Mancini: Inter need time to rebuild

Inter coach Roberto Mancini says the club need time to rebuild if they are to become title-contenders once again.

The Nerazzuri, without a Scudetto since 2010, have endured a frustrating campaign, with Mancini installed in November after previous coach Walter Mazzarri managed just 16 points from their first 11 matches of the season.

Though they are set to miss out on Champions League football once again, Mancini says he is convinced president Erick Thohir will eventually put together a side that can end the dominance of Juventus, who are set to claim their fourth consecutive Serie A crown - but he warns it will take time.

"We have to grow. I have seen a lot of improvement,” Mancini told La Repubblica.

"The president is driven and positive. He is well aware that it takes time to build a team and that difficult times are part of [the process].

"He is not like us Italians, who only think about winning the Scudetto tomorrow. Our objective must be to start something that can lead to winning the Scudetto. Everybody must get this into their heads.”

Inter come into the weekend ninth in Serie A, thee points behind fifth-placed Sampdoria and Italy’s final Europa League slot.

Warri Wolves stun MK Etancheite with Etebo's late goal

Warri Wolves have qualified for the play-off of the Caf Confederation Cup as they won 1-0 against MK Etancheite of Democratic Republic of Congo at the 80,000 capacity Stade des Martyrs on Friday evening to advance 3-1 on aggregate.

 A last minute goal from Oghenekaro Etebo ensured that Wolves qualified for the next round and thus secured their second road win of the campaign in volatile Kinshasa

 Wolves led 2-1 after the first leg played two weeks ago in Warri but the club from DR Congo threatened fire and brimstone after they almost left Nigeria with a draw.

 The last Nigerian club on the continent strove and puffed before they secured the win they needed to qualify for the playoffs spot at the expense of their hosts in Kinshasa.

 Wolves altered their formation and some of the players they used in the first leg and this rattled their hosts who expected their foes to parade same set of players that they played against in Warri.

 Abu Azeez, Ojo Mine, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Michael Egbeta and Onyekachi Okafor were some of the new introductions that rendered MK Etancheite powerless in Kinshasa.

 They have qualified for the next round and will hit the group stage if they beat their next foes-one from the drop outs of the Caf Champions league in the second round.

 Wolves are yet to be beaten in this year’s competition after six games.   

Warri Wolves stun MK Etancheite with Etebo's late goal

Warri Wolves have qualified for the play-off of the Caf Confederation Cup as they won 1-0 against MK Etancheite of Democratic Republic of Congo at the 80,000 capacity Stade des Martyrs on Friday evening to advance 3-1 on aggregate.

 A last minute goal from Oghenekaro Etebo ensured that Wolves qualified for the next round and thus secured their second road win of the campaign in volatile Kinshasa

 Wolves led 2-1 after the first leg played two weeks ago in Warri but the club from DR Congo threatened fire and brimstone after they almost left Nigeria with a draw.

 The last Nigerian club on the continent strove and puffed before they secured the win they needed to qualify for the playoffs spot at the expense of their hosts in Kinshasa.

 Wolves altered their formation and some of the players they used in the first leg and this rattled their hosts who expected their foes to parade same set of players that they played against in Warri.

 Abu Azeez, Ojo Mine, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Michael Egbeta and Onyekachi Okafor were some of the new introductions that rendered MK Etancheite powerless in Kinshasa.

 They have qualified for the next round and will hit the group stage if they beat their next foes-one from the drop outs of the Caf Champions league in the second round.

 Wolves are yet to be beaten in this year’s competition after six games.   

The perfect signing: Pogba to PSG would send out a message to the rest of Europe

First it was Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, then it was Edinson Cavani followed by David Luiz. Each season since QSI took control of Paris Saint-Germain, they have made a notable marquee signing, and this summer could be no different as the French champions line up Juventus star Paul Pogba.

A fee of €80 million has already been agreed between the clubs but personal terms are yet to be finalised with the 22-year-old, who has already established himself as one of the game’s outstanding figures in his role.

While there are areas of the squad that need addressing more urgently than the three-man midfield Blanc favours, the potential addition of Pogba is one that PSG cannot pass up.

Unlike the €50 million signing from Chelsea of David Luiz, which appeared a needless and foolhardy show of defiance after Uefa had imposed Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions upon the side, the arrival of the France international is a move that would help propel the club a little closer to the Champions League crown they so crave.

Pogba is already a world-class central midfielder who has developed in a culture of playing in leading teams. His qualities are unquestionable and settling in would pose little problem to someone who was born and raised in the east of Paris.

