What now for Mercedes?

A second coming together between Mercedes’ drivers has left the team in a difficult position heading to this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
 

On Sunday in Austria, Mercedes were denied a one-two finish when contact between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg saw the German drop back to fourth in the standings while Hamilton was able to claim the race win.

The incident follows far too closely on from the drama in Spain in May when, having dominated throughout the build-up, the two Silver Arrows drivers collided on the first lap, with both drivers forced to retire.

Speaking after the race at the Red Bull Ring, team principal Toto Wolff called the contact “brainless” and conceded that team orders could now be a possibility.

“The only consequence is to look at all the options available on the table, and one option is to freeze the order of a certain stage in the race,” said the German.

“It’s unpopular, makes me puke myself because I like to see them race, but if the racing is not possible without contact, then that’s the consequence.”

It’s not only that Wolff detests team orders that is interesting in his last statement, but also that a mind shift has taken place. Wolff admitted that “racing is not possible without contact”, a fact that he did not believe to be true following the calamity in Spain.

He added: “In Barcelona I was much easier with it because we had 30 races without any collision, it was clear it was eventually going to happen, it wiped out both cars.

“From my naïve thinking I said to myself ‘Okay, that’s it, they’ve learned their lesson, they’ve seen the consequences and it’s not going to happen any more’. But here we go, it happens again.”

And Mercedes are right that it will happen again.

In Hamilton and Rosberg they have two fiercely competitive drivers who will not give an inch – no top driver worth his salt would. However, what adds further fuel to the flames is Rosberg’s desire to at last get one over Hamilton and win the World Championship he so desperately craves, proving along the way that he is on par with his childhood friend.

Both times the Mercedes have come together this season, it has followed a Rosberg error. In Spain, one could say that Hamilton was at fault, but in Austria it was Rosberg’s refusal to accept that his team-mate had piped him at the post that resulted in their collision.

So, Mercedes have two drivers who won’t yield – what now?

There appear to be only two options:

1. The drivers agree to play nice (there will have to be consequences if they don’t)
2. Team orders will come into play

One would imagine that it’s option one which the team will turn to first; it’s the best things for the team, the drivers, and the sport. But will it be successful?

It’s hard to conceive that the pair will risk treading on the toes of their superiors further at Silverstone this weekend, but when the red mist descends and in the heat of battle, anything is possible.

For Rosberg, there is so much more than just points at stake and that will always see the German react with a degree of emotion that may cause him to cross the line. If he does so again though, it may be the last time he has the chance.

Would team orders do the trick?

With Hamilton closing in on his team-mate at the stop of the standings (the gap is now just 11 points), Rosberg can no longer claim to be the team’s number one title challenger and so team orders are an even more complex quagmire than they would usually be.

Should the team decide to adopt team orders, will they do so on a race by race basis or will they back one of the charges to go all the way? Neither option is an appealing one.

Hamilton and Rosberg have conspired to put their own team in an unwanted position, and it’s up to the pair to come to their senses and start racing for the team and not just themselves. They owe that to all those who have helped provide them with a Championship-winning car.

CREDIT TO:http://www.foxsportsasia.com/motorsports/formula-1/news/detail/item399915/what-now-for-mercedes/

Read More

Feuding 'brainless' drivers Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg face suspensions, fines

Mercedes are trying to control their feuding drivers Lewis Hamilton, left, and Nico Rosberg. CHRIS WATTIE/REUTERS

 

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg could be fined or even suspended by Mercedes if they crash again under drastic deterrents being considered by the world champions in a bid to avoid imposing team orders.

Hamilton will plead with Mercedes not to "rob" fans by forcing them to obey team orders in next Sunday's (Monday NZ time) British Grand Prix, with executives fearing they may have to unleash the nightmare scenario on Formula One to control their feuding drivers.

However, the alternative punishment, understood to be one of the options under consideration, could be even worse news for Hamilton. It is understood increasingly exasperated team bosses feel they have been left with no choice but to act firmly and decisively after Hamilton and Rosberg collided for the third time in five races in Austria on Sunday (Monday NZT).

DOMINIC EBENBICHLER/REUTERS

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton leads the pack.

This could include either a sporting penalty – the ultimate sanction being to take one or both drivers out of the car – or a financial one, a fine worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. How exactly the system would work when there is no clear culprit for a collision, which was not the case on Sunday with Rosberg penalised by the stewards, remains unclear.

Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes motorsport, was absolutely livid on Sunday night, and seemed at the end of his tether with his "brainless" drivers.

Team orders would be a PR disaster in front 140,000 British fans, reminiscent of the worst days of Ferrari in the early 2000s, which is likely to be why other more extreme alternatives are being considered.

