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Real's Ronaldo doubtful for Cup final with muscle injury
MADRID Thu Apr 10, 2014 2:22pm BST
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo eyes a ball during a training session in Dortmund April 7, 2014. REUTERS/Ina Fassbender
(Reuters) - Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo may miss Wednesday's King's Cup final against Barcelona after his club announced he had a muscle injury in his left thigh.
Real did not say how long the Portugal captain, who has also been suffering from a knee problem, would be sidelined but local media reported he would almost certainly not be available for the final at Valencia's Mestalla stadium, a repeat of the 2011 showpiece when Ronaldo scored in Real's 1-0 win.
"Medical tests performed on Cristiano Ronaldo have revealed an injury to the player's left biceps femoris muscle," Real said in a brief statement on their website.
Ronaldo was rested for Real's Champions League game at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, when the Spanish club lost 2-0 but went through to the semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate.
Spanish media reported he had picked up the thigh strain in a training session the previous day, with sports daily As saying he would be out for two weeks.
The two-legged Champions League semi-finals are on April 22/23 and April 29/30. Real are third in La Liga, three points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, and host Almeria on Saturday.
(Reporting by Iain Rogers, eEditing by Pritha Sarkar)
Guardiola struggles to entertain tough Bavarian crowd
By Brian Homewood
MUNICH Thu Apr 10, 2014 10:01am BST
Bayern Munich's coach Pep Guardiola gestures during their German first division Bundesliga soccer match in Augsburg April 5, 2014. REUTERS/Michael Dalder
(Reuters) - Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola displayed signs that he has yet to fully adapt to life at the German champions following Wednesday's win over Manchester United, complaining of a passive home crowd and the huge expectations placed upon his team.
The Bavarians remain on course for a second successive treble, having already sewn up the Bundesliga, and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and German Cup in the Spaniard's maiden season at the club.
However, they are not playing with quite the same authority as last season, when they dispatched Juventus 4-0 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals and demolished Barcelona 7-0 in the last four under retired coach Jupp Heynckes.
"When you don't win, people ask why, but this is football. You can't win all the time but we have won the championship, we are in the Champions League semi-final," Guardiola told reporters after the 3-1 second leg win at Allianz Arena.
"Everything is not enough in this club."
Guardiola added that the crowd only got behind his team in the last half an hour, when they came from behind for a win that secured a 4-2 aggregate triumph.
"Maybe we have to play better. After Patrice Evra's goal (for Manchester United), people stood up and began making a noise. I hope that in the semi-final they do that, we need the public to support us.
"We need everyone together," he added. "We cannot get to the final without our fans, we need them, we can't do this alone. We need our fans and I'm certain they will help us."
Guardiola is also struggling with the language, often mixing German and English in the same sentence and getting his word order wrong. During press conferences, he often has to ask Bayern's media officer to help with his vocabulary.
NEW FORMATION
Guardiola once again surprised observers with his lineup for Wednesday's match as he responded to the suspensions of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez, who both play in front of the defence.
The Spaniard pulled a central midfield triangle out of his sleeve, consisting of Thomas Mueller, Toni Kroos and Mario Goetze, who are all attacking players, plus Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben on the flanks and Mario Mandzukic as centre forward.
Kroos often dropped back to join the central defenders when Bayern were playing their way out of defence, while right back Philipp Lahm kept popping up in central midfield.
David Alaba, the left back, rarely got forward in his usual style as he was pegged back by Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia.
In the event, it did not really work. Bayern enjoyed heaps of possession but struggled to create real openings in an uninspiring first hour, when they depended heavily on Robben's twisting runs.
The game changed significantly in the 65th minute when right-back Rafinha replaced Goetze and Lahm moved to the central midfield role he has played for most of this season and Bayern ended up comfortable winners.
"We knew it would be difficult," Guardiola said. "The Champions League is the Champions League and Manchester United had the goalkeeper and eight players in the penalty area.
"We were patient and a bit lucky at the end. My players have great heart. This is the best part of the season and we are in an outstanding situation."
The midfielder accepted his side only had only themselves to blame for crashing out of the Champions League after failing to take their chances
Andres Iniesta has admitted Barcelona deserved to lose their Champions League quarter-final with Atletico Madrid.
