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Hal yang Diwaspadai Arsenal saat Jumpa Valencia di Leg II Semifinal Liga Eropa 2018-2019

LONDON – Penyerang Arsenal, Alexandre Lacazette, mengungkapkan sesuatu yang wajib diwaspadai timnya saat bertandang ke markas Valencia di leg II semifinal Liga Eropa 2018-2019, Jumat 10 Mei 2019 dini hari WIB. Lacazette menyebut Los Che –julukan Valencia– sangat piawai memanfaatkan bola mati, sehingga personel Arsenal diharapkan jangan lengah.

Dalam laga leg I semifinal Liga Eropa yang berlangsung dini hari tadi, Valencia asuhan Marcelino Garcia Toral beberapa kali mengancam gawang Arsenal melalui situasi set-piece. Peluang pertama terjadi di menit kedelapan. Saat itu, kapten Valencia Dani Parejo melepaskan sepakan bebas dari jarak jauh, hingga akhirnya si kulit bulat ditembak Rodrigo Moreno.

Sayangnya, bola masih berada di atas gawang Arsenal kawalan Petr Cech. Kemudian di menit 11 Valencia membuka keunggulan lewat Mouctar Diakhaby usai memanfaatkan sepak pojok. Saat itu, Parejo melepaskan sepak pojok ke arah Rodrigo.

Rodrigo kemudian menyundul bola dan mengarahkannya ke tiang jauh. Di tiang jauh, sudah menunggu Diakhaby yang langsung menyundul bola ke gawang Arsenal. Beruntung setelah momen di atas, personel Arsenal lebih berhati-hati saat mengatasi situasi set-piece yang dilancarkan pemain-pemain Valencia.

Diakhaby

Hasilnya, Arsenal sanggup membalikkan kedudukan hingga akhirnya menang 3-1. Gol-gol Arsenal dilesakkan Alexandre Lacazette pada menit 18 dan 25, serta Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang di pengujung pertandingan (90’).

Alexandre Lacazette

“Kami kebobolan, yang mana kami tahu mereka sangat piawai dalam memanfaatkan situasi set-piece. Kami harus berhati-hati akan hal itu di pertemuan kedua. Meski begitu, tim telah menunjukkan karakter bagus dan beraksi dengan baik di pertandingan tadi,” kata Lacazette mengutip dari laman resmi UEFA, Jumat (3/5/2019).

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Ronaldo Ungkap Rahasia di Balik Adaptasi Cepatnya Bersama Juve

TURIN – Cristiano Ronaldo mengungkapkan apa yang menjadi rahasia di balik cepatnya adaptasi bersama Juventus. Menjadi diri sendiri adalah faktor utama di balik cepatnya adaptasi Ronaldo bersama Juve.

Sebagaimana diketahui pada musim 2018, Ronaldo memutuskan untuk hengkang dari Real Madrid dan menerima pinangan Juve. Kepindahan Ronaldo menuju Allianz Stadium sendiri harus membuat kubu Juve rela kehilangan 117 juta euro atau sekira Rp1,86 triliun.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Beberapa kalangan juga sempat meragukan Ronaldo bisa langsung menyetel bersama Juve. Terlebih gaya bermain di Liga Italia jauh berbeda dengan Liga Inggris dan Liga Spanyol, dua liga yang pernah dijajal oleh Ronaldo.

Akan tetapi prediksi tersebut nyatanya meleset. Ronaldo langsung menjadi andalan Juve dalam urusan mencetak gol. Kapten Timnas Portugal tersebut sejauh ini sudah menyumbangkan 27 gol serta 13 asis dari 40 penampilannya bersama Juve. Ronaldo pun membeberkan sejumlah faktor di balik cepatnya proses adaptasi bersama Juve.