The decision will be taken in the coming days, principally by Wolff along with Niki Lauda, the three-time champion and Mercedes chairman, and Paddy Lowe, the technical boss. Dieter Zetsche, the chairman of Mercedes, will be kept in the loop but is expected to leave the decision itself to Wolff.

Hamilton was at pains not to put himself at odds with the team as he left Spielberg, but he will use all his powers of persuasion to try to stop Mercedes implementing team orders, something which is at odds with everything he stands for as a racing driver.

He is likely to feel especially aggrieved given the overwhelming consensus, and the verdict of the stewards, that Rosberg was the guilty party in their last-lap crash in Austria last Sunday, one which gave Hamilton victory.

 

"I didn't come into this to be in that situation [team orders], so I will pray and hope that's not the situation," the three-time champion said. "Firstly for myself because that would take the joy out of racing and second for the fans because it will rob the fans of what they pay so much for."

Many believe Hamilton would ignore team orders if they were imposed in the British Grand Prix on Sunday, including Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion.

But Hamilton was by no means categorical. While the 31-year-old said Mercedes employed him to race - on a deal worth £100 million over three years – he also indicated he would listen should the order come. There will be a clause in his contract which states he cannot go directly against the wishes of the team, but drivers have ignored direct orders before, most memorably Sebastian Vettel in Malaysia three years ago.

 

Hamilton added: "I've been in that position before [team orders] and it goes against all my racing values and rules and the foundation of what racing is about. But ultimately I race for this team and I do want the best for the team. I'm the three-time world champion and my job is to do what they say.

"I feel like I have the right to say my opinion regardless of the boss. You can talk to anyone on that level with respect so I would tell them, just like I'm talking to you, I would have an opinion that needs discussion whether that's with Dieter [Zetsche, the chairman of Mercedes] or they could have that respect."

Hamilton was critical of Wolff's description of the incident as "brainless", without the Austrian explicitly blaming one driver. The Englishman felt it was important the team projected themselves properly to their 1,300 employees back in Northamptonshire and the wider world.

Should Mercedes introduce team orders, against their policy of the last three years, Hamilton would have no choice but to qualify on pole position and make sure he gets away in the lead, unless he ignored the instruction. At least now after the result in Austria the gap in the drivers' championship is back down to just 11 points.

CRASHES:

Spain: Hamilton and Rosberg failed to even make it through four corners before they took each other out of in Barcelona. Rosberg defended aggressively, forcing his team-mate onto the grass. Hamilton lost control, hitting Rosberg and sending both out of the race. Verdict: too close to call

Canada: Heading into turn one, Hamilton and Rosberg were side by side. The German took the riskier move, heading for the outside, and Hamilton slid into his team-mate, banging wheels. Rosberg fell down the field. Verdict: racing incident

Austria: They made it to the final lap but heading towards turn two, Rosberg barely attempted turn in, spearing into the side of his team-mate. Hamilton won the race while Rosberg limped home fourth. The stewards punished the German. Verdict: 100 per cent Rosberg

CREDIT TO:http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/81772307/feuding-brainless-drivers-lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-face-suspensions-fines

Read More

Lewis Hamilton wants fourth F1 title but may have to obey Mercedes orders

Lewis Hamilton is now just 11 points behind team-mate Nico Rosberg heading into the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images 

Lewis Hamilton believes he has demonstrated how hungry he is to win his fourth Formula One world championship after his victory at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday, achieved in a thrilling climax to the race after a final‑lap collision with his Mercedes colleague Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton had lost the lead to Rosberg when his team switched him from a one‑stop to a two-stop strategy. But Hamilton clawed his way back and put himself in a position to challenge the German on the final lap. Rosberg, who had a brake problem, was slow through turn one and Hamilton, on a charge, attempted to go round the outside of him at turn two. Rosberg did not turn in and the pair clashed. Hamilton went on to take the flag but Rosberg, who was judged by the stewards to have been at fault, lost his front wing and finished only fourth.

“I’m massively driven, hopefully this race has shown just how driven I am for this world championship,” said Hamilton, who has faced criticism this season that he is not as focused on the task at hand. “I want it as much, if not more, than I’ve wanted my other world championships and I actually love that it’s even harder to get because that makes you appreciate it more.”

He was also adamant that despite the controversy the incident caused – he was booed by fans after the race – that there would be no let-up in his determined approach. “You make a conscious decision to fight harder or you have doubt, and I had zero doubt in my mind,” he said. “I thought I’m going to go, do everything in my power, I might not win, but I’ll do everything, on the knife edge, over it and beyond.”

