to Antoine Rudiger’s second-half header.

However, it wasn't a rollercoaster stuff at Stamford Bridge and Conte lost his temper and ranted at fourth official Lee Mason as referee Neil Swarbrick failed to award his side a corner. The Italian, whose red card was his first in English football, could face a touchline ban.

Here are the manager’s main comments from his post-match interviews and press conference…

THE SENDING OFF
After the game it is normal and right to apologise for what happened during the game. In the first half Swansea was wasting time. I said this a few times to the fourth official, I didn’t see something had changed in the first half. I was frustrated for this situation and tried to tell again. The referee took this decision but I apologise. I made a mistake.
During the game I suffer with my players. It is a pity.

STRANGE FEELING
I don’t like to watch in the dressing room. I suffer in the same way to watch it on the video. It is very strange for me to not be communicating with the players.

SIMILAR EXPERIENCE
With Juventus, about five years ago, against Genoa.
I just said [this time] that they are wasting time. A bit animated, I shouted this, and for this reason the fourth official lost his patience. The fault was mine, not the fourth official. I was frustrated.

I SAID NOTHING DIFFERENT
I repeat, I said what happened and I shouted this after a few times that I said the same concept. Not that I said anything different.

MAN CITY WON AGAIN
(smiles) They won again at the end, 96. I remember another game against Bournemouth and Huddersfield. Sterling is very dangerous. I have a great respect for a team that doesn’t give up until the end. If they win these games it means they trust until the end. They are doing something incredible, sometimes you can be lucky but it is normal. We have to go game by game and we are improving from the season. We have a good balance and we had a lot of good chances.

A GOOD WIN
This type of game, you can score early or have a lot of patience to score. You must pay attention for the counter attack. This type of game you have a lot of desire to win. I think my players never lost the balance and played an intelligent game. A good win. We must be very good also to win this type of game.

UNDEFEATED RUN
My feeling now is that we are better than before when we started this season. We started it with many problems and we are tyring to solve these problems. Now we are improving and trying another system of play. I have the opportunity to alternate this system.

DAVID LUIZ'S INJURY
Now it is very difficult. He had liquid in his knee and we have to assess his recovery on the time, I hope to not lose him for a lot of time and I need to have all my players.

Source: www.clubgist.com

COPA DEL REY FULL TIME RESULTS 29.11.2017.

Barcelona 5 - 0 Real Murcia

Real Sociedad 2 - 3 Lleida Esportiu

Sevilla 4 - 0 Cartagena

Athletic Bilbao 0 - 1 SD Formentera

Atletico Madrid 3 - 0 Elche

Las Palmas 2 - 3 Deportivo La Coruna

SAM ALLARDYCE HAS BEEN APPOINTED THE NEW EVERTON MANAGER.

Everton have finally appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager.

The Toffees have announced the appointment of the former England boss, more than six weeks after the dismissal of Ronald Koeman reports the mirror sport.

Allardyce, 63, has put pen-to-paper on an 18-month deal, worth £9million, meaning he will earn more than the likes of Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, Juventus manager Max Allegri, PSG chief Unai Emery and even Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.

He was  formally unveiled at Goodison Park ahead of the Toffees' premier league match against fellow strugglers West Ham. Everton won the game by 4-0 with Wayne Rooney bagging a hat trick.

However, Sam Allardyce's first game with Everton is against Huddersfield at the weekend.

After a long period of negotiations, the owner of the Merseyside club is delighted to have appointed the Big Sam to help the team.

"I really want to give him the support he needs," said the Toffees owner, Moshiri. "He can go as far as he wants.
"We need a strong leader, he gives us that."

Allardyce has elected to bring in former Liverpool assistant Sammy Lee, with whom he also worked at Bolton, Palace and England.
Ex-Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare, goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson and fitness coach Ryland Morgan are also set to join.

Source: www.clubgist.com

ALAN PARDEW CONFIRMED AS NEW WEST BROM MANAGER.

Alan Pardew was confirmed as West Brom's new boss on Wednesday, and will be tasked with keeping them in the Premier League, reports the Mirror Sport.

Pardew replaces Tony Pulis who was axed earlier this month after 10 League games without a win.

The 56-year old has in the past managed at Reading, West Ham, Charlton, Southampton and Newcastle.
He has inked a deal with Albion until 2020.

Pardew's first match in charge is Saturday's visit by old club Crystal Palace, who sacked him a year ago.

“I’m thrilled with the opportunity Albion have provided and looking forward to getting to work with what I consider to be a talented group of players," said Pardew.

“The immediate challenge will be to get the results we need to pull ourselves up the table. But I’m aware that while I’m joining one of the great, traditional clubs of English football, it is one determined to go forward in the Premier League.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to play a part in that ambition.”

Baggies chairman John Williams added: “Alan brings the experience of more than 300 Premier League games and the kind of dynamic leadership from which our club can benefit,” he said.

“We were impressed with what he had to say and what he has to offer and we are looking forward to an exciting new era under his charge.”

Albion's Chinese-based owner Guochuan Lai ratified the appointment after the club's UK hierarchy conducted interviews.

Pardew was named LMA manager of the year in 2012 after he guided Newcastle to fifth place in the Premier League.

He has also been a losing FA Cup finalist twice as a manager.

Caretaker Gary Megson has since guided 16th-placed Albion to draws with Spurs and Newcastle.

“Gary leaves with our gratitude for a sterling job completed in difficult circumstances,” said Williams.

“We met today when I explained our position which he understood and accepted in the highly professional manner with which he has conducted himself since Tony’s departure.

“He steadied the ship in a difficult moment and we are extremely appreciative of his efforts.”

Source: www.clubgist.com

PREMIER LEAGUE FULL-TIME RESULTS

Brighton & Hove Albion 0 - 0 Crystal Palace
Leicester City 2 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Watford 2 - 4 Manchester United
West Bromwich Albion 2 - 2 Newcastle United

RECAP OF JURGEN KLOPP'S PRESS BRIEFING AHEAD OF STOKE V LIVERPOOL MATCH.

Liverpool are back in Premier League action when they take on Stoke on Wednesday night.

The Reds boss Jurgen reacted to questions by the media ahead of the clash.
Here are what Klopp said;

MANE & FIRMINO
“It made sense at this part of the season to use the strength of the squad.
“It’s not completely unlikely they will start (v Stoke).”

WE NEED OUR SUPPORTERS
“They can make all the difference. I’m pretty sure that at Anfield, we are 3-0 up, it (Sevilla) wouldn’t have happened.
“Football only works when we all work together. You feel it. You can imagine, it’s the difference. That’s how it is for us.
“We can perform better when the atmosphere is there.”

ON RETURNING TO BET365 STADIUM
“When we were at Stoke last time the weather was good.
“The team is experienced. They live for moments like this, home games and floodlight atmosphere. But we are not going there to suffer, we go there to get the points.
“It will be difficult.”

ON THE TITLE RACE
“I saw the game against Huddersfield, It was deserved that City won.
“As long as City keep winning then no-one else has a chance.
“I don’t care about this at the moment.”
“If anyone struggles, we need to be there.”

ON THE TEAM'S PROGRESS
Yes, we’ve made progress 100%. We’ve been more patient in specific games. We feel in a really good way.
“We feel on a good way. Chelsea are an unbelievably difficult team to play, we played them in a completely different manner. We dominated them. That’s fantastic, but we didn’t win. But I still feel we are in a good way.
“This is now a really decisive period of the season. We need to be spot on.”

