Guardiola proved he is a magnificent leader

Pep Guardiola displayed magnificent leadership qualities as Bayern Munich beat Chelsea to the Uefa Super Cup, according to sporting director Matthias Sammer. A dramatic match in Prague was eventually settled by Romelu Lukaku’s miss in the penalty shoot-out after an equaliser from Javi Martinez had levelled the score at 2-2 with the final kick of extra-time. 

 Sammer was thrilled to see his side get over the line when defeat had looked almost certain to seal the club’s first-ever Uefa Super Cup triumph and he paid tribute to Guardiola for delivering the silverware. He said: “Congratulations to Pep Guardiola! He was magnificent before the match and at half-time. He was a leader for his team and did a fantastic job.

 The win on penalties secured an element of revenge over Chelsea after their win over Bayern in the Champions League final in 2012 by the same method and Manuel Neuer believes it represents an important mental step. “Fortunately, we managed to win the penalty shoot-out this time. It was very important for psychological reasons,” said the goalkeeper. “The penalties before my save were superbly taken, ours included – I'd have been delighted to see the same thing in the Champions League final two years ago.” Talking about his save from Lukaku’s spot-kick, Neuer added: “What can you do as a goalkeeper? You simply try to react to the taker’s run up – and I chose to dive to the left." Bayern return to Bundesliga business after the international break with a home game against Hannover on September 14.

The best team clearly lost – Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has lamented his side’s 5-4 defeat to Bayern Munich on penalties in the European Super Cup. Franck Ribery cancelled out Fernando Torres's opener to take the game to extra time, before Javi Martinez did the same after Eden Hazard had give then Blues a lead for the second time and Ramires had been sent off. That left penalties to decide the winner, with Romelu Lukaku missing the decisive spot-kick after David Alaba, Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm, Franck Ribery and Xherdan Shaqiri all beat Petr Cech from 12 yards. “The best team clearly lost,” Mourinho said after the match. “The best team played with 10 men for a long, long period in the game. They played against the champions of Europe and they were the best team. “We only have reasons to be proud, to believe in the future. But I prefer just to say the best team lost and stay with it.” This was Chelsea's second Super Cup defeat in as many years, having lost 4-1 to Atletico Madrid a year ago.

AC Milan seal Matri deal

AC Milan have signed Juventus striker Alessandro Matri, the Rossoneri's official website has confirmed. Matri, 29, is believed to have signed on a four-year deal at San Siro, rejoining the side he played for as a youngster before having spells at Cagliari and Juventus, in a deal reportedly worth €11 million. "It's a great feeling to come back to where you played as a boy," Matri told the club's official website. " The striker fell down the pecking order at the Bianconeri, with other attackers Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez joining Antonio Conte's ranks earlier this summer. But, with Milan securing their place in the Champions League proper, having seen off the challenge of PSV, and Giampaolo Pazzini's return still to be confirmed, coach Massimiliano Allegri has bolstered his squad with the capture of the forward. Matri made 83 appearances for Juventus, scoring 29 goals. Meanwhile, Kevin-Prince Boateng has departed the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, completing a move to Bundesliga club Schalke on Friday.

Eto'o delighted with 'dream' Premier League move

Samuel Eto'o has dubbed his move to the Premier League as one of his "last dreams as a professional" after joining Chelsea. The 32-year-old has won La Liga, Serie A and the Champions League on three occasions as well as the FIFA Club World Cup and two African Cup of Nations titles with Cameroon over an illustrious career.But the four-time African Player of the Year is now relishing the chance of playing in England under Jose Mourinho, his former manager at Inter. "I've had a couple of opportunities to come to England before, including the first time Jose was here - but it didn't work out for one reason or another," Eto'o told Chelsea's official website.