The Catalans suffered a 1-0 defeat at Vicente Calderon on Wednesday, with Koke's fifth-minute volley ensuring a 2-1 aggregate win for Atleti, while denying Barca a seventh-straight semi-final in the competition.
The visitors had opportunities to level matters, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Xavi all seeing chances go begging, but Iniesta conceded Atleti exerted more pressure in the opening stages and were rewarded for their efforts.
Iniesta has now set his sights on overhauling Atleti at the top of La Liga, while also pointing to Wednesday's Copa del Rey final with rivals Real Madrid as an ideal opportunity to bounce back.
"Atletico deserved to go through because they took advantage of their chances," the 29-year-old told Barcelona's official website.
"Like in the first 20 minutes, they pressured us and they took advantage. We tried to score until the end of the game.
"The Champions League is a very good competition and it's a shame that we didn't make the semi-finals.
"There aren't many league games left to win the title and we have a final in Granada this weekend and then on Wednesday in the cup."
Full-back Jordi Alba echoed Iniesta's comments, lamenting Barcelona's failure to break down a stubborn Atletico rearguard.
He added: "They were the better team in the opening minutes and after that we took control of the match, but we didn't know how to get into their area.
"It's very difficult to beat a rival that play in this way. After 20 minutes, the intensity was the same for both teams.
"Now we have to win the Liga and the Copa del Rey. We have to forget about this game and start over. We don't like to lose these games, especially in a competition like this one."
Moyes admits Rooney gamble backfired after Bayern defeat
By Ben Grounds
Apr 10, 2014 10:24:00 AM
The Manchester United manager believes he had to start his star striker but insisted that he was struggling to strike the ball after having pain-killing injections to play
David Moyes admits Wayne Rooney was rushed back into the Manchester United line-up for the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.
The England striker, who sustained a toe injury last week, was passed fit to take his place in United's starting XI, but could not prevent the Red Devils from exiting the competition at the Allianz Arena.
Three second-half strikes from Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben cancelled out Patrice Evra’s spectacular opener, and the United manager suggested afterwards that he felt forced into fielding his star player.
"I felt at times tonight he was having a struggle striking the ball but he's such a vital player for us," Moyes told reporters. "I never thought we were out of the game, I always thought we were in with a chance.
"When it was 2-1 we needed to score one more to get us to 2-2, but obviously that didn't go for us. I thought it was a bit of bad luck in that third goal.”
Manchester United were ahead for just 73 seconds before Bayern’s equaliser, and despite the Scot being pleased with the overall performance of his players, he bemoaned his side’s lack of focus from the re-start.
“If you lose a goal right after you score it makes the job really difficult. If you're a schoolboy you get told once you score make sure you don't conceded right away and we conceded too quickly," he said.
"I don't know if it was a bit of concentration after we got the goal but we had enough experience on the pitch tonight.”
United have been in each of the last 18 seasons of the Champions League, but this run would now appear at an end, with the side seven points adrift of fourth in the Premier League with five games remaining.
Ferguson left Manchester United at the right time - Beckenbauer
By Enis Koylu
Apr 10, 2014 9:27:00 AM
The ex-Bayern Munich star was less than impressed with the Red Devils' showing at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday and hailed Thomas Muller for performing like namesake Gerd
Bayern Munich icon Franz Beckenbauer believes that Sir Alex Ferguson was right to leave Manchester United last summer.
The English champions have endured a tough season as they currently sit seventh in the Premier League and were eliminated from the Champions League by the Bavarians on Wednesday.
Having watched the Red Devils during the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford as well as the 3-1 defeat at the Allianz Arena this week, Beckenbauer feels Ferguson chose the right time to abandon ship and hand over the squad to David Moyes.
"I think that Sir Alex Ferguson got on the right train and left at the right time," he told Sky when asked what he thought of Moyes' side's performance.
Reflecting on the match, Beckenbauer believes that Guardiola's decision to withdraw Mario Gotze in favour of Rafinha proved decisive as Bayern came from behind to charge into the semi-finals.
"The substitution of Gotze was decisive. Gotze couldn't prevail against the robust defence and it was entirely logical that he was taken out.
