#mario mandzukic imagine

[penwieldingdreamer]

Right, so even though I'm swamped with work right now and the WIPs on my computer keep piling up like crazy, I've had another idea keeping me awake at night. 🫣

It's been ages since I stepped a foot into the football/soccer scene but I've been to a game again a few weeks ago and I couldn't elp but have that fixation again. 🙈 it might take some time until I can get ready to post it but at east I can start planing the action

So here it goes:

Pairing: Mario Mandžukić x reader

Plot: Reader is Mario's childhood friend ever since he came to Germany. They've been to most of his games and when he signs a contract with FC Bayern Munich they couldn't be more proud of him. The night of the Champion's League final their relationship gets physical, st least to the point of him blowing off steam when he can. The next season is a tough one for Mario and before his last game in the German Championship Final he isn't allowed to play and leaves for an early holiday trip, stopping all contact with the reader. Unbeknownst to him he'll be meeting a surprise the next time they cross paths again a few years later.

[mariomandzos]

When Mario Finds Out He’s Going to Be a Dad

I'm sad he’s  injured and won't be playing Manchester United, so I wrote this. Enjoy some soft Mario x

7pm

You fidgeted around on the sofa, trying to find comfort on the once familiar cushions. Everything seemed foreign to you now this queasiness knotted in your stomach. You had found out that you were pregnant two weeks ago, and he’d been abroad for the past few days, not suspecting a thing. Yesterday, when you lifted your shirt in front of the mirror to stare at your stomach, like you did every morning, you noticed a tiny, vague bump. A delicate life pulsing beneath your skin, Mario’s child inside of you. Pressing your hands over the soft roundness which now arose in your belly, you tentatively touched the bump which became ever more noticeable.

9pm

‘Mario... hmmm... I missed you, I wish I could’ve been there to see you play’ you breathed against his neck. He put his hands on both your cheeks and gave you a long, amorous kiss, which unified the two of you after weeks apart.

‘y/n... I missed you too’ he said between kisses. He put his bags down, smiling to himself at the thought of finally being at home with you again.

‘Did you water all my plants?’ he asked, inspecting the pot plants he bought a couple of weeks ago.

‘Yes...’ you called out, rolling your eyes.

‘You know, after you and Leni, they’re my babies...’ he muttered lovingly.

‘Yeah ‘course they are. We’re plant parents’ you said, thinking, how ironic.

‘I’m gonna go for a shower, don’t wait up for me if it gets too late’ he laughed, his eyes crinkling.

As you heard pitter-patter of the shower, you gingerly climbed into bed, waiting for Mario. Hallucinations took over your mind, crouched up in bed, you felt like your bump had gotten bigger in a matter of hours. Impossible, you thought. You had to tell him tonight. Maybe he noticed that you were slightly heavier, or the swell of your breasts.

10pm

The warm, amber light of your bed side lamp lit up the room as he climbed into bed next to sit next to you. You put your book down and turned towards him, giving him a small peck on cheek. 

‘Come here..’ he said, pulling you in, so you straddled his lap. He tugged at your oversized grey t-shirt impatiently.

‘Mario wait...’ you paused.

‘You don't have anything special planned for me?’ he toyed with you jokingly, his hand stroking your upper waist. You felt like you were melting at his touch, his fingertips soothing your aching, exhausted body. The pain resounded everywhere, in your shoulders, chest, hips. You sighed and lightly bit your bottom lip.

‘What’s wrong?’ he looked worried.

‘Look’ you said, guiding his hand on the round curve of your stomach. His brow furrowed, he didn't dare move his hand. You stayed like that for a while, he leaned his head on the headrest, not saying anything.

You set a hand on top of his which was still on your bump.

‘Mario.’ you shook his shoulder, ‘say something... please’ you gave a small smile.

‘Oh my God. This isn't what I think it is, is it?’ he grinned.

You gave a small nod.

He jumped up and pounced on you so lay flat on the bed, and gave you a messy kiss on your jawline.

‘You’re Pregnant??! How..? I’m gonna work out when exactly you got pregnant...’ he rambled, the sparkle in his eyes. You shook your head, laughing.

He propped himself up on his elbow and looked at you lovingly, ‘it must have been during the World Cup... or the celebrations after...’

‘Mario!’ 

‘Leni’s going to have a little brother or sister.’ he said, his fingertips tracing your stomach. In his mind he was already making a mental checklist of what to do; who to tell first, remembering to look up what you can and can't eat from now, even baby names.

‘I can't wait to see you with the baby... you're going to be an amazing dad.’ you beamed up at him.

‘You’re going to be an amazing mum, no doubt about it. I love you so much.’ he excitedly placed a warm kiss on your lips. 

‘We’re keeping this between us for now right? It’ll be just our little secret’ together you made the decision to not publicly announce it until later.

That night you cuddled in bed until you fell asleep his embrace, his hands protectively enveloping your waist. He nuzzled the crook of your neck sleepily, intertwining your hand with his.

