Tag Archives: psg

Arsene Wenger dismisses PSG contract offer story, says it is ‘fake news’.

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Under-pressure Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger dismissed as “fake news” reports that Paris Saint-Germain had offered him a two-year deal at the French champions.

The Frenchman is facing a fan backlash at Arsenal after a rotten run of form and British tabloid The Sun said on Monday that PSG had offered him a contract to replace Unai Emery this summer.

Wenger, who has reportedly decided to stay at Arsenal despite mounting pressure to quit, told beIN Sports of the PSG link: “It’s a false rumour, it’s ‘fake news’. I say formally: it is not true.”

“I know what I’ll do in my future, so you will know very soon,” he told reporters.

British media subsequently said Wenger, who has been in charge at Arsenal since 1996, was set to sign a new contract.

VIDEO: PSG players filmed discussing a possible Champions League exit before defeat to Barca

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Paris Saint-Germain quartet Marco Verratti, Blaise Matuidi, Thomas Meunier and Julian Draxler feared a monumental collapse against Barcelona despite heading to the Nou Camp with a 4-0 lead.

Prior to Wednesday’s game, no Champions League team had ever overturned a first leg deficit of more than three goals. But Barcelona broke that record against the Ligue 1 champions, scoring three times in the final seven minutes to complete a sensational comeback.

PSG’s 4-0 lead should have given them confidence heading to Spain, but it has now emerged that not even that advantage was enough for them to banish their fears prior to the match.

In a video shot before the second leg, Verratti, Matuidi, Meunier and Draxler were filmed discussing their previous experiences of blowing first leg leads against big sides.

“The first 20 minutes is going to be tough,” said Matuidi. “The pitch is huge. When Neymar has the ball, you’re always one-on-one.”

Draxler interjected: “Last year with Wolfsburg, we won [against Real Madrid] 2-0 at home. After 20 minutes in the Bernabeu, it was 2-0 to Real. Then, in the 80th minute, Ronaldo scored – 3-0.”

He added: “I think the coach and the team were afraid because we didn’t attack.”

Recalling PSG’s collapse against Chelsea, Matuidi added: “It was the same with us against Chelsea. We won 3-1 at home. You think ‘it’s all good, we are qualified’. When we landed there I think we were afraid, we didn’t attack. [We lost] 2-0. Eliminated.”

In the end, Wednesday’s result eclipsed all previous European collapses, and PSG’s players were treated to a volley of abuse when they landed back in the French capital.

A statement from the club read: “On Wednesday night, upon their return from Barcelona, the Paris Saint-Germain players were confronted and threatened by several individuals at Bourget Airport, despite the club and authorities reinforcing security.

“These individuals verbally insulted the players before vandalising their cars. Several vehicles were damaged.

“In this extremely hostile and aggressive climate, all vehicles were escorted to ensure the safe passage of the players, their families and club staff members. One individual was struck by a car trying to escape the crowd that was physically threatening the players and their families.

“A police investigation is under way to establish exactly what happened.

“The club, and all those present, have informed the investigators of their readiness to help the investigation, to get to the bottom of this regrettable incident.

“The club strongly condemns the actions and behaviour of the individuals in question.”

My performance against PSG remains the best of my career – Neymar

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Neymar described his two-goal display as the “best game” of his career as he inspired the greatest comeback in Champions League history Barcelona thrashed Paris Saint-Germain 6-1.

The Catalans became the first side to come back from a 4-0 first leg deficit as Neymar scored twice in the final two minutes and then teed up a 95th-minute winner by Sergi Roberto to reach the quarter-finals 6-5 on aggregate.

“This is the best game I have ever played. For what it meant, for what we experienced and because I am in great form,” the Brazilian told BeIN Sports.

However, the Spanish champions looked down and out when Edison Cavani volleyed home what seemed to be the clinching away goal for PSG.

“Before… we believed and now even more,” Neymar added on Barca’s chances winning a sixth Champions League.

