Zidane Promises a Return to Madrid's Attacking Flare

Zinedine Zidane promises return to Real Madrid's attacking flare. 

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he wants to inspire his team to play with the same attacking flare he displayed as a player.

Zidane says "football with a personal touch, with attacking play, is what I'll aim for."

Zidane was speaking Tuesday at his first news conference, a day after replacing the fired Rafa Benitez.

Earlier, the club said more than 6,000 fans turned out to watch the former France great take charge during Madrid's traditional open-door first practice session of the year.

His first game will be on Saturday at home against Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish league. Madrid trails leader Atletico Madrid by four points and is two points behind defending champion Barcelona, which has a game in hand. -- HAROLD HECKLE, Associated Press

Cristiano Ronaldo Defends Young Japanese Fan

Cristiano Ronaldo already has a great reputation for showing love for his fans and this video proves no different. When a young Japanese boy tried to speak to Ronaldo in his native language, Portuguese, he fumbled. Watch what happened next.

Best Ballon d'Or Selfie: Neymar and Messi (Video)

Why Gareth Bale's Ahead of Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar and Rooney

Gareth Bale on top after hat-trick in Real v. Deportivo match. Credit: Reuters

Gareth Bale is head and shoulders above the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic this season – and that’s official.

While the Wales talisman is renowned for his pace and magic wand of a left foot, it’s his heading ability which has seen him climb above the rest.

Going into this weekend’s round of matches, the Real Madrid star is sitting on top the table of headed goals in Europe’s big five leagues.

Bale’s two headers which formed part of his hat-trick in Real’s 5-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna took his total to six in La Liga so far this campaign – leaving the rest of the continent’s big names trailing.

Barcelona duo Messi and Neymar (admittedly not renowned headers of the ball) have yet to net with their heads, with Manchester United’s Rooney also drawing a blank.

Zlatan has just the one headed goal to his credit for Paris St Germain, while Bale’s Real teammate Ronaldo has two, joined by the likes of Luis Suarez (Barcelona), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Jamie Vardy (Leicester) and Edinson Cavani (PSG) on that number.

The 26-year-old Bale, who also scored two headers to help Wales into the Euro 2016 finals, faces his biggest challenge from the Premier League, with Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud having nodding in five and Romelu Lukaku, of Everton, with four. The Toffees’ striker is joined on the mark by Ligue 1 Angers’ Cheikh N’Doye, the Senegal striker reportedly a target for West Brom.

Those on three include Bale’s Real teammate Karim Benzema, Anthony Modeste (Cologne), Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Leonardo Pavoletti (Genoa) and Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann. [Source]

Messi Unlikely to Grace FIFA 17 Cover

Leicester City's James Vardy may be on  FIFA 17's cover. Credit: Yibada.com

FIFA 17 is already a hot topic with fans eager to know which soccer player will appear on the cover of the followup to FIFA 16. According to International Business Times, it has almost become an tradition for the fans to see the Argentine and FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi in every FIFA title. But for 2017, it has been widespread that the world-renowned soccer player will not be the cover for the next installment, and the reasons are still in question.

Noted by Attack of the Fan Boy, Lionel Messi has been the cover star of FIFA for the many years that the installment has gone on. Such games include FIFA Street, FIFA 13, FIFA 14, FIFA 15 and the existing FIFA 16.

Rumors of Messi's contract coming to an end may have signaled that his affiliation with the development team will result in the superstar no longer being the face of 2017's FIFA expansion.

According to the Leicester Mercury, the search for the candidate for the next superstar to be given the privilege of being the cover has started. As much as many soccer fans would want to see the classic favorite Cristiano Ronaldo as the cover star, he is already affiliated with Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series and presumably will continue to be so. One of the closest contenders as rumors have stated is Leicester City FC's James Vardy, but EA Sports is yet to confirm his involvement.

FIFA 17 is still in production, and until EA Sports would declare anything about the title, all is to be taken as a grain of salt. [Source]

Next Up for Messi: 500 Goals for Barca and Argentina (Video)

 Watch Messi's craziest goals of 2015

With a fifth world player of the year award safely tucked away in the trophy cabinet, Lionel Messi can set his sights on one of the next milestones in his remarkable career: reaching 500 goals for club and country.

The Barcelona and Argentina forward can add to his jaw-dropping tally of 479 in 609 official games -- 430 for Barca and 49 for his national team -- in Sunday's La Liga match at home to Athletic Bilbao.

The 28-year-old from Rosario, who picked up the FIFA Ballon d'Or on Monday, is looking close to his best following a two-month injury layoff late last year and netted a hat-trick when second-placed Barca crushed Granada 4-0 at the Nou Camp last weekend in their most recent outing in Spain's top flight.

He has nine goals in 13 La Liga games this season, six behind leading marksmen and Barca team mates Neymar and Luis Suarez, who have 15 in 16 and 17 appearances respectively. [Source]

Shakira and Footballer Husband Gerard Piqué PDA After Barca Match (Photo)

Shakira and Pique after Barca v. Granada match. Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Shakira always supports her husband at his matches. So it came as no surprise to see her at Gerard Piqué's Barcelona vs Granada match, heading onto to the home grounds to congratulate the footballer after his 4-0 win.

With their 11-month-old son scooped up in the defender's arms, Shakira, 38, looked loved-up and content as she planted a kiss on her beau.

It seemed like it was back to business as usual for the tight-knit family after they spent Christmas in Paris and Tokyo together.