[mandzuking]

Modrić: I can’t believe you. I thought you were better than this

Mandžukić: Why

[calciopics]

Mario Mandzukic retires from football

“Dear little Mario, While you put on these boots for the first time, you can't even imagine what you will get to experience in football. You'll score goals at the biggest stages and you'll win the biggest trophies with the biggest clubs. Proudly representing your nation, you will help write the history of Croatian sports. You'll succeed because you'll have good people around you – teammates, coaches, fans, and family, agent and friends who will always be there for you. You'll be forever grateful to all of them! Above all, you'll succeed because you'll always give your best. At the end, that's what you'll be most proud of. You'll sacrifice a lot, but you'll know it was worth it because of all the amazing moments. You'll recognize the moment to retire, to put these boots in a cabinet and you'll have no regrets. Football will always be a part of your life, but you'll look forward to a new chapter. Enjoy! Your big Mario P.S. If you happen to play vs England in the World Cup, just be ready around 109th minute”

[geeeooorrrge]

Imagine leaving 2013 UCL final goalscorer (mario mandzukic) and winner (mario mandzukic), first croatian goalscorer in a UCL final (mario mandzukic), 2017 UCL final goalscorer (mario mandzukic) and winner of 2017 UCL goal of the season (mario mandzukic), and the only croatian and one out of only ten people to score in two UCL finals (mario mandzukic) out of your UCL squad

[mandzzukic]

I am crying.

Mario Mandžukić being a soft smol bean and giving me feels again

I was reading an interview with Zlatko Dalić before and this is what he said about Mario retiring from the nt:

“He called me one night and we had a friendly talk. Then, the next morning he called me again and I was like: "Why is he calling me again? We just talked last night.” He called again to tell me he is going to retire. That brave, strong figther, couldn’t tell me the real reason why he was calling me, so he needed to call me again next morning. And after the phone call, he even sent me a message adding all the nice and kind things he couldn’t say.“

This broke me. He is such a sweet, pure soul. I will never get over this. He couldn’t tell his coach why he was really calling him. He needed another day. I’m in tears. Don’t ever tell me this was an easy decision to make. I will miss him forever.

It’s more than just a sport. It’s more than just a team. It’s family. It’s home. Presenting your national team, your country, will always be more important than anything else, than any club. I’m so proud of all of them and I love them with all my heart.

[holy-n-evil]

Can you write a funny imagine where Mandzukic and Lovren are making cookies for their national team manager, but accidentally put salt instead sugar in the batch and don't realize it until the manager spits out the cookie

Translation:Budalo= foolNe budi dijete. = Don’t be a child.Lipi moj = my pretty

I just want you to know that I tried. I tried and shit posted lol

“Mario….”

A sigh escaped Mario’s lips as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He opened his eyes and glared at his team mate who was looking at him with his big brown eyes. “Lovren, shut up.” Mario rolled his eyes and leaned back into the sofa chair.

Dejan sat up on the bed and gripped the mattress. “He’s our coach! Let’s just do it.” he begged. Hell he already resorted to puppy eyes, but Mandzo was like a damn rock.

“Why won’t Vrsaljko help you?” Mario said in an annoyed tone hoping he would get some peace.

“Because they keep saying I can’t cook!” Dejo exclaimed and threw his hands in the air. “I need somebody responsible.”

Mario locked eyes with him. He could just feel Dejan stabbing a straw into his neck and sucking the blood out if he didn’t say yes. “But you can’t cook!”

“We’re not cooking!” Dejan defended, “We’re baking, budalo.”

“Fine.” Mario stood up and walked past Dejan who cheered to himself and followed him out of the room and into the kitchen.

There hours and a huge flour mess later, the duo was done with a fresh batch of cookies for their coach. Now they stood in front of his door, waiting for Zlatko to open it.

“Listen,” Dejan started, “we give this to him together. Because we made them together.”

“What else do you except? That you’re going to give the cookies to him and take all the credit?! Ne budi dijete.” Mandzo shook his head.

Zlatko opened the door and was greeted with his two boys grinning like they were hiding something.

“What happened now?” Zlatko asked, mentally preparing himself to listen the bickering.

“Nothing, lipi moj.” Dejan grinned and shoved a tray of cookies into Zlatko’s hands.

Zlatko took them as happiness was dwelling on his heart. He picked up one and bit on it. His expression changed into shock and then anger. Dejan and Mario exchanged confused looks as Zlatko spit out the cookie on the floor.

“What kind of sick joke is this?!” Zlatko was fuming with anger and a hint of betrayal.

“What?” Dejan screeched, “we made them because we love you!”

“They’re salty.” Zlatko gritted.

“Well Dejo made them all by himself.” Mario smirked in a couple way and patted Dejan on the back.

“What? No!” Dejan protested. “ We made them together! Mandzo don’t be salty!”

“The only thing salty is these cookies!” Zlatko exclaimed. “Get out!”

Mario and Dejan turned around fast and started to power walk through the hallway.

“Maybe Raketa has some Domacica left.” Dejan proposed.

“Nah, I know Sime and Lukica ate them all.”

[briefwatch]

Croatian Mandzukic Retires From International Foot...

Croatian Mandzukic Retires From International Foot…

Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic, who scored the winning goal against England in the semifinals of the World Cup in 2018, has retired from the game, three years after playing his last international. The 35-year-old announced his decision in a post on Instagram, which included a photo of a pair of boots, on Friday night. “While you put on these boots for the first time, you can’t even imagine…

[mandzzukic]

Coach vibes 🙃

[mariomandzos]

First Kiss with Mario

- so it was after a match between juve and inter. juve won

- you were sitting in the stands

- you had gone on a couple of casual dates before, and he invited you to a match knowing you liked football

- he wanted to book a vip box for you but you insisted you would sit in the stands

- he would come up to you after the match ended. you leaned down over the railing and took his face in both your hands, his eyes shining up at you

- you both just knew

- he reached up and your lips just locked together

- the press started crowding around but neither of you cared anymore

- you’re the only person who could make him blush

- he'd catch you in his arms bridal style as you climbed over the railing to get onto the pitch

- once you were there he gave you another kiss. this time he was more confident as the stadium was emptying and it felt like just you two were there

