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      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reveals he tried to sign Luis Suarez for PSG as he tries to stop Atletico goal machine

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      LUIS SUAREZ is probably the only person happy to see tonight’s Champions League clash with Chelsea moved to Romania.
      The home of Count Dracula is perfect for the bloodthirsty striker with an insatiable hunger for goals.

      Luis Suarez has 16 goals this season for Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is so bewitched by Atletico Madrid’s controversial star ahead of tonight’s last-16 first leg that he would love his own strikers to be more like him.
      Tuchel tried to sign the Uruguayan for Paris Saint-Germain last year, when the forward became surplus to requirements at Barcelona.
      Suarez is as well-known for biting opponents as he is for scoring goals.
      When playing for Liverpool in 2013 he sunk his teeth into Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, who is now at West Brom.

      But all that matters to Tuchel is the ruthless streak that makes Suarez feared by rivals for his feet as much as his bite.
      The new Chelsea boss is desperate for his own strikers to add some clinical edge.
      Tuchel complained about the indecision of his forwards in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Southampton, moaning he did not like “the last 20 metres” — meaning his forwards.
      Suarez is now 34 but, with 16 goals this season for Atletico Madrid, boasts four more than Chelsea’s leading scorer Tammy Abraham and six more than new £48million hotshot Timo Werner.

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      Tuchel is spellbound and hopes his players can learn a bit from the flawed genius this evening in Bucharest.
      The Blues boss said: “He is a natural striker, a born striker, and has the certain mentality that only strikers have.
      “This mentality is to show his will, intensity and anger to score, score and score. He is never satisfied.
      “So what a mentality, what a player. I’m not involved in his history with Chelsea and to me it’s never good to look too far in the past.
      “We only look forward. We play him with Atletico and we know of his qualities. We’re aware of them and will try to stop him from scoring.
      “It was a possibility to sign him in Paris.
      “We heard the rumours he was about to leave Barcelona — and who can not be interested in signing one of the best strikers in world football, past and present?

      Thomas Tuchal revealed he tried to sign Luis Suarez for PSGCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “We tried our luck, we did not make it. He decided to stay in Spain, move to Atletico and has proven his quality.
      “He maybe would’ve been a fit to our squad in Paris. Now things are different.
      “He is under contract now at Atletico Madrid and it’s not worth thinking about it. I haven’t and the possibility is high we won’t think about it.”
      Chelsea’s most experienced defender, 36-year-old Thiago Silva, is staying back in the UK despite recovering from injury, though he would be ideal to keep a close eye on Suarez.
      Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta has the experience to shackle Atletico Madrid’s most dangerous star.
      He said: “The best way to defend him is to keep him as far as possible from the goal and that is a collective job.
      “As defender, personally I faced him when he was at Liverpool and at Barcelona in the Champions League.

      Cesar Azpilicueta before Chelsea’s tie with Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “He is a great striker and we know his numbers, wherever he has played he scores a lot of goals.
      “We will try to control the game and get the attacking players as far as possible from our goal.”
      Atletico boss Diego ­Simeone is full of praise for the hitman who has helped his outfit to the top of LaLiga.
      He said: “It is very important the presence of Luis Suarez in every competition, not just in the Champions League because he gives energy, he gives trust.
      “All opponents are really paying a lot of attention to him because this is a man who is scoring. Of course, he is important every day.”
      This game was moved from Atletico’s formidable Wanda Metropolitano Stadium because of Covid restrictions.
      Azpilicueta added: “It would have been nice to play in Madrid with the fans but that’s the situation we have to deal with. It has been nearly a year of playing without fans.
      “We just have to adapt really. I don’t really know whether it’s better or worse but that’s the situation and you have to adapt.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      How Barcelona could line up with Mbappe AND Haaland as presidential candidate promises £216m transfer spree

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      BARCELONA presidential candidate Toni Freixa has promised a mega transfer spree if he gets voted in – with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe targeted.
      The Barca fans go to the polls on March 7 to decide who will run the Catalan giants – Freixa, Joan Laporta or Victor Font.