“When they scored the goal we had a little dip but then there was the fourth and the penalty. We concentrated and Sergi’s goal came.

“I know that we have made history. A team like this can do anything. The game was lost and we went out to play without pressure and with joy, throwing everything forward.”

Barca boss Luis Enrique announced last week that he will leave the club at the end of the season after he was heavily criticised following their 4-0 humiliation in Paris three weeks ago.

And Enrique took the chance to round on his critics as he thanked the “faith” of the Barca players and fans.

“First we had the mourning and that was especially hard on one person,” he said.

“This victory is dedicated to all Barca fans, but especially those that had faith in their team even after a day in which they were clearly outplayed by a team like PSG.”

– Baby boom –
Defender Gerard Pique even predicted a baby boom in the Catalan capital set off by Roberto’s outstretched right leg sparking delirium among nearly 100,000 at the Camp Nou.

“I would say to the hospitals of Barcelona to hire nurses. Tonight people will make a lot of love,” said Pique, the partner of Colombian pop star Shakira.

“It’s a miracle. We are in the quarters, which was the objective before it got a lot more complicated in Paris,” said Pique.

“We never stopped believing, even the fans, who are normally the most pessimistic. It seems this new generation believes in the team more.

“We have done it all together and that helps a lot.”

Despite Neymar, Suarez and Messi’s heroics, it was Roberto who proved to be Barca’s unlikely hero as he choose the perfect time to score his first goal of the season.

“I threw myself at it with everything,” said the Spanish international.

“We left Paris very down and now this is incredible. We were prepared for all this. The fans were like 10 extra players and in the end this is all for them.”

And Enrique confessed he had questioned why Roberto doesn’t find the net with more regularity.

“I saw him score a lot of goals in the youth team and it is always a joke between us ‘why doesn’t Sergi Roberto score?’ And then he scores tonight,” added Enrique.

“This sport is indescribable.”

 

Source: AFP

Arsenal got Bayern again. See the Champions League Draw [Full List] #UCLDraw

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Arsenal will meet Bayern Munich while defending champions Real Madrid take on SS Napoli in the round of 16 of 2016/2017 UEFA Champions League.

The draws, held at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday saw Bayern Munich drawn against Arsenal.

Arsenal met Bayern Munich in the round of 16 in the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons with the Bundesliga champions emerging victorious on both occasions.

Paris Saint-Germain will take on Barcelona, while English Premier League champions Leicester will square off against Sevilla.

FC Porto will face Serie A champions Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Benfica will go head-to-head while AS Monaco will take on Manchester City.

The first legs of the round of 16 will take place on the 14th,15th, 21st and 22nd of February, 2017.

The pairings

AS Monaco Vs Manchester City

Arsenal Vs Bayern Munich

FC Porto Vs Juventus

Bayern Leverkusen Vs Atletico Madrid

PSG Vs FC Barcelona

Sevilla Vs Leicester

Real Madrid Vs Napoli

Benfica Vs Dortmund

Aurier to m=Miss PSG’s Clash against Arsenal After Being Banned from Entering UK

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Serge Aurier will miss PSG’s Champions League clash with Arsenal after British authorities banned the right-back from entering the country.

The Ivory Coast international was sentenced to two months in prison in September for elbowing a police officer, though the punishment was suspended and Aurier has launched an appeal.

PSG have issued a strongly-worded statement regarding the matter, insisting that they are “stunned by the incomprehensible situation”, having claimed that British authorities initially granted Aurier an entry visa in October.

However, they claim that the authorities have performed a sudden U-turn, citing his conviction, which PSG insist they declared.

The French club have claimed that the ruling shows a “flagrant lack of respect for the club” as they prepare for a crunch European encounter.

The statement reads: “Due to a sudden about-face by the British authorities, Serge Aurier has not been allowed to travel with Unai Emery’s squad for the clash away to Arsenal. Paris Saint-Germain is stunned by this incomprehensible situation that attacks the very integrity of the UEFA Champions League.

