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      Pochettino ‘turned down management offers as he waited for Real Madrid to call’ before joining PSG

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      MAURICIO Pochettino turned down management offers to wait for the Real Madrid job to become available, before eventually joining Paris Saint-Germain.
      The former Tottenham boss was out of football for more than a year after being sacked by Daniel Levy in November 2019 following a lengthy spell with the North London club.

      Pochettino won the first trophy of his managerial career when he lifted the Trophee des Champions with PSG earlier this monthCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      For a long period of time the Argentine coach was linked with replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.
      But it has now been reported by Mundo Deportivo that he was actually waiting to take over from Zinedine Zidane at Madrid.
      Then when it became clear that the role at the Spanish giants was not on the horizon, he decided it was time to return and subsequently accepted the PSG job.
      Pochettino begun his reign at PSG with a disappointing 1-1 draw against St-Etienne.

      But since then the French champions have won three games in a row, including their 2-1 Trophee des Champions victory over Marseille.
      They are top of Ligue 1 by virtue of goal difference, with Lille level on 42 points and Lyon a further two points back.
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      Neymar scored the crucial goal to win PSG the Trophee des ChampionsCredit: PA:Press Association
      PSG are also in the knockout stages of the Champions League and have been drawn against Barcelona in the round of 16.

      Pochettino will be hoping to avenge the club’s recent history with Barcelona after they blew a 4-0 first leg lead in 2017.
      The French side, managed at the time by Unai Emery, were beaten 6-1 at the Nou Camp as they crashed out in the round of 16 four years ago.
      The first leg takes place in Spain on February 16 before the return fixture in France on March 10.

      Pochettino and PSG celebrate after beating Marseille in the in the Trophee des Champions More

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      Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane tests positive for coronavirus 24 hours before must-win clash vs Alaves

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      REAL MADRID boss Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for coronavirus as his week from hell continues.
      Los Blancos will be without their under-fire manager for Saturday’s crunch clash against Alaves.

      Zinedine Zidane’s side are second in the La Liga table Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      The legendary Frenchman, 48, will now enter a period of self-isolation.
      Real Madrid confirmed the news with a statement on their club website.
      It read: “Real Madrid CF announces that our coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for COVID-19.”
      Zidane was on the touchline as Madrid crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

      The La Liga giants suffered a humiliating 2-1 defeat to third-tier side Alcoyano.
      And he will not be in attendance as Madrid look to get back on track against Alaves.
      Zidane looks set to be replaced at the Bernabeu at the end of the 2020-21 season – and may well be gone already if Madrid could afford to replace him.
      His team are seven points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid – who have one game in hand.

      Real Madrid suffered a defeat to third division side Alcoyano on WednesdayCredit: EPA

      If Zidane does get the boot, former boss Max Allegri is favourite to replace him.
      He admitted after Wednesday’s devestating defeat that he faces a waiting game with regards to his future.
      The struggling manager said: “We’ll have to see what will happen in the next few days.
      “It’s a tough time, we’re out. We had to do more, but we didn’t. But we have tried.
      “Things are said when we lose. I’m calm, I think the players wanted to win when they were on the pitch.
      “We tried. We’ve done good things this season, but not recently.
      “You have to ask the players if they are getting the message, but I think they are.”

      Real Madrid boss Zidane insists that Copa del Rey Cup defeat to Alcoyano is not an embarrassment More

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      Watch Eibar keeper score penalty against Atletico Madrid before Suarez double as coach reveals he is new spot-kick taker

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      EIBAR left fans stunned last night, when goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic fired them into an early lead against Atletico Madrid from the penalty spot.
      The Basque side were taking on the LaLiga leaders in a home clash at Ipurua Municipal Stadium.

      Eibar goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović SCORES from the penalty spot! 🔥That’s one way to take the lead against LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid 😂 pic.twitter.com/pZznk3CPer
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) January 21, 2021

      Dmitrovic beat Jan Oblak from 12 yardsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Serbian was mobbed by his overjoyed team-matesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And they were awarded the perfect start, when on-loan Newcastle forward Yoshinori Muto flopped to the ground after mild contact from Yannick Carrasco.
      But rather than take it himself, the Japanese star left the ball to his keeper.
      Serbian Dmitrovic, 28, who played five games for Charlton in the 2014-15 season, made no mistake from the spot – drilling the ball past his opposite number.
      In doing so, he became just the seventh goalkeeper in LaLiga history to score a goal.

