Joining Liverpool Was The "Worst Decision Of My Life"- Balotelli

Nice striker Mario Balotelli says joining Liverpool was the “worst decision of my life”.

The Italian scored four goals in 28 appearances for the Reds after arriving for £16m from AC Milan in 2014.

He managed one goal in 20 Serie A games on loan at Milan last season before a free transfer to Nice this summer.

“Apart from the fans, who were fantastic, and some players who I got on really well with, I didn’t like the club,” Balotelli told Canal Plus.

The 26-year-old was speaking before scoring twice on his Nice debut in the 3-2 Ligue 1 win over Marseille on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers, who signed Balotelli, was sacked as Liverpool manager in October 2015, with Jurgen Klopp taking over.

“I had two coaches, with Rodgers and Klopp for a short time, but neither their methods nor their personality left me with a good impression,” he said.

“I never really felt right there.”

‘I can still win the Ballon d’Or’

In an interview with former France, Leeds and Roma midfielder Olivier Dacourt, Balotelli was asked if he still thought about winning the Ballon d’Or.

“Of course. It’s not too late,” he said. “I think I could have already won it by now, but by working hard in training I could still win it in the next two or three years.”

In Sunday’s home game, Balotelli was goaded by Marseille’s Bafetimbi Gomis as he prepared to take a penalty, but kept his cool to score the opener.

Florian Thauvin, on loan from Newcastle, equalised before ex-Swansea striker Gomis put Marseille in front from the spot.

Balotelli headed home before Wylan Cyprien’s long-range winner.

Victory lifted Nice into second in the table, behind leaders Monaco on goal difference, with champions Paris St-Germain in seventh.

BBC

Joining Liverpool Was The "Worst Decision Of My Life"- Balotelli

Crystal Palace Agree Personal Terms with £32m Liverpool Star

Crystal Palace have agreed personal terms with Liverpool’s star striker Christian Benteke.

The Guardian states that Palace have agreed to match Benteke’s £120,000-a-week wages. The London based club are also close to agreeing a £32 million  deal with Liverpool for the Belgium international.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he is prepared to sell Benteke this summer.

“Christian already said it maybe makes sense for him to go to another club and that’s the situation at this moment,” Jurgen Klopp stated.

“Christian is still a great striker and that’s how it is, but we have a few more strikers and in this moment it makes more sense to give them match time and that is what we did.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool told Besiktas who are also intrested in Benteke’s signature that they will consider a loan offer for Benteke after 26 August if their valuation if not met according to Futbol Arena.

Benteke’s agent Eris Kismet meanwhile told Turkish-football.com, that the Reds asking price is making it difficult for the clubs interested to sign the striker.

“Liverpool want to sell Benteke but clubs that are interested as unable to match his valuation,” Kismet said.

“Liverpool would probably have to reduce their asking price if a transfer is to go ahead.”

Benteke provided six assists and scored ten goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool last season.

Crystal Palace Agree Personal Terms with £32m Liverpool Star

Chelsea Show Interest In Liverpool Striker

Chelsea are interested in signing Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, The Times report.

The Blues are looking to strengthen this summer under new boss Antonio Conte, and are considering an approach for Benteke.

Chelsea’s first choice is Benteke’s international teammate and their former player Romelu Lukaku, currently at Everton, but are lining up the Liverpool striker in case a deal is unsuccessful.

Benteke signed for Liverpool last summer for £32 million from Aston Villa, and The Times report that the Reds would look to recoup as close to that figure as possible.

The Belgian struggled to win the faith of new manager Jurgen Klopp, and scored nine goals in 29 Premier League appearances for the Reds, 14 of which were starts.

Liverpool would have to think carefully about selling Benteke to Chelsea, a club who have aspirations to also compete at the top of the table, but the Blues may also be one of the only sides willing to spend big money on the striker.

Chelsea Show Interest In Liverpool Striker

Coutinho Sweeps 4 Liverpool Awards

Brazilian Star, Philippe Coutinho completed a clean sweep during Liverpool’s end of season dinner on Thursday night.

