Football13ng: 2016

Wednesday, 16 November 2016

Alexis Sanchez Display His World Class Status as Arsenal Star Shakes off Injury to Rescue Chile

Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez has been hailed as one of the best players in the world after he shrugged off injury to score twice in Chile’s 3-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday evening. The 27-year-old was initially a major doubt to feature during the international break after suffering a low grade hamstring tear last Tuesday.

But the Arsenal forward showed no signs of injury as he struck twice in the second half to secure a vital victory in Chile’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

‘Individuals speak for themselves,’ Chile boss Juan Antonio Pizzi said after the match.

‘Alexis is among the best players in the world.

‘[But] I am more in favour of emphasising the strengths of the group. And it is what allowed us to turn the game.’

Despite having his right thigh heavily bandaged in training, Sanchez was declared ‘100% ready’ to play against Uruguay by Pizzi.

Aresenal's Wing Back, Hector Bellerin Ruled Out for Remainder of November

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has been ruled out for the rest of the month with ankle ligament damage, according to reports. Bellerin returned home from training with the Spain Under-21 side earlier this week but there was some initial confusion over what injury he had picked up.

The IBTimes suggest the defender took a knock to his ankle during the 1-1 draw with north London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates on Sunday.

Bellerin’s latest setback could see the Spaniard miss the Gunners’ next games against Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

Christian Eriksen has admitted he thought he’d fail at Chelsea, if he chose to join them rather than Ajax as a 16-year-old. The Dane has been a major hit at White Hart Lane since joining from the Dutch giants in 2013 and is a regular feature in Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

But his career could have panned out very differently had he opted to move to Stamford Bridge as a teenager. The Demark international, now 24, rejected a host of clubs including Chelsea, Barcelona and AC Milan to join Ajax.

Qatar Bans Alcohol in the Streets and Public Places at World Cup 2022

Football fans are in for a sober time at the 2022 World Cup as Qatar authorities announced that alcohol will be banned from the streets and all public places during the event. The head of the country's tournament organising committee has mentioned that they are also attempting to prohibit the sale of liquor at the stadiums which will be used for games.

"There will be no alcohol consumption on the streets, squares and public places and that is final," Hassan Al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said in an interview printed on the website of Arabic language newspaper Al-Sharq.

"We are against the provision of alcohol in stadiums and their surroundings."

He went on to explain that while there would be provisions for alcohol; they would only be available in "far-away places".

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has discovered a groin problem while on international duty with Spain. The 28-year-old played 90 minutes during Chelsea’s 5-0 thrashing of Everton on Saturday and got himself on the scoresheet against the Toffees.

The former Atletico Madrid forward flirted with a return to the Vicente Calderon this summer but Antonio Conte convinced him to stay and he’s repaid the Italian’s faith with nine goals in 13 appearances so far this term.

However, according to Spanish outlet El Confidencial, Costa arrived at Spain’s training camp with a groin injury and is now a doubt for his country’s upcoming games against Lithuania and England.

Spain boss, Julen Lopetegui, considered sending Costa back to London for treatment but decided that the forward could remain at Spain’s base to recover.

Chelsea Set New Record with Penalty Shootout Victory over Oxford United

Chelsea and Oxford United have set a new record for the longest penalty shootout in the history of English football after 34 spot-kicks were needed to decide Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy clash. Chelsea eventually emerged with a 13-12 victory after Oxford striker Wes Thomas missed his second penalty of the shootout.

Oxford had managed to hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge after Kane Hemmings’ injury-time equaliser cancelled out Josimar Quintero’s opener.

But Chelsea goalkeeper Bradley Collins saved four penalties to help his side win the shootout, although he missed his spot-kick along with Ola Aina, Josh Grant and Marco van Ginkel.

The previous record of 32 penalties had been matched by Derby County and Carlisle United when the Rams won 14-13 in the EFL Cup third round back in August.

Confederation of African Football CAF Review Prize Money for CAF Competitions with AFCON Winner to Earn $4m, Effective 2017

Following a decision by the CAF Executive Committee at its meeting held on 27 September 2016 in Cairo, Egypt, herewith the update of the Revenue’s Grid detailing the allocation of revenues for national teams and clubs taking part in CAF competitions for the four-year cycle, 2017-2010.

