Pellegrini may be sacked - Marsh

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini will be sacked if results do not improve, according to former forward Rodney Marsh.
Premier League champions City are winless from their past three games in all competitions in just over a week.

City threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League and that was followed by back-to-back defeats against West Ham in the Premier League and Newcastle United in the League Cup.

The Manchester club also went on a four-game winless streak after consecutive wins to start the league campaign.

And Marsh, who made 118 appearances for City between 1972 and 1976 and won the Community Shield, believes Pellegrini could do well to see out the season.

"I think City are really struggling," Marsh told talkSPORT.

"I think he will get the sack. There is every chance, if this carries on, that Pellegrini will be out, the same as [Roberto] Mancini was.

"Mancini won the Premier League and the following year finished second and he was sacked.

"If Pellegrini carries on like this, and Man City don't win the league or get to the final at least of the Champions League, which is looking dodgy as well, I think Pellegrini is sacked. He could go earlier.

"I think it is on a really fine balance now. People that are close to the club that I know are all saying that the owners have put in £175m and they are struggling.

"I think the owners are probably thinking if we get knocked out of the Champions League and if we end up third or fourth or fifth in the Premier League - which I don't think will happen - then I think Pellegrini is out early."

Marsh added: "Man City have got loads of world class players that, apart from David Silva and Sergio Aguero, are all playing ordinary football at the same time.

"When you have that, it doesn’t matter how brilliant the players are, if you are not pulling in the same direction you are going to struggle."

Pellegrini assured City will improve

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini shrugged off suggestions the Premier League champions have gone backwards in 2014-15.
After nine league matches, Pellegrini's men have already slipped six points behind Chelsea - having lost to West Ham and Stoke, while being held to draws with Arsenal and the league leaders.

The Chilean tactician put their supposed struggles into perspective, claiming City had one more point this season than last after nine fixtures - ahead of their Capital One Cup hosting of Newcastle on Wednesday.

"Last year, we had one point less than this year in the table. We didn't start as well as I wanted last year but we still won the league," Pellegrini said.

"Surely, with 87 points still to play for, nobody can think it is finished?
"Yes, this year, maybe, we are playing in irregular form.

"But I am sure we will return to be the same team we were in the most important part of last season."
City conceded less than a goal a game as they won the title for the second time in three seasons, while they have shipped 10 goals so far this term - keeping clean sheets against Newcastle and Aston Villa.

But Pellegrini hailed his defence, and claimed the likes of Eliaquim Mangala, Vincent Kompany, Martin Demichelis, Matija Nastasic and Dedryck Boyata will lead the back line throughout the season.

Mangala cost City £32million from Primeira Liga heavyweight Porto but has so far struggled to find his feet in England.

"Mangala is a young player but he has a lot of experience. And I am sure we bought the centre-back that we need in him," Pellegrini said.

"With him, Kompany, Demichelis, Nastasic and Boyata, we have centre-backs that, I can assure you, will play very well.

"The same thing happened with Demichelis last year - remember the criticism for him after he just arrived in the Premier League?

"And we will be trying not to concede [against Newcastle], as I think it's very important to have clean sheets."

Lovren: Balotelli´s goal ´a reassurance for everyone´

Defender Dejan Lovren declared Mario Balotelli's goal in Liverpool's 2-1 League Cup win on Tuesday is "a relief for everyone".

Liverpool defeated Swansea City 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the cup competition, coming from behind thanks to late goals from Balotelli and Lovren.

Swansea had looked on track for victory at Anfield after Marvin Emnes gave them the lead but Balotelli equalised with four minutes left before Lovren struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure victory for Liverpool.

It was just Balotelli's second goal for Liverpool since joining from Milan and Lovren indicated the Italian striker's scoring drought had been weighing on the Merseyside club.

"I think it's a relief for everyone but I was sure that Mario would score today or tomorrow so it was just a [matter of] time," the Croatian defender told Sky Sports.

