Real Madrid seem to be getting closer and closer to appointing Rafa Benitez in place of Carlo Ancelotti, which is a dangerous move.

According to Onda Cero radio station (h/t Sport), the Napoli manager is increasingly likely to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.

Benitez has had a long career and few doubt he has the experience required to take over a side such as Madrid. But in many other areas, he is lacking.

The last time Rafa won a league title was with Valencia in 2004. He took Los Che to the title in the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons, which were impressive achievements.

Since then, however, he has failed in the English and Italian top flights.

Many Liverpool fans look back with kind eyes on his era at the club, but it was a flawed period in which Rafa’s weaknesses were exhibited.

Where Benitez impressed at Anfield was in the cups. He helped Liverpool lift the Champions League in 2005 and reach the final again two years later.

However, if you want a good cup manager, look no further than Ancelotti. He too has struggled domestically, but at least he won the title with Chelsea in 2010.

The Italian helped Real Madrid achieve La Decima and win the Copa del Rey last season.

Ancelotti is flawed too, but keeping him would be a better bet than bringing in Benitez. If he learns from his mistakes this season, Ancelotti would be fine to keep steering Madrid’s ship until Zinedine Zidane is more experienced and ready to take over.

He has the support of many fans and players at the club. Marcelo said, per Sport: “I hope he continues with us, he is a great manager and has helped us a lot. We haven’t won anything, but we now have to regroup for next season.”

And according to various reports, he’s not the only one who would like Carlo to continue. Per AS (h/t the Mirror), many of the stars at the Bernabeu feel comfortable with the coach and hope he is still the “Mister” next season. The report reads:

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has always supported Ancelotti, said he was ‘delighted to work with him,’ while Toni Kroos insisted the 55-year-old was a ‘top coach.’

Pepe and Marcelo also backed their manager. Even Gareth Bale, a player who is close to Real president Perez, showed his affection for Ancelotti, saying it was ‘special’ to work with him.

On the other hand, Benitez has a track record of upsetting important players at his clubs.

Look no further than his time at Anfield and how he alienated Xabi Alonso, who went on to enjoy some marvellous years with Real Madrid. Bizarrely, it stemmed from Benitez trying to sign Gareth Barry, a player few would deem anywhere close to the Spanish midfielder.

Alonso told the Sunday People (h/t Sky Sports): “The pursuit of Gareth Barry took some time for me to accept and, in all honesty, it changed the course of my future.”

Benitez also fell out with another Spaniard at Liverpool in Albert Riera. The midfielder said, per the Daily Mail:

When you stop being important for the coach it has to be something personal. If I am doing things badly and you are my boss and you value me, you are going to tell me what I have to do to get back playing. That is what hurts me. It is a lack of tact. It seems strange that being Spanish there should be a problem with communication.

I have been here two years and he has never sorted out a situation with a player by talking to him. He thinks that it is him in charge and he is deaf to everything else. The dialogue is practically nil. This year has been difficult and he has changed nothing. When you see that the boat is sinking and you don’t change anything.

A few months later, Benitez was at Inter Milan, driving a treble-winning side straight into an iceberg. He was sacked after half a season with the team in seventh place.

The Guardian wrote at the time: “The Italian club’s president, Massimo Moratti, is in the process of negotiating the manager’s payoff with the pair’s relationship having fractured beyond repair in recent weeks.”

Defender Marco Materazzi, meanwhile, was also at odds with the Spanish coach. He said, per Goal:

In Madrid [following the 2010 Champions League final, Mourinho] told me that he was leaving. I said to him: ‘Damn you for leaving me with Benitez.’

I did not get on well with Benitez. He made me remove pictures of the most important moments of my career with Mourinho and [Marcello] Lippi from my locker. He thought he knew everything, but he was afraid of his own shadow.

Another club—another falling out. Where next? To Chelsea, of course, which was one of the most ill-advised places for him to go.

The Blues are a topsy-turvy club at the best of times, and with a fanbase that despised him before he arrived, it seemed a foolish choice.

