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[eiddyfouw]

CONFIRMED: Swansea City has completed the signing of Franck Tabanou from @ASSEofficiel for an undisclosed fee. #swans

View media item 1589262

 

[rolaholic]

So they named a galaxy after Ronnie...

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33185760

The CR7 galaxy

Can't even lie,that's pretty damn cool

 

[d3si]

CR7

Here’s an interesting line from a candidate for the Barcelona president elections, who claims he has been offered Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos as a “trump card”.

Jordi Majo is quoted as saying by Sport: “A while ago we were offered him, a month and a half ago roughly. I don't know if anyone else was, but we are not going to play that game; we will not be a reason for him and his brother to increase their pay at Real Madrid. If another candidate has been offered him and accepted, that's their problem, but we totally ruled it out.

"We have not had contact with Rene (Ramos’ agent). We believe it's a case of mutual interest, between them and another candidate (to be Barça president). It is what it is.”

Fulham have signed Ben Pringle and Andy Lonergan on free transfers.

Midfielder Pringle and keeper Lonergan are out of contract with Rotherham United and Bolton Wanderers respectively on July 1.

They will both pen two-year deals with a one-year club option that will keep them in SW6 until at least 2017.

Borussia Dortmund have not given up hope of convincing reported Manchester United target Ilkay Gundogan to extend his stay at the club.

"Maybe there is still a chance that he has a rethink," Dortmund general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke told German newspaper WAZ.

"We are in talks and Ilkay is a decent lad."

Along with a move to united, the 24-year-old have been linked with Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester City.

- Phil Jagielka has signed a contract extension tying him to Everton until 2018.

- Villarreal have signed Malaga duo Samuel Castillejo and Samuel Garcia in a deal thought to be worth 16 million euros. The pair have both signed five-year deals and French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has also joined on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

-Yeovil Town have signed midfielder Marc Laird on a one-year deal. The 29-year-old, who began his career with Manchester City, made 39 appearances for Tranmere Rovers last season.

- Chris Birchall has signed a new one-year deal with Port Vale. The 31-year-old midfielder made 30 appearances for the Valiants last season and manager Rob Page told the club website: “We are pleased that Chris has signed a new deal. He is an extremely hard working player as well, both going forward and defensively.”

 

[rolaholic]

Ramos offered to Barca??? OK there.... Wouldn't be surprised one bit if that was just a popularity play for Majo before the elections .

 

[Kimchi Papi]

Looks like Puyol isn't backing any candidate in the Barca elections... If I were an ex-player of his magnitude, I would take the same position. This vote is really about the lesser of evils which is a real shame (all voting pretty much is nowadays).

 

[d3si]

By Adrian Melville
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22 hours ago

Fixing Argentina's underwhelming Copa America attack

Lionel Messi and the high-powered Argentina attack have been contained thus far in Copa America play.

Argentina has the most talented attacking group in the Copa America tournament. Three of the team's five forwards -- Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez -- scored at least 20 goals in their respective 2014-15 domestic seasons, and they are complemented by attacking midfielders who are capable of unlocking almost any opposing defense.

This attack has been maintained by Argentina manager Gerardo Martino, who took over from Alejandro Sabella after the 2014 World Cup final run and led the team as it posted an impressive 2.8 goals per game in eight friendlies leading up to the Copa America. However, since the tournament began, Argentina's powerful attack has scored just three goals in two games, and the team's recent attacking inefficiencies suggest that the Copa America title that has eluded Argentina since 1993 may still be out of reach.

For Argentina to win the Copa America, it must impose its attacking talent on opponents and ultimately get closer to the scoring levels that the team achieved leading up to the tournament. Here is a look at what worked well for Argentina in the friendlies leading up to the Copa America, how its tournament opponents have contained the team's attack, and which attacking formation and personnel Argentina should deploy moving forward to manufacture more goals.

