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☆☆☆ UEFA Champions League 2016-17 ☆☆☆

Alaba

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Can Arsenal break the Basel curse? The Champions League in Opta Numbers


5 December 2016

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Arsenal need to better Paris Saint-Germain's result on matchday six in order to finish top of Champions League Group A, but they must be careful not to fall victim to English clubs' dreadful run away to Basel.

Manchester City are through as runners-up to Barcelona but their game with Celtic could be a good chance for Sergio Aguero to improve upon a poor run of form at the Etihad Stadium.

Atletico Madrid are looking to end Bayern Munich's record-breaking home form, while Napoli are out to set the record straight for Italian clubs in Portugal and Lionel Messi can build on a fearsome Camp Nou record.

Here are some of the best stats from the first set of games of the final round of the group stage, courtesy of Opta.



Paris Saint-Germain v Ludogorets:

27 - PSG have only failed to score in one of their last 27 games at Parc des Princes in European competition. It was against Real Madrid in October 2015 (0-0).

0 - Ludogorets have won none of their five Champions League away games (D1 L4), scoring only two goals and conceding 17.



Basel v Arsenal:

3 - Basel have won their last three Champions League home games against English clubs (Manchester United in November 2011, Chelsea in November 2013, Liverpool in October 2014). In fact, Basel have only lost two of their 11 Champions League encounters with English clubs (W4 D5).

40 - None of Basel's 25 home games in the Champions League has ended goalless. Meanwhile, none of Arsenal's last 40 away games in the Champions League has ended 0-0. Their last goalless draw was at Slavia Prague in November 2007.



Dynamo Kiev v Besiktas:

8 - Vincent Aboubakar has scored eight goals in his last 12 Champions League starts, including three in his last three. Besiktas, however, haven't scored a single goal in their four away games against Dynamo Kiev in all competitions.

1 - Trabzonspor are the only Turkish side to beat Dynamo Kiev on their own turf. It was in August 2004 in the Champions League qualifiers (2-1).



Benfica v Napoli:

9 - Italian clubs are winless in their last nine visits to Portugal in the Champions League (D7 L2). AC Milan were the last Italian team to win on Portuguese soil, back in the 1992-93 edition against Porto (1-0).

2 - Benfica have lost only two of their last 15 Champions League home games (W9 D4). They've also found the net in 13 of those matches.



Barcelona v Borussia Monchengladbach:

50 - Lionel Messi has scored 50 goals in 50 Champions League games at Camp Nou, including two hat-tricks this season. He has scored nine goals in four games in this season's Champions League, already more than he achieved in the whole of last season (six).

7 - Neymar's seven assists in this season's Champions League is a record in a group stage since Opta records began in 2003-04.



Manchester City v Celtic:

26 - Celtic have lost 26 of their 29 Champions League games away from home (W1 D2) and have never kept a clean sheet.

1 - Sergio Aguero has scored in only one of his last six Champions League games at the Etihad (a hat-trick v Borussia Monchengladbach).



Bayern Munich v Atletico Madrid:

14 - Bayern Munich have won their last 14 home Champions League games (52 goals scored, eight conceded), the longest winning run in the history of the competition. Real Madrid are the last team to have beaten them at the Allianz Arena, in April 2014 (0-4).

54 - Antoine Griezmann has been involved in Atletico’s last two goals against Bayern Munich, scoring the first and assisting the second. Since last season, the French striker has netted 10 and assisted three of Atletico's 24 goals in the competition (54 per cent).



PSV v Rostov:

43 - PSV haven't scored more than two goals in their last 43 Champions League games. The last time was in the 2005 semi-final second leg against AC Milan (3-1).

71 - A total of 71 per cent of Rostov's shots have been on target (blocked shots excluded), the highest ratio in this season's Champions League



 

RealMadrid

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Who do Real Madrid fans want to avoid in Champions League last 16?

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Dec 11, 2016 13:47:19

Zinedine Zidane's men are aiming to become the first team to retain the title in its modern form but could face a tricky tie when the draw for the knockout stages is made

Real Madrid fans are eagerly awaiting Monday's Champions League draw with the holders keen to find out who they will face in the last 16 of the competition.