Benitez clashed with senior players such as John Terry, whom he dropped, believing the veteran defender couldn’t handle a full schedule of games.

The Blues centre-back had the last laugh, leading his side to the title this season under Jose Mourinho and then taking a thinly veiled dig at Benitez after the win over Crystal Palace that sealed their triumph.

“One person said I couldn’t play twice in a week. He knows who he is. I’m still here, still fighting,” Terry said on Sky television (h/t the MailOnline).

Napoli too, have been underachieving since he took over. They used to be a thrilling, vibrant team, but Rafa has taken the sting out of them.

The players could be performing at higher levels. It’s not just Benitez’s fault. However, the team are well off the pace in Serie A and failed to reach both the Coppa Italia and Europa League finals.

Real Madrid have a team full of exciting, attacking players, but that is not the football Benitez likes to play. It is easy to imagine the white handkerchiefs being out in force in the stands of the Bernabeu.

Bringing Benitez in for Ancelotti would not be an improvement by any stretch of the imagination. At best, it would be a sideways step; at worst, it would be a disaster.

Given his propensity to fall out with important figures, who’s to say what would happen if he managed to upset Cristiano Ronaldo?

Perhaps Benitez will learn from his past mistakes. But there’s no evidence to show that will be the case.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1FEqeQi
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With Manchester City seemingly determined to entice Pep Guardiola to be their next manager when his contract with Bayern Munich expires in the summer of 2016, a rather precarious situation is emerging where the future of Patrick Vieira is concerned.

Guardiola, the former Barcelona manager who won 14 trophies in his four seasons at the Nou Camp before switching to the Bundesliga side, is seen by City as a long-term option who can bring style and success to the club.

Which means it’s becoming increasingly certain Manuel Pellegrini will be allowed to see out the final 12 months of his three-year deal, leaving Vieira, whose own rolling contract is set to come to an end in June, probably looking to move on. It would be a huge loss of he did so. 

Pellegrini’s position come under scrutiny after an appalling run of form at the turn of the year saw City’s title challenge collapse in spectacular circumstances, yet he is highly regarded by his paymasters and looks likely to remain in charge. His side’s current five-match winning run, although largely unconvincing, has also strengthened his hand, with City now guaranteed to finish second with a game to spare. 

The Chilean’s achievements last season—a league-and-cup double and well over a hundred goals—may have been largely overlooked outside of Manchester but Txiki Begiristain, the club’s sporting director, and Ferran Soriano, the chief executive—whose own reputations are interconnected with Pellegrini’s success since he was their appointment—remain positive about their man.

But in an interview for the Blue Moon Podcast earlier this month, Martin Blackburn, who covers City for the Sun newspaper, spoke about Vieira’s growing desire to become a first-team manager.

Vieira has been in charge of the club’s Elite Development Squad for almost two years and has impressed during that time. He guided his young charges to this season’s UEFA Youth League quarter-final stage and then won the Premier League International Cup.

He has imprinted his philosophy on the majority of young players under his control. The EDS play an attractive style of football, the kind that fits the club’s “holistic” vision demanding every player, at every level of the club, adheres to the same footballing philosophy—a high-tempo, possession-based game with a focus on attack.

The Frenchman is hugely respected across the football world, has excellent contacts in France and parts of Africa and is widely seen as one of the great, untapped young minds in European football. The club have invested heavily in him, and it’s clear why.

As a player, he was part of City’s 2011 FA Cup-winning side—their first piece of major silverware in 35 years—and was a World Cup and European Championship winner with France. He also collected three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal, as well as four Serie A titles during spells with Juventus and Inter Milan.

He’s now close to completing his coaching licence through the FA of Wales and, quite rightly, feels he’s served time as an academy manager. He wants to taste management at the highest level, and if recent reports are to be believed, he isn’t without serious offers, with Blackburn aware of interest from Marseille. 

It seems the time has come for him to test himself at the highest level. There is, of course, still a possibility he could be asked to take charge, should an end-of-season review of Pellegrini’s position end in an early exit for the Chilean, with Vieira well-placed to take over for a year and see how he adapts.