"Everyone has confidence in Mario, he's working very hard in training, so it will come with time."
Lovren added he expects Balotelli to produce a run of goals after getting on the scoresheet in the League Cup: "When you score a goal all the heavy weight that was on your shoulders [is lifted]...and I think now his time will come."

After Emnes opened the scoring in the 65th minute with a smart volley on the turn, Liverpool hit back in the 86th with Balotelli prodding a right-wing cross home from inside the six-yard box.

Swansea suffered a serious blow when defender Federico Fernandez was controversially sent off in the 92nd minute but Lovren - who scored the winner with a back-post header - said Liverpool deserved to prevail.

"It was a tough game but we showed today our character," the 25-year-old said.
"I think we played better than the last two games and 100 per cent we deserved this win today.

Rodriguez astonished by Isco

James Rodriguez admits he has been surprised by the quality of Real Madrid team-mate Isco.
The close-season arrival of Colombia star Rodriguez at the Santiago Bernabeu was expected to push

Isco further down Carlo Ancelotti's attacking pecking order.
However, the former Malaga playmaker has been in superb form for Real recently after coming in for the injured Gareth Bale, earning widespread plaudits for excellent displays in Real's wins over Liverpool and Barcelona in the last week.

And Rodriguez has revealed that he was not expecting to be so impressed by Isco's ability.

When asked in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Ser which of his new team-mates has most surprised him, Rodriguez replied: "All of them have a lot of quality. Maybe the one that has surprised me the most is Isco - I like him a lot."

Rodriguez is also now showing his true quality after a period of adaption at the Bernabeu, and the World Cup golden boot winner insists he was always confident of succeeding in the Spanish capital.

The 23-year-old was often substituted or omitted from Real's starting line-up at the start of the season, but has now seemingly cemented his place in Ancelotti first-choice XI and is happy playing wherever the Italian wants him to.

"I was calm, I knew that I had to adapt but through working hard I could raise my level and I know that I can still improve," Rodriguez added.

"I will always be available. Without doubt, I like to play as a playmaker, close to the area.
"[But] from the centre of midfield to up front, I have played in all those positions."

New signings are settling - Pardew

After Newcastle United's win over Tottenham on Sunday, Alan Pardew believes his recent recruits are starting to settle in at St James' Park.

Newcastle brought in a host of players during the close-season after a dismal end to last term, but their malaise continued into the start of the current campaign and they only secured a first Premier League victory last weekend against Leicester City.

However, Pardew's men made it two wins on the spin at White Hart Lane with Sammy Ameobi and Ayoze Perez completing a fightback after Emmanuel Adebayor's opener.

Ayoze - signed from Spanish second-tier side Tenerife - made his first top-flight start a memorable occasion by glancing home Remy Cabella's cross shortly before the hour mark - having only been a late inclusion due to Papiss Cisse's injury.

Pardew was also impressed with the likes of Dary Janmaat and Cabella as the gloom continued to lift at the club.

"We had to play Perez and I knew it probably wouldn't have suited him, but we had to give it a go given the way we worked this week," Pardew explained.

"He is a goalscorer. He grows an inch [for the header] when someone else doesn't. Perez is a great individual talent. He doesn't have the strength and power you associate with the Premier League. That will come to him.

"We are so pleased with him. The players love him so they were really made up when he scored.

"One or two of the new boys are beginning to settle in. I thought Daryl Janmaat was good and Cabella showed some things

United are heading in the right direction - van Persie

Robin van Persie believes Manchester United are heading in the right direction after salvaging a draw against Chelsea on Sunday.

The Netherlands international scored in stoppage time at Old Trafford on Sunday to rescue a point from his side's clash with the Premier League leaders.

Van Persie's late goal extended United's unbeaten run in the league to four matches and ensures they will head into this weekend's Manchester derby on something of a positive note.