- you felt his tongue slowly edge into your mouth as he kissed you deeply

- stroking the back of his head gently in his embrace as he swayed you from side to side

- you can feel him smiling as he kissed you on the forehead and rested his hands on the small of your back

- you’d leave the pitch holding hands

- he couldn't stop grinning :)

[gadgetsrevv]

Man Utd news LIVE: Solskjaer sack latest, Sancho transfer instruction, Glazers’ plan | Football | Sport

Manchester United news LIVE updates

Saturday, October 12

Manchester United could look to Julian Nagelsmann to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Jadon Sancho has been told to snub a transfer to the Red Devils

The Glazers have a plan to invest money in refurbishing Old Trafford

Mario Mandzukic continues to be linked with a January move to United

Sir Alex Ferguson and Ed Woodward relationship

Manchester United chief Ed Woodward reportedly barely speaks to Sir Alex Ferguson when they’re sat in the directors box.

Woodward has been vice-executive chairman since 2013 – the same year the Scot walked away from Old Trafford to retire.

Manchester United have endured a difficult few years in the time since Ferguson walked away, winning the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League but failing to challenge for the Premier League title or the Champions League.

And The Athletic say one person at United has claimed that the duo rarely speak at matches.

“They can be ten yards from each other and not shake hands,” the person is quoted as saying.

Another source says differently but the report goes into detail about their relationship.

It is claimed Ferguson and Woodward have been on different wavelengths ever since the summer the Scot retired.

Man Utd news LIVE: Sir Alex Ferguson apparently has a sour relationship with Ed Woodward (Image: GETTY)

Real reason why Jose Mourinho signed Fred

Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho only signed Fred because he felt the alternative was no midfielder at all, reports say.

Fred touched down from Shakhtar Donetsk back in the summer of 2018, with the Red Devils beating competition from Manchester City to get a transfer over the line.

However, the Manchester United star has struggled during his time at Old Trafford, most recently toiling in a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.

And the Athletic claim Mourinho only landed Fred because he felt that, if he didn’t, he wouldn’t get a midfielder at all.

The Red Devils refute this, insisting the Portuguese was the one driving the deal for the midfielder.

Man Utd news LIVE: Fred has been a flop at Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

Man Utd told to sign Kasper Schmeichel

Manchester United supporters want to see Kasper Schmeichel at Old Trafford on a regular basis.

They urged manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to sign the 32-year-old, after he saved Denmark on numerous occasions in their match against Switzerland.

Schmeichel made a terrific diving save to keep out Arsenal’s Grant Xhaka in the first half.

United fans liked what they saw from the Foxes’ goalkeeper, and want the Old Trafford hierarchy to sign Schmeichel this summer.

“Kasper Schmeichel would’ve done well at United,” tweeted one United fan at full-time.

“Great goalkeeper, Schmeichel, from Denmark,” added another supporter.

“He’s got his father’s talent. I’d like to see him defending United too.”

Man Utd news LIVE: Some fans want Kasper Schmeichel signed (Image: GETTY)

Man Utd need a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Manchester United have struggled this season due to their lack of attacking threat.

That’s the view of Tony Cascarino, who believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs a striker like Arsenal ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

“[Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang’s goalscoring record is extraordinary,” Cascarino said on talkSPORT.

“It’s one thing I look at United and think they haven’t got a [Sergio] Aguero, a [Harry] Kane, a Aubameyang, a [Alexandre] Lacazette, a [Mohamed] Salah or [Sadio] Mane.

“They haven’t got any of that and that’s why their failing because they don’t have forwards with that quality.

“I’ve always argued that Manchester United as a football club should never employ a coach that plays cautious football because the club is not built on that,.

“From the 60s and onwards, the club was built to entertain at the highest level with players who were good enough technically to wear that shirt.

“I think they’ve gone away from that.”

Man Utd news LIVE: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has impressed at Arsenal (Image: GETTY)

Juan Mata and David De Gea knew Jose Mourinho sack wouldn’t solve problems

Manchester United duo David De Gea and Juan Mata supposedly warned friends that Jose Mourinho’s exit would not mark an end to the club’s problems.

Mourinho was axed by the Red Devils last December after overseeing a difficult start to the Premier League season.

Manchester United have since hired Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Portuguese’s successor but he, like his predecessors, looks to be in line for the sack.

The Red Devils sit just two points above the relegation zone and pressure is mounting on Solskjaer to turn things around.

And The Athletic say that, after Mourinho was axed, Mata and De Gea issued a warning.

It is claimed they told friends that the departure of the manager would not change things at United and believed the issue ran deeper.

Man Utd news LIVE: Since Jose Mourinho left things haven’t got better (Image: GETTY)

Rio Ferdinand on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacking

Rio Ferdinand believes the Manchester United board knew when appointing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that there would be plenty of ups and downs at the start of the 46-year-old’s tenure.

“There’s no way that the club would have thought that this would have been rosy straight away,” Ferdinand said on talkSPORT.

“They’re not naive enough to think this is going to be a situation that just changes over night.

“This is definitely somewhere where there’s going to be early pain and result won’t go our way, especially with the recruitment and that they’ve started to go with younger players.

“That’s why I don’t see there being a change straight away.

“I’ll be very surprised if I wake up, open a paper or an app and see that he’s gone so quickly.”

Man Utd news LIVE: Rio Ferdinand has spoken on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Image: GETTY)

Paul Pogba to miss Liverpool match

Manchester United star Paul Pogba looks certain to miss his side’s clash with Liverpool next weekend through injury, according to reports.

Pogba still has his foot in a protective cast after suffering an injury earlier this season.