      And one fan was keen to point out that Dmitrovic had netted more goals in 2021 than Liverpool or Eden Hazard.
      Quizzed on why his goalkeeper was handed the responsibility from 12 yards after the game, manager Jose Luis Mendilibar was damning of his outfielders.
      He said: “All the others have failed and he will shoot until he fails, it is the law, if they shoot five and they have missed, we change.
      “We have confidence in him, he hits very well in the training.”

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      Eibar’s lead would last just 28 minutes, however, with Luis Suarez bagging an equaliser before half-time.
      And there was to be more penalty drama before the end.
      Unsurprisingly, the second spot-kick incident this time involved that man Suarez.
      Under a challenge from defender Anaitz Arbilla the Uruguayan, 33, threw himself to the ground – with the referee’s whistle swiftly sounding.
      And the ex-Liverpool man coolly beat Dmitrovic with an 89th minute panenka to seal the three points.
      The result saw Atletico extend their lead at the top of the division to seven points with a game in hand – while Eibar remain 15th, just two points above the relegation zone.

      Luis Suarez flopped to the deck late onCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Alvaro Morata has to pull Kieran Trippier away from walking on Atletico Madrid’s crest on his La Liga debut More

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      Barcelona edge third-tier Cornella after extra-time in Copa del Rey despite Messi ban and missing TWO penalties

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      BARCELONA relied on extra-time to beat third-tier Cornella in the Copa del Rey – after missing TWO penalties.
      A team featuring Antoine Griezmann and Miralem Pjanic embarked on the ten-minute drive from the Camp Nou for Thursday night’s local derby.

      Ramon Juan produced a footballing first by saving two Barcelona penalties in one gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ousmane Dembele saw his effort saved before an extra-time winnerCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Their Segunda Division B hosts had already knocked out Atletico Madrid in the previous round and had scrum-capped goalkeeper Ramon Juan to thank for taking Barcelona to extra-time.
      The 21-year-old first denied Pjanic from 12 yards before turning away Ousmane Dembele’s penalty six minutes from time.
      According to Spanish stats expert Mister Chip, Ramon became the first goalkeeper ever to save two Barcelona penalties in the same game.
      Going into extra-time, the LaLiga giants were wary of meeting the same fate as Real Madrid.

      Los Blancos were beaten 2-1 by third-tier Alcoyano on Wednesday night, leaving Zinedine Zidane facing more questions over his future.
      Any chance of another upset for Cornella diminished when Dembele launched a powerful 25-yarder past Ramon three minutes into extra-time.

      Cornella’s Ramón Juan with a phenomenal save from the penalty spot to deny Pjanic! 🖐What a missed opportunity for Barca 😱 pic.twitter.com/k2cgTDWoIw
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) January 21, 2021

      Ramón Juan saves a SECOND Barcelona penalty! 🔥Dembele helped the Cornella keeper out with a terrible effort but an incredible moment as the Segunda B side continue to hold out at 0-0 😱 pic.twitter.com/7k9fofdiur
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) January 21, 2021

      After Albert Manel Estelles Fernandez was sent off for the minnows on 118 minutes, Martin Braithwaite walked in his sixth of the season to round off the 2-0 win.
      The victory was an important reprieve for Ronald Koeman after his side lost to Athletic Club in the Supercopa de Espana.

      It was also Barcelona’s first game without Lionel Messi since he was sent off on the weekend.
      The Catalans plan to appeal the two-game suspension that would see him also sit out Sunday’s trip to Elche.
      It was 33-year-old Messi’s first red card in his 753rd appearance for Barcelona.
      And coach Koeman may see the Copa as his best route to a trophy this season, particularly with both Madrid sides out.

      Barcelona scored twice in extra-time to reach the last-16Credit: EPA

      Antoine Griezmann was among those frustrated by Ramon’s heroicsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Paris Saint-Germain await Koeman’s side in the Champions League last-16.
      While Barcelona are ten points off the pace in LaLiga after former star Luis Suarez snatched a last-minute win for leaders Atletico at Eibar on Thursday.
      The Uruguayan struck twice after Eibar goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic scored an 11th-minute penalty, becoming the first LaLiga keeper to do so since 2002.
      Diego Simeone’s side still have another game in hand left with a seven-point advantage over Real.

