Police: Eloi Vasquez killed by car

<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> LOS ANGELES -- A Cal Golden Bears soccer player who disappeared after a weekend party was killed by a car as he ran across a Los Angeles freeway, police said Monday.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Eloi Vasquez, a 19-year-old freshman, died early Saturday on eastbound Interstate 10 about a mile from USC after he was seen leaving a fraternity party, the California Highway Patrol said.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> A woman said a man ran in front of her and she was unable to avoid hitting him, said Officer Edgar Figueroa, a CHP spokesman. The man was struck just east of Vermont Avenue. The investigation is ongoing.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Vasquez was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not carrying identification, which set off a missing persons search until the coroner could identify him.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Coroner's officials worked with the CHP and Los Angeles police, determining that the man struck on the freeway was likely Vasquez because of where he was found and his age, Figueroa said. But fingerprinting of the teenager did not immediately yield any matches to criminal or other databases, coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey said. He was ultimately identified via a fingerprint match with the Department of Motor Vehicles, but only after the spelling of his name was clarified.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Vasquez, who was on spring break in Los Angeles, had left the party to take a walk with no money and no wallet, family and police said.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> His mother, Wendy Margolin, said he later called a friend, telling her he was lost and in trouble.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Figueroa did not know whether Vasquez had alcohol or drugs in his system. Toxicology screens to detect substances usually take weeks to complete.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> The family had offered a $100,000 reward for information about his whereabouts.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> "Needless to say, we are heartbroken, we are devastated upon finding out this news," Wesley Mallette, associate athletic director at the Berkeley campus, said at a news conference.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> "Eloi Vasquez was a wonderful young man, a fantastic student-athlete, dedicated and devoted to everything he did."</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Vasquez's soccer teammates at Cal were informed of his death at a meeting that lasted more than an hour.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Vasquez had traveled with other teammates to Southern California for the break and was supposed to return Monday to resume the semester, coach Kevin Grimes said.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> "Eloi was a wonderful teammate. He was very close to all of his players," Grimes said. "Our guys are grieving pretty hard right now."</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Vasquez, a freshman midfielder, had hurt his knee during the year and was still recovering from surgery in December. He played in 12 games for Cal last season, recording three assists.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> His coach described him as one of the hardest workers on the team and said he always stayed after practice. His youth soccer coaches would have to change the lock on the equipment shed to ensure he didn't work too hard on his own, Grimes said.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> "When you combine his talent level with that mentality, it was a safe bet that he was headed to the MLS," Grimes said.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> The school's athletic department remembered Vasquez on Twitter:</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="View image on Twitter" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBYjtHCU8AAfTvP.jpg" /></div>

SOCCER Police: Eloi Vasquez killed by car

LOS ANGELES -- A Cal Golden Bears soccer player who disappeared after a weekend party was killed by a car as he ran across a Los Angeles fr...

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Radamel Falcao scores penalty in Colombia's victory; Qatar win again

<figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0330/soc_g_falcao_b1_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Radamel Falcao scored his third goal in two games to help Colombia defeat Kuwait.</figcaption></figure><div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Radamel Falcao went within one goal of <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Colombia</span>'s scoring record by netting a penalty on Monday to complete a <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/gamecast/418403/gamecast.html" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">3-1 victory</a> over <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Kuwait</span> in a friendly.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Abel Aguilar opened the scoring with a volley in the 22nd minute, but Mesaed Al Enzi equalised following a corner on the stroke of half-time.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> After the break, Edwin Cardona put Colombia ahead with a 30-yard blast, and Falcao, who also scored twice against Bahrain last week, drew a penalty on the edge of the box before converting the final goal.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Falcao's goal was his 24th goal for his country, one shy of the record held for 24 years by Arnoldo Iguaran.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Some outlets, including Falcao's club Manchester United, earlier reported that Falcao had matched the record, but a senior goal scored by Iguaran in the Copa America -- albeit with an under-23 Colombia squad -- gives him 25 goals.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Qatar</span> won their second friendly in a week, edging <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Slovenia</span> <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/gamecast/statistics/id/418436/statistics.html" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">1-0</a>.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Four days after the 2022 World Cup hosts defeated Algeria 1-0, they did the same to Slovenia, who qualified for the 2010 World Cup, thanks to Abdulkarim Fadlalla's goal a minute after half-time.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Australia</span> followed up their draw in Germany last week with another in<span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Macedonia</span>, this one <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/gamecast/416635/gamecast.html" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ending goalless</a>.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Australia controlled the majority of play but could not find a finishing touch in the final third as the hosts sat back.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Cameroon</span> rallied from two goals down to win 3-2 in <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Thailand</span>.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> After Prakit Deeporm and and own goal by Aurelien Chedjou had spotted the hosts a two-goal lead, Benjamin Moukandjo cut the deficit in half shortly before the break.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> A penalty from Clinton Njie followed, and Ngweni Ndasi Kadiang scored the winner in the 88th minute.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Algeria</span> scored in the second minute and defeated <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Oman</span> 4-1 on the back of two goals each from Ishak Belffdil and Sofiane Feghouli in a match in Qatar.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Belarus</span> and <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Gabon </span>played to a goalless draw in a European-African matchup.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Aristide Bance and Issoufou Dayo scored for <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Burkina Faso</span> in a 2-1 win in<span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Morocco</span>.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Saudi Arabia </span>striker Mohammad Al-Sahlawi scored two late goals, including a penalty in the 96th minute, to rally his side to a 2-1 win over <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Jordan</span>.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Bahrain </span>hung on for a 2-1 win over the <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Philippines </span>after first-half goals from set pieces by Faouzi Mubarak and Abdulla Yaser. Manny Ott's fine consolation goal was not enough for the visitors.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Raphael Maitimo and Cristian Gonzales scored in the second half to lift<span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Indonesia</span> to a 2-1 win over <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Myanmar</span>, Htan David netting a late equaliser for the visitors.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Orlando City rookie Cyle Larin scored his first goal for <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Canada</span>, who cruised to a 3-0 win in <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Puerto Rico</span>. Tosaint Ricketts and Randy Edwini-Bonsu also found the net in Canada's first win away from home since 2012.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Jamaica</span> did all their scoring in the first half as they defeated <span style="font-family: BentonSansBold;">Cuba</span> 3-0 with goals from Daniel Gordon, Romeo Parkes and Darren Mattocks.</div>

SOCCER Radamel Falcao scores penalty in Colombia's victory; Qatar win again

Radamel Falcao scored his third goal in two games to help Colombia defeat Kuwait. Radamel Falcao went within one goal of  Colombia 's s...