The 23-year-old playmaker has been in mesmerising form for the Reds this term and his performance has been duly rewarded by claiming four prizes at the end of season awards.

Coutinho took home the Players’ Player of the Season, Player of the Year, Goal of the Season and Best Performance of the Season.

His lob against Manchester United in the Europa League clinched the goal of the season prize, although Christian Benteke’s bicycle kick could well have been a close contender.

Speaking about his award, Coutinho said: “Thank you to all the fans.

“It was a good goal but the most important thing was that we beat them. And now we have our final.”

Liverpool drew 1-1 at home to Chelsea on Wednesday night and are set to face West Brom on the final day of the season on Sunday.

Coutinho Sweeps 4 Liverpool Awards

Steven Gerrard Plans Liverpool Return

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is confident he will return to the club “sooner rather than later”.

The ex-Reds midfielder, who made over 700 appearances during a 17-year career at Anfield, is currently playing for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.

Gerrard says he is enjoying going unnoticed in the United States – but plans to return to Liverpool “somewhere down the line”.

The 35-year-old said he and his family were happy living in California, but admitted he missed friends and family in the UK as well as attending games at Anfield.

Speaking at a fans’ question and answer session at LA Galaxy’s stadium, he said: “I will be going home at some point.

“I don’t want to start any unnecessary rumours. I’m really happy where I am at the moment. But I’m sure somewhere down the line I will represent Liverpool Football Club.

“I miss my friends and my family. I miss a bit of cold weather.

“I miss going to the games. I spent 35 years in Liverpool. Liverpool’s my home, it always will be. This is my second home for a short period of time.

“Sooner rather than later I will return to where I’m comfortable with my people – and that’s Liverpool.”

Gerrard, who came on as a substitute and scored the Galaxy’s final goal in their 4-2 win over New England Revolution on Sunday, said his wife Alex and daughters, Lilly-Ella, Lexie and Lourdes, were “enjoying a different life experience” in LA.

He added: “Obviously the city’s a fantastic city for myself and my family, the climate, there’s plenty to do. I’m pretty much unnoticed as well, which is a bonus.

“I’m getting on a little bit now so eventually we’ll move back and settle in Liverpool.”

Skysports

Steven Gerrard Plans Liverpool Return

Ayew Double Sees Off Liverpool

Andre Ayew scored twice as Swansea comfortably beat a much-changed Liverpool side 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.

Jurgen Klopp made eight changes from the midweek Europa League semi-final first leg and despite fielding the youngest ever Liverpool team in the Premier League, they lacked energy against a Swans side looking to mathematically secure their top-flight status.

Ayew opened the scoring just after the 20-minute mark, before Jack Cork doubled the advantage with a fantastic curling effort fired into the bottom corner.

Half-time substitute Christian Benteke pulled one back for the Reds, but Ayew restored the lead two minutes later and the visitors ended the game with 10 men after Brad Smith was sent off.

Liverpool stay in seventh on 55 points – four behind Manchester United and West Ham – while Swansea have sealed Premier League football for another season and move up to 13th with 43 points.

Ayew Double Sees Off Liverpool

Liverpool Striker Set To Return From Loan

Liverpool Striker To Return From Unsuccessful Loan Spell

Mario Balotelli is set to return to Liverpool from his Serie A loan spell after AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani admitted that the striker is currently falling short of expectations.

The Italy international is on a season-long loan at the San Siro, but has scored just three times in 17 appearances so far.

Mario Balotelli has had a torrid time since his 16 million pounds move from AC Milan

Galliani said: ‘We really like Mario, but he has to convince us to earn a permanent deal.’

Galliani added: ‘Mario is feeling well. He is desperate to stay here at Milan. But like I have said before, he does not merit a permanent deal at the moment.’

Mario Balotelli in action for AC Milan as a loan player

Balotelli, 25, previously played for the Rossoneri  between 2013 and 2014, scoring 30 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions before making a £16million switch to Liverpool.

