Juventus were held to a second straight Serie A draw on Sunday, but boss Andrea Pirlo is unconcerned ahead of facing Barcelona in the Champions League.
Juventus head coach Andrea Pirlo said he was unworried about Barcelona after the Bianconeri were held to another draw in Serie A on Sunday.
Barcelona Champions League clash will be a different game, says Pirlo
Juve needed a 77th-minute equaliser from Dejan Kulusevski to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Hellas Verona, who went ahead through Andrea Favilli.
The Serie A champions are winless in two consecutive league games against Verona for the first time since 1989 as Juve moved onto nine points through five games.
Juve host Barça in the Champions League on Wednesday, but Pirlo was unfazed, saying he expected a different type of game.
“No, I am not worried ahead of Barcelona, because they’re two completely different games, with two different styles of play,” the Juve head coach told a news conference.
“As I said earlier, Atalanta like Verona play in a completely different way compared to Barcelona, therefore when you play against this kind of team it’s a kind of game of its own.
“You have to try and do certain things, which we tried to do during the game.”
The result left Juve three points behind leaders Milan, who host Roma on Monday.
Pirlo “can only see positive things” for Juventus future
But Pirlo, who only took charge in August, is remaining upbeat about the direction his side are heading in.
“No, I am not worried [about the draws] because we are under construction,” he said. “Of course, we’re sorry we’re dropping points along the way, but we’re on the right path and we are building a long-term project.
“It’s only the fifth game we play together and for our future I can only see positive things.”
In an interview in today’s Catalan daily La Vanguardia, the defender takes the president to task over Barçagate and how the Messi affair was handled during the summer.
Just ahead of the first El Clasico of the new season, Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué is making waves after an interview with the defender was published in today’s edition of Catalan daily La Vanguardia. Piqué has been quiet since the Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich in August and also remained silent when Messi announced he planned to leave the club some weeks later.
In the La Vanguardia interview the player initially claimed that: “my relationship with the president could be cordial” before unleashing a strong attack on Josep Maria Bartomeu. “It’s an absolute disgrace that the club has spend substantial sums of money on criticising us”, he claimed, in a direct reference to the scandal commonly known as Barçagate, where the football club is alleged to have paid a social media agency to create fake online profiles criticising players both past and present. Piqué also singled out Bartomeu’s assessor Jaume Masferrer (one of the executives rumoured to be behind the Barçagate initiative): “He’s still a club employee and that hurts”.
Piqué also criticised the club’s attempts to reduce salary levels claiming: “the club’s way of handling this is far from ideal and we’re all not happy with this manner of doing things”. He did add that his motivation to renew his contract with the Catalan side was due to the fact that the club had given him everything as a player, hence the contract extension.
He also took Bartomeu to task over the sacking of Basque coach Ernesto Valverde: “It didn’t seem coherent to me to sack a coach halfway through the season being top of the table and having won the last two leagues” and was also unhappy in the way the club handled the situation with Lionel Messi in the summer when the Argentine issued a burofax stating his intention to leave Camp Nou. “I asked Leo to hold out, the Camp Nou should bear his name and Messi deserves everything”, stated the defender. Piqué admitted that he kept his distance from the matter as it was a personal issues and did admit sending the Argentine a message stating: “Within a year, there will be new people in charge”, adding “one is obliged to come to an arrangement with a player who has spent 16 years at the club. What has forced the best player in history to send a burofax to the club as he feels he’s not being listened to. It’s a shocking level to reach”.
Piqué also reflected on recent Camp Nou heroes stating: “I’m surprised that the likes of Guardiola, Xavi, Puyol or Valdés are not at the club and I believed these individuals should always be involved with Barça as they have written key pages in the history book”.
Piqué also reflected on the power of the dressing room stating: “If at any time, the players have held this power, it’s due to the fact that others didn’t want to use theirs” and concluded in a ‘moderately optimistic’ mood ahead of Saturday’s game against Real Madrid at Camp Nou.
In his first start for new club Arsenal, Thomas Partey could not have received higher praise, being compared to none other than Patrick Vieira and having Owen Hargreaves label his full debut ‘one of the best I’ve ever seen.’
The midfielder was handed his first start by manager Mikel Arteta in Thursday’s Europa League opener away to Rapid Vienna.
And Partey’s all-action approach to get stuck into the match was immediately noticed by both Martin Keown and Hargreaves, with the Arsenal legend comparing him to the iconic Vieira.
Partey made an explosive start in central midfield, winning balls for his new side while leaving opponents for dead with the use of his power, pace and nimble footwork.
Speaking in the BT Sport studio at half time, Keown and Hargreaves wasted no time in waxing lyrical about the new No 18.
‘I think you know when you see a player immediately add that touch of class, who wants to play and makes things happen,’ Keown began.
‘He’s so silky smooth, he’s oozed class and been everywhere.’
In full agreement with Keown’s observations, former Champions League winner Hargreaves added: ‘This guy makes it look so easy. He plays (number) 10 passes as a holding midfielder.’
