Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Galatasaray vs Chelsea

"Everyone knows Chelsea are one of the best teams in Europe. They are top of the Premier League because they are a top team with players who can change a game in any moment, fantastic players. But we want to go to London [for next month's second leg] with a chance."

For Galatasaray to have that chance, Mancini needs two former Mourinho charges, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba and former Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder, to shine.
"Didier was an important player for Chelsea and Wesley won the Champions League with Mourinho," he added. "They have a good relationship with him but they will be enemies for 90 minutes and have to play very well for us."
Dutch playmaker Sneijder admitted his bind with Mourinho remained strong. He said: "I'm very honest, I have special feelings for Jose because we won the Treble and had a great year together.
"Of course we're friends outside the pitch, but for these 90 minutes we will not be friends.
"The way we're playing now is the work of this coach. They're both really good coaches, strong tactically, and similar when the the opponent has the ball. But as people they are different."


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Atletico confirm Manquillo injury

Atletico Madrid have confirmed defender Javier Manquillo will miss four to six weeks after fracturing a vertebrae on Tuesday.
Manquillo suffered the injury during his side’s 2-0 Copa del Rey defeat to Real Madrid, a result that gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side a 5-0 aggregate win in the semi-final.
The 19-year-old was forced from the field in the 44th minute following a heavy collision with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manquillo landed awkwardly after an aerial battle with the Portugal international, landing on his face and placing considerable pressure on his neck and back.
Atletico released a statement on Wednesday that confirmed a CT scan would rule him out of football for “four to six weeks”.
They also said that a “fracture of foil of C7 vertebra without displacement” would see him remain in hospital until Thursday.
Manquillo has not been a regular for Atletico this season, making just seven appearances in all competitions.