Indeed, Guardiola’s appointment at Barcelona, which was masterminded by Begiristain, began in similar circumstances and yielded glorious results. It was initially seen as temporary appointment but turned out to be much more, with Guardiola going on to construct one of the best sides in the history of the game. 

However, all the signs are Pellegrini will steer City through the next 12 months, at least, with speculation about his dismissal having subsided in light of City’s recent form.

Whether it’s a misguided pursuit or whether Guardiola has given some verbal assurances to City’s board about taking over next summer is unknown, but the current situation is likely to mean Vieira looks for a move elsewhere. However, given his standing at the club, if he does leave, he would be welcome back in the future should the job as City manager become vacant at a time more suitable for everyone involved.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report’s lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1Fq19oT
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Manchester United have agreed a “long-term lucrative contract” with Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi, according to Argentinian outlet Diario Ole (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Express).

Chapman’s article indicates the two clubs are “yet to strike a fee,” but that Valencia will hold out for the defender’s £36 million release clause to be matched. Simon Jones of the MailOnline reiterates this, while suggesting Valencia’s pending Champions League qualification will affect the club’s need to sell.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will confirm a spot in Europe’s elite competition if they beat Almeria on Saturday. Valencia just need to better Sevilla‘s result against Malaga to confirm fourth place and entry into the competition’s qualifying round, something United managed in the Premier League this season.

Jones suggests the Champions League will provide Valencia with “much-needed revenue” and that the club “will be under pressure to sell one of their big names” if this isn’t achieved. Either way, it’s likely United will need to pay a hefty amount to secure Otamendi’s future.

The Argentinian has put in a fantastic debut season for the Spanish club, where his combative nature has seen him dominate from the back. Otamendi sets the tone with hard tackling, dominance in the air and the willingness to put his body on the line for the team.

WhoScored.com has provided him with an average rating of 7.55 this campaign, the seventh best in the division. He is both the highest-rated Valencia player and La Liga defender this year, according to the stats website, who rank him first in-line behind the attacking elite of Barcelona and Real Madrid. You can view his quality below:

United fans will be longing to secure a top-quality replacement for ex-captain Nemanja Vidic, who departed last summer. Although he has largely failed to impress for Inter Milan, the Serbian’s aggressive tackling style used to rally the United crowd and his team-mates. Otamendi plays in a similar manner.

Pursuit of the former Porto man may become more prominent with the news Mats Hummels has reportedly “rejected” a switch to Old Trafford and decided to remain at Borussia Dortmund (via MailOnline’s Ian Ladyman). Ladyman reports comments from Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc, who spoke to Kicker: “It made sense that Mats was thinking about his future, but I always pointed out that we plan (for the future) with him.”

Football writer Sam Pilger expressed his thoughts on Twitter:

Zorc confirms he met with the player and his father, with all three confirming a “common consensus” that he will remain at the Westfalenstadion next season, per Kicker (via Agence France-Presse on Yahoo). B/R UK’s Sam Tighe recently looked at alternatives to the powerful German defender:

United boss Louis van Gaal will likely have a number of top-class signings on his wish list. He has completed phase one of his mission—returning the club to the Champions League—but needs investment to turn them into genuine title-contenders.

Players such as Otamendi, who have proved their quality and are in peak form, could make all the difference.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1Ellc42
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is nearing a summer move to Inter Milan, according to reports. The San Siro club would provide the midfielder an opportunity to link up with former City boss Roberto Mancini, who brought him to England in 2010.  

Continue for updates.

Zanetti: ‘We Hope We Can Complete’ Yaya Deal

Wednesday, May 20

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti has confirmed the club remain optimistic when trying to lure Toure toward Serie A.

Speaking about the prospective deal, Zanetti told Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t ITV News): “We are at the stage where we hope we can complete it. Yaya would give us that leap in quality.”