Hoeness attacks Mourinho over 'unqualified comments'

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has hit out at allegedly "unqualified comments" made by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho ahead of Friday's Super Cup showdown between the two sides. the Portuguese reacted angrily to a journalist stating that he had won just three of his 15 previous meetings with the Bavarians' new coach, Pep Guardiola telling his inquisitor, "Your statistics are wrong". Mourinho later conceded that perhaps it was he who had erred in terms of the head-to-head record but Hoeness was still less than impressed by the way in which the former Inter and Madrid trainer had responded to the line of questioning. "I do think that the match [against Chelsea] is about prestige," the World Cup winner is quoted as saying by Kicker. "Especially since Mourinho has, again, made some unqualified comments ahead of the match. "So, I think our coach will be fired up about this game." Hoeness has the utmost faith in Guardiola to bring home the trophy, but he did admit that he fears that fortune might once again favour Chelsea, who edged out Bayern on penalties in a dramatic 2012 Champions League final. "I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope he will win it," he admitted. "However, I'm not sure there won't be certain forces working against the Germans again." Bayern's eagerly-awaited meeting with Chelsea in Prague is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

Bayern defeat still hurts, says Messi

Barcelona star Lionel Lionel Messi admitted last season's 7-0 aggregate Champions League semi-final defeat to Bayern Munich still hurts but is remaining upbeat after the group stage draw of this year's competition. The Blaugrana were drawn alongside AC Milan, Celtic and Ajax in Group H of the competition on Thursday as they bid to go one better than their last four exit in 2012-13. "Last season was good for the club, because we won the League against a team like Real Madrid," Messi told reporters. "It was a major title, but we lost in the Champions League badly against Bayern Munich. Anyway, you have to keep positive and hope to do great things this year." The 26-year-old also acknowledged the difficulty of facing Celtic and AC Milan again, having been beaten by both sides in Europe last season. "As always, we have been drawn into an even group," Messi told reporters. "The opponents are already known and difficult to play, as we expected. "Against Milan and Celtic we already played last year. With Ajax it is the first time, but we also know them. "As always, the club is required to win it all. And for that we are preparing, but each year is harder, because all teams reinforce and are getting stronger."

Kaka: I want to leave Real Madrid

Brazilian star Kaka has revealed he is keen to leave Real Madrid with less than a week remaining before this summer's transfer window closes. The 31-year-old had struggled to establish himself under former Blancos coach Jose Mourinho, and does not seem to be part of Carlo Ancelotti's plans either, having spent Real's first two Liga outings of this season on the bench. Furthermore, the imminent arrival of Gareth Bale from Tottenham in a record-breaking deal worth €100 million, is set to push the Brazilian even further down the pecking order in the Spanish capital. "I want to leave," Kaka told reporters. "I think now is the right moment for me and for the club for me to leave amicably. I have spoken to Carlo Ancelotti and with the club, they all know. "Things are difficult for me now in the team, and the club knows what I want. It’s my obligation to work and keep training, but my father is already working to see if something comes up. "I think it’s the best thing for me and the club. "We can only hope for a solution before this next Monday. My intention is to keep playing in Europe." Kaka has made 85 appearances for Madrid since his arrival from AC Milan in 2009.

Could Di Maria be the missing piece in the Emirates

It has been reveal that the Gunners tabled a formal €30m (£25.6m) offer for Di Maria after securing qualification for the group stages of the Champions League on Tuesday night. "Real indicated during a week of discussions with Arsenal that they are willing to off-load the Argentine winger as they prepare to trim costs and free up space in the team for Bale.

"But the bid has not yet been accepted and the Londoners will not be given the green light to hold personal talks with Di Maria until Real’s £86m world-record signing of Bale is finally secured." Read More

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Mikel pulls out of South Africa game

The Chelsea midfielder will not play Wednesday’s game against Bafana Bafana in Durban due to a stomach bug according to the national team's coach

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel will not play in Wednesday’s Nelson Mandela Challenge between Nigeria and South Africa due to an infection.
The 26-year-old was expected to lead the African champions against their hosts at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, the site where he masterminded a 4-1 demolition of Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations last February.
Coach Stephen Keshi was quoted by KickOff: “Mikel has been withdrawn from the squad. He has a stomach bug.”
He joins the duo of Emmanuel Emenike and Kenneth Omeruo who had earlier withdrawn from the game.
It will be a big blow to the Super Eagles as they hoped to use this game to perfect tactics ahead of their final 2014 Fifa World Cup Group F qualifying game against Malawi next month.

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Nigeria arrive Durban for Nelson Mandela Challenge against South Africa

The Super Eagles are in high spirits as they face Bafana Bafana in Wednesday’s friendly in the coastal city of Durban. Nigeria arrived in Durban on Monday morning ahead of their Nelson Mandela Challenge game against South Africa at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday evening.

A full strength squad led by coach Stephen Keshi has arrived the coastal city as the Super Eagles warm up towards September’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Malawi. Only three players, Chelsea duo of John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses and Valerenga's Fegor Ogude are expected on Tuesday morning in Durban in time for the prestige friendly.