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Wayne Rooney warns Harry Kane against frustration vs. Italy

<div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Wayne Rooney has warned England striker Harry Kane that Italy's defenders will "do anything to try and stop you."</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Rooney had a hard time against Giorgio Chiellini during England's 2-1 World Cup defeat to Italy in Manaus last summer and on Tuesday the Juventus defender will be accompanied by Andrea Ranocchia and Leonardo Bonucci.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The <i>Azzurri </i>have conceded just four goals since the World Cup and Rooney feels Kane will face possibly his toughest test yet.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "With Italian defenders, especially the clever defenders, they'll do anything to try and stop you," Rooney said. "I think Italy's a passionate country. They love their football, they are probably the closest in Europe to South American teams.</div> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2014/0614/soc_g_rooney11_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Wayne Rooney and England lost 2-1 last summer.</figcaption></figure><div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "They're tough to play against, well-organised, they make it as difficult as they can for us. Italy are the best in Europe at doing that.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "You need to be aware of that and not get frustrated. At the minute what Harry is doing he needs to continue doing.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "He's taking the ball, he's a handful for defenders, he's running at the defenders and getting shots off at goal.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "That's all he has to do tomorrow. I'm sure if he does that the way he has been, he'll be fine."</div>

SOCCER Wayne Rooney warns Harry Kane against frustration vs. Italy

Wayne Rooney has warned England striker Harry Kane that Italy's defenders will "do anything to try and stop you." Rooney ha...

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Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge in fitness race to face Arsenal

<div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Liverpool will give Daniel Sturridge a chance to prove he can overcome a thigh injury and play in Saturday's Premier League match at Arsenal.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The club's medical staff have looked at the problem and feel that he could play against Arsenal, sources have told ESPN FC.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> However, he will not be risked if manager Brendan Rodgers feels that there is a danger of aggravating the injury.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Sturridge <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/england/story/2363871/daniel-sturridge-pulls-out-of-england-squad-because-of-injury" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">withdrew from the England squad</a> for matches against Lithuania and Italy after tearing a hip muscle.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The 25-year-old suffered the injury during Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League defeat at home to Manchester United on March 22.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> He reported at England's training camp the following day to be assessed, with scans showing the seriousness of the injury.</div> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0316/soc_g_sturridge01jr_B_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Daniel Sturridge could feature against Arsenal if there is no risk of further injury.</figcaption></figure><div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Rodgers' side go into the Arsenal game lying fifth in the Premier League, five points behind Manchester United in fourth, and six adrift of the Gunners in third.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Sturridge has been beset by injuries this season, beginning with a thigh problem suffered during an England training session on Sept. 5.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> He was close to a comeback when he then sustained a calf problem during a Liverpool practice session on Oct. 16, and a second thigh injury while training with his club on Nov. 18.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Those three injuries kept Sturridge out of action for almost five months, and he did not return until the Reds' Premier League home match against West Ham on Jan. 31, scoring in a 2-0 win.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Winger Raheem Sterling, meanwhile, will be available for the match against Arsenal despite a toe injury.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Sterling was <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/england/story/2369347/danny-welbeck-will-miss-england-friendly-vs-italy-raheem-sterling-excused-says-roy-hodgson" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">given permission to miss England's friendly</a> against Italy in Turin on Tuesday, having played as Lithuania were beaten 4-0 in a Euro 2016 qualifier at Wembley last Friday.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> But despite the toe injury, which has been troubling him in recent weeks, the 20-year-old is set to train as normal with his club this week.</div>

SOCCER Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge in fitness race to face Arsenal

Liverpool will give Daniel Sturridge a chance to prove he can overcome a thigh injury and play in Saturday's Premier League match at Ar...

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Agent of PSV star Memphis Depay denies contact with Manchester United

<h1 style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'kern' 1, 'liga' 1, 'case' 1; -webkit-transition: color 0.2s; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSansBold, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 44px; margin: 30px 0px; transition: color 0.2s;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0302/fc-depay-jd-1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /></span></h1> <div class="body full" style="color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> <div class="above-fold"> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Recent reports indicate talented winger Memphis Depay will be one of Louis van Gaal's top targets this summer.</figcaption></figure><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The agent of Dutch international midfielder Memphis Depay has dismissed reports that talks have already taken place ahead of the PSV Eindhoven star making a lucrative move to Manchester United this summer.</div> <div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Depay has been rumoured to be a target for the Old Trafford club since Louis van Gaal arrived as the United manager last summer, with his long-standing admiration for the talented winger cemented as the 21-year-old made a mark in the team he led to a third-place finish in last summer's World Cup finals.</div> <div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Fresh reports emerged on Monday in England's <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/11505411/Manchester-United-transfer-news-Louis-van-Gaal-wants-Holland-and-PSV-star-Memphis-Depay-to-lift-attack.html" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;">Daily Telegraph newspaper suggesting Depay will be a top target for Van Gaal and United</a> in the upcoming transfer window, but his adviser Kees Ploegsma has told Danish publication PLBOLD that no contact has been made with the Premier League club.</div> <div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "No, there has been a lot of rumors, but he still has a contract with PSV, so for now he is in Eindhoven," <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/memphis-depay-no-contact-manchester-5429989" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;">he is reported to have said, in comments appearing in the Daily Mirror</a>. "We have not been in contact with any clubs.</div> <div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "They [Depay and Van Gaal] had good contact during the World Cup, but since then there has been no contact."</div> <div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Ploegsma may have inadvertently helped to fuel suggestions that Depay will be making a move this summer as his comments appear to be lacking a little conviction that his player will stay in Holland, while PSV boss Philip Cocu has already gone public in his belief that his star turn will be leaving the club at the end of this season.</div> <div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph is reporting that Van Gaal is planning another overhaul of his squad next summer as he looks to move the club back into trophy contention, with four new faces tipped to arrive at the club for a campaign that they will be hoping includes a return to the Champions League.</div> <div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> United get a chance to cement their five point lead over fourth placed Liverpool when they entertain Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Brendan Rodgers Reds facing a tough trip to take on Arsenal on the same day.</div> </div> </div>

SOCCER Agent of PSV star Memphis Depay denies contact with Manchester United

Recent reports indicate talented winger Memphis Depay will be one of Louis van Gaal's top targets this summer. The agent of Dutch i...