Zinedine Zidane's men finished as group runners-up, meaning they could potentially face a tricky tie, with Arsenal, Juventus and Leicester City all potential opponents.

Ahead of the draw we asked Madrid fans who they wanted to avoid and there was definitely one name on everybody's lips!




 

ArseneWenger

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Arsenal chairman concedes Gunners are playing for pride against Bayern


24 February 2017 17:08

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Arsenal chairman Chips Keswick concedes the Gunners can do little other than try to salvage pride in their Champions last-16 tie against Bayern Munich.

On the same day as announcing a pre-tax profit of £12.6million on a six-month period up to November 30 2016, despite spending record levels on transfers, Keswick addressed the familiar failings of Arsenal in Europe.

Arsene Wenger's team were battered 5-1 in the first leg against Bayern at the Allianz Arena, leading to renewed criticism of the manager's tenure and fuelling rumours that his long reign at the club, now in its 21st year, could come to an end in the close-season.

Keswick insists Arsenal will give their all in the return fixture at Emirates Stadium, but stopped short of predicting what would be an incredible comeback against the Bundesliga champions.

"Everyone, including Arsene, our players, board and staff share our fans' disappointment at our first-leg result against Bayern Munich," he said via an Arsenal news release.

"But we will approach the second leg with professionalism and a desire to reclaim pride. Unity has always been one of Arsenal's strengths as a club.

"We are very focused on producing a positive and exciting closing run and with the support of our fans I believe together we can achieve a successful and memorable end to the season."

Arsenal's latest financial results highlight the impact of the Premier League's bumper television rights deal, with 45 per cent of the club's football revenues during the period coming from broadcasting.

Turnover was up to £191.9million compared to £160.2m from the same period last season, which helped Arsenal to record a profit despite spending big on the likes of Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez.

Arsenal have been criticised in the past for a perceived reluctance to part with large sums for talent, but outlays in the transfer market have impacted the club's cash reserves.

"During the summer the club made significant investments in new players with £110.5 million added to the cost of player registrations," Keswick's statement added.

"Cash payments relating to these and certain past transfers were £86.6 million and, as a result, the Group's cash and bank balance was significantly lower at £123.7million, compared with £226.5million at the start of the period.

"Certain elements of the transfer fees payable are deferred and payable in instalments with an amount of £64.6million still to pay, of which £42million is payable within the next 12 months."

Keswick also spoke of the continued need for Arsenal to invest wisely amid a market of inflated fees and wages as a result of the increased television money.

"Higher player wages are, once again, the single largest contributory factor in the club's increased operation costs," he said.

"Further work is required in the area of contract renewals and we will continue to invest rationally in our squad.

"As expected, increased Premier League broadcasting revenues have had a direct impact on player costs both in terms of transfer prices and player wage demands.

"Whilst these are the market forces that have contributed directly over time to the success of the Premier League I would sound a note of caution in light of the very material contractual commitments to future wages that clubs are taking one."



 

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Varane a doubt for Napoli as Real Madrid confirm muscle injury

24 February 2017

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Real Madrid have confirmed that defender Raphael Varane has suffered a hamstring injury.

The France international was substituted in the second half of Wednesday's 2-1 LaLiga defeat to Valencia, with head coach Zinedine Zidane confirming that the player had complained of discomfort in his left leg.

"Following tests carried out today [Friday] on Raphael Varane at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a grade two muscle strain in his left hamstring. His recovery will continue to be assessed," Madrid said in a statement.

Initial reports in Spain suggest Varane could be out for up to six weeks, making him a serious doubt for the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie with Napoli at the San Paolo.

Varane could also miss league games against Villarreal, Las Palmas, Eibar, Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao and Leganes, though Madrid will at least hope to have him fit for the derby with Atletico Madrid on April 9.



 

007agent

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fucking cheebye OA retard,

where is the update on this thread :oIo:

this thread is so dead..

now be a good dog and go update this ok :biggrin:
 

RealMadrid

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Icardi claims Inter not giving up on Champions League qualification

2 March 2017 16:59

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Mauro Icardi is adamant Inter can still secure third place in the Serie A table as they target Champions League qualification.

