Manuel Pellegrini has charged his players to replicate their feat of two years ago when City clinched the Premier League title on the very last day. City's 3-0 humiliating defeat at Anfield on Wednesday - just days after they beat the same opposition at Wembley in the League Cup final - was their third successive defeat in the league and has left them 10 points adrift leaders Leicester, howbeit a game in hand. Speaking in His Pre-match conference ahead of Saturday's encounter with Remi Garde's Aston Villa who are rooted to the bottom of the table. Pellegrini said: "Remember the first season I was here? We needed to win the three games in hand and we won the three games. Everyone said we were out of it but we won the games and won the title. "This group of … [Read more...]
Hazard hopeful of silverware at the Bridge
Eden Hazard insists he is enjoying life at Chelsea and has his gaze set on winning trophies at the Bridge. The Belgium international revealed last month that it would be difficult to turn down French champions Paris Saint-Germain and added there was a slight possibility of him leaving at the end of the season. The attacking Midfielder who is under contract until 2020, said he is content with Chelsea and enjoys challenging for trophies. "I am always happy here," he told Chelsea TV. "Even if I play badly, I am happy. I know this is football but I try to keep a smile on my face every time. "The future is always the same and that is to win trophies, next season, in two and three years. "You want to win the games, to win trophies. [To do that] you have to be … [Read more...]
Kloop confident of European qualification despite injury woes
Jurgen Klopp has been dealt a big blow as he plans on taking Liverpool to the top four, with Lucas Leiva set for the treatment table. Lucas Leiva is facing five to six weeks on the sidelines with a quad injury, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed. The Brazilian midfielder missed Wednesday's 3-0 triumph over Manchester City due to the injury, which he sustained taking a penalty in Liverpool's League Cup final shoot-out defeat to the sky blues. The 29-year-old will be out of action for a long period as Liverpool fight to finish the Premier League season in a European qualification place. "I've never heard of an injury like this, after taking a penalty," Klopp said at his pre-match media conference ahead of Sunday's game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst … [Read more...]
Van Gaal backs Rashford for Euro 2016
England boss, Roy Hodgson says He would consider taking Marcus Rashford to Euro 2016 as part of his England squad. The 18-year-old has made a tremendous start to his career at Old Trafford, finding the back of the net four times in three matches, including a double against Arsenal in the Premier League. England boss Roy Hodgson made it known this week that he is not ruling out including Rashford as a surprise inclusion for the three lions in France. Van Gaal echoed Hodgson's decision ahead of Sunday's trip to West Brom by saying that age should be disregarded when assessing his youngster’s chances. "I think Mr Hodgson has answered the question and you are asking again. However, it is never too early. "As I have said before: age is not important. Maybe … [Read more...]
Luke Shaw given Euro2016 Lifeline
Manchester United's Luke Shaw has been given hope that he could force his way into the Three Lions squad for this summer’s European Championship as Roy Hodgson weighs his options before friendlies against Germany and Holland later in march. Shaw who suffered a double fracture of his right leg in Manchester United’s Champions League game at PSV Eindhoven in September has been making incredible progress in his rehabilitation at Carrington, Louis van Gaal named the defender in his squad for the Europa League clash against Liverpool to offer the left-back an opportunity to gain match fitness. Hodgson confirmed he continues to monitor the defender's progress, together with that of Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, in the hope they are both available in May. “We are still … [Read more...]
UEFA reshedules Europa league clash between Liverpool and Manchester United from its 6:05pm kick off
UEFA has received Trafford Council’s request to move the St Patrick’s Day Europa League match between bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester United back from its original kick-off time. The round-of-16 draw pitched the English clubs together for the first time in an European competition. The first leg is due to take place at Anfield at 8:05 p.m. on March 10, but the return leg on March 17, was slated for an earlier 6:05pm kick off, but It will now also kick off at 8:05 p.m. same time as the first leg. The timing of the St Patrick’s Day fixture has led Trafford Council’s safety advisory board to contact UEFA with a request that it be put back. A statement from Trafford Council said: “Following an approach from Manchester United, Trafford Council’s Safety … [Read more...]
Pellegrini not giving up on City’s title challenge
Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City still have title aspirations as they prepare to face relegation threatened Aston Villa on Saturday. After beating Liverpool to secure the League Cup last weekend, City suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss at the hands of Liverpool as they failed to make ground on title rivals Leicester City, Tottenham and Arsenal – (all failing to win in midweek). City have 11 matches to play and 10 points adrift surprise leaders Leicester with just one game in hand after losing three consecutive league games for the first time since 2008. However, the Chilean still has high hopes for a title challenge. "I hope on Saturday we can return to our normal level of performance," he said. "I said the Premier League will be won by a team with … [Read more...]