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      Fernando Torres appointed Atletico Madrid B manager as ex-Chelsea and Liverpool star takes step up in coaching career

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      EX-CHELSEA striker Fernando Torres has been appointed Atletico Madrid B manager.
      The 36-year-old, who also played for Liverpool and AC Milan, has begun his managerial career at the club where he spent most of his playing days.

      Fernando Torres retired from playing in 2019

      Torres had returned to Atletico in September to take on a coaching role with the B team but has now got the main job.
      According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the club’s youngsters are said to be amazed by his training sessions.
      Torres started his career at Atletico, becoming captain at 19 before moving to Liverpool in 2007.
      He enjoyed lots of success at Anfield, scoring 65 Premier League goals and earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year in 2007/08 and 2008/09.

      The striker’s form persuaded Chelsea to spend £50million on him in January 2011, but he never lived up to his billing.
      He scored just 20 Premier League goals in three-and-a-half seasons with the Blues before being offloaded to Milan.
      The Spanish international lasted just half a season at the San Siro as he returned to Atletico in January 2015.
      He scored 38 times during his second spell at Madrid before moving to Japanese side Sagan Tosu in July 2018, retiring 13 months later.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Torres won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup during his spell with Chelsea but never lived up to his £50m transfer feeCredit: PA:Press Association

      Torres won plenty of trophies during his playing career, including the World Cup, Champions League and Euros twice.
      Several high-profile players have emerged from Atletico’s academy, including Torres, current captain Koke and David de Gea.
      And Torres may be on his way to landing Diego Simeone’s job in the future after claiming their relationship ‘blew up’ last year.

      Atletico Madrid terminate Diego Costa’s contract after striker demands to be let go More

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      Spanish press turn on Eden Hazard and question his role at Real Madrid in new low for the ex-Chelsea star

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      EDEN HAZARD has hit the headlines in Spain for all of the wrong reasons.
      The 30-year-old’s shocking spell of form continued during the 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

      The former Chelsea star failed to make an impact against Athletic Bilbao

      He failed to complete a single successful dribble during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final.
      The Real Madrid flop was eventually hauled off after 67 minutes by Zinedine Zidane.
      His disastrous display led several Spanish papers to plaster him on their front page and question his role within the team.
      Popular paper AS claimed ex-Chelsea star Hazard was ‘nowhere to be seen’ during the game.

      His performance was described as ‘disappointing’ and he was accused of ‘wasting’ possession.
      Meanwhile, Marca insisted Hazard wasted yet another chance to prove himself.
      The Spanish publication concluded: “The Belgian isn’t himself. He played more centrally and, although he was active, he went off for Vinicius and still needs to do more. ”
      Zidane has begged fans to ‘be patient’ with the Hazard as he is low on confidence.

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      Eden Hazard was slated for his poor performance during the defeat on Thursday

      The Bernabeu boss told reporters: “[Hazard] needs to recover confidence, play a great game or score a goal, just to do something different.
      “We know what a great player he is and we need to be patient with him as he is working hard.
      “We are behind him and we must give him time.
      “The fans want to see the best version of Eden so we must be patient.

      Eden Hazard was hauled off in the second half of the semi-final clashCredit: The Mega Agency
      “We’re sticking with him and he really wants to step up. But today it wasn’t just Eden, we’re all in this together.”
      Madrid signed Hazard from Chelsea in 2019 for a fee that could exceed £150million.
      Since his arrival, the Belgian superstar has scored just three times for Zidane’s side.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Eden Hazard’s spectacular training ground rabona More

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      Atletico Madrid ‘to renew transfer interest in Arsenal’s Lacazette’ with star’s relationship with Arteta ‘under strain’

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      ATLETICO MADRID are preparing to renew their interest in Alexandre Lacazette, according to reports.
      The LaLiga giants were heavily linked with the Frenchman last summer.