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Man United boss Louis Van Gaal insists he's 'flexible' and not a dicator

<div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Louis van Gaal is adamant he is no dictator -- as Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney described his manager as a nice guy.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The 63-year-old has a reputation as an autocrat but Van Gaal insists he is flexible in both his footballing and his private life.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> And the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager said he will change his methods and his approach if his coaching staff or his players ask him to.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "I am a very flexible man," he <a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Club-News/2015/Mar/louis-van-gaal-documentary-on-mutv-monday-30-march.aspx" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">told MUTV</a>. "[People] are always thinking I am a boss, maybe a dictator. I am not like that. I am a very flexible man. My wife does know that."</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Van Gaal has won league titles in three other countries and took Netherlands to the third place in the World Cup but said he is determined to do things differently at Old Trafford.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "You have to evaluate and adapt to the culture of the club," he explained. "The way I work here with Manchester United is different to the way I worked with Bayern Munich or the Dutch national team.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "There are lot of aspects in my philosophy I shall stick to but a lot I shall change and it can only change because of the members of my staff or my players. They can change my thoughts. We have to wait and see how many aspects I have changed after one year."</div> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0316/soc_g_vanGaal_d1_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Louis van Gaal says there is nothing firm behind his reputation as a 'dictator.'</figcaption></figure><div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Van Gaal said he was persuaded to stay on as AZ Alkmaar manager in 2008 when he wanted to resign, leading to him winning the Dutch title and then getting the Bayern job.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "In my four years [there], were the first year second, the second year second, in the third year 13th and I wanted to go away," he said. "The players came to my house and asked me to stay and then the next year we were champions."</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> While Van Gaal has been accused of arrogance, Rooney has found him a pleasant person who is willing to listen.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "He is very approachable," he explained. "He always says to his players you can go and talk to him, whether it is about football or other things.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "He is 100 percent serious when it comes to training but if you are speaking to him about other things, he is a genuinely nice guy. He is someone that as a player, you can trust."</div>

SOCCER Man United boss Louis Van Gaal insists he's 'flexible' and not a dicator

Louis van Gaal is adamant he is no dictator -- as Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney described his manager as a nice guy. The 63-year...

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Luis Suarez says he'd only play for Liverpool in a Premier League return

<div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Luis Suarez graced the Anfield turf again on Sunday and vowed that if he ever returned to England, it would only be to play for Liverpool.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The Uruguayan forward was back on his old ground for the first time since his summer move to Barcelona to <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/liverpool/story/2371478/luis-suarez-returns-to-anfield-for-first-time-for-liverpool-charity-game" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">play a part in the Liverpool FC Foundation All-Star charity</a> match between teams picked by Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> He came on as a half-time substitute alongside another ex-Reds hero Fernando Torres, with the two delaying their entrance before being met with huge cheers from those in attendance.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Suarez had an impact too, winning a penalty off Carragher moments after nutmegging him, and Gerrard netted that spot-kick to go with his earlier 12-yard conversion in a game which finished 2-2.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The 28-year-old led the lap of honour with Liverpool's club captain after the match and told LFCTV that were he to return to the Premier League, Anfield would be his only destination.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "You never know in football what the future holds, but if I ever play in England again I will play for the Liverpool team and not another team," he said.</div> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0329/fc_char_dj_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Luis Suarez received a rousing ovation from the Liverpool fans upon his return for a charity match at Anfield.</figcaption></figure><div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> It was no surprise to see Suarez receive such adulation from the Reds faithful after a goal-laden three-and-a-half-year spell with the club. While he is forging his own reputation in Barcelona now, he still fondly remembers his spell in England.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "I've missed the fans," added Suarez, who scored the winner in <i>El Clasico</i>against Real Madrid seven days ago.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "The atmosphere is unbelievable, it's amazing. Everyone who's played for Liverpool knows how important the supporters are. They know they are in my heart."</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Torres himself may have been more taken aback by the positive reception he received, though, after initially souring his relationship with Liverpool fans when he left for Chelsea in 2011.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> However, any fears he may have had about supporters still holding a grudge were allayed when his name was read out to cheers before the game and the Spaniard's name was chanted by the Kop in the second half.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "It was very emotional, I didn't know how to react," he added on LiverpoolFC.com.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "I wasn't expecting them to sing the song.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "I still remember the great games we had here at Anfield in the Champions League, in the league and fighting for trophies. I have the song in my head, it was so important for me.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "Those three-and-a-half years changed my entire life and career. I remember the song from the Kop in important games. To hear that once again is something I will never, ever forget."</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Carragher's team had gone two goals ahead through Mario Balotelli and Chelsea's Didier Drogba before Gerrard, playing on the same ground where he earned his rapid dismissal against Manchester United a week ago, slotted home the two spot-kicks to ensure a draw</div>

SOCCER Luis Suarez says he'd only play for Liverpool in a Premier League return

Luis Suarez graced the Anfield turf again on Sunday and vowed that if he ever returned to England, it would only be to play for Liverpool. ...

