Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts

Wednesday 22 March 2017

Cristiano Ronaldo Crowned Portugal 2016 Best Player

Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been named Portugal’s Player of the Year for 2016.
Ronaldo led his country to their first major title at the European Championship last summer.
He beat club teammate Pepe and Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio to the prize.
The 32-year-old forward also led Real Madrid to their 11th Champions League triumph last May, converting the winning penalty to secure the title ahead of Atletico Madrid.
He also finished as the competition’s top scorer with 16 goals.
Ronaldo sustained early injury in the Euro 2016 final against hosts France, but Portugal pushed on to win the game in extra-time, marking the national team’s greatest-ever triumph at the Stade de France last July.
Ronaldo said at the Quinas de Ouro gala on Monday, “It was a very special year for me because the Euros was the only trophy I was still missing.
“I want to thank the Portuguese people again, they gave us confidence on our way to the title.”
Other award-winners on the night included Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches, who won the best young player award.
National team manager, Fernando Santos was named coach of the year.

‘Why I Will Never Coach Real Madrid’- Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid Coach, Diego Simeone has said he will never manage fierce La Liga rivals, Real Madrid.
Simeone, regarded as one of the world’s best coaches, says he would never take charge of Los Blancos.
The 46-year-old has been in charge at Atletico since 2011 and has developed into one of the world’s most highly rated coaches.
The Argentine gaffer has led Atletico to Europa Cup victory, a league title and numerous cups, and has reached two Champions League finals.
Although he may be wanted by numerous European giants, Simeone said coaching Real Madrid was out of the question.
He told Ondo Cero, “I will never coach Real Madrid.
“It is logical because of feelings. They wouldn’t call me either.
“I am young, maybe someday I will lead another Spanish team.”
He, however, reiterated his desire to one day coach the national team.
He added, “At some point, I would like to coach Argentina, but I have to improve as a coach.

Transfer News!! Schweinsteiger ‘Sad’ To Leave Man United For Chicago Fire (Read What He Said)

Bastian Schweinsteiger has admitted he is sad to be leaving Manchester United after Chicago Fire confirmed he had joined them.
The MLS club are offering him a one-year contract worth £70,000 a week – which will make him one of the 10 highest-paid players in the MLS – after agreeing a deal with United late on Monday night.
Sky Sports News HQ understands Schweinsteiger is still in the United Kingdom and will jet out to Chicago to complete a medical once he obtains a work permit and a working visa.
“I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United,” Schweinsteiger told United’s official website. “But I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to take up the challenge at Chicago Fire.
“I have enjoyed working with the manager, the players and staff here and wish them all the best in the future. But I have to reserve special thanks to the United fans – whose support has been a very special part of my time in Manchester.
“I was delighted to be part of the squad that won the FA Cup for them last season and will always remember their energy and their passion. Now is the right time for me to start a new chapter in Chicago and I am looking forward to it.”

Transfer News!! West Ham To Sign Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney

West Ham are interested in signing Wayne Rooney if Manchester United allow him to leave Old Trafford this summer, according to Sky sources.
Rooney has started only nine Premier League games since Jose Mourinho became United manager in June last year.
His contract runs out in the summer of 2019, but United are expected to allow him to leave at the end of the season.
A senior source at West Ham has confirmed they would be one of the clubs who would try to sign Rooney – if United give any indication that they will let him go.
When asked to comment on how likely it was that Rooney would become a West Ham player, the source said: “Never say never”.
Last month, Mourinho refused to rule out the prospect of Rooney leaving before the Chinese transfer window closed on February 28.
Three Chinese clubs had been interested in signing him – Guangzhou Evergrande, Beijing Guoan and Jiangsu Suning – but on February 23 Rooney released a statement saying he wanted to stay at United.
United signed Rooney from Everton for £27m in 2004. Since then he has won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

Tuesday 21 March 2017

Just In!! Alex Ferguson To Return As Manchester United Manager (See Details)