Cristiano Ronaldo

“Hal pertama yang saya lakukan saat masuk ke klub baru adalah menjadi diri sendiri, bukan orang lain. Etos kerja saya selalu sama. Anda harus rendah diri dan mengingat bahwa Anda tak tahu segalanya. Bila anda cerdas, Anda akan mendapatkan hal kecil yang membuat anda berkembang sebagai atlet,” ucap Ronaldo, seperti dikutip dari Football Italia, Jumat (3/5/2019).

“Saya beradaptasi dengan sempurna di Juve. Mereka tidak melihat saya sebagai penipu. Hanya sepak bola dan hal-hal normal yang mereka bicarakan di ruang ganti bersama saya. Tidak lebih dan tidak kurang,” tuntas pemain yang kini telah berusia 34 tahun tersebut.

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Ex-Barcelona star Xavi announces he will retire at end of season

Xavi Barcelona

What a career Xavi has enjoyed

Barcelona legend Xavi has announced his retirement at the end of the season while also confirming his plans to go into coaching.

Xavi has been a household name in football for some time now.

Graduating through Barcelona’s famous academy La Masia, Xavi scored 85 goals and assist 182 in 769 appearances for the club.

During that time, the midfielder won several major honours including four Champions League trophies and eight La Liga trophies.

Xavi also triumphed on the international stage with Spain, winning the European Championships twice and a World Cup in 2010.

Back in 2015, Xavi decided to take a new path, joining Qatari club Al Sadd SC.

Now, after making 84 appearances for the club, Xavi has announced he will hang his boots up for good when the current campaign finishes.

UNSPECIFIED – JULY 12: (L-R) Sergio Ramos, Xavi Hernandez, Pedro Rodriguez, Carles Puyol, Fernando Llorente and Fernando Torres celebrate with the World Cup trophy during the Spanish team’s flight home on board a plane from Johannesburg to Madrid following their victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup on July 12, 2010 in flight, Unspecified. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

The next chapter in Xavi’s footballing career

In a statement released to AS, Xavi revealed his decision to end his 21-year career.

While claiming it has been a privilege to play football for so long, his most interesting comments came in the form of what he wants to do next.

Xavi has claimed he’s looking forward to ‘seeing what the future holds for me as a coach.’

“My philosophy as a coach reflects the style we developed for many years under the influence of Johan Cruyff and La Masia, and that has its greatest exponent in the way of playing football in Barcelona,” Xavi explained.

“I love seeing the teams take the initiative on the field, play attacking football and return to the essence of what we all loved since our childhood days: football possession.”

Safe to say, if he can get his teams playing like the Barcelona side he played in, the sky is the limit.

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Chelsea fans call for Eden Hazard substitution vs Frankfurt

Eden Hazard Chelsea

A glimpse of life without Eden Hazard

Chelsea fans are calling for Eden Hazard to be introduced in their Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt after a lacklustre first half.

There are no doubts that Eden Hazard has been pretty incredible this season.

Hazard was a sure bet for a place in the PFA Team of the Year but was amazingly snubbed.

Chelsea even released a statement in shock of Hazard’s snub.

Despite that, Hazard has been so important for Chelsea both in the Premier League and Europa League.

Scoring 19 goals and assisting 13 so far this season, Hazard is almost impossible to leave out.

That’s why when the team sheets were released for the Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, Chelsea fans were not happy.

Eden Hazard

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 22: Ngolo Kante celebrates with Eden Hazard of Chelsea after he scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Burnley FC at Stamford Bridge on April 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Poor start in Germany

That’s because Eden Hazard had been left on the bench, seemingly rested for their game against Watford on Sunday.

That was fine until Frankfurt went 1-0 up in the 23rd minute.

Inform striker Luka Jovic stooped low to head past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

It wasn’t against the run of play either, Frankfurt had actually dominated the game up to that point.

David Abraham had also missed a huge chance before Jovic’s opener.

Thankfully for Chelsea fans, their side did crawl their way back into the game.

Despite a lacklustre first half performance, Chelsea scored an all-important away goal on the stroke of half time.

Winger Pedro placed the ball beyond the reach of Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.