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Neymar not planning on Premier League transfer like Alexis Sanchez

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0329/fc_brachi5_dj_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" /><br /> <br /> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Neymar was in action for Brazil against Chile on Sunday.</figcaption></figure><div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Barcelona forward Neymar has said he has no current plans to follow Alexis Sanchez to the Premier League.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Neymar, 23, signed for Barcelona from Santos in 2013 and has formed an impressive understanding with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez up front.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The forward was in England at Emirates Stadium on Sunday for <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/international-friendly/match/414250/brazil-chile/report" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Brazil's 1-0 win over Sanchez's Chile</a>, and Neymar was asked about the possibility of a move away from La Liga.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3018071/Barcelona-star-Neymar-enjoys-playing-against-big-friend-Alexis-Sanchez-no-intention-moving-Premier-League.html" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Neymar said</a>: "As for playing in England myself, I'm very happy playing for Barcelona and I still have a long road to walk here."</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> In June last year, <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/story/1918704/pele-told-santos-striker-neymar-to-turn-back-on-chelsea" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Neymar revealed</a> in his book, "Neymar: My Story," how Pele helped persuade him to turn down a move to Chelsea and stay with Santos.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> And in 2010, then-Brazil coach <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/story/815276/brazil-boss-tells-neymar-to-turn-down-chelsea-chance" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Mano Menezes cautioned</a> Neymar against joining Chelsea, saying the teenager would benefit from continuing his education with Santos.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Sanchez was teammates with Neymar at Camp Nou until he signed for Arsenal last summer.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "Alexis is a big friend," Neymar added, "and someone who I had the privilege of playing with at Barcelona. We used to get along very well on and off the field, so I'm very happy to see him so well at Arsenal."</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Sanchez echoed Neymar's sentiments by expressing his admiration for the Brazil international, who has scored 17 La Liga goals for Barca this season.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "Neymar raised everyone's spirits as he is a very joyful person," Sanchez said. "I hope he never changes.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "His happiness is contagious and that's something I really like. Regarding his quality, I cannot come up with something new. Everybody knows how good he is.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "He dares to so some stuff with the ball no one would dare to that. That's the beauty of football."</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Meanwhile, French newspaper Le Parisien <a href="http://as.com/diarioas/2015/03/31/english/1427783146_104818.html" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">reports</a> that Paris Saint-Germain are considering making an approach for Neymar next summer, with a view to replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose contract expires in 2016.</div>

SOCCER Neymar not planning on Premier League transfer like Alexis Sanchez

Neymar was in action for Brazil against Chile on Sunday. Barcelona forward Neymar has said he has no current plans to follow Alexis Sanch...

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Daley Blind: Spain will be out for revenge against Netherlands

<div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Daley Blind believes Spain will be seeking revenge for their World Cup thrashing when they meet Netherlands on Tuesday.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Vicente del Bosque's side arrived in Brazil last summer as reigning champions but suffered their heaviest defeat since 1963 as they lost their first group game 5-1 to a Netherlands team including Manchester United's Blind.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Spain were eliminated in the group stage, while Louis van Gaal's Dutch team went on to finish third.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The sides face each other again in a friendly in Amsterdam, and Blind expects the heavy defeat last June to motivate Spain.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "I think so -- I would have some revenge feelings if I lost against a team too," he told MUTV. "That wouldn't only be after a game at the World Cup, though.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "If you lose against any team, you always want to win the next time you play them. So I think they will have those feelings."</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Blind set up Robin van Persie's spectacular equaliser in Brazil with a long pass that the Netherlands captain met with a superb diving header.</div> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><img alt="Robin van Persie's flying header versus Spain is one of the several standout moments at the World Cup thus far." src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2014/0613/soc_g_persie01jr_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" title="Robin van Persie's flying header versus Spain is one of the several standout moments at the World Cup thus far." width="738" /><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Robin van Persie's header was on of the FIFA goals of the year.</figcaption></figure><div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The injured Van Persie will miss the game but Blind could come up against United teammate David de Gea, who he thinks is one of the outstanding goalkeepers in the game.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "David is doing a great job here this season," the former Ajax player added. "He's one of the best keepers in the world at the moment.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "We're very happy that he's in goal, and he has made some great saves. All the credit goes to him. He works very hard and is getting better all the time.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "His shot-stopping is one of his best skills, but you also have to look at how he plays [with his feet] and how he comes for crosses -- the way he has improved that is very impressive.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "He has got better in every way. The skills when he is saving goals and also the skills with his feet: they make him an all-round keeper and that's one of the best things about him."</div>

SOCCER Daley Blind: Spain will be out for revenge against Netherlands

Daley Blind believes Spain will be seeking revenge for their World Cup thrashing when they meet Netherlands on Tuesday. Vicente del Bosqu...

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Carlo Ancelotti's success in Europe tainted by lack of domestic titles

