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.

Watch Manchester United vs Manchester City Highlight as United Pile more Pressure on Guardiola

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.

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."

Alex Iwobi Is a Natural Number 10 Who can Replace Mesut Ozil in Midfield, Says Arsene Wenger

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 Manager Jose Mourinho Set to Convert Paul Pogba to Central Defender

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.

Heavy Defeat to Arsenal Was a Wake-up Call for Us - Nemanja Matic

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.

Full List of Ballon d’Or 2016 Nominees Revealed as Dimitri Payet, Manchester United, Manchester City and Leicester Stars Make the Shortlist

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.

Chelsea Give Preferential Treatment to Eden Hazard During My Little Career in Stamford Bridge - Kevin De Bruyne

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.

WHAT A FAIRYTALE!!! - Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa Defeated Zamalek of Egypt to Claim First CAF Champions League

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