 

The Mercedes executive director, Toto Wolff, described the incident as “brainless”. He castigated both his drivers but refused to apportion blame in public. The pair knocked each other out of the race at Barcelona earlier in the year and Wolff said they were considering imposing team orders to prevent a repeat of that.

Advertisement

For Hamilton the possibility was an anathema but one he may have to accept. “I’ve been in that position before and it goes against all my racing values and rules and the foundation of what racing is about,” he said. “But ultimately I race for this team and I do want the best for the team. I’m the three-time world champion and my job is to do what they say.”

 

Hamilton’s win on Sunday means he trails the championship leader Rosberg by 11 points and could overhaul him in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this week. Mercedes have allowed the pair to race until now enlivening their almost lone two-car battle at the front of the grid. Hamilton believes team orders would deny fans the thrill of a racing contest.

“I will pray and hope that’s not the situation,” he said. “Firstly for myself because that would take the joy of racing out and second for the fans because it will rob the fans of what they pay so much for. They save up all year to go to the Silverstone Grand Prix. Team orders is not something that should deprive them. Even if it’s the other way around and the other guy’s coming for me, that’s racing. That’s why you turn up and you sit in the mud in the camper van in Silverstone, because you have that passion and that fire, the same thing I felt in Austria.”

The former world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes the team will have difficulty managing the situation. “They both have contracts where they are allowed to fight for the championship,” he said. “So how do you impose team orders? It’s not Ferrari where you have a clear No1. Even if they don’t follow orders what do you do? Leave them home for a race?”

 

Villeneuve has personal experience of the issues involved. His father Gilles was killed in an accident at the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder in 1982 trying to beat the qualifying time of his Ferrari team-mate Didier Pironi. At the previous race, the San Marino Grand Prix, Villeneuve was furious when Pironi defied team orders based on a handshake-agreement to take the lead on the final lap to win. “At the time of my dad it was whoever is in the lead stays in the lead,” he said, suggesting that limited orders may be imposed. “That’s fine then you know you have to qualify better and make a better start. You still have a chance to be ahead.”

However, Villeneuve, who won the title for Williams in 1997, hinted that politics may also play a role. “There is a part of Mercedes that prefers to win the championship with Nico,” he said. “Because then it would be Mercedes winning and not just Lewis, so image-wise, politically, it would be better as they would have two world champions in the car not just one. So Lewis has to think about that as well.”

He did not, however, believe the strategy would be imposed to benefit Rosberg. “I don’t think team orders will go that far,” he said. “I think it would be whoever is leading 20 laps from the end, then you keep those positions. Then you know you have 40 laps to make the difference.”

Continuing to let them race, as the fans and the sport needs them to do, was the best solution for Villeneuve. “Both of them drove like champions, they went for it and decided to go for the move and take the risk, nothing wrong with that, we should be happy that it’s happening,” he added.

CREDIT TO:https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/04/lewis-hamilton-hungry-fourth-f1-title-obey-merceds-orders

Read More

Mercedes caught between rocking their drivers and a hard crash

A long time ago, a colleague and I stood atop a grassy knoll, at the final corner of the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.

"It's a long way to have come, if they collide," we said. Two minutes later, the cloud of dust there confirmed that deadly rivals Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost had indeed done just that to conclude their 1990 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix in the gravel.

The year before, such had been their simmering rivalry as team-mates at McLaren, that Dodge City had not been big enough for the both of them. Prost had gone to Ferrari, but still their bitter enmity continued, as Senna deliberately took him out and thus sealed his own second world title.

So if you ask whether I saw the clash coming between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in Spielberg on Sunday afternoon, the answer is yes, of course.

A devotee of Jim Clark, I have never cared for rough tactics, but this isn't tiddlywinks and these days, the financial stakes are high.

Hamilton and Rosberg have far and away the best car... Mercedes are to be praised for having the courage to let them fight, for to do it any other way would be utter disaster for Formula One.

Hamilton and Rosberg have far and away the best car in F1. The Englishman wants a third successive world title, to make his tally four; the German wants to emulate his father Keke and take his first. They are so evenly matched that contact is always going to be likely.

It happened at Spa in 2014, and again in Spain this year. When you have two hugely motivated and competitive individuals, it's hard to rein in their passion.

Mercedes are to be praised for having the courage to let them fight, for to do it any other way would be utter disaster for Formula One.

Hamilton was booed on the rostrum in Austria - unfairly if you agree with the stewards' decision to doubly penalise Rosberg.