Sir Alex Ferguson will return to the Old Trafford dugout to manage the Manchester United 2008 XI, in Michael Carrick’s testimonial game this year.
This was confirmed via the Premier League club’s official Twitter handle on Monday morning.
Ferguson stepped down as manager of the Red Devils after the 2012/2013 season.
Harry Redknapp, who managed the former England midfielder at West Ham United, will be in charge of the Michael Carrick All-Star XI.
“I think the best bit will be seeing the players, to be honest with you,” Ferguson told MUTV.
“No [I don’t miss managing]. I miss the big games of course but I made my decision and I’m enjoying it. I don’t have to worry about you lads or the agents or the press conferences and having to control that press secretary of mine!
“I’m delighted Michael is getting a testimonial. It tells you Manchester United are probably the only club in England that can do that. Players do tend to stay a long time here. We don’t have players here one minute and gone the next. If you go right back to my time, most of the players stayed 10 or even more years. I think we can be proud of that fact, being a family-type club. It encourages players to put roots down here and enjoy it.
“I read about what Michael’s intentions are [with the funds raised for the event] and I think it’s very honourable. I think he’s shown he’s prepared to share his success and his contribution to the charity, starting it himself, will be very, very worthwhile.”
The testimonial will be played on June 8 and kick-off is 4pm.

Lionel Messi Becomes First Player In History To Score 40 Goals In 8 Consecutive Seasons (Read)

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi, has become the first ever player in football history, to score at least 40 goals for eight consecutive seasons.
The Argentine bagged a brace, as Luis Enrique’s men defeated 10-man Valencia 4-2 on Sunday in a La Liga fixture.
Messi scored his first from the penalty spot in the first half, before firing home inside the area from a Javier Mascherano pass.
“He’s broken all of the records and he will keep on breaking them. What a wonder to be able to enjoy him,” Enrique said after the match.
“His numbers are out of everyone’s reach. Messi’s numbers are impossible for anyone who is not him. We will miss them in the future.”
The win saw Barca move back to within two points of league leaders, Real Madrid.

Manchester United Announces Pre-Season Summer Tour Plans (Read)

Manchester United football club has announced they will be traveling to the United States for a preseason tour this summer, in which they will play five matches in five different cities.
Jose Mourinho’s side will travel to the U.S. for matches at cities such as Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Santa Clara and Washington DC in the build-up to the 2017-18 Premier League season.
They are also expected to play some fixtures as part of the preseason International Champions Cup, ICC, tournament.
United’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Ed Woodward told club’s website, “Visiting North America will give the team the best possible preparation for the new season, using top-class training facilities and playing in some great stadiums.
“We have witnessed first-hand the passion and support for the club in the US in recent years, so naturally it is something that everybody is very much looking forward to this summer.”
Last summer the Red Devils were scheduled to play local rivals Manchester City in the ICC, but their match in Beijing was cancelled due to torrential rain in the Chinese capital.

Monday 20 March 2017

Chelsea To Block Victor Moses From Super Eagles Friendlies (Read)


Victor Moses could still pull out of Nigeria’s international friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso this weekend, despite featuring for Chelsea in their 2-1 win over Stoke City last weekend.
Moses picked up a calf problem in their 1-0 win over Manchester United in the FA Cup last Monday and was set to miss three weeks of action.
But he started for Antonio Conte’s side at the Britannia, as they continued their march towards the Premier League title.
However, Allnigeriasoccer.com reports that Chelsea have informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that the player is injured.
“Chelsea have confirmed Victor Moses’ injury but he has not fully pulled out of the Super Eagles squad yet,” an NFF insider said.
The Super Eagles play Senegal on March 23 and Burkina Faso four days later, both at the Hive Stadium in London.

Manchester United Get Massive Boost Over Paul Pogba’s Injury

Manchester United have been buoyed by the news of Paul Pogba’s fitness following reports from France Football Federation confirming he will be out for just two weeks.

The 23-year-old midfielder limped out of Manchester United’s game Europa League tie against Rostov last Thursday with fears that he might face a long spell on the sidelines.

Pogba was also not part of the side that beat Middlesbrough on Sunday, intensifying worries that the extent of the former Juventus midfielder’s injury might be more than feared.

However, the France Football Federation have issued a statement allaying fears, confirming that Pogba will miss just two weeks of action.

The Statement read: ‘Didier Deschamps has called up Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko following the withdrawal of Paul Pogba, with medical tests confirming he will be unavailable for a fortnight,’

In related news, reports in the Daily Mirror claim that Tiemoue Bakayoko has rejected the chance to join the Red Devils in favour of a move to Chelsea despite reports that the Red Devils are keen on signing the 22-year-old from AS Monaco after scouting him on different occasions this season and even sent scouts to watch the central midfielder during clash against Manchester City in the Champions League.

