Klaassen laments Ajax ´off-day´

Davy Klaassen was left to rue a bad day at the office after Ajax slumped to a 4-0 loss to Vitesse in the KNVB Beker on Thursday.

Two goals in each half saw Frank de Boer's men fall to their biggest defeat since April's 5-1 reverse against PEC Zwolle in the same competition.

And Klaassen was puzzled as to where the display had come from, coming hot on the heels of three consecutive wins for the Eredivisie champions.

"I think seven, eight, nine boys had an off-day," the midfielder said in quotes reported by De Telegraaf. "It's hard to explain.

"All assumptions were wrong. Almost everything went wrong. If you play so lousy, it does not matter who you are on the field."

Ajax, who are facing speculation that head coach De Boer could be tempted away to the Premier League, return to action on Sunday at Excelsior after four consecutive home matches.

De Boer's men sit four points behind PSV, but have not lost in the league since August.

Aston Villa v Manchester United: Visitors aim to stretch impressive run

Manchester United will be looking to stretch their Premier League winning run to seven against a depleted Aston Villa on Saturday.

Following a poor start to the campaign, Louis van Gaal's men have found their stride in recent weeks, picking up a 3-0 victory over fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford last time out.

The sequence has seen United haul themselves back into the title race and the 20-time English champions sit eight points adrift of leaders Chelsea in third.

Local rivals Manchester City are three points closer and a win at Villa Park this weekend would keep the pressure on Manuel Pellegrini's side, who have also hit a run of form of late.

United will take huge confidence from their recent record against Villa, having fired 18 goals past the Birmingham-based outfit in the past three seasons, conceding just three in reply.

Indeed, Villa have not beaten United in the league since 1995, and a series of injuries are set to make life difficult once again this time around.

Nathan Baker (knee), Joe Cole (hamstring), Libor Kozak (broken leg), Philippe Senderos (calf) and Ashley Westwood (knee) all contribute to a selection headache for manager Paul Lambert.

To make matters worse, Kieran Richardson and Alan Hutton are both suspended, while loanee Tom Cleverley, who would have served a one-game ban anyway, is ineligible to face his parent club.

Lambert was boosted by the return to fitness of Fabian Delph for last weekend's 1-0 defeat at West Brom, while Ron Vlaar is in contention for a start, and the Scot is confident he has the players to cope with his current crisis.

"There's a few out," he said. "But I am not going to sit here and be negative about it.

"I have total belief that we will go out there and try to win a game of football.

"Fabian is coming back into the fray, Ron is back as well. We have got players who can hurt teams as well, that's for sure.

"The team I pick will be strong. We will go and try to win."

Offering an update on Kozak, who is nearing 12 months on the sidelines, Lambert added on Thursday: "Libor is doing alright. He had a scan yesterday.

"The bone is definitely getting stronger and healing. He's doing well but he's still a bit away."

United have not been without injury problems of their own this term and look set to be without defenders Chris Smalling (groin) and Luke Shaw (ankle) on Saturday.

Uche signs Villarreal extension

Nigeria striker Ikechukwu Uche has signed a two-year contract extension with Villarreal to keep him at the La Liga side until 2017.

Uche's deal at El Madrigal had been due to expire at the end of the current campaign, but the former Getafe and Real Zaragoza forward has now committed his future to the Castellon club.

The 30-year-old has scored 14 league goals for Villarreal in each of the last two seasons.

His goalscoring form helped the team to promotion in 2013 and an impressive seventh-placed finish last term.

Uche has managed five goals in all competitions in the current campaign, while Villarreal are unbeaten in nine matches and sit sixth.

Marcelino's men face Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.

Wenger hopeful on duo for Liverpool clash

Arsene Wenger has refused to rule Theo Walcott and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain out of Arsenal's Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

Winger Walcott returned from a serious knee injury earlier this season, but has since been troubled by a groin complaint.

The versatile Oxlade-Chamberlain has been contending with a similar issue after limping off late in Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Newcastle United last weekend.

However, manager Wenger is hopeful that both men will be fit to face Brendan Rodgers' men at Anfield.

"[There is] a very slight chance for Walcott. We hope that Oxlade-Chamberlain will be fit," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

"He [Walcott] is back in training today [Thursday]. I might take him, I don't know yet until he's back to full training. Let's see.

On Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wenger added: "We'll see on Saturday after a test. He's not in training at the moment."

The Frenchman is also hopeful of welcoming back defender Nacho Monreal, while goalkeeper David Ospina and midfielder Tomas Rosicky are back in training after injury lay-offs.

Alonso and Lewandowski out of Mainz clash

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich will be without Xabi Alonso and Robert Lewandowski for Friday's encounter with Mainz.

Bayern have yet to taste defeat in the German top flight this term and head to the Coface Arena aiming to finish the first half of the season with that record still intact.

Pep Guardiola's men, who are already 11 points clear at the top of the table, will be heavy favourites to claim three points against a Mainz side with just three league wins to their name.

However, Bayern will have to cope without midfielder Alonso and star striker Lewandowski after both picked up knocks in the 2-0 win over Freiburg on Tuesday.

The duo will be sidelined together with defender Mehdi Benatia, who was already a confirmed absentee, and midfielder Sebastian Rode.

"Benatia, Alonso and Lewandowski won't be on board," Guardiola said. "Rode is sick."

Regardless of the result versus Mainz, Bayern are sure to hold a healthy lead at the summit going into the mid-season break.

However, Guardiola is refusing to take anything for granted and highlighted the struggles of Borussia Dortmund, who sit 16th after finishing second in each of the last two seasons, as an example to heed.

"Just because we were strong in the first half of this season doesn't mean that we will be in the second half," he added.