Ahead of this season's first meeting with fierce rivals City, Van Persie feels the point proves Louis van Gaal's side can compete with the league's best sides.

"We all know that this club wants to go for the highest - first place," he told the club's official website.

"[Sunday] showed everyone that we can compete with the best in England - I think soon with the best in Europe too. It’s just a process and we are now in the middle of that process.

"It’s getting better every day, we are improving all the time."
Van Persie received a yellow card for removing his shirt after equalising against Chelsea - something Van Gaal described as a "stupid reaction".

The former Arsenal man revealed emotion got the better of him as he celebrated his first United goal since the end of September.

"I know it’s one of the rules that you have to keep your shirt on but sometimes you forget and everything comes together and the whole place explodes," he added.
"It was one of those fantastic moments and the main thing is that we got something out of this game because we deserved it."

Lahm satisfied with draw

Philipp Lahm was satisfied with Bayern Munich's goalless draw at Borussia Monchengladbach and felt his side controlled the game.
Both sides maintained their unbeaten record in the Bundesliga as they played out a stalemate at Borussia-Park on Sunday.

Germany internationals Max Kruse and Andre Hahn each found themselves one-on-one with Manuel Neuer, but the Bayern keeper stood firm to preserve a seventh consecutive clean sheet in the league.

Bayern are four points clear of Hoffenheim, Gladbach and Wolfsburg after winning six of their first nine matches and Lahm was content with the outcome on Sunday.

"It's a good result for us. We didn't create that many clear-cut chances but we had the match under control." Lahm told the club's official website.

"We came here to win, and everyone could see that, even at the end. We're four points clear so everything's okay."

Thomas Muller echoed Lahm's sentiments and praised the performance of Neuer.

"Obviously Gladbach had two or three chances on the break, and that's what you'd expect." said the Germany forward.

"They're very well organised and their transitions are very quick, so you'll never prevent them getting a few shots away, but Manuel was extremely alert. Otherwise we played a very good game.”

Guardiola says upcoming run is important

Guardiola believes Bayern Munich are about to embark on their most crucial period of the campaign before the mid-season break.


The Bundesliga champions meet Borussia Monchengladbach in Sunday's top-of-the-table clash, before a DFB-Pokal tie with Hamburg next Wednesday ahead of Der Klassiker with rivals Borussia Dortmund on November 1.


Following a tough domestic schedule, Bayern will play a fourth match in the space of 11 days when they welcome Roma to the Allianz Arena on November 5 in the UEFA Champions League.


Bayern head into Sunday's match unbeaten in Germany's top flight and on the back of a stunning 7-1 demolition of Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.


Guardiola is keen to temper expectations at Bayern - who have not lost since their DFL-Supercup defeat to Dortmund in August - but recognises the importance of their upcoming schedule.


"[We need to] stay calm. We are only in October," he said. "These are the most important 10 days before the winter break.


We'll see what level we are on.


"Now, the players themselves have to fight to earn a place in the team. They need to show me every day that they are ready to play."


Guardiola was also asked about the form of Mario Gotze after his goal in the Roma rout followed a brace in last weekend's 6-0 battering of Werder Bremen.


Gotze is the Bundesliga's top scorer this term, with six goals in seven appearances, but Guardiola feels the ex-Dortmund man can still improve.


"I want more," he added. "He has great quality, Bayern Munich want more from Mario. We've talked about it and I know that he is ready for it."

Costa's chance is slim against United - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has indicated that Chelsea striker Diego Costa has a chance of playing against Manchester United on Sunday.

Costa has been key to Chelsea's blistering start to the Premier League season, the Spaniard scoring nine goals to help the London club to a total of 22 points from eight games.

However, he has not featured in Chelsea's last two games - a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace last weekend and their 6-0 UEFA Champions League rout of Maribor on Tuesday.

Mourinho revealed on Friday that Costa missed the Maribor fixture due to a viral infection that forced him to stay overnight in hospital.