Mancini believes his relationship with the powerhouse midfielder could turn the situation in the Italian club’s favour, as reported by Simon Jones of the MailOnline: “Can our rapport make the difference when choosing? It could well count and if the conditions developed so we could sign him, it could well be an advantage.”

Toure hasn’t replicated his terrific form of last year in recent times. The 32-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided one assist in 28 Premier League appearances this season, per WhoScored.com. Last year, he racked up 20 strikes and nine assists in 35 displays, leading Manuel Pellegrini’s side to the title.

A switch to Serie A could arrive at the right time for Toure. City are likely to invest heavily during the summer and need new blood to refresh the side’s ageing backbone. The slower pace of the Italian top flight may allow him to remain a key player for longer than he would at the Etihad Stadium.

Toure’s best form arrives when he is allowed to drive forward from deep, pummelling his way beyond defenders and into the opposition’s box. Too often his qualities have been quelled in a more defensive role this season. He was allowed to move forward during the recent 4-2 win over Swansea City, in which he scored a brace.

Toure’s departure would undoubtedly be disappointing for City fans, who have seen him thrust the club into a new era of success. He has won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Community Shield since joining, but he could certainly help Inter’s revival in Italy.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1Aln1mb
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is “keen” to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to Italian publication Tutto Mercato Web (h/t James Cambridge of the Express).

Ibrahimovic is one of the game’s most enthralling characters; a charismatic, egotistical goalscorer who is capable of brilliance on a weekly basis. He is currently PSG‘s most important spearhead, but club boss Laurent Blanc has Edinson Cavani—pushed wide for much of his tenure to facilitate Zlatan—to also use through the middle.

In his book I am Zlatan, Ibrahimovic spoke positively of Mourinho, saying: “He would become a guy I was basically willing to die for” during their days at Inter Milan, reported by Cambridge. In March, Ibra also admitted it’s a “regret” he didn’t play under Mourinho for longer than one season, per Telefoot (h/t Rohan Banerjee of the MailOnline).

Prior to facing PSG in this season’s Champions League, Mourinho called Ibrahimovic “an amazing player” and one of the “best players in the world,” reported by Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard.

Zlatan has racked up 19 goals and six assists in 24 Ligue 1 appearances this season, per WhoScored.com, helping PSG to capture their third consecutive domestic title in the process.

He was sent off during PSG‘s visit to Stamford Bridge earlier in the year, but he would likely be welcomed with open arms in west London. However, Mourinho would struggle to fit Ibrahimovic in alongside Diego Costa and Loic Remy, particularly if he continues to play one striker up top next season.

Chelsea to Launch Imbula Bid?

Sticking with Ligue 1, Mourinho is said to be “close to agreeing a cut-price deal” for Marseille midfielder Giannelli Imbula, reported by L’Equipe (h/t Cambridge). The French publication reports a bid of £8.6 million will be launched, with Marseille allegedly looking to sell their “most lucrative option” ahead of a summer rebuild, per Cambridge.

At 22 years old, Imbula is developing into a well-rounded midfielder. He is a tough tackler and meticulous on the ball. The Frenchman has completed 2.5 tackles, 2.9 dribbles and 89.4 percent of his passes per match this season, recorded by WhoScored. He possesses a useful turn of pace and ability to play in defensive midfield if needed.

However, the player’s arrival would likely halt the development of Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has impressed since the Blues captured the Premier League title. Mourinho has Nemanja Matic, Ramires and John Obi Mikel competing with Loftus-Cheek at the club, so one would likely need to be sold if Imbula‘s signing is to make sense.

B/R UK’s Garry Hayes recently discussed who Chelsea need to sign during the summer:

There’s few clubs in the world who would turn down the chance to sign Ibrahimovic if his cost is right. Many would love to see the dynamic between him and Mourinho in the Premier League. However, his acquisition doesn’t make complete sense considering Costa’s importance at the club.

Imbula would also be marked as a quality capture if he does come, but like Zlatan, can’t be considered essential.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1PTvEGD
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

In a fairer world, this season would have seen Steven Gerrard leave the Premier League in rapturous fashion—but 2014/15 has not afforded the long-serving Liverpool captain such luxury.