"It can happen that we lose one or more games. You can see it in Dortmund. Borussia is a super team with a great coach. But if it can happen to them, then it can to us."

Allardyce in no rush for contract talks

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is unconcerned that talks have yet to begin over a new contract with the Premier League club.

The 60-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season so far at Upton Park, with West Ham occupying fourth spot having taken 28 points from 16 matches.

However, Allardyce's deal is set to expire at the end of the campaign and there have been some reports that the club may look elsewhere for a boss.

Allardyce insists that there is nothing out of the ordinary, though, and the former Newcastle United manager is happy to bide his time for talks to begin.

"We will sit down when we're ready and comfortable and discuss the situation, so it hasn't changed from the start of this season until now," he said.

"We're comfortable in that position like I was the last time we were in this position, which was after we got promoted to the Premier League.

"I think we talked about that contract about the end of April, or May almost, even though we finished 10th that year.

"For me, I'm comfortable with that and don't have any problems.

"I only spoke to [co-chairman] David Sullivan over some other matters in the last couple of days. Nothing to do with me or my contract."

West Ham's fixture with Leicester City this weekend starts a run of four matches in 12 days.

Allardyce has been delighted with the form of his side thus far, but will allow no let-up during a busy end to the year.

"We've got to keep the shape of our season as high as it is at the moment," he added.

"We've achieved great things in our first 16 games and are looking forward to the Christmas games, even if is a strenuous period.

"There will be fatigue, there will be injuries so we will have to rotate the team. It's just play, recover, play, recover."

Warnock: Palace have no chance of signing Cole

Neil Warnock believes there is "no chance whatsoever" that Roma full-back Ashley Cole will join Crystal Palace in January.

The 33-year-old has been in and out of Rudi Garcia's starting XI at Stadio Olimpico since joining in the close season and has made eight Serie A appearances so far.

Cole has subsequently been linked with a return to England and Palace manager Neil Warnock stated earlier this week that he would like to bring the former Chelsea man to Selhurst Park.

However, Cole's representative ruled out a switch on Wednesday and Warnock is not confident of doing a deal.

"I do not think there is any chance whatsoever," he said. "The facts are that he is not going to leave Italy for a year.

"He is loving it there. He walks about in the town without getting recognised. The press are not shoving cameras in his face, so he is loving it.

"I was asked the question 'would I like Ashley Cole' and I said: 'Yes, I would love him', but we have already been told that there is no way he is coming back to England."

Cole won every domestic honour and the UEFA Champions League during an eight-year stint at Stamford Bridge.

He also earned two Premier League titles and three FA Cup medals with Arsenal. 

Worcester City 1 Scunthorpe United 1 (aet, 13-14 on pens): League side narrowly avoid shock

Scunthorpe scraped through to the FA Cup third round after overcoming Worcester City 14-13 on penalties in a thrilling tie at Aggborough.

After a relatively even first half, it was Scunthorpe who took the lead through Paddy Madden's close-range header on the stroke of half-time - the forward's ninth goal of the campaign.

But the hosts had the better of the second period, and managed to grab an equaliser in the 69th minute when Sean Geddes drilled in a low shot into the bottom-right corner after latching onto Daniel Nti's pass.

Geddes went close again late on but the match proceeded into a scrappy extra-time period, with neither side able to force a breakthrough.

An enthralling penalty shoot-out followed, with a total of 32 spot-kicks being taken, but Carl Heeley's Worcester were left facing elimination when defender Wayne Thomas' effort was parried away by Scunthorpe goalkeeper Sam Slocombe.

Scunthorpe defender Miguel Llera, who had missed an earlier spot-kick, stepped up to atone for his error and send Mark Robins' men into the third round, where they will face either Chesterfield or MK Dons.

Hamann hopes Liverpool receive cup boost

Dietmar Hamann thinks Liverpool can kick-start their season by side-stepping an embarrassing League Cup exit at Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Brendan Rodgers' side head to Dean Court searching for a change of fortunes following a 1-1 draw against Basel last week that dumped the club out of the UEFA Champions League and a 3-0 defeat at arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

Victory over Championship leaders Bournemouth, however, would put Liverpool into the League Cup semi-finals.

And although former Liverpool midfielder Hamann is well aware of Bournemouth's calibre – they are unbeaten since the end of the September – he knows what impact a win could have for everyone concerned at Anfield ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with Arsenal.

"In a season, sometimes you just need one result and one spark from somewhere then all of a sudden the whole complex of the season and team changes," Hamann told the club's official website.

"It's tough going to a Championship team on any given day, and especially when you go to a team that are top of the league and on a fantastic run.

"It doesn't matter where you are in the league and what's happening - if you are in the last eight of a cup competition, it's always a big game, because this club is about winning trophies.

"You have to be in the Champions League, but you need to win a trophy every now and then. As a club, a team and players, you learn an awful lot about yourself and your team-mates when you play in a quarter-final, semi-final or, hopefully in this case, a final.

"It is an opportunity; I'd rather go to Bournemouth away than Chelsea or Manchester City away, and Liverpool will be favourites. They have just got to get out there.

"If you go to Bournemouth and win the game, then you look forward to the Arsenal game. A week is a long time in football. They just have to keep working hard now, believe in themselves, get a result on Wednesday and then move on to Arsenal."

Traore wants more Barca chances

Adama Traore hopes his Copa del Rey cameo against Huesca will convince Luis Enrique to give him more opportunities in the Barcelona first team.

The 18-year-old came on with 16 minutes to play on Tuesday and netted his first senior goal four minutes later as Barca romped to a comprehensive 8-1 win on the night and 12-1 success on aggregate.