Keshi arrived with four players from the Nigerian league - Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwueke, Sunday Mba and Godfrey Oboabona. He told local media on arrival that he hopes to give the South Africans a good game to honour Nelson Mandela, one of Africa’s foremost nationalists.

At the team's Southern Sun hotel lodge, several invited players were already in their rooms. Among the early birds were late call ups, Chippa United’s James Okwuosa and Free State Stars’ Gege Soriola, who are both based in South Africa. There was also Obinna Nsofor, Elderson Echjiele, who were the first Europe-based players to arrive Durban.

Other early comers included Uche Nwofor, Efe Ambrose, Ogenyi Onazi and Brown Ideye. By lunch time, Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi arrived with stand-in skipper Austin Ejide.

Ameobi said he was happy to rejoin his teammates after missing the last Africa Cup of Nations due to issues in his contract.

The Super Eagles will have their first training session later in the evening at 7:30 (6:30pm West African Time). The team will train at the same time on Tuesday before the cracker against Bafana Bafana on Wednesday at 8:15pm.

Tickets for the game have been pegged at between R50-R200. The last time Nigeria played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in February, they defeated Mali 4-1 in the semi final of the Africa Cup of Nations on their way to winning the title for a third time.

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Nelson Mandela Challenge is not a friendly game in any way, insists Sunday Mba

The Super Eagles midfielder has confessed that Wednesday's game against Bafana Bafana is more serious than a friendly match. Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Mba has told Goal that Wednesday's Nelson Mandela Challenge game against South Africa's Bafana Bafana is not in any way a friendly match.

Mba noted that the South Africans are prepared for the game and would want to beat the reigning African champions to make a statement that they are a good side. The Enugu Rangers player, who scored the goal that won Nigeria the last Africa Cup of Nations final against Burkina Faso, revealed that the Super Eagles players will definitely be taking the game seriously. “That game on Wednesday is not a friendly match in any way. We are African champions and every team will want to beat us to boost their confidence," Mba told Goal. “Bafana Bafana are rebuilding and this is one game that they will want to use to get their confidence back in shape.

"Yes it is a friendly game, but it is more than that. We also need to do well and win the game to get prepared for the next game in the World Cup qualifiers against Malawi in Calabar. “I am looking forward to a good game because it is a perfect opportunity for us to show Africans that we are a good side that deservedly won the Africa Cup of Nations. “A lot of our players are back so we are going to get a full squad for the game. I want to do well and make sure we keep our record against the South Africans," Mba concluded.

Bafana Bafana have never defeated Nigeria since they first clashed in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers.

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Fabregas pulls out of Spain squad with ankle injury

The Barcelona midfielder will not feature in la Roja's upcoming friendly after hobbling off during the Catalans' 3-1 win over Malaysia on Sunday Cesc Fabregas has pulled out of Spain's friendly with Ecuador after sustaining a sprained right ankle.

The Barcelona midfielder hobbled out of action in the 82nd minute of the Catalans' 3-1 win over Malaysia on Saturday, having scored the opener and set up further goals for Neymar and Gerard Pique. The 26-year-old was assessed by doctors on Sunday after arriving back in Spain, with the Liga giants subsequently confirming that he will not feature for la Roja in their upcoming clash.

A statement on the club's official website said: "Cesc Fabregas had a number of tests this morning after arriving back from Malaysia to measure the extent of the ankle injury he picked up in Saturday’s match.

"It has subsequently been confirmed that the player has sprained a ligament in his right ankle.

 

The news comes as a blow to new boss Gerardo Martino, a week before the start of the Liga campaign.

Fabregas - who has been the subject of interest from Manchester United throughout the close season - made 32 league appearances last season, scoring 11 times. He now faces a race against time to be fit for the season opener, as Barca begin their title defence against Levante next Sunday.

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Falcao and Monaco start with a bang

The Colombia international netted with just three minutes to go in his first game for the victorious Rouges et Blanc, while Lyon also made a winning start to their campaign, Radamel Falcao scored on his Ligue 1 debut to help big-spending Monaco record an opening-day 2-0 victory over Bordeaux.

