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      Watch baffled Porto boss Conceicao leave press conference after just 50 seconds as NOBODY asks question after Juve win

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      PORTO manager Sergio Conceicao was left baffled as NOBODY asked him a question after his side’s stunning win against Juventus.
      It meant the post-match press conference on Zoom lasted just 50 seconds, with Conceicao getting up and leaving.

      Porto manager Sergio Conceicao was left baffled after NOBODY asked a question after their win against Juventus

      After initially sitting down, the press officer asked: “OK. Good evening for all of you following us through Zoom. Any questions?”
      Following a moments of silence, he said: “For those of you following through Zoom, I would like you to pose your questions.
      “I can’t see any requests now.”
      Amazingly, despite Serie A champions Juve having been dumped out of the Champions League, not one question was asked.

      Losing patience, the press officer added: “That’s it? Well? Any questions? That’s it then, let’s go.”
      Despite the bizarre presser, it was still a memorable night for Porto, who progressed into the quarter-finals on away goals and with ten men.
      The Portuguese giants came into the return tie 2-1 ahead and added to their lead after 19 minutes as Sergio Oliveira opened the scoring.
      Juve hit back, though, as a double from Federico Chiesa took the game into extra-time.

      Goals, a red card, a Sergio Oliveira free-kick and plenty of extra-time drama for ten-man Porto…Juventus vs. Porto in 60 seconds! 😅 pic.twitter.com/VLdS78AYYk
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 10, 2021

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      But Porto did so with a man down, after Mehdi Taremi was sent off after a second yellow for kicking the ball away, deemed a time wasting offence.
      Despite the disadvantage, the visiting side remarkably scored again in added time with Oliveira doubling his tally through a pile-driving free-kick.
      Midfielder Adrien Rabiot pulled one back just minutes later but it was too little too late, as Porto’s fight back and resilience paid off.
      Despite the five-goal thriller, and red card drama, still no one saw fit to address the mastermind behind the upset, Conceicao, afterwards.

      Porto celebrate knocking Juventus out of the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP or licensors

      Sergio Conceicao congratulates his players after the upsetCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Juve in crisis with Euro hopes dashed, title bid fading, financial hole that could see Ronaldo leave & Pirlo facing sack

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      CAPELLO called it a ‘gift’… Del Piero demanded ‘change’… Pirlo called out ‘mistakes’…
      This isn’t the way Juventus are supposed to be.

      Andrea Pirlo faces a huge fight to turn around Juventus’ fortunesCredit: Reuters

      Cristiano Ronaldo came in for sharp criticism after the Porto defeatCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The Old Lady fell to a shock exit in the Champions League last-16 for the second year in a row and the reaction of players, club legends and the press was damning.
      Italian daily Corriere dello Sport described Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘betrayal’ of the team. For Il Mattino, the exit ‘puts everything into question’. Libero described it as a ‘failure of the club management’.
      Any club boasting the grandeur of the Bianconeri will react badly to every defeat but Tuesday night’s away goals exit appeared to neatly summarise the all-encompassing issues facing the club today.
      It was telling how Ronaldo transitioned from being the inescapable protagonist of the European knockout stages to the flimsiest component of the wall that collapsed for Porto’s de facto winner.

      The 36-year-old arguably secured his move to Turin by belting a godly overhead kick past Gianluigi Buffon in the 2018 quarter-finals.
      It was the sort of moment that built his amazing Real Madrid legacy but a first-year hat-trick past old foes Atletico Madrid stands as his only tie-winning contribution in the knockouts for Juventus.
      Criticism of Ronaldo’s weak display on Tuesday was inevitable and talk has naturally turned towards his exit.
      The winger still has another season to run on his contract and the club may well put off any difficult decisions for as long as possible.

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      Wednesday’s Corriere dello Sport front page highlighted the ‘betrayal’ by Ronaldo

      La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote of ‘another disaster’ in the Champions League
      They will know that it is currently inconceivable that the team would be better without Ronaldo than with him.
      This season’s tally of 27 strikes in 32 appearances actually represents his best goals-per-games ratio of his three years with Juventus.
      The problem is that no one else is regularly scoring and would Pirlo be wise to reduce Ronaldo’s influence to try and squeeze more out of Alvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala and Dejan Kulusevski?
      The coach is another man being subjected to a stern probation period and he could get away with only winning the Supercoppa and Coppa Italia, were Juve to beat Atalanta in May’s final.
      But that position is always vulnerable to review after such a loss, despite reports beforehand that the club would stick with him no matter what.
      And what of Andrea Agnelli?
      The chairman so busily touting his club’s entitlement to a place in the European Super League that he may have missed that Juve’s recent conquerors would have decidedly not made the cut.
      Indeed, the club’s recent European record is anything but ‘Super’ – yet could be worth every penny for Amazon’s upcoming docu-series.