Mentally, PSG can only be impressed with what they have seen - although Pogba famously stormed out of Manchester United after failing to hold down a first-team spot at the age of 19. 

While Sir Alex Ferguson might have complained his young charge showed him a reckless lack of respect, that has since become understood as the mentality of an ambitious winner; exactly what PSG are going to need if Zlatan Ibrahimovic likely hangs up his boots in 2016, when his contract expires.

I think Di Maria will stay, says Van Gaal... but it's up to him

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has suggested that Argentine winger Angel Di Maria could leave Old Trafford this summer.

Di Maria has endured a difficult first season in England after joining from Real Madrid for €75 million last year and has recently lost his place in the side to Ashley Young.

Van Gaal admits that he would consider a transfer request should the 27-year-old submit one.

"The manager and the club is always dependable on the opinion of the player himself," the Dutchman told reporters when asked about Di Maria's future. "The player decides; we shall see what he decides.

"He cannot say that he has had a marvellous season here. The decision is not only to him because now we have a contract so we shall speak always with every player, evaluation, as I always do. Then we speak with each other about the future and that is with every player."

Di Maria reached the Champions League final with Real Madrid last term and also played in the last game of the World Cup, as Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany after extra time in Brazil. It has been suggested that such a long season in 2013-14 may have had an impact on his form this time around.

"I hope [that is the case]," said Van Gaal when the suggestion was put to him. "You cannot always say that is the main factor. Of course, it plays a role and I hope it is that, because then we can have a fantastic season next season. You have to adapt to our philosophy and that is also difficult for him, probably. Normally he shall have a fantastic season, I believe in that.

"I am pleased with his attitude, so that is not a problem," he added. "I think Di Maria shall stay and he is working very hard."

The former Benfica man has started 19 Premier League games for the Red Devils, scoring three goals. 

Asked if he expected more from his No.7, Van Gaal replied: "A player has to contribute. What we expected, as a team and as a staff, from each other. Normally Di Maria should have played but the last weeks he doesn't play any more and the team is winning. Now we are losing so the chance of him coming back is higher; it is always like that. The issue that he is not always in the line-up is also for him a disappointment, but for me a disappointment.

"I like every player who wants to perform how we want him to perform. He can convince me of the way of playing or I have to convince him and that is in every club – that is what I have done. I am not a dictator that says: 'You have to play like that.' No, you can play but we have team functions and that is obligated to perform. You can play as you want to play but then I have to judge with other players in that position."

Depay is '99.9%' certain to move to the Premier League - Arnesen

Memphis Depay is "99.9 per cent" certain to join a Premier League club from PSV, according to former Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen.

The Netherlands international has been in stellar form for the Eredivisie champions this season, netting 21 goals in 28 league appearances for Phillip Cocu's side.

Those performances have attracted the attention of a number of clubs around Europe, with Depay the subject of strong interest from both Liverpool and Manchester United.

Arnesen, also a former PSV sporting director, says that he has no idea which club Depay will join but believes the forward would shine in England.

"For me, it's 99.9 per cent [that Depay will move to the Premier League]," he told Perform at the Sporting Directors' Summit at the Etihad Stadium.

"Yes, he will [be a success]. I've seen him many times this season and he is going from strength to strength, even though he's only 21-years-old.

"It's difficult to stop him. It will, of course, take time because it's totally different than in Eredivisie. The level is so much higher here, playing much more games, so he needs to be protected.

"Don't expect too much in the beginning but he's definitely the big talent and he'll be good in the Premier League.

"I don't know where he wants to go. I've seen a lot of players coming into the Premier League from Holland who didn't achieve because the level is so high in the Premier League but Depay can do very well."

Bayern do not need Robben to beat Barcelona - Friedrich

Former Germany international Arne Friedrich believes Bayern Munich do not need Arjen Robben to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Netherlands international is out for the rest of the season with a torn calf suffered during Bayern's defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal semi-final on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Robert Lewandowski is also in doubt for the first leg against Barcelona on May 6 after suffering a broken nose and jaw in the same game.

Despite that, however, Friedrich - capped 82 times by Germany - believes Bayern will advance.

"Robben is hurt and I think he's a very important player. He would have helped Bayern certainly," he told reporters.

"But I also think Bayern will get through. German teams have always managed to eliminate individualists.

"Bayern have so much quality and the team is very unified. Therefore, I believe that Bayern will reach the final."

Bayern and Barcelona last met in the Champions League in 2012-13, when the Bundesliga giants recorded a 7-0 aggregate win before going on to win the competition.

