AFP Sports picks out five of Jose Mourinho's
most notable quotes from his first press
conference as Manchester United manager on
Tuesday:
- "I was in trouble for the last five months: the
first month (at Chelsea) was fine, the second
month was not so good and after the second
month it was a disaster." - Mourinho on the
troubled end to his second Chelsea spell last
season.
- "There are some managers that the last time
they won a title was 10 years ago. Some of them
the last time they won a title was never. The last
time I won a title was one year ago, not 10 years
ago or 15 years ago so if I have a lot to prove,
imagine the others." - the 'Special One' taking a
dig at his rivals, notably Arsene Wenger.
- "Manchester United for many years success
was just routine and in this moment the last
three years are to forget. I want the players to
forget. I don't want the players to think we have
to do better and finish fourth. Finishing fourth is
not the aim." - Mourinho geeing his troops up to
say we will be contenders again and forget the
years of underachievement under David Moyes
and Louis van Gaal.
- "To speak about one manager (Pep Guardiola),
one club, one enemy I don't think it is right. In
the Premier League it doesn't make sense at all.
If you focus on one opponent, the others will be
laughing so I am not going to be part of it." -
Mourinho trying to dispel the notion the antipathy
felt from his time as Real Madrid coach against
then Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, and now the
Manchester City manager, will continue.
- "You know how many young players I promoted
to the first team from academies? 49. Some of
them are big names, they are Champions League
winners in the Euros, playing for national teams.
One lie repeated many times sometimes looks
true but it will never be true." - Mourinho replying
to the oft-levelled accusation he sacrifices
promising young talent at his clubs to sign big
names instead and farms them out to other
clubs.
Willian signs new contract with Chelsea
FOOTBALLChelsea rewarded their player of the year,
Brazilian international midfielder Willian, with a
new four-year contract on Tuesday, the Premier
League club announced.
The 27-year-old -- who Chelsea beat off London
rivals Spurs to buy for £32million three years ago
from Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala --
professed himself delighted to be continuing his
career with the club.
"I'm very happy to sign a new contract with
Chelsea," Willian told the club's website.
"It's a dream to continue with this club and over
the next four years I will try to help the team win
more trophies," added Willian, who caught the
eye of potential suitors as part of the hugely
successful Ukrainian side Shakhthar Donetsk who
won the now defunct UEFA Cup in 2009.
Willian, who has scored 19 goals in 140
appearances, had been linked with a possible big
money reunion with former Chelsea boss Jose
Mourinho at Manchester United.
However, despite winning the Premier League
title and League Cup under Mourinho Willian is
content to taste life under Chelsea's new
manager, Italian Antonio Conte.
"It's been an amazing time for me since I joined
the club three years ago, I have won titles and
last season I was named Chelsea Player of the
Year," said Willian.
"I hope to be able to stay at that level during the
coming seasons and achieve more success.
Mourinho arrival added motivation, says Rooney
FOOTBALLSkipper Wayne Rooney says Jose Mourinho's
appointment as Manchester United manager has
given him extra motivation for the new Premier
League season.
Mourinho, tasked with making United title
contenders once more after the sacking of Louis
van Gaal in May, has signalled that he sees
Rooney playing up front -- rather than the deeper
midfield position he took up for England and
United at the back end of last season.
Rooney, 30, who is only four goals behind Bobby
Charlton's record haul of 249 in United's all-time
top-scorers list, told Inside United magazine: "I'm
really excited to be working with Jose this
season as he's one of the best managers in the
world.
"It's an exciting time for Manchester
United. I've always respected him both as
a man and a manager, he's a nice guy and
one of the most successful managers of
all time.
"I like to think I'm always motivated as a
player but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a
bit more motivated when a new manager
comes in.
"I'm sure all the lads will be happy to be
working under Jose and also eager to
impress."
Rooney, who has been joined at Old
Trafford over the summer by Zlatan Ibrahimovic,
Ivorian defender Eric Bailly and Armenian
playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan, said he had never
enjoyed an easy game against a Mourinho side.
"His teams are always hard to beat, tactically
disciplined and, most importantly, successful,"
Rooney said of the former Chelsea, Inter Milan,
Real Madrid and Porto boss.
"He'll bring all these qualities with him and I'm
sure he'll have his own ideas, but one of the
biggest assets will be his experience.
"He's managed a lot of successful teams
throughout his career and all that experience will
be vital."
New Super Eagles coach: Delay is dangerous
FOOTBALLSince Sunday Oliseh resigned as the coach of
the Super Eagles, the team has been without a
substantive manager. Following his exit, Samson
Siasia was drafted to handle the team in an
acting capacity for the remaining Nations Cup
qualifying matches, which ended with Nigeria
missing out in the competition holding in Gabon
next year.