"Guardiola then made changes so the midfield was better organised, with Philipp Lahm in central midfield."
Thomas Muller put Bayern ahead after Mario Mandzukic had cancelled out Patrice Evra's shock opener and Beckenbauer feels the Germany forward has the same instinct as his namesake Gerd.
"Gerd Muller was defined by scoring goals in such situations and in this case, Thomas copied that," he added.
"They have been together often enough and shot TV commercials together. The goal was the logical consequence [of them spending time together]."
Courtois will not play against Chelsea, say Atletico
By Liam Twomey
Apr 10, 2014 7:45:00 AM
There is nothing in the Belgian's loan agreement to automatically stop him from facing the Blues, but the Madrid club would have to pay the Londoners more than £8 million
Thibaut Courtois will not play for Atletico Madrid if they draw Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, club president Enrique Cerezo has revealed.
Courtois has been on loan with the Madrid club since he signed for the Blues in the summer of 2011, winning the Europa League, Copa del Rey and Uefa Super Cup with the club.
This season he has been a key part of the Atletico side which currently sits top of La Liga and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Barcelona on Wednesday.
But while there is nothing in the loan agreement to automatically prevent Courtois facing Chelsea in the last four, Atletico would have to pay the Londoners upwards of £8 million.
"If we draw Chelsea, Courtois won't play. It is a figure we cannot pay," Cerezo told Onda Cero.
Courtois is said to be unwilling to return to Stamford Bridge unless he can be assured of first-team football - a guarantee Chelsea cannot make due to the continued fine form of Petr Cech.
Cech is contracted with the Blues until the summer of 2016 and last week Goal reported that Courtois is on the verge of agreeing a deal to keep him with Atletico for another season.
Atletico are dreaming of the Champions League final - Villa
By Joe Wright
Apr 11, 2014 9:09:00 AM
The striker says his side will continue to battle for a place in the Lisbon showpiece and feels their semi-final win over Barcelona was their best performance this season
Atletico Madrid striker David Villa says his side are already dreaming of the Champions League final as they await their fate in the draw for the last four.
The Rojiblancos edged out Barcelona in the quarter-finals this week with a 1-0 second-leg win to take their place in the hat for the semi-finals along with Bayern Munich, Chelsea and city rivals Real Madrid.
Villa admits it is special for the Spanish capital to have two sides at this stage of the competition but insists the draw in Nyon on Friday will not change the way they approach the upcoming tie.
"The dream is to be in the final, we'll get whoever we get in the semi-finals. This team will keep going with passion, humility, sacrifice and hard work," he told AS.
"Atletico fans are very happy to have reached the last four, as are Madrid fans. For a city to have two teams in the semi-finals is something very beautiful."
Wednesday's 1-0 win over Barca was Atletico's fifth game without defeat against Gerardo Martino's side this season, and Villa believes it was the best performance from the Liga leaders to date in the campaign.
"Possibly, yes," he said when asked if Atleti had played their best game. "We went out very hard [at the beginning] because it's tough to sustain it over 90 minutes. The team was perfect."
Atletico Madrid's president had said his side could not afford the fee required in order for the Belgian to play against his parent club but Uefa says any clause is "unenforceable"
Uefa has ruled that Thibaut Courtois will be allowed to play for Atletico Madrid against Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Atletico’s president Enrique Cerezo had claimed that the club could not afford the fee, believed to be above €10 million, required in order for the on-loan goalkeeper to feature against his parent side.
But after the two sides were paired together in Friday's draw, Uefa stated any clause in the 21-year-old's contract with Chelsea is “null, void and unenforceable” during a Champions League fixtue.
A statement from Uefa read: “The integrity of sporting competition is a fundamental principle for UEFA.
“Both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations contain clear provisions which strictly forbid any club to exert, or attempt to exert, any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match.
“It follows that any provision in a private contract between clubs which might function in such a way as to influence who a club fields in a match is null, void and unenforceable so far as UEFA is concerned.
“Furthermore, any attempt to enforce such a provision would be a clear violation of both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and would therefore be sanctioned accordingly.”
Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay was quizzed over the news after Friday's semi-final draw and said the Blues had no issue with Uefa's ruling.
He said: "The loan was arranged at start of the season, it's simple, Thibaut can play against Chelsea, that was never in doubt.
"We'll evaluate the Uefa statement over the next 24 hours, we've complied with the loan rules. Thibaut can play against Chelsea in both ties if selected by Atletico."
Lahm: It doesn't get bigger than Bayern Munich against Real Madrid
By Joe Wright
Apr 11, 2014 1:11:00 PM
The Bavarians' captain is eagerly awaiting their clash with Los Blancos, while Franck Ribery and Manuel Neuer are anticipating two dramatic encounters
Philipp Lahm has expressed his delight at Bayern Munich drawing Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, claiming that there is currently no bigger match-up in European football.
The holders will face Carlo Ancelotti's side over two legs this month as they bid to reach their fourth final in five seasons, while Atletico Madrid will meet Chelsea in the other last-four encounter.
Lahm feels the clash with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. represents the toughest test Bayern could have expected prior to the draw - but is nonetheless excited about the challenge of trying to end Madrid's latest bid for a 10th European Cup.
"It's a fantastic semi-final," the versatile defender stated. "Two big clubs with a lot of tradition will meet each other. Bayern against Real - it can't get any bigger in European football at the moment.
"We want to prevail and reach the final, no doubt about it."
Franck Ribery is equally enthused by a tie that he feels is almost guaranteed to produce goals given the two teams' footballing philosophies.
"It's difficult draw," said the Frenchman. "Two of the best attacking sides of the world will meet. It will be two great matches. I really hope that we can reach the final."
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer - who was the hero of Bayern's penalty shootout victory over Madrid in the semi-final clash of 2012 - is expecting spectacular scenes in the Spanish capital when all four sides come face-to-face across two matchdays in the city.
"I'm looking forward to playing again at the [Santiago] Bernabeu," he said. "I have many positive memories when I think about that stadium. It was crazy to win the second leg of the semi-final two years ago on penalties.
"And I am curious about the mood in Madrid because Real and Atletico will play at home first. There will be supporters of all four semi-finalists in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday. It surely will be a big party."
Ancelotti talks up Guardiola ahead of Champions League semi-final
Apr 11, 2014 1:17:00 PM
The Real Madrid boss is a fan of his Bayern counterpart but insists the holders will not find it easy in the Champions League semi-finals
Carlo Ancelotti hailed Pep Guardiola as “one of the best coaches in the world” but warned Bayern Munich his Real Madrid side will present stern opposition in the Champions League semi-finals.
The two teams were paired together in Friday’s draw, with reigning European champions Bayern the bookmakers' favourites to lift the trophy, but Ancelotti also insists the Bavarians should be worried at the prospect of facing his side.
"Guardiola is one of the best coaches in the world. They (Bayern) have a great team,” Ancelotti said at a press conference.
"The semi-finals against Bayern will be very difficult but it's not easy for anyone to play Real Madrid either.
"If we want to win the Champions League, we then have to beat everyone including Bayern."
Madrid scraped through to the semis after nearly squandering a commanding first-leg advantage against Borussia Dortmund.
The nine-time European champions arrived in Germany with a 3-0 lead but lost 2-0 on the night and were forced to endure some nervy moments before securing their progression.
"Yes, we were poor against Dortmund but it doesn't matter because we made it through to the semi-finals,” added Ancelotti.
The other last four tie sees Atletico Madrid meet Chelsea.
Ancelotti said: “Atletico are the surprise. They are having a fantastic season and their semi-final against Chelsea will be balanced.”
'Extraordinary' Bayern will be tough for Real Madrid - Butragueno
By Joe Wright
Apr 11, 2014 12:47:00 PM
The former Blancos striker is eager to see his old club reach the final after four consecutive semi-final appearanes but admits they face a stern task against the holders
Former Real Madrid forward Emilio Butragueno thinks Carlo Ancelotti's side face a tough task against the "extraordinary" Bayern Munich in the Champions League last four.
Los Blancos were drawn against the current holders in Friday's draw in Nyon in a repeat of the semi-final from 2011-12, which Bayern won on penalties.