You can go through the details below;

It will be a fourth coaching journey for one of Nigeria Professional Football League's most celebrated coaches, Kadiri Ikhana, at Kano Pillars after he was unveiled by the hierarchy of the club to their fans, players and backroom staff on Tuesday.

Ikhana last coached at the Kano-based club eight years ago and on that occasion helped them to win their first of four league titles. But the former Bendel Insurance man had his first stint with Sai Masu Gida in 1991 and then in 1997 got his second chance with the team before the title-winning stint.

In his speech, the gaffer remarked his union with Sai Masu Gida as a memory that is glued to the heart.

"I felt like shading tears after agreeing a deal to take charge of Pillars. Kano State was the gateway for me in my coaching career.

‘In my mind I wanted to play with a 4-2-4,’ - Antonio Conte Reveals Plans to Play 4-2-4 Formation with Chelsea

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has revealed he planned on playing a 4-2-4 formation with the Blues this season before tweaking his system. The 47-year-old opted for a 4-3-3 system in his early days at Stamford Bridge but a 3-0 humbling at the Emirates to Arsenal forced Conte into a rethink.

The Italian decided to play a 3-4-3 formation and the Blues haven’t conceded a league goal since September 24th after Conte’s tweak.

Conte’s side have also scored an astonishing 16 goals in five league games but the former Juventus boss has revealed he was intent on playing on an ultra-attacking 4-2-4 system with the club.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal star Robin van Persie suffered a horrific eye injury while playing for Fenerbahce on Sunday. Luckily for the striker, despite early fears that he may lose his sight in his left eye, it was later revealed that the Dutchman should make a full recovery.

The 33-year-old had to be stretchered off after an accidental collision during Fenerbahce’s 3-1 victory over Akhisar Belediyespor on the weekend – after he had already scored.

The Old Trafford favourite’s face was covered in blood and he was rushed to hospital immediately, but doctors later ruled that he would be fine.

Fenerbahce team doctor John Kunduracioglu told Fanatik: ‘Van Persie received a blow to his eye, it was torn and bleeding.

‘After investigating, we sent him to an ophthalmologist at the hopsital for further checks. We learned that nothing serious has happened, so the situation is good.

‘We had to wait for an ambulance. If the injury had been more serious, the situation could have been worse.’

Van Persie was apparently even able to return to the ground after being treated, turning up to watch the rest of the game.

Friday, 4 November 2016

Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte Nominated for Player of the First Time

The nominations for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for October have been revealed and include Mark Hughes, Antonio Conte, Jurgen Klopp and Arsene Wenger.

Conte, who is nominated for the first time, will be the favourite, being the only one among them to win all four games during the month. Among them were victories over champions Leicester and Manchester United and it was all achieved without conceding a single goal.

Hughes might feel he deserves it after overseeing three wins and a draw – all the more remarkable considering Stoke’s horrendous start to the season.

Yaya Toure has apologised to Manchester City after his off-field problems led to manager Pep Guardiola banishing from the first team. Guardiola demanded an apology from Toure’s camp after an ongoing feud with the midfielder’s agent Dimitri Seluk has seen the 33-year-old fail to make City’s Champions League squad for the group stages.

Seluk, claimed that decision ‘humiliated’ the midfielder and said Guardiola should have the ‘balls’ to apologise to the Ivorian if City fail to win the Champions League this season.

Yet to make a Premier League appearance, Toure has moved to calm the ongoing war of words by publishing a statement via his official Facebook account:

Chelsea youngster Bertrand Traore has slammed the club for allowing him to move on loan to Ajax this season. The 21-year-old was given several chances in the first team under Guus Hiddink in the last campaign, and in pre-season this time round, but the Blues ended up sending him out to the Eredivisie.

Striker Michy Batshuayi was brought to Stamford Bridge in the summer, leaving less chances for Traore to play if he stayed with the Londoners.

However, this hasn’t softened the blow for the Burkina Faso international, who has scored three goals after 16 appearances in all competitions this season.

"I Don’t Regret Going to Chelsea and I Don't Regret Leaving Chelsea" - Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne has absolutely no regrets after failing to impress Jose Mourinho during his time at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea. The Belgian international, who was swiftly sold by then Blues boss Mourinho after failing to break into the Chelsea first team, returned to the Premier League after two seasons in Germany when Manchester City paid a club-record fee of £55million for the midfielder.