We saw something similar here back in 2002, but the circumstances underlying such behaviour then were far worse. Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello had Michael Schumacher beaten all weekend and deserved to win. After all, at the same race the previous year, he had been cheated of rightful success by orders imposed by team boss Jean Todt - today the president of the International Automobile Federation - that Schumi should be allowed to win.

Now, to the intense dislike of everyone else, Todt again insisted on the Brazilian handing undeserved victory to his so-called team leader.

When Schumacher - who was believed to have had such things enshrined in his contracts - put on a display of embarrassment and tried to insist that Barrichello take the top spot on the rostrum, and then took the first-place trophy from the Austrian Chancellor and handed it to his team-mate, the crowd saw through it and jeered.

That isn't racing, and it isn't sport, though team orders can highlight nobility, such as that shown by the faster Gilles Villeneuve to Ferrari partner Jody Scheckter at Monza in 1979.

Ferrari had decreed that whoever won at Monaco would be their favoured championship challenger for the rest of the year. Scheckter won there, so Villeneuve was duty-bound to ride shotgun in Italy, even though passing Scheckter would have prolonged his own title aspirations. But one of the fastest men ever seen in F1 was too honourable to resort to such underhand tactics. Scheckter became champion.

In 1982, Villeneuve was allegedly cheated of victory in San Marino by team-mate Didier Pironi, and that is widely believed to have played a key role in the French Canadian's death at the next race.

Team orders suck, and they cheat the public. What satisfaction can there possibly be in winning, when the other guy has a hand tied behind his back?

What should Mercedes do?

In desperation, boss Toto Wolff admitted on Sunday that the time might finally have come to consider imposing orders on his errant racers - "freeze the order at a certain stage in the race". This is for the pragmatic reason that continual collisions are not the reason why Mercedes invest so much in their racing programme. Going home empty-handed in Barcelona really hurt.

He said: "It's unpopular, it makes me puke, because I like to see them race, but if racing is not possible without contact, then that's the consequence."

I really hope it never comes to that.

CREDIT TO:http://www.straitstimes.com/sport/formula-one/mercedes-caught-between-rocking-their-drivers-and-a-hard-crash

Read More

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg face suspension threat from angry Mercedes to prevent more collisions

Lewis Hamilton has pleaded with Mercedes not to impose team orders for the British Grand Prix after the collision in Austria Credit: Getty Images 

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg could be fined or even suspended by Mercedes if they crash again under drastic deterrents being considered by the world champions in a bid to avoid imposing team orders.

Hamilton will plead with Mercedes not to “rob” fans by forcing them to obey team orders in next Sunday’s British Grand Prix, with executives fearing they may have to unleash the nightmare scenario on Formula One to control their feuding drivers.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes' head of motorsport, is infuriated by the increasingly frequent collisions between his two drivers Credit: EPA

However the alternative punishment, understood to be one of the options under consideration, could be even worse news for Hamilton. The Telegraph understands increasingly exasperated team bosses feel they have been left with no choice but to act firmly and decisively after Hamilton and Rosberg collided for the third time in five races in Austria on Sunday.

This could include either a sporting penalty – the ultimate sanction being to take one or both drivers out of the car – or a financial one, a fine worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. How exactly the system would work when there is no clear culprit for a collision, which was not the case on Sunday with Rosberg penalised by the stewards, remains unclear.

Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes motorsport, was absolutely livid on Sunday night, and seemed at the end of his tether with his “brainless” drivers.

 

Toto Wolff: " Brainless. Seeing both cars nearly colliding is upsetting. It could have easily been a double DNF" #F1 pic.twitter.com/BfIGXClteu

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 3, 2016

Team orders would be a PR disaster in front 140,000 British fans, reminiscent of the worst days of Ferrari in the early 2000s, which is likely to be why other more extreme alternatives are being considered.

The decision will be taken in the coming days, principally by Wolff along with Niki Lauda, the three-time champion and Mercedes chairman, and Paddy Lowe, the technical boss. Dieter Zetsche, the chairman of Mercedes, will be kept in the loop but is expected to leave the decision itself to Wolff.

Hamilton was at pains not to put himself at odds with the team as he left Spielberg, but he will use all his powers of persuasion to try to stop Mercedes implementing team orders, something which is at odds with everything he stands for as a racing driver.

Lewis Hamilton feels he was exonerated after Sunday's clash when common consensus held Nico Rosberg responsible Credit: F1

He is likely to feel especially aggrieved given the overwhelming consensus – and the verdict of the stewards – that Rosberg was the guilty party in their last-lap crash in Austria last Sunday, one which gave Hamilton victory.

