Football: Leeds manager Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby ahead of match

Football: Leeds manager Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby ahead of match

(REUTERS) - Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their Championship (second-tier) match on Friday (Jan 11), which Leeds won 2-0.
Derby said earlier that local police had spoken to a person acting suspiciously outside their training ground on Thursday.
"It's true there was someone from Leeds United. I am responsible for this incident," former Argentina manager Bielsa told Sky Sports before the game.
"Yesterday I talked to (Derby manager) Frank Lampard and he told me that for him I didn't respect the fair play rules. I have a different point of view on it but the important thing is what Frank Lampard and Derby County think.
"I am the only (one) responsible for it because I didn't ask for the permission of Leeds United to do that. Without trying to find a justification, I've been using this kind of practice since the qualifications for the World Cup with Argentina. This is not illegal.
"For some people it's the wrong thing to do and for other people it's not the wrong thing to do," added the Argentine, who managed his country's national team from 1998-2004.
Lampard was critical of Bielsa’s actions.
“At least on a sportsman’s level it’s bad in my opinion,” he said.
“If we’re going to start talking about culturally I did it somewhere else and it was fine then that doesn’t work for me because I don’t believe it is fine on that level,” the former England and Chelsea midfielder added.
“It’s disrupted our build-up to this game.” Lampard said someone was also spotted watching his team training before they played Leeds in August.
“We had somebody the day before our first game against them which we lost 4-1,” he said. “Now Leeds can beat you 4-1 – they’re a fantastic team – but we had someone in the bushes that day.” Sixth-placed Derby are eight points behind leaders Leeds.
Derbyshire Police said they had spoken to a man at the training ground.
"A man was found at the perimeter fence of Moor Farm and was spoken to," they said on Twitter.
"Despite media reports, no damage to the fence was found, and the man was stopped outside the grounds. No arrests were made and the man was sent on his way."
Derby said they were in discussion with Leeds club officials in relation to this incident.
A spokesman for the English Football League said: "We are aware of the reports in relation to an incident at the training ground of Derby County. It is, of course, up to Derby County as to how they progress this matter but as of yet we have received no complaint or contact from the Club." Tottenham Hotspur's Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino, who played under Bielsa for Espanyol and the national team, was asked whether he would consider spying on opponents.
"I played for him, I learned a lot from him, the good and the not so good," Pochettino told reporters ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester United.
Pochettino said he would not adopt similar tactics to prepare for the United game.
"No, no, but it's nothing wrong to try to find a bit more information about what the opposition is doing. It used to happen in Argentina, not only Marcelo.
"Many managers in Argentina used to send people to watch the training sessions. Here it maybe is a little bit weird but in Argentina it happened. It's not a big deal what happened."
Derby, sixth in the Championship standings, are eight points behind Leeds.

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County before their English Championship match on Saturday (NZ time). Derby said earlier
Leeds manager Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby

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From Bielsa With Love! Leeds manager admits sending spy to Derby - Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their Championship football match.
Leeds manager Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby - Reuters

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(Reuters) - Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their Championship (second-tier) match on Friday.
Soccer: Leeds manager Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby

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Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby training ground Getty Images Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa sensationally confirmed he sent a spy to Derby County training and defended the
Football: Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admits sending spy to

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(Reuters) - Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their Championship (second-tier) match on Friday. Derby said earlier that local police had spoken to a person acting suspiciously outside their training ground on
Leeds Manager Bielsa Admits Sending Spy to Derby - News18

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their Championship (second-tier) match on Friday. Derby said earlier that local police had spoken to a person acting suspiciously outside their training ground on Thursday.
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby training

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(REUTERS) - Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their Championship (second-tier) match on Friday (Jan 11).. Read
From Bielsa With Love! Leeds manager admits sending spy to Derby

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted to sending a club employee to spy on Derby County's training session ahead of the Championship clash between the two sides on Friday. As reported

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Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby

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(Reuters) - Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their Championship (second-tier) match on Friday. Derby said earlier that local police had spoken to a person acting suspiciously outside their training ground on Thursday.
Leeds United Manager Marcelo Bielsa Admits Spying on Derby

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending someone to spy on Derby County in training - but insisted it was "not illegal". Derby called police on Thursday morning following reports
Football: Leeds manager Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby

Midfielder wanted to keep up Blues' push

Midfielder wanted to keep up Blues' push

LONDON • With a six-point gap separating fourth-placed Chelsea and nearest challengers Arsenal, Maurizio Sarri has urged the club's hierarchy to reinforce their midfield in the January transfer window to consolidate their top-four place.
After breezing past Newcastle 2-1 in the English Premier League on Saturday, the Chelsea manager feels signings would keep up their push for the last automatic Champions League spot.
Despite having a star-studded squad, the Blues still lack depth in key positions with Sarri admitting he "needs an option for Jorginho".
He told reporters after the victory at Stamford Bridge: "As you have seen, today, Jorginho was in trouble (after collecting a yellow card) and on the bench, there wasn't a player for that position so I need a player.
"The club knows very well my opinion, I need the player there (but) it depends on the club decision."
The Italian reiterated his stance that Willian, who netted the 57th-minute winner against Rafael Benitez's men and has been linked with a big-money move to Barcelona, was going nowhere as he "is a fundamental player".
The Brazil forward took turns with Pedro, who opened the scoring for the home side in the ninth minute, to torment the Magpies, whose 40th-minute equaliser came from Ciaran Clark.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Willian, who has just 18 months left on his contract, remains a "very important player" with the ability to take the scoring load off top scorer Eden Hazard, given the woeful form of their main strikers Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata.
While Sarri claimed post-game "he did not know anything" about a possible extension to his deal, Willian, who scored just his fifth goal of the season and first in the league since October, insisted that he was paying no heed to the rumours, telling BT Sport his "future was here at Chelsea".

OUT OF MY HANDS
The club knows very well my opinion, I need the player there (but) it depends on the club decision.
MAURIZIO SARRI, Chelsea manager, who has urged the Premier League club to beef up their midfield.

In Italy, Gennaro Gattuso, Sarri's counterpart at AC Milan, similarly had to fend off the same line of questioning over Gonzalo Higuain, whom Chelsea are reportedly targeting to solve their issues up front.
The Argentina striker joined Milan on a season-long loan from Juventus in July with an option to make the deal permanent, but he has struggled to settle at the San Siro, scoring just eight goals in all competitions this term.
After again drawing a blank in their 2-0 Italian Cup win over Sampdoria on Saturday, Gattuso said the club were "holding on tightly to him" for now before conceding that he "did not know what will happen" as "when a player makes up his mind (to leave), it becomes hard to convince them otherwise".
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS

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Midfielder wanted to keep up Blues' push - straitstimes.com

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Now we know hat division we are in lets do the annual see who we would keep. A few assumptions. 1) AL has no significiant funds. 2) Loanees like Daniel Iversen we are unlikely to be able to afford, and probably wouldnt re-sign for us, but the sign or release is based on performance not likelihood
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Midfielder wanted to keep up Blues' push. Spanish forward Pedro in good spirits after scoring Chelsea's opening goal against Newcastle, as Willian joins in the celebrations. The Brazilian netted
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up
Synonyms for keep up at Thesaurus.com with free online thesaurus, antonyms, and definitions. Find descriptive alternatives for keep up.