“After an initial application on 18 October, complete with all the necessary documents, the British authorities had originally granted Paris Saint-Germain’s Côte d’Ivoire international an entry visa to the UK on 21 October. However, on 16 November, his visa was finally revoked by the British Ministry of the Interior, who justified their about-face by citing Aurier’s conviction on 30 September, 2016. Paris Saint-Germain had, in all transparency, informed the British authorities of this conviction, as well as Aurier’s appeal against this decision (and the legal suspension of the ruling) from the outset.

“The club has argued several times that since the player has launched a legal appeal against the criminal ruling, he is therefore entitled to the presumption of innocence, as any other person exercising their right to appeal.

“Paris Saint-Germain strongly regrets that the presumption of innocence has not influenced Britain’s decision. On several occasions, UEFA has also transmitted its total support of Paris Saint-Germain to the British authorities regarding this case, in order to preserve the integrity of its competitions.

“The club also deplores that the final decision of the British authorities was only communicated at 14:00 CET on Tuesday, despite the club working for the last six days to find a solution to enable our player to travel with his teammates to London. Paris Saint-Germain considers this extremely tardive response as a flagrant lack of respect for the club, given that its player could have been training with the team just hours later at Emirates Stadium.

“In the face of this decision, albeit difficult to understand in respect to European law, Paris Saint-Germain, who had planned to travel to London with its strongest possible squad, invites its fans to be more united than ever, in support of their club.”

Arsenal and PSG have both taken 10 points from four Champions League games thus far this season, and the winner of Wednesday’s fixture may well decide the winners of Group A.

Verratti: I’m Open To Premier League Move But Barcelona’s Interest Is Flattering

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The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder stresses that he is happy at Parc des Princes but would consider a new league and is appreciative of the Catalan giants’

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti says that the Premier League would be an option for him if he were to leave the French club.

The Italy international is on Barcelona’s wishlist for 2016 after some impressive performances for the Ligue 1 champions and admits that he admires the Catalans’ style of play.

Asked by Goal if England might suit him, Verratti stressed his happiness at Parc des Princes but confirmed his openness to a challenge overseas.

“You never know what the future brings,” he remarked. “I am fine where I am now and I am not thinking about a transfer.

“I will consider my options the day I no longer feel good at PSG or when the club wants to sell me but England, Spain and Italy are all options. What matters most is the project.”

Verratti’s agent has previously indicated that the midfielder would relish the chance to play for Barca and the 22-year-old confessed his admiration for the Spanish champions.

Source -goal.com

Official: Paris Saint-Germain Sign Di Maria From Manchester United

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Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of Angel Di Maria from Manchester United.

The Argentina international has penned a four-year contract with the Ligue 1 champions, just 12 months after arriving at Old Trafford from Real Madrid.

United paid Los Blancos a British-record £59.7 million for Di Maria but, despite making a flying start to his Old Trafford career, the winger fell out of favour with manager Louis van Gaal over the course of the 2014-15 campaign. 

http://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/629276134656577536/photo/1

After being given an extended summer break following his exertions at this summer’s Copa America in Chile, Di Maria ultimately failed to join up with United on their pre-season tour of the United States. 

The 27-year-old subsequently travelled to Qatar to undergo a medical with PSG on Tuesday and has now sealed his €60 million switch to the Parc des Princes. 

“I am very proud, and can’t wait to wear the colours of Paris Saint-Germain,” Di Maria told his new club’s official website on Thursday.

“I want to win every competition we enter, both in France and Europe. I want to win the Champions League, which is a dream for all footballers, for a second time. 

“We will do everything we can to bring Europe’s biggest trophy to France and the fans of Paris Saint-Germain.”

Meanwhile, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was understandably delighted at having finally acquired a player that the capital club courted last summer.

“We are very proud that Angel Di Maria has chosen Paris Saint-Germain,” he added. “He is an incredibly talented player, with frightening speed and ability to beat opposition players. 

“He adds his name to the club’s strong South American community and, above all, the big Paris Saint-Germain family.