Stefano Pioli's men had climbed to fourth spot after an impressive run of form, but they dropped back to sixth following a 3-1 defeat at home to Roma on Sunday.

They are trailing third-placed Napoli by six points with 12 games to go, but Icardi is not ready to give up on their dream of returning to Europe's top competition.

"We have to move on from the defeat versus Roma and look at the future," Icardi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We were on par with Roma throughout.

The Nerazzurri continue their preparations for #CagliariInter : the team trained earlier this morning https://t.co/06bBaw3Kx5 #FCIM pic.twitter.com/QZhJbKSN1v
— F.C. Internazionale (@Inter_en) March 2, 2017

"We are not out of the race for third place just yet. We will not give up until we can no longer mathematically qualify.

"I strongly believe that we can make third place, everyone believes we can make it. Our goal remains the same. We have a duty to keep trying and I am confident we can achieve our objectives."


 

ArseneWenger

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Bayern result still affecting Arsenal, admits Wenger

2 March 2017 21:17

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Arsenal will still have the heavy defeat to Bayern Munich on their minds when they do battle with Liverpool, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners boss urged his players to show the mental strength necessary to turn their season around during Saturday's Premier League match at Anfield.

Victory would put Arsenal, who sit fourth, four points clear of Liverpool in the race for the Champions League qualification, with a game in hand.

And Wenger knows negative thoughts and feelings about last month's 5-1 Champions League defeat in Germany will do his team no favours.

"When you have a bad result like that, of course it plays on your mind," he told the club's website.

"But I just think you have to focus on the way we want to play and on the desire to win, to fight and to take the opportunity you have to show your quality.

"After that, the recent history being negative, that doesn't help. But you have to be strong enough to deal with that.

"Things can change very quickly at the end of the season with many big teams playing against each other.

"It is very difficult to predict how many points will be needed [for a top-two finish] at the moment. We are in the mode now where we want to win our next game."

Arsenal have had a 12-day break since defeating Sutton United in the FA Cup, something which causes concern for Wenger.

He said: "For us, after a little break, it is important to switch on quickly. We have seen that is not easy - Liverpool showed that against Leicester.

"After a break, it is important that you are ready from the start again. You lose a little bit the rhythm of the competition and for us it is vital to start strongly at Liverpool."



 

Suarez

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Suárez: Thrashing Real Madrid proves Barcelona can beat PSG

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Looking back on a 4-0 Clásico win at the Santiago Bernabeu has given Luis Suárez belief that Barcelona can turn the tie against PSG.

Perform ACTUALIZADO: 3 March 2017 13:38h CET

Barcelona forward Luis Suárez believes Barcelona's 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid last season at the Bernabéu is proof that they are capable of overcoming a Champions League deficit against Paris Saint-Germain to progress to the quarter-finals.

Luis Enrique's side were beaten 4-0 at the Parc des Princes, and will host the second leg at Camp Nou next week knowing no side has ever overturned such a deficit in a Champions League knockout tie.
Sporting result a warning shot to PSG

Barça showed signs of the right approach when they beat Sporting Gijon 6-1 in LaLiga on Wednesday, and have another chance to send the Ligue 1 champions a warning shot when they host Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Suárez, however, is using their emphatic away victory against Madrid in November 2015 as inspiration as he looks to achieve an historic result.

"We believe in the team. It's very difficult but it's not impossible," the striker told El Transistor. "If this team wants to make history, we have to go out with the ambition of turning these games around. If we can put four past Madrid at the Bernabéu, why can't we do the same against PSG at Camp Nou?"

Suarez, who has won two domestic doubles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup since joining Barca in 2014, made his debut for the club in a 3-1 Clasico defeat in October that year.

The 30-year-old missed the start of that season after being hit with a four-month ban by FIFA for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, meaning he was unable even to attend matches as a spectator.

Suárez acknowledges his wrongdoing but insists that the sanction was unjust.

