Football rumours from the media Dec 12, 2018
Today’s rumours, gossip and social media round-up from around the web
Pep Guardiola: Racism is not just in football
Pep Guardiola warned that “racism is everywhere” as he gave passionate backing to Raheem Sterling for speaking out on the issue on Tuesday.
I didn’t know about agent’s statement on Manchester United future, says Mourinho
Jose Mourinho surprisingly distanced himself from agent Jorge Mendes’ statement underlining the manager’s commitment to Manchester United, before going on to claim nobody else at the club cares about them more than him.
Tuchel full of praise as Paris St Germain reach Champions League last 16
Thomas Tuchel hailed his players’ efforts after Paris St Germain qualified for the Champions League last 16 as Group C winners following a 4-1 victory at Red Star Belgrade.
Klopp hails ‘lifesaver’ Alisson
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed Alisson Becker as a “lifesaver” after the goalkeeper’s added time save against Napoli kept them in the Champions League.
Pochettino delighted as Spurs complete ‘mission impossible’
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes the biggest reward for completing “mission impossible” is the prospect of playing Champions League football in the club’s new stadium.
Paris St Germain reach Champions League last 16 with Red Star Belgrade win
Paris St Germain advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League as Group C winners after beating Red Star Belgrade 4-1 at the Stadion Rajko Mitic.
Derek McInnes heaps praise on Aberdeen youngsters
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes hailed his young guns as the Dons battled to a deserved 3-2 Ladbrokes Premiership victory over Livingston.
Mohamed Salah sends Liverpool into Champions League knockout stages
Liverpool should have coasted to victory in their make-or-break Champions League decider but in the end they progressed to the knockout stage with the minimum requirement of a 1-0 win against Napoli.
How successful have Liverpool been in reaching the Champions League knockout stages?
Liverpool secured their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with another brilliant result at Anfield following their 1-0 victory over Napoli in their final Group C match.
Moura rescues wasteful Tottenham as draw in Barcelona books last-16 spot
Lucas Moura’s dramatic late goal sent Tottenham through to the Champions League knockout stages by earning a 1-1 draw at Barcelona.
Ferguson with late show against Livingston
Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson scored an injury-time winner to settle a topsy-turvy game at Pittodrie and gave the home side a deserved 3-2 win against Livingston.
Mata happy at Old Trafford
Juan Mata is “very happy” at Manchester United and open to extending his stay at Old Trafford.
Guardiola urges depleted squad to focus on securing top spot
Pep Guardiola is taking nothing for granted as Manchester City prepare to round off their campaign in Champions League Group F against already-eliminated Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim forward Kramaric confident of Etihad upset
Andrej Kramaric believes Hoffenheim can pull off a “miracle” Champions League win at Manchester City.
I had nothing to do with my agent’s statement, insists Mourinho
Jose Mourinho claimed to be unaware of his agent’s statement about his Manchester United future in a surprise twist to an already peculiar plot.
Solari praises his ‘humble’ players in response to Ronaldo comments
Santiago Solari has described Real Madrid as having a “fantastic, humble squad” following remarks from Cristiano Ronaldo about his former employers.
Lord Ouseley hands football’s leaders a challenge as he announces retirement
Lord Ouseley challenged football’s leaders to “show they are capable of bringing about lasting change” after announcing his intention to step down as chairperson of anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out at the end of the season.
Manchester City sign United States goalkeeper Zack Steffen from Columbus Crew
United States international goalkeeper Zack Steffen will join Manchester City from Columbus Crew next summer on a four-year deal, the clubs have announced.
Naismith confident Hearts can get on a winning run again
Steven Naismith is confident Hearts can regain their early-season momentum.
Lord Ouseley leaving Kick It Out role
Lord Ouseley challenged football’s leaders to “show they are capable of bringing about lasting change” after announcing his intention to step down as chairperson of anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out at the end of the season.
Milan ’96: The coming of age of Zinedine Zidane
Before the headers at the World Cup final, the volley at Glasgow, there was Milan in ’96, when Zinedine Zidane first gave the world a peek into his genius. Mystics teach union…
Guardiola says Man City have only 15 fit senior players for Hoffenheim clash
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have only 15 fit senior players available for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Hoffenheim.
Lord Ouseley leaving Kick It Out role
Lord Ouseley is standing down as the chairman of Kick It Out.
Focus on Valencia as Manchester United close out Champions League group stage
Manchester United head to Valencia on Wednesday with progress to the Champions League knockout phase already assured.
Guardiola hails ‘incredible’ Sterling and calls for change
Pep Guardiola has hailed Raheem Sterling as an “incredible human being” for confronting the issue of racism in football.
St Mirren duo Kyle Magennis and Danny Mullen sidelined until next year
St Mirren will be without Kyle Magennis and Danny Mullen until after the winter break.
Bailly returns to training but Martial and Shaw among those missing
Eric Bailly returned to Manchester United training on Tuesday but Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling were all absent.
Ince: Football cannot rest on its laurels when it comes to tackling racism
Paul Ince says it is imperative there is no complacency in football’s fight against racism.
Digne: I would trade injury-time goal for a win
Everton defender Lucas Digne was delighted to get off the mark for his new club – especially after assuming free-kick duties from top scorer Richarlison – but would have traded a maiden goal for three points.