Even with Pedro’s goal, Chelsea fans want to see Eden Hazard and soon.

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Jose Mourinho outlines what he wants from his next club

Where will Jose Mourinho manage next?

Jose Mourinho has given an insight into what he wants from his next job in management after being sacked by Manchester United.

It was back in December when Mourinho’s tenure at Manchester United came to an end.

Following a disappointing result against Liverpool, Mourinho was given his marching orders.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær soon took over and has done pretty well so far at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Mourinho has descended into the shadows somewhat.

Bar a few rumours and some media appearances, Mourinho has been out of the spotlight.

Now, with the summer approaching, Mourinho has given an insight into what he wants from his next job.

Jose Mourinho

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Manchester United and BSC Young Boys at Old Trafford on November 27, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Time and confidence

Speaking about former rivals Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, Mourinho claimed he would ‘love’ to be at a club where he’s given time and confidence to succeed.

Using Guardiola as an example first, Mourinho cites Pep’s spending spree last summer.

Then, he explains that despite Klopp having not won a trophy in three and a half years, the German still has the confidence of the club.

“I would love to go to a club and be able to do, for example, what Jurgen and Pep have done,” Mourinho explained in an interview with MARCA.

“If you look at the team with which Liverpool jumped into the game today – against Barça – how many players were there before [Klopp]?

“When Pep was not happy with the back four, that summer he bought four new ones he liked.

“Jurgen is in the club and he does not win at all for three and a half years and he still has the confidence and the conditions to move forward.

“They have a great opportunity to do so this season, but it would be the first time they won a title.”

Only time will tell which club is willing to offer him that time and confidence.

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前阿根廷国家队体能教练：梅西任意球功夫离不开马拉多纳

在昨天凌晨结束的一场欧冠比赛中，梅西打入一粒技惊四座的任意球。而此前，前阿根廷国家队体能教练费尔南多-西格诺里尼在他的个人自传中就透露：马拉多纳在梅西任意球能力的塑造中扮演了重要角色。

他曾写道：在2009年2月，就在马拉多纳接任国家队教练几个月后，我们在马赛与当地球队打了一场友谊赛。那天赛前，马斯切拉诺、特维斯和梅西都留下来进行任意球练习。

我记得梅西把球缓缓放下，抬头看了看球门左边，但他的射门球越过了门柱，飞到了门将的右边。他当时有些失望，就准备朝更衣室走去。当从我身边经过。我说，‘这次射门很差啊，你这就要准备去洗澡了吗？听我的，别生气了，去拿个球，再试一次’。”

随后马拉多纳无意中听到了这段对话，他伸出手臂轻轻搂住梅西的肩膀，开始指导梅西，他说道：“不要太急于射门，稍稍放慢摆腿的速度，否则球不知道你想让它做什么。”

于是马拉多纳做了一次示范，他把球踢进了球门的死角，梅西则在一旁用羡慕的目光看着！

梅西去年接受《马卡报》采访时说：“你必须练习，就像其他技能一样，这是一种训练的产物和长期的习惯。”

梅西在过去10个赛季已经打进了31粒直接任意球，冠绝五大联赛，排在其身后的是C罗，他打进了24粒。

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法甲UNFP最佳候选：姆巴佩、内马尔领衔，佩佩在列

法国球员联合会（UNFP）日前公布了本赛季最佳的5名候选人，他们分别是：内马尔、姆巴佩、迪马利亚、本-阿尔法和尼古拉斯-佩佩。

内马尔：15场法甲，14次首发，13球6助。

姆巴佩：27场法甲，22次首发，30球6助。

迪马利亚：26场法甲，24次首发，10球10助。

本-阿尔法：25场法甲，22次首发，7球2助。

佩佩：34次法甲，34次首发，20球11助。

结果将于5月19日揭晓，5月28日举行颁奖仪式。

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巴卡约科已向队友道歉，获得了谅解

根据意大利天空体育以及慢镜头的报道，此前因为迟到受罚的AC米兰中场巴卡约科已经向队友们道歉了，并且得到了队友和主帅加图索的谅解。

不过此前慢镜头报道称，AC米兰可能因此今夏不会寻求买断巴卡约科。

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Liga Juara-Juara: Dua gol Messi bantu Barcelona benam Liverpool