The Colombian striker had to wait until the final three minutes to get his first strike for the club, reacting quickest to control a loose ball before squeezing his shot under Cedric Carrasso from close range.
Falcao's strike came five minutes after substitute Emmanuel Riviere had broken the deadlock with a left-footed volley shortly after replacing James Rodriguez.

Speaking to journalists after the game, El Tigre reflected upon the club's opening matchday fortunes. "First match, first win - it's a good thing. It's given us confidence for what is to follow." "We had many chances in the first half. But the team kept going. This was more difficult in the second half and we had to wait for the right time. This has brought us a smile." 

Clement Grenier and Yoann Gourcuff also got their names on the scoresheet as Remi Garde's side made short work of the team they finished one place and three points ahead of last season. Like Monaco, fellow Ligue 1 newboys Nantes started their campaign with a victory. Toulouse had a disappointing start the season with a 3-0 defeat at Valenciennes. Uros Spajic's sending off just after the half hour gave the hosts a penalty that Maor Melikson converted, with Jose Saez and Gregory Pujol sealing the three points in the second half.

There were also opening-day victories for Lille and Rennes over 10-man Lorient and Reims, respectively, while Evian were held to a 1-1 draw by Sochaux after Roy Contout's strike cancelled out Fabrice Ehret's opener.

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Sergio Ramos: I prefer Ronaldo & Ozil over Messi & Neymar

 The Spain international believes his Real Madrid team-mates are the finest to play alongside and has called on the club to put last season behind them. Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has made it clear that he would rather play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Isco than Barcelona duo Neymar and Lionel Messi.

Although Ramos is full of praise for the South American duo, he insists his Blancos team-mates are his preferred choice when it comes to attacking prowess. "Neymar and Messi? I prefer Cristiano, Ozil and Isco, my team-mates here at Madrid," the Spain international told ESPN.

"No-one is in any doubt that Messi and Neymar are great players, but I just prefer the guys who are in our team." The defender then went on to discuss Jose Mourinho's three-year spell in charge of Madrid and stressed he is keen to move on following the disappointments - and controversies - of last season.

"I just think about the good things that happened. I’m not a resentful person. I just remember all of the things I learned during a period which is over now. "Football goes on, we need to continue growing, developing and be ambitious so that we can win more silverware."

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Lampard, Mata and Luiz could miss Chelsea's season opener, says Mourinho

The Portuguese boss has revealed fitness concerns ahead of the Blues' first Premier League match but downplayed the extent of the injury problems. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that Frank Lampard, Juan Mata and David Luiz may not be fit in time for the start of the new season.

"He is in the England squad so it will be good if he plays a part against Scotland. He is getting ready but his pre-season has seen him train for a week and then stop for two weeks. "He is coming back again, we are calm. We have to be calm. We know the stages of recovery. His first minutes of pre-season have been against Real Madrid."

Mourinho also expressed concern over Luiz and Mata but downplayed the significance of them missing the Premier League opener through injury. Barcelona made a bid of €25 million for the versatile Brazil international on Wednesday, leading to speculation that he has sat out of Chelsea's matches as he awaits a move, but Mourinho dismissed the notion.

"If David misses the start of the season then it’s only because of his injury," he continued. "That's why I'm not risking him. He had a good session in DC with the fitness guys while we were in Miami. So, hopefully, there will be no problems."

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Ronaldo is a role model - Ancelotti

The former PSG boss believes the attacker's prowess and professionalism makes him a prime example for young players at the club Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the complete footballer and feels the Portugal international is an example to follow for the club's promising youngsters.

The Santiago Bernabeu side secured the services of youngsters Dani Carvajal, Isco, Casemiro and Asier Illarramendi this summer to add to homegrown prospects such as Alvaro Morata and Jese Rodriguez, and Ancelotti believes Portugal star Ronaldo is the perfect role model for the club's young talent.

"Cristiano is an example for the youth," Ancelotti was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "He has everything a football player needs to be great. And he is great, a really fantastic football player. He’s an example for the young players on the team.

"I ask the players for a competitive spirit, professionalism, and to be aware at all times that they belong to a club with impressive prestige."

Ronaldo's future at the club has been subject to speculation of late as talks over a new contract continue to stall, although president Florentino Perez has stressed his confidence that the 28-year-old will sign fresh terms at the club.

Madrid are currently on their USA tour ahead of next week's La Liga opener at home against Real Betis.