“I didn’t come into this to be in that situation [team orders], so I will pray and hope that’s not the situation,” the three-time champion said. “Firstly for myself because that would take the joy out of racing and second for the fans because it will rob the fans of what they pay so much for.” Many believe Hamilton would ignore team orders if they were imposed in the British Grand Prix on Sunday, including Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion.

But Hamilton was by no means categorical. While the 31-year-old said Mercedes employed him to race – on a deal worth £100 million over three years – he also indicated he would listen should the order come. There will be a clause in his contract which states he cannot go directly against the wishes of the team, but drivers have ignored direct orders before, most memorably Sebastian Vettel in Malaysia three years ago.

Hamilton celebrates victory at Spielberg Credit: Reuters

Hamilton added: “I’ve been in that position before [team orders] and it goes against all my racing values and rules and the foundation of what racing is about. But ultimately I race for this team and I do want the best for the team. I’m the three-time world champion and my job is to do what they say.

“I feel like I have the right to say my opinion regardless of the boss. You can talk to anyone on that level with respect so I would tell them, just like I’m talking to you, I would have an opinion that needs discussion whether that’s with Dieter [Zetsche, the chairman of Mercedes] or … they could have that respect.” 

Hamilton was critical of Wolff’s description of the incident as “brainless”, without the Austrian explicitly blaming one driver. The Englishman felt it was important the team projected themselves properly to their 1,300 employees back in Northamptonshire and the wider world.

Should Mercedes introduce team orders, against their policy of the last three years, Hamilton would have no choice but to qualify on pole position and make sure he gets away in the lead, unless he ignored the instruction. At least now after the result in Austria the gap in the drivers’ championship is back down to just 11 points.

Three collisions in five races

Spain Hamilton and Rosberg failed to even make it through four corners before they took each other out of in Barcelona. Rosberg defended aggressively, forcing his team-mate onto the grass. Hamilton lost control, hitting Rosberg and sending both out of the race.

Verdict Too close to call.

Canada Heading into turn one, Hamilton and Rosberg were side by side. The German took the riskier move, heading for the outside, and Hamilton slid into his team-mate, banging wheels. Rosberg fell down the field.

Verdict Racing incident. 

Austria They made it to the final lap but heading towards turn two, Rosberg barely attempted turn in, spearing into the side of his team-mate. Hamilton won the race while Rosberg limped home fourth. The stewards punished the German.

Verdict 100 per cent Rosberg.  

CREDIT TO:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/07/04/lewis-hamilton-and-nico-rosberg-face-suspension-threat-from-angr/

Read More

Juventus become first Italian team to partner with EA Sports

The five-time Serie A champions make history, striking a three-year deal

 

Juventus have become the first Italian team in history to partner with EA Sports, striking a three-year partnership to make FIFA the exclusive and official video game of the Italian giants. Juventus have clearly stated their intentions on the pitch, snapping up Roma's midfielder Miralem Pjanic and Barcelona fullback Dani Alves in the transfer window so far, and the five-time Serie A champs look to further cement their place amongst the best in the world.

Juventus' management team has placed premium importance on forward-thinking branding and development, and this partnership is just the latest shrewd marketing move on the part of the Bianconeri, who announced the move via a statement on their website. With deals in place with adidas, Jeep, and now EA Sports, Juventus continue to broaden their global marketing appeal by partnering with the world's most successful soccer game.

According to the release: "In addition to new player faces and creating Juventus Stadium through FIFA 17's brand new engine Frostbite, the partnership will see a range of  cross-marketing activities during the 2016/17 season including EA SPORTS gaming pods with FIFA 17 located in Juventus Stadium, accessible before the matches and at half time, fan competitions hosted on EA and Juventus digital channels and a dedicated EA SPORTS sponsorship of the Juventus MVP of the month."

 

Juve's Giorgio Ricci, Head of Global Partnerships and Corporate Revenues weighed in on the move from the bianconeri standpoint, saying: "Juventus' agreement with EA SPORTS is of great importance because it represents the first time that an Italian football club has signed a partnership with the video gaming giant and allows us to truly reach out to the entertainment industry on a worldwide scale given the popularity of FIFA 17 among young people and indeed the rest of the market."

CREDIT TO:http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/juventus-becomes-first-italian-team-to-partner-with-ea-sports-070416?cmpid=feed:-sports-CQ-RSS-Feed

Read More

Manchester United could smash world record transfer fee to sign Paul Pogba

Jose Mourinho wants Pogba t Old Trafford Credit: REX 

Jose Mourinho has made the signing of France international midfielder Paul Pogba his top priority as Manchester United manager and his new club are prepared to shatter the world record transfer fee to bring the player to Old Trafford.

