Messi: When Mascherano goes crazy, stay out of his way

Lionel Messi has revealed that it is best to avoid conversing with Barcelona and Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano on certain days.

Mascherano has published a book, co-authored with Nicolas Miguelez, entitled The 15 Steps of Leadership , in which he talks about his career and motivations.

The book's preface was penned by four-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, who opened up about the intensity of his club colleague and compatriot. . This posts are taken from the original authorized page. Authorized by the original author.

Bertrand wants to take advantage of Baines and Shaw injuries

Ryan Bertrand is hoping to establish himself as England's first choice left-back, but acknowledges there is a lot of competition for a regular role.

The Southampton man featured in defence as England secured their ninth win in as many games in Euro 2016 qualifying with a 2-0 triumph over Estonia on Friday.

With regular contenders for the left-back position Luke Shaw and Leighton Baines absent due to injury, Bertrand is hoping to seize the opportunity and stake his claim for a spot in the squad for next year's finals in France.

However, he admits there is a lot of competition and therefore can only focus on trying to provide performances of a consistently high standard.

"There are a few of us in there: myself, Luke, Leighton, [Kieran] Gibbs, even [Danny] Rose and Aaron Cresswell at West Ham," Bertrand said.

"There are a lot of us vying for that place. It's about putting in consistency and when we get the chance, we take it.
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Jordi Alba out of Barcelona squad for Las Palmas clash

Barcelona have confirmed that Jordi Alba is not fit to face Las Palmas at Camp Nou on Saturday.

The Spain international has been struggling with a neck problem and was unavailable for the shock 4-1 defeat to Celta Vigo earlier this week.

The Liga champions have confirmed Alba remains sidelined for the visit of Paco Herrera's men, but Sandro Ramirez has been included in the matchday squad after recovering from a bruised leg.

Claudio Bravo, Rafinha and Thomas Vermalen are also out through injury.

Barcelona head into the game sat fifth in La Liga, having surrendered top spot to Real Madrid following their defeat at Balaidos on Wednesday. . This posts are taken from the original authorized page. Authorized by the original author.

Sherwood defends Rodgers: He could have been managing Real Madrid

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has leapt to the defence of Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers, claiming the under-fire Ulsterman could have been Real Madrid boss but for fine margins.

A failure to replicate the title challenge mounted by the Reds in a thrilling 2013-14 campaign last term and a stumbling start to this season has seen pressure heaped on Rodgers' shoulders.

High-profile coaching duo Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp have both been linked with replacing him, yet Sherwood has backed Rodgers and believes his path could have been different had he won the league.

He said: "After that season Liverpool finished second, could they have kept hold of Brendan Rodgers?

"They're a massive club and they would have tried everything. But we might have seen him at Real Madrid.

"He would have won the Premier League for Liverpool for the first time in God knows how many years. He would have been the hottest property in football. That's how quickly things can change.

"A week is a long time in football let alone a year. He doesn’t turn into a bad manager all of a sudden. Because they got so close, that intensifies the pressure. It’s the nature of the game.

"It really is fine margins. I saw them play Carlisle the other night, they had 45 shots at goal. The goalkeeper has had a month off, he’s exhausted. It could have easily been 10-0.

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Guarin: Inter thinking about Scudetto

The Colombia midfielder believes the Milan club have a chance of maintaining their perfect start to the season against Fiorentina

Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin believes his side should consider themselves capable of winning the Serie A title this season.

Roberto Mancini's side are three points clear at the top of the table, having won all five of their opening games, and already have a 10-point gap to reigning champions Juventus.

Guarin is thrilled with Inter's start to the campaign after their inconsistent form over recent seasons and says there should be a growing belief in their chances of ending Juve's Scudetto dominance, ahead of their match with Fiorentina on Sunday.

"What's great about football is that things change so quickly," the Colombia international told reporters at the launch of his website, FredyGuarin.com.

"After three years of not finding the right way forward, there were positive changes. I had difficulty during that period, but I think I gained in experience and today we have a great opportunity with this team, this coach and these new players to lift our heads and think about winning the Scudetto.

"To be considered a great team, you have to earn it one match at a time. Mentality is very important, as is making sure we fix our mistakes. What really counts is to be a solid squad, to leave no room for doubt."

Inter have been criticised by some for the level of their performances so far, with Mancini's side having won four of their five matches 1-0, but Guarin says such talk only spurs them on.

"What do I say to critics? Nothing," he added. "The pitch does the talking, as far as we're concerned they're motivating us to do better."
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TEAM NEWS: Hart on the bench for Man City clash with Tottenham

Joe Hart has dropped to the bench for Manchester City's clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Willy Caballero starts in goal for Manuel Pellegrini's side with Hart sitting out for the second game this week due to injury, alongside David Silva, while Vincent Kompany originally made the bench but was subsequently withdrawn completely through illness.

Hart misses out on a place in the starting XI for a Premier League game for the first time since January 1.

Speaking to BT Sport ahead of the game, Pellegrini said: "Joe had an injury problem during the week - that's why he couldn't play and he stayed off the bench against Sunderland.

"He just worked one day before the game. I think that was better for him not to take the risk [and start] to have another problem."

Pellegrini has opted for a central midfield three for the first time in the league this season, fielding Yaya Toure, Fernando and Fernandinho together, perhaps in a bid to stifle Tottenham's creative players.

Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, continues with the youthful midfield pairing of Dele Alli and Eric Dier, who has been converted from a defensive player this season to good effect.

Heung-min Son, the £22 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen, retains his starting place after impressive displays against Qarabag and Crystal Palace. . This posts are taken from the original authorized page. Authorized by the original author.

Costa is aggressive in a good way, says Remy

The Spain international will sit out the Blues' clash with Newcastle on Saturday due to suspension but his team-mate insists his temperament is not a problem

Chelsea forward Loic Remy says Diego Costa is "aggressive in a good way" and says he relishes from playing alongside the Spain international.

Costa was hit with a three-game ban by the Football Association for striking Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny during the Premier League champions' 2-0 win last weekend.

But Remy - who is vying to start Chelsea's meeting with Newcastle on Saturday in place of his suspended team-mate - says Costa's aggressive streak is a positive aspect of his game.

"Diego is really a good finisher," Remy told Sky Sports. "He is a bit aggressive in a good way.

"[Radamel] Falcao as well, technically with the ball is really good. He can keep the ball.

"Me, I am more of a runner. We have different characteristics and that is good because the manager has the choice to manage the way he wants."

The former QPR striker says he learns from training alongside Costa on a daily basis and claims he has a very different nature away from the pitch.

"Diego is the kind of player who can switch on during the game and that's a good thing because outside the pitch, he is such a funny guy and joking all the time," Remy continued.
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