But the former Atletico Madrid man could still be fit for the trip to Old Trafford, although fellow forward Loic Remy will be out for two to three weeks with a groin injury.

"Remy no chance [of playing]," Mourinho said. "Diego has a little chance, the same as [John-Obi] Mikel and Ramires."

Should Costa be unfit, Didier Drogba will likely be asked to fill in after playing over 70 minutes against Maribor following Remy's injury.

The 36-year-old Chelsea legend, who returned to Stamford Bridge in the close-season, has been struggling with ajn ankle injury this term but Mourinho has faith in him.

"He [Drogba] understands the responsibility," Mourinho added. "He understands the need to push himself to different levels to help the team."

Sunday's contest will pit Mourinho against former mentor and United boss Louis van Gaal, with whom the Portuguese worked for three years during the Dutchman's first spell at Barcelona from 1997 to 2000.

Mourinho cites Van Gaal as one of the biggest influences on his career but insists their relationship will mean nothing come kick-off.

"Man United is Man United for me it doesn't matter who is the manager," Mourinho explained.

"It doesn't matter the table it doesn't matter the players. I always look at them independent of these sectors.

"I don't play against Louis, Chelsea plays against Man United, during the match I have no time to look around and to see who the opposing manager is."

we haven't seen the best of Aguero - Pellegrini

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has warned the Premier League that Sergio Aguero has yet to get back to his best.

Argentina striker Aguero has been in prolific form so far this season, scoring 11 goals in 11 games in all competitions, including all four in City's 4-1 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

The 26-year-old will be out to add to his tally versus West Ham on Saturday, and Pellegrini feels the best is yet to come from the former Atletico Madrid man, who was plagued by muscle injuries last term.

"I don't think we have seen the best of Sergio," Pellegrini said.

"I've known him for many years, since when he was in Spain. He was an important player in 2011-12 and last year he was very important in the first part of the year.

"After that it was difficult for him, but I was always sure he would return to form.

"I think he can do better."

Midfielders Samir Nasri and Frank Lampard remain on the sidelines for City due to injury.

Lampard will miss the West Ham match due to the thigh problem he sustained against Tottenham,
while the game will also come too soon for Nasri, who has returned to training following groin surgery and could make his comeback versus Newcastle United in the League Cup next Wednesday.

"Frank Lampard is not ready for this week, but maybe next week he will start working with the whole squad," Pellegrini added.

"Nasri was working with the whole squad after we got back from Russia [from the Champions League game with CSKA Moscow]. Maybe next week he will be ok. All the other players are fit."

Busquets ready for El Clasico

Luis Enrique confirmed that Sergio Busquets has overcome a hip injury and will be fit to face Real Madrid in El Clasico on Saturday.

The Spain international midfielder sat out Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Ajax after suffering bruising.

Barca won 3-1 at Camp Nou to set them up nicely for their meeting with arch-rivals Real at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

And in a media conference on Friday, Luis Enrique allayed any injury fears over Busquets, declaring that he should have no issues in being ready for the trip to Madrid.

"Sergio is looking very good. He trained with everyone and he should be available without any problems," he said.

Luis Enrique, who played for both Barca and Real during his career, also revealed that Luis Suarez - available after serving a four-month ban for biting - would play at least some part in the game.

"It's an important day for him," he said. "We will be coming out against Madrid with the same attitude we've shown all season.
"Clasicos have to be heated and exciting, but within sporting parameters."

Bender happy with Leverkusen effort

Stand-in Bayer Leverkusen captain Lars Bender felt his side were worth all three points in their 2-0 win over Zenit on Wednesday.

Leverkusen moved to the top of UEFA Champions League Group C with a routine success at BayArena that came thanks to second-half goals from Giulio Donati and Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

Brazilian full-back Wendell was sent off with 11 minutes to play in a fractious affair but Leverkusen avoided a late scare to secure maximum points.

And Bender - deputising as captain for the injured Simon Rolfes - was pleased with his team's display.

