Mourinho: Very demanding

Jose Mourinho has spoken about the importance of bringing players through to the first team from the club’s Academy, but says pressure to acquire positive results on a regular basis means opportunities to do so are limited.

So far this season the Portuguese has handed first team debuts to Dominic Solanke, Andreas Christensen and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while Izzy Brown and Nathan Ake have also been involved with the main squad.

Loftus-Cheek was also introduced as a late substitute in our Premier League draw against Manchester City in January, and Mourinho hopes to be able to call on the young midfielder on a more regular basis next season.

‘This club is very demanding, it’s not easy to play football, the pressure is big,’ said the Blues boss.

‘It’s not the same to play at a club where people just accept a so-so performance or result, or finishing fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth, that’s not the best habitat for a young player to develop.

‘For the player to play in the first team he must be ready. With the level of responsibility and pressure there is no space for a player who is not ready. For example, when did I play Dominic Solanke? I played him when we were winning 5-0 against Maribor. I cannot play Solanke against Southampton with 30 minutes to go with the score at 1-1.

‘I think Ruben will be ready next season. In pre-season he will start with us immediately and there will be matches for him to play. Next season he will be ready, also from a mental point of view.’

Mourinho also explained the reasons behind his desire to continually achieve success, and provided his thoughts on the news that Louis van Gaal, a man he worked under at Barcelona, will retire once his reign at Manchester United comes to a conclusion.

‘I have a job, I want to succeed and I try to do my best all the time,’ said the Portuguese. ‘I fight against defeat and try to win, that’s the nature of the job.

‘When you have a fantastic life, a fantastic family and a good economical situation, if you don’t have the passion for the job, a desire to do things well and get results, you have all the reasons to stop. If I want to work for another 15 to 20 years it’s because I feel that happiness, to work, to compete, to win, to lose.

‘I want to coach Portugal in a World Cup or European Championships, I would like that but if I don’t do it there is no drama. My career is beautiful, I’m happy with it and I just want to carry on and enjoy many more years.

‘Van Gaal has had a fantastic career; I know he dreamed of coaching his country at a World Cup, he did that. He coached the club of his heart, AZ Alkmaar, with great success. He coached the top team in his country, Ajax. He coached two of the best clubs in the world, Barcelona and Bayern, and was champions with both.

‘Now, finally, he’s come to a country where he’s never worked to coach one of the biggest clubs in the world. I think his career is perfect. He has a fantastic family and a beautiful house in Portugal. He loves it there; the people, the weather, the area, the food, so he deserves to stop when he wants and he thinks that will be after Man United.’

Past Sampler: Hull away

The Blues make the trip north to take on Hull City this afternoon, and the official Chelsea website brings you snippets from our five most recent away games against today's opponents...



A 2-0 win in last season’s corresponding fixture saw the Blues move to the top of the Barclays Premier League, while Petr Cech broke the record for the highest number of clean sheets kept as a Chelsea goalkeeper.

A stubborn home defence made it difficult for the Blues for long spells, with both goals coming during the second half.

Eden Hazard broke the deadlock shortly after half-time with a wonderful solo effort, before Fernando Torres wrapped up the points four minutes from time.

Hazard’s opener was described in the following way in the club’s official match report on the day:

‘David Luiz played the ball into Cole, who released Hazard with a delightful first-time back heel. The Belgian dashed in from the left-hand side of the box, feigning to shoot on a couple of occasions. He took his time before firing low and hard past McGregor, who stood no chance. Hazard's ninth Premier League goal of the season was one of his best yet, a fusion of the two he struck at Sunderland in early December.’



In 2009/10 a Chelsea side under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti came from behind to earn a point in a midweek encounter on Humberside.

It was a game we could have won, but Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill was in inspired form.

The home side had taken the lead in the first half but Didier Drobga equalised after the break with a free-kick, described in the following way on Chelseafc.com.

‘Drogba placed the ball, no doubt thinking about his similar strike against the Tigers on the season's opening day. The method may have been slightly different with a slight deflection off the Hull wall, but the result was the same and Chelsea were level.’

 

A brilliant team performance allowed us to secure a comfortable 3-0 victory in 2008/09.