      Atletico Madrid could renew their interest in Alexandre Lacazette as questions loom over his relationship with Mikel ArtetaCredit: Reuters

      And now AS report Atleti – or even rivals Real Madrid – may look to capitalise on a ‘strained’ relationship between the striker and his Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to secure a deal.
      The report adds Lacazette is not thought to be part of the long-term plans in North London and could be sold as part of a ‘squad-clearing operation’ with Celtic ace Odsonne Edouard lined up as a potential replacement.
      Arsenal have already got rid of Sead Kolasinac this month with Sokratis and Mesut Ozil expected to follow suit.
      Lucas Torreira is already on loan at the Wanda Metropolitano but there was some bad blood between the two clubs last autumn when the Gunners triggered Thomas Partey’s release clause.

      However, Atletico may be willing to put that behind them to sign Lacazette.
      Diego Simeone is an admirer of the 29-year-old, who joined Arsenal in a then-record £52million deal in 2017.
      The Spanish side instead signed Luis Suarez at the beginning of the season but ripped up Diego Costa’s contract in December.
      Atletico have already landed Lyon striker Moussa Dembele on loan for the rest of the season.

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      But the extra firepower from Lacazette could be tempting.
      The 16-cap international – who has a club-high nine goals this season including four in his last four league games – is into the final 18 months of his Emirates contract.
      But the club have put extension negotiations on his £170,000-a-week deal on hold until the summer.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Lacazette is Arsenal’s top goalscorer this season with nine in all competitionsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Arteta says he is disappointed but thinks a draw is fair after Arsenal drew 0-0 to Crystal Palace More

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      Zidane begs Real Madrid fans to ‘be patient’ with misfiring Eden Hazard and admits ex-Chelsea star is low on confidence

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE was forced to defend Eden Hazard once again after Real Madrid were dumped out of the Supercopa de Espana.
      The Belgian produced another uninspiring performance in the 2-1 defeat by Athletic Bilbao and has scored just three goals in 18 months since signing from Chelsea in a deal that could exceed £150million.

      Eden Hazard failed to produce his trademark magic on Thursday nightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Zinedine Zidane defended his ailing star as Real Madrid exited the Supercopa de EspanaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      And Thursday’s limp outing led to Madrid boss Zidane admitting that the winger was low on confidence.
      The 48-year-old told reporters: “[Hazard] needs to recover confidence, play a great game or score a goal, just to do something different.
      “We know what a great player he is and we need to be patient with him as he is working hard.
      “We are behind him and we must give him time.

      “The fans want to see the best version of Eden so we must be patient.
      “We’re sticking with him and he really wants to step up. But today it wasn’t just Eden, we’re all in this together.”
      The Spanish press were again critical of 30-year-old Hazard.
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      The front page of Madrid-based daily Marca screamed ‘who roars first’ after Real’s timid exit.
      Their report describes Marco Asensio as the only bright spot on a damaging night for Zidane.
      AS added that Hazard is ‘going from bad to worse’ with Barcelona-based Mundo Deportivo pointing out that, statistically speaking, he didn’t attempt a single dribble of the ball.
      French newspaper L’Equipe asked ‘when will we see Eden’s danger again?’ while Belgian publication HLN called it a ‘shame’ that he was ‘unrecognisable’.

      Raul Garcia scored twice in the first-half to put Bilbao in command of the semi-final.
      Karim Benzema replied with a close-range finish before the offside flag ruled out his late equaliser.
      Athletic go on to play Barcelona in Sunday’s final in Spain’s version of the Community Shield, played out as a four-team competition in Malaga.

      Watch Real Madrid stars including Eden Hazard have snowball fight in training as club confirm Osasuna game to go ahead More

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      Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Thierry Henry up front and two Chelsea legends make ex-Barcelona star Belletti’s Perfect XI

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      A FRONT three of Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Thierry Henry would be fit to grace any all-time XI
      Especially when it has Ronaldinho and Andres Iniesta pulling the strings behind them!

      Belletti scored Barcelona’s winner in the 2006 Champions League final against ArsenalCredit: Bongarts – Getty

      Former Barcelona defender Juliano Belletti – scorer of the winner in the 2006 Champions League final and a few belters for Chelsea – has played with some of the biggest stars to grace the game.
      He told Four Four Two magazine what his Perfect XI of ex-team-mates would be.
      And it would take some beating…
      DIDA
      Belletti says: “I was a goalkeeper myself until I turned 15, so I know this position too. Dida possessed all the required elements of a world-class No.1.”