Varane fires Barcelona warning

Raphael Varane has warned Barcelona that Real Madrid will be ready to take advantage of any  slip-ups in the race for the Liga title.

Carlo Ancelotti's men beat Almeria 3-0 on Wednesday evening to narrow the gap with the Catalans to two points and Varane says his side are still hoping for a late twist.

"We'll continue giving it everything until the end of the season and will try to win all our remaining games in order to put pressure on Barcelona," Varane told the official Madrid website.

"We are going to battle until the end. We are focusing on our upcoming games, we'll see what happens afterwards."

Sergio Ramos and Pepe were Madrid's first choice centre-backs at the start of the season, but Varane has recovered to feature regularly since the turn of the year.

The France international has impressed after at last being given a run of games in the side and admits his confidence is sky-high as a result.

"I've been playing more regularly in 2015 because of injuries but also because of technical decisions. I always try to give it my all for the team and I'm really happy.

"I'm part of the coach's plans and if I'm able to help the team, then all the better. I try to repay the coach for the confidence he has shown in me.

"I'm in great form and hope to maintain this level until the end of the season."

Roberto Firmino: Brazil must always win

Roberto Firmino can now feel like a part of the most famous national team in the world. With just four caps to his name, the Alagoas-born forward has already convinced Dunga that he can play an important role in the regeneration of Brazil.

In his few minutes with the shirt of the five-time World Cup winners, the Hoffenheim man has won over fans who were not so aware of him in impressive fashion. Against Austria, last November, he scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 win for Dunga’s team. Firmino was on target once more with the winner March’s friendly meeting with Chile - the final outing before the squad for the Copa America is announced on May 5.

But despite also playing a prominent role against France, Firmino remains cautious. He has always learned to work towards success - from his time in the youth squad at Figueirense to his rise at Hoffenheim, the team he has played for since 2010. This conservative yet determined mentality came across in his interview with the official website of the Copa America.

Firmino insisted that he does not feel his place at the tournament in Chile is assured and that, while Dunga prepares to select the 23 names he will use for the competition, he remains concentrated on his own game. Not even rumours of interest from major European clubs seem will sway his focus between now and the summer.

You have gone from something of an unknown quantity to a popular member of the Selecao. You must feel your early work in the squad has been positive for you?

Indeed, the start of my time in the Selecao was good. Everyone received me well and this helped a lot. I am not someone who enjoys being followed and harassed, I prefer to stay at home with my family than to go out.

In just four games for Brazil you have scored two goals. Are you hoping this will help cement your space in the squad quickly?

I have always worked very hard in my career. Always working towards a good moment. And when you plan, the rewards appear.

Do you feel like you’re already in the group to be selected for the Copa America?

No. When it comes to the Brazilian team nothing is guaranteed. You need to always play well. I will only feel part of the Copa America squad when my name is on the list and it is published by the technical committee.

You have been a star in the Bundesliga for some time, but only earned recognition from a large part of the Brazil support after the recent friendlies. What do you think about that?

Everyone has their time. I always had my career directed well by ROGON, and through this work I knew I was being directed to something bigger.

Aston Villa to demand €42m for Liverpool target Christian Benteke

 

Aston Villa will demand €42 million for Liverpool target Christian Benteke this summer.

Brendan Rodgers is a big admirer of Benteke and the Liverpool manager is desperate to improve his struggling strikeforce when the transfer window opens.

Benteke's agent claimed earlier this week that there is "no interest" in the Belgium striker but Villa are bracing themselves for summer bids.

Villans boss Tim Sherwood will urge the club to resist any offers for the 24-year-old, who has played a vital role in the club's Premier League revival and progress to the FA Cup final.

Manchester United and Tottenham have also been linked with Benteke but Liverpool are particularly keen to sign a striker with a proven record in the Premier League, with Manchester City forward Stevan Jovetic also on the club's radar.

The Reds' four strikers - Daniel Sturridge, Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini - have scored just eight Premier League goals between them this season.

Benteke has netted nine times in eight matches since Sherwood's appointment, having only hit three all season under previous manager Paul Lambert.

And Villa will look to price their star forward out of a summer move with a €42m asking price for the former Genk man, who cost €10m when he moved to the Midlands in 2012.

Benteke has two years left on his current €62,000-a-week contract and his representative, Eris Kismet, said this week that he client is focused solely on Villa until the end of the season.

"At the moment, there is no interest," Kismet told Sky Sports. "Every player and staff member is concentrated on avoiding relegation, anything else is just a distraction.

"I know everyone wants the same thing because I watch the games and I think Aston Villa are playing the best football in England right now."