Frank Lampard opened the scoring inside the opening two minutes with a wonderful chip, and second-half strikes from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda compounded the home side’s misery.

Here’s how Lampard’s strike was reported in the club’s official match report:

‘The Blues had initially attacked down the left through Ashley Cole and after Malouda had foraged in the area, McShane's hurried clearance went straight to the feet of Lamps.

‘On the left of the area from a position where normal players would have been looking to cross, he simply flighted the perfect lofted ball over a bewildered Myhill and into the far side of the net. Our vice-captain's year of the chip goes on.’



Scott Sinclair and Steve Sidwell scored their first goals for the club in a 4-0 League Cup victory away at Hull in 2007/08.

There was no risk of an upset from the moment Sinclair fired us in front nine minutes before half-time. Salomon Kalou extended our lead prior to Sidwell’s strike, and the Ivorian made it 4-0 with his second of the night late on.

Sinclair’s goal was described on Chelseafc.com in the following way.

‘Within seconds however, the Blues did take the lead and what a fine strike and a fine moment it was for Scott Sinclair, sweeping in Wright-Phillips's cross that had threaded a way through a crowd with a sweet connection for his first Chelsea goal.’





Gustavo Poyet scored a hat-trick as the Blues cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup courtesy of a 6-1 victory at Hull in 1999/2000.

It was a dominant Chelsea display and we never looked back after Poyet had opened the scoring after just nine minutes.

Chris Sutton and Roberto Di Matteo were also on target, while Hull defender Mike Edwards put through his own net for the hosts.

Sutton’s goal made it 2-0 on the day, and here’s how it was described in Onside, the club’s official publication at the time.

‘Sutton dived backwards to twist and head Harley’s whipped cross back over Bracey into the far corner. Harley had started the move , heading a cross-field ball into Di Matteo, who found Zola, and Zola slipped the still running Harley through along the left touchline.’

Crystal Palace ticket news update

As the selection of any live TV matches to be played in May has not yet been announced, and consequently changes in dates or kick-off times are not yet known, tickets for the home match against Crystal Palace currently scheduled for Saturday 2 May will not go on sale on Monday 23 March as originally planned.

We will confirm the ticket information for this match once the May kick-off times and dates have been confirmed by the Premier League.

Mourinho: Good feeling

Jose Mourinho praised the performance of your computer after a hard fought 3-2 away win against Hull City, a victory that gives us six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The Blues took the lead in a minute courtesy of a stunning strike Eden Hazard and it was better to come when Diego Costa scored his 20th goal of the season to make it 2-0 soon after.

Two goals in the space of a minute, however, marked by Ahmed Al-Muhammadi and Abel Hernandez, viewed Casco restore parity, and always going to have a second half of the screen encouraged to return to London with three points.

We reacted well after the break and was facing a large part of the medium with the winner coming in the 77th minute that Loic Remy substitute, with his first touch after coming scored the decisive goal and feel that Mourinho won with merit.

"We let go the initiative, but we played fantastic with the ball from the first minute of football," said the head of the blue. "When at halftime was 2-2 and want to win the game, the most important thing is to play as we did from the beginning, that's what I said to the players. No analysis of sensor data and error. We had to return playing football we have lost in the last 15 minutes the first time.

"From the first minute of the second half, we turn to the quality of football, the creation and movement. Sooner or later, the goal was to come.

"In the second half we played was a difficult situation in the rest when Thibaut had to make three stops in the second. After that we created and tested everything, so I think we deserved.

"If we win the game after the way we played, we had the same feeling Southampton. Today, gaining what we deserve and it's a good feeling."

Mourinho acknowledged Hull’s second goal was a collective mistake defensively
‘If we tell our goalkeeper every time he has a back pass to kick it in the stands the second goal wouldn’t happen but we don’t do that. He tried to play, lost the rebound, the defenders didn’t open a passing line to play from the back and it’s a goal. Everybody was unhappy. It was just a question of stability, emotional control and playing.’