      And Freixa tried his latest tactic to attract votes by insisting he would pump £216million into transfers to bolster the squad.
      Speaking to radio station RAC-1, Freixa said: “We will have the most competitive squad for the 2021-22 season.
      “We will not talk about individual players until we sign them.”
      But asked about two of the best forwards in world football, he added: “It is possible to bring in Haaland and Mbappe.”

      Mbappe tore Barca to shreds in the Champions League last week with a sublime hat-trick at the Nou Camp.
      Haaland, meanwhile, remains in red-hot form for Borussia Dortmund with 27 goals in 25 games this season.
      Real Madrid want both players, too, meaning the El Clasico rivals could go head to head for their signatures.
      Liverpool have been linked with Mbappe while Haaland is on the wish lists of Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs.

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      As well as bringing in two superstar forwards, Freixa suggested two new defensive players would come in.
      David Alaba and Eric Garcia, both heavily linked and free agents come the end of the season, could be the best options from a financial perspective – despite Alaba’s £400,000-a-week wage demands.
      Those four new signings could give the Barcelona side a complete revamp next season.
      Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains the No1 choice in goal with Sergino Dest and Jordi Alba at full-back either side of the new pairing of Garcia and Alaba.
      In midfield, there is unlikely to be much change with Sergio Busquets anchoring behind Frenkie de Jong and teenager Pedri.
      However, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele may be forced to make way for the fearsome front three of Mbappe, Haaland and Lionel Messi to cause havoc together.
      But with Messi’s contract expiring this summer and the new president tasked with convincing him to stay, there is a real chance he will the club leave after 20 years at the end of the season.

      Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Champions LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Erling Haaland could be targeted as part of a £216m transfer splurge at the Nou CampCredit: Reuters

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      Filipe Luis reveals how to stop Messi including fake challenges and says Barca ace LIKED his horror red-card tackle

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      FILIPE LUIS has revealed how he used to stop Lionel Messi during his Atletico Madrid days.
      And the Brazilian reckons that his Argentine counterpart ‘liked’ being on the end of his horror tackles.

      Luis was shown a straight red card for his January 2016 challenge on MessiCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Brazilian enjoyed a number of tussles against his Argentine counterpartCredit: Splash News

      The former Chelsea full-back, now 35, has admitted his admiration for Messi – the ‘best player’ he has seen play.
      But he had an aggressive way of showing it.
      He hold the Mail: “One day I would like to ask Messi what it felt like playing against me.
      “I approached it as the most important game in my life against him because he was the best player I have seen play.

      “Messi had a thing – and I studied him a lot – that was very important. He improvises.
      “He doesn’t have the dribble in his mind before the ball gets to him.
      “He watches the defender’s movement and depending on your body position, he goes one way or the other. So first I tried not to let him receive the ball.
      “When he received with his back to me, there would be a hard challenge and because he’s so strong, so resistant, because he doesn’t go down looking for fouls, the foul is not given away.

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      “If he receives the ball facing you, one on one, it’s impossible because of that improvisation he has. You can’t plan for it, because he is watching you and can change.
      “I would fake to make one challenge, one side, to try to make him go the other way, where I really wanted him.”
      Luis, who now plies his trade for Flamengo after leaving Atletico in 2019, was red carded for a horror tackle on Messi during a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in January 2016.
      He continued: “There were games where I went too far in terms of aggression. I was sent off. But he never had a go at me for it; he never said anything. I think he liked it, I think he liked that kind of challenge.
      “In fact Barcelona called me [towards the end of his time at Atletico] so I think he must have liked my football. I’d like to know his opinion one day. My best games were always against Messi, for sure.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Barcelona and Brazil legend Ronaldinho’s mum Miguelina dies aged 71 after long battle with coronavirus

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      THE mother of Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has passed away due to complications arising from coronavirus, local media report.
      The ex-Barcelona star’s mother Miguelina was admitted to Mae de Deus Hospital in Porto Alegre in December after contracting Covid-19.

