Author: cimi

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has insisted that the Bianconeri’s primary goal for next season is to retain their Serie A title.

They secured their eighth consecutive Scudetto on Saturday, breaking the record for the number of league titles won in a row set by Lyon. It was also Allegri’s eighth title as a manager, making him one of the league’s most successful coaches ever.?

He said: “Next season the main objective is again the Scudetto. We’ll be up against the Milan clubs, who are improving, while ?Napoli are also growing. Roma and Lazio could strengthen over the summer.

“There’s no point enacting a revolution. We have to improve the quality of our football and learn how to deal with unexpected events better, because those moments can change a tournament.

“We will meet with the club when they want and analyse what didn’t work this season. I might try a few players in different roles, which I already did recently using ?Emre Can as a third centre-back, Federico Bernardeschi and Juan Cuadrado in a three-man midfield, as I am curious to see how they do.

“I also tried ?Alex Sandro as a centre-back. ?Paulo Dybala had a good season, especially up until January, because it was not easy to play along with ?Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic. I am happy with what he’s done. Clearly, with Ronaldo by your side, you will play differently.

“Ultimately, Juve had moments in the campaign where a mistake would ruin everything. In those key moments, Juventus did not get it wrong.”

Allegri has faced serious criticism from many of the club’s supporters, especially in the wake of their ?Champions League elimination at the hands of Ajax. He has been heavily linked with a departure from the club in the near future, but he insisted that the speculation does not bother him.

He added: “I am enjoying myself, criticism is part of the job and adds extra motivation. I improved by trying to keep up with the best and I never criticised other people’s work. Everyone has their methods, the important thing is to achieve objectives.”

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?Barcelona take on Alaves at Mendizorrotza Stadium this Tuesday night, with Ernesto Valverde’s men needing just six more points to wrap up a second La Liga title in a row.

They were lethargic during a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday, goals from Clement Lenglet and Jordi Alba ensuring the Catalans kept a nine point lead over Atletico Madrid in second. That result keeps their hopes of a treble alive, with the midweek Champions League victory over Manchester United seeing Barça into the semi-finals of the competition, whilst Valencia lie waiting in the Copa del Rey final next month.

Hosts Alaves are winless in their last five fixtures and drew 2-2 against Valladolid last time out. They are now in eighth position, three points off of a Europa League qualification place.

Here’s the side Valverde could select for the clash.

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Goalkeeper & Defenders

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) – The German goalkeeper was on song against Sociedad, making several crucial saves during the contest. His double stop in the closing stages of the first half in particular showcased his excellent reflexes and positioning.

Nelson Semedo (RB) – After joining from Benfica in 2017 Semedo has struggled to nail down a starting berth. He has shown occasional flashes of the talent that coaxed €31.5m out of the ?Barcelona coffers, but consistency has been his downfall.

Gerard Pique (CB) – Despite an underwhelming display on Saturday, this is widely considered to be ?Pique’s best season in blue and red, with Valverde regularly calling upon the Barça stalwart to lead his defensive unit.

Clement Lenglet (CB) – The Frenchman’s deft header against Sociedad on the stroke of half time was pivotal, breaking the deadlock for his misfiring side. It capped a fine all-round display from Lenglet, justifying his continued selection in Valverde’s lineups.

Jordi Alba (LB) – Like his defensive compatriot, Alba grabbed an important goal to give his team the lead. It was a lovely goal, too, the full-back stepping inside before sweeping an effort into the far corner with his weak foot.

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Midfielders

Sergio Busquets (CDM) – Without Busquets keeping things ticking over on the weekend, Barcelona appeared lost, aimlessly spraying the ball around. His arrival towards the end of the match brought impetus and purpose to the heart of their midfield.

Arturo Vidal (RCM) – It was a high-energy showing from Vidal against La Real, though it lacked any end product. He was dogged and bullish, but ultimately failed to offer much in an attacking capacity; he will be keen to prove his worth against Alaves.

Arthur (LCM) – The young Brazilian playmaker is a superb distributor of the ball, linking up well with teammates and creating space with his intelligent movement. He is looking like a very savvy purchase after arriving in the summer.

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Forwards

Lionel Messi (RW) – It may have been an indifferent night for ?Messi on Saturday, but no one in world football doubts his extraordinary ability. His 45 goals in all competitions are fuelling Barcelona’s charge for glory in ?La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the ?Champions League.

Philippe Coutinho (LW) – ?Valverde has downplayed the apparent rift between the Camp Nou faithful and Coutinho that has surfaced in recent weeks. However, his ill-advised celebration against ?United will have vexed fans, leaving the onus on him to make amends if he is to have a future in Catalonia.

Luis Suarez (ST) – The Uruguayan has been fruitful in front of goal this year, yet no longer seems capable of producing the tireless, genius performances that characterised his early career. He is now more of a predatory poacher than the eminent threat that terrorised ?Premier League defences.

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Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has made the eyebrow-raising claim that reaching the Champions League final is ‘easier’ than getting to the same stage of the Carabao Cup.