On Friday, the Frenchman posted “Almost there”, alongside a picture of himself working out in Dubai where he’s undergoing rehabilitation.

But according to the Daily Mail, Pogba won’t make it back in time for the Liverpool game at Old Trafford next week.

He’s due to return to Carrington in the next few days where club doctors will determine the severity of his injury and how much more recovery time he will need.

Man Utd news LIVE: Paul Pogba will miss the match against Liverpool (Image: GETTY)

Mario Mandzukic to Man Utd backed

Mario Mandzukic’s move to Manchester United is “pretty much signed and sealed”, according to Liverpool legend Steve Nicol.

Mandzukic has emerged as a serious transfer target for United in the upcoming January window.

“I think it happens and I think it’s pretty much signed and sealed as well,” Nicol told ESPN FC. “So yeah I don’t think there’s any question this is a hit.

“It’s something that United need but let’s be honest, it’s going against all the nonsense they gave us at the start of the season about youth – yeah right. Mandzukic, an old campaigner, experienced. He will come in for a short period of time and do a good job.”

Man Utd news LIVE: Mario Mandzukic is wanted by the Red Devils (Image: GETTY)

Kalidou Koulibaly speaks on his future

Kalidou Koulibaly has dismissed recent transfer speculation and remains focused on Napoli amid interest from Manchester United.

The Senegal international said: “I’m used to it. So many [stories] come out each day, which say I’m leaving.

“Right now, my only objective is to win with Napoli. I don’t care about the rest.

“Our objective remains to beat the best teams in Italy and win the title.

“This season is more difficult because all the teams have got stronger and Serie A has become more competitive.

“I haven’t made the best start to the season. Juventus remain the team to beat. For our part, we must work even harder, improving our game to get closer to them.

“Our objective is to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage as soon as possible.”

Man Utd news LIVE: Kalidou Koulibaly has been speaking on his future (Image: GETTY)

Surprise candidate to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United may replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Are Manchester United really about to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, just months after they planned for a bright future of success at Old Trafford?

It’s certainly not out of the question. Since getting the job full time in March, on the back of a successful stint as interim boss, Solskjaer has overseen a disastrous run. Now, the club look further away from challenging for major honours than ever before.

Amid their struggles, links to managers have started to emerge. Massimiliano Allegri is available and seemingly the obvious choice to take over.

But, intriguingly, Julian Nagelsmann was tipped to take over during the week.

The RB Leipzig boss has overseen his side’s fine start to the Bundesliga campaign, where they sit just two points behind league leaders Borussia Monchengladbach.

He had previously worked wonders at Hoffenheim, guiding them to a Champions League qualifying spot two years in a row.

Man Utd news LIVE: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure at Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

Jadon Sancho told to snub Man Utd

England winger Jadon Sancho has been urged to say no to Manchester United, if the club tried to sign him from Borussia Dortmund.

“[From Dortmund] to Manchester United? No, he’d be talking a step down,” he said on ESPN FC.

“Let’s be blunt about it, this is a team in the bottom half of the table.

“This is Manchester United, and they’ve still got the gloss and the glamour that sticks to the name, just about.

“Imagine how Manchester City would feel if the guy who was a kid in their academy went down the road to Manchester United?

“I know Manchester United would be interested, but the queue would be halfway around Europe for this youngster.”

Man Utd news LIVE: Julian Nagelsmann is a shock contender to replace Solskjaer (Image: GETTY)

Man Utd news LIVE: Marcus Rashford has been struggling at Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

The Glazers have Old Trafford plan

Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer Family, are ready to invest in Old Trafford.

The Glazers have come in for criticism regarding their spending on stadium maintenance and upgrades – leaving Old Trafford aged and lagging behind their rivals’ new modern facilities.

The belief has been that the owners has been shocked by spending on transfer fees and player wages in recent years and have scaled back plans to spend on the stadium.

However, Express Sport can reveal the Glazers do intend to pump money into Old Trafford – and have overseen a £20million investment already.

Part of that was down to VAR, with United introducing a production room for the system.

United have an ongoing multi-million pound refurbishment plan. Last summer that squared to £2m and, this summer, to £3.9m.

Source link . More news

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[mariomandzho]

new croatia nt imagines blog !! please feel free to follow but remember that i can’t follow back because this is a side-blog to my main blog. i promise lots of feels & possibly some sexy things okay going to write now see you on the other side of the war

[bluemagic-girl]

Man United news: Evra ‘steps in’ to convince Dybala to complete move in Lukaku swap