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Welcome to our live Chelsea blog where we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news from Stamford Bridge. The Blues kept up the pace in the race for a top four place with their 2-1 win over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
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Arsenal have seemingly moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic. The Blues secured a season-long loan deal for Kovacic last summer, and Maurizio Sarri is likely to be keen on securing the Croatia international's signature on a permanent basis should he remain at Stamford Bridge.
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The Portuguese attacking midfielder has also been linked to City's rivals Manchester United, but it is looking increasingly like the Sky Blue is winning the race for the player. The Sporting No. 8 has racked up an immense tally of 31 goals and 17 assists in 50 appearances this season, which has made him one of the hottest players in Europe.
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Football: Sala remembered as Cardiff make painful return to action

Football: Sala remembered as Cardiff make painful return to action

LONDON (AFP) - A minute's silence was held before Cardiff's first match on Tuesday (Jan 29) since the plane carrying the club's record signing Emiliano Sala disappeared over the Channel Islands over a week ago.
After completing a £15 million (S$26 million) move from Nantes on Jan 19, Sala was on his way from France to take part in his first training session with Cardiff two days later when the aircraft carrying the Argentine and pilot David Ibbotson lost contact.
Visiting Cardiff fans at Arsenal's Emirates stadium unveiled a banner reading: "We never saw you play and never saw you score but Emiliano our beautiful bluebird we will love you forever more."
The captains of both sides laid a bouquet of flowers on the pitch before kick-off, while Argentina shirts and flags were waved among the visiting support.
Cardiff manager Neil Warnock described the past week as the toughest of his career having helped broker the deal that brought Sala to the club.
"I've been in football management for 40 years and it's been by far the most difficult week in my career, by an absolute mile," said Warnock on Monday.
"It's been a traumatic week and even now I can't get my head around the situation. It's probably hit me harder than anyone else as I've met the lad and talked to him for the last six to eight weeks."

 
 
 
 
Guernsey police suspended the official search for the plane on Thursday, but a privately-funded search has continued.
Top players were among the more than 4,500 contributors to a crowdfunding page which has raised over €360,000 (S$550,000) to look for Ibbotson and Sala.
In Arsenal's match programme, Gunners club captain Laurent Koscielny compared the game to his experience of representing France against England in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks in 2015.
"It is hard to get into the game at times. You have to be professional, but you also feel the emotion, the sadness around you," said Koscielny.
"There are things far more important than football and you don't know what tomorrow will bring. I am very happy that the searches are now continuing."

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Football: No let-up for English league leaders

Football: No let-up for English league leaders

LONDON • 'Tis the season to be jolly and Liverpool certainly have much reason to be jovial given their four-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
But, with three games coming up in nine days, vice-captain and midfielder James Milner has warned that there is no time for merry-making and urged the Reds to adopt a business-like approach.
Jurgen Klopp's men start the hectic festive period with a Boxing Day home clash with former manager Rafael Benitez's Newcastle - the only team they have not met this season - before taking on Arsenal on Saturday and a potential title decider against City on Jan 3.
"Boxing Day always seems to have a different feel," Milner told liverpoolfc.com. "There are plenty of distractions... But, as players, we have to focus on the job at hand and make sure we're not distracted.
"It is the time of the year for family and you have to make time for that but, when you're training on Christmas Day and then going to the hotel and preparing for the game, your mind has got to be on that.
"We've got a good group of players who have done that very well this year and a lot of players who are very experienced around Christmas time and know what it's about.
"It's a tough time of the year, so it's important we keep the hammer down and keep pushing and keep trying to get those results."

TALL ORDER
It might be a weird game that catches them out, it might not be the obvious one.
I do believe there will be a game where they will get beaten this season.
JERMAINE JENAS, former Spurs midfielder, who does not expect the Reds to go through the league season unbeaten.