"I suffered. You have your own way of playing, you have your character, and that's what has brought me to where I am," he said. "You can punish me, but banning me from watching a sporting event - it's the most unfair thing I've ever lived with. To treat me like that hurt me. I was wrong, but I'm a human being."



 

Ancelotti

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Boateng closing on Bayern return but not ready to face Arsenal


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Peter Hanson
Mar 3, 2017 13:29:12

Carlo Ancelotti is pondering changes when Bayern Munich face Cologne in the Bundesliga, but Jerome Boateng is not quite ready to return.

Jerome Boateng is in contention to make his Bayern Munich comeback against Eintracht Frankfurt next week but will not be available to face Arsenal on Tuesday, according to head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Germany defender Boateng has been out of action since November after undergoing surgery on his pectoral tendon.

Ancelotti gave a positive update on Boateng's fitness ahead of the Bundesliga leaders' trip to Cologne on Saturday, with the former Manchester City man able to train at full capacity.

However, the Italian - who also announced that Mats Hummels is fit to face Cologne after the centre-back was replaced at half-time of the midweek 3-0 win over Schalke in the DFB-Pokal - says this weekend's fixture and the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Arsenal, in which they hold a commanding 5-1 lead, will come too soon for Boateng.

"All the players are fit. Hummels has no more problems," he told a pre-match news conference.

"Also Boateng can train normally. It's a good sign that all the players are fit.

"We think he [Boateng] can play against Frankfurt. Arsenal is probably too early."

The match with Cologne marks the second of three games in the space of seven days for Bayern.

Ancelotti stated that there will not be wholesale changes for the match, but is pleased with the options at his disposal.

"There will be no big rotation," he added. "But some players are fresh, which are options for the game. If someone is not 100 per cent then I'll rotate."



 

007agent

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fucking cheebye OA retard,

where is the update on this thread :oIo:

this thread is so dead..

now be a good dog and go update this ok :biggrin:
 

Emery

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Emery puts Barcelona meltdown in PSG´s past


11 March 2017 15:26

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Unai Emery says he is ready to put the lessons learned from Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League embarrassment against Barcelona into practice thanks to the backing of club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

A Neymar-inspired Barca side thrashed PSG 6-1 at Camp Nou on Wednesday to overturn a 4-0 first-leg deficit and reach the quarter-finals.

Emery's continental pedigree - having led Sevilla to three Europa League crowns in a row - was key to his appointment in Paris, but four consecutive quarter-final exits with this damaging departure leaves PSG without a statement in Europe since their billionaire Qatari owners took over in 2011.

Nevertheless, Al-Khelaifi offered Emery his full backing on Saturday, with attentions now turning to chasing down Monaco and Nice in the race for a fifth Ligue 1 title in as many years.

"I speak with the president in good and bad times, to improve the project. As a coach, I say what I see," Emery told a news conference ahead of Sunday's trip to Lorient, bottom of Ligue 1

"After this difficult time in Barcelona, we talked to overcome this moment, to analyse, to understand what we have done wrong.

"The project will continue. I feel the president's confidence. We talk about everything together.

"We debated a lot. It is not 'yes, yes', there is debate. We do not necessarily agree. But it makes for better decisions."

It was suggested to Emery that his side may benefit from taking out captain Thiago Silva, who failed to hold together a rickety defence in the face of Barca's onslaught, but the Spaniard shot down any individual blame.

"I do not put forward a player when we win, when we lose even less," he said. "We're together, we're the same team, the same group.

"An important coach with whom I spoke after the game told me that Barcelona was used to handling difficult times. We have to learn. PSG is a great club, with a great project, but it must learn with negative experiences. This experience will serve. We did not have the personality we needed.

"We will learn for the future. That is our goal. You have to work, be demanding, be consistent.

"The project is very strong. The president's idea is very strong.

"There will be things to maintain, others to improve. I talked about it with the chairman.

"PSG needs more respect in Europe. It has a lot, but we need more. Many things were not normal on Wednesday. I think it's clear, no need to say more."