Traore made an immediate impact with a mazy run that saw him skip past several challenges before applying a neat finish beyond Dani Jimenez.

The young forward now hopes to keep impressing Barca's head coach.

"I am happy for the opportunity Luis Enrique and the coaches gave me," he said. "It's a great feeling to play with the first team.

"It's exciting for any youth player to debut with the first team and share the dressing room with such great players.

"I bring speed and power to the team, but I know that I have to keep improving to be a complete player and be able to compete with these guys.

"I will do my best with the B team and if Luis Enrique calls me I'll be happy to help."

Schaars set for PSV absence after knee surgery

Eredivisie leaders PSV will be without Stijn Schaars for a "few months" after the midfielder underwent surgery on a knee injury.

Schaars has not featured for Phillip Cocu's side in 2014-15 following another knee problem earlier in the season, but was on the road to recovery.

The 30-year-old had made two appearances for the club's reserve team in November, but suffered a further problem prior to a clash with RKC Waalwijk and PSV have confirmed he faces further time on the sidelines.

"Stijn Schaars is expected to be out [for] a few months", a statement on Wednesday read.

"Because the complaints to his left knee has not improved sufficiently with rest and customised training, we held an exploratory operation whereby a meniscus problem came to light.

"The keyhole surgery took place last Tuesday, after a period of rest and adequate training.

"Earlier this year Schaars had an operation in the United States because he had been struggling with problems to his knee."

In Schaars' absence, PSV have won 12 of their 15 league matches this season to give them a one-point advantage over Ajax at the top. Cocu's men have also qualified for the UEFA Europa League knockout stages – where they will face Zenit.

Law suggests Ronaldo and Messi should share Ballon d´Or

Manchester United legend Denis Law has suggested Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi should share this year's Ballon d'Or.

While Law – the only Scot to be crowned European Footballer of the Year back in 1964 – has praised Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for his exploits in making the three-man shortlist for the game's most prestigious award, the 74-year-old cannot look past either Ronaldo or Messi collecting it on January 12.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo was victorious in 2013 and 2008, with Barcelona talisman Messi selected four years in a row in between.

However, Law does not feel there is a clear-cut winner this time around, prompting the idea of the first time that the trophy has been shared.

"They're extraordinary; two of the best [players] we've ever seen," Law told FIFA's official website.

"I don't envy the people voting, trying to separate those two.

"It's completely different to my era as we didn't have two players dominating in the way these guys have. And in a way, it might be nice to see someone else win it.

"Neuer is a great keeper and a world champion, after all. But it's not like he's up against two ordinary players.

"It would actually be nice if there could be a joint-winner because it's so hard to split Messi and Ronaldo this year.

"They're both fantastic, exciting players to watch and play and score goals at such a consistent level.

"When you think of Messi, the size he is and the tackles he has to face every game, I'm full of admiration for him.

"But then Ronaldo is outstanding too, and has that physical presence too. Whichever of them wins will deserve it, and whichever of them loses can consider themselves very unfortunate." 

Besiktas 1 Tottenham 0: Hosts pip Spurs to top spot

Besiktas secured a 1-0 win over Tottenham to take top spot in UEFA Europa League Group G at their opponents' expense.

Cenk Tosun scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute, hot on the heels of having smashed a shot against the Tottenham crossbar at Istanbul's Ataturk Olmypic Stadium, where floodlight failures caused lengthy delays at either end of the match.

Mauricio Pochettino's visitors had been the better side for much of the contest up until the winning goal, although much-maligned striker Roberto Soldado passed up chances on each side of the lights going out for the first time.

A draw would have been sufficient for Tottenham to emerge as group winners, but the hosts enjoyed the better opportunities after going ahead, with Kerim Frei wasting the pick of them before a second plunge into darkness early in stoppage time halted any potential late rally in its tracks.

The first opening fell Tottenham's way as Nacer Chadli's cross on the end of Moussa Dembele's fine throughball narrowly evaded Soldado.

The first unscheduled interruption arrived a minute later, but the visitors remained the most fluent team following a 16-minute delay.

Soldado scuffed a glorious close-range chance in the 16th minute when Younes Kaboul knocked down a Paulinho free-kick and the Spaniard had a shot blocked by Ersan Gulum after the impressive Dembele picked him out.

In the 25th minute Chadli chipped home, but was denied by the offside flag, before Besiktas winger Olcay Sahan bustled forward and fired a shot over at the second attempt after Kyle Walker - playing a Tottenham first-team game for the first time in nine months following an abdominal problem - blocked his initial effort.

A quiet opening to the second period spung to life in the 58th minute when Tosun pounced on an error from Kaboul to chest down and thrash a venomous 25-yard strike against the crossbar.

That chance unsettled Tottenham and Tosun was celebrating a few moments later as Sahan touched Gokhan Tore's right-wing cross back across goal to leave the forward with a simple finish.

Tosun marked the goal by displaying the shirt of Mustafa Pektemek after his team-mate was hospitalised with a facial injury sustained during the weekend win over Trabzonspor.

Soldado could not convert from a corner as Tottenham sought an instant response and Danny Rose's low drive was saved by home goalkeeper Tolga Zengin.

Besiktas could have given themselves breathing space in the 67th minute when Sahan's flick sent Frei racing clear of the away defence, but the former Fulham midfielder fired into the side-netting.

Slaven Bilic's team continued to threaten further misery for Tottenham as Jose Sosa cut inside Vlad Chiriches to shoot over.

By the time the lights failed again, Tottenham's prospects were already looking dim and Pochettino must reflect on three matches without a goal in all competitions.

Hecking heralds Wolfsburg teamwork

Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking said their 3-0 UEFA Europa League win over Lille was down to a cohesive team performance.