The Reds are yet to taste defeat in 18 games this season but former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas feels that they will not emulate Arsenal's "Invincibles" side of 2003-04.
"It's not unrealistic (for Liverpool to go unbeaten) because of the standards that they've set and the way that they are playing," he told BT Sport. "We felt this about Manchester City last year and they fell just short of it and I feel like the same will probably happen to Liverpool at some point.
"It might be a weird game that catches them out, it might not be the obvious one. I do believe there will be a game where they will get beaten this season."
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson agrees with Jenas that Liverpool will slip up at some stage.
"I don't think Pep Guardiola will be too concerned about a four-point gap with 20 games left to play," said the 71-year-old, who coached the Reds from 2010-2011, after the shock 3-2 win against City.
"One of those is going to be against Liverpool but, even without that game, the chances are that Liverpool will go somewhere and something like this will happen.
"Someone will beat them against the odds, there is a long way to go yet and there will be an upset somewhere along the line."
Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed the last three games with a twisted ankle, is back in training and could be restored to the starting line-up. Midfielder Naby Keita, who suffered a number of knocks against Wolves before being replaced early in the second half, is also in contention.
Liverpool have scored 39 goals in 18 Premier League games this season and Newcastle midfielder Mohamed Diame has warned the Magpies that they will have to be miserly in defence if they are to get a good result at Anfield.
"We know it will be tough, we know we will run a lot, but we need to be ready," the Senegal international told NUFC TV.
"We're going to start the game at 0-0 and we have to make sure we keep our clean sheet and try to score when we get the chance because in most games, you get at least one or two chances.
"We have to stay strong, stay compact and make sure we are ready for this game. They are a team which has a lot of potential up front with top players, so we need to be strong, keep the shape and keep fighting as we are doing."
THE GUARDIAN
LIVERPOOL V NEWCASTLE
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Pulisic aims to be next Hazard

Pulisic aims to be next Hazard

LONDON • Christian Pulisic has said that he wants to make the same impact that Eden Hazard has had at Chelsea and hopes to play alongside the Belgium superstar at Stamford Bridge.
The US international signed a 5½-year contract with Maurizio Sarri's team in January but was immediately loaned backed to Germany to finish the season at Borussia Dortmund.
"It is incredible to see what Eden can do," attacking midfielder Pulisic, 20, told the BBC. "He (Hazard) is a guy to look up to and what I would love to become.
"It is definitely a goal. Any player would be dumb not to want to be in the same team as him."
But the £58 million (S$101.2 million) signing appears unlikely to get his wish, with the Chelsea star linked with a move to Real Madrid.
The Belgian forward said earlier this month that he has made a decision on his future. Any announcement of a deal with Real, however, is likely to be delayed until the conclusion of the Europa League final against Arsenal next Wednesday in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Pulisic, who scored four times in 20 league appearances last season as Dortmund finished second to Bayern Munich, said he wanted to inspire young American footballers.

YOUNG GUN
I don't want to be looked at as someone who is the youngest to do this or that. I just want to be an established player and someone people respect, who is successful in this league.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC, Chelsea's new signing, who is both the youngest player to captain the US and score for them in a World Cup qualifier.

"I don't want to be looked at as someone who is the youngest to do this or that," said Pulisic, who is both the youngest player to captain the United States and to score for them in a World Cup qualifier.
"I just want to be an established player and someone people respect, who is successful in this league. It is completely new to me and something not a lot of American players have experienced."
Pulisic spent part of his childhood in England and relished the football culture.
"I soon realised how much people over here loved the game. To be in that culture and get thrown right in just grew my passion even more," he said.
"Every day after school I was on the court playing. I would go to games with my dad, including one at Chelsea. I don't remember how old I was but it would have been around the time Jose Mourinho was there.
"The fans were screaming and yelling. The atmosphere was fantastic. I had never seen anything like it."
Pulisic would likely have seen Petr Cech in action then and it was reported on Tuesday that the goalkeeper will return to the Blues as sporting director when he retires from playing after the Europa League final, according to Sky Sports and other British media.
The 37-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper responded to the reports by tweeting: "Despite the news today as I had already said to everybody before, I'll make (a) decision about my future after the last game. Now my sole focus is to win the EL with @Arsenal."
Chelsea were not immediately available to comment on the media reports.
Former Czech Republic international Cech, who won 124 caps, spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge, winning the Champions League and Europa League, four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and three League Cups before moving to the Gunners in 2015.
He had previously announced that he would retire from playing at the end of this season.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS

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Football: Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris

Football: Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris

LONDON (AFP) - Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday (April 2) that Hugo Lloris will remain in goal for Tottenham despite a series of costly errors this season.
Lloris has endured fresh criticism after his fumble led to Toby Alderweireld's decisive own goal in the final minutes of Tottenham's 2-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.
It is not the first time this term the Tottenham captain has made a mistake that ended up haunting his team.
But Spurs boss Pochettino has always backed the France World Cup winner, even in the wake of a drink-driving charge earlier in the campaign.
Pochettino confirmed Lloris would be in goal for Tottenham's first game in their new stadium against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
"He is my captain. He's one of the best keepers in the world. There's no doubt," Pochettino said.
"There's no doubt that Hugo is one of the best and he's going to be in the goal.
"It's a situation that is so painful because I think we deserved more (at Liverpool), but in that kind of situation, which happens in football, it's only to be strong and back our player.
"I think Hugo is going to be, like always, great for us. He was great for us.
"He was so important in all that process in five years, and for sure he's going to be one of the most important players for the future of the club too."
Tottenham's return home to their 62,062-seater stadium could not have come at a better time as they look for a morale boost after a wretched run.
They have taken just one point from their past five Premier League games, which has seen them not only drop out of the title race but also put their top-four place in serious peril.
There were signs of promise in the cruel loss to Liverpool and Pochettino is sure that their new home will be graced by Champions League football next term.

TOP-FOUR FIGHT

"Of course, the best stadium in the world must have the Champions League," he said.
"It would be a shame to not be in the next Champions League.
"But we are going to fight. We are in the top four, disappointed with the last result but of course it's not the same.
"Against Liverpool we deserved more, played really well second half, the feeling was so good. Playing like this I have no doubts we are going to be in the top four and playing in the Champions League next season.
"It's in our hands. It's a mini-league and playing five games in our new stadium will be a big boost for our players and fans. It's up to us to achieve that."
Tottenham, who have been playing at Wembley for the past two years, have had a painstaking wait following frustrating delays to the stadium's opening this season, which have postponed their moving-in date from August 2018.
But Pochettino is ready for a special day in the club's history.
"It's going to be very special, at last the new stadium is a reality," he said. "Now it's so close, just over 24 hours until we play in our new home.
"It's an exciting moment in the history of the club. Everyone will realise the magnitude of the project."

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Football: Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris

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There's no doubt," Pochettino said. "There's no doubt that Hugo is one of the best and he's going to be in the goal. "It's a situation that is so painful because I think we deserved more (at Liverpool), but in that kind of situation, which happens in football, it's only to be strong and back our player.
Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris | theScore.com

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Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday that Hugo Lloris will remain in goal for Tottenham despite a series of costly errors this season. Lloris has endured fresh criticism after his fumble led to Toby Alderweireld's decisive own goal in the final minutes of Tottenham's 2-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.
Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris - Breitbart

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Football: Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris LONDON (AFP) - Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday (April 2) that Hugo Lloris will remain in goal for Tottenham despite a series of costly errors this season.
Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris -football- my.t

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Mauricio Pochettino says that Hugo Lloris will remain in goal for Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris. 2019-04-02 18:21 which happens in football, it's only to be strong and back

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Football: Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris. which happens in football, it's only to be strong and back our player. "I think Hugo is going to be, like always, great for us.
Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris - sports.yahoo.com

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Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris. AFP April 2, of promise in the cruel loss to Liverpool and Pochettino is sure that their new home will be graced by Champions League football
Football: Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris

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LONDON: Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday that Hugo Lloris will remain in goal for Tottenham despite a series of costly errors this season. Lloris has endured fresh criticism after his fumble led to Toby Alderweireld's decisive own goal in the final minutes of Tottenham's 2-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.
Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris - World Soccer Talk
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/04/02/pochettino-gives-backing-to-under-fire-lloris/
Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris AFP April 2, 2019 AFP No Comments London (AFP) - Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday that Hugo Lloris will remain in goal for Tottenham despite a series of costly errors this season.
Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris | Sport24