‘It’s one of the best debuts I’ve ever seen.’
Turning his attention to some of Partey’s highlights from the first 45 minutes in Austria, Keown noted instances whereby Partey would collect the ball from team-mates deep in his own half, before driving forward with intent.
Paying the summer signing the ultimate compliment, Keown added: ‘This is where he looks like Vieira for me when he’s travelling with the ball and making things happen.’
Arsenal secured their marquee signing of Partey on deadline day, after paying the player’s £45million release clause directly to LaLiga, meaning Atletico Madrid had no option but to let their asset go.
The Spanish giants had been keen to retain the services of Partey, though talks regarding a new long-term lucrative contract had reached an impasse – allowing Arsenal to pounce.
Partey, 27, made his Gunners debut recently in the Premier League against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, joining the action as a second half substitute.
The Champions League has made a thunderous return with a gripping opening round of group matches in the 2020-21 season.
Real Madrid were plunged into further crisis, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had another night to remember at the Parc des Princes and holders Bayern Munich began the defence of their trophy with a commanding victory.
Sportsmail picks out 10 things we learned from the comeback week of European football’s elite club competition.
That is, unless you are a Bayern Munich player. But on the eve of Bayern’s first group match, a devilishly tricky tie against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, Flick was pleading for patience with his team of Champions League winners.
‘To reach the optimum level as we did recently will be extremely difficult,’ Flick said – pointing to the departures of Thiago Alcantara, Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Perisic after winning last season’s Champions League.
‘As for now, I am fairly satisfied. We have had only one week of training with everyone together… it is a different team from last season.’
The idea that Bayern may have a few extra gears to click into is an ominous sign for the rest of Europe, as Flick’s men ran out 4-0 winners against Atletico at the Allianz Arena. Kingsley Coman got two, while Leon Goretzka and Corentin Tolisso also scored. What a way to begin the defence of the trophy.
Andrea Pirlo kicked off life as a manager in the Champions League without his talisman Cristiano Ronaldo for the match against Dynamo Kiev as he recovers from Covid-19.
Everyone knows how much Ronaldo loves the Champions League – he and Messi have sent an array of scoring records tumbling in their pursuit of greatness.
But on Tuesday, Pirlo’s Juventus beat Kiev 2-0 without the Portuguese striker. Alvaro Morata filled his place valiantly, netting both goals to hand Pirlo a victory against Kiev manager Mircea Lucescu – the man who handed Pirlo his debut as 16-year-old player at Brescia.
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A 0-0 draw is a reasonable enough start to Chelsea’s Champions League campaign – Sevilla were tricky opponents – but Frank Lampard would have hoped his side’s home advantage could have counted for more.
In his analysis of the match, Michael Owen suggested that Timo Werner needs more passes that accommodate his desire to play on the shoulder of the last defender and run in on goal. Owen’s comments turned the spotlight onto Chelsea’s attacking midfielders who, against Sevilla, were Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount, to pick out the No 9.
‘He’s always looking to be on the edge,’ Owen said. ‘If they could just find that through ball, he’ll be in.’
Werner has scored three goals in his first seven Chelsea games – two of those coming in Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Southampton.
The 35-year-old forward has so often lead the way for the Turin giants and continued to defy his age, but may be absent from the mouthwatering clash due to returning a second positive test for the disease.
Juventus are scrambling to ensure that Ronaldo will be available for selection should one final test come back negative – and Messi also appears keen to face off against him again in another ‘special’ match-up.
He told DAZN: ‘Obviously when Cristiano played for Real Madrid the games were special. Matches against them always are [special], but with Cristiano on the pitch they took on a particular significance.’
Ronaldo was doubtful despite initially contracting the virus while on international duty on October 13.
He immediately began a mandatory period of quarantine, and was forced to miss Juventus’ fixtures against Crotone and Dynamo Kiev while completing the quarantine.
Andrea Pirlo’s side host Barcelona next Wednesday, and Ronaldo took a second test in the hope that he would be cleared to return and add another thrilling chapter to his encounters with Messi.
The former Manchester United man soon discovered he still had Covid-19, however, placing his spot in the game in serious jeopardy.
When questioned over his rivalry with Ronaldo during his trophy-laden days in Madrid, Messi added: ‘That is now in the past and we look forward to today’s challenges.
‘Wednesday there could be this challenge and we hope Cristiano can be there and will soon recover from Covid.
‘The ones with Cristiano were and are a special duel which will remain forever. They last many years and it is not easy to maintain those levels for such a long time.
Our teams were also very demanding: Real Madrid and Barcelona, the two strongest clubs in the world.
‘Competing as equals for so many years is something that will remain forever. The duel between me and Cristiano was very good on a personal level and I think people enjoyed it.
‘The fans of Real, Barca, but in general all football fans, have seen a great show. We hope to give them even more emotions [on Wednesday].’
The fierce debate over which of the two superstars can claim the title of the best player in the world, and perhaps in history, continues to rage on.