TEAM NEWS
“Lovren will be close. It’s not a big thing, Tthere’s still a bit of swelling. He will try to run in a few minutes.
“Emre Can is back in the squad for sure.”

KLOPP HAS FAITH ON HIS PLAYERS
I have faith in all the boys and it was important for me that the boys showed they are 100% ready.”

ON RESTING PLAYERS
“We don’t rest, we use other players. That (rest) was not the reason against Chelsea, we wanted to have fresh legs.
“I thought it worked quite well.”

MOVING FORWARDS
We have to show that we’re on a good way until at least the end of January, in a really important part of the season.
“I feel that we are.”

Kickoff: 21:00.


Source: The Mirror sport.

RECAP OF ANTONIO CONTE'S PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF SWANSEA CLASH.

Chelsea play host to Swansea in Wednesday night's premier league match.

The Blues will hope to pile more pressure on Paul Clement's side who are with just one win in their last ten games.

Chelsea Boss, Antonio Conte responded to questions by the media ahead of the clash.
Here are his reactions;

WILL VICTOR MOSES PLAY?
He is in contention but at the same time I have to make the best decision for every player. For sure Victor is back from a bad injury and needs a bit of time to find the best physical condition. He is an important player for us.

DAVID LUIZ'S INJURY
I must be honest at the moment it is difficult for me to answer. It will be up to the doctor to assess it and take the best decision.
(How long out) I don’t know.

DIFFICULT TO KEEP HAZARD ON THE BENCH?
Every game I must make the best decision and protect every player. I would like to start every game with the best players, but at the same time I do not think it is possible. I take the risk that I do not think is right and the season has just started and it is a long season. I must protect every player. At the same time it is not easy or simple or leave great players to rest. I want the best for the team and the player.
The kick during the game is part of the game and the play. To stop him sometimes you have to take a tough decision of our opponent. I think Eden is an important player. He is used to face this type of situation. It is normal in the past if you see, for Messi or Neymar, or Ronaldo it is the same. They are very fast and physical players.

RATE BAKAYOKO'S PERFORMANCES SO FAR
Bakayoko is a player very young. He is only 23. For many reasons he played a lot of games and for sure he needs to improve with the tactical aspect and our idea of football. For a young player to play regularly. I think he is playing well, it is normal you can alternate a good performance with one not so good. He is working well and I am very happy for his commitment and his behaviours. He has a lot of space for improvement

PAUL CLEMENT AND SWANSEA
I think he is a really good coach, did a really good job with Swansea last season. It is not simple to fight for relegation. Bu I have a great respect for him and his job. I repeat he is doing a really good job. I think there is a big difference as a manager and coach. If you are only a manager you cannot be a coach. If you are a coach you can be a manager.

DIFFICULT TO KEEP WILLIAN ON THE BENCH?
Why ask about Willian and not Hazard at the start of the season or Pedro? They have the same situation. The player must be happy to stay at Chelsea and play for the fans. If they start or are on the bench. I have players who understand this situation, like Hazard accepted the situation to be on the bench. Same for Willy or for Pedro to accept this. You must be happy to stay with a great team.

IS THE SQUAD BIG ENOUGH?.
My hope to have all my players available. When I have spoken before with our problems we started with a lot of injuries. Hazard, Pedro in pre-season and with N’Golo and Moses. For sure it is always important for every team to have everyone available. We try to do our best in every moment. I am very happy to work with my players and face every situation, easy or difficult.

NO ITALY IN WORLD CUP DRAW
There is a great disappointment after 58 years that they are not in the World Cup this season. Football in Italy is very important and we have to face the bad situation and we have to find the right solution.

THIBAUT COURTOIS AND NEW CONTRACT
He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and has a great potential. He is young but he shows a great maturity. I hope to find an agreement with the club, but I think this topic is the club’s responsibility .
This is for the club, I hope in the future they have an agreement.

TEAM NEWS
I can tell you the players not available. Luiz for a knee problem, Musonda, Batshuayi and Kenedy are trying to find the right form to be back.

RECALL LOFTUS-CHECK?
As I said before now is not the right moment to speak about this. It is important to always have respect for the other team. Ruben is another young player with the right prospect to be a Chelsea player.

CONTE'S VIEWS ON TAMMY ABRAHAM
I think to talk about Tammy now is very, very soon. For sure we are talking about a young player with a really good prospect for Chelsea’s future. To go on loan was the best decision for him and the club. He is playing regularly and getting good experience.

TOUGH GAME ON THE HORIZON?
Every game in this league is very tough. We must pay great attention. We drew away last season. We must pay great attention to try to take three points. It won’t be easy because every game in this league is very tough. You must fight with great concentration.

TITLE HOPES
We are trying to do our best this season. We started the season with a lot of problems, we have the points we deserve. Manchester City are doing some extraordinary, it means they are having a great path. The most important thing is to look at ourselves and improve. We are becoming more solid and finding different solutions in the tactical solution. We have to try to do our best.

BUSY PERIOD, AND FIT PLAYERS
The most important thing for us is to have all players available, it is very important during a busy period. November, December and January will be very busy. We have just started this period and it will be important to rest players.
To give the opportunity to my players will be very important, in this way we keep the concentration very high. The players that need to rest can do this. If you play every game and stop to train, the probability to have an injury is very high. It will be very important to create a good balance between matches and training.

DERMOT DRUMMY
Today we had bad news, our former youth coach Dermot Drummy died. I want to pass condolences to his family and friends.
It is a great importance to have this type of figure and person to develop the young players. This is a big loss and this type of person, a great person who has a great value for the club. It is not easy to work with a young player, not only on the pitch but especially off it to teach them what is the life. I think that this is for sure, and we are sorry because this person was important for this club.


Kickoff: 20:45.

LUKAKU WILL FACE NO PUNISHMENT FOR APPEARING TO KICK OUT ON BRIGHTON DEFENDER BONG.

Romelu Lukaku will face no further action from the FA for appearing to kick out at Brighton full-back Gaetan Bong during Manchester United's 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Red Devils forward was caught on camera lashing out at Bong, aiming two backwards kicks after the ball had been cleared from a corner.

The incident was not spotted by referee, Neil Swarbrick who let play continue ahead of the crucial winner.

The incident was classed as "not seen" by the referee and the the FA's panel of three ex-referees were not unanimous in believing it was violent conduct.

All three needed to be in agreement for a charge to be filed.

United went on to beat the Seagulls 1-0 through Ashley Young's hugely deflected shot.

Lukaku who would have missed the fixtures against Watford, Arsenal and Manchester City, if he was found guilty, is now free to play.

MICHAEL CARRICK HAS BEEN OFFERED A COACHING JOB AT MANCHESTER UNITED.

Michael Carrick has been offered a coaching role at Manchester United by Jose Mourinho following a heart scare that has kept him out of action since September, report the Mirror.

The Red Devils skipper suffered a heart scare after playing against Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup in September.

Carrick has spent 11 years at Old Trafford and at the age of 36 years of age, Mourinho has hinted he will swap careers at the end of the season to begin coaching.

"Michael as a person is more important than Michael as a player," said Mourinho.

"We give him the time to relax, to recover, to feel confident. To make a decision, he wants to play, he wants to stop. He knows.

"He knows that my coaching staff has a chair for him if he wants, when he wants. The chair is there in the office for him. I want that. The board wants it.
"The owners want it.