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Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris. which happens in football, it's only to be strong and back our player. "I think Hugo is going to be, like always, great for us. He was great for us.
Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris - SuperSport
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Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris. loss to Liverpool and Pochettino is sure that their new home will be graced by Champions League football next term.
Pochettino gives backing to under-fire Lloris | Aaj News

Handsome payouts for Mourinho - three sacks full

Handsome payouts for Mourinho - three sacks full

LONDON • Another three-year cycle has ended with yet another Jose Mourinho sacking and a handsome payout.
The Portuguese manager's reign at Manchester United - despite signing an improved deal to 2020 just 11 months ago - was cut short last Tuesday after the English Premier League football club's worst start to a season in 28 years.
His third firing - twice with Chelsea - was also partly triggered by a much-publicised breakdown in the relationship he had with several United players, notably Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Antonio Valencia.
The "Special One" has long had a history of falling out with those under his charge - from Iker Casillas at Real Madrid to Adrian Mutu and Mateja Kezman during his first Chelsea spell, and Juan Mata when he was reappointed.
Mourinho leaves Old Trafford with his reputation as one of football's most divisive characters even more pronounced, but he still remains a tempting proposition for any club willing to eschew aesthetics for short-term success.
However, there is a price to pay for appointing Mourinho as his past teams can attest to - not only the dressing room rifts and trail of bruised egos, but also the huge compensation figures he will command should things not work out.
According to The Daily Mail, United owe him £22.5 million (S$39 million) as the club are still in the running for the Champions League, entitling him to a 25 per cent bonus on top of his basic salary package of £18 million.

• 
  

  $86.8m

  
  Jose Mourinho's reported sum of payouts (£50 million) from his sackings at Chelsea (twice) and Manchester United.
  

The 55-year-old reportedly pocketed £18 million from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich when he experienced his first dismissal in September 2007 after a series of rows with the Russian, despite leading the club to six trophies in three years at Stamford Bridge.
While the pair patched things up, leading to his re-hiring by the Blues in the summer of 2013, The Mirror claimed Mourinho received another £9.5 million payoff after a run of nine losses in 16 Premier League games left his position untenable on Dec 17, 2015.
The only club where Mourinho has not been richly rewarded despite things ending on a sour note has been Real. Club president Florentino Perez insisted in May 2013 that there was "no compensation" for him. The LaLiga giants then announced they had reached a "mutual agreement" to end their three-year relationship at the end of the term.

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Mourinho demanded the full payout, with more than £40m due on the new four-year contract that had been announced, deliberately, one day before the start of their Premier League defence against
Manchester United sack Mourinho - espn.com

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Manchester United have sacked Jose Mourinho after Sunday's defeat at Liverpool left the club 11 points adrift of the Premier League top four. Mourinho, 55, departs Old Trafford after two-and-a
Chelsea Football Club Sacks Jose Mourinho - uSports.org

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Handsome payouts for Mourinho - three sacks full said he aims to be back in full-time management and has no intention of retiring yet. "I want to coach. I belong to top-level football and
D.J. Swearinger says he was released by Redskins | All My
allmysportsnews.com/nfl/d-j-swearinger-says-he-was-released-by-redskins/
Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden had enough with D.J. Swearinger spouting off. The veteran safety told 106.7 The Fan that he's been cut by the Redskins, via the radio station's Twitter account.
REVEALED: The fortune Mourinho has earned from sacking

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The £9.5m compensation payout that could be awarded to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in the event of his dismissal would be no deterrent to owner Roman Abramovich, if the club's history with

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It is but we have almost completely decoupled the concept of personal financial expose and business failure. There is also a fair argument to say that if you manage a failing company and they lose £200m one year and £100m the next year then you can say you have done a good job and deserve a bonus.
Jose Mourinho: How much have Chelsea paid out to sacked

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This was Mourinho's second spell with Chelsea. He previously managed the Blues from 2004-2007 before leaving for Inter Milan. The Portuguese manager has never made it through three consecutive seasons with any club. "Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent," the team said in a statement.
Mourinho Sacked! Solskjær new interim manager | Page 3