 "Today we have been very disciplined right from the start," he said.

"It was a very tough game. But in the end, we really deserved the win."
Leverkusen visit Zenit in two weeks' time for their next fixture in Europe's premier club competition.

Ronaldo worried at El Clasico scheduling

Cristiano Ronaldo has questioned why Real Madrid will face Barcelona on Saturday but still backed the European champions to win El Clasico.

Real and arch-rivals Barca lock horns for the first time this season at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend.

The eagerly-awaited encounter comes just three days after Carlo Ancelotti's side tormented Liverpool in a 3-0 UEFA Champions League victory at Anfield.

La Liga leaders Barca were in action 24 hours earlier, beating Ajax 3-1 at Camp Nou to move a step closer to qualifying from Group F.

Imperious forward Ronaldo, who scored his 20th goal of the season on Merseyside, is baffled as to why El Clasico is not scheduled for Sunday and played down talk of a duel between him and Lionel Messi.

He said: "It will be a difficult match because Barcelona are playing well. I'm not going to play against Messi, I'm going to play against Barcelona. They are a great team. Real Madrid and Barcelona are playing each other.

"We're not going to make any excuses. But I don't understand why they put the match on Saturday.
"It is a difficult match and all footballers know that an extra day's rest is significant. Cup matches aren't so important. However, I don't want to make excuses because the team is fine and confident."

Ancelotti pleased with Real's top form

Carlo Ancelotti praised Real Madrid's finest performance of the season after his team brushed aside Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with a fine 23rd-minute strike from James Rodriguez's exquisite chipped pass, while a brace from Karim Benzema ensured a 3-0 Group B win, with all the goals coming before half-time at Anfield.

Ancelotti also paid tribute to the control his defending European champions displayed after the break, as Real head into Saturday's El Clasico against Barcelona in fine fettle.

Asked whether Wednesday night's showing was Real's best of the campaign, the Italian told Sky Sports: "I think so, also because of the difficulty of the opposing team.

"In the first half we were fantastic and then in the second half we had good control of the game and the result.

"It is difficult to say [what pleased me most]. I don't have to say anything to the players because they played really well, with confidence.

"We did really well in the first 20 minutes when Liverpool started with intensity. We had good control and defended well.

"After the first 20 minutes we started to play good football.
"We had to control the first 15 minutes of the second half and after that the game was over."

Ancelotti was in charge of Milan when they famously let a 3-0 half-time lead slip against Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League final before losing a penalty shootout defeat in Istanbul.

"I forgot this," he joked.
 "I told the players that in football everything can happen.

"I know really well that these [Liverpool] supporters stay close to the team. I told my players to stay focused in the second half."

It was a landmark night at Anfield for Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who went level with Barcelona midfielder Xavi in making 143 appearances in the Champions League - a competition record.

Casillas told UEFA.com: "When I made my debut on September 15, 1999, I never thought that I would get to even be the second or third player with most appearances, so I'm very happy with everything."

Koke wants consistency

Koke urged Atletico Madrid to keep up their momentum after playing a key role in Wednesday's 5-0 UEFA Champions League demolition of Malmo.

After a frustrating first half in which a number of chances were spurned, the Spian international opened the scoring for Diego Simeone's men from close range and the floodgates opened.

The midfielder's influence grew as he crossed for Mario Mandzukic to score the second, fed Antoine Griezmann for the third and Diego Godin headed in his corner for a late fourth.

Alessio Cerci rounded off the scoring in injury time and while admitting frustration at trying to break down Malmo's defence, Koke believes last season's finalists Atletico should look to progress as swiftly as possible.

"We have to go and win our remaining games to avoid relying on others. We have six points, we're at the top and that's what's important," Koke is quoted by AS.

"We tried in the first half but they didn't give much space. We tried with a lot of crosses and we had bad luck when Griezmann hit the crossbar.

"We tried to score from close range, from distance, in the end we worked hard and I was lucky to score the first, and from there the goals came."