The Bundesliga side needed at least a draw to secure progression to the last 32 heading into their clash at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, a fixture Hecking labelled as "huge".

And his side, despite playing with 10 men for 35 minutes, delivered the qualification-securing victory, with Vieirinha's opener on the stroke of half-time followed by a Ricardo Rodriguez brace.

"I don't think we won because of an individual rather than collective play," Hecking said.

"We played more as a team during the second half.

"We need to keep going ahead, to develop our game and to learn.

"We can with these kinds of complicated games. That's important for the rest of the season in the Bundesliga and Europe.

"Whether we score with a penalty or a free-kick, it shows that we have some players of great qualities. Overall, the team played very well."

Defensive midfielder Josuha Guilavogui was red-carded in the 55th minute, and Luiz Gustavo's third yellow card will see the pair sit out the first leg of their knockout clash in 2015.

Hecking said he felt he had the squad depth to cover the suspensions.

 "Having players suspended is a part of the game during European competitions. We will have to cope with it," he said.

"There will be two other players that will go onto the pitch instead of them.

"In regards to Gustavo, aggressiveness is a part of his game.

"However, we all saw today that other players like [Bernard] Malanda or [Maximilian] Arnold are able to replace them.

"We will have two number sixes of a great level available for our next European game."

Hart close to new City contract

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart wants to finish his career at the club as he closes in on signing a new contract.

The England shot-stopper expects an announcement on his new deal, reportedly a five-year one, in the near future.

Hart, 27, said he intended to stay at City as long as he could, having joined the Premier League champions in 2006.

"As far as I am aware it is pretty much sorted," he said.

"I leave it to the legal side to sort but I am very happy at this club and hopefully in the near future I will be signing that contract.

"How could I not be [happy]? I love this place and I love everything about Manchester City.

"I have been here for a long time. I feel like it is my club now and I want to be here as long as I can."

City midfielder James Milner is also reportedly close to signing a new contract.

Barcelona 3 Paris Saint-Germain 1: Catalans come from behind to top group

Barcelona came from behind to beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 and claim top spot in UEFA Champions League Group F on Wednesday.

The Catalans came into the Camp Nou clash a point adrift of the French champions, but first-half goals from Lionel Messi and Neymar – Barca's scorers in a 3-2 defeat in Paris in September - negated Zlatan Ibrahimovic's earlier effort.

Luis Suarez rounded off the scoring after the interval to subject PSG to their first defeat of the season in all competitions.

Ibrahimovic stunned the home crowd on his return to the club where he spent the 2009-10 campaign - driving home a left-footed effort from 12 yards after 15 minutes.

Barca hit back when Messi met a Suarez cross in the six-yard box four minutes later, and Neymar completed the turnaround before half-time with a delightful curling strike.

PSG's hopes of claiming a point were effectively dashed as Suarez reacted quickest to a Salvatore Sirigu parry 13 minutes from time.

The result sees Barca earn a seeding for the last 16, ensuring they avoid the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich, while PSG will be bracing themselves for a tricky draw.

Despite needing a win to top the group, Luis Enrique elected to make five changes to his starting XI, compared to Laurent Blanc's six, but it was Barca who made the brighter start – Messi curling a 20-yard free-kick over the crossbar.

The Barca boss may have been questioning his selection when Ibrahimovic, who had not beaten his former club in five previous attempts, broke the deadlock.

Lucas Moura sent a low cross into the penalty area, where Blaise Matuidi laid the ball off for an unmarked Ibrahimovic to drill home.

PSG's lead was to last just four minutes, though.

A Javier Mascherano ball from deep found Suarez approaching the byline, and the Uruguayan picked out an advancing Messi with a superb first-time cross to tee up his team-mate for a 75th Champions League goal.

Barca continued to live dangerously at the back, and Lucas should have done better when he guided wide from a Matuidi cross, before a completely unmarked Edinson Cavani drew a save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen with a strike from just outside the area.

The hosts began to show glimpses of their attacking talent in the closing stages of the opening half and took the lead through Neymar in the 41st minute – the Brazilian tearing through the PSG half before dispatching a terrific curling effort from 20 yards.

Pedro miscued a cross when Barca looked dangerous at the beginning of the second period, and he was almost made to pay as PSG failed to make the most of a goalmouth scramble at the other end.

Suarez had the ball in the back of the net 10 minutes after the restart, but the whistle had already blown for handball against the former Liverpool man.

Both sides struggled to carve out clear-cut chances thereafter, but Sirigu could only push a first-time shot from Neymar into the path of Suarez in the 77th minute and the striker made no mistake in putting a gloss on the victory with his second Barca goal.

Silva bemoans sloppy start

Sporting Lisbon coach Marco Silva bemoaned his side's start after they lost 3-1 at Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League.

Sporting's defeat - coupled with Schalke's 1-0 win at Maribor, also on Wednesday - eliminated the Portuguese side from the competition.

That disappointed Silva, who clearly felt his side had done enough to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

"We did everything in all six matches to go through to the next stage," Silva said.

"We knew this was always going to be a very complicated match and there were times when we were not as aggressive as we should have been.

"We did not start the match the way we wanted and the way a match like this demands.

"We deserved to be in the next phase for all we did in this group stage, but that did not happen and now we will have to follow our path in another competition."

Sporting captain and goalkeeper Rui Patricio acknowledged he was upset with the result but that his team could be confident about a strong UEFA Europa League campaign.

Sporting drop into Europe's second-tier competition after finishing third in Group G, four points ahead of Maribor.

"We gave everything but we were not able to get the point we needed to go through to the next phase," Patricio said.

"This is football. Now we head to the Europa League to give our best.