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Handsome payouts for Mourinho - three sacks full, Football

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Handsome payouts for Mourinho - three sacks full Jose Mourinho leaves Old Trafford with his reputation as one of football's most divisive characters even more pronounced. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Handsome payouts for Mourinho - three sacks full | All My
allmysportsnews.com/soccer/handsome-payouts-for-mourinho-three-sacks-full/
Handsome payouts for Mourinho - three sacks full Posted on 12/24/2018 LONDON • Another three-year cycle has ended with yet another Jose Mourinho sacking and a handsome payout.
Football: Jose Mourinho says he lacked help in Manchester

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Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has earned a world fortune from being sacked as a manager. The Portuguese's time at Old Trafford came to a halt on Tuesday morning after two and a half
Jose Mourinho told Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich: 'Pay me

S'pore coaches work wonders

S'pore coaches work wonders

From relegation candidates to I-League champions in a year, Chennai City proved there are more to football miracles than just Leicester City's stunning English Premier League triumph in 2016.
In achieving the improbable, head coach Akbar Nawas and his assistant K. Balagumaran also showed that Singaporean trainers are capable of producing such magical moments after leading the Indian club to the league title on Saturday.
The duo are believed to be the first local coaches to win a professional football league outside South-east Asia.
Former Tampines Rovers coach Akbar told The Straits Times yesterday: "There is great satisfaction after accepting the challenge of taking over a relegation-threatened team, and then winning the league within a year."
When the 43-year-old took over the reins last year, Chennai had three games to stave off relegation from the I-League. They beat Churchill Brothers 3-1, lost 7-1 to East Bengal, before securing safety with a 2-1 win over Minerva Punjab in their final match.
A year later, the remarkable turnaround was completed in front of 8,000 fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on Saturday with a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Minerva as both club and head coach clinched their first league title.
For Balagumaran, this is his second league title as assistant to V. Sundram Moorthy after winning the 2013 Malaysian Super League title with the LionsXII.

A SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
There is great satisfaction after accepting the challenge of taking over a relegation-threatened team, and then winning the league within a year.
AKBAR NAWAS, Chennai City head coach, on the I-League side's dream season.

With 13 wins, four draws and three defeats, Chennai amassed 43 points, one more than second-placed East Bengal. And they did it in style, scoring 48 goals in 20 matches, and never relinquishing their place at the top of the 11-team league from the third match week.
The Times of India summarised their triumph as "befitting their dominant campaign, the fulcrum of which was a sustained possession-based football".
Akbar said: "Winning the title was the end result of good scouting, our attacking football philosophy, how we trained, prepared and executed our plans during the games.
"The club gave me the freedom to impart this to the players despite initial scepticism about whether this will be successful in India.
"I never lost sleep over the title race because we were focused and trusted our processes - there was great synergy among the owner, backroom staff and players. In fact, I lost sleep only after we won, with the many phone calls and text messages coming in!"
Astutely building the team around five Spaniards from Europe's lower leagues and former S-League star Jozef Kaplan, Akbar also made room for local talents to shine.

PUTTING THE SHINE ON
When we got here, the players we had were not from football academies, they were from the streets and so unpolished... now they have won their first professional league title.
K. BALAGUMARAN, on the humble backgrounds of many of their players.

