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      Ajax hit by 11 positive coronavirus cases just 24 hours before Champions League clash against FC Midtjylland

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      AJAX have been hit with a coronavirus outbreak the day before facing FC Midtjylland in the Champions League.
      The Dutch side reportedly recorded 11 positive results in their camp as they prepared to travel to Denmark for Tuesday’s match.

      A number of Ajax first-team stars including captain Dusan Tadic and goalkeeper Andre Onana have not travelled to DenmarkCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to De Telegraaf, the confirmed cases were spread across the senior and Jong Ajax teams.
      It is unclear who has caught the virus.
      But just 17 members of Erik ten Hag’s squad are making the trip.
      Andre Onana, Davy Klaassen, Dusan Tadic, Ryan Gravenberch, and Maarten Stekelenburg are all among those staying home, the club confirmed.

      However, it does mean stars David Neres, Daley Blind, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Quincy Promes and Nicolas Tagliafico all boarded the plane which touched down in Denmark on Monday afternoon.
      Ajax follow fellow Eredivisie sides PSV and AZ Alkmaar in being stung by cases.
      The 2019 semi-finalists have one point from their opening two Champions League Group D games this season.

      A 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool at home was followed by a 2-2 draw away to Atalanta, surrendering a two-goal lead in Italy.

      Tagliafico’s own goal proved the difference when the Premier League champions headed to the Netherlands on October 21.
      However, between those two results, Ajax famously won 13-0 in a staggering victory over VVV-Venlo, registering a whopping 45 shots in the record win.

      Ajax star Ryan Gravenberch shows off his skills on the training pitch More

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      Tuchel blames Neymar injury on fixture pile-up as PSG star out for next few weeks but star should be fit for Man Utd

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN boss Thomas Tuchel has slammed the club’s fixture mayhem after Neymar was ruled out for a number of weeks.
      The Ligue 1 champions have endured a swell of injuries in the early weeks of the campaign.

      Thomas Tuchel is fed up with Paris Saint-Germain’s busy scheduleCredit: Reuters

      Neymar was the latest casualty of the pile-up, picking up an injury in midweekCredit: AFP or licensors

      Wednesday’s win over Istanbul Basaksehir claimed Brazilian winger Neymar, who is expected to be out until late November with a groin injury.
      That should mean he is back to face Manchester United on December 2 but Tuchel was left fuming with the pile-up.
      He told reporters: “We’re going to kill the players. That’s what I’ve always said.

      “We are going to kill them because there is an important link between preparation, performance and rest.”

      PSG are on a run of seven games in 22 days between the October and November international breaks.
      Fifa have organised a pair of triple headers for national teams, even though many leagues kicked off late due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      Ligue 1 and the Champions League are two of many competitions to maintain the five substitutes rule to ease fatigue.
      But Tuchel, 47, believes too much is being asked of the players with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City also picking up injuries.

      We lose a player every game at the moment and we are not the only ones. Liverpool, Man City, Bayern, it’s the same thing.
      Thomas Tuchel

      The German continued: “In football it always falls on the greatest players because they will always play for their country.
      “They play during the break, they travel and that’s too much in my opinion. They don’t have a recovery phase to allow them to come back and a preparation phase.
      “That is not a secret, it happens in sport. Preparation influences injuries and performance.
      “Without preparation, players are more fragile and difficult to manage. This is not an excuse, this is the truth. We are going to look for solutions and I hope we will find some.”

      He added: “We came back [on Thursday] and [Friday] is our second day after playing.
      “It’s the riskiest day in terms of injuries, which means we’re doing almost nothing.
      “We lose a player for every game at the moment and we are not the only ones concerned. Liverpool, Manchester City, Bayern Munich – it’s the same thing.”

      Neymar asks to be subbed after just 25 minutes of PSG’s clash with Basaksehir after apparent groin injury More

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      Watch Marcus Rashford give penalty to Martial even though he’s on a hat-trick as Man Utd star dubbed ‘captain material’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD hit a brilliant second-half hat-trick as Manchester United crushed RB Leipzig 5-0.
      But the much-loved superstar was prepared to risk the match ball as he selflessly handed Anthony Martial the responsibility of taking a penalty in the dying seconds before eventually claiming his third.