"We go out of the Champions League with our heads held high.

"We are sad with this result but we will go to the Europa League searching for wins."

Schurrle laughs off exit talk

Andre Schurrle has laughed off talk that he will leave Chelsea in the January transfer window.

The Germany international has found regular football hard to come by at Stamford Bridge this season, with six of his 10 Premier League appearances coming from the bench.

Schurrle made his first start for the club since November 5 against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, as Chelsea rounded off their UEFA Champions League Group G campaign with a comfortable 3-1 home win.

The 24-year-old, who scored the second in that fixture, has been linked with a move back to the Bundesliga as part of a potential swap deal including Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus.

But Schurrle has no intention of departing west London any time soon.

"Of course I can just laugh all the talk of leaving off," he told The Evening Standard. "I am not going to change club in the transfer window.

"I am happy where I am, I am happy in London. I love the city, I love the fans. We have a great team and want to win something this season.

"This is where I belong and where I want to help. I know what the manager wants for me and that he likes about me."

Chelsea's progress to the Champions League knockout stages was already assured before Wednesday's clash at Stamford Bridge, but the win meant they went through unbeaten despite heavily rotating their squad.

The last 16 could produce a potentially problematic tie with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen all finishing runners-up in their respective groups, but Schurrle does not fear any side.

"We can rotate and make changes and we still have so much quality on the pitch," he added.

"We have a big squad - that's what we need for our goals. We don't fear anybody. If we play our best we can beat everyone."

Iniesta happy to secure home second leg

Andres Iniesta expressed the importance of Barcelona securing home advantage in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

Luis Enrique's side secured their progress as winners of Group F with a 3-1 over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, ensuring they will face one of the group runners-up in the knockout stages.

As per UEFA rules, all pool winners are drawn away from home in the opening leg, something which Iniesta believes will work to Barca's advantage when they return to Camp Nou for the second half of the tie.

"I really do prefer the second leg at home," he told the club's official website.

"I know that there are teams who will go away for the return game and get a result, but I prefer to play that second match at home, with the fans helping us get through."

Iniesta has recently been restored to the starting XI after recovering from a calf injury, and the midfielder believes he is gradually getting back into top gear.

"I've been off for a while and now I just have to keep feeling better and better and getting the rhythm back into my game so that I can move forward," he said.

"I don't know what stage the side is at, but if we want to fight for every title, we have to continue to grow as a team.

"We are on a good run of results and we are improving our performances.

"That's what we work for in training and that's why we keep working to prepare for the next challenge."

FOOTBALL MATCHES

Europe - UEFA Champions
League
FT Roma 0 - 2 Manchester
City
FT Bayern
München 3 - 0 CSKA
Moskva
FT Barcelona 3 - 1 PSG
FT Ajax 4 - 0 APOEL
FT Chelsea 3 - 1 Sporting CP
FT Maribor 0 - 1 Schalke 04
FT Porto 1 - 1 Shakhtar
Donetsk
FT Athletic
Club 2 - 0 BATE

Adam open to future move abroad

Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam is open to the possibility of a move abroad in the future amid links to Real Sociedad.

The 29-year-old has started just five times for Mark Hughes' men in the Premier League this season and a switch to La Liga with Sociedad - who are coached by former Manchester United manager David Moyes - has been mooted.

Adam insists that he is no hurry to leave the Britannia Stadium, but admits the idea of plying his trade outside of England before the end of his career is something that appeals to him.

"There's better weather than here," he told the Stoke Sentinel.

"I would love the experience of playing abroad because it's certainly something different. Hopefully, more British players will go and do it.

On rumours of an exit in January, he added: "It's going to happen when you have good players not playing and the opportunity for clubs to have a look at things [in the transfer window].

"But there's nothing happening at the moment and I am happy to be here at Stoke."

Adam is in his third season at Stoke having joined from Liverpool in August 2012.

Phelan questions Van Gaal´s methods

Former Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan believes a change in approach under Louis van Gaal is behind the club's injury crisis.

Van Gaal's squad has been ravaged by injury during this season but they have managed to win five straight games to sit third in the Premier League.

Phelan said Van Gaal's decision to change former fitness coach Tony Strudwick's role and alter the club's training were behind the injuries.

"What's happened is a continuation of the same players getting injured all the time, so you have to look to the reasons why," he told the International Business Times UK.

"I think Manchester United changed their thoughts on the fitness regime, they looked at it a little bit differently.

"Tony Strudwick, who was operating as head of sports science, was involved day to day with the first team. He understood the ins and outs of how to keep players fit, how to keep them ready for competition. Then suddenly they moved him sideways and did something completely different. That may have had an effect. That one area has changed.

"They've brought in new people with a different way of doing things. The intensity of training may be one thing - it may be too intense, or not intense enough - but obviously slight changes have been made with the present way of doing things.

"I would have thought [the squad] is big enough at Manchester United, because they can go out and get players in, but obviously they keep breaking down and they don't seem to be getting any better. They seem to get one back and lose another two."

Phelan backed former Netherlands coach Van Gaal to adapt and start learning what his players could handle.

The likes of Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones have spent time on the sidelines due to injury.

"He knows now roughly the intensity of the Premier League and what his players can produce," he said.

"He's been at the highest level, working with the highest players, in different countries.

"It's just a case of maybe understanding the specific requirements of players, individual players, where they need to be at certain times in order to perform. He's got enough staff there to sort that out."

Mixed emotions for Olympiacos boss Michel

Olympiacos coach Michel said he was "satisfied" but not "happy" as the Greek giants were forced to settle for a UEFA Europa League berth.