Michael is in the comfortable situation of knowing his future will be with us. But he wants to be a player until the end of the season and he feels confident to be back.

"He is training. He is one more option for us. We need players. If Michael wants, I am happy with that."


Full statement from Michael Carrick

I just want to clear up my situation as I've had quite a few people asking if I'm OK and why I haven't been fit over the last couple of months.

After feeling strange during the second half of the Burton game in September, I underwent a series of tests.

It turned out to be due to an irregular heart rhythm which has been full investigated and I had a procedure called a Cardiac Ablation.

I had to build up training steadily whilst being monitored closely but I feel fine now.

I would like to reassure everyone that I'm healthy and back training hard with the team.

I'm building up my fintess and aiming to be back in contention for selection soon.

Source: www.clubgist.com

BEYONCE SET TO PERFORM AT GARETH BALE'S WEDDING FOR £1.5m

Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale reportedly wants to hire Beyonce to perform at his wedding next year.

According to the Sun, Bale 28, and Emma Rhys-Jones, 27, want the US superstar to serenade them.

Bale and his childhood sweetheart Emma Rhys-Jones have two daughters and they all live in Madrid.
Now the former Spurs player plans to Wed in the spring and the Sun report that he would like the music icon to entertain the guests.

The wedding is due to take place in Italy and was delayed after Rhys-Jones' father was imprisoned for fraud in the US.

Reports have it that the 'Halo' and 'Crazy in Love' hitmaker charge up to £1.5million for a private appearance and the report claims that Bales' representatives are in negotiations to see if they can make it happen for their guests.

Two wedding bashes are planned, one in South Wales and the other abroad, probably Italy, where Beyonce may star.

Gareth Bale who has won three Champions League and one La Liga title during his four years in Spain, following a then World record £80million move from Tottenham earns £15m annually.

Source: www.clubgist.com

EPL RESULTS

West Ham 1-1 Leicester

Crystal Palace 2 - 1 Stoke City

Manchester United 1 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion

Newcastle United 0 - 3 Watford

Swansea City 0 - 0 AFC Bournemouth

Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 1 West Bromwich Albion

WHY MESSI THINKS HE WILL NEVER BE FRIENDS WITH RONALDO

Lionel Messi doubts whether he and Cristiano Ronaldo will ever be friends according to the mirror sport.
The Barcelona and Real Madrid superstars have between them nine Ballon d'or awards.

They are arguably the greatest players of their generation.
However, Messi does not think that he will ever be friends with the Portuguese forward.

Following the presentation of his European Golden Shoe award, Messi said:
"I do not know if we will be [friends]m" he told Marca. "Friendship is something that is built through spending time together and getting to know each other.

"We have no relationship, but mostly because we only see each other in the awards ceremonies and it is the only time we speak. At that moment everything is fine, but then we do not cross paths again."

Source: www.clubgist.com

MESSI HAS EXTENDED HIS BARCELONA CONTRACT.

Lionel Messi has signed a new deal with
Barcelona.

The Argentinian star's contract was due to expire next summer but he has now agreed to extend his spell at the Catalan giants.

And Messi 's new release clause has been set at €700million.
His new deal will take his stay at the club to 21 years after Messi joined the club as a 13 year old in 2000.


Meanwhile, while collecting his European Golden shoe award on Friday, Lionel Messi refused to entertain questions on the situation around his Barcelona contract, which was due to expire in June.

Messi won the award for the fourth time after scoring 37 league goals last season.


Marca director, Juan Ignacio Gallardo, who introduced the ceremony with a speech, even highlighted that Messi would not be speaking about his contract.

“I know that everyone is thinking about the renovation of your contract with Barcelona, but today we are here to pay homage to you and nothing can take the focus away from our precious gala,” said Gallardo.

“There will be time to talk about contract renewals later. Today we are speaking about the Golden Boot, delivered by ESM (European Sports Media) and Marca.”

“I’ve been improving, adding more facets to my play, each day I enjoy being a player more and more,” said Messi after receiving the award from teammate Luis Suarez.

“Every time I sit on the bench (as he did against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday) it’s a shock because I don’t usually do it.
“I don’t like being out, I like participating, helping from on the pitch, but I also understand the year is long and each day you have to take care of yourself because the seasons get harder and harder.”

The new contract will keep him at Barcelona until 2021 and ends speculation over his future.

Source: www.c

MOURINHO SPEAKS AHEAD OF SATURDAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE CLASH AGAINST BRIGHTON.

Jose Mourinho spoke exclusively to Helen Evans at the Aon Training Complex. The boss talked about Maroune Fellaini's contract situation. The Belgian midfielder's contract expires in June, and he is yet to agree to a new United's offer; and Turkish giants, Besiktas are reportedly monitoring the situation.
He also spoke about United's fixtures, the busy week ahead, injuries and much more.
Here are what Mourinho said:


AFRAID OF LOOSING FELLAINI FOR FREE?
Mourinho replied;
 “Yes.”

WHAT COULD BE DONE TO STOP HIM FROM LEAVING

Mourinho replied;
“Nothing It's a discussion between the player and the board.

“I'm not involved in contracts, deals. I respect both, I respect the player because he has the right to decide his future if he finishes his contract.

“And I respect the board, because the decisions and discussions are under their control, so I just wait, wishing they will have a understanding.”

ON TOP OF THE TABLE MANCHESTER CITY

Mourinho said;
“We cannot think about the gap to City, the gap to fifth position, we have to focus on ourselves and our matches,”

ON THE BUSY WEEK AHEAD
Mourinho said;

“I think this is probably the first time this season with three Premier League matches in one week, with a couple of days in between European matches, but I think everything is prepared for that.
“Even when I look to teams with other ambitions, I see fantastic squads, so I think the teams are going to cope with the week.

ON SATURDAY'S GAME AGAINST BRIGHTON

Mourinho said;
“For us, Brighton, Watford and Arsenal are very important games, but let's focus on Brighton - ninth in the table, a good team, difficult to beat, don't concede many goals, a mixture of physicality, aggression, also quality and creativity.
“I know we have a good record at home and are strong there, but we know the opponent is going to be difficult for us.”

WILL ZLATAN PLAY ON SATURDAY?

Mourinho replied;
"I prefer him on the pitch than off the pitch.
On the pitch, he’s another option for us and he’s an option of quality. His physicality and his intelligence, the way he moves, the way he plays."

"But he needs time. We managed to give him 15/20 minutes in both matches, he needs more of that, so hopefully, tomorrow, we play him again."

WHAT OF POGBA
Mourinho said;

"Paul is still on this process where he cannot reach the fatigue limit,"
"He cannot go more than 65 to 70 minutes because that’s when fatigue normally arrives and, with so many matches consecutively, we need to protect such an important player for us."

AND ROJO?
"He was training with the team longer than Paul and Zlatan."
"But in a period when we had every central defender ready to play so we protected him. We gave him a better condition and, when we put him in the Champions League match, he was really ready.
"So 90 minutes, no problem, no reaction from the knee, confidence in his game, a good, solid performance. It’s very good to have him back."

ON INJURED JONES AND BAILLY
Mourinho said;
"They are out, but we are okay because we have [Chris] Smalling, [Marcos] Rojo and [Victor] Lindelof."

ON PANICKY FANS
Mourinho said;

“Fans are fans and pros are pros and fans are more emotional."

“They think and feel things in a different way and I always say to myself we must have emotional balance when we are doing well, when we are doing bad - always an emotional balance after a big victory or big defeat.