Liverpool Striker Set To Return From Loan

Manchester United & Liverpool Charged By UEFA

Manchester United and Liverpool have been charged by UEFA following crowd trouble during the Europa League last-16 second leg at Old Trafford.

Rival fans were seen fighting in the stands, seats were thrown and flares were lit at Thursday’s 1-1 draw, during which five men were arrested.

Both clubs have been charged with crowd disturbances and throwing of objects.

Liverpool, who won 3-1 on aggregate, have been charged with illicit chants and the setting off of fireworks.

The case will be heard by UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body on 19 May, the day after the Europa League final in Basel.

Before Thursday’s match, police had to remove a banner on the M602 motorway in Salford designed to taunt Liverpool fans heading to Old Trafford.

United were not punished by UEFA after some of their fans sang offensive Hillsborough disaster chants during the first leg at Anfield.

Credit: BBC

Manchester United & Liverpool Charged By UEFA

Photos: Manchester United Train Ahead L"pool Clash

Manchester United trained at the club’s AON training complex today as they put in the final preparation towards the UEFA Europa league 2nd leg tie against Liverpool.

The Red Devils will look to turn over a 2-0 deficit in the first leg suffered a week ago. Manchester United have had a season way below the club’s level and fans expectation and last weeks lack lustre performance in the first leg was just the one of the lowest points of the season for the 20-times English premier league champions.

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manchester United train ahead of Liverpool UEFA Europa league clash

Manager Louis Van Gaal has come under immense pressure from the media for turning once a fearsome side into a ‘little club’ but the hard-talking Dutch boss is in defiant mood going into the return leg that has been brandished a done deal for the Merseysiders.

 

Photos: Manchester United Train Ahead L"pool Clash

UEL Build Up: Liverpool vs Manchester United

Liverpool will meet sworn rivals Manchester United in European competition for the first time at Anfield on Thursday in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League clash.

 

With both sides outside of the top four of the Premier League, winning the continent’s secondary competition this season represents the best chance of qualifying for next year’s Champions League.

Neither side can afford to lose over the two-legged tie as winning the trophy might be an avenue for UEFA champions league football next season.

 
TEAM NEWS
LIVERPOOL

Striker Daniel Sturridge is likely to return to Liverpool’s starting line-up for the Europa League visit of Manchester United.

The England international has been rested for the last two matches but is set to lead the line in the first European encounter between the two sides with Divock Origi likely to drop out.

Right-back Nathaniel Clyne will return at the expense of Jon Flanagan, who is ineligible having not been registered for the Europa League by manager Jurgen Klopp prior to his return to fitness, while there is a doubt over midfielder James Milner after he was sent home from training with illness.
Provisional squad: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Allen, Henderson, Can, Firmino, Coutinho, Sturridge, Ward, Toure, Skrtel, Smith, Teixeira, Milner, Lallana, Benteke, Origi.

 
MANCHESTER UNITED

Jesse Lingard will miss the first leg of Manchester United’s Europa League last-16 clash with Liverpool through suspension.

The winger was booked in both legs of the previous round against FC Midtjylland. Adnan Januzaj is cup-tied and Timothy Fosu-Mensah ineligible for the trip to Anfield, where Antonio Valencia is set to be involved in the squad after a foot injury.

Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Will Keane and Luke Shaw remain absent, while Bastian Schweinsteiger and Phil Jones are stepping up their returns to fitness.
Provisional squad: De Gea, Romero, Joel Pereira, Darmian, Riley, Rojo, Varela, Valencia, Love, Jones, Blind, Smalling, Poole, McNair, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Rothwell, Fellaini, Carrick, Weir, A Pereira, Mata, Depay, Martial, Rashford.

 

sportscrusader.com will bring readers live update on the game from 6pm.

UEL Build Up: Liverpool vs Manchester United

Spanish Ref For Liverpool - United Clash

Liverpool and Manchester United players have been warned of Spanish official Carlos Velasco Carballo scheduled to officiate Thursday night, Europa league clash first leg tie at Anfield stadium.