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Messi: I have no problem with Neymar

   

The Argentine insists he gets on with the Brazilian "on and off the pitch" and stresses there has been no great upheaval under new coach Gerardo Martino. Barcelona star Lionel Messi has made it clear he has had no problems with Neymar since the Brazilian's €57 million move to the club.

The Argentine ace started a game alongside the 21-year-old for the first time on Wednesday, with both players getting on the scoresheet in a 7-1 thrashing of Thailand, and Messi insists that any speculation of unrest between the pair is pure speculation from the media.

"There’s no problem between us; these are things that come out of the press," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur "We get on with each other on and off the pitch and we’re getting to know each other little by little. We haven’t played much together. But he’ll bring a lot of joy to the club, to us and to the people."

Messi went on to explain the impact of new coach Gerardo Martino at Camp Nou, revealing the former Newell's Old Boys coach is keen for the team to improve their pressing game once more in the 2013-14 season.

"He is telling us that we need to get back to being who we have been for the last few years," Messi explained. "He wants us to create more pressure and work on recovering the ball as quickly as possible. We’re out to do that.

"We’re still getting to know each other. Every coach has his own things. He hasn’t come to change anything, just to get back what we lost a little last year."

Barcelona face a Malaysia XI on Saturday in the latest leg of their lengthy pre-season tour, but Messi believes their work this summer will pay dividends come the new campaign. "I don’t know whether it [the tour] is the best way to prepare or not, but it’s what we’re doing," the 26-year-old said.

"We’re working very well. There are a lot of events and there’s a lot of travelling. We train when we can and take the matches very seriously. "The games help us to get into our rhythm, it’s good preparation and we’ll come into the season in good shape."       

   
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Barcelona risk ruining Neymar, says Ramalho

The gifted attacker's former boss has voiced his concerns with the Blaugrana's plans to improve his physique by placing him on a weight-gaining programme. Former Santos coach Muricy Ramalho has hit out at Barcelona over their plans for Neymar to gain weight to boost his physical prowess.

Barca doctor Ricard Pruna said earlier this summer that the 21-year-old must gain weight in order to reach his peak physical condition, after the Brazilian was diagnosed with anaemia following his €57 million switch to Camp Nou.

Ramalho, however, believes the Blaugrana are risking damaging Neymar's long-term effectiveness, claiming it could lead to a serious injury like that suffered by compatriot and former Barcelona star Ronaldo. "If Neymar puts on weight, they’re going to take away everything that’s best about him," Ramalho told Jovem Pam.

"They’re going to take away his speed. With small players such as Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta and [Lionel] Messi at Barca, I never imagined that they would do this.  "If he puts on weight he could suffer a knee injury, like what happened to Ronaldo. It’s a dangerous business."

Neymar scored his first goal for Barcelona earlier this week in the 7-1 friendly win over Thailand.       

   
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Mike Idoko praises Stephen Keshi for building local players' capacity

Coach Stephen Keshi has been commended for giving players in the Nigeria Premier League opportunity to fight for a place in the senior national team.

Since Keshi's ascent to the managerial position of the national team, players like Godfrey Oboabona of Sunshine Stars and Enugu Rangers' Sunday Mba, who was recently named into the prestigious Goal 50, have become a key part of the Super Eagles.

Coach Stephen Keshi has been commended for giving players in the Nigeria Premier League opportunity to fight for a place in the senior national team.

 the Ondo State Football Agency executive director, Mike Idoko believes Keshi’s success story with the Super Eagles can be hinged on the fact he never overlooked the local-based stars stating that it takes a lot of confidence for a national team handler to take such a risk.

“I must commend Stephen Keshi for being fearless. He took a risk former managers, even the foreign ones, couldn’t take. I think he must have borrowed a leaf from [Clemens] Westerhof because he took time before building the USA '94 team which we have not been able to assemble up till now. The NFF also must be commended too because if they had not given him the chance, Keshi wouldn’t have been successful,” said Idoko.

“All our boys now go to the Super Eagles to fight for a place because it is glaring that they are no longer training materials like they were in the past where the foreign-based were picked ahead of them. At the Africa Cup of Nations, he took along six players which has not happened before,” he added.

The football administrator, however, warned him not to be carried away by the home-based performances stating he must select players that will stand the test of time.

“If this trend continues, the league will experience rapid growth but the coach should be careful on his choice of local based talents. He must look at their age and ask himself if those players can play for a long period of time,” concluded Idoko.