“We haven't reached 50 per cent of the season yet so let's be calm. We have four competitions to play and let's go step by step, match after match.

“After the Champions League game against Basel, we move to the Premier League.'


UNITED DOES NOT LACK AMBITION
“To have more ambition than we have at home I think is quite different."

“I don't know who is more ambitious than us. We played against Newcastle with Pogba, Rashford, Martial, Mata and Lukaku.

“The full-backs are not full-backs, Valencia and Young are wingers, not full-backs. So I don't know what you want.”


Source: www.clubgist.com

ROBINHO HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT.

Former Real Madrid and Manchester City star Robinho has been sentenced to nine years in prison for sexual assault.

According to the mirror sport, an Italian court ruled the Brazilian and five others assaulted a 22-year-old Albanian girl in a nightclub in 2013, while Robinho was at AC Milan.

Robinho, who did not appear at any of the court hearings pleaded not guilty to the charge via his lawyer.

The other five men were also found guilty in this case.
Robinho has the right to two appeals and the Italian court will only launch extradition proceedings once the legal process is exhausted.

The court has ordered the victim to receive €60,000 (£53,431.02) as compensation for her suffering.

Marisa Alija Ramos, Robinho's agent and lawyer, said: "With regards to the allegations surrounding Robinho, the alleged incident took place several years ago.

"I clarify that my client has already defended himself against the charges and maintains he played no part in the incident. All legal steps are already being taken in response to this decision."

Robinho, also played for Real Madrid and Manchester City, and has made 100 appearances for the Brazil national team and scored 28 goals.
He now plays for Brazilian club, Atletico Mineiro.


Source: www.clubgist.com

EDEN HAZARD ADMITS HE COULD LEAVE CHELSEA.

Eden Hazard has admitted he will leave Chelsea when he has the "desire" and underlined his admiration for Real Madrid.
The Belgian has recaptured his best form with a series of dazzling displays, scoring six goals and five assists in all competitions this season.
Hazard has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu over the years and while the 26-year-old admits he could leave some day, he remains content with life at Stamford Bridge.
“I am always very fine at this club. I still have two years of my contract [left],” Hazard told Canal+. “When I feel the desire to leave, I’ll leave. But, for now, I’m a Blue.
“We know the admiration that I have for Real, but I’m at Chelsea. Every year, things were said about me but I stayed.
“In Lille, I was announced in Paris, but I stayed. And in Chelsea, people always said that I’m leaving, but I’m still here.”
Hazard has thrived in a central role under Antonio Conte and Frank Lampard believes consistently delivering in front of goal is the last objective to reach the top of the game—after scoring six goals in his last seven games.

“Goals is the one question mark really – we speak about him regularly and the number of goals he gets," Lampard told BT Sport. “But the position he’s in this season gets him closer to the goal and he picks it up centrally.

"He can play as a false nine but you can ask Willian and Pedro to alternate with him. I do like seeing him in this central role though. When he does get in these central positions he can finish.

"He is the magic in this Chelsea team. There are other great players but when he’s on it he really does make the difference.”

Source: www.clubgist.com

MOURINHO REACTS TO DEFEAT IN BASEL.

Manchester United paid the price for missing glaring chances in the first half of their Champions League fixture on Wednesday when Basel's Michael Lang plundered an 89th-minute winner – to make Mourinho’s side wait to confirm their last 16 spot.

The goal denied United the point they needed to win Group A, although avoiding defeat at home to CSKA Moscow on December 5 will see them achieve that feat.

As it stands now, United, Basel and CSKA Moscow could all end up on same points at the end of the group stage, if the Russian side win at Old Trafford and Basel beat Benfica.

But United would have to lose to CSKA by six goals not to go through.

Here are what Mourinho said after the game;

MY PLAYERS WERE CONFUSED
“The fact we knew one point was enough, probably we thought ‘now is not our time to try to win and time to control’, and in the end we lost.”

UPSET WITH HIS PLAYERS?
“So it’s hard for me to be upset with the players. In the first-half the attitude was good, the football was good, so it’s really difficult to blame anyone.

“I cannot complain or blame the players. I think we play a match like this 10 times and nine times we win comfortably but the one was now. I lost here with Chelsea in the last minute, we had one shot on target and played really bad, but that wasn't the case today. I think we were really, really good in the first half.”

“It’s just football – an easy match to win and then you lose. Great for them, because now they have a good chance to qualify.

WHY UNITED LOST
“We lost because in the first half we should have been 5-0 or 6-0 up, but we couldn’t score one goal after being so dominant.”

POGBA GOING OFF HAD AN IMPACT
"Did Pogba coming off have an impact on the team? I think it did have an impact, we were not such a good team after Paul came off but it had to be with the levels of fatigue after 65 minutes. I brought to the pitch an experienced player like [Nemanja] Matic and thought it couldn't affect the game. I bring Marcus [Rashford] to give us more speed, more problems to them, Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] to hold the ball and the approach was good.”

UNITED'S CHANCES OF QUALIFYING
“Can someone help me with the maths?”
“We don’t need to win the final match, we don’t even need to draw, it will come down to goals. But obviously we will try to win.”

WAS DALEY BLIND AT FAULT FOR THE GOAL?
“It’s not fair for Blind to blame himself,” “He had a very positive game. We have to blame everyone on the pitch, because we had so many chances.”

PRAISE FOR RETURNING ROJO
“[Marcos] Rojo played very well. He could be playing a couple of weeks ago. We didn’t need to rush him. The first half was very easy, he had lot of the ball, he didn’t have to be physically demanding. He controlled very well his game, so I’m really happy.”


Source: www.clubgist.com

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FULL TIME RESULTS.

CSKA Moscow 2 - 0 Benfica
Basel 1 - 0 Manchester United

Anderlecht 1 - 2 Bayern Munich
Paris Saint Germain 7 - 1 Celtic

Qarabag FK 0 - 4 Chelsea
Atletico Madrid 2 - 0 Roma

Juventus 0 - 0 Barcelona
Sporting CP 3 - 1 Olympiacos

MANCHESTER UNITED IS A POSSIBILITY; ANTOINE GRIEZMANN REVEALS.

Antoine Griezmann has said joining Manchester United is a ‘possibility’ but admits that it is only the weather in England that could stop him.

The Atletico Madrid forward has revealed all in his new autobiography titled, ‘Behind the smile: The life of the little Prince… as told by himself’.

Griezmann signed a new contract until the summer of 2022 but it is thought United will try to tempt Atletico's resolve with a big offer.

"I have nothing against England - except for the weather,” Griezmann writes, as quoted by Spanish daily AS.

"In June, I extended my contract. I'm linked to the club until 2022. Although, I might be missing out on titles, I have everything here to be happy but that does not mean to say I won't go one day. I haven't made that decision. It all depends on various factors.

”Manchester United is a possibility."

Source: www.clubgist.com

REVEALED! HOW SEVILLA COACH BERIZZO, USED AILMENT TO INSPIRE COMEBACK AGAINST LIVERPOOL.

Sevilla manager Eduardo Berizzo told his players he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer before their incredible three-goal comeback against Liverpool, according to reports.

Liverpool were already 3 goals ahead in 30 minutes of their Champions League match with Sevilla on Tuesday night.

The Spanish side, however produced a magical second-half performance to secure a draw in stoppage time.