      Against two Champions League final appearances under old coach Massimiliano Allegri, the Bianconeri have otherwise made it to the last-four only once in over 20 years.
      Perhaps Agnelli is so keen to ensure the inflation of another cash cow to bolster against the financial doom threatening the Old Lady.
      Pretty much every club has found the going extremely tough in the pandemic but every one of Juventus’ revenue streams fell last year with debt topping £300million.
      Player sales have been vital to cash flow but that well can only dig so deep without seriously affecting the team.
      Throughout the past decade, the club has been able to rely on the Scudetto for reassurance and even that has disappeared this year.
      Inter Milan, a club themselves clouded in a sense of perpetual crisis, sit ten points ahead with AC Milan popping into second place.

      The old accusations that Juventus were failing in Europe because they were finding domestic life too easy have been tested, and failed.
      Perhaps this has all arrived at the perfect moment, forcing the club to hold off its insatiable desire for instant gratification to rebuild around the youth of Pirlo, Weston McKennie, Federico Chiesa and more.
      That may well mean a couple of years without silverware and, heaven forbid, the weakening of Agnelli’s Super League claim.
      But the first step to making a big change for a better tomorrow is always acceptance.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Max Allegri rejected Arsenal and Chelsea manager jobs due to family problems, reveals ex-Juventus boss’ pal

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      MAX ALLEGRI rejected the managerial jobs at Arsenal and Chelsea due to family problems, a friend revealed.
      The former Juventus boss also turned down approaches from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

      Max Allegri turned down Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and PSG as he dealt with family issuesCredit: Reuters

      Allegri, 53, has been out of work since May 2019 when he left Juventus after securing a fifth Serie A title in a row.
      And the Italian’s mentor Giovanni Galeone told Radio Kiss Kiss why he remains without a job – but revealed Allegri is now ready to get back into the game.
      Galeone – whose own managerial career spanned 32 years and 16 teams – said: “The reason is simple: due to some serious family problems with his mother, he had to say no to major clubs. 
      “Max has said no to Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid. Now he wants to go back and he wants a first-class club. He also rejected PSG.

      “He rejected Real because he had previously declined the clubs already mentioned. I said to him: ‘But how can you reject such an important club?’
      “Max’s response surprised me: ‘I’m not a clown. If I said no to other clubs, I can’t accept another offer after only ten days, I’m not a clown.’
      “Allegri is an honest man, a gentleman and a great professional.”
      Chelsea were looking for Maurizio Sarri’s replacement in the summer of 2019 – with the Italian taking over from Allegri at Juventus – before appointing Frank Lampard while Mikel Arteta came in following Unai Emery’s dismissal at Arsenal at the end of the year.

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      Real Madrid brought Zinedine Zidane back in March 2019 and the Frenchman remains in the Bernabeu dugout.
      PSG had Thomas Tuchel in charge between August 2018 and his sacking in December with Mauricio Pochettino now at the club.
      Now that Allegri is apparently itching to get back in the hot seat, speculation will no doubt rise surrounding his next club.
      The former AC Milan boss will no doubt want a major European side while Napoli could be looking for a new boss if they fail to qualify for the Champions League and axe under-pressure Gennaro Gattuso.
      Galeone added: “President Aurelio De Laurentiis loves Max very much and I know for sure there is mutual respect.
      “It would be a great idea to have [ex-Napoli boss Rafa] Benitez as technical or general manager.
      “The Napoli bench is an important bench and Max wants to return only to an important bench.”

      The Gunners appointed Mikel Arteta as boss following Frank Lampard’s return to Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Massimiliano Allegri shows off amazing skill on the touchline as Juventus beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League More

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      Juventus chief says Cristiano Ronaldo contract renewal is ‘not a priority’ despite fears over star’s future

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      JUVENTUS do not see contract talks with Cristiano Ronaldo as a ‘priority’, sparking fresh doubts over the superstar’s future.
      The Portuguese winger has a year left on his £560,000-a-week deal in Turin, but the club has been bitten hard by the pandemic financial crisis.