Post-World Cup success

Argentina won six of its eight friendlies between the 2014 World Cup and the Copa America -- including victories against formidable opponents Croatia, Ecuador and others -- by maintaining the attacking harmony that led the team throughout the World Cup. The biggest factor in this impressive run was Angel Di Maria. The Manchester United midfielder not only led Argentina with 19 shot attempts but also led Argentina creatively with five assists and 17 chances created in his seven appearances. This attacking play came from all areas of the field, as Di Maria would line up on the left side but was adept at cutting into dangerous central areas to create chances for his teammates in the attack.

On the right side of the field, Messi led Argentina with three goals in four friendly appearances while also leading the team with 8.3 take-ons (when the player controlling the ball tries to beat a defender) per 90 minutes. The Barcelona star was influential in his movement and dictated the pace of the team's attack as it looked to get forward. Messi's influence along the wings and in central areas allowed more space for center forward Aguero to dart into gaps between the central and wide defenders, and this combination made it difficult for opposing defenses to remain compact in their shape.

The key to this attacking output was the 4-2-3-1 formation the team maintained. In this formation, Argentina's attackers were receiving the ball deeper in midfield and could use their speed and vision to combine with teammates and get to the goal before opponents could get behind the ball and establish a compact defense.

Copa opponents slowing Argentina down

Argentina's Copa America opponents have succeeded in keeping numbers behind the ball against the team's attack through a combination of adding numbers to midfield and being more physical with Argentina's attackers. In the opening game, Paraguay switched from its preferred 4-4-2 formation into a 4-5-1 setup and used the extra midfielder to help clog the central areas of the field. This made it more difficult for Di Maria and Messi to find attacking space when cutting inside to create scoring chances. And while Argentina was able to possess the ball in the attacking half, Paraguay prevented it from consistently getting into the attacking third. Argentina was limited to recording just 47 percent of its attacking-half touches in the attacking third against Paraguay, a decline from the 51 percent it recorded throughout post-World Cup friendlies.

In addition to keeping numbers behind the ball, both of Argentina's opponents thus far -- Paraguay and Uruguay -- have gotten physical with Messi & Co. Uruguay, which currently leads the tournament with 45 overall tackles, is the best example.

Chart of Uruguay's tackles versus Jamaica in 2015 Copa America, left, and those versus Argentina.

Uruguay had 26 tackles against Argentina, compared with just 19 against a less talented Jamaican team in Group B play. This buildup of tackles coincided with Uruguay's changing from a flat 4-4-2 midfield in its opening game against Jamaica to a diamond 4-1-3-2 midfield against Argentina. Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez went a step further by dropping attack-minded right midfielder Carlos Sanchez from the team's starting lineup and adding Alvaro Gonzalez for the game against Argentina. Gonzalez led Uruguay with six tackles, and his defensive assistance along the right side of the field not only forced three turnovers out of midfielder Di Maria -- his highest total since the World Cup -- but the added defensive support along the wing allowed traditional holding midfielder Egidio Arevalo Rios to block passes designed for Aguero in the attacking third. These specific adjustments are designed to keep Argentina's attackers from developing a rhythm and freely interchanging inside the attacking third, and as a result the team is scoring only 1.5 goals per game in the tournament.

Keys to boosting the attack

To get Argentina back on track, Martino should return to a 4-2-3-1 formation and move Aguero into a central attacking midfield role behind target forward Carlos Tevez. Martino shifted to a 4-3-3 formation in the team's last friendly before the Copa America, and the result was a 5-0 victory. This friendly result against a Bolivia side that rested five of its Copa America starters emboldened Martino to deploy a 4-3-3 in its tournament campaign, and the tactical shift has partially stalled Argentina's attack.

The 4-2-3-1 formation allows Argentina to build possession farther up the field and get the ball to the team's most dangerous players before facing extra defenders that opponents deploy to keep them out of the attacking third. The new formation is especially hurting Messi, who averaged 45 touches per 90 minutes in the attacking third in the pre-Copa friendlies but has averaged just 37 since Martino switched to the 4-3-3.

Similarly, the 4-3-3 has negatively impacted Di Maria. The midfielder has dropped from 75 touches per 90 minutes to 62.5 and has also regressed from averaging 5.6 take-ons per 90 minutes in the games leading up to the Copa America to just 3.3 in the tournament. These regressions are happening because opponents are cutting off service with extra defensive numbers, and as a result Argentina has to settle for inefficient shot attempts from areas of the field with low scoring potential.