After four consecutive semi-final appearances, Butragueno is desperate to see his former side reach the showpiece in Lisbon and conquer Europe a 10th time, but is well aware of the size of the task against Pep Guardiola's German champions.
"What can I say about Bayern, they are an extraordinary organisation, a team of great collective and individual talent and an extraordinary rival for us," he said following the draw. "It's our fourth semi-final and we have our hope, we know that it will be hard but we'll fight until the end.
"I have lot of confidence in the players but it will be extremely tough against Bayern. Of course I hope Real Madrid reach the final and win."
'It's a European Clasico' - Breitner relishing Bayern-Madrid semi-final
By Joe Wright
Apr 11, 2014 12:57:00 PM
The former Germany international believes the last-four tie will be "very special" for Pep Guardiola and says all four remaining sides are equally matched
Former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid midfielder Paul Breitner has likened the Champions League semi-final between his two old clubs as "a European Clasico".
The holders were pitted against Carlo Ancelotti's side in Friday's draw in Nyon in a repeat of the last-four clash from 2011-12, which Bayern won on penalties.
Breitner - who played for Madrid in a meeting between the sides in 1976 - admits Bayern have positive recollections of their previous encounter and claims it will be a "very special" tie for coach Pep Guardiola.
"We have quite good memories. We are convinced we can play the final in Lisbon because our team is doing so well, we are so strong, we are on the best way to defend the treble," he told Eurosport.
"It's a European Clasico. I played it in 1976, but I was playing the semi for Real Madrid and we lost. It's a long, long experience for both clubs in the semi-finals.
"Both matches will be very special ones for Pep Guardiola, I think he likes to demonstrate that quality, the level which our team has under his leadership. I think he's very happy to play Real Madrid.
"Real is less painful than Atletico or Chelsea because those two pack the defence. Manchester United defended with nine guys in their box, too. The Spanish clubs prefer playing against English teams than playing against a German team. That's why all of the Madrid guys have a lot of respect."
The other tie sees Jose Mourinho's Chelsea pitted against Atletico Madrid, who beat Barcelona in the quarter-finals, and Breitner believes there is nothing to separate the remaining sides in the tournament.
"Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, there is no difference, we are all at the same level. We need to play two games at our top level [to reach the final]," he added.
Anti-discrimination group refers PSG-Chelsea fan trouble to Uefa
Apr 11, 2014 5:32:00 PM
The Fare network has passed on two referrals of incidents at the Parc des Princes clash to the European governing body
An anti-discrimination group has asked Uefa to assess reports of fan misbehaviour at the recent Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea at the Parc des Princes.
The Fare network has referred two separate incidents from the opening fixture of the two-legged tie to the European governing body, who will now investigate the allegations.
One incident relates to alleged abuse of disabled fans, with the Daily Mail in England having reported earlier this week that a group of Chelsea supporters had been subjected to a barrage from coins, bottle and chewing gum thrown at them by PSG fans in the home section behind, while the group also claimed to have been spat on.
"Fare has referred two retrospective incidents to UEFA at PSG v CFC, #UCL QF on 2nd April. Abuse of disabled fans + a far-right CFC banner.
- Fare (@farenet)
The second referral is in relation to a Chelsea flag in the visitors' section of the Parc des Princes, which is believed to have carried far-right imagery.
When contacted by Goal, Fare was unable to expand upon the tweet it sent reporting their referral to Fifa, with the matter now passed on to Uefa.
The Fare network was set up in 1999 and has been at the heart of many anti-discrimination initiatives in football since its formation.
The Rojiblancos sporting director says the thought of reaching the final in Lisbon in May is a dream for the club and its fans
Atletico Madrid sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero says reaching the Champions League final is a dream for his side and is expecting an even semi-final tie with Chelsea.
Diego Simeone's men were drawn against Jose Mourinho's charges on Friday, with the first-leg taking place at the Vicente Calderon on April 22 before the return tie at Stamford Bridge eight days later.
Real Madrid or Bayern Munich await the victors, with the showpiece finale due to take place at Lisbon's Estadio da Luz on May 24.
In the immediate aftermath of the draw, Caminero was asked what he thought of the tie, with Chelsea possibly looking to avenge a 4-1 defeat in the Super Cup in 2012.