The 35-year-old forward has so often lead the way for the Turin giants and continued to defy his age, but may be absent from the mouthwatering clash due to returning a second positive test for the disease.
Juventus are scrambling to ensure that Ronaldo will be available for selection should one final test come back negative – and Messi also appears keen to face off against him again in another ‘special’ match-up.
He told DAZN: ‘Obviously when Cristiano played for Real Madrid the games were special. Matches against them always are [special], but with Cristiano on the pitch they took on a particular significance.’
Ronaldo was doubtful despite initially contracting the virus while on international duty on October 13.
He immediately began a mandatory period of quarantine, and was forced to miss Juventus’ fixtures against Crotone and Dynamo Kiev while completing the quarantine.
Andrea Pirlo’s side host Barcelona next Wednesday, and Ronaldo took a second test in the hope that he would be cleared to return and add another thrilling chapter to his encounters with Messi.
The former Manchester United man soon discovered he still had Covid-19, however, placing his spot in the game in serious jeopardy.
When questioned over his rivalry with Ronaldo during his trophy-laden days in Madrid, Messi added: ‘That is now in the past and we look forward to today’s challenges.
‘Wednesday there could be this challenge and we hope Cristiano can be there and will soon recover from Covid.
‘The ones with Cristiano were and are a special duel which will remain forever. They last many years and it is not easy to maintain those levels for such a long time.
Our teams were also very demanding: Real Madrid and Barcelona, the two strongest clubs in the world.
‘Competing as equals for so many years is something that will remain forever. The duel between me and Cristiano was very good on a personal level and I think people enjoyed it.
‘The fans of Real, Barca, but in general all football fans, have seen a great show. We hope to give them even more emotions [on Wednesday].’
The fierce debate over which of the two superstars can claim the title of the best player in the world, and perhaps in history, continues to rage on.
Spurs off to the perfect start in the Europa League as strikes from Lucas Moura and Hueng-min Son, either side of Andrade’s own goal, seal a routine victory for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Spurs off to the perfect start in the Europa League as strikes from Lucas Moura and Hueng-min Son, either side of Andrade’s own goal, seal a routine victory for Jose Mourinho’s side.
New Chelsea No 1 Edouard Mendy insists he has a blossoming relationship with Kepa Arrizabalaga – despite him taking the Spaniard’s spot between the sticks.
Frank Lampard signed Mendy from Rennes last month following an error-strewn season for Kepa, who occasionally surrendered his place to Willy Caballero.
The Senegal international has kept two clean sheets in his first three games, with Lampard confirming he is now first choice.
But Mendy, speaking for the first time since signing, said Chelsea’s goalkeepers have put aside their rivalry in pursuit of collective glory.
‘I have a very good relationship with Kepa,’ he said.
‘The group of goalkeepers we have, we’re all very open and all of us understand the team is the most important thing here and doing what is right for the group.
‘Our relationships are all very good, we work well together and
Our relationships are all very good, we work well together and we’re pushing each other every day to improve ourselves and improve each other. We know as goalkeepers we have to stay unified and united and that is what is happening at the moment.’
Mendy made his debut in last month’s EFL Cup defeat by Tottenham before keeping a clean sheet in their victory over Crystal Palace.
Injury then struck, keeping Mendy out until this week’s Champions League goalless draw with Sevilla.
In his absence, Kepa returned for the 3-3 draw against Southampton, when he made another error as Lampard’s side suffered more defensive calamity.
Now fit again, Mendy hopes to repay Chelsea’s faith – and inspire a new generation of African goalkeepers to join English football.
‘I can’t tell you why there are so few African goalkeepers in England but when you look at the other leagues across Europe there are more,’ he said.
‘I’m the only African goalkeeper in the Premier League and there is a responsibility I feel because there is expectation surrounding that. I need to make sure I carry on working hard, do my best in training and matches so that other goalkeepers can follow me into this league and have this opportunity.’
Former Ghana U-20 coach Yaw Preko says the Black Satellites and the Black Starlets will be heading into their respective competitions hoping to upset their opponents.
The two national junior teams have been handed tough groups in their respective competitions.
Ghana’s U-20 national team, the Black Satellites, have been drawn against rivals Nigeria and Cote d’ Ivoire in the group stages of their WAFU qualifying tournament whilst Ghana’s U-17 team, the Black Starlets will face defending champions Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire in the group stage.
According to Yaw Preko, the two national teams after failing to qualify to the AFCON after losing out on two occasions will have to come up against Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire who have been dominant at the competition in the previous editions.
“It’s a tough group and the other countries will also feel the same pressure just like Ghana after the draw.
The only difference is that the other countries will have the urge over Ghana because they have qualified to play in the last two previous tournaments with Ghana missing out. So we will be going into the tournament as underdogs
The two teams are already in camp preparing for their respective competition.
The WAFU U-20 tournament comes off from November 14 -29, 2020 in Togo whilst the WAFU U-17 kicks off from December 5-20, 2020.
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