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      Champions League could be moved to ‘final eight’ one-off mini-tournament from 2023 as Uefa begin talks

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      UEFA is ready to confirm end of season tournaments to find the winners of its three European competitions.
      But Euro chiefs are split on whether to introduce a ‘Final Eight’ or ‘Final Four’ format when the new schedule is confirmed for the 2024-25 season.

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      Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin has proposed a ‘final four’ format for the Champions LeagueCredit: EPA

      The success of July’s ‘one-off’ knockout tournaments, with Champions League quarter-final stages onwards played in Portugal, and Europa League in Germany has prompted Uefa’s way forward.
      The organisation’s President Aleksander Ceferin suggested on Friday that a ‘final four’ concept, with the semis and finals played out in a series of one-off ties, was the most likely option.
      Ceferin talked about a ‘week’ of football which would round off the club season and capture worldwide interest.

      But now Ceferin’s widely respected No 3, deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti, has raised the prospect of the tournament’s last eight stages being played out.
      Uefa – pushed by the influential European Club Association – recognises there is pressing demands for changes. 
      However, any format alterations will be on hold until the end of the next three-year TV contract cycle in 2024.
      Marchetti, though, said: “Everybody watched the final eight tournaments in August.

      A good rule is to never exclude something which proves valuable or has potential
      Giorgio Marchetti UEFA Deputy General

      “Single knockout matches obviously favour uncertainty and emotions. 
      “We received great feedback from clubs, broadcasters and other partners as well as from the fans. 
      “The circumstances made this format a must, but the result could not be better as well as the degree of satisfaction.”

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      Uefa’s format change could see Champions League and Europa semis-finals played as one-off tiesCredit: Reuters
      When asked if that implied a format change was now likely, Marchetti added: “A good rule is to never exclude something which proves valuable or has potential. 
      “We know there are many elements that need to be taken into account, such as calendar and organisational constraints, fans’ involvement, economic implications, but we will for sure study this format and its variations for our upcoming discussions.”
      Uefa will launch their new third-tier competition, the Europa Conference League – which includes a place for the winners of the Carabao Cup – next season.

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      Edinson Cavani trains with Man Utd team-mates for first time after quarantine ends in time to face old club PSG

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      MANCHESTER UNITED new boy Edinson Cavani trained with his team-mates for the first time on Sunday.
      The Uruguayan finished a two-week quarantine period on Saturday and was hoping to make his United debut against his old club Paris Saint-Germain.

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      Edinson Cavani trained with his Man Utd team-mates for the first time on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The Uruguayan linked up with the squad for the first time since finishing quarantineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cavani signed an eye-watering £200,000-a-week contract on deadline day after his PSG contract expired this summer.
      But due to Covid-19 rules, he had to lock himself away for 14 days after his move to England.
      That meant he missed out on United’s impressive 4-1 win at Newcastle on Saturday.

      But he was put through his paces at Carrington yesterday – however, he and Harry Maguire were left out of the squad for the Paris trip.

      United head to Paris for the Group H clash in what is their first European game of the season.
      Cavani would have felt “beautiful emotions” if he made his debut against his former team where he spent seven seasons between 2013 and 2020.
      He said before being left out: “I am going to experience an exceptional moment, that nobody thought would happen.
      “It will be an incredible thing, beautiful emotions.”

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      Paul Pogba, Brandon Williams and Nemanja Matic were among the stars involved in the sessionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      And the 33-year-old could now be ready to face his old club PSG tomorrowCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cavani’s former team-mate Kylian Mbappe will be hoping to build on his strong start to the campaign as he looks to push PSG one step further in Europe.
      And the French superstar said he will not hold back when facing his old strike partner.
      PSG were beaten in the Champions League final by Bayern Munich in August but will be optimistic their golden boy, who has netted four times already this season, can take them all the way this time round.

      Edinson Cavani joins Man Utd in training for the first time More

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      Former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet tests positive for coronavirus as Covid-19 rips through Club Bruges

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      FORMER Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has tested positive for coronavirus.
      The ex-Reds stopper is one of four Club Bruges staff members to contract Covid-19 as the virus rips through the Belgian club.

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      Simon Mignolet has tested positive for coronavirusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bruges are scheduled to play Zenit Saint Petersburg away in the Champions League tomorrow but the news plunges the clash into jeopardy.

      Players Odilon Kossounou, Michael Krmencik and CEO Vincent Mannaert are the other three people to test positive.
      A club statement read: “On Saturday morning, the entire Bruges delegation was tested for Covid-19 in anticipation of the European match in and against Saint Petersburg.

      “Internationals Simon Mignolet and Odilon Kossounou and attacker Michael Krmencik tested positive.
      “CEO Vincent Mannaert also passed a positive corona test.
      “Last Thursday, the entire squad was tested via the Jupiler Pro League protocol, when everyone else tested negative.
      “The foursome will be quarantined with immediate effect and will therefore not travel to Russia. None of them show symptoms.”

      Bruges are also in Champions League Group F alongside Borussia Dortmund and Lazio.