"This is totally different," he said. "I am happy to be among these three great teams.
"I think it's an even tie. We will follow the script of the team that wants to compete and fight.
"We'll try to be as consistent as possible with our style. We'll try to reach the final, which is a dream not only for the players but for the fans."
Club president Enrique Cerezo echoed the sentiments of Caminero.
"We are going to face a great team," he said. "The semi-final will not be easy and is at 50 per cent.
"The two teams will fight hard and we will see a dramatic confrontation."
Atletico reached the semi-final stage by defeating Spanish rivals Barcelona, while Chelsea came from behind to knock out Paris Saint-Germain.
Martino would ´happily swap places´ with Madrid duo
11 April 2014
Gerardo Martino admits he would "happily swap places" with Atletico or Real Madrid following Barcelona's UEFA Champions League exit.
Barca were eliminated from the competition thanks to a 1-0 quarter-final second-leg defeat at Atleti on Wednesday, marking the first time they had not reached the semi-finals since 2007.
Atleti and Real drew Chelsea and Bayern Munich respectively in the last four, and Martino feels the disappointment caps what has been a difficult year on and off the field.
"For me personally, getting knocked out was a failure and it will continue to be even if we win the league and cup double," he said. "I’d very happily swap places with either of Atletico or Real Madrid right now.
"It hasn’t been an easy year. There have been a lot of news stories. It hasn’t been a great year for the institution. So many ups and downs.
"But we never drifted off course or changed the way we play, we just played better or worse."
Barca are still in the hunt to retain their Liga title - and have the Copa del Rey final against Real on Wednesday - and sit one point adrift of leaders Atleti and two ahead of Real.
A trip to Granada on Saturday is next up for Martino's men, and the coach is wary of the hosts' battle against relegation.
"Granada need the points as much as we do. But we know what’s at stake," he added.
"We have to win every game we have left if we want to win the league."
Villaverde: Atletico have beaten Chelsea before and can do it again
By Matt Jones
Apr 11, 2014 2:44:00 PM
The former Rojiblancos player acknowledged the challenge posed by Jose Mourinho's men, but says that the Liga leaders can emulate their 2012 Super Cup win over the English side
Clemente Villaverde says Atletico Madrid have nothing to fear from Champions League semi-final opponents Chelsea, pointing out that they have beaten the Blues in continental competition before.
The two sides last collided in the 2012 UEFA Super Cup, with the Rojiblancos winning 4-1 courtesy of a Radamel Falcao hat trick.
Villaverde therefore can see no reason why Diego Simeone's side should be concerned by the prospect of going head to head with Jose Mourinho's Blues.
“We know that it will be hard, but we have beaten Chelsea before,” the Atleti director told Canal Plus.
"We have hope to pass to the final. We have to work like the other matches and we have to give our supporters the possibility to be in another final.
"We are in the semi-finals and we are so happy. We actually know the hard job that we did to be here, so we have to enjoy it now".
The 55-year-old also revealed that Thibaut Courtois is completely free to face Chelsea - despite initial reports that Atletico would have to pay for the privilege to field the on-loan goalkeeper against his parent club.
"Courtois can play whatever happens," he declared. "There is a Uefa regulation which prohibits any agreement between clubs that prevents a player from participating freely in the competition.
"The regulation would have been breached if the player had not been allowed the freedom to participate."
The first leg of the semi-final tie will be played at the Vicente Calderon on April 22, before Diego Simeone’s team travel to Stamford Bridge for the second leg on April 30.
Martino: Impossible to get over Champions League exit
By Matt Jones
Apr 11, 2014 3:22:00 PM
The Blaugrana boss has confessed that he and his players remain bitterly disappointed by their European heartbreak at the hands of Liga rivals Atletico Madrid
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has admitted that the club are still reeling after their Champions League "failure".
The Blaugrana failed to reach the semi-finals of Europe's premier cup competition for the first time since 2007 after lost 2-1 on aggregate to Atletico Madrid, with the Catalans having slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday night.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Liga clash with Granada, Martino confessed that their Champions League exit is still playing on the players' minds, particularly as Real Madrid are also through to the last four.