FIFA Bans Ghanaian Referee For Life (See Reasons)


Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey has been banned for life by Fifa for what it calls “match manipulation”.
The ban results from a penalty he awarded to South Africa in a 2-1 win over Senegal in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in November.
He penalised Kalidou Koulibaly for handball, but replays showed the ball hit his knee.
Football’s world governing body says it will give more details “once the decision becomes final and binding”.
Lamptey can now appeal to Fifa and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
One his assistants, David Laryea, also from Ghana, had charges against him dismissed by Fifa’s disciplinary committee.
The win for South Africa left them in second place in the four-team group after two matches, with Senegal in third.
Lamptey, who also officiated at the Rio Olympics last year, declined BBC Sport’s invitation to comment, saying he would do so later.

Wednesday 15 March 2017

Champions League recap: Managers in focus as Barcelona create history, Arsenal repeat it


A football manager was seen on the field on Wednesday night, jumping, running around, celebrating the goal by getting down into a ground huddle with the players and the fans. No, it wasn’t the vibrant Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. It was Barcelona manager Luis Enrique.
Something clicked in the Spaniard- who often remains calm, composed, is not known to be too close to his players and has never cared about politics that comes with being associated with the Catalans. Sergi Roberto had just scored a 95th minute winner against PSG at Nou Camp, ensuring the club’s survival in European Champions League by winning the game 6-1 (6-5 on aggregate). It was in this moment, Enrique let go of all his emotions in one go, and let himself enjoy this unforgettable record. “I was brought to my knees,” he said after the match.
After weeks of ups-and-downs, it was about time Enrique etched another record to his name for the club. The manager was criticised after Barcelona went down 4-0 in the first leg of the Round of 16 fixture against PSG at Parc des Princes. In spite of club booking a final against Deportivo Alaves in Copa del Rey, the side was not finding the right footing in La Liga. The tough La Liga fixture against Leganes, in which Barca won from a last minute penalty by Lionel Messi, was the final straw for the manager who won the treble in his first year in-charge at the club. Two games later, Barcelona reached top of the table in the competition, after which Enrique announced he will be departing from the club. “I need to rest,” he said.
Enrique, who is regarded as a “legend” by club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, realised what his predecessor Pep Guardiola said long time back – “four years is as long a manager can be at Barcelona”. Just like Guardiola, the current Manchester City manager, who took a year-long sabbatical after stepping down as Barcelona manager in 2012, the physical and mental toll that comes along with the job, played down heavily on Enrique and the manager perhaps decided he rather retire as a “hero” than stay at the club and become a “villain”.
The historic comeback victory at the Nou Camp against PSG was perhaps the final battle in Enrique’s path. He knew his legacy will be defined if his club’s Champions League dreams could remain alive. In the first 50 minutes, the Blaugrana put three goals in the back of the net, making fans believe that they can achieve the impossible. 12 minutes later, Barca’s hopes were hurt when Edinson Cavani scored with a half volley, taking the aggregate to 5-3, with an added advantage of an away goal. It meant Barcelona needed three clear goals to win or else they will bid early farewell to European Championship in Enrique’s final year at the club.
The real drama unfolded in the final seven minutes when two quick goals in succession from Neymar, one coming from the penalty, rejuvenated the fans at the stadium. PSG defenders failed to contain the situation in the dying minutes of the game. A 95th minute free kick proved to be the kill shot for PSG, as Roberto scored from a controlled finish to register his first goal in months and gave Barcelona another lifeline in the tournament. Since the Champions League format started in 1992-1993, it was the biggest comeback victory in history by any club. “I don’t think anyone stopped believing. After seeing them sit back despite the goal, the team were incredible,” Enrique said.
The tables meanwhile turned on PSG boss Unai Emery, who now is facing questions regarding his future at the club. Emery admitted after the game that they made some tactical errors in the game against Barcelona. Benching the hero of the first leg Angel Di Maria was perhaps the biggest mistake by the Spaniard. But, in spite of his admission, Emery was unable to prevent himself from being trolled on the internet and from fans asking for his resignation. In one night, Emery saw himself being turned into a “villain”, and some even compared him to the struggling Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
“Wenger Out”, demands Arsenal fans at Emirates
Even before the second leg between Arsenal and Bayern Munich got underway, the fans at the stadium started chanting “Wenger out” and there were plenty of placards outside calling for the Frenchman to move on. In 10 years, without a single trophy other than FA Cup, Wenger has alienated majority of his fan base at the stadium, and many wonder why the French manager is continuing to bear the humiliation from fans and not announce his departure.
The Champions League fixture proved to be another nail in Wenger’s coffin (or final?), as Bayern repeated history by bidding farewell to familiar English rivals. The Gunners drew the German club for the third time in last four years, and much like previous years, Bayern found themselves on the winning side of things. The Carlo Ancelotti side beat Wenger’s boys by 5-1 yet again, as they recorded an aggregate of 10-2, the second biggest aggregate defeat in UCL history (only after Bayern Munich 12-1 Sporting CP in 2009).
Wenger saw himself becoming the “villain” as angry fans went into a protest fixture across the streets of London right after the humiliating defeat. After 20 years, perhaps the 67-year old manager has extended his stay at the club. Unlike his Manchester United counterpart, Alex Ferguson, who won the Premiere League trophy in his final year at the club, and left as a “hero”, Wenger’s ouster from the club is becoming a heated affair, with the manager refusing to bow down, even after string of bad results. He was right when he said his future at the club seems not too bright.