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      But is unclear whether the positive results will affect tomorrow’s scheduled match in Russia.
      They are also top of the Belgian top flight and are scheduled to play seventh place Leuven on Saturday.
      Mignolet, 32, played both of his country’s recent Nations League games after ex-Chelsea goalie Thibaut Courtois was ruled out with a hip injury.
      The Red Devils lost 2-1 to England at Wembley before they beat Iceland by the same scoreline.

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      Kylian Mbappe warns Man Utd he won’t hold back when Edinson Cavani returns to PSG Champions League

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      KYLIAN Mbappe has warned Manchester United that he won’t hold back when his old teammate Edinson Cavani returns to PSG in the Champions League.
      The young superstar used to link up regularly with the new Red Devils striker during their days together in France.

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      The pair were just two parts of PSG’s dangerous attacking line-up Credit: Reuters

      But now they will be opponents on opposite sides during a mouth-watering clash on matchday one in the Champions League.
      Mbappe, 21, reckons it would not be weird to face his old attacking partner and says instead the Ligue 1 champions will be gunning for victory.
      According to Get Football News France, the French ace said on Cavani: “He is in a different team now, I wish him the best.
      “We are going to play against him and try to beat him.”

      Meanwhile, the Uruguayan forward says he will feel “beautiful emotions” if he makes his Man United debut against his former team.
      He said on facing PSG: “I am going to experience an exceptional moment, that nobody thought would happen.
      “It will be an incredible thing, beautiful emotions.”
      Cavani was a free agent when he joined United on deadline day, but has had to wait for his debut as he complied with the government’s 14 day self-isolation rules.

      It meant he missed the club’s impressive 4-1 win at Newcastle yesterday.
      Mbappe meanwhile will be hoping to build on his strong start to the campaign as he looks to push PSG one step further in Europe.
      Paris Saint-Germain were beaten in the Champions League final by Bayern Munich in August but will be optimistic their golden boy, who has netted four times already this season, can take them all the way this time round.

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      Man Utd boost with Icardi, Verratti and Kehrer major injury doubts for PSG ahead of Champions League opener

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to face a depleted Paris Saint-Germain side on Tuesday with Marco Verratti a doubt for the match.
      A trip to France’s capital kicks off the Red Devils’ Champions League campaign, with Thilo Kehrer and Mauro Icardi set to miss out.

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      Marco Verratti and Mauro Icardi could both miss Tuesday’s Group H showdownCredit: AFP or licensors

      PSG have confirmed a thigh issue for Verratti picked up during the international break.
      There are serious doubts over Icardi’s availability while he suffers from a knee problem.
      And Thomas Tuchel has admitted that a hamstring injury is set to keep German defender Kehrer out for ‘a few weeks’.

      The PSG coach was left bemoaning an injury crisis ahead of Friday’s match with Nimes.

      However, Les Parisiens dispatched their opponents with a 4-0 win, thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappe.
      Marquinhos and Julian Draxler missed the trip south and may return to face United.
      Likewise, new signing Danilo was absent due to being in close contact with Cristiano Ronaldo before he was diagnosed coronavirus.
      The midfielder is expected to start training on Sunday.

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      Ander Herrera is also cleared to play after testing positive for the virus.
      Former Everton flop Moise Kean started the victory over Nimes while Neymar was rested.
      And Tuchel has confirmed that the Brazil star will return for the Group H opener.

      He stated: “Ney doesn’t have any issue. We talked together, like I did with Kylian.
      “We had an honest discussion and I decided to let him rest today.
      “He will be with us tomorrow. He will train and get ready for the game against Manchester United. He will be on the pitch, for sure.”

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      Ander Herrera among SEVEN PSG stars who will miss Man Utd game after testing positive for coronavirus

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      ANDER HERRERA will miss Manchester United’s visit to Paris after testing positive for coronavirus.
      The midfielder is one of SEVEN PSG stars who will be absent for next week’s Champions League clash.

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      Ander Herrera has tested positive for coronavirus and is one of seven PSG players who will miss the Man Utd gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Herrera swapped Old Trafford for the Parc des Princes on a free transfer in 2019.
      And he looked set to go up against former Man Utd teammates including midfield partner Paul Pogba – as well as replacement Bruno Fernandes.
      But Herrera will not be involved after contracting Covid-19.

      He is joined on the sidelines by Julian Draxler, Marquinhos, Marco Verratti, Thilo Kehrer and Mauro Icardi.

      New boy Danilo Pereira is also missing after coming into contact with Cristiano Ronaldo on international duty.
      The Juventus star has also tested positive for coronavirus.
      And PSG have some holes to gap for United’s visit  on Tuesday.
      They are also set to welcome back Edinson Cavani, who left on a free transfer and joined the Red Devils on deadline day.

      The Uruguayan striker admits he spoke with Herrera about life at United.
      And it was the Spanish midfielder’s glowing report which convinced Cavani to pen a deal with Solskjaer’s side.
      Cavani revealed: “I talked with Ander a lot, as well as others like Angel Di Maria, who I was also with at Paris.
      “It was genuinely getting to the last minute and I called Ander to have a chat.