The Reds’ penultimate EPL fixture vs. Crystal Palace, and Gerrard’s final game at Anfield, was sabotaged by Alan Pardew’s club—after three unanswered goals followed an Adam Lallana opener. What should have been a congratulatory mood felt slightly hollowed by the south Londoners, but emotionally addressing supporters after the match, Gerrard was sent off properly.

An unquestionable Liverpool legend, and one of few in the Premier League’s pantheon of all-time greats, where Gerrard leaves his boyhood club is an interesting question being asked.

Enjoying success last season, Brendan Rodgers has regressed in the current term, and the timing of Gerrard’s American exodus could be an indication of the Northern Irishman’s leadership qualities, or lack thereof.

Should Gerrard have felt wanted, and treated as such at the negotiation table, it stands to reason Liverpool’s one-club man would have continued at his Merseyside post. Leaving for MLS’ Los Angeles Galaxy, however, the former England international’s absence from Anfield will leave a massive void in the club’s power structure.

Injury, suspension, fatigue and general rotation have given Rodgers opportunities to visualise his squad without Gerrard this year—Jordan Henderson taking the captain’s armband on numerous occasions. The 24-year-old seems a viable option for Gerrard in terms of Liverpool’s midfield scheme, but in terms of sentimental value, the former Sunderland man does not exactly scream “leader.”

Not three years ago, Rodgers informed Henderson he could leave Liverpool for Fulham‘s Craven Cottage, as noted by the Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe. While proving his manager wrong in ensuing seasons, one wonders how Rodgers feels about handing the England international the keys to Anfield.

The Liverpool bosses’ hands may be forced, though, as the other options currently in his squad are rather bleak. Arguably, two of Rodgers three best players are both undependable, for differing reasons, but undependable nonetheless.

Daniel Sturridge has been a revelation since his January 2013 move from Chelsea; in 67 appearances the centre-forward has scored 47 goals. Costing just £12 million, Sturridge could be Rodgers’ best transfer dealing, but there is a slight issue with the 25-year-old—he cannot stay fit.

One cannot assume a leadership position, especially not Gerrard’s, when their team cannot count on their presence. Sturridge missed 33 games through injury in 2014/15, and will not appear until next year after undergoing hip surgery earlier this month—as documented by Andy Hunter of the Guardian.

Were Liverpool fans looking for the most talented player to take Gerrard’s mantle, Raheem Sterling would certainly fit the bill. Establishing himself as a first-team regular before the age of 20, Sterling could eventually match Gerrard’s longevity, but copying the captain’s loyalty is an altogether different matter.

Jose Mourinho told reporters two weekends ago, via BBC Sport, he attempted at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid to sign Gerrard, but the midfielder rejected him on at least three occasions to stay in Merseyside. Gerrard’s heart pumps Liverpool’s shade of red, not necessarily green, i.e. money.

Whether Sterling can reject lucrative paydays at other top European clubs will a prevalent topic over the upcoming summer transfer window, much less 17 seasons with 700 appearances.

Quickly replacing Gerrard with one man is an impossible task—cultivating another player of his stature will take a few years, and also some luck.

It is possible Henderson, Sturridge and Sterling (or even Philippe Coutinho) could transform into the next era’s Liverpool’s legend—given time—but expecting any one man to carry Gerrard’s burden with immediate effect is asking them to be summarily crushed.

Liverpool must move forward by committee—hoping at least one candidate distinguishes himself along the way.

Follow @danieltiluk

*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1QWIoi8
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The newspapers have a string of noteworthy stories on the back pages—and one story on Cristiano Ronaldo‘s personal life makes the front page of The Sun on Sunday.

The paper claims that his former partner Irina Shayk split with the Real Madrid striker after he cheated on her:

SUN ON SUNDAY: You cheat #tomorrowspaperstoday #BBCPapers http://pic.twitter.com/3DuT70e03Y

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) May 16, 2015

The reports are bold—but it should be said that Ronaldo has spoken out against the paper in the past when it has published something he has denied, such as a year ago in regards to an interview he said he did not give them:

Today, the Sun publishes an interview with me that I never gave. So its content is pure fiction.