De Bruyne’s stunning free-kick against Barcelona on Tuesday further silenced any lingering critics the 25-year-old may have been carrying from his failed sting in west London.

Jose Mourinho is Beginning to Look Like an Old-school Manager, "He Can only Win Ugly," - Alyson Rudd

Jose Mourinho is suddenly looking 'old-school' compared to Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino, says the Sunday Supplement panel. Mourinho was sent to the stands after half-time for his angry reaction to Manchester United not being awarded a penalty for a tackle on Matteo Darmian as they were held to a 0-0 draw with Sean Dyche's Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The result means United have now failed to win any of their last four Premier League games, leaving them eighth in the table, and the Sunday Supplement panel suggested other top-flight managers are now beginning to make Mourinho's philosophy look tired.

"He's beginning to look like an old-school manager," says The Times' Alyson Rudd. "He's suddenly looking quite old because you've got young managers like Pochettino and Klopp who have refreshed the way football is played in the Premier League and what they demand from their players."

Watch West Ham vs Chelsea 2-1 - Highlights as the Blues Crashed Out of EFL CUp

A late strike from Gary Cahill was not enough to keep Antonio Conte's team alive in the competition, as the Hammers took an impressive win. West Ham reached the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup as they beat Chelsea 2-1 on Wednesday, although the tie was the latest game at London Stadium to be marred by unsavoury scenes in the stands. You can watch the highlight below.

Jose Mourinho Claims He’s Never Seen Support Like He’s Experienced at Manchester United

Jose Mourinho aimed a thinly-veiled dig at his old side Chelsea by claiming he’s ‘never seen’ support like he’s experienced from Manchester United fans at Old Trafford this season. The Red Devils got their season back on track with a spirited 1-0 win against arch rivals Manchester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.

Mourinho’s side were humiliated by Chelsea on Sunday during a 4-0 drubbing at Stamford Bridge and the 53-year-old apologised before last night’s game for the result. The Special One was often critical of the lack of atmopshere at Stamford Bridge over his two stints at the club and claimed in 2014 after a win against QPR at home that it was like ‘playing in an empty stadium’.

However, Mourinho was full of praise for United’s crowd last night and said he’s never seen such passion from supporters.

Juan Mata scored the winner as Manchester United bounced back from their humiliating defeat at Chelsea with a 1-0 derby victory over Manchester City in the EFL Cup fourth round, extending their local rivals' winless run to six matches.

This was a tie between two managers in need of a reassuring win – Jose Mourinho after the embarrassment of a 4-0 defeat on his return to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and Pep Guardiola amidst what is now the longest barren spell of his coaching career.

A much-changed City side started strongly but were unable to make the breakthrough, allowing United to find a way back into the match.

Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Manchester United Defender Eric Bailly Out for Two Months - Baily Confirmson Instagram

The Ivory Coast international was replaced by Marcos Rojo in the 52nd minute of the 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, with Jose Mourinho revealing post-match he feared the worst for his summer signing. "He is injured and I am afraid he is badly injured," Mourinho said. "In his knee, in the ligament area, he feels it is really bad."

Bailly has now confirmed the extent of his injury, writing on Instagram alongside a picture of him wearing a leg brace: "I wanted to thank you all for the messages of support that I have received since the injury. I hope to be able to play for United and The Elephants [Ivory Coast] before two months. God willing."

Arsene Wenger believes Alex Iwobi has the potential to succeed in the number 10 role at Arsenal. The Nigerian has mostly been used in a left-wing position since emerging from the Gunners’ academy last season. The 20-year-old flourished during his debut campaign and he’s taken those performances into this season, making 11 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side already this term

Wenger is delighted with Iwobi’s development and he believes the youngster could transfer his qualities into the attacking midfield position.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho believes Paul Pogba, the world’s most expensive footballer, could become a ‘phenomenal central defender’. The Frenchman joined the Red Devils in the summer for £89million but is yet to hit top form at Old Trafford.

The former Juventus man has just one league goal and is yet to register an assist on his return to the Theatre of Dreams. Pogba is likely to feature against Manchester City in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford tonight and could be paired with Michael Carrick in midfield.