<h1 style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'kern' 1, 'liga' 1, 'case' 1; -webkit-transition: color 0.2s; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSansBold, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 36px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 44px; margin: 30px 0px; transition: color 0.2s;"> <img alt="Real Madrid's Champions League title last May was Carlo Ancelotti's third as a manager." src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0214/soc_a_carl33_cr_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" title="Real Madrid's Champions League title last May was Carlo Ancelotti's third as a manager." width="738" /></h1> <div class="body full" style="color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> <div class="above-fold"> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Real Madrid's Champions League title last May was Carlo Ancelotti's third as a manager.</figcaption></figure><div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> It wasn't exactly a new scenario for Carlo Ancelotti, so he pointed to an old excuse. Real Madrid had just been beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in the latest Clasico, leaving the Italian again looking up at another leader in a title race, and he duly deflected by pointing to the quality of the display and competitions beyond the domestic front.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "We are disappointed, but it is better to have better feeling in the way we played," <a href="http://www.espnfc.com/real-madrid/story/2362668/carlo-ancelotti-says-luis-suarezs-goal-changed-the-clasico-then-hailed-complete-ronaldo" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ancelotti said</a>. "We can have more confidence in the future games in the league and the Champions League."</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> He can certainly have confidence in regards to the latter. Ancelotti has famously won the joint highest number of Champions Leagues, with three alongside former Liverpool boss Bob Paisley, and clearly has a knack for continental competition. But in regards to the domestic league, it's a lot more complicated, and shouldn't inspire the same confidence.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> It's actually one of the game's great contradictions. How can a manager with such a historic record in Europe have such an average record in regards to league titles?</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Despite spending 18 consecutive years at the continent's wealthiest clubs, Ancelotti only has three domestic medals. In Italy, he was often described rather disparagingly as a "perpetual runner-up", but that is only half the story. In half of those 18 years, he has actually finished third or lower in the league. It is barely even a 'good' record given the clubs he's been at, who should always expect to be at least competing. It is about par.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> For context, compare that to his most successful peers, the type of managers that winning three Champions League titles should put you alongside.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Paisley won the league with Liverpool six times in nine years, and finished second twice. Ferguson won 13 titles in 27 years at Manchester United, and was runner-up on another seven occasions. Jose Mourinho has meanwhile won seven titles in 11 seasons at such competitive clubs, and only finished lower than second once -- last season.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> For all the obvious prestige of the Champions League, these types of records display the relentlessness that really separates the elite managers, that hard-edged competitive baseline. These are qualities that Ancelotti doesn't seem possess, even if he does possess all those European medals.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The issue is almost the difference in competitions. The fact that it is a cup competition means it is far more open to blind luck and all the one-off nuances that knock-up football involves, although a canny coach can roll the dice and surf those idiosyncrasies. Ancelotti has often managed that, but leagues just aren't open to fortune in the same way. They tend to reflect reality much more, whether that is rewarding the wealthiest team or the best manager.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> As Bayern Munich's Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on appointing Pep Guardiola in the summer of 2013, "The Champions League is a competition where there are no guarantees and the things you take for granted in domestic football don't always work."</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Whereas managers like Guardiola and Mourinho have succeeded Ferguson as the closest to a sure thing in football, Ancelotti offers none of those guarantees.</div> <figure class="video" style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><div class="video-placeholder videoplayer loaded" data-start-on-click="1" data-video-id="2369343" data-video-index="0" style="position: relative;"> <div class="video-placeholder-content"> <div class="picture" style="background: url(http://a1.espncdn.com/prod/assets/espnfc/asteroids/desktop/espnfc-logo.png) 50% 50% / 75% no-repeat rgb(221, 221, 221); position: relative;"> <img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/media/motion/ESPNi/2015/0327/int_150327_FC_casillas_discussion/int_150327_FC_casillas_discussion.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; height: 361.6875px; left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px; z-index: 98;" width="738" /><div id="video-2369343-0"> </div> </div> </div> <figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">The ESPN FC crew react to reports suggesting Spain international and Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas is in talks to leave the club.</figcaption></div> </figure><div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> His teams are oddly undependable. Just look at his big-game record, which Spanish newspaper AS <a href="http://as.com/diarioas/2015/03/23/english/1427134849_391731.html" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Spain's Diario As raised in the aftermath</a> of the latest Clasico defeat. For a man who the big teams turn to when they need a safe pair of hands, Ancelotti hasn't exactly turned over their main opposition much: In 71 league games against other top-four teams, he has won 26, drawn 17 and lost 28.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Along the same lines, his famous Champions League collapses with Milan against Deportivo la Coruna and Liverpool have parallels with some poor finishes to league campaigns. You only have to look at the way Real Madrid fell away last season.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Ancelotti has also himself admitted that it was a bad domestic title race that actually helped him win his first Champions League, with Milan in 2002-03.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "We had lost our determination in Serie A, so our focus was now on the European Cup," he wrote in his autobiography. That book was jokingly -- but also accurately -- titled 'I prefer Cups'.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> He certainly isn't an autocrat with the same aggressive arrogance as Ferguson or Mourinho. The Italian simply sees life, and the game, in a different way. It is probably the reason that makes Ancelotti such an adept knock-out round coach -- not to mention a very likeable man -- and also makes him a relatively average title-race manager.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Consider Paolo Maldini's description of the type of coach he is in a dressing room: "Carletto remains what he has always been: an unparalleled comedian. He managed to crack jokes before the Champions League final. He talks about roast dinners, he cocks an eyebrow, and we go on to win, because we are relaxed."</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The vast majority of those in the game say this is often the best approach to big one-off games, because the problem is usually that the top players are over-motivated. In that case, Ancelotti is perfect. It is not perfect, however, for maintaining that hardness and intensity throughout a season.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "Out of all the locker-room management techniques I've witnessed, his is definitely the least problematic," Maldini elaborated. "He holds in all his own worries and pressures, and so the team preserves its tranquility."</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> That is essentially the opposite of the likes of Ferguson, Guardiola and Mourinho, who have always instilled a competitive intensity, a real hardness. The difference tends to tell when the margins are slimmest.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> It means there is a significant gap between their league records and that of Ancelotti. None of this is to say the Italian is not a good manager. His Champions League record means he will go down in history. It does not, however, necessarily mean he is one of the best coaches in history.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> To change that, he needs to change his league record in the future.</div> </div> </div>

SOCCER Carlo Ancelotti's success in Europe tainted by lack of domestic titles

Real Madrid's Champions League title last May was Carlo Ancelotti's third as a manager. It wasn't exactly a new scenario fo...

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Southampton's Ryan Bertrand added to England squad for Italy friendly

<h1 style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'kern' 1, 'liga' 1, 'case' 1; -webkit-transition: color 0.2s; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSansBold, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 36px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 44px; margin: 30px 0px; transition: color 0.2s;"> <img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/media/motion/ESPNi/2015/0327/int_150327_FC_SEGMENT_ENGLAND_V_LITHUANIA_DISCUSSION/int_150327_FC_SEGMENT_ENGLAND_V_LITHUANIA_DISCUSSION.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; display: block; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; height: 361.6875px; left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px; z-index: 98;" width="738" /></h1> <div class="body full" style="color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> <div class="above-fold"> <figure class="video" style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><div class="video-placeholder videoplayer loaded" data-start-on-click="1" data-video-id="2369352" data-video-index="0" style="position: relative;"> <div class="video-placeholder-content"> <div class="picture" style="background: url(http://a1.espncdn.com/prod/assets/espnfc/asteroids/desktop/espnfc-logo.png) 50% 50% / 75% no-repeat rgb(221, 221, 221); position: relative;"> <div id="video-2369352-0"> </div> </div> </div> <figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">The ESPN FC crew react to England's solid performance against Lithuania at Wembley Stadium and whether it will continue.</figcaption></div> </figure><div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> England manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand has been called into his squad for the friendly against Italy in Turin on Tuesday.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> While former Chelsea left-back Bertrand is added to the squad, Leighton Baines, James Milner, <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/international/story/2369347/danny-welbeck-will-miss-england-friendly-vs-italy-raheem-sterling-excused-says-roy-hodgson" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Raheem Sterling and Danny Welbeck</a>, will not be in the party to face the Italians.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Liverpool's Sterling, Manchester City's Milner and Arsenal striker Welbeck have returned because of injuries, while Baines returns to Merseyside in a move planned before Friday's 4-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Lithuania at Wembley.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "We knew we were going to be losing Raheem Sterling, who had an injection last night on an ongoing injury and hopefully that will help him as we go forward," <a href="http://www.thefa.com/news/england/2015/mar/ryan-bertrand-called-up-for-italy-trip" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hodgson told the Football Association's official website</a>.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "We have a problem with James Milner who had to leave, we decided to let Leighton Baines go home and of course we lost Danny Welbeck, who unfortunately picked up a slight knee injury [in the Lithuania game].</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "So those four players won't be with us going forward, but it means a chance for the other guys in the squad to show what they can do.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "We are going to bring Ryan Bertrand in because, with Leighton Baines gone, we are now left with only one recognised left-back, Kieran Gibbs, and we wanted two recognised left-backs for both games."</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Sterling, who had an injection in a toe, said he hoped to be fit for next weekend's Premier League match against Arsenal.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The Press Association reported the 20-year-old, who scored his first senior England goal against Lithuania, as saying: "It had been pre-agreed with the FA and obviously my club to get an injection after the game.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "I will receive some treatment back at the club and go from there. Hopefully I will be okay for the Arsenal game."</div> </div> </div>