In addition to changing the formation, Martino must drop Aguero deeper into midfield and make space for Tevez as a target forward. By adding Tevez, Argentina has a target presence that can stretch opposing defenses with his running off the ball in the attacking third. This open space leaves room for Aguero to make dangerous runs behind opposing defenses while also creating chances for his teammates from deeper positions in midfield. Aguero led Manchester City with eight assists in 2014-15, and has proved capable of combining with teammates in the attacking third, so the gaps that Tevez creates by tirelessly running across the opponent's back line should give Aguero and the rest of Argentina's attack more space to create scoring chances.

Outlook

With four points in Group B, Argentina is likely to advance to the knockout rounds with a result over Jamaica. However, in order for the team to win the tournament, it must alter its attack by returning to a 4-2-3-1 formation and insert Tevez as the target striker sitting ahead of Aguero. These moves will open opposing defenses that will already need to be mindful of Di Maria and Messi attacking from wide areas and allow Argentina to create more efficient scoring opportunities going forward.

Adrian Melville joined ESPN in 2013 as a soccer Insider. He previously worked at NBC, Major League Soccer and Opta (U.K.). Prior to writing about the game, Melville played college soccer at Princeton and professionally for the New England Revolution and Santo Andre, a second-division club in Brazil. You can follow him on Twitter @AdrianMelville.

http://www.espnfc.com/copa-america-tournament/story/2497148/fixing-argentinas-underwhelming-attack

 

[eiddyfouw]

SIGNING: Trippier has today completed his transfer to @SpursOfficial. More to follow.

 

[imasoleman18]

united should of signed him

 

[d3si]

Chelsea are keeping Atletico Madrid waiting on their offer to swap Toby Alderweireld for Filipe Luis, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Manager Jose Mourinho is looking to prioritise other defensive targets, including Real Madrid's Raphael Varane and Everton's John Stones.

Mourinho would have reportedly been happy to sign Joao Miranda from Atletico, but the defender is poised to join Inter Milan.

 

[mastamind89]

Ibra scored this goal 11 years ago at the Euro 2004​

 

[mastamind89]

Dynamo Moscow banned form Europa League

UEFA has excluded Dynamo Moscow from European competition for one season for breaking financial fair play rules.

Dynamo, who reached the Europa League last 16 this season, will not be allowed to compete in next season's competition.

Club president Boris Rotenberg said: "I can't say that the UEFA decision came as a big surprise for us.

"We're sure that, under the terms of a necessary cut to the wage bill, Dynamo will still be able to fight for top places. I don't doubt that next summer we'll be back competing in Europe."

The club's place will likely pass to Rubin Kazan, who finished fifth in the Russian league, one place behind Dynamo, although this has yet to be confirmed.

Dynamo had been under investigation for overspending after the club spent more on player transfers and wages than its football-related revenue in 2014 financial accounts.

Rotenberg added: "We didn't sign a single new guy in the winter, and that was reflected in Dynamo's performances in the spring part of the season. At the same time, the club is getting the chance to pay closer attention to its own youngsters."

UEFA did not impose any fines or transfer restrictions in addition to the exclusion, Dynamo said.

Dynamo are the only club to have been excluded from European competition this year after financial fair play investigations. Another 10 clubs, three of them Russian, accepted various UEFA sanctions last month.

Last year, Serbia's Red Star Belgrade were excluded from the Champions League for breaking financial fair play and licensing rules.

 

[rck3sactown]

Wait, is Pirlo to NYCFC happening?

 

[Coupé It]

Your like the only Porto fan in here... so your the end all on if the kit is appropriate or not.

Your like the only Porto fan in here... so your the end all on if the kit is appropriate or not.

Gracias amigo I feel honored

But there is a couple of us in here, can't forget the brethren.

 

[rck3sactown]

Pork Chop powuhhhhh!

 

[Coupé It]

Pork Chop powuhhhhh!

PORT-Chop* !!!