The team is currently being handled by Salisu
Yusuf as a caretaker coach. What this translates
to is that the senior national team is in need of a
substantive head coach. The good news is that
the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) according
to its President, Amaju Pinnick, is working hard
to secure one. A Technical and Development
Committee, was set up. The committee last
Friday released a shortlist of three candidates for
possible consideration after inviting applications
from interested coaches.
However, the process is now mired in some
controversies that need to be resolved before
the identity of the coach will be made public.
One of these is the alleged disagreement within
the NFF leadership over the choice of the coach
to be appointed. Another is on whether the
coach should be a foreign or local one.
It is understood that the NFF leadership and the
Sports Ministry are sharply divided on the issue.
While Pinnick is said to be strongly enamoured
with the idea of contracting a “world class”
foreign coach, the Sports Minister is strongly
opposed to it, arguing that Nigeria has qualified
coaches to handle the team and successfully
lead it to global achievements.
The Minister is also worried about the cost
implication of hiring a foreigner for the job,
saying the reality of Nigeria’s current economic
challenges does not encourage the hiring of a
foreigner whose expected huge Dollar-
denominated salary would be too much for a
cash-strapped NFF to pay. As if to counter this,
NFF has reportedly secured a sponsorship deal to
enable it pay for the hiring of the foreign coach.
While this drama continues, our concern is that
the qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup
would start soon with the Super Eagles still
without a substantive Head Coach to supervise
the earnest preparation of the team. The present
situation is more worrisome considering the fact
that Nigeria is drawn in the same World Cup
qualifying group as Algeria, Cameroun and
Zambia, which boast intimidating profiles, thus
making the job of picking the sole qualifying slot
all the more difficult.
A quick decision needs to be made. Delay is
dangerous. We prefer a local coach, and call on
the sponsors to offer the same financial support
if an indigenous coach is selected for the Super
Eagles.
PORTUGAL FROM BEST LOOSERS TO EURO CHAMPIONS!!!
FOOTBALLBREAKING: Portugal shock France to win Euro 2016
FOOTBALL120+2′ Peep peeeeep. Referee blows the
final whistle and Portugal are champions of
Europe.
120′ Two minutes added-on.
119′ Cristiano Ronaldo is on his feet on his
touch line, dishing out instructions in a
coach-like manner. What a moment for the
three-time Ballon d’Or winner.
117′ Three minutes remaining. Raphael goes
down the turf; apparently a time-wasting
tactics.
114′ Referee shows Pogba a yellow, who
hacks down Silva.
114′ The time is ticking. Portugal continue to
knock the ball all around the pitch, surely
just to keep possession as much as
possible.
111′ France will definitely throw everything
upfront now, this is almost unbelievable. It’s
a big big shock for the hosts.
109′ GOOOOOAAAAALLLLL! Eder scores.
Portugal on the verge of history
108′ Unbelievable! Raphael’s freekick hits
the woodwork. That was Portugal’s chance
of the night.
106′ We are underway. Second period of
extra-time.
105′ Referee signals the end of the first
period of extra-time. Still no separating
these two sides after 105 minutes at Stad de
France.
103′ Kingsley Coman makes a clearance
resulting in a corner.
101′ Lovely skills by Pogba whose attempt
earns the host a freekick. What a night this
is becoming?
98′ Amazing run down the middle by Coman,
Williams brings him down for a France
freekick. Yellow card to the Portuguese.
94′ Pepe with a header……ball sails inches
wide; however the referee assistant already
raised his flag for an offside against the
Real Madrid defender.
93′ Eder wins a freekick for Portugal.
91′ Into first period of extra-time.
90+3′ Referee signals the end of regulation
time. We head straight into extra-time.
90+1′ Ahhhhh! So unlucky! Gignac’s shot
crashes unto the post. The France’ no.10
mesmerizes Pepe in his bid to strike the
ball. That was a huge miss as Patricio
watches haplessly.
90′ Three minutes added-on.
88′ Very intelligent Koscielny shields the ball
into touch to ensure Quaresma does not
proceed further.
85′ Five minutes remaining. Will the game go
into extra-time?
83′ Chance for France….Sissoko’s shot is
punched away by Patricio who has been an
outstanding goalkeeper at this tournament.
80′ Lloris makea a brilliant save to deny
Portugal. It’s an end-to-end game now.
78′ Portugal substitution: Renato Sanches
goes off for Eder.
77′ Both teams are desperate for the ‘killer’
now. Any goal now will surely seal it.
75′ Another magnificent save by Patricio to
keep Portugal in this tie. What a block that
was.
72′ Great drive into the Portugal area by
Coman, but somehow the Portuguese team
clear the danger.