Pizarro's injury-time goal sparked wild celebrations from the players who made a point of running over to Berizzo and embracing him.

And after the game, reports emerged that the comeback was inspired by distressing news given to the Sevilla players during the half-time team talk.

Berizzo, 48, told them he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to Sevillainfo.

The reports were confirmed by other journalists including Spanish football expert Guillem Balague who tweeted: "Eduardo Berizzo, Sevilla manager, has got prostate cancer. His real big game starts now.
"Sevilla will confirm soon in a public note"

According to Sevillainfo, the tumour has been caught early and Berizzo, who was appointed manager in May, is expected to make a full recovery.


Source

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FULL TIME RESULTS

Group E
Spartak Moscow 1 - 1 Maribor
Sevilla 3 - 3 Liverpool

Group F
Manchester City 1 - 0 Feyenoord FT SSC Napoli 3 - 0 Shakhtar Donetsk

Group G
Besiktas 1 - 1 FC Porto
Monaco 1 - 4 RasenBallsport Leipzig

Group H
APOEL Nicosia 0 - 6 Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund 1 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur

BOMB SCARE AT MANCHESTER AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.

Manchester is RED after thousands of Feyenoord fans descended on the city centre and let off flares before their team's match against Manchester City, reports the Mirror Sport.

In fairness, the city has also been painted green by Dutch side's supporters, who have taken over a corner of the main shopping area, letting off smoke bombs.

Shambles Square, an area that includes pubs such as Sinclair's and the Old Wellington, is packed with followers of the Rotterdam club.

The fans appear to be in high spirits as their team prepares to take on Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad Stadium, singing songs in both Dutch and English.

Endearing themselves to City fans, they were heard singing ‘Don’t Take Me Home’ and ‘Who the f*** are Man United?’ earlier.

Police have been keeping a watchful eye on the supporters, but the Manchester Evening News understands they have received no intelligence suggesting trouble.

Feyenoord will have an official allocation of around 3,000 in the ground for the game, but more than that are believed to have made the trip.

The Feyenoord fans are due to be marched from Shambles Square to the Etihad Stadium from about 5pm.

Source: www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/thousands-feynoord-fans-take-over-11558995

WEST BROM HAVE SACKED COACH TONY POLULIS.

Club chairman John Williams said:

"These decisions are never taken lightly but always in the interests of the club.
"We are in a results business and over the back end of last season and this season to date, ours have been very disappointing.

"We would like to place on record our appreciation of Tony's contribution and hard work during a period of transition for the club which included a change of ownership. We wish him well in his future endeavours."

Former Baggies boss Gary Megson, who was Pulis' assistant, will take charge of first-team affairs.

Source: www.clubgist.com

ANTONIO CONTE COULD LEAVE CHELSEA AT THE END OF THE SEASON.

The Italian FA will try to tempt Chelsea boss Antonio Conte back with a lucrative deal at the end of the season, according to the Mirror sport.

It is believed Conte could quit Stamford Bridge next summer with a year left on his contract.

Coach, Giampiero Ventura’s couldn't guide the Azurri to the World Cup finals, for the first time in six decades, and has ultimately paid the price with his job.

Now, the Italian FA are on the lookout for a new coach that will begin a rebuilding process; and Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte is top of the list.

Although, another experienced Italian coach, Carlo Ancelotti is a free agent and Juve coach, Max Allegri who has won three titles with the Old Lady could be available in June.
However, Italy will be going for Antonio Conte who the FA president describes as the "fire".

Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio said: “Allegri and [Roberto] Mancini? You’re getting warmer. Conte? Fire.

“We’re looking for the best. They already have commitments until June from a contractual point of view.

“Then when we get to June, who will be free? The ones are Ancelotti, Conte, Allegri, [Claudio] Ranieri and Mancini.
 This is the truth of those available.”

Source: www

POGBA REVEALS WHO HE BELIEVES IS THE BEST STRIKER IN ENGLAND.

Paul Pogba has labelled team-mate Romelu Lukaku as the "best striker in the Premier League".

The Belgium international, who previously hadn't scored for seven club games, coincidentally ended his goal drought on Pogba's return from a two-month injury layoff, by grabbing Manchester United's fourth in their 4-1 victory over Newcastle.

The goal against Newcastle was Lukaku's eighth in 12 Premier League games; which puts him second on goal tally with Alvaro Morata, Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus and Harry Kane.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah still top the charts with nine goals.

That notwithstanding, Pogba believes Lukaku is still the best.

"It feels good when you come back and Romelu scores again? I like that, I like that," Pogba told BBC Sport. "No. We’ve got a lot of good players, a lot of talented players. We have to trust each other.

"Romelu is the best striker in the Premier League. We know his quality. We know everything. We don’t worry about him. And at the end, we see the result."

Now, does Pogba still believe that United will close the eight-point gap, City have on them?
"The season is very long, of course," Pogba added. "If I don’t believe that, I’d stop playing.

"If I don’t believe we can still win the league, I better stop. I’ll leave my boots and stop playing football cause I’m a believer we keep fighting."

Source: www.clubgist.com

WHY MOURINHO FINDS IT DIFFICULT TO PLAY MARTIAL AND RASHFORD TOGETHER.

Jose Mourinho has admitted he struggles to fit Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the same Manchester United side.

The pair both started in Saturday's 4-1 victory over Newcastle - but it is only the 12th time they have taken to the field together.

Martial equalised for United and Rashford set up Paul Pogba's second-half strike after a tweak in formation.
 
Mourinho also admitted that both players prefer to attack from the left.

Here are his thoughts;

ON MARTIAL AND RASHFORD
Mourinho said:

"They both like to play in the same position and that is difficult."
"They both prefer to play on the left than the right, both playing with another striker through the middle, we lose a point of contact with the midfield that we are used to, with the player playing behind the striker.

"But we found then a certain balance and when they start finding, sometimes both, one opening the left and one on the mid-left between the striker and the left winger, it was the moment where we start creating more.

ON THE EFFECT OF FIELDING BOTH MARTIAL AND RASHFORD AGAINST NEWCASTLE ON SATURDAY
Mourinho said:

"But to be honest Newcastle was probably the team, not in the second-half, but in the first-half which come here and we felt a bit of instability in our defensive areas, and that was clearly not because of the defensive players but because of our balance.

"So to play them [Martial and Rashford] together gives us things but also takes some things from us."


ON HIS WILD CELEBRATIONS AFTER LUKAKU SCORED THE 4TH GOAL
Mourinho said:

"He's a striker and strikers like to score goals."
"It's not a problem for me if he works like he always does, and he doesn't score goals but for their self-esteem and self-confidence strikers want to score goals and he wasn't doing that for a few matches, and I know that can affect a striker's confidence.
"So I was really happy that he scored that goal."


Source

ZLATAN, POGBA, AND ROJO RETURNS TO FACE NEWCASTLE ON SATURDAY.

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba will make their long-awaited comebacks for Manchester United tomorrow, reports the Mirror sport.

Ibrahimovic has been out of action since April after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury, while Pogba has missed United's last 12 games with a hamstring injury.

Defender Marcos Rojo, who also suffered cruciate ligament damage in the same game as Ibrahimovic, is also fit again and United's manager, Jose Mourinho admits that all three will be available for Saturday's game against Newcastle at Old Trafford.

“All three selected for the match – in the squad,” said Mourinho.

“With Paul, you can see that there was - and now I can speak now because he's back - but you can clearly see Manchester United this season before Paul's injury and after Paul's injury.