The Blues find themselves in a battle for the top four to qualify for next season’s premier European competition, while they also face Eintracht Frankfurt in the semi-finals of the Europa League next month.

Speaking ahead of his side’s ?Premier League clash with Burnley on Monday night, Sarri seemed to play down the importance of the Champions League, comparing it unfavourably to Chelsea’s League Cup run.

The Italian said (as quoted by the ?Daily Mirror): “The Premier League is very difficult. To get to the final of the League Cup, we had to play Liverpool, Tottenham and then Manchester City in the final. It is easier to get to the final of the Champions League.

“But in the Europa League at this point you cannot expect anything easy, either. We have to try in both ways.”

?? SEMI-FINALS ??

Frankfurt v Chelsea
?? Thursday 2 May
?gbeng Thursday 9 May

Arsenal v Valencia
?gbeng Thursday 2 May
?? Thursday 9 May#UEL pic.twitter.com/OwSEj8wlCl

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 19, 2019

The ?Chelsea boss added: “People give the Champions League too much importance. Of course it is the most important competition for clubs, but now [in the knockout phase] it is one with straight elimination – the ball goes in off a post or out and you qualify or are eliminated.

“You need to play very well, but you need to be lucky in that competition. It’s clear it’s the most important competition for clubs in the world – but it’s a competition where you need to be lucky.”

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?Brighton will be hoping to bring an end to their poor run of form as they travel to north London to face Tottenham on Tuesday evening.

The Seagulls picked up an important point against Wolves on Saturday, but they also failed to score for the fifth consecutive game and remain perilously close to the relegation zone.

Here’s a look at how manager Chris Hughton could line up his side on Tuesday for the ?clash against Tottenham.

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Goalkeeper & Defenders

Matthew Ryan (GK) – ?Brighton’s number one is certain to keep his place in goal.

Martin Montoya (RB) – Montoya missed out against Wolves on Saturday, but he should be ready to return to the side on Tuesday.

Shane Duffy (CB) – Duffy has only missed three Premier League games so far this season – all of which were due to a red card suspension – so there’s no doubting that he’ll be in the starting XI once again.

Lewis Dunk (CB) – Dunk will line up alongside Duffy in central defence in what will no doubt be a very busy evening for the pair of them.

Bernardo (LB) – Bernardo made a 20 minute substitute appearance at right-back on Saturday, but he should be able to return to the starting XI in his preferred position this time around.

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Midfielders

Solly March (RM) – March played in a more advanced role out wide against Wolves, but he will be forced to track back more often to deal with the marauding runs of Danny Rose on Tuesday.

Beram Kayal (CM) – Davy Propper was forced off with an injury ten minutes into the draw against Wolves, which paves the way for Kayal to make a rare start in the league.

Dale Stephens (CM) – Stephens has started the previous nine league matches for Brighton and his work rate in the middle of the park will be essential if the Seagulls are to pick up anything against ?Spurs.

Jurgen Locadia (LM) – Goals are at a premium for Brighton right now, so Hughton needs to switch things up a little. Locadia could provide a different dimension to their attack and will be a threat from set pieces.

Pascal Gross (AM) – Gross’ job will be very important on Tuesday, as he’ll have to provide the link between the midfield and Glenn Murray, who could easily become isolated at the top of the pitch.

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Forward

Glenn Murray (ST) – Murray remains Brighton’s top scorer, but he’s failed to score in his previous five game, coinciding with the Seagull’s poor form in front of goal.

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?Barcelona have ruled out signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford this summer as they fear the cost of the deal would be far too expensive.

With the Blaugrana on the lookout for an alternative forward to Luis Suarez, Rashford is one of several names to be on their radar, and he is yet to agree on a new contract at Old Trafford.

However, ?Barcelona are now thought to be looking elsewhere, as ?The Express claim they have been priced out of a move for ?Rashford, who is valued by ?United at around £150m.

On top of that fee, Barcelona would likely have to offer Rashford a wage of around £200,000 per week, which would make him the joint fourth-highest earner at Camp Nou, level with Philippe Coutinho and behind just ?Suarez, ?Ousmane Dembele and ?Lionel Messi.

Any move for Rashford would be a hugely expensive one, and Barcelona now feel as though they could find a better deal for a different target, despite being thoroughly impressed by his performances against them in their ?Champions League quarter-final.

However, they will keep a close eye on the 21-year-old, who is said to be ?stalling on signing a new contract with United. His current deal expires in the summer of 2020, although the Red Devils have the option to extend it by a further year, just as they did with ?David de Gea.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not want to lose Rashford and sees him as an integral part of the club’s future, alongside both ?Paul Pogba and ?Anthony Martial. 

This season, the England international has racked up 13 goals and nine assists in all competitions, many of which came in the early weeks of Solskjaer’s reign at the club.

Operating as either a winger or central striker, Rashford has been one of United’s standout performers this season, and they will certainly be reluctant to part ways with one of England’s most exciting young players.

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