SOCCER Southampton's Ryan Bertrand added to England squad for Italy friendly

The ESPN FC crew react to England's solid performance against Lithuania at Wembley Stadium and whether it will continue. En...

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Vincent Kompany hits back at 'predictable' Man City critics

<h1 style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'kern' 1, 'liga' 1, 'case' 1; -webkit-transition: color 0.2s; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSansBold, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 36px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 44px; margin: 30px 0px; transition: color 0.2s;"> <img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/media/motion/ESPNi/2015/0321/int_150321_fc_pellegrini_sound/int_150321_fc_pellegrini_sound.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; display: block; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; height: 361.6875px; left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px; z-index: 98;" width="738" /></h1> <div class="body full" style="color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> <div class="above-fold"> <figure class="video" style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><div class="video-placeholder videoplayer loaded" data-start-on-click="1" data-video-id="2360170" data-video-index="0" style="position: relative;"> <div class="video-placeholder-content"> <div class="picture" style="background: url(http://a1.espncdn.com/prod/assets/espnfc/asteroids/desktop/espnfc-logo.png) 50% 50% / 75% no-repeat rgb(221, 221, 221); position: relative;"> <div id="video-2360170-0"> </div> </div> </div> <figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini speaks after his team's 3-0 victory over West Brom</figcaption></div> </figure><div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany has insisted that he does not listen to the club's critics.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> City look increasingly likely to relinquish their Premier League crown to Chelsea -- they are six points behind and have played a game more -- and face a trophyless season after being knocked out of three cup competitions.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> But Belgium international Kompany said he pays no attention to those questioning City's campaign as pressure on boss Manuel Pellegrini mounts.</div> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0318/fc_barcamcfc7_dj_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">City look set for a season without a trophy.</figcaption></figure><div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> He <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/6387767/Vin-blast-at-critics.html" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">told The Sun</a>:  "If you win you are a winner, but if you lose comes criticism. That really does not do anything to me -- it is so predictable.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "Everything just depends on the results that you get as a team.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "Football is a collective sport, and we just have to make sure at City we win a few games in a row again."</div> </div> </div>

SOCCER Vincent Kompany hits back at 'predictable' Man City critics

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini speaks after his team's 3-0 victory over West Brom Manchester City skipper Vincent K...

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Barcelona lose Jordi Alba for 10 days with hamstring injury

<div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Barcelona defender Jordi Alba will be out for around 10 days after suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Alba, 26, will miss the La Liga trip to Celta Vigo next Saturday and is also doubtful for the home game against Almeria three days later.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The defender was forced off during Spain's 1-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Ukraine on Friday.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> A statement <a href="http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/jordi-alba-out-for-ten-days" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">on Barcelona's official website</a> read: "Tests performed by the FC Barcelona medical services on Saturday morning revealed that Jordi Alba has a grade 1 injury to the adductor muscle in his right leg.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "This hamstring injury means he'll be out of action for approximately 10 days.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "He was substituted in the 76th minute after feeling pain during a run down the left wing."</div>

SOCCER Barcelona lose Jordi Alba for 10 days with hamstring injury

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba will be out for around 10 days after suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty. Alba, 26, wi...

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Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio 'back in days, not months'

<div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Juventus have confirmed that midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who on Friday was <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/juventus/story/2367998/juventus-star-claudio-marchisio-out-for-six-months-with-cruciate-ligament-injury" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ruled out for between six and eight months</a> after tearing anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) in training with Italy, could instead be back in action within days.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Further tests on the the 29-year-old's injured knee revealed that he had not, as initially feared, torn his ACL.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Marchisio was sent back to Turin on Friday after national team doctor Enrico Castellacci diagnosed that he had partially torn ligaments when spraining his knee.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Juventus ordered further tests to be carried out -- and they found that Marchisio could even be back for the Serie A game against Empoli on April 4.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "After returning from international duty on Friday afternoon, Claudio Marchisio underwent medical examinations conducted by Juventus club doctors and Dr Flavio Quaglia," <a href="http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/marchisio+medical+update+2703" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">a statement on the club's official website said</a>.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "The 29-year-old then underwent an MRI scan on his right knee this evening. The tests ruled positive, excluding the possibility of a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "Marchisio will now rest, and his condition is to be monitored on a day-to-day basis."</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Reports in Italy have suggested that Marchisio could be back in full training after only a few days -- a huge boost to coach Massimiliano Allegri, who is<a href="http://www.espnfc.us/uefa-champions-league/story/2356942/juventus-paul-pogba-has-torn-hamstringwill-miss-up-to-two-months" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">without Paul Pogba for two months</a> and awaiting <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/juventus/story/2318171/juventus-andrea-pirlo-out-three-weeks-with-ankle-injury" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Andrea Pirlo's comeback from injury</a>.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Meanwhile, Castellacci -- who has <a href="http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/27-03-2015/rete-adesso-sfotte-castellacci-ma-medico-topo-gigio-110261062323.shtml" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">become the butt of jokes on the internet</a> -- was <a href="http://www.football-italia.net/64444/italy-medics-explain-marchisio-chaos" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">quoted by Football Italia</a> as saying: "I spoke to my colleagues in Turin, explained what happened and organised to send the lad straight to the club for further tests.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "Juve gave me the all-clear to make the diagnosis public. That night, I contacted the Juve medics again. Now there are two contrasting test results.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> "Naturally, I'd be very happy if the later test was confirmed. These are the facts."</div>

SOCCER Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio 'back in days, not months'

Juventus have confirmed that midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who on Friday was  ruled out for between six and eight months  after tearing ant...

