Another one again... Shuu

[b][/b]Salihamidzic and Bayern not daunted by 'special' Anfield atmosphere
Feb 18, 2019

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is excited about the prospect of seeing his side play against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday, but insists they are not daunted by the famous atmosphere.

The Reds host Bayern on Merseyside in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, as the two sides get their knockout campaigns started.

Liverpool reached the final last season, with their form at home proving vital as they avoided defeat in every match in front of their own supporters.

That run has continued into this season, Liverpool winning all three of their home group games, while their only Anfield defeat in any competition in 2018-19 was a 2-1 loss to Chelsea in the EFL Cup in September.

Salihamidzic is aware of the revered atmosphere at the stadium and while eager to experience it, he is convinced Bayern know how to handle such environments.

"We know what atmosphere to expect, what a beautiful stadium [Anfield] it is and how hard it is to play there, that's why we have to play with passion, but with a cool head," he told reporters.

"I think we have a really good mix between experienced players who can calm down a game and the boys who are on fire, that can really bring speed in a game.

"Of course, you have to keep a cool head, but also keep in mind that this will be a tense game.

"We have the experience, we have players who have played a lot of games at this level. Therefore, I assume that we are 100 per cent ready for it.

"Sadly, I never got to play there [Anfield] as a player, but I'm excited anyway to see the atmosphere.

"It will be intense, but it is like that also in the other stadiums, in Spain, in the other English stadiums or in the Bundesliga.

"It will be a duel of the highest level, I think, and I'm excited about that. To see Anfield is very special."[i][/i]

Leeds United fined £200,000 by EFL following spying controversy
Feb 18, 2019

Championship side Leeds United have been fined £200,000 by the English Football League after spying on a Derby County training session in January.

After a member of his staff was caught at Derby's training ground, Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted he had spied on all his side's opponents this season.

Bielsa was widely condemned for his approach and 11 clubs contacted the English Football League (EFL) over the incident.

After an investigation, the EFL has found Leeds to have breached rules relating to treating teams with the "utmost good faith".

In addition to the fine, the EFL has formally reprimanded Leeds and the club have agreed to support a new regulation that prohibits clubs from viewing opposition training in the 72 hours immediately before a fixture, unless invited to do so.

EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "The facts of this particular case were not ones we would have expected - and have to deal with a complaint about - and it is clearly impossible to have a specific set of regulations that will apply in all circumstances of poor conduct, so, this charge was brought under a general regulation.

"The sanctions imposed highlight how actions such as this cannot be condoned and act as a clear deterrent should any club seek to undertake poor conduct in the future."

In a statement, Leeds United said: "We accept that whilst we have not broken any specific rule, we have fallen short of the standard expected by the EFL.

"We apologise for acting in a way that has been judged culturally unacceptable in the English game and would like to thank Shaun Harvey and the EFL for the manner in which they conducted their investigations."

Chelsea 0 Manchester United 2: Solskjaer's men bounce back to reach FA Cup quarter-finals
Feb 18, 2019

Manchester United provided a fine response to their Paris Saint-Germain defeat by beating Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to secure a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

It was said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's so-called honeymoon period as United interim manager was ended by the 2-0 Champions League loss to PSG, but his team bounced back excellently – the Norwegian getting his tactics spot on despite the injury-enforced absences of Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard.

Although Chelsea initially looked the brighter of the two sides, United gradually improved and were good value for the lead when Ander Herrera nodded in from close range in the 31st minute, and Paul Pogba – provider for the opener – made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.

In desperate need of a route back into the contest, Chelsea increased the intensity after half-time and generally controlled proceedings, but they could not find a way past the solid backline of a United side who find themselves two wins from the final.

Chelsea appeared to be shading an open contest during the early exchanges – Sergio Romero producing two saves in quick succession to keep David Luiz's free-kick and Pedro's volley out in the 11th minute.

But United got a foothold and took the lead just past the half-hour mark, as Herrera beat Kepa Arrizabalaga with a stooping header from Pogba's sublime cross.

The visitors increased their lead just before half-time, as Pogba released Marcus Rashford up the right flank and then met the striker's pinpoint right-wing delivery with a towering header.

Chelsea became more productive after the interval, though United's defence thwarted them time and time again – Chris Smalling twice blocking efforts from Gonzalo Higuain.

Despite Chelsea's dominance towards the end, chances just would not present themselves and United had little difficulty holding on.

What does it mean? A commendable scalp for Solskjaer

Many with United allegiances were eager to temper expectations before kick-off, urging people to not overreact if the Red Devils suffered defeat and highlighting they had not won on any of their last nine visits to Stamford Bridge in all competitions. As it turned out, Solskjaer's tactical setup, which included a rarely-seen midfield diamond, worked like a charm.

Terrier-like Herrera gets everywhere

While Herrera's goal was certainly a big part of United's win, it was only a part of his immense contribution. The Spaniard was neat on the ball and tireless without it, helping to nullify the creative talents of Chelsea's midfield.

Kovacic offers little

With much of the action taking place in midfield, this was definitely a match there to be commanded in the centre. Mateo Kovacic saw a lot of the ball but did precious little with it, not creating any opportunities or having any shots.

What's next?

Chelsea turn their attentions to the Europa League on Thursday, as they welcome Malmo to Stamford Bridge having beaten them 2-1 last week. United's next outing sees them host rivals Liverpool in the Premier League.