He explained why Diego Costa was taken off late on
‘It’s a hamstring injury. When a striker is playing, the team needs a goal to win the game and he says it’s over for him, it’s over. He tried to play the Champions League final with Atletico and was injured, he has that fragility, we know his hamstring is not a strong one. He works hard in the week to compensate for the weakness he has there but the injury can come. We have Remy and Drogba, we never cry about injured players so let’s move on.’

Mourinho praised the impact of Remy
"Every time he plays he is there. Probably deserves more than what I gave you. Sometimes a coach can feel that owes something to a player and Rémy, which is the case. I think I have something every time you play, gives us much, I'm very happy for him because he deserves it. "

The Portuguese remains confident his team can go on to win the title
"It is expected that the race for the title to be higher in normal Chelsea should have eight, ten or twelve points we have, but football is unpredictable. The reality is that we have a lead of six points better than we had in the throughout season. The maximum distance we had was eight points, but at that time we had 20 games to play. we now have a lead of six points with a game that could help us or not. I'm pretty confident, I believe in my players, I think we can do it, but I know it's hard. "

Coach Klopp recognize Dortmund lost "recovery center, for export" Juventus

Share with newspapers, coach Jurgen Klopp admits Juventus deserved Dortmund eliminated from the Champions League after performing a style of playing poorly.



The ambition of Dortmund hit back, before Juventus crumble. Despite showing great determination to master coach Klopp but suffered defeat "salt present" at the Westfalenstadion with 3 goals not removed (aggregate score 5-1).

Despite playing without dominating (who controlled the ball 43.7%), public goods are not too brilliant (launched 11 shot all match) but Juventus was able to get 3 goals to 1 of Tevez scored twice and 1 goal Morata. With this result, old she won the Champions League quarter-finals can not be a more convincing.

After this match, coach Jurgen Klopp has voiced admit that Dortmund deserved excluded from the most prestigious arenas in Europe after performing a poor performance against Juventus: "We do not have many chances and only based in some individual efforts. This is a forgettable game and deserved Dortmund eliminated. Juve played very well and congratulations they won the quarter-finals. "

This result reflects the correlation of the performance of Dortmund and Juventus in this season. If Juve were almost certainly the Serie A champions Dortmund fall into a new crisis and escape last place in the Bundesliga table. And seeing what Juve have shown, the representative of Italy is becoming a very uncomfortable team player and willing to challenge all the big teams in the race to the highest throne in the Champions League.

He lived there with this match clash between Barca and Man City. Similar to the situation of Dortmund, Man City were unable to create something unexpected in the Nou Camp and only luck can help them conceding 1 goal after rival created dozens of delicious dining opportunities. Thus, after the eighth round of the Champions League has identified eight names to the presence in the quarter-finals. The draw will take place the quarter-finals tomorrow, 20/3.

Chi 18,6 triệu bảng, Liverpool vượt qua M.U vụ sao trẻ Bundesliga

In planning the transfer to Liverpool in the summer, The Kop is wanted by Hoffenheim striker Roberto Firmino. Young Stars Bundesliga MU also being pursued, however, with 18.6 million pounds spent Anfield club are advantages in this deal.



Liverpool are planning to strengthen forces in the summer, The Kop want to add a class striker to strengthen the quality of public goods. As Liverpool's transfer plans, team manager Brendan Rodgers is targeting Hoffenheim striker Roberto Firmino's. Liverpool will be more likely to Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert to go in the summer, so if there is Firmino would be a worthy replacement.

Roberto Firmino, 23, this season he has played very well in Hoffenheim shirt. The striker has been a total of 10 goals and 7 assists to the table after 25 games as he became the most anticipated star of the German team. In terms of expertise, the Brazilian rock possesses a comprehensive way, both can play well in the midfield, winger and striker. Therefore if there is a service of Firmino, Liverpool will actually own a long-term plan for both current and future.

Firmino joined Hoffenheim in 2011 and he immediately became the mainstay of the team even though he was very young. The 23-year-old restaurant serves Chanters of the German team with the ability to take the ball extremely well and coordination. In the last season, Firmino scored 16 goals for Hoffenheim, which is almost 1/4 of the team's goals. At the same time he also demonstrate the ability to create great to have 11 lines indirect teammates in scoring last season.