Frenchman Griezmann was making his first Champions League start and missed a superb chance in the first half when he rattled the bar after latching on to Arda Turan's measured pass, but he got his rewards after the interval with a finish that bounced in off Malmo goalkeeper Robin Olsen.
And Griezmann admitted that it was exactly what he needed.

He said: "Actually, I needed a game like that and a goal.

"It's a shame about the shot in the first half that hit the bar but we've achieved an important victory, we have six points and we have to keep improving."

Tottenham can win trophy within two years - Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham could win a trophy within the next two years under his stewardship.

The 42-year-old moved to White Hart Lane in the close-season from Southampton, where he impressed in leading the club to eighth in his only full campaign in charge.

Under Pochettino, Spurs have made an inconsistent start in the Premier League, with 11 points to their name from eight matches.

Tottenham take on Asteras Tripolis in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday and Pochettino is confident that he can soon guide the club to their first silverware since their League Cup triumph under Juande Ramos in 2008.

"You need time," he said. "You need to suffer and keep the bad moments. But maybe now is a different period for us.

"I am sure we'll achieve something ­important, maybe in six months, one year or two years, I am sure the club will achieve a very important trophy.

"Daniel [Levy, Tottenham chairman] was very clear. He explained how we need to move the club on and we agreed.

"We expected a tough period and are in one now. But we have the possibility to build something ­important - it's a very big challenge."auricio Pochettino believes Tottenham could win a trophy within the next two years under his stewardship.

The 42-year-old moved to White Hart Lane in the close-season from Southampton, where he impressed in leading the club to eighth in his only full campaign in charge.
Under Pochettino, Spurs have made an inconsistent start in the Premier League, with 11 points to their name from eight matches.

Tottenham take on Asteras Tripolis in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday and Pochettino is confident that he can soon guide the club to their first silverware since their League Cup triumph under Juande Ramos in 2008.

"You need time," he said. "You need to suffer and keep the bad moments. But maybe now is a different period for us.

"I am sure we'll achieve something ­important, maybe in six months, one year or two years, I am sure the club will achieve a very important trophy.

"Daniel [Levy, Tottenham chairman] was very clear. He explained how we need to move the club on and we agreed.

"We expected a tough period and are in one now. But we have the possibility to build something ­important - it's a very big challenge."

Allegri says Juve can still progress

Massimiliano Allegri is still backing Juventus to qualify from UEFA Champions League Group A despite their defeat against Olympiacos.

The Serie A champions suffered a second successive 1-0 loss in Europe's premier club competition courtesy of Pajtim Kasami's first-half strike at the Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday.
Olympiacos were indebted to goalkeeper Roberto, who produced an outstanding second-half display to thwart the Turin giants.

Juve are now third in Group A behind Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos, but coach Allegri expects his side to progress.

"I'm full of optimism and I'm convinced we'll manage to go through." he said.
The former Milan coach, however, knows Juve must raise their game in order to turn around their fortunes in Europe.

"We didn't play well in the opening period. We were stretched and unable to get at them high up the pitch. Technically we were poor." said Allegri.

"We fell behind but then after the break we pushed up more. We need to improve in certain areas, against teams like this who chase and harry a lot. Even if you're not on your game, you can't let them have three or four breaks like we did.

"They pressed us a lot and the whole team generally found it hard. We needed to show more movement when we were in possession but we didn't do that."

Andrea Pirlo was substituted early in the second half, but Allegri backed the playmaker to come good.

Allegri said: "Unlike some other players, I think Andrea needs to be playing to find his best form. I thought he would be key to slowing down the tempo of our opponents.

"In any case he'll soon be bang on form again. He has a starring role to play for us in Serie A and our Champions League campaign."

Mata had no relationship with Mourinho

Spanish midfielder Juan Mata claimed on Monday he had "no relationship" with Jose Mourinho during their time together at Chelsea.