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Harry Kane's stunning season continues and Spurs must back him up

<figure class="video" style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><div class="video-placeholder videoplayer loaded" data-start-on-click="1" data-video-id="2369380" data-video-index="0" style="position: relative;"> <figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;"><span style="font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px;">On Friday night, "Roy of the Rovers" was at it again. Just 78 seconds into his England debut against Lithuania on Friday night, Harry Kane scored his first international goal with a far-post header. Almost exactly a week earlier, the Spurs striker had scored his first Premier League hat trick in the 4-3 home win against Leicester. At times like this, the game must feel ridiculous for him.</span></figcaption></div> </figure><div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Tottenham have been a three-man band all season. Without the efforts of Hugo Lloris, Christian Eriksen and Kane, the club would most likely be in the bottom half of the division and the supporters in near-open revolt.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Some of the team's performances have been relentlessly abject, others just relentlessly mediocre with crucial points gained in the dying minutes through moments of individual brilliance at both ends of the pitch from Spurs' three stars. Only in <i>two</i> games -- the home wins against Chelsea and Arsenal -- have Spurs played with the expected levels of desire, skill and pace over the full 90 minutes. Many fans are already ruing the prospect of another Europa League qualification; what we all too often forget is how close it has been to being so much worse.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Even in his elite group of three, Kane still stands head and shoulders above Lloris and Eriksen with regard to what he has brought to the club this season. It's partly a matter of expectations; Lloris and Eriksen were proven internationals while Kane appeared to arrive as if from nowhere.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Fans often like to talk about how they spotted certain players at the club on the way up and that they always knew they had what it took to become world-class. None of the supporters who sit anywhere near me, nor any of those who regularly contributed to the many prominent club blogs, spotted anything special about Kane in his few performances for the club over the previous seasons.</div> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0327/uk_HarryKane_rb_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Harry Kane's stunning season shows no sign of stopping, but what matters now is Spurs backing him up.</figcaption></figure><div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Kane looked indistinguishable from any number of other hard-working, tall English centre-forwards whose careers have stalled in the country's top division. He lacked the 10 percent edge in pace, touch and positioning that separate the very best from the also-rans. In truth, it seemed very much as if that was the way the club saw him, too. He had enough about him not to be sold, but not enough to be guaranteed regular first-team action. Prior to this season, Kane spent most of his Spurs career out on loan.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Much the same looked to be in store for Kane again this season. Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado were expected to be Mauricio Pochettino's first-choice forwards, with Kane having to settle for the occasional cup game or appearance from the subs' bench. The rest is ...</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Adebayor got ill with malaria in preseason and for reasons that haven't totally been explained, he's not looked like a Premier League footballer since. Soldado meanwhile has gone from bad to worse, his confidence now so badly shot that a move away is the only humane option. Kane only became the first-choice striker in October because Pochettino was out of any other options. Kane was the "least worst option." He at least looked as if he wanted to play.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> What has happened since must be as pleasingly baffling to Kane as it is to everyone else at White Hart Lane. Putting his success down to playing with a renewed confidence only takes you so far; the 21-year-old also seems to have gained in pace and touch.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> One piece of control in his brief outing against Lithuania was just breathtaking. Receiving a high through-ball over his left shoulder, he feathered the ball with his left foot without breaking stride to set up a chance for Theo Walcott. Sergio Aguero or Lionel Messi couldn't have done that any better.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Then there are his goals. There's no getting round it; Kane's goals have saved Spurs' season and the club need to think about ways of rewarding him. Not with money (Daniel Levy has already extended his contract), but by building a team around him. By giving him players that will give him the best chance to replicate that success in future seasons. Levy needs to be prepared to take some financial hits in the summer: it is a false economy hoping to recoup the outlay and running costs of players such as Erik Lamela, Paulinho, Soldado and Adebayor. Buying the players that Pochettino wants has to be the priority.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> It could just be that Kane is having a golden season, one that will never be repeated. If so, we should enjoy it while we can. But Kane looks to be more than that. He looks to be the real deal. And the worst thing that could happen then would be to see him move to a club like Real Madrid, as Gareth Bale did, at the end of next season.</div>

SOCCER Harry Kane's stunning season continues and Spurs must back him up

On Friday night, "Roy of the Rovers" was at it again. Just 78 seconds into his England debut against Lithuania on Friday night, H...

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Beyond United and City, Greater Manchester is the mecca of football