But the clarity of Firmino are supporting a very good defense. While playing in midfield or striker attack, but he always had deep backward phase to support remote defense, contributed significantly to the safety of the net home team. With his ability to be a lot Firmino great team pursuit, including Arsenal and Manchester United

To beat Manchester United and Arsenal in obtaining the signature of Firmino, Liverpool ready to spend £ 18.6 million. With this amount, the Kop are advantages in recruiting Brazilian star.

Man City ready to sell Edin Dzeko

According to the Daily Star, Man City is planning to sell striker Edin Dzeko to go this summer.



Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg joined City for 27 million pounds in 2011 as the head coach Roberto Mancini. Bosnia striker played pretty well in the years and contributed in no small Etihad help Man City win the FA Cup and Premier League champions two times.

This season, Dzeko has scored just six goals for Man City. This contribution is clearly quite small with a class striker like him. Of course, both the City and Dzeko were not satisfied. Dzeko struck hours'd be gone.

Edin Dzeko salary that is received is not less. Therefore, from this moment, Man City are looking to sell Dzeko to collect funds for about 20 million pounds.

Currently, Dzeko are many clubs in Italy and Germany follow.

Tevez shines, Juventus made to leave the Dortmund bow

2 goals, 1 assists to the Carlos Tevez helped Juventus win a totally convincing right Dortmund in Germany.



Step into the trip at this time Westfalenstadion, Juventus just earn a draw against Dortmund was able to enter his name into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but ended on a trip to Germany, what she Dam Gia do more than that.

Shortly after 3 minutes of the match, Tevez was soon making the majority of the stands at Westfalenstadion 'froze' when completely torn piece of Dortmund with a mesh finish unstoppable outer ring 16m50.

The early goal helped all the Old Lady's intentions in this game more and more easily, because now all they need to do is help preserve the net Buffon during the remainder of the game, even conceding once the tickets go on their remains.

In minutes later, Juventus were completely cede control of the ball on the field for Dortmund, instead they retreated almost the entire squad for the halftime to defense, even Tevez also regularly currently the home side won the ball and to support himself solely Morata is plugged at the top.

Playing from the whole calculation and pragmatism of the team from Italy made Dortmund faced many difficulties in implementing the round up his ball. Yes, they have plenty of time and the decision to create the pressure plate to the side of Juventus, but whenever approach within 16m50, the ball rebounded off the defensive wall that Juventus are deployed too sure.

Offensive uncommon, Dortmund goal has not at times been put on red alert ahead of fast counterattack by the visitors. But one day the goalkeeper Weidenfeller retains its stability, along with quite finished it with 'gentle' side of the Juventus striker, it was not until the second half of the new rate was increased to 2 -0.

The company was established to increase the gap to Juventus up to 2 goals in 70 minutes is Morata, who also missed many opportunities in the face of previous Weidenfeller. But the biggest challenge of the circumstances leading to the scorer's Spanish striker still have to mention the Tevez situation a dribble and indirect unable impeccably.

Only a short time later, the Tevez continue to be referred to as 'nightmare' of Dortmund in the game today, when Argentine striker completed his brace with a challenge as well as a very nice table in minutes 79. Even in this time of difficulty and his finish was raised not less, because it is a situation that Tevez is moving with high speed, as well as being under very closely by the players yellow jersey.

That was the last goal of the game, and with three goals have been at Westfalenstadion this time, Juventus have been in the Champions League quarter-finals with victory this year with a 5-1 aggregate score Dortmund .

Lineup:
Dortmund: Weidenfeller; Sokratis, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Bender, Gündogan; Kampl, Mkhitaryan, Reus; Aubameyang
Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba (Barzagli 27); Pereyra; Tevez, Morata

click to this link to watch video:
http://www.siteshowinfo.com/sites/video-Juventus-Dortmund.com

Ribery and Rafinha set for return

Bayern Munich will have winger Franck Ribery and defender Rafinha back in the squad for the visit of Hamburg SV this weeked

Franck Ribery is set for a return to action in Bayern's clash with Hamburg,

The pair had been out injured for the last few weeks as Bayern struggled on their return to league action.                     