La Liga Recap: Air Ramos takes Real Madrid to top; Barcelona brought back to earth

“This is right about the time the Ultras start chanting for Sergio Ramos on a goal – and there it is! Right on cue!” These were the words spoken by Match Day Show’s English commentator in the 81st minute during Real Madrid’s fixture against Real Betis at Santiago Bernabeu. It was a similar situation for the Zinedine Zidane side which they have faced quite so often this season. The team trailing- the fans cheering- and all they need is one goal to save the game. And just like before, it was Captain Sergio Ramos to the rescue.
For the seventh time this season, Madrid’s “superhero” headed the ball back into the net from a Toni Kroos’ corner – it was his 10th goal of the season- to save his side from a difficult position. Barcelona lost three point against 17th placed Deportivo Alaves, on the back of a historic comeback against PSG in the Champions League. The shocking 2-1 loss for Luis Enrique’s side, against lowly opponents, had given the perfect opportunity to Los Blancos to regain the top position in the table.
But Real’s goalkeeper Keylor Navas’, who has been leaking goals from past few games, and is clearly low on confidence, ruined the chance for Zidane’s side to ease past Betis. The fumble at the goalpost saw the Chilean scoring an own goal in the 24th minute and giving the away side an early lead. “That is part of the game, there can be mistakes, like with everyone. And in the end he saved us the three points,” Zidane defended Navas’ performance yet again in the post match conference, but it clearly looks Real need to invest in a goalkeeper in the summer window transfer. It took a Cristiano Ronaldo header in the 41st minute to bring the game to equal terms before half time.
In the second half, the home side started strong, with James Rodrigues, Ronaldo, Alvaro Morata and Lucas Vazquez all finding chances to score a goal, though all failing in their attempts. But a corner in the last 10 minutes proved to be a lifeline when Ramos, who has been on a roll this season in terms of goals, found pocket of space in between Betis’ back four and headed it past former Real Betis keeper Antonio Adan, to win and take the team back top with 62 points. “It annoys many people [that we are top]. But that is normal. We are Madrid and can annoy many people,” Zidane said after the game.
The manager needs to figure out if there is a need to further increase Ramos’ wages since he has been serving as an extra attacker for the side. It was the third time this season, when the central defender had saved his side with a late header. He did so against Barcelona in December and then repeated it with an injury time header in the very next game against Deportivo La Coruna. Just three years ago, it was Ramos’ extra time header against Atletico Madrid that saved the European Championship final for Los Blancos. The defender has become an added asset for Madrid in the front, and if Real has to win the League title, Ramos could prove to be a key player.