      Eibar goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović SCORES from the penalty spot! 🔥That’s one way to take the lead against LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid 😂 pic.twitter.com/pZznk3CPer
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) January 21, 2021

      Lionel Messi sent off for violent conduct as Barcelona and Ronaldo Koeman are denied first silverware against Athletic Bilbao More

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      Arsenal target Aouar ‘waiting for Real Madrid or Barcelona’ and ‘surprised’ Gunners didn’t make transfer for him

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      ARSENAL target Aouar has reportedly set his sights on joining Real Madrid or Barcelona in the summer.
      The 22-year-old was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium last year but the Gunners saw an offer in the region of £30million rejected by Lyon.

      Aouar has impressed for Lyon so far this season and is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest sidesCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      And now Mikel Arteta’s side look set to miss out on his signature altogether as the Frenchman eyes a move to Spain, according to ESPN.
      Aouar has scored three goals and assisted another three more in his 16 Ligue 1 appearances so far this seasons.
      Lyon do not want to sell the youngster but he is expected to leave despite still being under contract with the club.
      There is no doubt the French side will demand a hefty fee for the central midfielder, one Arsenal are unlikely to be able to afford.

      This is because last summer the North London club spent £45 million to bring Thomas Partey in from Atletico Madrid.
      Aouar was ‘surprised’ that the FA Cup winners did not pursue him beyond their first offer and he now appears to be assessing where else he could move.
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      Arteta’s side have recovered from a terrible start to the season and are now looking to build on a series of winsCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      Arsenal are looking to bounce back from a horrid start to their Premier League campaign.

      After just four wins from their first 14 games, they have no begun to turn things around with a six game unbeaten run, picking up 16 points in that time.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found his scoring boots on Monday night when he netted twice in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Newcastle.
      Arteta’s side currently sit tenth in the Premier League table, but are just seven points off the top four.

      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil says a dream came true after Fenerbahce move More

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      Real Madrid in crisis with Zidane’s position ‘more at risk than ever’ after humiliating Copa del Rey loss to Alcoyano

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE’s Real Madrid job is at ‘more risk than ever’ after their Copa Del Rey humiliation.
      Los Blancos were dumped out of the Spanish Cup by third-tier Alcoyano on Wednesday night.

      Zinedine Zidane’s job is under threat after a humiliating Spanish Cup lossCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Spanish press laid into Real Madrid with Marca’s headline ‘nobody escapes this embarrassment’

      And reports in Spain claim the France legend’s position as Real manager is in danger.
      Real Madrid are four points off the top of La Liga with leaders Atletico having two games in hand.
      Zidane, 48, is in his second spell as boss in the Spanish capital and has won two La Ligas and three Champions Leagues.
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      But respected Spanish outlet Marca claimed ‘this really could end Zidane’ after the cup defeat against a team that cost £620,000.
      And Marcelo and Isco were pictured laughing after the embarrassing loss.
      Real Madrid boss Zidane admitted he faces a waiting game to see if he clings onto his job.
      He said: “We’ll have to see what will happen in the next few days.

      Next Real Madrid boss: Odds on who could replace Zidane

      Real Madrid were embarrassed by Alcoyano in the Copa Del ReyCredit: EPA

      Marcelo and Isco were pictured laughing after the defeat
      “It’s a tough time, we’re out. We had to do more, but we didn’t. But we have tried.
      “Things are said when we lose. I’m calm, I think the players wanted to win when they were on the pitch.
      “We tried. We’ve done good things this season, but not recently.

      “You have to ask the players if they are getting the message, but I think they are.
      “This is football. You have to take your chances. The ball didn’t want to go in and now, well, we’re out.”
      The La Liga champions face Levante in their next game on Saturday night.

      Real Madrid boss Zidane insists club legend Ramos will be with club forever More

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      Alcoyano 2 Real Madrid 1: Los Blancos stunned by third tier minnows in Copa Del Rey giant-killing despite Militao opener

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      REAL MADRID’S nightmare start to 2021 continued with a shock Copa del Rey loss at the hands of Alcoyano.
      Zinedine Zidane put out a much-changed side that nonetheless featured first-team stars Casemiro, Marcelo, Isco and Vinicius in Valencia.