A 4-2 win over Malmo on the final Group A matchday was not enough for Olympiacos to advance to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Olympiacos needed to beat Swedish visitors Malmo and hope Juventus lost against Atletico Madrid, who played out a goalless draw in Turin.

The Greek champions will now take part in the Europa League, something that has provided Michel with mixed feelings.

"I don't feel that we've been knocked out of the Champions League, rather that we are continuing in the Europa League," said Michel.

"The team deserves to continue on the European stage. We have a much smaller budget compared to other big European teams and we've done very well, so I congratulate my players.

"I'm satisfied but can't say I'm happy because we wanted to go through to the next phase of the Champions League like we did last season."

Olympiacos had four different goalscorers at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, with David Fuster, Alejandro Dominguez, Konstantinos Mitroglou and Ibrahim Afellay on target.

Mitroglou and Afellay both struck in the final three minutes to break the deadlock after Simon Kroon and Markus Rosenberg had restored parity in the second half.

"In the end it was difficult. It's happened often this season," said Michel. "To play well, miss chances but then concede every time our opponents get through midfield.

"We have had a great run this season in the Champions League. I'm satisfied with our showing, apart from the match against Atletico in Madrid."

Malmo bowed out of the competition bottom of the group but coach Age Hareide was still proud of their efforts.

"My players did what they could. Olympiacos initially pressed, but we kept our composure and managed to equalise twice," Hareide said.

"We lost our concentration in the end and the players got tired but I'm proud of them − they did their best. We just had a very bad last six minutes. Everything else went to plan. The last six minutes cost us.

"Things never go as planned if you can't deal with the opposition's set pieces and corners."

Hamzaoglu ´hopeful´ despite Galatasaray loss

Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoglu was pleased with his players, despite Tuesday's 4-1 loss at home to Arsenal.

The Turkish side's dismal UEFA Champions League Group D campaign - that resulted in just one point - came to an end at the Turk Telekom Arena as Lukas Podolski and Aaron Ramsey ran rampant in Istanbul.

Galatasaray - bottom of the group - found themselves three goals adrift inside the first half-hour, with Podolski's third-minute opener and Ramsey's brace virtually ending the match as a contest.

Dutch star Wesley Sneijder netted a consolation goal for Galatasaray two minutes from the end, but Podolski restored the visitors' three-goal buffer in the second minute of injury time.

Tuesday's defeat left Galatasaray winless through the group stage but Hamzaoglu was happy with how his team responded in the second half.

"We conceded an early goal which upset our balance and led to us not playing well," Hamzaoglu said afterwards.

"In the second half we played better and became the dominant team. We struggled to find the goal we needed, however.

"Although we lost, the display in the second half makes us hopeful. I am pleased with my players and thank the fans who came to support us."

Hamzaoglu added: "We want to improve as a group, work harder and aim to become stronger.

"We would like to be successful in the league and the cup. We don't want to let the fans down."

Central midfield role improving my game, says Isco

Isco believes a switch to a central midfield role is helping him become a more rounded footballer for Real Madrid.

The Spain international is usually deployed in a more advanced position, but has been deputising in a deeper central slot in the continued absence of Luka Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And the 22-year-old thinks that his game has improved as a result of the switch.

"We have had several injuries but the coach is very good at managing the squad," he told Real's official website.

"Playing in central midfield is helping me to become a more complete player. I want to keep on helping in every way possible."

Isco's latest outing came in Tuesday's 4-0 home victory over Ludogorets in the UEFA Champions League.

The triumph was Real's 19th straight win in all competitions, setting a new record for a Spanish team.

Isco is delighted with the run of form, but insists the only thing that matters is winning trophies.

"I'm happy with the run that the team is on and the win against Ludogorets," he added. "We're happy with the shape the team is in. This team is eager to keep on getting better.

"Our aim is to win as many games as possible, but at the end of the season what matters is silverware."

Immobile issues Dortmund challenge

Ciro Immobile has challenged Borussia Dortmund to win the three matches before the mid-season break and ease their Bundesliga worries.

Jurgen Klopp's men secured top spot in UEFA Champions League Group D by drawing 1-1 with Anderlecht at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, with Immobile socring a 58th-minute opener.

Dortmund's success in Europe's elite competition has been a stark contrast to their poor domestic form, though, and they sit just a point above the relegation zone in 14th.

A 1-0 over Hoffenheim last Friday lifted Dortmund off bottom spot and Immobile is seeking nine points from matches against Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen before Germany's top flight takes its annual break.

"I want us to win the three remaining games this year in the Bundesliga so we can go into the Christmas break more relaxed," he told Dortmund's official website.

Immobile's goal was just his sixth since joining from Torino in the last transfer window and his first since he scored in the 4-1 Champions League win over Galatasaray on November 4.

And the Italian was happy to be back among the goals.

"I hadn't played much in the last few weeks and was looking forward to play again," he added.

"The goal was good for me, and for the team, and the 1-1 draw helped us to win the group."

Young wants no United let up

Ashley Young praised Manchester United's recent momentum, but wants no let-up ahead of Sunday's clash with rivals Liverpool.

Louis van Gaal's men have climbed to third in the Premier League table after a run of five straight victories, including Monday's 2-1 triumph at Southampton.

Young, who is capable of playing as a winger or wing-back, has been impressed by United's run of form and is keen to add another three points against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

"It was tough at Southampton," he told United's official website.

"I think we didn't play as well as we could have in the first half and were lucky to go a goal ahead. I'm not too sure why that was but, in the second half, we came out and played some good football.

"Obviously, we got the goal and had to defend well again. I'm glad we held on and got the points because they are three massive points for us.

"It was a massive win. I think, like the manager has said, the momentum is building now.

"We wanted to get another win and knew it was going to be a tough place to come away from home after the last [away match] against Arsenal.