Incredibly, Chennai won the league without a single Indian international in their squad. Yet, the goals flowed from every department. Striker Pedro Manzi may be the league's joint-top scorer with 21 goals, but the winning goals against Minerva came from 20-year-old centre-back Gaurav Bora.
Balagumaran said: "When we got here, the players we had were not from football academies, they were from the streets and so unpolished.
"Many of them are playing in their first professional season and now they have won their first professional league title.
"Credit has to go to Akbar for his attacking philosophy because defending was not our strength - we drew 3-3 with Neroca after blowing a 3-0 lead - and to the players for being open to his ideas.
"This is definitely the highlight of my career, but I hope there is more to come."
That could well be the case as Chennai are now eligible for the 2020 AFC Champions League qualifiers, while sources also told ST that the duo are now on the All India Football Federation's radar, with India's national coach position currently vacant.
Representatives from Swiss club FC Basel, who have a 26 per cent equity stake in the Indian club, were at Chennai's coronation and are said to be impressed by the work of Akbar and Balagumaran.
While Akbar declined to comment on speculation over his future as he has one more year left on his contract, Balagumaran said: "I hope this achievement shows there are good coaches from Singapore and opens the door for more Singaporean coaches to venture abroad.
"If we can start from humble beginnings, work hard with what we have and still find success, there is no reason local coaches can't aim for a job in a professional league in Asia, or perhaps youth teams in Europe."

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SINGAPORE - Singaporean Akbar Nawas has been named the I-League's best coach after leading Chennai City to their first title earlier this month. The Indian team swept seven out of 10 categories at the I-League awards and trophy presentation ceremony at the Taj Corramandel in Chennai on Wednesday (March 20).
Singaporean coach Akbar Nawas' Chennai City FC crowned new I

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Gianni Infantino sole candidate for FIFA presidency in June vote The 48-year-old has been in charge of FIFA since February 2016, after succeeding the disgraced Sepp Blatter following the
Football: Gianni Infantino re-elected FIFA president

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Vincent Kompany will have a testimonial match in August 2019 to mark his 10th year at Manchester City, with all the profits going to a great cause. The proceeds will all go the Homelessness Fund set up by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, which aims to end homelessness in Manchester… read more »
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Villans ascend into EPL heaven, Football News & Top Stories The Straits Times. LONDON • Aston Villa are back in the big time, £170 million (S$296.8 million) richer and free from the demons that have tormented them since they lost in the
Rivals of Ixalan Spotlight: Ascend | makesmagic.com

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MANCHESTER, England (REUTERS) - Manchester United produced their least impressive performance under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Norwegian offered rare starts to some out-of-favour
Solskjaer maintains perfect start as United beat Reading in
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It was a subdued performance by the 12-times FA Cup winners at Old Trafford, where Reading impressed, but maintained former United striker Solskjaer's dream start to life in the hot seat vacated last month by Jose Mourinho who was sacked. Solskjaer becomes the first United manager to begin his reign with five straight wins since Matt Busby.
Manchester United : Solskjaer maintains perfect start as

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists it will be a five-horse race for the Premier League title this season after his side were beaten by Chelsea on Saturday evening. Blues boss Maurizio Sarri has constantly claimed that his team are not ready to be the top side in the league just yet, but goals from N'Golo Kante and David Luiz secured a

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Atletico Madrid left it late to see off Girona 2-0 at home on Tuesday as strikes from Diego Godin and Antoine Griezmann kept up their faint hopes of catching La Liga leaders Barcelona.
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Support your favourite team and join us for the Champions League Final live screening! Join us for the Champions League Final live screening and support your favourite team! Catch the match live on screen while enjoying free Prata and Teh Tarik!*
Where to watch the Champions League final - best bars and

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LISBON (REUTERS) - Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has ruled himself out of the vacant job at Benfica, saying he has no intention of coaching in his native Portugal for the time being..
Mourinho rules himself out of Benfica job - Reuters

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Pep Guardiola wants the pain of Manchester City's gut-wrenching Champions League elimination at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur to inspire a charge for an unprecedented domestic treble.
Guardiola hopes Champions League pain spurs on Manchester

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AFC Asian Cup 2019: Hostile crowd awaits Qatar in semi-final against UAE A political dispute in the Gulf will play out for the second time at the Asian Cup when Qatar meet hosts the United Arab Emirates in the semi-final on Tuesday.
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Kent Eriksen Cycles was born in 2005 from a love of bikes, innovation, adventure and the outdoors. As the original founder of Moots Cycles, Kent's extensive experience in the hand built bike industry provided him the perfect opportunity to create Kent Eriksen Cyles.

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