“There are qualities in our football that influence our approach in matches, with Pogba and without Pogba, that's as simple as that.

“With Zlatan, last season we played with him for almost every minute until he was injured.

“He made a full recovery, but now you cannot expect him to play 90 minutes or consecutive matches like he did all his career.

“Now he needs time to be back for his level, his fitness, his confidence, everything, his sharpness, but the clinical point of view is that it's fantastic to be ready.

“This season we learned how to play without him, but he's a very important player for us and, of course, we welcome back an incredible personality having fought such an important injury.

“We were all saying in 2017 he will be back, but one thing is December 31 2017 and another thing is mid-November.

“He was, as an injured player, the same super pro he was when he's fit. So fantastic work, same as Marcos, who had an important injury too, a big surgery.

“He [Rojo] played with the young boys on Wednesday and is fine, is confident, is also ready.

“Paul is obviously not in the same dimension, it was not a surgical situation, but it was also bad and all three are back.”

Asked if Romelu Lukaku and Ibrahimovic can play together, Mourinho said: “It's easy. Good players can play together, it's easy to play together.”


Source: www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football

EPL WK 12: CRYSTAL PALACE v EVERTON PREVIEW/PREDICTION.

STATS: Everton have conceded 17 goals in seven away games.
Crystal Palace have beaten Everton 5 times in the league; one of which have come at Selhurst Park.

ANALYSIS: The spirit at Selhurst Park since the arrival of Roy Hodgson has improved. The performance has been on the rise. Admittedly, they lost their last game against Tottenham, but they showed courage. A home win against a very disappointing Everton could reignite the Eagles' poor season yet.

PREDICTION: OVER 1.5.

DATE: 18.11.2017.

KICKOFF: 16:00.

VENUE: SELHURST PARK.


Source: www.clubgist.com

THEY CALL ME, NOT TO ASK HOW I AM, BUT TO DEMAND FOR MONEY; ADEBAYOR BLASTS HIS FAMILY AGAIN!

Emmanuel Adebayor has told how his own family repeatedly drove him to the the brink of suicide with demands for money.

The Togo international, who played for, Monaco, Arsenal, Manchester City Tottenham, Real Madrid  and Crystal Palace spoke to French magazine, So Foot, about his predicaments after years of silence.

"I felt like killing myself so many times; Adebayor said. I kept this to myself for years and years.

"I am disgusted that things reached this stage, but I feel relieved to have talked about it.

"My football career will be finished in three or four years. By contrast my family name will remain with me - together with these people.

"Things are hard to bear when you are working hard to lift your family our of poverty, but they are still opposed to you.

"I have always told my younger brothers that we have been manipulated by our families.
"I often change my phone number so that my family can't contact me.
"They call me, not to ask how I am, but to demand money. That was the case after I injured my hamstring while with Tottenham.

"They rang me while I was having a scan to ask me if I could pay a kid's school fees.
"At least ask me first how I am before you do this!"

Adebayor 33, now plays in Turkey for Istanbul Basaksehir.

Source: www.clubgist.com

EPL WK 12: ARSENAL v TOTTENHAM PREVIEW/PREDICTION.

STATS: Arsenal have won just one of the last seven north London derbies.
Harry Kane has scored in all five of his PL north London derbies and only Emmanuel Adebayor (8) and Robert Pires (7) have more than his six goals in this fixture.

ANALYSIS: Spurs are becoming the dominant team in North London after many years of being in the shadows of Arsenal. They may have lost to both Chelsea and United this season, but their excellent wins over Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League shows how much they have improved lately.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have already lost to Stoke, Watford, Liverpool and Manchester City; and have as well not been really brilliant so far this season.

PREDICTION: TOTTENHAM WIN.

DATE: 18.11.2017.

KICKOFF: 1:30

VENUE: THE EMIRATES STADIUM.

Source: www.

VAN GAAL HAD THE START OF RASHFORD, I'M HAVING IT NOW WITH SCOTT Mc TOMINAY; MOURINHO EXPLAINS IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW.

Jose Mourinho spoke exclusively to Mirror Sport after an afternoon at the giant Jaguar Land Rover plant in Solihull. Mourinho was there to celebrate the Jaguar F-PACE and the production of the 100,000th vehicle.
The F-PACE is the fastest-selling Jaguar ever and is the current World Car of the Year. During his visit, Jose announced as the 100,000th Jaguar F-PACE customer.
The Portuguese's manager spoke about his future at Old Trafford and how he intend to keep United on the right track.

Mourinho also spoke about sustaining United's long standing tradition of promoting the Club's academy players. There has been a player from the club's academy in every United match-day squad since October 1937.

ON ACADEMY PLAYERS
Mourinho said;

“I don’t want to be the one that breaks that and I think the next United manager – it doesn’t matter when he comes – should also try not to break it.

“It is more difficult now than it was before, but I think it is good. I feel it like a way to keep a certain identity of the club.

To keep that identity means, basically, we should bring a new player from the academy every season.

“You can bring someone to play 10 minutes, then the player disappears and then you can say, ‘Oh, 40 players have their debut with me’. But none of them are important.

“When I say 'bring', I mean (for them) to stay.
“I think what is happening with (Jesse) Lingard and (Marcus) Rashford is now happening with Scott McTominay… because he is not going to leave the club any more.

“To follow a certain pathway is important. I am doing it with McTominay. Mr Van Gaal had the start of Rashford, I am having it with Scott McTominay and, next year, there should be another.”

ON HIS FUTURE AT UNITED
Mourinho said;
“I signed a three-year contract and when I signed that three-year contract it was basically to try and improve the direction of the football team.”

TITLE AMBITION
Mourinho said;

“And obviously when we want to improve the direction of the football team, it means to try and win titles which we did already last season.
“But when we speak about titles, everyone obviously thinks about the Premier League.”

IS THE PREMIER LEAGUE YOUR PRIORITY?
Mourinho explained;

“Of course it is an objective but to say the only way we are improving is to win the Premier League is not quite fair because the other teams, the other five or six teams, have the same objectives, the same responsibility, the same tools, they have the same qualities to do it, or even more because they have the stability over the past three years.”

WITH UNITED, CITY, SPURS, LIVERPOOL AND CHELSEA ALL LIKELY TO QUALIFY FOR THE KNOCKOUT PHASE OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, IS ENGLAND ABOUT TO DOMINATE IN EUROPE?
Mourinho said;

“No, I don’t think so. I don’t think so because I always say the Champions League only starts in February and in February, the English teams are after December and January where we can play 20 matches over two months and the Germans, the French, the Spanish, the Italians, they all come from a winter break.

“So I think they arrive in better conditions than the English teams.
“It’s also a fact that any match you play in this country, if you don’t go strong, you lose.

“We go to Bristol (City of the Championship next Wednesday) in the (EFL Cup) quarter-final and if you don’t go with a strong team, you lose. That’s as simple as that.

“In other other countries, between the top teams and the others, there is huge difference and not just in terms of talent and potential but also in terms of mentality.”

“Here, the smaller teams want to win, want to compete, want to have the courage to try and get a result.”


Source: www.clubgist.com

ALEX IWOBI HAS REVEALED WHY HE CHOSE NIGERIA OVER ENGLAND.

Alex Iwobi stunned the Three Lions when he opted to play international football for Nigeria in 2015 despite featuring in England's youth teams.

Iwobi insisted that despite knowing only the England national team as a boy, his African roots informed his decision.