 

[mastamind89]

@GFN_France Rennes have made an offer for Sampdoria striker Stefano Okaka worth €3m, according to RMC. Italian side have rejected proposal.
- Nantes have a keen interest in Ajax attacker Kolbeinn Sigþórsson but face competition from the Premier League, according to Ouest France.
- Lyon will offer Nabil Fékir a new contract extension next week which would see him extend until 2020, with a considerable wage rise. (RMC)
- No fee agreement between Monaco & any clubs at the moment for Geoffrey Kondogbia. AC Milan's Galliani & Inter Milan reps in Monaco tonight. AC Milan have offered Kondogbia €4m a year plus a rise for Champions League qualification. Inter have offered €3.6m a year. (@DiMarzio)
- Nice have rejected a €1.75m including bonuses offer from Lille for Éric Bauthéac. (RMC)
- Veronique Rabiot: "Adrien loves & is attached to PSG, it is the club of his heart. He wants to have a career here. But it's not possible. Are PSG trying to tarnish Adrien because we have asked for a transfer?"


@PortuBall The Presidents of the Primeira Liga had an extraordinary meeting today to discuss the upcoming season. Loaned players the hottest subject. Several clubs want to restrict the number of loans from one club to another to maximum 3. Also, loaned players can't face the mother club. Loaned players in Portugal "must" face motherclub, but player/farmer club is often pressured to fake injury/illness to not play those games.

@PortuBall Jackson Martínez has given an interview to A Bola. A few quotes coming up..."There has always been 2 players I've admired the most. Ronaldo, O Fenómeno, and Thierry Henry."Jackson Martínez on nce words from Henry: "He's a player I look up to, so it obviously filled me with joy to hear those comments from him." Jackson on Arsenal: "It's a big club in one of the best leagues in the world. We have to see if an offer will become a reality or not."
Jackson Martínez: "The day we'll know where my future goes is near. I still haven't decided, as I'm focused on the Copa América right now." "Every footballer dreams of enjoying football. If that's in England, Italy or Spain, the important thing is that it feels good."

 

[dlo13]

They just put Neymar out for the rest of the Copa.

 

[User 37837]

He deserved it

 

[dlo13]

That's quite a header.

 

[PRIME]

Any truth to this?

PSG sponsor makes HUGE blunder over signing of Man Utd flop

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN'S club sponsor have jumped the gun over transfer target Angel Di Maria.

By CHARLES PERRIN
PUBLISHED: 02:28, Fri, Jun 19, 2015 | UPDATED: 02:40, Fri, Jun 19, 2015






1

The Argentine, who joined the Red Devils in a £59.7million deal last summer, has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer after an underwhelming debut campaign.

PSG and Bayern Munich have been coveting his signature, with Louis van Gaal planning a major overhaul of his squad.

But PSG's club sponsor, GDF Suez Dolce Vita, have put their foot in it.

#Mercato ! Angel Di Maria déménage également cette saison : #PSG #BienvenueAuClub #JeDéménage pic.twitter.com/GEBnm8OA3E

— GDF SUEZ DolceVita (@GDFSUEZDV) June 18, 2015
The sponsor announced Di Maria will join the French giants, tweeting: " Di Maria has moved. Welcome to the club."

Di Maria however will be none the wiser and he is currently on international duty with Argentina at the Copa America.

Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, MUFC, Red Devils, Di Maria, gossip

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/foot...-United-twitter-gaffe-signing-transfer-window

 

[captaincrown3]

They just put Neymar out for the rest of the Copa.

Deserved it He's a Thug.

 

[rolaholic]

It's a joke that he got banned for that while Vidal didn't even sniff a game

 

[rook]

It's a joke that he got banned for that while Vidal didn't even sniff a game

Huge joke. Its ********, driving drunk is more okay than what Neymar did? Smh

 

[AZwildcats]

What did Neymar do that was that bad anyway? I saw him kick the ball at a dude, that's it.

 

[User 37837]

Got a second yellow during the match. Kicked the ball at dude(by accident or purposely is debatable), head butt and berated the linesman in the tunnel post game.