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 29, 2014

Back on to football matters, and the most remarkable story is from the Sunday Express, and sees Yaya Toure linked with a shock move to Chelsea:

EXPRESS SPORT: Chelsea in for Yaya #tomorrowspaperstoday http://pic.twitter.com/5ZXb7x6YAp

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) May 16, 2015

The Ivorian has been linked with a move away from Manchester City, but most reports have been suggesting a switch to Inter Milan was most likely, such as this one from the Manchester Evening News‘ Anthony Jepson.

In the Daily Star on Sunday, the subject is David de Gea, and with the claim being that showdown talks are expected on Sunday:

STAR SPORT: De Gea D-Day! #tomorrowspaperstoday http://pic.twitter.com/cjY0T93bli

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) May 16, 2015

In the Mail on Sunday, the claim is that Angel di Maria will be on the way out of Manchester United if he does not shape up and improve rapidly:

MAIL SPORT: No mercy for Angel #tomorrowspaperstoday #mufc http://pic.twitter.com/Jzsgi4ql3l

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) May 16, 2015

And beyond that, the back pages find plenty of room to look fondly back at Steven Gerrard‘s farewell:

INDEPENDENT SPORT: Goodbye to a legend #tomorrowspaperstoday http://pic.twitter.com/UCop5i7gjn

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) May 16, 2015

TELEGRAPH SPORT: Last action hero #tomorrowspaperstoday http://pic.twitter.com/cnvLno7mxD

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) May 16, 2015

SUNDAY ECHO SPORT: Goodbye…we’ll never forget you #tomorrowspaperstoday #Gerrard HT @TomEvansEcho http://pic.twitter.com/KLDkl0m5Ej

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) May 16, 2015

[Twitter, h/t @hendopolis]

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1d8eHMC
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Alvaro Morata followed up his goal for Juventus on Saturday with a “deal with it” celebration. 

The Spaniard’s shot went in after a mess of a save from Samir Handanovic:

Handanovic with an absolute howler as he lets Morata‘s drive past him to make it 2-1 #InterJuventus http://t.co/c3BIUzuA6S

— ForzaItalianFootball (@SerieAFFC) May 16, 2015

The Inter Milan goalkeeper is definitely going to have to deal with it—Juventus sealed the victory 2-1.

[Twitter]

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1L9u0Qq
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Barcelona have confirmed their interest in Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic and insisted Pedro Rodriguez will not be departing the club in the summer. 

According to Sport English, Barcelona’s international sporting director Ariedo Braida gave an interview to FC Inter News (link in Italian), in which he spoke about Barcelona’s plans and discussed both players.

Though the Blaugrana are currently under a transfer embargo and cannot sign any players in 2015, Braida confirmed that “nothing stops us making verbal agreements with a view to [signing players] January.”

On Kovacic, Braida said: “For the moment I can’t talk, there’s nothing concrete. But of course, we can’t deny that we like the player and he has quality.”

The 21-year-old has forged a reputation as one of the hottest prospects in European football this season with a string of consistently impressive performances for Inter.

Though his total of five goals and two assists (h/t WhoScored.com) may not be a particularly eye-catching total, Kovacic has been one of the few stars in an otherwise disappointing season for Inter.

The Croatian possesses great vision having created 52 chances in Serie A this season, and he is known for his incisive dribbling, completing 64 per cent of his attempted take-ons (h/t Squawka).

Kovacic has also caught the eye of the Guardian’s James Horncastle:

As Xavi reaches the twilight of his career with Andres Iniesta not too far behind, Kovacic would be the ideal candidate to hone his craft at the Camp Nou and ultimately replace the ageing Spaniards.

In news that will disappoint potential suitors Arsenal and Chelsea (h/t Jonathan Green of the Daily Star), Braida discussed Pedro’s future with the club. Per Sport English, he said:

Pedro is and will continue being a Barcelona player. He is a very important player for us. He has a contract and will continue at the Camp Nou, especially taking into account our transfer ban.