However, Mourinho’s defended Pogba’s slow start to life back in England and revealed he sees a future for the France international in central defence.

Legendary Brazilian Footballer Carlos Alberto Dies Aged 72

Former Brazil captain Carlos Alberto has died, aged 72. Alberto skippered Brazil to World Cup glory in 1970 and scored arguably the greatest goal in the competition’s history in the final against Italy. Reports in Brazil claim Alberto suffered a heart attack but there’s yet to be an official statement on the Brazilian’s death.

Alberto was widely considered one of the best right-backs in the world during his illustrious 19-year career and he enjoyed success as a manager with the likes of Flamengo and Botafogo.

Alberto scored one of the most famous goals of all time when he netted an iconic fourth goal in Brazil’s 1970 World Cup final win against Italy.

Source: Metro

‘During that Game I Saw Nothing Wrong from Conte' - West Ham Boss Slaven Bilic Defend Antonio Conte’s Touchline Antics against Manchester United

West Ham Boss Slaven Bilic has defender Antonio Conte’s touchline antics against Manchester United. Chelsea manager Conte, who clashed with Jose Mourinho in the 4-0 win at Stamford Bridge, apparently angered the Manchester United boss for his over-exuberant celebrations in Sunday’s victory.

‘You don’t celebrate like that at 4-0, you can do it at 1-0, otherwise it’s humiliating for us,’ Mourinho reportedly told Conte upon hearing the final whistle.

But Bilic, who is preparing to face Conte’s Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, has no problem with passion from managers on the touchline.

Nemanja Matic believes Chelsea’s heavy defeat to Arsenal acted as a ‘wake-up call’ to put Antonio Conte’s side back on track to challenge for the Premier League title. Chelsea were convincingly beaten 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on September 24, forcing Conte to overhaul his system to a 3-4-3 formation.

Conte’s side have followed up their loss against the Gunners with three consecutive victories in the Premier League, while Chelsea are yet to concede following their change in system.

Stars from Manchester United, Manchester City, Leicester, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham have made the 30-man list, which honours the finest players on the planet. In fact, eight players from England’s top flight have been added to the shortlist, which also contains regular Ballon d’Or contenders such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

There are plenty of representatives from Manchester as United pair Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba are joined by City duo Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne.

Tottenham and France star Hugo Lloris is the only Premier League goalkeeper and he is joined by compatriot and West Ham star Dimitri Payet.

Leicester title heroes Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have also been honoured.

Gareth Bale, who led Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, will hope to be shortlisted for the final three but most will not be able to look past Ronaldo for the top prize.

Here’s a full list of the nominees:

Ballon d'Or shortlist 2016

Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund)

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)

Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Diego Godín (Atletico Madrid)

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United)

Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona)

Koke (Atletico Madrid)

Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)

Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)

Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)

Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich)

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Neymar (FC Barcelona)

Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)

Pepe (Real Madrid)

Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Rui Patricio (Sporting)

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Luis Suarez (FC Barcelona)

Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)

Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich)

Manchester United Players are not Happy with Jose Mourinho’s Approach to Training

Jose Mourinho’s distant approach to Manchester United’s training sessions has left his players stunned, according to reports. The Times claims that the United manager occasionally leaves his assistant Rui Faria to run training by himself while he either watches from afar or goes back to work in his office.

Mourinho reportedly speaks to his players at the start of each session but then leaves the drills in the hands of Faria.

United’s players have been left surprised by Mourinho’s tendency to keep his distance and would prefer a closer relationship with their manager following Louis van Gaal’s strict regime.

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne says it is ‘strange’ that he was not afforded the same opportunities at Chelsea as compatriot Eden Hazard. The 25-year-old joined Chelsea in January 2012 from Genk but made just three apperances for the club before joining Wolfsburg in an £18million move in 2014.

The Belgian thrived in the Bundesliga and earned a £55million move to Manchester City in 2015, where he’s solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s best players. Jose Mourinho opted to let De Bruyne leave Stamford Bridge after just six months back in west London and accused the Belgian of not wanting to stay and fight for his place.

However, De Bruyne refutes that claim and says the claim that he was too young to make it at Stamford Bridge is ‘strange’ given the Blues were regularly playing Hazard at the same point.