      Marcus Rashford came off the bench to bag a hat-trick against RB LeipzigCredit: EPA

      The hotshot risked missing out on a hat-trick by giving away the spot-kick to Anthony MartialCredit: BT Sport

      “Messi and Ronaldo ain’t giving a pen away!”Or…”That’s why he’ll be the captain, he thinks of others.”Two schools of thought on Marcus Rashford allowing Anthony Martial to take a pen despite being on a hat-trick 😂 pic.twitter.com/ESQQb3MU64
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 28, 2020

      The striker came on with 27 minutes to play and struck in the 74th and 78th minute before eventually sealing his 18-minute treble in injury time.
      Rashford, 22, had just moments earlier picked up the ball when United were awarded a spot-kick, but he gave it to his team-mate, who rifled home from the spot to get off the mark for the campaign.
      He said: “I think the manager told me when I came on to up the tempo and of course for us it means going forward and there was definitely space there.

      “We looked like we could score every time we went forward. It was a real team performance and those who started the game did well and those who came on did well.

      “We can’t ask for much more than that in terms of attitude and intensity and intent to go and kill a game off.”
      Rashford did well to ignore the linesman’s flag in running on to Bruno Fernandes through ball for his opener and VAR proved his run had started in his own half.
      Rashford said: “I thought to be fair I was in my own half so I was a bit confused when the flag went up but all you can do is wait and see and after the ball is in the net and that is it.
      “We have to work with VAR. it’s part of the game now and the quicker we get used to it the better.”  

      Rashford was almost denied the hat-trick when his kind gesture to Martial paid off for his French pal.
      Asked if there had been a chat between the two, Rashford said: “A little bit yeah but I feel confident with Anthony taking them as well so there was no problem.”
      That made it two wins from two in Champions League Group H.
      Rashford who is making headlines off the pitch for his work in feeding poverty hit children is doing the business on it too against sides that excelled in the Champions League last season.
      He scored the late winner last week against finalists PSG and now this against the Bundesliga leaders and a side who reached the semi-finals.
      Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “Marcus took his chances incredibly well.
      “Marcus has shown he can keep focusing on what’s important on and off the pitch.
      “He came on, did well, made an impact and that is what you want from the subs but that is only possible though because the others had laid the groundwork.” 

      Marcus Rashford nets stunning 18-minute hat-trick off the bench as Man Utd beat RB Leipzig More

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      Zinedine Zidane claims Benzema’s incredible tunnel bust-up with Vinicius Jr was ‘good thing’ as French star ‘apologises’

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE claimed Karim Benzema’s incredible tunnel bust-up with Vinicius Jr was a “good thing”.
      The French star has now reportedly apologised after camera footage at half-time in Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach showed Benzema criticising his team-mate.

      Karim Benzema told Ferland Mendy not to pass to Vinicius Jr in an incredible tunnel rant

      Benzema is thought to have had his apology accepted and the pair are back on good termsCredit: Reuters

      He even told left-back Ferland Mendy not to pass to the Brazilian winger, accusing the youngster of ‘playing against’ his own team.
      But Los Blancos boss Zidane insisted there is no rift between the pair and that anything said during a match is forgotten after the full-time whistle.
      He said: “The most important thing is that it’s cleared up and that the players sort it out themselves.
      “You say a lot of things on the pitch, but it always stays there.

      “It’s good that these kind of things happen, because it means we’re alive and in the moment.
      “They spoke and that’s that. This kind of thing happens all the time on the pitch, things get heated. You say things about yourself, others and even me.”
      According to Marca, Benzema, 32, has since said sorry to Vinicius for persuading Mendy to avoid giving the ball to the £38million man.

      The French striker accused Vinicius of ‘playing against’ Real Madrid in the Borussia Monchengladbach tieCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Zinedine Zidane insisted he did not mind what he saw from Benzema and recognised what happens during a match is forgotten after full-timeCredit: AFP or licensors

      The French defender played to Vinicius just three times in the second half despite the pair both operating down the left.

      And Vinicius, 20, is thought to have accepted the apology with the pair back on good terms.
      Real Madrid trailed 2-0 to the Bundesliga side at half-time but Benzema struck in the 87th minute before Casemiro grabbed a dramatic equaliser in the third minute of injury time to rescue a point.

      Karim Benzema shows off his training workout in the gym More

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      Real Madrid ‘considering transfer swap with Isco and Vinicius Jr in exchange for Juventus star Paulo Dybala’

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      REAL MADRID are considering allowing stars Isco and Vinicius Jr to leave the club in an exchange deal for Juventus ace Paulo Dybala, reports say.
      The Argentine ace has long been linked with the LaLiga champions and Zinedine Zidane is believed to be keen on bringing him in.