The German champions, who will be without the suspended Jerome Boeteng, had been near flawless in the first half of the campaign, but have managed just one win in their three league games since the return from the winter break.

However Pep Guardiola has been boosted by the pair’s return and he has confirmed they are both set to go straight into the squad.

"Franck Ribery and Rafinha are back and they trained with the team," Guardiola told a press conference.

"They are fit and they are an option."                             

Bayern are eight points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg but after their poor start to the year Guardiola is concerned by his side’s style of play.

With the Bundesliga action coming thick and fast and the Champions League resuming this week – Bayern face Shakhtar Donetsk in the last 16 - the former Barcelona coach has called on his team to make vast improvements.

"I am not concerned about my strikers, more about our playing style," Guardiola added.

"What is important is to create more scoring chances and the creation of our plays are important. Not just how many kilometres we cover.           

"If we play the way we have in the first three games (of the year) then we will have problems in the Bundesliga and we won't have any chances in the Champions League."

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Arsenal v Middlesbrough preview

Transfer window signing Gabriel could make his debut in defence when FA Cup holders Arsenal play Middlesbrough in Sunday's quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel: Could debut for Arsenal on Sunday

Midfielder Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) is out for around two weeks, while forward Alexis Sanchez may not be risked after taking a blow to the knee in the midweek defeat of Leicester.

England international Jack Wilshere could return following a lengthy absence after ankle surgery, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) Mikel Arterta (ankle), Abou Diaby (calf) and Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder) are all still out.

Middlesbrough are missing Dani Ayala for the cup clash with Arsenal, with boss Aitor Karanka revealing the defender could be out for "three or four weeks" following the injury he picked up against Blackpool.

Adam Forshaw is also absent due to being cup-tied, while Tomas Kalas will not feature due to the nature of his loan deal.

George Friend is expected to be fit, along with Ryan Fredericks and Emilio Nsue, who is back from his Africa Cup of Nations exploits with Equatorial Guinea.

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Warburton 'to leave in summer'

Manager Mark Warburton will leave Brentford at the end of the season, according to Sky sources.

Mark Warburton: Brentford manager expected to leave in the summer

The promotion-chasing Championship club were expected to make a statement about Warburton's future on Friday afternoon, but that is now expected on Monday.

Warburton has been one of the great success stories of the season. He guided the Bees into the Championship last season, and they have exceeded all expectations by challenging for promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

It was reported on Tuesday that the 52-year-old will not have his rolling contract renewed at the end of the campaign, even if he leads the side into the top flight.

And Brentford executives reportedly met with Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jemez last week to discuss the possibility of him taking over as manager in the summer.

Brentford responded to the reports by releasing a statement which did not refute the claims and also indicated they were concerned about the possibility of losing Warburton to a bigger club.

The statement read: "Given Mark's increasing profile within the game, we recognise that he will deservedly have turned the heads of other clubs. As with every other sensibly run club, we plan for various possible eventualities.

"We are a progressive club who do talk to other people within the game to learn about other ways of doing things, and to consider novel strategic approaches to the game."

Warburton himself told Sky Sports News HQ: "The club have made a statement and everything is contained within that statement.

"For me, my only focus is obviously the team. The team is focused and there are 17 games to go now."

On Wednesday the club's owner, Matthew Benham, tweeted: "It has been a very difficult 24 hours. I will try to explain the situation more in the next couple of days.

"I've been a genuine fan since 1979 and try to honestly act in the best long-term interests of the club."

The situation is now expected to be explained in full on Monday, with Warburton expected to depart in the summer.

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C Palace v Liverpool preview

Crystal Palace defender Pape Souare could make his debut in the FA Cup fifth round against Liverpool on Saturday after the Senegalese had a work permit application approved.

Pape Souare: In line for his debut

Souare joined from Lille last month and has been cleared to play in the game at Selhurst Park but Eagles captain Mile Jedinak remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

Yaya Sanogo (hamstring) and James McArthur (thigh) are also struggling to be fit in time while Shola Ameobi is still regaining fitness and unlikely to feature.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is likely to be missing from the squad to face Crystal Palace after reports emerged that he will be sidelined for two to three weeks with a hamstring problem.