What goes wrong with referees in Spain?
Just few days after the German referee Deniz Aytekin courted controversy for awarding two penalties to Barcelona in the Champions League, spoiling the celebrations of the massive comeback victory for Luis Enrique’s men, the referees again made huge blunders in Real’s fixture. In 22nd minute, Betis’ midfielder Drako Brasanac found himself going one-on-one against Navas just few yards away from the goal. But the two-time Copa America winning goalkeeper upended the run by a meaty tackle on Brasanac’s legs. For what seemed like a clear red-card, the referee signaled no foul and waved on to continue the game.
If that was not all, Ronaldo’s goal from a tremendous chip in the 73rd minute was disallowed by linesman for offside. The replay clearly showed the Portuguese forward behind the defence line before making the run.
Instances of false calls by referees have become a common sight in Spain, especially in big matches. While some football fans troll Barcelona to be in league with Spanish referees, others say referees in Spain are “blind”. Barcelona after losing their match by 2-1 against Deportivo La Coruna were critcised with many saying that the Catalans cannot win without referees’ support.
Instances like these spoil the sport of football, especially when they occur in big matches. Football organisations such as UEFA, FIFA and others need to address the issue and ensure only worthy and unbiased contenders are employed for officiating in big matches.

Manchester United charged with failing to control their players by FA

Manchester United has been charged by the English Football Association after its players harangued referee Michael Oliver following the sending-off of Ander Herrera during the team’s FA Cup loss to Chelsea.
United’s players were unhappy when Herrera received a second yellow card in the 35th minute for fouling Chelsea winger Eden Hazard. The score was 0-0 at that stage and United went on to lose 1-0 in the quarterfinal match at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
The FA said Tuesday that United has been charged with “failing to control their players.”
United has until Friday to respond to the charge.

Leicester in the Champions League quarter-finals: The miracle goes on

Leicester City added a new layer to their amazing story by knocking out Sevilla in the Champions League. These players should never be written off again, writes Adam Bate.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are there. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund too. Juventus joined them in the quarter-finals on Tuesday evening. Five clubs, European Cup winners one and all with 24 triumphs between them. They are joined in the last eight by Leicester City.
Last year's miracle men, the team one win clear of the Premier League relegation zone, did for dark horses Sevilla on yet another crazy night at the King Power. "This is the greatest night in Leicester City's history," former Foxes striker Tony Cottee told Sky Sports. 

Tuesday 14 March 2017

Barca Vs PSG Match Could Be Replayed As Online Petition Hits Over 200,000 Signatures

Heavy pressure is currently being mounted on UEFA for the replay of the Barca-PSG Champions league encounter which recorded controversial incidents.
A petition demanding that Barcelona’s Champions League second leg match with PSG be replayed has garnered over 200,000 signatures online according to a recent update by Goal.com as at 10:11am, 13th of March, 2017 – Nigerian time.
Barcelona overcame a four-goal deficit from the first leg in Paris to triumph 6-1 in the Nou Camp and book their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The match, which saw Barcelona score three goals in the last five minutes, was hailed as ‘the greatest comeback in football history’ as Sergi Roberto’s stoppage time finish capped off a miraculous performance.
But one Real Madrid fan has demanded the tie be replayed due to the performance of referee, Deniz Aytekin. Aytekin was heavily criticised for his performance in the Nou Camp after he gave two controversial penalties for Barcelona and turning down PSG’s appeals for a spot-kick when Javier Mascherano slid in on Angel Di Maria.
Real Madrid fan, Luis Melendo Olmedo, has set up the petition on change.org and has asked that Uefa strike the result from the record.
Olmedo cites “incidents that seriously damaged PSG as a result of the German referee Deniz Aytekin, who gave Barcelona an advantage with his refereeing decisions” as the inspiration behind the petition.
Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano admitted he had fouled Di Maria in the penalty area with the Argentine closing in on goal.

    “I made contact with Di MarĂ­a. It’s obvious it was a foul. I’m not going to lie about it,” he told Spanish newspaper AS.

Despite the number of people who have already signed the petition, the absence of any such appeal from PSG means there is no prospect of UEFA ordering an unprecedented replay.
Barcelona’s hopes of winning La Liga were dealt a devastating blow on Sunday evening as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to 17th placed Deportivo La Coruna.
Luis Enrique was forced to make five changes to the team that beat PSG on Wednesday as Alex Bergantinos’s 74th minute goal was enough to consign the defending champions to a shock defeat.
The result leaves Barcelona one point clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table, but Zinedine Zidane’s side have two games in hand and will replace their rivals as La Liga leaders with a victory on Sunday evening.