      Cristiano Ronaldo suffered a rare bad night in the Champions League versus PortoCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Reports of a potential sale have persisted in recent months and may come to a head in the summer.
      Juventus managing director Fabio Paratici discussed the 36-year-old’s future following the team’s shock exit from the Champions League.
      He told reporters: “Fortunately, there is still a year on Ronaldo’s contract, so we have time to talk to him.
      “That’s not a priority right now.”

      Cuts are reportedly set to start in the coming months and Ronaldo has been described as more dispensable than younger stars such as Matthijs de Ligt.
      Tuesday’s exit at the hands of Porto meant the forward has once again failed to land the Champions League in Italy.

      THIS IS TRULY INCREDIBLE!!!!Sérgio Oliveira scores for 10-man Porto and the visitors are on the brink of going through!WHAT. A. GAME! pic.twitter.com/PkUAlrfxd5
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 9, 2021

      Ronaldo was a bystander for much of the game, sensationally turning his back on Sergio Oliveira’s free-kick that beat the wall and sent the Portuguese side into the quarter-finals.
      His performance was a far cry from the typically decisive star usually seen at this stage of the competition.

      But, over the season as a whole, he has remained very much in the goals.
      A tally of 27 strikes in 32 appearances actually represents his best goals-per-games ratio of his three seasons with Juventus.
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      Yet the Bianconeri have now suffered their second last-16 exit in a row and hold a ten-point disadvantage in the Serie A title race.
      Speaking after the 4-4 away goals defeat, coach Andrea Pirlo said: “When [Ronaldo] plays he usually gives us a 1-0 headstart.
      “But it also happens that a player like him fails to score. It also happens to champions.
      “He gave his contribution by doing what he had to do. It is a pity that we didn’t manage to qualify.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club

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      Man Utd transfer boost with Bayern Munich NOT in Kalidou Koulibaly transfer race as Napoli ‘slash fee to just £39m’

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      BAYERN MUNICH have cleared the way for Manchester United to sign Kalidou Koulibaly by reportedly pulling out of the transfer race.
      The Napoli star has long been linked with the two teams, as well as Manchester City and other top clubs.

      Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly not heading to Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In previous years, the Serie A outfit have demanded a fee in the region of £90million, successfully deterring a sale of the star player.
      However, earlier this month reports in Italy suggested a deal could be cut at around £39m.
      Interest could be sparked by Napoli’s apparent desire to cash in and cut their wage bill, with Bayern once again linked initially.
      Yet, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga giants are not working on a deal.

      Munich have already signed up RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano for next season.
      But Premier League side United remain on the hunt for defensive reinforcements.
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      Koulibaly is among those to have been linked and was recently said to favour a move to Old Trafford.

      MEN yesterday named Pau Torres as another talent being eyed, with Manchester City providing competition for the Villarreal ace.
      Raphael Varane remains a frequent fixture in gossip columns, ahead of a crucial summer of contract discussions with Real Madrid.
      And Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is reportedly wanted by the Red Devils, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, for a fee of around £60m.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Inter Milan offered £20m new shirt sponsorship deal by porn company Stripchat with 30-year Pirelli contract ending

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      INTER MILAN have been offered a £20million new shirt sponsorship deal by porn company Stripchat with their 30-year Pirelli contract ending.
      The Italian giants have enjoyed an iconic partnership with the tyre company, earning around £10m-a-year from the deal.

      Inter Milan’s 30-year Pirelli contract is coming to an endCredit: Rex Features

      Inter Milan have been offered a £20m new shirt sponsorship deal by porn company StripchatCredit: Stripchat

      But in early March it was revealed the deal will not be extended beyond the current season.
      It brings to an end one of the most recognidable partnerships in football – dating back to the 1995-96 season.
      The famous black and blue stripes with the Pirelli logo has been worn by the likes of Adriano, Javier Zanetti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic over the years.
      Jose Mourinho’s 2010 Champions League winners had the famous sponsorship.

      Now, adult webcam company Stripchat are looking to become the Serie A leaders’ new sponsor.
      They sent a proposal to Inter, who are currently facing financial woes.
      The Italian giants are reportedly chasing a £146m cash injection to ensure they can compete next season.
      A raft of expensive transfers and the coronavirus pandemic have combined to create a financial black hole at the Italian club.