69′ Joao Mario penalized for a foul on
Sagna. Freekick to France.
65′ WHAT A MISS! Griezmann heads wide a
‘delicious ball’ through to him in the six-yard-
box. What a chance for the hosts.
63′ Portugal make desperate defending to
keep denying the hosts, as France continue
to attack.
60′ Coman makes a very awful pass to
Payet, as the hosts murmur; half an hour
remaining.
56′ Portugal have improved their game, but
the French side have been outstanding
defensively.
53′ Payet with a delicious cross into the
Portugal 18 which finds Giroud who heads it
down for Pogba, but the Juventus man
shoots over
BREAKING: Portugal shock France to win Euro 2016
FOOTBALL120+2′ Peep peeeeep. Referee blows the
final whistle and Portugal are champions of
Europe.
120′ Two minutes added-on.
119′ Cristiano Ronaldo is on his feet on his
touch line, dishing out instructions in a
coach-like manner. What a moment for the
three-time Ballon d’Or winner.
117′ Three minutes remaining. Raphael goes
down the turf; apparently a time-wasting
tactics.
114′ Referee shows Pogba a yellow, who
hacks down Silva.
114′ The time is ticking. Portugal continue to
knock the ball all around the pitch, surely
just to keep possession as much as
possible.
111′ France will definitely throw everything
upfront now, this is almost unbelievable. It’s
a big big shock for the hosts.
109′ GOOOOOAAAAALLLLL! Eder scores.
Portugal on the verge of history
108′ Unbelievable! Raphael’s freekick hits
the woodwork. That was Portugal’s chance
of the night.
106′ We are underway. Second period of
extra-time.
105′ Referee signals the end of the first
period of extra-time. Still no separating
these two sides after 105 minutes at Stad de
France.
103′ Kingsley Coman makes a clearance
resulting in a corner.
101′ Lovely skills by Pogba whose attempt
earns the host a freekick. What a night this
is becoming?
98′ Amazing run down the middle by Coman,
Williams brings him down for a France
freekick. Yellow card to the Portuguese.
94′ Pepe with a header……ball sails inches
wide; however the referee assistant already
raised his flag for an offside against the
Real Madrid defender.
93′ Eder wins a freekick for Portugal.
91′ Into first period of extra-time.
90+3′ Referee signals the end of regulation
time. We head straight into extra-time.
90+1′ Ahhhhh! So unlucky! Gignac’s shot
crashes unto the post. The France’ no.10
mesmerizes Pepe in his bid to strike the
ball. That was a huge miss as Patricio
watches haplessly.
90′ Three minutes added-on.
88′ Very intelligent Koscielny shields the ball
into touch to ensure Quaresma does not
proceed further.
85′ Five minutes remaining. Will the game go
into extra-time?
83′ Chance for France….Sissoko’s shot is
punched away by Patricio who has been an
outstanding goalkeeper at this tournament.
80′ Lloris makea a brilliant save to deny
Portugal. It’s an end-to-end game now.
78′ Portugal substitution: Renato Sanches
goes off for Eder.
77′ Both teams are desperate for the ‘killer’
now. Any goal now will surely seal it.
75′ Another magnificent save by Patricio to
keep Portugal in this tie. What a block that
was.
72′ Great drive into the Portugal area by
Coman, but somehow the Portuguese team
clear the danger.
69′ Joao Mario penalized for a foul on
Sagna. Freekick to France.
65′ WHAT A MISS! Griezmann heads wide a
‘delicious ball’ through to him in the six-yard-
box. What a chance for the hosts.
63′ Portugal make desperate defending to
keep denying the hosts, as France continue
to attack.
60′ Coman makes a very awful pass to
Payet, as the hosts murmur; half an hour
remaining.
56′ Portugal have improved their game, but
the French side have been outstanding
defensively.
53′ Payet with a delicious cross into the
Portugal 18 which finds Giroud who heads it
down for Pogba, but the Juventus man
shoots over
Five things France need to do to defeat Portugal
FOOTBALLFrance may be favourites to beat Portugal in
Sunday’s final and lift the Euro 2016 title on
home soil, but the hosts still have to see
the job through, knowing fully well that
Ronaldo and his team mates can produce
one more upset in the tournament.
The game will see Cristiano Ronaldo and
Antoine Griezmann come up against each
other for another title showdown, just six
weeks after they contested the Champions
League final.
Although France coach Didier Deschamps
says he could feel the adrenaline pumping,
he will have to do a lot to ensure his boys
record another Euro success, 16 years after
lifting the trophy in 2000.
PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest sports news
on Naij Sports App
Here are five things France needs to do to
defeat Portugal
1. Keep a close eye on Ronaldo
Ronaldo had a difficult start to Euro 2016,
but against all odds he is set to play in
tonight’s final. The Real Madrid star has
raised his game and his team at key
moments as Portugal steadily improved
through the knockout rounds.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo knows a victory in this game will
see him lift his first ever trophy for his
country. Hence, France have to be wary of
his threat and his aerial strength. The way
he leaped high in the air to head the opening
goal against Wales in the semifinals suggest
Ronaldo is hungry for success.
2. Caution Hugo Lloris about aerial balls
Often acting as the sweeper by rushing off
his line to thwart attacks early, the
Tottenham goalkeeper can be vulnerable at
crosses. This is one area Coach Deschamps
has to address before the game.
Hugo Lloris
3. Check the runs of Raphael Guerreiro
Guerreiro has impressed at Euro 2016 and
has been lively going forward.
Shuttle Transfer Madrid
Traslados y recogidas Aeropuerto.
Estaciones, AVE, Viajes con chofer
Ad
The Portugal left back deliveries have been
exceptional and he was the one who
provided the cross for Ronaldo’s header
against Wales.
Raphael Guerreiro
This should be no surprise to Borussia
Dortmund, which acted early in the
tournament to sign Guerreiro from French
club Lorient. France will have to do a whole
lot to watch his runs.
GET for FREE: Get the latest sports news on
Naij Sports
4. Capitalize on home support
France have a habit of winning tournaments
at home. There is something about that
culture. They won the Euros in 1984 when
they hosted and 16 years later in 2000 again
on home soil. Now it is 16 years later from
then and they look to repeat the same feat
with the support of their fans.
Griezmann makes it 4 – 0 with a lob against
Iceland
It is worth noting that France in 1998 also
won the World Cup on home soil too.
5. Avoid pressure on Griezmann
After an impressive campaign with Atletico
Madrid which included a Champions League
final, Griezmann has been tipped by many to
win the Ballon d’Or this year – a prize which
has been shared exclusively between Lionel
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after Kaka
claimed it in 2007.
Griezmann and Giroud celebrate
The Atletico Madrid forward is on the brink
of winning the Golden Boot at Euro 2016,
with six goals to his name – three more than
anyone else, including Ronaldo – ahead of
his participation in Sunday’s final for France
against Portugal in Paris.
All eyes will be on him tonight but coach
Deschamps will have to a lot talking to take
the pressure of the young lad.
Lionel Messi Reportedly Off To Chelsea Over Legal Frustrations In Spain
FOOTBALLChelsea will join Manchester City in the
chase for Lionel Messi if the superstar gives
any indication he might quit Barcelona
following strong rumours that the legendary
player is unhappy in Spain.
Messi was sentenced to 21 months jail for
tax fraud but is not expected to do any time
because prison terms of less than two years
in Spain can be served under probation.
Barca immediately issued a statement
supporting their player but Messi is said to
felt the club could have been more
supportive during the case.
The fee for Messi would smash the
£100million mark and SunSport understands
that Messi’s father, who represents his
superstar son, has met with Blues’ owner,
Roman Abramovich.
The meeting is believed to have taken place
in the last ten days on Abramovich’s
personal super yacht, the Eclipse. Chelsea
chiefs have been monitoring the tax fraud
case which saw both Leo and his father
convicted.
Between them, Messi and his dad have been
ordered to pay just under £3million in fines
and the family feel victimised by Spanish
authorities.
The Stamford Bridge club were alerted to
the possibility that Messi could leave Barca
over the tax case and the club’s failure to
offer a new contract.
Negotiations were initiated on the basis that
if the 29-year-old decided he’d had enough
then Chelsea would be in pole position to
capitalise.
Griezmann brace fires France to Euro 2016 final
FOOTBALLFacebook Twitter
WhatsApp Email
France set up a clash with Portugal at the
final of the ongoing European
Championships. He hosts defeated Germany
2 – 0 courtesy a Griezmann brace.
Griezmann with a powerful shot
Le Blues dominated most parts of the game
and were rewarded with a penalty on the
stroke of half-time when German captain
Bastian Schweinsteiger appeared to have
handled the ball in the box.
Griezmann made no mistake from the spot
as he sent the Manuel Neuer the wrong way
to put the hosts ahead, as both teams went
into the break with France leading 1 – 0.
Le Blues returned from the tunnel much
determined as they continued to press
forward. A skillful display by Pogba who
made a cross into the area was fumbled by
the German goalkeeper unto the path of
Griezmann who tapped it in to seal the
game for the hosts. It ended; France 2 – 0
Germany.
France will now face Portugal who defeated
Wales in the first semifinal. The final is
billed for Sunday, July 10, in Paris.