Mata left Chelsea for Manchester United in January having seemingly been frozen out by Mourinho, who returned to Stamford Bridge at the start of the 2013-14 Premier League season.

Having been named Chelsea's player of the year for two consecutive seasons, Mata played just 13 of the London club's first 22 games in the Premier League last season and Mourinho indicated on numerous occasions that the Spaniard did not work hard enough.

Mata has now joined United and although he is still struggling to nail down a starting position, the 26-year-old playmaker is convinced he is in a better place.
"For better or for worse, we had no relationship, there was no dialogue," Mata told El Pais when asked about Mourinho.

"I was not happy, but always gave the most and respected my colleagues. You never know what will happen in life."

Mata added about new United coach Louis van Gaal: "He has so much experience and I can learn a lot from him. He's tough when he has to be.

"He says things in a firm way, intensely, but then he's somebody who is very close with the players.

He really likes to talk with us, to ask us what we think about the exercises that we do in training."
Since Mata arrived in England before the 2011-12 season, he has quickly gathered a large number of fans throughout the country.

But having only played 34 minutes at the World Cup for Spain, Mata reckons his homeland does not appreciate his talents.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has not picked the former Valencia midfielder since the World Cup.

"Maybe I feel my values more in England than in Spain," Mata said.
"Now I have not [been] mentioned but am not looking for excuses or justifications."

Ronaldo has low Ballon d´Or chances- Platini

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo would be an undeserving winner of the Ballon d'Or, according to UEFA president Michel Platini.

The Portugal forward is strongly fancied to win the prestigious award for a third time after yet another standout campaign.

But Platini feels a player who performed well at the World Cup would be a more deserving winner, particularly a member of the victorious Germany team.

Ronaldo's Portugal failed to get out of the group stage in Brazil, with the 29-year-old scoring just once.

"The Ballon d'Or tends to go to a player who has performed exceptionally well at the World Cup, someone who won it," Platini told BeIN Sports.

"So this year it should be for a Germany player. It was always that way until 2010 when Leo Messi won despite having a fairly average World Cup, so nothing is for certain."

Despite his comments, Platini believes Ronaldo and Barcelona star Lionel Messi are the world's best players.
"The only thing that is certain is the Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are two of the best players in the world, nobody doubts that," he said.

BREAKING NEWS: Pistorius sentenced to five years in prison

Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in prison for the culpable homicide of Reeva Steenkamp.

The Paralympic champion shot his girlfriend Ms Steenkamp dead in the early hours of February 14, 2013 but has maintained since that he mistook her for an intruder in their Pretoria home.

Judge Thokozile Masipa has overseen the athlete's trial since early March and concluded the seven-month process on Tuesday, delivering her sentence at North Gauteng High Court at 10:33 local time (09:33 GMT).

According to Judge Masipa, Pistorius was guilty of "gross negligence that bordered on dolus eventualis [murder]."

Pistorius had faced a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for Ms Steenkamp's killing and remained still as the announcement was made.

A second charge Pistorius had been found guilty of, a firearms offence, saw the athlete given a three-year prison sentence, suspended for five years.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel had last week called for the 27-year-old to be jailed for at least 10 years, though defence lawyer Barry Roux argued that conditions in South African prisons were not suitable to house someone with the disabilities of a double-amputee like Pistorius.

Levante sack Mendilibar

Levante have sacked head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar after just eight matches in charge.

Mendilibar took over from Joaquin Caparros in the close-season, but has paid the price for a poor start to the 2014-15 campaign.

In eight La Liga outings, Levante have won just once - a 1-0 success at Granada last month - and they currently lie second from bottom with five points to their name.

Levante have scored a league-low four goals in those eight games, and conceded 20, the most in the division.

A statement on the club's official website confirmed the news, before expressing thanks to Mendilibar for his time in charge.