Bayern Munich Starlet Renato Sanches Wins Golden Boy Award ahead of Manchester United Striker Marcus Rashford

The 19-year-old star claimed the prize after a stunning season at both club and international level. The teenager broke into the first-team at Benfica in Portugal, before sealing a €35m (£31.1m), plus bonuses, move to the German giants. He also became an established member of the Portugal national team during Euro 2016, helping the Iberians win their first-ever major trophy.

Sanches claimed the award, which has previously been won by the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, after topping a vote of journalists from 30 newspapers across Europe, all of whom were asked to name the best player aged under 21 through 2016.

Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa won a fairytale first CAF Champions League title on Sunday despite a 1-0 second-leg loss to Zamalek of Egypt in Alexandria. A Stanley Ohawuchi goal on 64 minutes was not enough for the home team as they trailed by three goals from the first leg in Pretoria last weekend and lost 3-1 on aggregate.

It was a remarkable triumph because the South Africans were eliminated in the final qualifying round in April only to be reinstated when their Democratic Republic of Congo opponents were disqualified. Success for Sundowns made them $1.5 million (1.38 million euros) richer and secured a place at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan during December.

"It was an amazing journey of ups and downs and now we are the champions of Africa," said Sundowns' Zimbabwe striker Khama Billiat.

"We look forward to Japan and facing the best clubs in the game. It is going to be an absolute pleasure."

Winger Keagan Dolly said: "We knew it was going to be difficult because Zamalek are a great team with some outstanding individuals.

"Some people will say we were lucky to get a second chance after being eliminated, but I believe we deserve to be African champions."

Goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy and captain and midfielder "Shikabala" were among those dropped as Zamalek coach Moamen Soliman made four changes from the side that started the first leg.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane had to make one enforced alteration with huge Ivorian centre-back Bangaly Soumahoro coming in for suspended Wayne Arendse.

Although facing a mammoth task, history offered a hope to Zamalek with two of three previous Champions League finalists in a similar predicament emerging as overall winners.

An estimated 60,000 predominantly Zamalek supporters were inside the 86,000-capacity Borg El Arab Stadium on the outskirts of Alexandria as the match kicked off. There are few more nerve-inducing factors in African football than a large Egyptian crowd roaring on their team, but Sundowns calmly survived early pressure.

The first scoring chance for the hosts came after 12 minutes when Nigerian Ohawuchi burst through and beat goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, but the ball trickled wide. Ugandan Onyango, a 2016 Africa-based Footballer of the Year finalist, needed medical attention three times before being replaced by Wayne Sandilands on 28 minutes.

Striker Basem Morsy had been headlined as the Zamalek dangerman, but recent signing Ohawuchi was posing a bigger threat.

A wild but crucial clearance from Soumahoro foiled another attempt by the Nigerian to break the deadlock before Sundowns began to threaten going forward. The first serious chance for the South Africans came on 35 minutes when awarded a free-kick just outside the box, but captain Hlompho Kekana struck the ball into the wall.

Zamalek goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdel Rahim did well to push away a goal-bound shot from Percy Tau and a looping Billiat shot struck the top of the crossbar before flying wide.

The injuries to Onyango meant eight minutes of first-half stoppage time during which Liberian Anthony Laffor troubled Zamalek twice with a shot and a header.

Half-time arrived with the second leg goalless and Sundowns retaining the three-goal advantage they established in Pretoria last weekend. Zamalek started the second half as they did the first, controlling possession and territory but rarely looking like cracking open Sundowns'
defence.

After 64 minutes the Egyptian outfit scored and it was no surprise that the goal came from livewire Ohawuchi.

Receiving possession well outside the box, he beat one man and unleashed a low, long-range drive that flew into the corner of the net off the left hand of Sandilands.

Source: cafonline

You Added to My Humiliation with Your Touchline Antics - Jose Mourinho Slams Antonio Conte after Chelsea Defeat

Jose Mourinho accused Antonio Conte of humiliating him during Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Goals from Pedro, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante sealed a comfortable win for Chelsea to make it an unhappy return for Mourinho, who was back at his former club for the first time since being sacked last December.

Conte was animated throughout the entire match and celebrated wildly each of Chelsea’s four goals, and Mourinho wasn’t pleased with the Italian’s conduct on the touchline.