With Lucas Leiva already out for at least a month with a thigh problem it means Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen are likely to be paired in central midfield.

Forward Raheem Sterling, who missed the midweek league win over Tottenham with a foot injury, has to be assessed while youngster Jordon Ibe is cup-tied.

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Arsenal v Middlesbrough preview

Transfer window signing Gabriel could make his debut in defence when FA Cup holders Arsenal play Middlesbrough in Sunday's quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel: Could debut for Arsenal on Sunday

Midfielder Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) is out for around two weeks, while forward Alexis Sanchez may not be risked after taking a blow to the knee in the midweek defeat of Leicester.

England international Jack Wilshere could return following a lengthy absence after ankle surgery, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) Mikel Arterta (ankle), Abou Diaby (calf) and Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder) are all still out.

Middlesbrough are missing Dani Ayala for the cup clash with Arsenal, with boss Aitor Karanka revealing the defender could be out for "three or four weeks" following the injury he picked up against Blackpool.

Adam Forshaw is also absent due to being cup-tied, while Tomas Kalas will not feature due to the nature of his loan deal.

George Friend is expected to be fit, along with Ryan Fredericks and Emilio Nsue, who is back from his Africa Cup of Nations exploits with Equatorial Guinea.

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Real v Deportivo preview

Real Madrid entertain Deportivo La Coruna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat in the derby last weekend.

Graphic

That setback - Madrid were thrashed 4-0 at Atletico – has cut Real’s lead over arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of the table to just one point, with the champions now only four points adrift in third.

Carlo Ancelotti has demanded a reaction from his players when they take on mid-table Depor, with the Italian blaming his side’s recent poor form on a drop in "intensity, attitude and concentration" since they won the Club World Cup in December.

The European champions finished 2014 on a record-breaking 22-match winning streak, but in 10 games since Christmas they have suffered a friendly defeat to AC Milan, lost to Valencia in La Liga and seen the defence of their Copa del Rey title ended by Atletico.

The fall-out from that humiliation has been intense, from club president Florentino Perez holding a supposed 'crisis' meeting with the players to speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo - who has been lambasted for his performance in the derby and for his 30th birthday celebrations just hours after the final whistle - could be sold.

However, the players now have a chance to answer their critics, and Ancelotti is expecting a good response at what he believes could be crucial stage of their season.

"It's been a frustrating week,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “This is a motivation for the players and we expect to see a reaction in tomorrow's match.

"Since the final of the Club World Cup, our intensity, attitude and concentration has lowered a bit. I don't know if that's normal, but that's what has happened.

"We have dipped a bit but we still have time to bounce back. I have faith that that will happen. This squad fills me with confidence and I'm sure that we will be competitive yet again.

"We are in a key week. What happens in these days is going to help determine what could happen in the future."

The home side will be without defender Sergio Ramos and midfielders James Rodriguez and Luka Modric through injury, although centre-back Pepe could feature after returning to training on Friday.

Watch Real v Deportivo on Sky Sports 5HD at 5pm on Saturday.

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Tranmere snap up McGahey

Tranmere have confirmed the signing of defender Harrison McGahey on loan from Sheffield United until the end of the season.

Harrison McGahey: Heading to Prenton Park

The 19-year old has made 22 appearances for the Blades in all competitions this season after joining from Blackpool last summer.

Manager Micky Adams told the club's website: "Harrison is a versatile right-sided defender and we look forward to having him at the club."

The Preston-born defender, who had spells with Blackburn and Liverpool in his youth, left the Seasiders following their financial troubles.

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Valencia a small club compared to Bayern Munich, says Bernat

The Spain international is thoroughly enjoying life in Germany and admits he was surprised when Pep Guardiola came calling

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Juan Bernat has stressed that he has no regrets over his decision to leave Valencia for Bayern Munich ahead of the 2014-15 campaign.

The 21-year-old has developed into an important first-team player at the Bundesliga champions since his summer move and he is delighted to be part of a club of Bayern's stature.

"Up to now my move to Bayern really has been like a dream. Valencia are a small club compared with Bayern," Bernat told the official Bayern website.