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Manchester United legend Patrice Evra ‘steps in’ to encourage Paulo Dybala to comprehensive shift to Previous Trafford in Romelu Lukaku swap – as his aged crew-mate mulls in excess of £150,000-for each-week dealPatrice Evra is carrying out his aspect to assistance Manchester United clinch Paulo DybalaThe Frenchman has reportedly phoned his previous team-mate to influence himUnited are in talks with Juventus about a deal for Dybala and Romelu Lukaku By Nathan Salt For Mailonline Revealed: 05:01 EDT, 31 July 2019 | Up-to-date: 05:50 EDT, 31 July 2019 Manchester United legend Patrice Evra is enjoying his portion in serving to convey Paulo Dybala to Previous Trafford as it emerges the Frenchman made a connect with to his previous workforce-mate about the £150,000-a-week shift. United have opened talks with Juventus for a swap deal involving the crafty Argentine and striker Romelu Lukaku.It remains unclear if Dybala is entirely bought on joining United – he would have to sacrifice Champions League soccer for 2019-20. But Gazzetta dello Activity report that Evra is coming to the support of United by going on the charm offensive to persuade Dybala.   Manchester United and Juventus may possibly be swapping strikers Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku Previous United player Patrice Evra has apparently stepped in to encourage the deal to go on The deal would see the Belgian Romelu Lukaku go to Juventus, with Dybala at Outdated TraffordJuventus have jumped in soon after negotiations concerning United and Inter Milan more than the Belgium striker stalled. ROMELU LUKAKU TRANSFER NEWS  Inter Milan have had a £54million bid turned down for Romelu Lukaku, as Manchester United are hunting for £80millionJuventus have jumped in, giving Paulo Dybala in a swap offer, which could even consist of Mario Mandzukic  They are even well prepared to add Mario Mandzukic into the deal to prevent paying out income to Manchester United in addition. United continue to be in get hold of with Inter just after rejecting an opening bid of £54million, but they are searching for a transfer price closer to £80m.Although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s facet ended up getting ready for a pre-season welcoming in opposition to Kristiansund in Oslo on Tuesday, Dybala’s agent and brother Mariano flew into London for talks with United bosses. Manchester United have offered Dybala £150,000-a-week, comparable to Romelu Lukaku’s agreement, however the Argentine is imagined to be inquiring for as a great deal as £210,000.Dybala’s deal will most probably slide somewhere in concerning all those two numbers.  Paulo Dybala may well require convincing to be part of United as they will not be in the Champions League It is assumed that Romelu Lukaku would choose a go to Inter Milan as an alternative of JuventusDybala will need to have persuading to join Manchester United, and it is also comprehended that Lukaku would desire a move to Inter Milan more than Juventus.Plus, Inter boss Antonio Conte has experimented with to signal Lukaku at the time ahead of when he was in demand of Chelsea.  PATRICE EVRA STATS  Manchester UnitedApps: 379Aims: 10Helps: 40JuventusApps: 82Aims: 3Assists: 7  Nevertheless, it seems Patrice Evra is a enthusiast of the swap deal, and has been on the phone to check out and convince Dybala of the swap’s deserves. Patrice Evra played 379 times for Manchester United between 2006 and 2014, profitable the Leading League 5 situations, so he is familiar with more than most what it really is like to be at Old Trafford.The 38-yr-outdated also won the Champions League with United, and the League Cup on 4 instances. Evra also appeared 82 times for Juventus amongst 2014-2017, actively playing for a time and a half along with Paulo Dybala. If he were to be a part of United, Dybala would be joining up with yet another French previous group-mate in Paul Pogba, though it continues to be to be found how very long he has remaining in Manchester.  United have available £150,000-a-7 days, but Paulo Dybala has requested for as considerably as £210,000 United are nevertheless in get in touch with with Inter Milan immediately after rejecting an original bid of £54millionWhen asked about a move for Dybala, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer mentioned: ‘I’m not right here to speak about any rumours or speculation about other team’s gamers. But, of class, we’re doing the job on a single or two cases.‘There’s an additional 10 times ahead of we start off the league and hopefully we can announce a fresh deal with or two.’Lukaku was still left at dwelling when United travelled to Oslo, indicating he has missed all 5 pre-year game titles. ‘Rom received injured and it was very best for him to remain home. He wouldn’t have been ready to perform.‘Hopefully he may possibly be able to practice in the future pair of days, let us see what happens. You never ever know what happens in soccer.’  Get your Free Leading League Fixtures Guideline in association with Sky Sports activities, only within Saturday’s Daily Mail  Advertisement

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[iltifosi-blog]

New Formation, New Contract, Good Old Lichtsteiner

On Thursday evening Juventus announced that Stephan Lichtsteiner had signed a new contract. The full-back’s previous deal was set to expire in June and, as the first few months of 2016/17 unfolded, few fans of La Madama would have been sad to see him released. In fact, after high profile errors led to costly goals against Inter, Chievo and Genoa, most Juventini would have carried the 33-year-old to his next club on their backs.

In all three games – and indeed many others – he looked off the pace and no longer the tireless force that had helped the Bianconeri clinch five consecutive Serie A titles. One of just six players who have been with the club throughout that entire run, Lichtsteiner also seemingly came close to committing the ultimate betrayal. Alessandro Del Piero taught us that “a gentleman never leaves the Old Lady,” but the Swiss international flirted with not only moving on, but also joining bitter rivals Inter.

The move never materialised, prompting a hasty apology from Lichtsteiner on his Facebook page that failed to repair the damage caused by encouraging interest from the Nerazzurri. The arrival of Dani Alves pushed him down the pecking order further still, subsequently finding himself omitted from Juve’s Champions League squad, a decision which appeared to add weight to the idea that Lichtsteiner’s time in black and white was all but over.

Then Max Allegri switched to 4-2-3-1.

No longer asked to dominate the entire flank single-handedly, the new formation not only ignited Juve’s season but also seems to have done the same for Lichtsteiner’s career. With Juan Cuadrado lining up ahead of him, the former Fiorentina winger helps to lift the burden at both ends of the field by giving defensive cover and obviously providing another outlet on the right whenever the Bianconeri have possession.

Fielded as an orthodox right-back in the new four-man back line, he has helped record 2-0 victories over Lazio and Sassuolo, playing a crucial role in earning those two clean sheets. Over that pair of fixtures, Lichtsteiner has registered two tackles, one interception and nine clearances, all delivered with his trademark tenacity.

Furthermore, he has been a vital part of the team’s much-improved attacking approach. Against Lazio it was his pass that Mario Mandzukic nodded down for Paulo Dybala’s wonderfully taken opening goal. However, it was his contribution to the team’s second goal against his former club that most highlighted Lichtsteiner’s improvement as he looked more like the dominant force of years past.