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      According to the Financial Times, majority shareholders Suning Holdings have so far unsuccessfully negotiated a possible investment with a number of firms.
      Suning owned Chinese Super League champions Jiangsu FC ‘ceased operations’ this week after failing to find new buyers.
      Suning have reportedly discussed either selling a portion of their stake in Inter, potentially at a loss, or a full takeover with a number of firms.
      The Serie A side are thought to be valued at around £785m by the group with BC Partners leaning closer to £650m.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness leaves Juventus star Danilo stunned as he says 36-year-old can play on ‘as long as he wants’

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      JUVENTUS defender Danilo has declared Cristiano Ronaldo can play on ‘as long as he wants’ as he waxed lyrical over his team-mates fitness levels.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 36, revealed last year that he plans to carry on competing at the highest level until the age of 40.

      Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shine at the age of 36Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      It was a statement echoed by Portugal boss Fernando Santos who confirmed they are his intentions as he too insisted the forward will call time on his career when he wants.
      Ronaldo continues to show no signs of slowing down having fired in 27 goals in 31 games in all competitions this term.
      And Danilo – who also played alongside the ex-Manchester United ace at Real Madrid – has stated it is an honour to be part of the same dressing room as him.
      He told Marca: “I played with Cristiano Ronaldo for two years at Real Madrid and now at Juventus.

      “Many follow him from a distance and I am honoured to be part of his story.
      “Seeing him work every day scoring goals and his ambition to win is incredible.”
      Commenting on what is the limit for Ronaldo, Danilo added: “He makes the limits.
      “As long as he continues with this motivation, I can’t see any limits for him. You can go on as long as you want.

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      Danilo has praised the fitness levels of Ronaldo after declaring he can play on for as long as he wantsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Physically he is incredible, he is 36-years-old and plays every game.
      “He does not rest and doesn’t want to either, he is unique.”
      Ronaldo reportedly faces being put up for sale by the Old Lady in the summer in their attempt to raise funds after being hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
      He has failed to help Juve win a first Champions League since 1996, with the club in danger of crashing out at the hands of Porto.
      The Portuguese side take a 2-1 lead going into the Round of 16 second leg in Turin on Tuesday after shocking the Italian outfit last month.

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      Man Utd ‘in shock Matthijs de Ligt transfer swoop’ with Juventus defender eyed to partner Harry Maguire next season

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly set to make a summer move for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.
      The Red Devils were keen on signing the centre-back before his £67.5million move from Ajax in July 2019.

      Manchester United have reportedly renewed their interest in Juventus’ Matthijs de LigtCredit: ALAMY

      Manchester United were interested in signing Matthijs de Ligt when he was at AjaxCredit: Reuters

      And according to reports, they’re set to renew their interest in the 21-year-old in the summer.
      Spanish outlet Todofichajes claim the Old Trafford club have made signing the centre-half their ‘top priority’.
      It’s said the United brass have opted to pursue De Ligt’s signature after deciding against moves for Real Madrid duo Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
      United’s long-term pursuit of the Netherlands international could be aided by Juventus’ need to balance their books.

      Like many clubs across the globe, the Italian champions have suffered massive financial losses during the coronavirus pandemic.
      And offloading their coveted centre-back could be one way for them to begin offsetting their losses.
      However, calciomercato.com recently reported that Juventus would rather sell alternative star assets than De Ligt.
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      De Ligt has made 60 appearances for the Old Lady since his move from Amsterdam.
      The youngster has been further learning his trade alongside veteran centre-backs Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
      De Ligt is thoroughly enjoying life in Turin and taking in the veteran defenders’ wealth of knowledge and experience.
      He told The Telegraph: “I’m where I want to be and where I can learn as much as possible.

      Matthijs de Ligt joined Juventus in the summer of 2019 and has made 60 appearances for the Old LadyCredit: Gett

      Matthijs de Light is enjoying learning from the likes of Leonardo BonucciCredit: EPA

      “There are experienced guys – [Giorgio] Chiellini, Bonucci – but also a goalkeeper like Buffon and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      “We all have our different characteristics and I do not try and copy them but I look at Ronaldo and see what he does, how he stays fit all the time.
      “I ask for tips, for advice. What I have also learnt is that I need to do things that are good for me. In the end you find your own rhythm.”
      De Ligt and his Juve team-mates will be back in action this evening, welcoming Portuguese giants Porto to the Allianz Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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