 

RealMadrid

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Barcelona vs PSG referee facing UEFA demotion


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Mar 11, 2017 07:47:48

Reports in Spain suggest Deniz Aytekin may be removed from Champions League duty after making controversial calls in a 6-1 thriller at Camp Nou

The man at the centre of Barcelona’s remarkable comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, Deniz Aytekin, may have taken charge of his last Champions League game this season, according to Marca.

The German referee made a controversial late call at Camp Nou on Wednesday which allowed Barca to complete their stunning 6-1 fightback.

Luis Enrique’s side had entered the second leg of their last 16 encounter trailing 4-0 on aggregate, but hit back in style to book their place in the quarter-finals.

After edging their way back into the game, the tie looked to be over for Barca when Edinson Cavani grabbed an away goal for PSG.

There was, however, to be thrilling finish to the encounter that delivered three goals in the final seven minutes.

Of those, it was Aytekin’s awarding of a stoppage-time penalty which sparked outrage within the PSG ranks – having previously waved Angel Di Maria to his feet after tangling with Javier Mascherano.

Luis Suarez, who had already been booked for diving, went down in the box late on under minimal contact, with the match officials eventually coming to the conclusion that a spot-kick should be awarded.

Neymar converted and Sergi Roberto snatched a last-gasp sixth for Barca as they edged their way through.

While the celebrations in Catalonia promise to drag on for some time, Aytekin is facing up to the prospect of seeing his 2016-17 Champions League campaign brought to a close.

Marca report that UEFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, is considering taking the 38-year-old out of the firing line.

The Spanish publication says: “UEFA sources have confirmed to Marca that it is Collina's way of cutting mistakes out from his team of officials.

“However the body won't strictly punish the German official, although he could find himself demoted to lesser profile games for the time being or simply removed from action for a specific period.”

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has, however, backed UEFA’s group of officials and their ability to make big decisions.

He said: "Whether that particular case was an injustice or not, we can leave it to the judgement of the referee.

"We saw was an incredible football match, whatever the result would have been at the end. This shows that football is really a fantastic game. When you feel you have seen everything, something else comes along. It's just amazing and incredible.

"We have to really be careful in the International Football Association Board if we want to touch the rules, because football is such an incredible game.

"In this case, I don't know if it was a clear mistake or not. But in future, when there are clear mistakes, this will be corrected by the video assistant referee so we can make sure decisive matches are not decided by mistakes made in good faith by the referee."



 

RealMadrid

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Neymar set to miss Deportivo clash after Champions League heroics

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Iain Strachan
Mar 11, 2017 17:46:57

Barcelona are likely to be without two of their stars when they visit the Galician team on Sunday, after that classic win over PSG

Neymar is set to miss Barcelona's La Liga match against Deportivo La Coruna following his Champions League heroics in midweek.

Brazil star Neymar – who looks likely to join Rafinha on the sidelines – scored twice and set up Sergi Roberto's crucial strike in injury time as Barca defeated Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 at Camp Nou on Wednesday, overturning a 4-0 first-leg deficit to reach the quarter-finals.

Neymar, though, is a major doubt to feature against Deportivo at the Riazor on Sunday, having sat out training the day before the game due to an adductor issue.

His fellow Selecao star, midfielder Rafinha, is also unlikely to play due to gastroenteritis.

Neymar Jr, con molestias en el aductor de la pierna izquierda, y Rafinha, con gastroenteritis, no se entrenan con el grupo #FCBLive
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) March 11, 2017

Barca go into the game one point clear at the top of the table ahead of Real Madrid, who are at home to Real Betis later in the day and also hold a game in hand on Luis Enrique's title holders.



 

Vardy

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We pulled off the impossible again - captain Morgan hails incredible Leicester


14 March 2017 23:12

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Leicester City captain Wes Morgan believes the club pulled off the impossible again by knocking out Sevilla to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate success.

Morgan put Leicester ahead on the night to level the scores at 2-2 on aggregate before Marc Albrighton smashed home from the edge of the box to secure another famous victory for the Premier League champions.