A move that involved a dozen passes became threatening when a sweeping cross-field ball from Mandzukic picked out Lichtsteiner. Rather than make an easy pass or wasteful cross, he drove at the Lazio backline, the picture above showing him drawing out the defence before giving the ball to Cuadrado who was hugging the touchline in typical fashion.

Again the full-back was one step ahead, continuing his run to drag Stefan Radu with him and leaving room for the Colombian flyer to pick out Gonzalo Higuain who needed no invitation to double Juve’s advantage. In the image below the striker can be seen pointing to the exact spot he wanted the ball delivered, with Cuadrado happy to oblige.

It was a goal that Lichtsteiner received no credit for when the final statistics were tallied, but it almost certainly would not have been scored without his involvement and intelligent movement off the ball.

Similarly, those last two matches are unlikely to be the only reason he has been offered a new contract by Beppe Marotta, but it is hard to imagine the Director General extending his stay without them. The new formation has seen him improve exponentially, Allegri reducing his workload only for Lichtsteiner to paradoxically deliver much more than he had previously been able to.

The day before his new deal was announced, Juventus submitted their squad list for the knockout stages of the Champions League and it was no surprise to see him included this time.

If, as former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson once said, “a week is a long time in politics,” then a fortnight in football is seemingly an eternity. Fourteen days after that match with Lazio, the Bianconeri will step out at Juventus Stadium against Inter with Lichtsteiner in their starting XI and now almost certainly not looking to swap sides.

[mayorgalvan]

Jim Marrs Biggest Conspiracy, What they Dont Want You to Discover [FULL ... By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.✕ CloseNFLNBAMoreTrendingInterestsMagVideoGet The AppSearchSign UpLoginNBA6:00PM CSTSACCLE6:30PM CSTHOUBOS6:30PM CSTMIABKN7:00PM CSTPHIMIL7:00PM CSTGSWCHA7:00PM CSTOKCNOR7:00PM CSTATLCHI7:00PM CSTTORMEM7:30PM CSTNYKDAL9:30PM CSTLALPORCBBNFLNHLCFBLEAGUE CUPCOPA DEL REYWORLD FOOTBALLDownload  AppB/R EXPERTS: BIG-GAME PREDICTIONS FOR JANUARY 24-26BR-UK StaffAnalyst IIIJanuary 24, 20171 of 8After another weekend of gripping league action, it's the cup competitions that take centre stage.Bleacher Report's Dean Jones has his finger on the pulse of English football and will give his verdict on the EFL Cup games, Italian football guru Adam Digby is charged with the task of deciphering what's going on in the Coppa Italia, and Spanish expert Karl Matchett looks after the Copa del Rey.Napoli vs. Fiorentina2 of 8Buoyed by some excellent recent results, this Coppa Italia quarter-final clash is a mouthwatering meeting between two in-form sides.The visitors will be without skipper and defensive linchpin Gonzalo Rodriguez after he was ruled out with injury, but former Aston Villa man Carlos Sanchez was superb in the wins over Juventus and Chievo.For Napoli, the forward play of Dries Mertens and Jose Callejon has been phenomenal, with the former likely to be the first goalscorer here.However, Napoli have been poor at the back in their last few outings, particularly with Kalidou Koulibaly away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.As a result of both that and coach Maurizio Sarri's desire for a Champions League berth, he may rest a number of players, meaning a Fiorentina upset could be on the cards.Prediction: 1-2First goalscorer: Dries MertensLiverpool vs. Southampton3 of 8It is difficult to have any faith in Liverpool right now, Southampton have to believe they can take this final step to Wembley Stadium.The EFL Cup semi-final second leg is perfectly set up, as the visitors hold a one-goal advantage from the first tie.It means Liverpool have to take the game to the Claude Puel's side—but Saints are so good on the break that it could leave Reds manager Jurgen Klopp with a tactical dilemma.There is no doubt the Reds are missing Sadio Mane, particularly as Adam Lallana's goal involvement has dropped off this month.Southampton will desperately hope Virgil van Dijk overcomes an injury to start this clash. They are producing good team performances but still rely on his steel at the back.The weight of expectation on Liverpool will be huge, and after a run of one win from six games for the Reds, an upset could be on the cards.Prediction: 1-1First goalscorer: Philippe CoutinhoEibar vs. Atletico Madrid4 of 8Atletico Madrid are in a strong position thanks to a thumping 3-0 first-leg victory, and it's difficult to imagine Diego Simeone's side letting such a lead slip.No doubt there will be changes in personnel to rotate the side, but La Liga is out of Atleti's grasp this season, so the Copa del Rey is their real opportunity to fight for silverware.As such, even if Eibar produce a big performance, there shouldn't be any danger of a complete overhaul and upset, and the Basque side were run somewhat ragged by the end of the game against Barcelona on Sunday.Prediction: 1-1First goalscorer: Sergi EnrichCelta Vigo vs. Real Madrid5 of 8After a couple of below-par performances of late and a spate of injuries, Real Madrid suddenly look far from the invincible-seeming side that went 40 games undefeated up until only a couple of weeks ago.Celta Vigo hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg and will have to strike a balance between not gifting easy chances to Real and offering an offensive threat of their own.After all, Real's soft underbelly is in the full-back areas in particular at present, so sitting back only invites pressure. But this is Real Madrid, and huge quality remains.Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane has demanded more, and this is the perfect occasion to show the team's resilience as well as technical excellence.Prediction: 1-3First goalscorer: Cristiano RonaldoJuventus vs. AC Milan6 of 8Here we go again. Juventus rounded back into form this weekend, with coach Massimiliano Allegri abandoning his usual caution and fielding Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain and Juan Cuadrado together in attack. That saw them sweep a previously impressive Lazio team aside on Sunday, but the visit of AC Milan is likely to prove to be a much sterner test.The Rossoneri have beaten the Turin giants in their two meetings this term, Vincenzo Montella's men adding a Supercoppa Italia triumph to October's Serie A win at the San Siro.However, a visit to Juventus Stadium—plus the likelihood of both coaches rotating their starting XIs—will give the home side a clear advantage.Deeper and more complete than their young opponents, perhaps a 1-0 Juventus win is the most likely outcome, with a Mandzukic goal lending some value to that result.Prediction: 1-0First goalscorer: Mario MandzukicBarcelona vs. Real Sociedad7 of 8Back in the winning groove, Barcelona will be big favourites to win at home and move through to the semi-finals after winning 1-0 at the Anoeta Stadium in the first leg.With Neymar back among the goals and Lionel Messi on fire of late, it's hard to see anything else happening—but Sergio Busquets' injury could give Real Sociedad a glimmer of hope.It's Busquets who holds together the centre—even when not on top form—and that's the area the visitors will try to exploit. Prediction: 2-0First goalscorer: Luis SuarezHull City vs. Manchester United8 of 8It is going to take one of the performances of the season for Hull City to stop Jose Mourinho from reaching his first cup final with Manchester United.There is no doubt that manager Marco Silva has raised the level of performance since taking charge, but the Tigers are trailing 2-0 from the first leg—and United haven't conceded two goals in the same game since a trip to Fenerbahce in November.Given that United have little need to take the game to their hosts, it is easy to foresee a scenario where Mourinho orders his team to put in a disciplined, professional performance to book their place at Wembley.In other words, this game could be boring. In terms of a spectacle, a first-half Hull goal will be needed to open the game up.Prediction: 0-0Like the new article format? Send us feedback!Where can I comment? You Might Also Like25 Things That Americans Are Shocked By in CanadaDestination TipsThe Hearing Aid of the Future is HereHear.comType In Any Name, Wait 10 Seconds, Brace Yourself For ResultsTruthFinderThe Story Behind Your English Last Name Might Surprise YouAncestry3 Simple Steps To Shed Belly Fat Over 40MAX WorkoutsTop 8 Richest South AfricansMaxWrapUpShe Didn't Notice And The Fans Started CheeringAllRookieLegal Weed Stocks Set to Create Millions in New WealthMoney MorningRecommended by×Follow World Football on FacebookLike B/R's Football Facebook PageAboutAdvertiseBlogContact UsCareersCommunity GuidelinesPressPrivacyTerms Of UseTicketsAdChoices STAY ON YOUR GAMELatest news, insights, and forecasts on your teams across leagues.CHOOSE TEAMSReal-time news for your teams right on your mobile device.DOWNLOAD