Mourinho spent a portion of his first day as United manager discussing transfer targets with chief executive Ed Woodward and stressed that Pogba is the player he is desperate to land.

Mourinho spent a portion of his first day on the job talking to Ed Woodward Credit: PA

That is expected to lead to an official offer being made to Juventus, which could be as much as £100m, although negotiations are likely to be delayed by the player’s continued involvement in the European Championship.

United know they will have to do something special to beat Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as Manchester City, in the race to sign the 23-year-old and hope the size of their bid will deter their rivals from competing for his signature.

Pogba’s return to Old Trafford will be seen as a coup, albeit a hugely expensive one given they allowed the player to leave, rather than meet his wage demands for a new contract, four years ago when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager.

There is a growing confidence that Pogba will return to United, although officials are wary of being used in an attempt to drive up the asking price.

United were played during Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos’ contract negotiations at Real Madrid and their interest has also been used by Neymar’s representatives  over the last 12 months to get a new deal at Barcelona.

However, Pogba is set to leave Juventus this summer and United know the size of the bid is the most important thing if they are going to win the race to sign him.

Pogba is one of the planet's most sought-after players Credit: REX

City have the resources to match their bid, although new manager Pep Guardiola has not pushed as hard to sign the player.

Barcelona and Real Madrid could also worry the United hierarchy, but they were both ordered to repay millions of pounds in illegal state aid by the European Commission on Monday following an investigation into the financial help they have received from the Spanish government. As a result, they are unlikely to be able to outbid United on this occasion.

 

Another pressing matter for Mourinho to contend with this week is the future of United midfielder Juan Mata.

The Spaniard was sold to United by Mourinho in January 2014 and the pair will have a face-to-face meeting on Wednesday, to discuss  whether he is going to remain at the club. Everton are preparing to bid for the 28-year-old if, as expected, he is told he can leave.

United are also closing in on Mexico international striker Hirving Lozano, who is set to move to England once he has played for his country in the Rio Olympics. The 20-year-old Pachuca forward has seven senior caps, but has been asked to help Mexico defend the gold medal they won in London in 2012.

Mourinho could dispose of Juan Mata yet again Credit: EPA

There was some cause for concern for Mourinho during his first day at the training ground following reports defender Chris Smalling had collapsed on holiday in Bali and had been taken to hospital.

Initial reports suggested the centre-back may have been stung by a jelly fish, although it later emerged he had food poisoning.

“Manchester United can clarify Chris Smalling has had food poisoning during his holiday which resulted in him fainting on Sunday, United said in an official statement. “The 26-year-old defender was taken to the hospital and is now feeling fine.”

CREDIT TO:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/07/04/manchester-united-could-sign-paul-pogba-for-world-record-transfe/

 

Read More

West Ham and Liverpool told decision of Barcelona ace after registering interest

West Ham appear to have lost out on another transfer target after Italian giants Inter Milan and Roma lodged bids for former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, according to a report.

Liverpool were also interested in the Barcelona defender, who has had a torrid time with a never-ending flow of injuries at the Nou Camp, making only 11 La Liga appearances in his two years at the club.

Now, Spanish newspaper Sport claim that his time with Barca is over, but the Belgian’s new destination won’t involve relocating in England.

Inter and Roma have both tabled bids, believed to be of around £6.7 million for the 30-year-old, and are willing to go head-to-head to sign the injury-prone centre-back.

 

They have yet to meet Barcelona’s £8.4million asking but are confident Vermaelen wants to move to Serie A.

With the signing of Samuel Umtiti from Lyon, Luis Enrique now has five centre-backs at his disposal along with Gerard Pique, Jeremy Mathieu and Javier Mascherano.

Vermaelen is seen as surplus to requirements and Enrique has decided to let him leave for first-team action elsewhere.

The Hammers and Liverpool are in need of centre-backs as West Ham academy graduate James Tomkins is close to sealing a deal with Crystal Palace, while Liverpool have allowed Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure to leave.

In other West Ham news, manager Slaven Bilic is bracing himself for a bid from Arsenal for this player. 

CREDIT TO:http://www.footballinsider247.com/west-ham-and-liverpool-miss-out-on-barcelona-ace-report/

Read More

Leali To Aston Villa - Matic In From Chelsea?

 

Nicola Leali heading to Aston Villa isn't a new one, we heard rumours of this last week but a fresh one of an incoming player to Juventus is seeing us linked with Chelsea's Nemanja Matic.

Leali heading away from Juve next season once again would make sense, the question was would this be a permanent exit from the Bianconeri or another loan spell like the season-long loan he had with Frosinone last term?