Monday 13 March 2017

‘You Can’t Compare Pogba With Kante’- Chelsea Boss Conte Says

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, has said there is no basis for comparison between N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, as they are very different players.
The Blues paid Leicester City £32million for Kante, while France team-mate Pogba, cost Manchester United a record-breaking fee of £89million.
“They are two different players with different characteristics,” Conte said.
“Paul I have had the opportunity in the past to train, for many years. We are talking about a top player – a top player in all situations, even in his commitment to training.
“He’s always trying to improve himself, he has good technique, physically he’s strong, great stamina. We are talking about a top, top player.”
Conte also insisted there is no special plan to contain Pogba, who will be expected to step up as Zlatan Ibrahimovic begins his three-match ban.
“We are working to try to find the right solution for the whole team, not only for Paul Pogba,” he continued.
“It was the same against West Ham, when we played against Andy Carroll, and there were questions about whether we would try and stop him.
“For sure, we are studying Manchester United to try and find the right solution. Paul is a really good player and we must pay great attention to him, above all when he arrives in the box. But we must think about the whole Manchester United team. They’re very strong.”

Cristiano Ronaldo To Father Twin Boys Through Surrogacy

Real Madrid and Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to father twin baby boys by a surrogate mother in the USA, Dailymail has reported.
According to Dailymail, a source close to Ronaldo said he had told his inner circle he will fly his baby twins to his £5million mansion on the outskirts Madrid when they are born.
The source said: “Cristiano and his family can’t wait to meet the new members of their clan.
“He likes to keep a tight lid on his private life but has told loved ones and close friends the baby boys are due to arrive very soon.”
The source also said the mother to the twins is almost ‘due’.
There have been rumours that the forward sired his first son, Cristiano Jnr through surrogacy in 2010.
It was reported that his mother who lived in San Diego was allegedly paid £10million by the footballer.
The 32-year-old Real Madrid forward is currently dating and appears publicly with Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez, 23.

Leicester City Caretaker Boss Appointed Manager Until End Of Season (Read)

Craig Shakespeare has been appointed Leicester City manager until the end of the season.
The 53-year-old has been in caretaker charge since Claudio Ranieri was sacked on 23 February, nine months after winning the Premier League title.
Shakespeare, who has never managed full-time, was Ranieri’s assistant after being brought to the club by the Italian’s predecessor, Nigel Pearson.
Leicester have won both of their games with him in charge.
Foxes vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “We always knew the team would be in good hands when we asked him to take charge a fortnight ago.
“He has initiated the type of positive response that we hoped change would bring, showing great leadership qualities and composure under considerable pressure to produce two very important results.
“We have asked him to continue to lead the team this season and we are very happy that he has accepted.”
Shakespeare’s first match as caretaker manager was a 3-1 league victory over Liverpool, and they beat Hull City by the same scoreline.
The Foxes are three points clear of the relegation zone in 15th.
Leicester host Sevilla in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday. The Spanish side won the first leg 2-1.

Mikel Obi Converted To Defender In Chinese Club | See Details

Tianjin TEDA coach, Jaime Pacheo, has explained why he decided to play John Obi Mikel as a central defender, in their goalless draw with Jiangsu Suning on Friday. Mikel Obi partnered Pan Xi Ming in defence, as TEDA recorded their first point of the current Chinese Super League season.
“Mikel is not a central defender, but he was willing to help the team,” Pacheo told sports.enorth.com.cn. “Before the game I had a personal conversation with him (Mikel) and he said he can play in the position, which was very good for us.
“He had a very good performance, his partnership with Pan Xi Ming in the center-back gave no chance to Jiangsu Suning. “He showed with his quality on how well the role should be played especially how he communicated with his teammates.”
Tianjin TEDA occupy the 11th position on the CSL table and face Chongqing Lifan in their next game on April 2.

Arsene Wenger Remains Coy Over Future Despite Protest From Arsenal Fans

Arsene Wenger says he is not ruling out extending his Arsenal reign, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.
Some fans protested against Wenger before the FA Cup win over Lincoln this afternoon.
Speaking afterwards, the Arsenal manager said: “Let’s not talk about me too much because that has happened a lot recently. I have shown in my life that I try to serve this club with complete commitment and I will do that as long as I am here.

“How long? I don’t know at the moment. I have shown a lot of loyalty and my preference is here. I focus on my job. I always do that. I let other people judge my performances.
“People talk and talk and talk, it doesn’t mean they talk truth. We have to deal with that and perform on the football pitch. We let people talk and show them what we are about.
“When I have a problem I try to just sort it out. I am competitive and always focused on solving the problems I face. Sometimes the size of the problem is bigger, but there are always problems.”