<h1 style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'kern' 1, 'liga' 1, 'case' 1; -webkit-transition: color 0.2s; color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSansBold, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 36px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 44px; margin: 30px 0px; transition: color 0.2s;"> <img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0327/soc_g_old_trafford_d1_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /></h1> <div class="body full" style="color: #282a2f; font-family: BentonSans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> <div class="above-fold"> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Manchester averages more than 122,000 spectators between Manchester United's Old Trafford, pictured, and Manchester City's Etihad.</figcaption></figure><div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Manchester United and Manchester City may dominate, but there are eight professional football teams in Greater Manchester. Britain's second-biggest conurbation, of 2.5 million, is a football city that also boasts numerous semi-professional sides playing to average home crowds as high as the 2,000 that attend the games of FC United of Manchester, the breakaway club that formed after the Glazer takeover of Manchester United in 2005. They're about to move into their own new, £6.3 million, 5,000-seat capacity stadium in north Manchester, £2 million of which was raised by supporters.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> FC United started the season playing at the home of Stalybridge Celtic, a founding member of England's third division in 1921 and now of the sixth tier, with a squad of young professionals. Now they're based at Curzon Ashton's modern stadium, built a decade ago to hold 5,000.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Nearby, Manchester City have built a new 7,000-seat stadium for their reserve team. City used to play their reserve games at Hyde's impressive ground, which was hosting fifth level football until last season.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> You don't have to travel far to find a football team in Manchester. On Tuesday night, the players of Oldham Athletic returned to their dressing room buzzing because they'd just beaten neighbours Rochdale 3-0. Oldham had won the away game in November when 3,200 of their fans travelled to Rochdale. More than 1,200 fans from Rochdale, who are enjoying one of their greatest ever seasons, made the return journey. If you want a comparison, Rochdale's following was four times as big as Real Madrid's at Camp Nou on Sunday.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Football matters more in Manchester than other cities as more fans attend games in person than in any other city. United are the second-best-supported club in the world this season and sell out Old Trafford to its 75,000 capacity for almost every game. City average 47,000, the 14th-highest in Europe. That is set to rise when a new stand boosts their capacity to 53,000 next season. There's not a city in the world whose big two clubs attract so many fans, not even Madrid, in second.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Manchester's average of 122,287 (United 75,207, City 47,080) for home league games puts the city ahead of second-placed Madrid with 117,500 (Real Madrid average 70,754, Atletico 46,746) and Barcelona's 97,428 (Barca 73,689, Espanyol 19,739).</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> And what of the other great footballing cities with two clubs? Manchester leaves them all trailing.</div> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2015/0327/soc_g_spotland_mb_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Third-division side AFC Rochdale's Spotland Stadium has averaged more than 3,800 spectators this season.</figcaption></figure><div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Milan's big two attract 86,967 (Inter 47,250, AC Milan 39,717), Turin's 55,175 (Juventus 37,944, Torino 17,232) and Rome's giants get a combined average attendance of 69,109 (AS Roma 39,664, Lazio 29,445).</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> German average attendances are the highest in the world at the top level, but the two main Berlin clubs muster 72,206 (Hertha 52,351, Union 19,855). In Munich it's 89,573 (Bayern 71,015, TSV 1860 Munich 18,558) and in Hamburg 80,222 (Hamburger SV 51,890, St Pauli 28,332).</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> France is largely a country in which each major city has a big club and several smaller ones, the same in the Netherlands. In Lisbon, Portugal, the big two average a total of just over 50,000. In Glasgow, it's 90,483 (Celtic 47,172, Rangers 43,311), in Istanbul the big three -- for it is three -- get a combined total of 119,257 (Besiktas 44,782, Fenerbahce 38,944, Galatasaray 35,531).</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> And Greater Manchester isn't restricted to United and City. Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers and Bury make up the professional teams. Within an hour's car journey from Manchester, you'll find Everton, Liverpool, Tranmere, Chester, Wrexham, Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Blackpool, Accrington Stanley, Preston North End, Fleetwood, Leeds United, Bradford City, Huddersfield Town, Crewe Alexandra, Stoke City, Morecambe, Macclesfield Town and Port Vale.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> There's not an area in world football with so many professional football clubs in such proximity.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> With the top-flight teams not playing this weekend due to international football, attention will switch to the smaller clubs. Top of the Northern Premier League table, FC United are expecting a crowd of more than 2,500 for their game against Stourbridge.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Greater Manchester has a rich seam of semi-professional, non-league clubs. Altrincham are the highest, with average crowds of 1,200 in England's fifth level. No former Football League side has fallen as far and remained intact like Stockport County, but the Hatters still average 2,600 for home games. That's in England's sixth level. There are teams in Spain's second levels with smaller crowds than Stockport. Hyde and Stalybridge play in the same division, then there's FC United, Trafford, Ashton United, Curzon Ashton and Ramsbottom in the seventh level. Droylsden, Mossley, Radcliffe and Salford City, who are owned by the Class of '92 group of former Manchester United players (Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Gary and Phil Neville), compete in the league below -- the eighth level.</div> <figure style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.25s; margin: 44px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; transition: margin 0.25s;"><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/photo/2014/0808/soc_g_salford92_mb_1296x729.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc" style="-webkit-transition: width 0.25s; border: 0px; transition: width 0.25s; width: 643px;" width="738" /><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: BentonSans; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18px; padding: 22px 0px 24px;">Several members of Manchester United's Class of '92 turned out for a friendly last August vs. Salford City, who are partially owned by Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.</figcaption></figure><div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Some of these clubs are more than 100 years old, with rich histories. <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/manchester-united/story/1766241/class-of-92-agree-salford-city-deal" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;">The Class of '92 bought into Salford</a> just over a year ago and their majority shareholder Peter Lim has big ambitions. They're already working with the nearby university, where students from fashion to media to physiotherapy get real life practice working with their local football club.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Phil Neville and Paul Scholes also picked up one player who was without a club and disillusioned with football. He impressed them so much that they recommended him to Manchester United. After a successful trial, Libyan-born right-back <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/manchester-united/story/2272441/manchester-united-sign-former-man-city-defender-sadiq-el-fitouri-three-weeks-after-salford-city-debut" style="color: #1eb848; text-decoration: none;">Sadiq El Fitouri, 20, is now a Manchester United player</a> and training with their under-21 side each day.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Salford's average crowds have improved considerably in a season in which they're top of the league and paying players more than they need to, but crowds still only average 322 in an area where most football supporters follow Manchester United. For the Class of '92, the club offers a release, somewhere where they can go as mates and watch a football club they now own. They've got money to put into a football club and that's what they're doing. They don't interfere with the management of the team; they don't even speak to the manager but go along to games across the north of England as fans. They're playing Football Manager, but for real. And they're not managers, but if they're not happy, they can change the manager.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> The clubs in Greater Manchester are usually run by volunteers who do it because they love it. To them, a football club is part of the community and their role in it matters.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Other cities around the world are rightly considered football hotbeds, but in the north of England, especially Manchester, more people go to games in person.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> Despite huge changes in football, the match-going culture is deep and ingrained. Going to the match with your sibling, parent or relative remains a rite of passage and while that match is usually Manchester United or Manchester City, it's also Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham, Bury or any one of the aforementioned clubs.</div> <div style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 36px; margin-top: 36px;"> There are football cities, and then there's Manchester.</div> </div> </div>

SOCCER Beyond United and City, Greater Manchester is the mecca of football

Manchester averages more than 122,000 spectators between Manchester United's Old Trafford, pictured, and Manchester City's Etiha...

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