 

The 44-year old is noted to be fearless of going into his pockets to collect his yellow and red card. Carballo has been refereeing in La Liga since 2004, has shown 74 yellows and six reds during his last 12 games.

In his last match in the middle saw him issue eight yellows and one red during Deportivo’s 3-3 draw with Malaga on Saturday.

English fans may recognise Carballo as the Spaniard refereed Chelsea’s first-leg defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in February; though did not send any off for an early bath on that occasion he did caution Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and John Mikel Obi.

 
sportscrusader.com will broadcast live update on the first ever meeting in Europe between England’s two most successful clubs, Liverpool and England.

Spanish Ref For Liverpool - United Clash

Manchester United"s Europa League Home Leg vs Liverpool Moved

Manchester United have been successful in getting kick-off in their decisive Europa League tie against Liverpool moved back.

United were scheduled to face Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 17 at 6pm. But United wanted the kick-off put back to 8.05pm and have UEFA have today agreed to the request.

 

Trafford Council’s safety advisory group urged UEFA to move the kick-off on safety grounds, with the game falling on Sat Patrick’s Day, when Manchester will already be busy with revellers.

Against that backdrop, it was felt the early kick-off presented a significant safety issue, and UEFA confirmed today they have agreed to switch kick-off at Old Trafford to 8.05pm.

 

The first leg between English football’s fiercest rivals kicks off at Anfield on March 10 at 8.05pm, the first time United and Liverpool have faced each other in European competition.

Manchester United"s Europa League Home Leg vs Liverpool Moved

I Have Thought Of Leaving Juventus - Kwadwo Asamoah

Kwadwo Asamoah has rejected claims that he could leave Juventus this winter or in the summer for a new home in England to ply his trade.

The Ghanaian international has been linked to a host of English clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United and Arsenal.

But Asamoah joined Juventus in 2012 from Udinese and was a key member of the team that wob the Scudetto back-to-back, but has made just five league appearances for the Old Lady since November 2014 due to a series of recurrent injuries.

He says he has no team in mind because of that.

“Honestly, I don’t have any team in mind now all because of my injuries,” Asamoah told

Metro TV.

“I’m currently focusing on my recovery and getting more playing time. I’ve been with this team for a long time and I’m so happy and they’ve been supportive – players, management and everyone.

“They do everything that they ought to do for me and I’ll always love to be with them. They are so amazing. If I have to say all the things that they’ve done for me, I wouldn’t finish.

“The possibility of me changing clubs in the summer will be difficult. For now, there’s nothing on the table. But I’m a footballer and I do what I have to do on the field. The rest is for my agent. I honestly haven’t thought of leaving now.”

Kwadwo Asamoah was back on the pitch on Sunday ad played full throttle as Juventus beat Udinese to win their 10th game in a row.

I Have Thought Of Leaving Juventus - Kwadwo Asamoah

Liverpool turn to Inaki Williams

Liverpool have turned their attention to highly rated Bilbao Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams in search of attacking options upfront.

The Reds have been ravaged by injury woes with only Christian Benteke the orthodox striker to fall on.

Williams has been on the wish list of the two Madrid giants before their transfer ban ruled out any eventual switch in La Liga.

The highly rated 21 year old Spanish born Ghanaian is reportedly nagging at extending his deal with the Saint Mames side ahead of an imminent departure. The much sort after Bilbao attacker has since registered 10 odd goals despite missing the early part of the season due to injury.

German trainer for Liverpool Jurgen Klopp has been a long time admirer of the sensational forward and buy out clause of £20m would have been money well spent.

The reds have been dwarfed by options upfront with injuries to Daniel Sturridge, Danny Inngs, Divok Irigi and a plethora of other attacking players for the five times European champions.

Athletic Bilbao will however drag their feet at any potential deal in a bid to tie him down with a mammoth £100m buy out clause and a bumper pay rise.

Liverpool turn to Inaki Williams