BARCELONA: Lionel Messi meletakkan Barcelona di ambang perlawanan akhir bola sepak Liga Juara-Juara Eropah (UCL) selepas menjaringkan dua gol dalam kemenangan 3-0 pasukan itu mengatasi pasukan Inggeris, Liverpool dalam perlawanan separuh akhir pertama kejohanan.

Beraksi di Nou Camp, persembahan cemerlang Messi turut membantu penyerang dari Argentina itu mencatatkan gol peribadi ke 600 buat pasukan Catalan itu.

Bekas penyerang Liverpool, Luis Suarez pula meletakkan pasukan tuan rumah di hadapan apabila membuka tirai jaringan dengan gol cantik pada minit ke 26 meskipun pasukan pelawat pimpinan jurulatih Juergen Klopp yang terlebih dahulu mencipta beberapa peluang.

Beraksi di Nou Camp, persembahan cemerlang Messi turut membantu penyerang dari Argentina itu mencatatkan gol peribadi ke 600 buat pasukan Catalan itu. - Foto Reuters

Messi selaku ketua pasukan Barca, menjaringkan gol kedua perlawanan pada minit ke 75, mengambil kesempatan dari peluang terbuka selepas cubaan Suarez terlebih dahulu terkena palang.

Messi kemudiannya menambah kelebihan gol sebagai bekalan ke gelanggang lawan di Anfield pada Selasa depan dengan menjaringkan gol ketiga pada minit ke 82.

Barcelona 3, Liverpool 0.

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Jadi Pahlawan Kemenangan Barcelona, Alba Sebut Messi Pemain yang Unik

BARCELONA – Bek kiri Barcelona, Jordi Alba, mengaku senang timnya bisa meraih kemenangan penting atas Liverpool di laga leg I semifinal Liga Champions 2018-2019, pada Kamis (2/5/2019) dini hari WIB. Menurut Alba pada laga yang berakhir dengan skor 3-0 itu, para pemain Barcelona berhasil memainkan perannya masing-masing dengan sangat baik.

Hal itulah yang disebut Alba menjadi kesuksesan Barcelona hingga dapat melibas The Reds –julukan Liverpool– dengan tiga gol tanpa balas. Namun dari sekian pemain Barcelona yang tampil baik itu, ada satu rekannya yang dianggap Alba bermain sangat luar biasa. Siapa lagi kalau bukan megabintang Barcelona, Lionel Messi.

Messi memang menjadi bintang di pertandingan kontra Liverpool tersebut. Bagaimana tidak, dari tiga gol yang tercipta, dua di antaranya adalah berkat sumbangsih pemain asal Argentina itu. Alba yang menyaksikan permainan Messi itu mengaku selalu terpukau dengan rekannya tersebut. Bahkan pemain berpaspor Spanyol itu berani mengatakan Messi adalah pemain yang sangat unik, yang tak mungkin ditemukan sosok seperti itu ditempat lain.

“Semua orang di tim ini tahu apa peran mereka. Untuk Messi, dia menciptakan gol dan memberikan assist, serta memberikan permainan untuk Anda. Dia luar biasa. Dia pemain yang unik. Messi sangat unik di semua apsek sepakbola,” jelas Alba, seperti yang disadur dari laman resmi UEFA, Kamis (2/5/2019).

Selain Messi, satu lagi gol Barcelona disumbangkan oleh Luis Suarez yang juga bermain apik di Stadion Camp Nou dini hari tadi. Kini dengan bermodalkan hasil 3-0 itu, Barcelona akan berada di atas angin kala tampil di leg kedua yang berlangsung pada Rabu 8 Mei 2019 dini hari WIB.