      Zidane has long been an admirer of Dybala, who can play as a striker or in the no.10 role Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Isco’s performances have been heavily criticised this season Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But reports suggest the French boss will have to make sacrifices in order to bring in the 26-year-old striker, who is highly-rated across Europe.
      Italian outlet Calciomercato claim Isco and Vinicius Jr could join Juventus in order to make way for the move as Zidane bids to bolster his strike force in the next window.
      The Los Blancos boss has tried to capture Dybala in previous windows but has failed despite huge fees reportedly being involved.
      A two-for-one swap is believed to be more likely to challenge Juventus and manager Andrea Pirlo’s resistance.

      It could also prove beneficial for Madrid, who have seen the two players involved on their side of the deal hit the headlines in the past few days.
      Club stalwart Karim Benzema was caught on camera appearing to tell team-mates not to pass to Vinicius Jr during their 2-2 Champions League draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach.
      Zidane’s side went into half-time 1-0 down and French TV station Telefoot reports he told left-back Ferland Mendy “don’t play with him. On my mother’s life, he [Vinicius] is playing against us.”
      Although he doesn’t reference the Brazilian winger in particular, Spanish publication Marca report how Vinicius Jr was the topic of conversation.

      Talented Vinicius, 20, duels with Sergino Dest in El Clasico, days before he clashes with Benzema in a Champions League gameCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Meanwhile, Isco alarmed fans as training photos emerged this week of the once trim midfielder looking out of shape.
      He is also reported to have drawn the ire of captain Sergio Ramos who has taken issue with his string of poor performances this season.
      And the 28-year-old has also been seen on camera blasting his manager’s substitutions in just the latest demonstration of behind-the-scenes turmoil at the club.

      The form of Isco is in huge contrast to Dybala, who notched up 11 goals and 11 assists in 33 Serie A games for Juve last season.
      He was heavily linked to Tottenham during the last transfer window but remained in Turin.
      In the last few days, Chelsea are also reported to have re-entered the race to sign him.

      Inside Karim Benzema’s astonishing tunnel bust-up as he tells Real Madrid team-mates not to pass to Vinicius More

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      Watch Marcus Rashford hand penalty to Martial even though he’s on a hat-trick as Man Utd hero dubbed ‘captain material’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD hit a stunning second-half hat-trick as Manchester United crushed RB Leipzig 5-0.
      But the much-loved superstar was prepared to risk the match ball as he selflessly handed Anthony Martial the responsibility of taking a penalty in the dying seconds before eventually claiming his third.

      Marcus Rashford came off the bench to bag a hat-trick against RB LeipzigCredit: EPA

      The hotshot risked missing out on a hat-trick by giving away the spot-kick to Anthony MartialCredit: BT Sport

      “Messi and Ronaldo ain’t giving a pen away!”Or…”That’s why he’ll be the captain, he thinks of others.”Two schools of thought on Marcus Rashford allowing Anthony Martial to take a pen despite being on a hat-trick 😂 pic.twitter.com/ESQQb3MU64
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 28, 2020

      The striker came on with 27 minutes to play and struck in the 74th and 78th minute before eventually sealing his 18-minute treble in injury time.
      Rashford, 22, had just moments earlier picked up the ball when United were awarded a spot-kick, but he gave it to his team-mate, who rifled home from the spot to get off the mark for the campaign.
      He said: “I think the manager told me when I came on to up the tempo and of course for us it means going forward and there was definitely space there.

      “We looked like we could score every time we went forward. It was a real team performance and those who started the game did well and those who came on did well.

      “We can’t ask for much more than that in terms of attitude and intensity and intent to go and kill a game off.”
      Rashford did well to ignore the linesman’s flag in running on to Bruno Fernandes through ball for his opener and VAR proved his run had started in his own half.
      Rashford said: “I thought to be fair I was in my own half so I was a bit confused when the flag went up but all you can do is wait and see and after the ball is in the net and that is it.
      “We have to work with VAR. it’s part of the game now and the quicker we get used to it the better.”  

      Rashford was almost denied the hat-trick when his kind gesture to Martial paid off for his French pal.
      Asked if there had been a chat between the two, Rashford said: “A little bit yeah but I feel confident with Anthony taking them as well so there was no problem.”
      That made it two wins from two in Champions League Group H.
      Rashford who is making headlines off the pitch for his work in feeding poverty hit children is doing the business on it too against sides that excelled in the Champions League last season.
      He scored the late winner last week against finalists PSG and now this against the Bundesliga leaders and a side who reached the semi-finals.
      Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “Marcus took his chances incredibly well.
      “Marcus has shown he can keep focusing on what’s important on and off the pitch.
      “He came on, did well, made an impact and that is what you want from the subs but that is only possible though because the others had laid the groundwork.” 