      Ronaldinho’s mum has passed away due to complications arising from coronavirusCredit: AFP – Getty

      Brazil is one of the worst-hit countries during the pandemic with over ten million positive cases and more than 245,000 deaths.
      Atletico Mineiro, whom Ronaldinho played for between 2012–2014, were one of the first to offer their condolences online.
      They wrote: “[The] club is mourning the death of Dona Miguelina.
      “It is with great sadness that Clube Atlético Mineiro receives the news of the death of Dona Miguelina, mother of @10Ronaldinho.

      “The Atleticana Family is in mourning and shares the moment of pain with their idol.
      “May God welcome you with open arms and comfort the heart of our eternal ace. Rest in peace, Dona Miguelina.”
      Ronaldinho, 40, revealed his mum had been taken to hospital before Christmas.
      He wrote: “Dear friends, my mother has Covid-19 and we are fighting so that she recovers soon.

      A Família Atleticana está de luto e compartilha com seu ídolo o momento de dor. Que Deus a receba de braços abertos e conforte o coração do nosso eterno craque.Descanse em paz, Dona Miguelina. pic.twitter.com/nY3DLoPF90
      — Atlético 😷 (@Atletico) February 21, 2021

      “She is in intensive care, receiving the best possible treatment. I would like to thank everyone in advance for all of the positive energy you always send. With love.
      “Stay strong Mum.”
      Sadly, after a couple of months fighting the virus Miguelina was unable to win her battle and passed away in Brazil on Saturday, local media say.

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      Man Utd pulled the plug on Thiago transfer as David Moyes didn’t know enough about him and then signed Fellaini

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were close to signing Bayern Munich star Thiago in 2013 but David Moyes vetoed it.
      Instead the Scot signed Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini on deadline day.

      David Moyes vetoed Man Utd’s signing of Thiago in 2013

      The Scot instead signed Marouane Fellaini from Everton

      Thiago ended up signing for Bayern where he has since won seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League.
      Whereas Fellaini only managed an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League title with United.
      Sir Alex Ferguson had set up a £17million deal to sign Thiago, 29, from Barcelona before his retirement, according to ESPN.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      But once he had left Old Trafford the decision fell to his replacement – and now West Ham manager – Moyes.
      Thiago was said to be keen on a Nou Camp exit in order to play first-team football.
      But Moyes reportedly shut the move down because he did not know enough about the Spanish international.
      The Scot had been told by United chiefs they were planning a mega move that summer – with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo being mentioned.

      And as a result he held off on giving the Thiago deal the green light.

      United reportedly attempted to sign Thiago’s Barca team-mate Cesc Fabregas instead but that move also fell through.
      So having missed out on several targets, Moyes was forced to raid his old club and sign Fellaini on the last day of the summer transfer window.
      Thiago made a belated move to the Premier League last summer, joining Liverpool in a £25million deal.

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      Valladolid 0 Real Madrid 1: Casemiro header wins it as depleted Los Blancos go just THREE points behind leaders Atletico

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      REAL MADRID went within three points of LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid thanks to a 1-0 win over Valladolid on Saturday.
      The capital rivals square off in just two weeks’ time in what could be a huge title decider.

      Casemiro struck a vital winner in the LaLiga title raceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Real Madrid went within three points of Atletico Madrid with the victoryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Earlier on, Atleti squandered the chance to re-energise their trophy claim when losing 2-0 at home to Levante.
      And Real seized the opportunity by taking all three points at Estadio Jose Zorrilla.
      Zinedine Zidane was without several key players including Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard and Sergio Ramos.
      But Los Blancos won a tight encounter thanks to a number of good saves by Thibaut Courtois and a second-half header from Casemiro.