[thefalse9]

Euro 2020 Team Previews: Group D

England:

In their first Euros outing in 1968, England finished third, of four teams. They’re still waiting to improve on that. Only Belgium and the old Yugoslavia could claim to have performed better at European Championships without winning one. England have been international football’s big underachievers since 1966, from home-soil heroes to the failed Golden Generation. The Three Lions have won one knockout game in the history of this competition. On penalties. As hosts. I'm not even kidding, look it up. Five years ago, they crashed out to Iceland; as the song goes, we’d seen it all before. What followed, though, was new: it led to a scorched earth rejuvenation of English football, led by some of the greatest minds in the game. Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Marcelo Bielsa all arrived, followed by a cast of club legends making early forays into management. Together, they’ve helped to reshape the country’s tactical make-up into something more modern. An Icelandic volcano turned English football to ash, but from the rubble, something new and exciting has risen from it. There’s hope for the class of 2021. The Three Lions’ current pride isn’t an empty collection of big names – there are still titans of elite European sides, but vitally, there’s a balance that seems to have evaded the national team for 55 years. England finally have defensive midfielders and left-footers. A good grouping of the current XI are captains of their clubs. Importantly, the country’s youth-level champions of recent years are coming of age, giving Gareth Southgate genuine selection migraines. For many, England’s talent reserves are the envy of Europe as many sitting on the bench would have started for other nations competing in Euro 2020. Since 2018, the pragmatism of Southgate’s World Cup semi-finalists has come to the fore: they are prepared to win ugly, even if a squad packed with attacking prowess suggests otherwise. If we're being honest, the 12-month postponement of Euro 2020 may have even worked in England’s favor, too, as so many young Lions have received a year’s extra education before the big tournament. Mason Mount and Phil Foden have developed into legitimate superstars, Reece James looks like one of the best fullbacks in football and this new "Golden Generation" may actually be better than the last. Could the stars align? We haven’t seen a crop quite like this for some time, and while England doesn’t quite expect to win it all, there’s plenty of serious promise.

Euro 2020 may be a bridge too far for Southgate’s squad, but their journey over the last five years shows they’re on the right track. If they can shake off the nation’s tag as perennial underachievers in football, then maybe, just maybe, this fucking thing is "coming home".