      Marcus Rashford nets stunning 18-minute hat-trick off the bench as Man Utd beat RB Leipzig More

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      Rivaldo dismisses Barcelona as Champions League contenders as Brazilian says Bartomeu stepping down was ‘right decision’

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      BARCELONA’S Champions League hopes have been dismissed by Rivaldo.
      And the club legend says president Josep Bartomeu was “right” to quit.

      Rivaldo believes Josep Bartomeu’s exit as president is a positive step on the road to much-needed stability for BarcelonaCredit: EPA

      Lionel Messi faces more Champions League pain with Ronald Koeman’s Barca this season, according to Brazil legend RivaldoCredit: EPA

      Brazil great Rivaldo claims Ronald Koeman’s Barca lack the “chemistry” or confidence to return quickly to Europe’s top table.
      The Spanish giants sit just 14th in laLiga with seven points from five games, although Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Juventus made it two victories from two Champions League group matches.
      And ex-Milan midfielder Rivaldo, 48, said: “There’s a long way to go this season but so far I haven’t seen the classic Barcelona of old. 
      “I don’t have much confidence in this team and think they aren’t showing enough chemistry to fight for the Champions League title.

      “They can battle for La Liga with Real and Atletico Madrid because they still have great players and a big aura in Spain.
      “But I’m not so confident about Barca’s chances among Europe’s elite.”
      Nou Camp icon Lionel Messi has failed to net in open play this season after asking to leave in the summer, before accepting he had had to stay until at least the end of the campaign.
      But Messi’s third penalty of the term finished off a Juve side missing his quarantined old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

      And Betfair ambassador Rivaldo believes Bartomeu’s departure, following his role in the Messi saga, is the best outcome for everyone.
      He said: “The uncertainty around the future of Josep Bartomeu… was causing instability at the club.
      “In the end, it became inevitable that he had to step down.
      “There were so many critics, I believe it was the right decision to finally solve the situation and let the club go forward.

      “I’m sure Bartomeu wanted the best for the club but it was a good decision to face the situation once and for all by quitting. 
      “The club needs stability and the focus must return to the football.
      “The longer this process continued the worst it would have been for the club.”

      Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has handed in his resignation from the club More

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      Frank Lampard reveals talks over axing Jorginho as Chelsea penalty kick taker after another miss and Werner’s goal

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      FRANK LAMPARD will hold a Chelsea summit over spot-kicks with Jorginho and Timo Werner.
      Jorginho missed a penalty for the second successive time – having scored his first eight from the spot – in the first half of the 4-0 win at Krasnodar.

      Jorginho had a perfect record from the spot before this season Credit: AFP or licensors

      Lampard has led Chelsea to three consecutive clean sheets ahead of the weekend’s trip to BurnleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Werner converted a penalty later in the game for his fourth Chelsea goal.
      Lampard said: “I’ve got no problem with either in terms of the penalty taking and not just Timo and Jorginho. We have other possibilities at the club.
      “So it will be something I will broach before Burnley because it’s important as we’ve seen with history that we need it to be very clear going into the game who are the designated penalty-takers.
      “But I have confidence in both of them. I’ll have a nice little open chat with both of them, and others, if needs be.”

      Jorginho missed from the spot against Liverpool last month before striking an effort against the post in Russia.
      Lampard said: “With Jorginho, if you’re going to take penalties as regularly as he does – and I did – you’re going to miss some. You might actually miss a couple because of the level of goalkeeper and the pressured situation.
      “It was not normal that he had such a great record – it was unique and stood out. I’ve got no worries with his confidence  and he shouldn’t have. I’m not concerned about that at all but I’ll speak to him about it myself.”
      The Stamford Bridge boss also believes Premier League clubs made a big mistake by not allowing five substitutes to be used during games this season. 

      Lampard, who used his five subs against Krasnodar in the Champions League, said: “The ball was certainly dropped when the Premier League turned away from having five subs. 
      “These are unprecedented times in terms of situations for football. It will carry on, it’s not going anywhere in the short term.
      “The demands on players are huge for every club. I’m not just talking about my squad, I’m talking about every football player that is being asked to play day after day and the injury risk. It has changed the landscape.”

      Frank Lampard will talk to his players before deciding whether Jorginho continues as Chelsea’s penalty taker More