"The board appreciates the professionalism shown by Jose Luis Mendilibar while at Levante, as well as his coach, Inaki Bea, and his trainer, Toni Ruiz; and wishes in the future all the luck at the professional and personal level," it read.

Di Matteo likes Schalke's attack

Schalke coach Roberto Di Matteo is excited by the attacking quality in his squad as he prepares for his first game in charge.

The Italian replaced Jens Keller earlier in October after Schalke's slow start to the Bundesliga campaign, which saw them win just two of seven games to sit 11th.

Di Matteo said it had been difficult with several players away on international duty, but he likes the look of his attack.

The former Chelsea manager said improved organisation would be the key when his side face Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

"I watched some of Schalke's matches and got some ideas," Di Matteo told a news conference.

"I think the attacking potential of the team is very big, but we have to improve our organisation."
Di Matteo is urging Schalke to focus on the collective, despite the individual quality within their squad.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Julian Draxler, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Max Meyer and Sidney Sam are among the players at Di Matteo's disposal.

"As I said, it's always about the team. The players have to work for the team," Di Matteo said.

"In the squad there are some key players who have to help the team and give all their quality to the team and not just to themselves as an individual.

"There are many players in our squad, not just Julian, Kevin or Benni [Howedes]. It's all about the team and not just single players."

Brendan Rodgers defends Sterling

                                        
Brendan Rodgers slammed claims Raheem Sterling said he was too tired to play for England and believes the star is being "hung out to dry".

Liverpool forward Sterling dropped to the bench for England's Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia last Sunday, with manager Roy Hodgson stating the teenager had told him he was suffering from fatigue.

Sterling, who came off the bench in Tallinn and was upended for the free-kick which Wayne Rooney scored to secure a 1-0 win, has come in for criticism this week, but Liverpool boss Rodgers revealed it was Hodgson's decision to leave him out.

Hodgson called into question Liverpool's policy of players not taking part in full training sessions until three days after a game and is reported to be eager to speak to Rodgers at Sunday's Premier League clash against QPR.

Rodgers has leapt to the defence of Sterling and dismissed talk of a rift with the England boss.
He told The Independent: "I'm fed up reading about this club v country row, claims we intervened and put pressure on Roy Hodgson.

"I've read we sent dossiers to the FA [Football Association] on Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge and I'm having showdown talks with Roy Hodgson on Sunday and all sorts of rubbish.

"The decision not to play him was a managerial decision. I haven't said a single word but have to say I have never seen such rubbish written over the last few days.

"At no point did Raheem Sterling say he didn't want to play for England. The boy is being hung out to dry and I dare say the criticism will continue for a few more weeks to come because of this."

The former Swansea City boss added: "Let me tell you, there have been at least five occasions in the past when Raheem has said he felt tired before games but he's never refused to play.

"We have taken on board what he has said and taken a decision accordingly. I rested him against Aston Villa and we lost the game. But it was our decision to do so – and our decision alone.

"Last season he said he felt tired before the Manchester City game. We won 3-2 and he put in a man-of-the-match performance.

"The point I'm making is you have to take on board advice from your own people and make your own decision, right or wrong."

Argentine third-tier fixture abandoned after a mass brawl

 

                                                                            
 An Argentine third-tier fixture between Deportivo Roca and Cipolletti was abandoned
  after  a mass brawl broke out among the players.

Visitors Cipolletti were leading 1-0 when their defender Marcos Lamolla was cautioned for a foul.

As a Deportivo man remonstrated with Lamolla in defence of his stricken team-mate, both he and Lamolla were dismissed, before Lamolla ran the length of the field to catch up with the aggressor.

That sparked a mass brawl involving players and substitutes from both sides, causing referee Fernando Espinosa to abandon the encounter.

"The players are responsible for the embarrassment out on the field," said Deportivo head coach Diego Landeiro.

"You want to work, want to improve and give an education to the players.

"But what the players did from both teams was not worthy of professionals. What the two teams did was painful.
"I am very concerned. This was an embarrassment."