“By signing Angel Di Maria, Paris Saint-Germain is once again showing the club’s constant ambition to reach the summits of the European game.”

Angel Di Maria Will Always Regret Failing At Man United, Says Rio Ferdinand

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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Paris Saint-Germain-bound winger Angel Di Maria will regret his failure at Old Trafford.

Di Maria, 27, is on the brink of joining PSG after he was pictured in Doha for a reported medical in the Qatari capital on Monday ahead of a £44.5 million move.

The Argentina international’s imminent switch to the French champions comes just 12 months on from his record £59.7 million move to Manchester, where he failed to settle in Louis van Gaal’s side despite enjoying a bright start to life at Old Trafford.

And Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles with United, said Di Maria’s reputation has been tarnished forever.

“He will now always have on his CV that he was a failure at Man United,” Ferdinand told ESPN FC at a BT Sport media event.

“As a professional, I wouldn’t want something like that on my record. If I could rectify it by staying and trying to prove myself, I would have done that.

“As a fan, I would have liked for him to stay there and prove he can perform for Man United. That is what we all wanted to see when the club paid so much for him last summer, but that isn’t happening, it seems.

“I can understand why some fans are disappointed that he is leaving so soon, but this is a business.

“United may have looked at it this summer and Van Gaal has probably come to the conclusion that he doesn’t fit into his system for whatever reason. At that point, you have to cash in.”

Di Maria made just 32 appearances in all competitions for United last season, scoring four goals and providing 12 assists.

Paris Racism Victim To Lodge Complaint Against Chelsea Fans

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The victim of a racist incident involving Chelsea football fans in the Paris métro earlier this week did not know the scene had been filmed and has told French daily Le Parisien he will lodge an official complaint with police.

“I don’t speak a word of English … but it was clear to me they [Chelsea football fans] were picking on me because of the colour of my skin,” the victim, identified by Le Parisien as Souleymane, 33, said.

The Paris prosecutor’s office has started an investigation to find the people responsible for chanting: “We’re racist and that’s the way we like it” as they pushed Souleymane and prevented him from boarding a Paris métro train on Tuesday evening.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has since apologised for the shockingly racist action apparently committed by UK nationals.

Chelsea Football Club has also condemned the incident, but the club itself may still face disciplinary action from The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

The scene was captured on video by British expatriate Paul Nolan, another passenger on the platform at the Richelieu-Drouot métro station before English club Chelsea faced Paris St Germain in a Champions League match at the Parc des Princes in the French capital. Nolan told FRANCE 24 that the rowdy fans were already intimidating passengers and staff well before the racist incident took place.

“No one really dared to get on the métro. Even the métro staff were keeping their distance because it looked like a fight could break out at any point,” he said. “It would have been nice if people had gotten involved [to help Souleymane] but the Chelsea fans thought they owned the métro and any provocation probably would have ended in violence.”

PSG Can Still Eliminate Chelsea – Verratti

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Marco Verratti is convinced Paris Saint-Germain have every chance of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Chelsea after the clubs played out a 1-1 draw at Parc des Princes on Tuesday.

The Ligue 1 champions failed to beat Chelsea over two legs last term after a 3-1 home-win, yet Verratti believes it could be an advantage that PSG head into the return as the underdogs this time around.

“We know we are a strong team, as are Chelsea. We will go to Stamford Bridge to win the match. That’s the only result that will allow us to qualify. We will give it our best. We have a great opportunity,” Verratti told the official Uefa website.

“We prepared the match exactly like this. We wanted to wait a bit for Chelsea and try not to give them any space, because they have players in attack who are difficult to get if you leave them space.

“And when we were in possession, we wanted to attack their defence. I think we created some good chances, but we couldn’t take advantage of them.

“But we’re satisfied. We managed to fight back after we fell behind. Now we will play for qualification in London. I think now that we travel there knowing that we have to win if we want to succeed. Last season, maybe people thought it was all over because we had the two-goal advantage and that was a bad thought.”

The return in London will take place on March 11