We now know, if the reports in the Sun are correct, a season-long loan deal is on the cards.

It has been said talks have opened with the Championship side to see the 'keeper join Villa to work with former Italian international Roberto Di Matteo next season with the Old Lady keen on him getting some more first-team experience as the 23-year-old is seen as a player with promise for the future.

As for the possible arrival of Serbian international Matic (too offer us some added defensive strength in the middle of the part) Sportitalia has claimed Beppe Marotta is 'working behind the scenes' on a deal to sign the Chelsea midfielder.

€20m is 'on the table' to the Premier League side for the 27-year-old with him being looked at to add competition to Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira, who have both had some injury problems during their time in Turin.

Having missed out on Javier Mascherano, who isn't leaving Barcelona, with Matic a similar player to the Argentine midfielder he could make an interesting alternative option couldn't he?

CREDIT TO:http://www.juventus.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=568192

Read More

Italy defensive duo on Barcelona’s wishlist

A deficiency in wing players has prompted Barcelona to scout both Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian and AC Milan starlet Mattia De Sciglio

 

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing either Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian or AC Milan‘s Mattia De Sciglio this summer.

Both players were on the pitch for the Italy national team’s loss to Germany on penalties in a Euro 2016 quarter-final on Saturday evening.

 

SOCCER PREDICTION  03-07-2016 1OO% SURE-BET.

‪#‎GET_Filtered_Soccer_Match with 1.70-1.75 ODDs Daily.

Deposit or Fund your account with a total of $10(N3,300),$5(N1,650) AND $3(N990) RESPECTIVELY and ROLL-OVER your winning without withdrawal TO EARN Atleast $410(N135,000),$205(N67,650) AND $123(N40,624) RESPECTIVELY in Every 7 days.

This is a 100% STREAMS Of INCOME You Can Trust. Call +234 7046498734 Now. Terms & Conditions Apply.

‪#‎These_match_starts_by_1:00 pm

BelarusVysshaya League:

FC Granit Mikashevichi - FC Belshina Bobruisk

1@1.94

Egypt Premier League:

AL Ahly Cairo - Al Ittihad Al Sakandary

1@1.29

Club Friendly Games:

Skive - Midtjylland

2@1.59

SC Kriens - Monaco

2@1.26

Sturm Graz - Celtic

2@2.42

Austria Vienna - FC Kickers Wurzburg

1@2.02

Odds 24.51

Amount 1,000 ₦

 Bonus  2,450.90 ₦

Pot. Winnings  26,959.92 ₦

WILLIAM HILLS IS FAST IN PAYOUT AND THEMOST TRUSTED BOOKMAKERS IN THE WORLD.REGISTER AND BET HERE

The former Torino man had a spot kick saved by Die Mannschaft goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, while the Rossoneri ace converted his strike.

News of the reigning La Liga champions’ interest in the Italian duo comes after reports surfaced that defender Adriano will depart the Spanish side this summer, according to El Mundo Deportivo.

That said, the Camp Nou outfit have a substantial shortlist of footballers that can also play out wide that they’ve been monitoring, including Borussia Monchengladbach’s Fabian Johnson and Bayer Leverkusen’s Wendell.

Darmian made four appearances in the European Championship for the Azzurri, three of which were as a substitute, whilst De Sciglio started in three of his four appearances in the tournament.

Last season, the 26-year-old Darmian scored one goal in 28 league matches for Manchester United, while the young Rossoneri full-back recorded one assist in 22 Serie A appearances.

Read More

Barcelona interested in Mattia De Sciglio and Matteo Darmian

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are interested in Italian internationals Mattia De Sciglio and Matteo Darmian.

Most Italian supporters are still heartbroken after a dramatic penalty kick loss to Germany in the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 on Saturday. The Azzurri did well to respond after going down 1-0 but were ultimately defeated in the ninth round of penalty kicks. Despite the loss though, Antonio Conte’s men impressed throughout the tournament, beating the likes of Belgium, Sweden and Spain during the competition.

The squad was heavily criticized heading into the tournament, as many across the peninsula viewed it as the least talented side that Italy has ever produced. They quickly proved their critics wrong, showing fans around the globe just what they were capable of.

On Sunday, Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that Barcelona is looking at two different Italian internationals to play left back next season.  The club already lost one fullback this summer when Dani Alves opted to join Juventus as a free agent following the expiration of his contract.

Mundo Deportivo suggested that Barcelona are interested in either Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian or Milan’s Mattia De Sciglio. Both players were important members of the Azzurri squad in France, and they are both capable of playing on either flank. Their versatility and adaptability is what makes them such prized possessions.