      The Brazilian rose highest from a Toni Kroos free-kick to net his sixth goal of the campaign.
      With their fourth win in a row, Madrid went three points off Atletico, who have a game in hand, and six ahead of Barcelona, who are two games back before facing Cadiz on Sunday.
      Zidane said after the match that he could not risk Karim Benzema while the French striker recovers from an unspecified injury.
      Real will hope to have him fit for Wednesday’s trip to Atalanta and the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

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      Speaking after the win, Zidane told reporters: “We are good, we are achieving consistency with our results.
      “The whole team defends very well, with the ball we can do things. We travelled well and we have to rest well.
      “We are going to prepare for the game on Wednesday in the best possible way.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Atletico Madrid suffer shock defeat to Levante ahead of crunch Champions League clash with Chelsea on Tuesday

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      ATLETICO MADRID will face Chelsea on a sticky run of form following a 2-0 defeat to Levante on Saturday.
      Without Kieran Trippier and Stefan Savic, Diego Simeone’s side shot themselves in the foot after half an hour at the Wanda Metropolitano.

      Luis Suarez was unable to secure a win for LaLiga leaders Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Levante left the Spanish capital with all three points on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Geoffrey Kondogbia lost the ball on the 18-yard line to allow Jose Luis Morales a shot on goal.
      The veteran beat Jan Oblak with a powerful effort that arrowed in off the post, marking his 12th goal of the season.
      Luis Suarez, going into the game with seven goals in his last five, hit the post from a free-kick as Atleti chased a leveller.
      Simeone threw on Lyon loanee Moussa Dembele for his debut as well as Thomas Lemar, both having recovered from coronavirus.

      But Levante held firm and nabbed a second goal late on through Jorge de Frutos.
      With goalkeeper Oblak up for a 94th-minute corner, De Frutos intercepted a pass by his box and raced forward to the halfway line, before hitting the empty net with a long-range effort.
      The defeat left Atletico’s lead atop LaLiga at just six points, having used up their games in hand and with just one win in their last four.
      Los Colchoneros faced Levante twice in a week due to postponed fixtures earlier in the year, drawing 1-1 with the Valencians last Wednesday.

      This time El Comandante does give Levante the lead! 😱A deflection gave it a helping hand, but the visitors are 1-0 up against Atleti 👀 pic.twitter.com/197mIsJ78Z
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) February 20, 2021

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      Next up are Chelsea on Tuesday night in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.
      The Blues head into the Madrid match-up on good form and remain unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel, although they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Southampton.
      Coach Simeone stated his optimism that Atletico would get out of their rut and re-energise their title tilt.
      He told reporters: “These seasons are always the same, there are moments with difficulties.
      “It is the same for everyone. Those who are strong in bad moments are the ones who reach the goal.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      👀 Jan Oblak goes up for the Atletico Madrid corner in search of a stoppage time equaliser……and it leads to a second for Levante as Jorge de Frutos slots home from close to the halfway line 😱 pic.twitter.com/teRMaT9gkj
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) February 20, 2021

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      Everton eye Lucas Vazquez on free transfer as Real Madrid star ‘rejects new contract offer’ to stay at Bernabeu

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      EVERTON are reportedly interested in Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez ahead of the winger’s contract expiring.
      The LaLiga giants are set to undergo a huge squad overhaul in the summer but are said to have offered the 29-year-old a new deal.

      Lucas Vazquez has been a regular this season but could leave Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to Marca, talks are deadlocked with Madrid not wanting to increase the terms on the table due to the pandemic financial crisis.
      That could open the door to Vazquez leaving despite being one of Zinedine Zidane’s most trusted players for years.
      The Spaniard returned from a muscle injury to bag an assist in last week’s 2-0 win over Valencia.
      Reports in Spain name the Merseyside club as one of the sides monitoring his situation.

      Valencia are joined by Sevilla, Napoli and Everton in tracking Vazquez, as claimed by Todo Fichajes.
      Last year, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham were all linked with a bid.
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      The Toffees negotiated a deal with Real last summer for the transfer of James Rodriguez, which came without a fee.

      Real outcast Isco has also been touted for a move to Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
      Everton have put together a strong push for European football this season, ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
      Ancelotti may seek a new option down the right flank with Alex Iwobi and Rodriguez used in that role this season, with Vazquez also able to fill in at right-back.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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