“It is impossible for a team to be fully over an elimination like that in so little time,” Martino told a press conference.
“For me personally getting knocked out was a failure and it will continue to be even if we win the league and cup double.
"Nobody is in the best of moods, but there is no time for lamentations. We have to get straight back to thinking about the league.
“Only having to play one game a week might be positive, but I’d very happily swap places with either Atletico or Real Madrid right now.”
Barcelona travel to Granada on Saturday knowing they must win to keep the pressure on league leaders Atletico, who are just one point ahead of the Blaugrana.
Martino continued: “If these players have shown one thing, it’s that they know where they are playing and they know what they are playing for. But we have to remember that the other team is playing too.
“They [Granada] need the points as much as we do, but we know what’s at stake. We have to win every game we have left if we want to win the league. At least our destiny is in our own hands.”
The 51-year-old Argentine went on to defend his use of Lionel Messi against Atletico, having opted to play the No.10 higher up the pitch in Wednesday’s loss at the Vicente Calderon.
“What I said is that I wanted to limit his role as a playmaker," he explained. "To leave him up front and for the others to try to create chances for him.
"If he had scored, the press would be telling a very different story, It isn’t easy for Messi. Expectations of him are so high that if he isn’t quite as brilliant as he has been in other games, then he comes in for exaggerated criticism.”
Guardiola: Real Madrid a huge challenge for Bayern Munich
By Matt Jones
Apr 11, 2014 5:46:00 PM
The former Barcelona boss has described Los Blancos as one of the best counterattacking sides in the world but he is looking forward to facing such a familiar foe
Pep Guardiola labelled Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid a “huge challenge”.
The Bavarians are being tipped by many pundits to become the first side to successfully retain the European Cup since AC Milan followed up their demolition of Steaua Bucharest in 1989 with a 1-0 win over Benfica the following year.
However, former Barcelona boss Guardiola is acutely aware of the threat posed to his side's Champions League hopes by Madrid.
"The draw is the draw," the Catalan told a press conference. “But Real Madrid are a tough draw. I know their team well.
"They have a great team and a great coach [Carlo Ancelotti], so it will be a huge challenge for us. But we are looking forward to it."
The first leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 23 and although it has been reported that thigh injury victim Cristiano Ronaldo will not have recovered in time, Guardiola expects to have to contend with the Portuguese superstart.
"I believe he will play against us," the ex-Spain international stated. "We will prepare for the game believing that he will be in the team.
"We watched their game against [Borussia] Dortmund and will watch them in the Copa del Rey against Barcelona [on Wednesday]. We'll analyse everything."
Bayern return to domestic action on Saturday against second-place Dortmund, with the Bavarians side having already secured the Bundesliga title in March, a record seven games before the season’s end.
However, Guardiola insisted his team will approach the match like any other, and spoke of similarities between Dortmund and Real Madrid’s style of football.
He continued: “It will be a real test. If we try and play even a little relaxed tomorrow [Saturday], we don't stand a chance.
"Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are the best counterattacking sides in the world.”
Courtois will only play against Chelsea if we reach an agreement, says Cerezo
By Stefan Coerts
Apr 13, 2014 8:18:00 PM
It remains unclear whether the goalkeeper will feature for the Vicente Calderon side in the Champions League semi-finals
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says Thibaut Courtois could still miss the Champions League semi-final tie against Chelsea.
The Belgium international seemed destined to sit out the clash with his parent club due to a clause in his loan deal stating that Atletico would have to pay Chelsea up to €6 million if they were paired together.
However, Uefa ruled last week that such an agreement was invalid in European competition, but Cerezo remains cautious over Courtois' participation.
"I think he’ll end up playing against Chelsea, but only if we reach an agreement with them," Cerezo told reporters.
"We’re gentlemen and we observe everything we sign.
"Courtois is Chelsea’s player and we’re trying to get him on loan for another season.
"I don’t think there will be consequences from Uefa. I think he’ll play, but only with an agreement between both parties.
"If he doesn’t play, [Daniel] Aranzubia will come in."
Courtois has been a key figure for Atletico so far this season, making 47 appearances in all competitions.