"At the age of just 21 I took the plunge to move to a new country, a new league and it’s turned out brilliantly for me being a regular first choice in such a great team. It’s exceeded all my expectations. I just hope it carries on.

"It was a great honour when Bayern contacted me and it made me feel really proud when Pep [Guardiola] rang me to ask if I could imagine signing for Bayern.

"And, of course, I was a bit surprised as I was only 21 and playing my first season at left-back.

"There were no problems with my club Valencia as my contract only had a year to run. Most people shared my excitement and they gave me a good send off."

Bernat has made 29 appearances in all competitions so far this term, scoring once in the process.

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No contract talks with Guardiola - Rummenigge

The Bayern Munich coach's contract expires in 2016 but the chairman has revealed there is no intention of discussing a new deal until the season is over

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Bayern Munich will not open contract talks with Pep Guardiola until the end of the season, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed.

The Spanish coach's current deal expires in June 2016 and the lack of progress on a new deal has stirred up a lot of speculation surrounding his future at the Bavarian giants.

The club chairman has since revealed that he has spoken to Guardiola about a renewal, but the former Barcelona boss has no interest in discussing the matter while the campaign is still ongoing.

"I talked to him about it two weeks ago," Rummenigge told ESPN. "The result of this discussion was that I won't ask him again while this season is running. We will talk afterwards and then we'll see.

"I am pretty relaxed because I think we can offer him a very good team. I believe he likes the city, the club's culture and life in Munich.

"My general impression is that he feels settled in Munich, so we'll see. I don't know what his final decision will be. We are happy with him and we hope he feels the same way about the club and will renew his contract."

First-team players Dante, Philipp Lahm, Xabi Alonso, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are all over 30-years-old, but Rummenigge has no worries that the squad is in need of a massive injection of youth.

"We have some players now who are in the autumn of their carees and are in their 30s," he added. "But I don't think we're in a critical phase. I still enjoy watching Robben play. Over the last two years he was playing at an incredibly high level.

"Of course we have to care about keeping the right balance. But I am convinced we can do it and we will replace them properly some day."

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Bayern Munich - Hamburg Preview: Ribery and Rafinha back in the frame

Leg injuries which the pair sustained have healed and they are set to feature against a team which held them to a stalemate earlier in the season

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David Alaba is glad that Franck Ribery and Rafinha are back in the first-team picture at Bayern Munich as they prepare for Saturday's Bundesliga match against Hamburg.

The duo were back in training on Monday to boost a Bayern side who have faltered since the mid-season break, with three games yielding just four points.

Ribery and Rafinha have missed all of those matches, the Frenchman having sustained a thigh injury and the full-back having damaged ankle ligaments.

But with those injuries behind them and a week of training under their belts, the two look set to feature as Bayern seek to reassert their authority in the league.

"We want to move on up. We'll prepare well this week and then hopefully give our fans at the Allianz Arena something to shout about," defender Alaba told the club's official website ahead of the 100th meeting between Bayern and Hamburg.

"It's good to have Franck and Rafa back. We need them as they're both very important players."

Bayern will not need any reminding of the difficulties that Hamburg can pose, with September's Bundesliga meeting ending goalless.

Pep Guardiola's side did have more joy the following month in a DFB Pokal clash that ended 3-1 to the visitors at the Imtech Arena.

Ribery was on the scoresheet in that match, as indeed was Alaba, and Bayern are generally used to beating Hamburg.

Last term they did it three times, scoring 12 goals in the process - the same number they racked up in just two games the season before.

Hamburg have to go back to 2009 for their last win over Bayern, with their last victory at the Allianz coming two years earlier.

But Josef Zinnbauer might prefer to reflect on more recent history, as his first game at the Hamburg helm was the stalemate against Bayern.

He has also guided his side to back-to-back victories, which has lifted them four points clear of the bottom three, and only three points shy of seventh-placed Hoffenheim.

And there is belief among his charges, with Croatian forward Ivica Olic predicting a shock.

"I think we can cause an upset," he told Sport Bild. "But even a draw would be quite special."

Bayern's lead at the Bundesliga summit is eight points and they have won nine of their 10 home league matches in this campaign, conceding just three goals.

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