      Alcoyano pulled off a huge upset in the Copa del Rey on WednesdayCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard came off the bench in the shock defeatCredit: AP:Associated Press

      A place in the last-16 appeared to be beckoning for Los Blancos when Eder Militao headed the opening goal before the break.
      But, entering the final ten minutes, the Segunda Division B team struck a surprise equaliser.
      Jose Solbes popped up at the far-post to stab home a corner and send the tie into extra-time – but only after Militao was denied a penalty shout down the other end.
      Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Toni Kroos and Eden Hazard were thrown on by the LaLiga giants, only for Alcoyano goalkeeper Jose Juan to star in between the posts.

      The third-tier minnows would then go down to ten men on 110 minutes when Ramon Lopez was dismissed.
      The disadvantage failed to dissuade Alcoyano, who broke forward in attack with Ivorian winger Ali Diakite.

      ALCOYANO GO 2-1 UP ON REAL MADRID! 😱😱😱The Segunda B side are down to 10-men and just a few extra time minutes away from knocking Zidane’s side out of the Copa del Rey! 👀 pic.twitter.com/MXYgrhLi1a
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) January 20, 2021

      A near-post cross was met by the unmarked Juanan Casanova to spark wild celebrations at the tiny Estadio El Collao.
      The final whistle brought about fresh questions over Zidane’s time in the dugout, with Real four points off the top of LaLiga and recently out of the Supercopa de Espana at the first hurdle.

      The coach told reporters afterwards: “This is football, it is very difficult because we played against a Segunda B side and we had to win the game.
      “It has not been like that, but it is not a shame. This can happen, this happens, these are things that happen in a football career, I assume responsibility and we will continue working.

      Alcoyano beat Real Madrid despite going down to ten menCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Juanan Casanova struck a surprise extra-time winnerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “We will not go crazy.”
      Los Blancos’ shock comes after Atletico Madrid were dumped out by third-tier Cornella in the previous round.
      The Catalan club take on Barcelona on Thursday as they bid for another huge upset.

      Mourinho heard giving Gareth Bale brutal warning in training about being sent back to Real Madrid to ‘play no football’ More

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      Ex-Barcelona coach says Lionel Messi did not say goodbye to him when he was sacked and ‘showed he wasn’t happy’ at club

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      FORMER Barcelona assistant coach Eder Sarabia revealed Lionel Messi failed to say goodbye to him after he was sacked by the club.
      Sarabia was No2 to Quique Setien at the Nou Camp from January to August 2020 and divulged that Messi ‘showed he wasn’t happy’ when they arrived at the club.

      Eder Sarabia (left) assisted boss Quique Setien at the Nou CampCredit: Reuters

      Lionel Messi failed to say goodbye to his old coachCredit: Rex Features

      During their short spell at the Catalan giants, rumours were rife that Sarabia and Setien were not popular with the Barca stars.
      Speaking to El Partidazo de Cope and Radio Marca, Sarabia said: “We arrived at Barcelona at a difficult time.
      “Messi showed he wasn’t happy, not just with us but with the club.
      “I don’t know if Leo said goodbye to Setien, not to me.”

      Tensions reached boiling point during a game away at Celta Vigo when Sarabia tried to give instructions to Argentine maestro Messi.
      But the six-time Ballon d’Or winner turned away and sipped on his water bottle with expletives said to have been exchanged.
      Reports suggested tempers continued to fray after the game in the Barca changing room.
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      There were reports of a rift after heated discussions during a water break at Celta VigoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But clearly defender Gerard Pique got on well enough with the 40-year-old coach after he chose to appoint Sarabia as head coach of FC Andorra – the third-tier side he owns.
      Sarabia added: “If I went back to Barcelona I would do things 99 per cent the same way as we did.
      “I don’t think what happened in Vigo or the Camp Nou has done me any harm, it has helped me learn.
      “What happens inside the dressing room is one thing, but what it can look like from the outside is another.
      “[Pique] wanted me to coach Andorra, he is clear about what he wants.
      “Pique wants the team in LaLiga. He has that ambition, but he knows we need to work hard and be humble.”
      Messi has five months left on his Barca contract and club top brass are reportedly scared stiff he will leave with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City battling for his signature.

      Lionel Messi sent off for violent conduct as Barcelona and Ronaldo Koeman are denied first silverware against Athletic Bilbao More