After the final whistle, Mourinho went up to Conte and spoke at length in the Chelsea manager’s ear.

And according to Sky Italia, who picked up part of Mourinho’s conversation with Conte, the Portuguese said: It’s just my opinion, but don’t do that at 4-0. You can at 1-0, but at 4-0 it’s humiliation.’

The defeat has left United seventh in the Premier League, while Chelsea are just a point behind leaders Manchester City.

Though Chelsea manager has come out to defend his touchline antics and claimed he never meant to disrespect Mourinho.

"I was listening to the support of Manchester United, always supporting their team and after a great win like this I was asking my fans to do a clap for the players for the performance," he toldSky Sports.

"I think this is normal. All the players deserve this clap.

You're not special any more! Mourinho & Man Utd blown away at the Bridge

"When there is a private conversation it is right to remain private, I have great respect for Jose, he is a great manager and he won a lot here," Conte also told the BBC.

Gary Neville Blasts Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera for Their Embarrassing Display against Chelsea

Gary Neville pulled no punches when talking about Manchester United midfielders Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera. The Red Devils legend was desperately unimpressed after an awful defensive performance by his former club and was heavily critical of the duo.

After already conceding three goals courtesy of Pedro Rodriguez, Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard, United allowed N’Golo Kante to stroll through their defence in truly embarrassing fashion.

The awful contribution from both Herrera and Pogba in that particular moment vexed Neville and he slammed them both after the full-time whistle.

Chelsea 'Hiding' Academy Wonderkid to Keep Him a Secret from Rivals

Chelsea have been accused of ‘hiding’ one of their brightest academy stars in order to stop their Premier League rivals from signing him. Emram Sogolo is currently playing for the club’s Under-13s side and in just four appearances he’s scored 11 goals and registered nine assists.

According to Telefoot, Chelsea are panicking over Sogolo’s impressive performances and are now playing him out of position so that the he is not attracting too much interest.

Antonio Conte has insisted Jose Mourinho will be Chelsea’s enemy this weekend when Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Italian boss became the Portuguese tactician’s permanent replacement after Mourinho left midway through Chelsea’s disastrous defence of their Premier League crown in 2015/16.

Mourinho has since become manager of United and will return to his former club for the first time in charge of the Manchester outfit on Sunday.

And Conte believes Chelsea need to treat him as the enemy upon his return, despite playing such an important role at the club in the past.

‘Mourinho was an important manager for Chelsea,’ he said.

‘He wrote a part of the history of this club. He was an important man for the club.

‘Mourinho deserves a good reception because he wrote history with this club. He remains in the hearts of the fans.

‘When the whistle goes, Mourinho will become an enemy, like the Manchester United players.’

Victor Moses - Jose Mourinho Never Spoke to Me at Chelsea

Chelsea winger Victor Moses has revealed that during Jose Mourinho’s second reign at Stamford Bridge, the Manchester United manager never spoke to him. The Nigeria international, 25, has become an unlikely mainstay in Antonio Conte’s Chelsea team as a right wing-back, with his start against Hull City on 1 October his first for the Blues since May 2013.

During Mourinho’s second spell in charge at Chelsea between 2013-2015, Moses was sent out on loan for the entirety, firstly to Liverpool and then to Stoke.

‘He never spoke to me,’ Moses told ESPNFC of Mourinho.

‘I thought in my head, ‘He’s got his own players already.’

Tottenham Star Dele Alli is Better than Paul Pogba - Ray Parlour claims

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has suggested Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli is a better player than Paul Pogba. The 20-year-old Spurs man has burst onto the scene over the last 12 months, impressing for club and country, and Parlour has hinted Alli has the edge on Manchester United's world-record summer signing.

Alli has become an integral part of the Tottenham side under Maurcio Pochettino, with Parlour describing him as "an all-round good footballer".

Cote d'Ivoire will start their defense of the Africa Cup of Nations against Togo in January, according to the draw made Wednesday. Cote d'Ivoire, who beat Ghana on penalties in the 2015 final, are in Group C against Togo, Morocco and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hosts Gabon will stage the opening match in Libreville on January 14 against Group A opponents Guinea-Bissau who make their first appearance in the 16-nation tournament.

Robin van Persie says he might still be playing for Manchester United, if Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. The forward was signed by Ferguson in 2012 and was voted Player of the Year in his first season after scoring 31 goals in United's title-winning campaign.