"We said we wanted another win on the road and we managed to do that - even though it wasn't easy at all.

"Every man was fantastic and I've been saying that for weeks now. The subs who came on were fantastic as well.

"We were delighted with the three points and we look forward to the game at the weekend now against Liverpool.”

Adebayor granted leave of absence

Tottenham have given Emmanuel Adebayor permission to return home for personal reasons.

The Togo international striker has struggled for form at White Hart Lane this season, scoring just twice in 12 appearances across all competitions.

Spurs have not revealed the reasons for Adebayor's absence and no timescale has been put on a return.

"We can confirm that Emmanuel Adebayor has been given permission to return home for personal reasons," Spurs, who face Besiktas in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, posted on Twitter.

"This is a private matter and so we will not be providing any further comment."

Adebayor has slipped out of Mauricio Pochettino's first-team plans recently, with Harry Kane and Roberto Soldado preferred.

The 30-year-old's last appearance came as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat at home to Stoke City on November 9.

Germany to host Australia in March

World champions Germany will host Australia in an international friendly in March next year.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) confirmed the rumoured friendly in a statement released on Wednesday.

Joachim Low's men will host the friendly at Fritz-Walter-Stadion in Kaiserslautern on March 25.

It will mark an important game in the Socceroos' preparations for their 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

"Germany are the world champions and have many exceptional players, so it's a privilege for the Socceroos to face the best on their turf," Australia coach Ange Postecoglou said.

"They are number one because of what they have built in junior development and elite academies over the past 15 years and there are many lessons we can learn from their approach.

"The match in Kaiserslautern is the ideal way to prepare for what will be a very tough World Cup qualification campaign in Asia."

For Germany, who have won three of the previous four meetings between the teams, it comes four days before they face Georgia in a Euro 2016 qualifier.

Hasi predicts Anderlecht success

Anderlecht coach Besnik Hasi urged his team to build on their finish to the UEFA Champions League group stage throughout the rest of the season.

The Belgian champions went undefeated across their final three matches in Group D, coming from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Arsenal and defeating Galatasaray 2-0, before clinching a late 1-1 draw away to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

After Ciro Immobile gave Dortmund the lead just before the hour-mark with a sharply-taken goal, Aleksandar Mitrovic clinched a share of the points for the visitors in the 84th minute, heading Anthony Vanden Borre's cross home at the back post.

Anderlecht sit third in the Belgian Pro League after 18 rounds, having slipped behind Club Brugge and Kortrijk over the past three weeks, but Hasi is confident his team can win silverware this season if they maintain their Champions League form in other competitions.

"Tonight I expected my lads to make up [for poor league performances] and that's what they did," Hasi said, according to uefa.com.

"It was important to make amends but now we have to confirm this good performance against less glamorous opposition.

"If we continue like this, we can still go places this season."

Anderlecht have lost on the road at mid-table clubs Mouscron-Peruwelz and Sporting Charleroi in their past three league fixtures, while they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by rivals Club Brugge.

But with a Belgian Cup quarter-final first leg coming up next week, plus the UEFA Europa League, which Anderlecht qualified for after finishing third in Group D of the Champions League, Hasi is excited about what could happen in 2014-15.

"This Champions League campaign has been extraordinarily positive, I want to congratulate my players on it," the Albanian said.

"It has showcased our football, something we last had at Anderlecht in 2000-01. We must not forget that we have one of the youngest sides in the Champions League and at times we were able to play refreshing attacking football.

"Now we wait to see who the draw pits us against in the UEFA Europa League but first we will focus on the Belgian Pro League."

Balotelli still sidelined for Liverpool

​Mario Balotelli will miss Liverpool's trip to Leicester City as he continues to struggle with a groin injury.

Balotelli has endured a frustrating start to his Anfield career, scoring just two goals following his move from Milan in August, and has not featured since the 2-1 home loss to Chelsea last month after picking up a groin problem while on international duty with Italy.

The 24-year-old has missed Liverpool's last three games, and manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Monday that he will not be fit for the midweek Premier League fixture at the King Power Stadium.

There is better news for defender Mamadou Sakho, with the France centre-back shaking off a thigh complaint to return to full training.

However, Sakho will also be absent at Leicester.

"The squad will be pretty much the same [as Saturday's 1-0 win over Stoke City]," Rodgers said.

"Sakho trained yesterday with the team for the first time, but won't be match-ready yet. And Mario is still not fit."

Jese set for Real return - Ancelotti

Jese Rodriguez is set to make his Real Madrid comeback in Tuesday's Copa del Rey round-of-32 second leg against Cornella.

The 21-year-old forward has not played since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in Real's UEFA Champions League fixture against Schalke in March.

However, speaking ahead of Tuesday's match at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Jese will return, while also revealing that 20-year-old midfielder Medran is in line for his maiden first-team start.

"Medran will play against Cornella and Jese will be playing in the second half," the Italian told his pre-game media briefing on Monday.

Ancelotti went on to indicate that he plans to play a strong team against third-tier Cornella, despite having seen his side win the first leg 4-1 at the end of October.

Real are on a club-record streak of 16 consecutive victories in all competitions - and Ancelotti is determined to keep that run going, with only a handful of first-team regulars to be given a rest ahead of Saturday's La Liga clash with Celta Vigo.

Among those to be given the evening off is Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, who claimed he feels tired last week.

"[Sami] Khedira is available," Ancelotti added.

"Marcelo, Pepe, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Karim] Benzema and Kroos will rest. The others will all play." 

Mathieu struck down by virus

Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu missed training on Monday due to a virus.

The 31-year-old started Barca's 1-0 La Liga win at former club Valencia on Sunday, before being substituted with just over 20 minutes remaining.