"I was growing up in England and England was the only national team I knew, so I was actually very pleased to play at national level," Iwobi told Soccer Laduma.

"However, my family are all from Nigeria, I was born in Nigeria, my uncle (Jay-Jay Okocha) is a legend in Nigeria.

"That's why I thought I would give it a chance. That's why I went to the U23s and somehow felt more welcome, and I thought it's where I belong, so I made the decision to switch."

Iwobi has emerged as a key man for Genort Rohr's side, after scoring the decisive goal against Zambia that ensured Nigeria's qualification to the World Cup in October.

After the match against Zambia in October, Iwobi had an interview with Arsenal website and explained how it feels like to be part of the Super Eagles team that will be going to Russia.

"When I actually scored, the moment was crazy, I remember running off celebrating, he told Arsenal website.

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

"To go to the World Cup you can see it’s not just the players’ dream, it’s the fans’ dream as well and for me to get the goal for us to go through I’m just proud to do that.

"Yeah, it’s basically my family, where they’re from, where I’m from; it’s my homeland, so it’s always an honor to wear the green, white and green.

"I mean I’ve seen so many kids on the street when we’re like in the bus, they’re screaming “go Nigeria, go Nigeria”, so to represent them, I’m just proud.”

The talented forward also put up a man of the match display against Argentina on Tuesday. His brace helped the Super Eagles to a comfortable 4-2 win over the South American giants.

Source: www.clubgist.com

ARSENE WENGER SAYS HE WILL NEVER RETIRE.

Arsene Wenger has admitted he could move into international management because he will never retire.

Last summer, Wenger signed an extension to his Arsenal contract, which will keep him in North London till 2019 - then he will be 70.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with beIN sports, Arsenal boss Wenger says he is determined to carry on in club management for as long as possible because he loves working with players on a daily basis.

“Maybe one day I will do it at some stage but until now I like to be involved every day in the life of a club because the real test is there, he said.

“Four or five weeks is a different experience, it’s more concentrated whereas the real test is to manage on a daily basis but I will not always have the physical strength to do that.

“Yes of course (I’d be tempted) because my life is linked with football and, depending on my physical state, but until the end of my life I will be on football.

“As a director, manager, I will be a manager as long as possible, but i will stay involved.”

When asked whether he could manage at the 2022 World Cup, Wenger added: “Maybe, maybe on the bench.”


Source: www.clubgist.com

CRISTIANO RONALDO CELEBRATES BIRTH OF FIRST BABY WITH GIRLFRIEND GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ.

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced the birth of his first child with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez.

The Real Madrid star confirmed the happy news on Sunday evening on Instagram with a family photo taken at the Hospital Quiron Universal, near the superstar's home.

"Alana Martina is just born! Both Geo and Alana are doing great! We are all very happy!" he posted on Instagram.

Alana is Ronaldo's fourth child.
She joins a family that recently welcomed the addition of twins, Eva Maria and Mateo, from a surrogate mother in the United States.

Oldest son Cristiano Jr was born in June 2010, but the mother has never been publicly identified. Cristiano Snr has full custody.

Last week, Ronaldo told Hello magazine before launch of his new CR7 Junior Collection clothing line about what being a father meant to him.

“Being a father is a unique and personal journey, something that has changed me completely," he said.

“It’s taught me things about love that I never knew existed.
“It has softened me and given me a different perspective on what is really important in my life.

“I can’t wait to be a dad again. Being a father and seeing my family grow is without doubt the greatest privilege I’ve had.
“Spending time with them, being by their side, smiling and laughing with them. They’ve brought a lot of happiness and joy to my life.”


Source: www.clubgist.com

CRISTIANO RONALDO CHEATED ON HIS PREGNANT WIFE WITH ME; SAYS REALITY TV STAR.

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly cheated on his pregnant girlfriend with a reality TV star, reports the mirror sport.

Aspiring model Natacha Rodrigues claims she slept with the former Manchester United forward at his house in Madrid after months of the pair messaging each other.

Ronaldo's current girlfriend Georgina is eight-months pregnant with their child.

Natacha, 21, told The Sun: “I knew he had a girlfriend but we became friends, there was trust between us, a bond.

“He was a lovely person and after messaging for so long it was amazing to be with him.

"Our night together was special but afterwards I told him I was going on a Portuguese reality show and he told me not to do it. By the time I came out he’d blocked me.

“Now I think he just used me for sex. I don’t have regrets because being with him was like a dream come true but I feel betrayed.”

Natacha claims their meeting took place in March of this year, months after he had met his current partner Gerogrina.

She also claims that after they slept together, Ronaldo gave her a hat, a tour of his apartment and €300 for taxis home.

Source: www.clubgist.com

QUALIFIED FOR THE WORLD CUP, BUT THERE EXISTS A CRACK ON NIGERIA'S WALL... by Iyke Ojiobi.

The job was done a long time ago; precisely on October 7, when Alex Iwobi struck that 73rd minute shot that generated the loudest cheers ever witnessed at Goodwill Akpabio international Stadium Uyo.

Meanwhile, the final game of the Group which saw Algeria snatch a dubious draw against the Super Eagles in Algers in a game that ended 1-1, gave a glimpse of what is to come in Russia.

It wasn't a rollercoaster ride, but the Eagles were on top of the game from start to finish; evident in their superior ball possession stats. It just shows how well Genort Rohr has done within a very short period.

Now it might be difficult to stop getting just a little bit carried away.

After all, it is only seven months to the World Cup and building up hopes and expectations has become a mainstay in Nigeria even before Ibrahim Galadima started calling the shots at the Glass house.

We have seen great performances, plenty course for optimism.

Much praise for our attacking players - Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi et al.
Great applause for the excellent midfield being anchored by Captain Mikel Obi.

Deserved encomium for our central defensive pairing of Troost Ekong and Leon Balogun.

But there are a few cracks on the wall.

Those cracks became so conspicuous when Algeria started delivering crosses into our box, late on in the final match. Goalkeeper Ezenwa who has been nothing but flawless since he came in between the sticks for the bedridden Carl Ikeme laid bare his weak points. His decision making and timing were so poor that we would have easily lost a game we had absolute control over.

At some point he was in no man's land; chasing his own shadow while the ball enjoyed the magnanimity of the force of gravity which allowed it a bit longer in the air.
Ezenwa is no doubt, good goalkeeper. But for him to remain the first choice, at least until Ikeme returns, he needs to work harder, else he risks loosing his place.

Going forward, other teams would certainly try to exploit this huge advantage, and it will cost us greatly.

Next is a friendly against Argentina. Ezenwa will definitely be on the spotlight.
The jury is already on.


Source: www.clubgist.com

CHELSEA'S STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT DEALT A HUGE BLOW.

Chelsea's stadium redevelopment plans have been dealt a severe blow after it was revealed the planned moving in date has been pushed back yet again.

According to the Mirror sport, the Blues were initially hoping to move into the new version of Stamford Bridge in time for the 2020/21 season — but that has now been pushed back to at least 2024/25.

Chelsea were supposed to move out of their current ground next season but will now not vacate until 2020.

Speaking at a Fans Forum earlier this season, a member of the project team looking after Chelsea's stadium redevelopment is reported to have said: "We hope, subject to approvals, to start (work) in the third quarter of 2018 including the museum and health club being demolished, with work on the railway lines starting in 2019.