But, after Ferguson retired at the end of that season, Van Persie's form dipped and he left Old Trafford to join Fenerbahce in 2015.

Ahead of facing his former side on Thursday evening as Fenerbahce travel to United in the Europa League, he has revealed how things might have turned out differently.

No Player is Untouchable even the World most Expensive Player - Says Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho insists no player at Manchester United is "untouchable" and refused to confirm whether captain Wayne Rooney would return to the starting line-up against Fenerbahce. Mourinho has used the term in the past, including for his 2005/06 Chelsea title-winning side, to describe a select group of players that cannot be dropped because of the level of their performances.

But ahead of Thursday's Europa League tie at Old Trafford, the United manager said: "That was 11 years ago - different Premiership, different situation.

"I think untouchable in our team has to be the spirit, the commitment, the pride, the respect to the fans. That has to be untouchable, but not players."

Rooney has endured a difficult start to the season and has been left on the substitutes' bench for the previous four matches by Mourinho.

Manchester United Left Back Luke Shaw Denies Rift with Jose Mourinho

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has denied any personal problems with manager Jose Mourinho after coming on the end of some public criticism from the boss last month. The England international was badly at fault for Camilo Zuniga’s goal for Watford in a 3-1 defeat, and was singled out by his manager after the match.

Still, Shaw says he is not bothered by the incident and that he will take Mourinho’s words on board for the future. ‘I have said before, I’m a grown man and take what the manager said,’ he told reporters.

Injury boost for Manchester United as duo back in training. Morgan Schneiderlin and Anthony Martial could return from injury for Manchester United against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, after taking a full part in training on Wednesday. The pair missed United's goalless draw away at Liverpool on Monday Night Football after sustaining knocks in training last weekend.

However, both could feature for United against Fenerbahce at Old Trafford on Thursday, with manager Jose Mourinho likely to rotate his squad ahead of the Super Sunday clash against Chelsea.

Phil Jones was the only absentee from training, with the defender still recovering from a knee injury sustained in September.

Pique and Luis Suarez Clash in Barcelona Training ahead of Man City Match

Sparks flew as Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez squared up in training ahead of Barcelona's Champions League clash with Manchester City. Centre-back Pique took exception to something Suarez did and the pair were involved in a confrontation, but the pictures suggest Suarez was immediately apologetic.

Neymar and Lionel Messi stepped in, and the dispute was quickly resolved with Pique and Suarez all smiles afterwards.

Wednesday night's match sees the return of Pep Guardiola, the man who led Barca to 14 trophies in four glittering years at the Nou Camp. He won 10 trophies during his 11 years at Barca as a player.

Barcelona won their opening two matches in Group C, hammering Celtic 7-0 and Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1.

They have met City four times in the last three years in the Champions League - winning all four matches.

The dust appears to settle as Pique smiles

Pique looks in better humour after the incident

POGBA Needs Time to Settle - Rooney Backs Pogba to Shine

Just of recent, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho came out to express high expectation from his world most expensive player, Paul Pogba. Manchester United manager expected more penetration in attack from world-record signing Paul Pogba during the goalless draw with Liverpool. "Had it been 1-0, it would have been finished," Mourinho told Sky Sports. "Where Pogba was playing, I was expecting more penetration", said Morinho

Pogba cost a world-record fee but has been criticised for some of his performances, and Mourinho admitted he expected "more penetration" from the France star at Anfield.

But Rooney said: "Paul is a fantastic player. I think he's working hard and he's doing well. As always, it takes time to settle. I think he is a fantastic player and he will shine for us this season, there is no doubt."

"I'm 31 Next week. I've Got a Lot of Football Left" - Wayne Rooney Laments He's not Finished Yet

Wayne Rooney is determined to show Jose Mourinho he can still play every Manchester United game. Captain for club and country, Rooney has not started for United since their EFL Cup win over Northampton last month and was dropped for England's recent World Cup Qualifier in Slovenia.

But after another bit-part role at Liverpool on Monday, Rooney has made it clear he does not intend staying on the bench forever.

"I think it's football," he said. "Obviously I've started through all my career, so it is a new period for me and of course I want to play.

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Ballon d'Or shortlist 2016

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