      GIANLUCA ZAMBROTTA
      “Zambrotta had the ideal balance between his offensive and defensive duties. It wasn’t easy to fight with him for a place in the Barcelona team.”
      JOHN TERRY
      “Terry’s technical ability was amazing. Bearing in mind that he faced great opponents every week, his consistency was outstanding.”
      CARLES PUYOL
      “Puyol shared several traits with Terry: speed, top tackling and being exceptional in the air, with a high level of competitiveness.”
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      Belletti (bottom left) was a Barca team-mate of Ronaldinho (top left) and Puyol (bottom right)Credit: Getty
      ROBERTO CARLOS
      “One of the most complete athletes sport has ever seen. It was difficult facing him in the many Clasicos that we played against each other – he demanded a lot from me.”
      CLAUDE MAKELELE
      “Claude transformed the holding midfielder position. He had the perfect combination of flawless positioning, tough tackling and excellent teamwork.”
      ANDRES INIESTA
      “I was lucky to see his development at Barça. It was beautiful to watch when he changed his mind in the middle of a movement, and how he could still execute it to perfection. He’s among the best players of all time and probably the greatest Spanish footballer ever.”
      RONALDINHO
      “I played with him throughout his two most magical Barça seasons. No other athlete did what he did: the best in the world, winning games for us… and always smiling!”
      LIONEL MESSI
      “It was a privilege to play with Messi during his beginning at Barcelona, and no one in sport has been able to maintain such a high level for 14 consecutive years.”

      RONALDO
      “Without all the injuries, Ronaldo could have been the greatest ever. What else can I say about someone who scored two goals in a World Cup final?”   
      THIERRY HENRY
      “I tell my kids to watch videos of him as much as possible. His technical ability was out of this world, and he was so competitive. Rarely do you witness someone like him at any time in history.”
      The latest issue of FourFourTwo is on sale now and has a run down of the 100 greatest players to have played in the Premier League, including exclusive interviews with David Ginola and Denis Irwin. To sign up for a FourFourTwo subscription starting at three issues for £3 visit www.magazinesdirect.com/fft/81at  

      Ronald Koeman all-but rules Barcelona out of La Liga title running after 1-1 draw with Eibar leaves them sixth in table More

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      James Rodriguez’s mysterious Everton transfer cleared up as Goodison chief Marcel Brands confirms he didn’t cost a penny

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      EVERTON confirmed they were able to sign James Rodriguez for free last summer, clearing up his mysterious transfer.
      The Colombian joined the Toffees from Real Madrid, finally ending his six-years with the Spanish club.

      Everton confirmed they were able to sign James Rodriguez for free Credit: Rex Features

      Director of football Marcel Brands said Rodriquez came with no transfer fee Credit: Getty – Contributor

      But confusion emerged following the move, with reports initially indicating that Rodriquez signed for £22million.
      That was until Argentine side Banfield – who had a stake in any profit from the sale – claimed the deal was done for nothing.
      Now, Everton’s director of football Marcel Brands revealed at their Annual General Meeting that the deal was in fact wrapped up with no fee.
      He said: “It was one of the most difficult and weirdest transfer windows ever. The pandemic was clearly involved in this transfer window.

      “We finished the window with a squad of 27 players – a little bit more than originally planned.
      “We signed six new players. Three on a permanent transfer – Allan, Doucoure and Ben Godfrey.
      “One on a free – James Rodriguez. One on a training compensation – Nkounkou. And one loan without a loan fee – Robin Olsen.”
      Everton spent £65m to bring in their new additions for the season under manager Carlo Ancelotti.

      And despite Rodriguez still having a year left on his Madrid contract, they managed to nab the playmaker for free.
      It left Banfield – who the 29-year-old played for between 2008-2010 – gutted as they were also left empty handed.
      The Argentine’s said in a statement obtained by Marca: “Unfortunately for the pass of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid to Everton, Banfield does not correspond to money. 
      ‘The transaction was made without cost, as if it were a free player.
      “The pertinent consultations have already been made to the two clubs involved and to the corresponding organisations. 
      “In all cases they confirmed to us that the club will not receive money as a solidarity mechanism.”
      Rodriquez, who had two year loan spell at Bayern Munich during his time with Madrid, made a flying start to his Everton career.
      He bagged three goals and three assists in his opening five games, but suffered injury in December.
      Since returning to the squad at the start of the new year, it has been steady going for the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner.
      But Rodriquez & Co currently sit fifth just outside the top four but only behind Manchester City and Leicester on goal difference. More

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      Luka Jovic returns to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan transfer until end of season after nightmare Real Madrid start

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      LUKA JOVIC has escaped his Real Madrid nightmare after joining Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the rest of the season.
      The 23-year-old forward has returned to his former club, who have an option to buy, after a miserable period in Spain.