"There will be at least two further seasons here after this one."
Chelsea's temporary home for their four year exile has not yet been decided but Wembley is understood to be the front-runner.

The new £500million facility will be built on the existing Stamford Bridge site and see match-day capacity increase from 41,600 to 60,000.

The Blues are in desperate need of a new stadium, currently boasting only the seventh largest stadium in the Premier League - with Tottenham's new 61,000 seat home set to relegate them to fourth in London.

The club had previously considered moving to a new site at the former Battersea Power Station, but the expansion would allow them to stay at Stamford Bridge, which has been their home since 1905.

The increased capacity will see 13,374 extra general admission tickets available for each game, with the number of hospitality seats doubling to 9,200 which will provide a huge boost to their match day income.


Source: www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/chelseas-stadium-redevelopment-dealt-huge-11504645

EDEN HAS HAS REVEALED WHO HE THINKS IS THE BEST PLAYER IN ENGLAND.

Eden Hazard says his Belgium teammate Kevin de Bruyne is now the Premier League's best player.

Hazard who has emerged a very important player for the Blues since joining from Lille in the summer of 2012, know a good player when he sees one. He was named the PFA player of the year during Chelsea's title winning 2014/2015 season;  and was also a major player as the Blues charged to the title last season.

Meanwhile, Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne flopped while at Chelsea but re-emerged in German football with Wolfsburg after an £18million move in January 2014.

De Bruyne who joined Manchester City in August 2015 has been outstanding for Pep Guardiola's league leaders this term, thriving during City's unbeaten start to the campaign.
He is already the overwhelming favourite to be named PFA Player of the Year in 2018.

Speaking ahead of Belgium's meeting with Mexico on Friday, Hazard said:
“Kevin is definitely the best player in the Premier League at the moment,"

“City are the best Premier League team and Kevin is an important player in Guardiola’s system. It’s easy to play with Kevin because we’re good players.”

Hazard who has been outstanding since returning from the ankle injury he suffered during the summer said that he doesn't expect to feature for 90 minutes against both Mexico and Japan - whom Roberto Martinez's side meet next week.

"Will I play both games? It would be silly to play 90 minutes twice but I still want to play," he said. "Personally I feel good. There is no apprehension related to my return from injury.

"I am already at top [shape] but I still hope to improve."


Source: www.clubgist.com

SEPP BLATTER HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING A FEMALE FOOTBALLER.

Former Fifa President Sepp Blatter has been accused of sexually assaulting USA women's international goalkeeper Hope Solo at an awards ceremony.

Solo, 36, told Portuguese newspaper Expresso that the Swiss, 81, 'grabbed her ass' moments before the pair took to the stage at the Ballon d'Or awards in 2013.

She presented the women's World Player of the Year award alongside Blatter - who is currently banned from football for six yeasrs.

In the interview Solo claimed Blatter grabbed her behind seconds before they both went on stage:

“I had Sepp Blatter grab my ass,” she said. “It was at the Ballon d’Or, right before I went on stage. [Sexual harassment] has been normalised.”

Blatter's spokesman told the Guardian : “This allegation is ridiculous."

Source: www.clubgist.com

PATRICE EVRA HAS BEEN BANNED BY UEFA AND RELEASED BY MARSEILLE.

Patrice Evra has been SACKED by Marseille for kicking a fan in the head.
The left-back has also been banned from European football competitions until the end of the season, and fined €10,000.

The incident took place before Marseille's Europa League game against Vitoria last week.

Marseille supporters had been verbally abusing the defender during the warm-up for the Europa League match.
Evra is then alleged to have kicked a ball in the direction of the Marseille fans behind the goal, which caused the situation to spiral out of control.

Moments later the Frenchman walked over to confront the fans, and was held back by his teammates as supporters leaped over the barriers.

Evra then aimed a karate kick at one of the fans, which resulted in him being sent off before the game had even started.

A statement from the club read:"Patrice Evra has been exemplary on the field and in the locker room.

He played an important role in reviving the team and in the improvement of results.

"However, on November 2 in Guimaraes he committed an irreparable act by responding to provocations from a handful of individuals.

Nothing justified such a reaction, especially from a senior player whose attitude both on and off the pitch should inspire the youngest of us.

"In that context, the conditions were no longer right for Patrice Evra to accomplish his mission here with serenity or, above all, effectively.

Both parties agreed to end the collaboration by mutual consent.

"This incident also highlighted the unacceptable attitude of a small number of people who uttered insults and threats of violence towards the player and his family before contemptuously invading the pitch.

"Such behaviour, which exposes the club to sanctions, has no place in the stands of a football stadium and at Marseille in particular."

Source: www.clubgist.com

GIGGS HAS ADDRESSED HIS RELATIONSHIP RUMOURS WITH GEMMA ATKINSON.

Ryan Giggs has addressed his relationship rumours with Gemma Atkinson.

The Manchester United legend joined Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma as a guest on Manchester radio station Key 103 on Thursday morning and when pushed on the 'romance' said: "As if!"
And when Ryan was asked about the pair's relationship, he claimed that the pair are just good friends, report the Manchester Evening News.

Giggs said: “Me and Gemma have been friends for a long time,” before joking: “And you know, as if!”

It had Gemma, Matt and Mike in stitches, and Gemma said: “Oh cheers!”
Former Emmerdale star Gemma had spoken out about the rumours at the weekend on Key 103 also explaining that she and Giggs had been pals for ten years - nothing more.

She added on: “Anyone I hang about with of the opposite sex people say I’m going out with.

“Whenever we all go out together as friends people say we’re in a relationship.”

Giggs cycled to his interview at Key’s Castlefield studios from his home in Worsley on Thursday morning, a day after he was spotted in his hi-vis gear on his bike.

He revealed he has been out cycling a lot to get fit for the game of football he will play at the weekend to celebrate the new Salford City stadium on Moor Lane.

An all star team will play against the Salford City team Giggs and his Class of ‘92 teammates co-own.

He laughed: “When we first bought the team we played them and we got absolutely battered, it was embarrassing.”

He was also asked about all the rumours linking him to managerial jobs at football clubs but confirmed none are true.

But asked if he would move away from his beloved Manchester for a job, he said: “Yes, of course I would.”
He also said he would never do Strictly despite saying he’s a good dancer “after a few drinks."

He is most impressed with Gemma’s dance partner Aljaz, who he has met a number of times over recent weeks while the duo have been training in Manchester.

Source: www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-legend-ryan-giggs-1149

CHELSEA'S LONGEST-SERVING PLAYER PLANS TO LEAVE.

Chelsea's longest-serving player is eyeing an escape route from Stamford Bridge after not playing a single game in his seven-year Blues stint.

The mirror reports that Goalkeeper Matej Delac has been plagued by work permit issues since landing in west London as an 18-year-old and has spent virtually his whole Chelsea tenure on loan.

He has never been registered in the Premier League and believes now is the right time to look elsewhere.

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

"Your career can always be better, but I am 25 and have been through so much, met many coaches, players, gained experience.

"The problem was not my quality, Chelsea believed in me, extended my contract several times, but the problem was always work permit."

"Chelsea had a plan for my career, but you can not plan some things. As I arrived, aged 18, it seemed like some movie, I can't describe that feeling," he added.

"I will remember the greatness of Chelsea FC, they raised me and taught me human and football manners. And of course my first game, in Ljubljana vs Olimpija, when I played with Fabregas, Costa.

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


Source: www.clubgist.com