Though Pedro is very much a backup to star trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, the Spaniard has contributed admirably this season given his lack of game time.

Despite starting just 18 games, Pedro has scored 11 goals and made seven assists (h/t WhoScored.com).

The winger’s bicycle kick against Real Sociedad was a joy to behold:

Should one of the front three get injured or suspended, the depth Pedro provides will be invaluable to the Blaugrana, particularly as they cannot reinforce over the summer.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire senior career with Barca, and they are wise not to discard him now more than ever.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1cG4xSH
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Just three days after victory over Real Madrid delivered a place in the Champions League final, Juventus will return to domestic action against bitter rivals Inter at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan.

Securing a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital on Wednesday, the Bianconeri not only eliminated Carlo Ancelotti’s men—and last year’s winners of the elite European competition—but kept alive their own hopes of securing a wonderful treble. The first leg of that has already been completed as the Turin giants secured the Serie A title two weeks ago, rendering this clash with the Nerazzurri something of a dead rubber.

That is not the case for their opponents, however, who are enjoying their own impressive run of recent results. Last weekend saw them clinch victory over third-placed Lazio, meaning Inter have now gone seven league games without defeat, bringing themselves back into contention for a Europa League place.

Sadly for Roberto Mancini, however, the win over Lazio came at a cost; two-goal hero Hernanes picked up a yellow card, which means he will miss this encounter through suspension. That bad news was compounded on Tuesday when it was confirmed midfielder Fredy Guarin will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, per Football Italia.

As a result of those absences and Juve’s impending Coppa Italia final against Lazio next Wednesday, the two lineups could be very different when this clash gets underway on Saturday evening.

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2015

Time: 6 p.m. CET (5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. EDT)

Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan

TV Info: BeIn Sports (U.S.)

Live Stream: BeIn Sports Connect (U.S.)

Form Lines

Last five domestic results:

Predicted Lineups

Inter: (4-3-1-2): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Vidic, Jesus; Kovacic, Medel, Brozovic; Shaqiri; Icardi, Palacio

Juventus: (4-3-2-1): Storari; Padoin, Barzagli, Ogbonna, De Ceglie; Pereyra, Sturaro, Marchisio; Pepe, Coman; Matri

Player to Watch

With a vastly altered Juventus lineup, the player to watch in this encounter could well be Inter’s Xherdan Shaqiri. The Swiss star has largely disappointed since moving from Bayern Munich in January, but the suspension of Hernanes is likely to see him restored to Roberto Mancini’s starting XI.

He will need to make the most of that opportunity, with the Brazilian and Mateo Kovacic currently offering much more impactful alternatives. “I still need a little time to completely adjust to Serie A,” he told Blick this week (h/t Football Italia). But his coach has moved away from him in recent weeks.

Indeed, the 23-year-old has played just 51 minutes since a draw with Parma in early April, and a good display against the Italian champions would go a long way toward reinforcing belief in Shaqiri’s talent.

Key Battle

The one man Juventus will need to monitor above all others on Saturday will be Mauro Icardi. The Argentinian striker has a love of punishing the Bianconeri. The 22-year-old has weighed in with 20 goals and four assists in all competitions this term, undoubtedly posing the biggest threat whenever Inter pour forward.

He has proven particularly deadly against the Turin giants, too, netting five goals in four games against them throughout his career. The task of stopping Icardi will likely fall to Andrea Barzagli, the veteran central defender who missed a huge chunk of 2014-15 due to heel and foot injuries.

Since his return the former Wolfsburg and Palermo star has been in impeccable form, averaging 1.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 3.9 clearances per game, according to statistics from WhoScored.com. The team has conceded just three goals in his eight Serie A appearances this term, keeping a remarkable six clean sheets—a tally Barzagli would love to increase at the San Siro.

Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 129/100

Home win: 53/25

Draw: 231/100

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1E9b521
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J