The report also mentions that the Blaugrana are  considering American international Fabian Johnson of Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen’s Wendell if they are unable to land either Italian international. 

CREDIT TO:http://fansided.com/2016/07/03/report-barcelona-interested-mattia-de-sciglio-matteo-darmian/

Read More

Guardiola trying to bring Suarez & Kroos to Man City

Pep Guardiola is attempting to bring both Toni Kroos and Luis Suarez to the Etihad Stadium as part of his Manchester City revolution this summer.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager was confirmed as Manuel Pellegrini’s successor earlier this year and will take charge of City for the 2016/17 campaign, with a home match against Sunderland first up in the Premier League on August 13.

Having already moved for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, Guardiola made Celta Vigo’s Nolito his second acquisition of the summer on Friday.

But with Manchester United sealing the marquee signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan expected to move in the coming days, Guardiola is aware he needs to continue strengthening his ranks.

According to the Mirror the Spaniard is keen on a reunion with Kroos, who he worked with at Bayern for a single season before moving to Real.

The 26-year-old reportedly has a release clause of £63 million and although he is happy in Spain, the opportunity to work under Guardiola again appeals to him. City have asked Real if a deal is possible.

Toni Kroos has completed 498 passes at Euro 2016 so far, 135 more than any other player.

Furthermore, it is believed that Guardiola is desperate to lure Suarez back to England only two years after departing Liverpool for Barcelona. The Uruguayan finished 2015/16 as the top scorer across Europe’s top five leagues with 40 goals in 35 matches.

The report adds that Guardiola has been trying to persuade him to return to England for months but any deal would cost City around the £85m-mark. Importantly, Suarez is said to be open to a move but any transfer could be dependent on his family’s feelings about leaving Spain.

In terms of departures, reports from Italy suggest that Pablo Zabaleta could see his move to Roma agreed by Tuesday.

CREDIT TO:http://www.squawka.com/news/guardiola-trying-to-bring-suarez-kroos-to-man-city-report/714647

Read More

Mascherano refuses to discuss international future

Lionel Messi retired from internationals after Argentina's Copa America final loss, but Javier Mascherano is undecided on his future.

Javier Mascherano refused to discuss his international football plans following Argentina's heartbreaking loss in the Copa America Centenario final.

Argentina suffered defeat in the final of a major tournament for a third straight year after going down to Chile in a penalty shoot-out in New Jersey last Sunday. 

The loss followed defeats in the 2015 Copa final, also against Chile, as well as the 2014 World Cup decider against Germany in Brazil. 

Reports suggested Mascherano - just like team-mate Lionel Messi - had retired from internationals, but the Barcelona defender has yet to announce his plans. 

The 32-year-old told reporters on Saturday: "With respect to the [Argentina] national team, I will not make any comments. 

"It is something I will guard to myself and I prefer not to make any comments to anyone, because we've just finished a very painful Copa America. 

"It is not the time to decide anything."

SOCCER PREDICTION  03-07-2016 1OO% SURE-BET.

‪#‎GET_Filtered_Soccer_Match with 1.70-1.75 ODDs Daily.

Deposit or Fund your account with a total of $10(N3,300),$5(N1,650) AND $3(N990) RESPECTIVELY and ROLL-OVER your winning without withdrawal TO EARN Atleast $410(N135,000),$205(N67,650) AND $123(N40,624) RESPECTIVELY in Every 7 days.

This is a 100% STREAMS Of INCOME You Can Trust. Call +234 7046498734 Now. Terms & Conditions Apply.

‪#‎These_match_starts_by_1:00 pm

BelarusVysshaya League:

FC Granit Mikashevichi - FC Belshina Bobruisk

1@1.94

Egypt Premier League:

AL Ahly Cairo - Al Ittihad Al Sakandary

1@1.29

Club Friendly Games:

Skive - Midtjylland

2@1.59

SC Kriens - Monaco

2@1.26

Sturm Graz - Celtic

2@2.42

Austria Vienna - FC Kickers Wurzburg

1@2.02

Odds 24.51

Amount 1,000 ₦

 Bonus  2,450.90 ₦

Pot. Winnings  26,959.92 ₦

WILLIAM HILLS IS FAST IN PAYOUT AND THEMOST TRUSTED BOOKMAKERS IN THE WORLD.REGISTER AND BET HERE

 

As for his club future, however, Mascherano insists he hopes to continue at Barca for "many years to come", despite reported interest from Juventus. 

"I hope that we will have a good season," he added.

"As always, I start the season with a lot of excitement, I hope that it will be the best yet."

CREDIT TO:http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mascherano-refuses-discuss-international-future

Read More