Croatia:

In the past three years, Croatia seen a generational shift occur within their national team – never an easy task for a country with so small a talent pool. The situation was hardly helped by Ivan Rakitic’s sudden international retirement last September; the midfielder following forward Mario Mandzukic and goalkeeper Danijel Subasic in saying goodbye to the national team in the aftermath of the sepia-tinged summer of 2018. Yet, still led by Luka Modric’s effortless brilliance, the perennial dark horses remain a strong outfit, albeit a little green around the edges. Some squad members have already shown great maturity in stepping up, particularly 26-year old Dinamo Zagreb keeper Dominik Livakovic, whom has between fantastic between the sticks, and 23-year-old former Everton midfielder Nikola Vlasic. Dinamo’s Mislav Orsic is still floating on air after his stunning hat-trick knocked Tottenham out of the Europa League. Most encouragingly? Manager Zlatko Dalic can also rely upon one player the wider European public has yet to meet: striker Bruno Petkovic. Similar to Olivier Giroud in many ways, the hulking Dinamo centre-forward offers Croatia an important tactical variant as a hulking in-the-box presence amidst a sea of pint-sized technicians. Yet more vital is that Modric, the quintessential captain, who is still playing at the highest level after yet another fine Real Madrid season, isn’t tired of wearing the famed checkered shirt. They'll go as far as his mastery, wizardy, incredible ability and undying passion for his national team will take them. This team is green, but by no means does that mean they're incapable of making a semi-finals appearance. Croatia’s group is extremely demanding because it contains two hosts (England and Scotland) and the reawakened Czech Republic, whose players increasingly recall previous generations. That being said, reaching the knockout stages should not be an issue. The fact that reaching the knockout stage is now the minimum expectation from the Croatian public is proof of just how far this team has come. The big names may lack their forebears’ name recognition, but the talent remains for them to go far.

Scotland:

Don’t let anyone tell you that international football is irrelevant and that representing your country doesn't matter anymore in the age of mega-contracts, "Super Leagues", "Champions Leagues" and endorsement deals. If they persist, point them in the direction of Ryan Christie’s post-match interview with Sky Sports on the night that Scotland finally ended their agonizing 23-year wait to appear at a major international tournament. For about two minutes, the Celtic star did his best to juggle obvious exhaustion, joy and sheer relief while the tears flowed down in his face in an abject display of patriotism that would make even the biggest skeptic struggle to watch without wondering who was cutting onions or who opened the window and let all this pollen into the room. This had been a long time coming. The night of their play-off in Serbia was about as ‘Scotland’ as it gets. Even though Steve Clarke’s side put in a confident, and composed performance against visibly shaken opposition; given the lead through a Christie goal that looked to be enough for victory, Serbian star and all-together disappointment Luka Jovic delivered a sucker-punch equalizer in stoppage time. Long-suffering Scotland supporters at home feared the worst. And, as it were, the Serbians pushed Scotland to the brink in extra time. But Scotland stood firm, then David Marshall secured legendary status among the Tartan Army with a superb save from Aleksandar Mitrovic's effort to settle the penalty shootout at 5-4. Back in Scotland, there was utter pandemonium. Football can’t do much to make up for a year of loss and sacrifice, but it has at least reaffirmed its status as the most important of the least important things. For one night, Christie & company gave their country the gift of a priceless distraction in a year when we needed it most. Scotland’s hard-fought win in Belgrade lengthened their unbeaten stretch under Clarke to nine games – their best run in 44 years. It hasn't been easy, however. Clarke and his management team have had to tweak their system along the way and injuries have forced some previously unheralded players to earn caps. Others have been forced out for resting on their old laurels (sorry Leigh Griffiths), while others have been handed opportunities based on merit and ability (hello, Lyndon Sykes). For all that qualification represented to Clarke, though, he’s too proud for his side to just make up the numbers this summer. They probably won't make it to the next round. They were handed a rough draw this time around and the Czech Republic is a tough out. That said, Scotland is going to fight until they can't anymore. It's what they know.

Czech Republic:

Back in England for another major tournament a quarter of a century after their incredible run to the Euro 96 Final, the Czechs travel to the UK with a buoyant mood and a settled squad. They’re unencumbered by expectation, and bring a team of promising young players and hungry internationals from Europe’s top five leagues, so another underdog showing is the hope for the nation's fans and for manager Jaroslav Silhavy.

Tomas Soucek – he of the granite forehead, man-mountain shoulders and elbows that can be thrown like boulders – and full-back Vladimir Coufal already delivered solid performances for Slavia Prague, but not even the most ardent Czech fan would have expected the level both have reached in West Ham’s excellent 2020-21 Premier League campaign, thus leading both players to capture the imagination and incite the excitement of a country who is beginning to believe this team may have what it takes Meanwhile, the Czechs’ best forward, Patrik Schick – on loan at RB Leipzig last year – has finally sorted out his future by leaving Roma for Bayer Leverkusen. The 25-year-old looks settled at his new club, and by mid-April he had scored 13 goals in 29 appearances for the German outfit. He'll be expected to lead the line, and from all appearances, looks prepared to do so, finally living up to the potential and expectations bestowed upon him at a young age. That being said, no Czech side has ever been about individuals, not even in Pavel Nedved’s era: even in a loaded team, with Karel Poborsky and Vladimir Smicer, the Czechs were more than a one-man show and played united, hard-nosed football, stoked more in pragmatism and a cohesive identity than individual moments of brilliance. Team spirit, tactical preparation, defensive organization and a well-balanced squad tend to trump all when it comes to the Czech squad. Boosted psychologically by their promotion to Nations League A, Silhavy’s troops also know what to expect in this group: they’d already beaten England in qualifying when they pipped Scotland to top spot in their Nations League division. Their football is unlikely to be beautiful, but they will be tough to beat, and with their would-be stars in top-form coming into the tournament, do not be surprised to see the Czech Republic make the knockouts as one of the best Third-Place teams.