      “I have a lot of admiration for Ander, for the kind of person he is and I had the feeling that his words were going to help me out, by telling me a bit about what it was like at United.
      “After I’d finished talking with him, we came to an agreement here with the club.
      “I hadn’t known him for too long. But we formed and enjoyed a close friendship during that time at PSG and today we are still very good friends.”

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      Borussia Dortmund to name 15-year-old goalscoring sensation Youssoufa Moukoko in Champions League squad

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND are set to name 15-year-old goalscoring sensation Youssoufa Moukoko in their Champions League squad.
      The teenager missed out on the initial squad list submitted to Uefa following the closure of the transfer window last week.

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      Youssoufo Moukoko could become the Champions League’s youngest player if he features for Borussia Dortmund in the group stagesCredit: Getty – Contributor

      But, as reported by the Bundesliga, he will be included in the B-list, reserved for young, homegrown talent, once he turns 16.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc confirmed to Bild: “Yes, it’s true. We will register Youssoufa for the Champions League via the B-list.”
      Moukoko’s birthday is on November 20 and therefore could become the Champions League’s youngest player.
      With rules preventing players featuring until they turn 16, the youngster may not have to wait very long to make his European bow.

      Dortmund, who are the odds-on favourites in Group F with Zenit, Club Brugge and Lazio, face the Belgian champions at home on November 24 and Moukoko could be involved.
      Celestine Babayaro holds the current Champions League record, having started for Anderlecht against Steaua Bucharest in the 1994-95 group stage, aged 16 years and 87 days.
      Cameroon-born Moukoko has been in stunning form in front of goal throughout his time with Borussia Dortmund.
      The Germany U20 forward has hit 134 goals in 86 appearances for the Dortmund Under-17s and U19s since making his debut aged just 12.

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      Erling Haaland described Moukoko as the best teenage talent he has ever seenCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      His goalscoring record in the youth ranks with Dortmund is simply staggeringCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That includes two hat-tricks in his first two outings in 2020-21 and banging in SIX on his U19s debut… aged 14.
      The youngster struck four times in seven Uefa U19 Youth League outings last term and was given permission to skip school to start training with the first team.
      And it did not take him long to impress ‘veteran’ striker Erling Haaland, 20, who said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 15-year-old that good.
      “He’s a lot better than I was when I was 15.”

      Dortmund wonderkid Moukoko, 15, shatters goalscoring records galore

      By Sam Morgan and Jon Boon

      IF YOU think Borussia Dortmund wonderkids Mario Gotze and Christian Pulisic were top drawer, wait till you see the latest kid coming through their ranks.
      Youssoufa Moukoko, their 15-year-old sensation, is currently the hottest prospect in Germany – shattering Bundesliga goalscoring records at U17 and U19 levels in consecutive seasons.
      Read the full feature here

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      Chelsea desperate to win Premier League AND Champions League after transfer spending spree, claims Christian Pulisic

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      CHRISTIAN PULISIC claimed Chelsea are desperate to win both the Premier League AND the Champions League after their summer spending spree.
      The Blues spent £230million in the transfer window to bring in the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Edouard Mendy.

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      Christian Pulisic believes Chelsea should be competing to win every trophy this season including the Premier League and Champions LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Defenders Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr – who joined Porto on loan – also arrived on free transfers.
      And Pulisic knows splashing the cash must translate into silverware, especially after a trophyless season in Frank Lampard’s first year in charge.
      Chelsea will be expecting to improve on their fourth-placed finish – 33 points adrift of Liverpool – from 2019-20 and have a favourable Champions League group-stage draw.

      The American, 22, told CBS Sports: “Chelsea is a club with a lot of history that always wants to compete and win titles.

      “Our goal is to finish at the highest standing in the Premier League and win every trophy available, Champions League included.
      “We’ve got a great group of guys, we’re going to compete, and we’re hungry to win titles.
      “Absolutely. Why not? That’s right where we want to be. I think that’s realistic, and we’re gonna compete hard to get those trophies.”
      Pulisic arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer after a deal was already agreed with Borussia Dortmund prior to the Blues’ transfer ban.

      In his 34 appearances during his debut campaign, the USA international scored 11 goals, including in the FA Cup final before hobbling off injured.
      He returned to action as a late substitute against Crystal Palace last weekend and is looking forward to having a big impact this term – especially alongside new faces at Stamford Bridge.
      Now fully fit again, the new Chelsea No10, taking the number from Willian, added: “We’ve brought in more experienced players this year with some new signings, and I think we also have a great group of young guys so I think it’s a really good mix.
      “Last year was more of a transition year where obviously we couldn’t sign any new players, but we still had some of the guys who’d been there.
      “What was great about last year is a lot of the young guys got a lot of experience.

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      “This year there’s definitely a boosted confidence, we’ve got an edge. We’re ready, we want to compete, and we want to win titles.
      “I had another tough injury, and it was really hard work to get back out there.
      “I’m really excited I got some minutes on Saturday before the break. Now I just wish we had a game sooner, to be honest. But at least I’ll get a little rest.
      “I was just really happy to make my season debut. It felt like a new beginning almost.
      “A new number, a new season. Obviously there are a lot of new players, too. Just a really great feeling overall.”

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