      Luka Jovic has escaped from his Real Madrid nightmareCredit: Reuters

      The Serb has returned to Frankfurt on loan for the rest of the season

      He caught the attention of Europe’s big guns with an impressive 36 goals in 75 appearances on loan at Frankfurt to help fire them to the DFB Cup in 2018.
      Wolves and Chelsea were just two of those linked with a swoop for the Serbian hotshot.
      It was Madrid who won the race for his signature as he joined them on a six-year contract in a whopping £58million move from Benfica in the summer of 2019.
      But Jovic has netted just twice in 32 games since his arrival at the LaLiga champions.

      And his problems have not only been on the pitch in Spain.
      He landed himself in hot water in his homeland last year for allegedly breaking lockdown rules back in March.
      Serbian prosecutors were demanding that he be sentenced to six months in jail for ‘not complying with health protocols after his return from Spain’.
      Jovic was believed to have travelled from Madrid to Belgrade in order to visit his then pregnant girlfriend Sofija Milosevic.

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      Jovic has barely featured for Madrid this term

      Pictures circulated on social media of the couple supposedly walking the streets of Serbia’s capital city.
      According to his father Milan, the snaps were actually taken in Spain, but he did admit that his son had returned to his native country.
      Now he will be hoping to put all of the issues from the past 18 months behind him as the ex-Red Star Belgrade ace looks to re-ignite his career.

      The star found himself in hot water after allegedly visiting his girlfriend Sofija Milosevic in lockdownCredit: Instagram

      Luka Jovic gives stunning Wag a cheeky wink as Real Madrid ace keeps fit isolating with Serbian model Sofija Milosevic More

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      Man Utd revenue down almost 20 per cent as Europe’s elite clubs lose more than £1BN due to coronavirus crisis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S revenue dropped almost 20 per cent as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
      And 20 of Europe’s elite football clubs lost more than £1billion combined as the financial impact on the beautiful game became clearer.

      KPMG Football Benchmark’s The European Champions Report revealed the shocking figures for the 2019-20 season.
      Published this month, it highlights how clubs fared while dealing with the global pandemic.
      And United were among the worst hit of the 20 sampled clubs – as Ed Woodward anticipated last year.
      The Old Trafford side saw their operating revenues fall to £516million, a drop of 18.5 per cent.

      Fellow English sides Liverpool turned over £496m (7.9 per cent drop) and Tottenham took in £408m (12.3 per cent) as they took a slightly softer blow.
      However, Scottish champions Celtic’s revenue dropped by 15.5 per cent.
      From the 20 clubs, Porto came out worst with a staggering 50.5 per cent drop with Roma second on 39.3 per cent.
      Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla were the only two sides to see their revenue increase.

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      The Germans’ went up 0.6 per cent while the LaLiga outfit’s rose by 6.3 per cent.
      PSG (15 per cent), Barcelona (15.7 per cent) and Juventus (13.4 per cent) all saw similar drops in their operating revenues – but the Nou Camp giants still took in more revenue than any other club with £630m.
      Six teams registered net profits last season – Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Real Madrid, Benfica as well as the two European champions Bayern Munich and Sevilla.
      Out of those, Benfica’s was the biggest with a £37m gain.
      At the other end of the spectrum, Roma and AC Milan had the biggest net losses with £181m and £173m respectively.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Barcelona saw their revenue drop by 15.7 per cent last seasonCredit: Reuters

      Sevilla registered an increase in revenue from the year before and managed a net profitCredit: AFP or licensors

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

      Man Utd legend Gary Neville admits he’s getting ‘carried away’ as he shares hilarious video after Burnley win More