And Barca confirmed on Monday that Matheu was absent from training after being struck down by illness.

"Jeremy Mathieu...was unable to take part in Monday morning's training session due to a virus," read a club statement.

"He will return to action as soon as he is feeling better."

Barca's victory at Valencia was sealed by an injury-time winner from Sergio Busquets, with the Catalan club's attentions now switching to Wednesday's Copa del Rey round-of-32 first leg against third-tier Huesca.

Coach Luis Enrique will have a full squad to choose from for the game at Estadio El Alcoraz, with the possible exception of Mathieu, who seems likely to be rested.

Redknapp not worried over Austin future

Harry Redknapp is relaxed over Charlie Austin's QPR future after reports linking the in-form striker with a move away from Loftus Road.

Austin's seventh Premier League goal of the campaign helped see off Leicester City on Saturday, with the 25-year-old continuing to impress in his maiden top-flight campaign.

The former Burnley man's form has seen him tipped for an England call-up in recent weeks as well as a transfer elsewhere.

However, despite Austin's current deal expiring at the end of next season, Redknapp does not see his contract as a pressing issue.

Asked on whether the club would be eager for Austin to pen fresh terms, he replied: "I'm sure the club would but I don't get involved in that.

"That's on the chairman's side, I'm sure everyone wants to keep Charlie here and I'm sure they'll be sitting down talking to him.

"I've never discussed it with him. I don't know how long he's got left on his contract. He's going well but he needs to keep going well.

"He needs to get 20 goals this season and I think he's capable of that. He's a great lad as well."

Austin's winner at the weekend took QPR off the bottom of the table with Redknapp's side now tasked with gaining a first away league win of the season against Swansea City on Tuesday.

"We're in good form but we need to pick up points away from home, that's the key for us," he added.

"Every game is difficult, it'll be a tough game. We've had some tough away games, certainly away none have been easy. All the teams [we have faced] have been bang in form but we've got to go pick up points away.

"You have to go work very hard to stay with [Swansea], they play some great football but it's about time we got an away win so we have to be positive that we can go and get it."

Valencia back in training for West Ham

West Ham have been boosted by Enner Valencia's return to training as they try to cope with the demands of playing two games in three days.

Allardyce's men moved back up to fifth in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at Upton Park last Saturday, but face a quick turnaround as they travel to take on West Brom on Tuesday.

The 60-year-old conceded that his side are suffering from the effects of tiredness heading into the trip to The Hawthorns, with midfielder Mark Noble a doubt, but he is hopeful that Ecuador international Valencia will be available.

"We've got a little bit of fatigue still from Saturday's game," Allardyce said. "We got one or two knocks and bruises but we they should be fine. The biggest doubt is Mark Noble who had another kick on his calf which he played through against Newcastle.

"Enner Valencia is back in the squad and he'll be training with is today. Winston Reid comes back from suspension.

"To have Enner back, with is pace is a great option for us. He's an exciting player and I think we have yet to see the best of him."

The former Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers boss also indicated that top scorer Diafra Sakho, who has seven goals this season, could make his comeback from a back problem on Sunday when West Ham welcome Swansea City to Upton Park.

"He [Sakho] won't be far away," Allardyce added. "It's a disappointment as he's been out for a while as he was in such good form. If all goes well he could be back to face Swansea on Sunday."

Asensio set for Real Madrid switch

Real Madrid are set to sign Mallorca winger Marco Asensio in the close-season, Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed.

The highly rated 18-year-old has been heavily linked with both Real and their arch-rivals Barcelona, while Premier League giants Manchester United were also said to be interested.

But it appears Real have won the race for his signature, with reports indicating that they will pay Segunda side Mallorca a fee in the region of €3.7million to secure Asensio's services on a five-year-deal.

Real coach Ancelotti said on Monday: "Asensio is a good player and we will try to have him by our side this summer, but not in January."

While the transfer, which will allegedly see Asensio return to Mallorca on loan next season, is yet to be made official, the player has already spoken of his delight at agreeing a switch to the European champions.

"I've decided to go to Real Madrid and I'm very happy," Asensio told Cadena SER. "I'm proud that big clubs watch me and Real Madrid is the best club. The agreement is for five seasons, it's a moment to savour.

"I'm keen to seal the deal so we can all relax, the club, me and Real Madrid."

Asensio has made 14 league appearances for Mallorca this season, scoring three goals for a side that sits 13th in the Spanish second tier.

Cellino disqualified by Football League

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has been disqualified from owning the club under the Football League's Owners' and Directors' Test.

Cellino purchased the Championship club in February 2014 but was the subject of a Football League disqualification a month later after being found guilty by a court in Cagliari of the non-payment of import duties on a boat.

However, the former Cagliari owner successfully appealed the decision in April, with Tim Kerr QC stating Cellino had convinced him the conviction was "not conduct which would reasonably be considered to be dishonest".

The saga continued on Monday as the Football League confirmed that, following full disclosure of documents from the Italian court, Cellino was in fact subject to a disqualifying condition, prompting the lead to demand his resignation within 28 days.

As such, Cellino now has a fortnight to appeal the decision to the League's Professional Conduct Committee, though a challenge to the ruling would see the Italian's ownership remain unchallenged until a final decision is made.

If the judgement stands, Cellino would be "disqualified from 'holding office or acting as a Relevant Person' in respect of Leeds United (or any other club) until 18 March 2015".

Cellino has employed four different full-time head coaches since taking over at Elland Road, with Brian McDermott, Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic all sacked after short spells in charge.

Current coach Neil Redfearn - who served as caretaker under Cellino previously - has earned seven points from a possible 15 since taking the reins permanently in October.