Kasper Schmeichel saved Steven N'Zonzi's penalty after Samir Nasri was sent off for Sevilla and Morgan said Leicester are continuing to prove their critics wrong.

"Incredible, I can't quite believe it. We didn't expect to get this far and here we are," Morgan told BT Sport.

"It must be [the greatest night in the club's history]. I'm not sure it'll ever happen again but we did it, we proved a lot of people wrong. We pulled off the impossible again."

Get. In. You. Beauty.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 14, 2017

There was an element of luck about Morgan's goal as Riyad Mahrez's free-kick bounced in off him at the back post but the centre-back insisted Leicester will not get carried away with their success, having won their third straight game under new manager Craig Shakespeare.

"I just bundled it in," said Morgan. "I was in the right place at the right time and just happy it went over the line.

"We'll take whoever comes. We'll enjoy this moment, dust ourselves down and we've still got to concentrate on the league."

Enjoy that, Leicester fans? #UCL pic.twitter.com/PcbtfbrrZv
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 14, 2017

Albrighton insisted Leicester will not be content with a place in the last eight of the Champions League, despite giants such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona awaiting.

"I'm lost for words. What a night," Albrighton told BT Sport. "We thoroughly deserved the victory, we pressed them from the first minute to the last.

"We rode our luck but defended triumphantly and to get two goals against such a good team and keep a clean sheet is fantastic for us.

"We thoroughly deserve to be there, we've played brilliantly in this campaign. The Champions League run has been fantastic and we want to keep it going as long as possible."



 

Ancelotti

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Hitzfeld suggests lack of Bayern injuries could trouble Ancelotti


15 March 2017 11:16

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Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld believes a lack of injuries at the Allianz Arena means Carlo Ancelotti has some tough decisions to make.

Bayern have been plagued by fitness problems throughout the 2016-17 campaign, but the recent return of Franck Ribery and Jerome Boateng means Ancelotti finally has a full squad available.

He has already been forced to bench Thomas Muller on a number of occasions due to the stiff competition for places and Hitzfeld knows more high-profile names could face similar treatment.

"I can admit it now, but it often comes in quite handy for a coach when a player suffers a minor injury," Hitzfeld told Sport Bild.

"Ancelotti has some tough decisions to make now. It is a very tense situation.

A full week of training at Säbener Street to prepare for #BMGFCB :

14.03.
15.03.
16.03.
17.03.
18.03. pic.twitter.com/khaJd0oKHP
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) March 15, 2017

"It is extraordinary that all players are 100 per cent match fit. That could be a problem for the coach. He has to ask himself who will end up on the bench and who will have to watch on from the stands."

Bayern, who have set their sights on the treble this campaign, lead the Bundesliga table and are still in the running for Champions League and DFB-Pokal glory.



 

Guardiola

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Guardiola the most successful boss after 100 European games


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Mar 15, 2017 21:36:19

The manager has the best record after a century of games in history, but there will be no more outings this season as Monaco dumped City out

Pep Guardiola reached another important milestone in his management career as he reached the mark of 100 European games as a manager – and no-one to previously reach that mark has been as successful as him.

There was little to celebrate on Wednesday, however, as his Manchester City side fell 3-1 against Monaco at Stade Louis II to mark the occasion with elimination from the competition on away goals.

During his century of matches, Guardiola has attained 61 victories, 23 draws and has suffered 16 defeats.

His record is only marginally better than that of Louis van Gaal, who ranks second in the all-time standings after 100 matches, with 61 wins and 22 draws. Behind the Dutchman come Rafael Benitez, Jupp Heynckes and Valeriy Lobanovskiy to complete the top five.

Meanwhile, Guardiola’s great rival Jose Mourinho ninth in this list, with 54 wins and 26 draws, while Carlo Ancelotti, who replaced Guardiola at the Allianz Arena is 10th.

Sir Alex Ferguson is ranked 12th, while Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is 27th of the 29 managers who have overseen 100 matches.

Remarkably, all of the Catalan’s matches in continental play have come in the Champions League, the top tier of European football, in which he has guided Barcelona, Bayern Munich and the Etihad Stadium outfit.



 
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