Whilst Gerard has been back at work with Barcelona FC, the two-time Grammy winner has been busy promoting her app, Love Rocks, an animated game featuring the star herself. [Source]

Cristiano Ronaldo's Best Last Minute Goals (Video)

Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player in the history of football to score 50 or more goals in a season on five consecutive occasions. In September 2015, Ronaldo became the all-time top goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League with 82 goals, and in October 2015 he became Real Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer. Here are some of his best last minute goals. [Source]

Bundesliga: Mario Gotze Transfer Rumors "Madness" Says Bayern Munich

Gotze future with Bayern Munich certain, at least until end of the season.

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer calls it "madness" when it comes to the idea of a Mario Gotze mid-season transfer. Rumors have been swirling of Liverpool's keen interest in Gotze.

"I said it was madness when there were rumours about a transfer in January, whereas Mario was talking about the end of the season," Sammer told Sky Sports. "Mario's comments were an indication that we will have to sit down at some point in the coming months and discuss his situation. That is only logical. I cannot see anything negative about what Mario said. He has put a few things up for discussion."

Pep Guardiola hasn't had much use for the the World-Cup winning midfielder, as he's only made a handful of appearances this season.
Gotze is said to be considering a future beyond Bayern.

Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid Transfer Ban, De Gea and Hazard Moves in Question

David De Gea may have to stay put at Manchester United for now. Credit: Reuters

FIFA is set to announce sanctions against clubs Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid for violating youth transfer regulations. This is in respect to accusations of signing players under age 18 from outside the European Union. The transfer sanctions could put the long suspected transfers of David De Gea, John Stones, Harry Kane and Eden Hazard on hold.

FIFA released a statement saying that: "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Spanish clubs Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18. The two clubs were found to have violated several provisions concerning the international transfer and first registration of minor players as well as other relevant provisions with regard to the registration and participation of certain players in competitions."

As a result of FIFA's ruling, Real Madrid and Atletico can sign players during the present transfer window, but will be banned from doing so in the summer transfer window and in January 2017's transfer window. Both teams will pay fines totaling 900,000 euros.

The teams have the right to appeal.

Messi's Ridiculous Goal (Video)

Watch 5 time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi curl home from way out into a small goal to the delight of Japanese fans.

Kolo Toure: Liverpool Never Gives Up

Kolo Toure proving to be a Liverpool fan favoriate. Credit: Yahoo UK

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure believes a recent improvement in the mindset within the squad means they now refuse to accept lost causes.

Joe Allen's 90th-minute equalizer in the 3-3 draw at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal salvaged something which was more valuable than a point - and that was belief.

A week previously they stoutly defended a 1-0 lead in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final at Stoke and even the scratch side put out against Exeter in the FA Cup displayed character as they twice came from behind to secure a replay.

“There has been a big improvement recently (in our mental strength) and that's very important when you're at a big club. You can't ever give up,” said Toure, whose whole-hearted effort is appreciated by fans.

“When you refuse to lose games, you often find yourself winning them.”

“It's always important that if you don't win, you don't lose.”

This season Liverpool's record against their traditional rivals - Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United - is much improved with just one defeat coming at Old Trafford in September, signalling the beginning of the end of Brendan Rodgers' time in charge.


Since Klopp took over they have won 3-1 and 4-1 at Chelsea and City respectively. [Source]

Drogba Still Under Contract With Montreal But Considering Return to Chelsea

Didier Drogba weighs a return to Chelsea. Credit: Reuters

MLS commissioner Don Garber hopes Didier Drogba will complete his contract with Montréal Impact, but he says there is no resolution to the uncertainty surrounding the striker's future yet.

Drogba is currently deciding whether to see out his 18-month contract with the Impact or step away from the game to take a backroom job with Premier League side Chelsea under interim manager Guus Hiddink.

Those talks continue as all parties examine the options available, but Garber reinforced the fact that Drogba remains under contract with MLS and the Impact for the upcoming season.

"There's not much I can update you on," Garber said during the MLS SuperDraft in Baltimore on Thursday. "At this point, he is under contract. The most recent discussions -- as you guys saw on Twitter -- is that he hasn't decided to retire. But it's an ongoing situation. I just don't have an update for you right now. Everybody is entitled to end their career when they are ready to, but he is under contract. We're hopeful that he'll be back in uniform and ready to play."

Garber called Drogba "a great signing" for the Impact and for MLS even he decides to end his spell in the league after one-third of a season. Drogba scored 11 goals in 11 matches and spurred Montréal to the playoffs after signing on a free transfer last summer.

"Didier was just incredibly exciting," Garber said. "He did a lot of great things for the Impact. But, you know, he's [37] years old. If he decides to retire, we'll manage through what that means. He brought some excitement to the league. I'm sure the fans in Montréal will never forget that. If he decides -- with Joey Saputo and the Impact -- that he is going to leave the league, then I'm sure they'll get very focused on bringing in a really exciting player." [Source]

Victor Wanyama's Days With Southampton Might Be Numbered

Victor Wanyama has made as many headlines this season for time spent in the stands as for his efforts on the pitch and the Southampton midfielder may have to get used to watching from the sidelines thanks to the impressive form of deputy Oriol Romeu.

Wanyama was left out by manager Ronald Koeman for the 3-0 win over Norwich in September after claiming he was "not mentally fit to play," after demanding Southampton sanctioned a move to Tottenham -- a request that was flatly 

turned down.

The former Celtic powerhouse found himself back in Koeman's bad books after picking up his second red card of the season in the corresponding fixture at Carrow Road; a 1-0 defeat earlier this month that triggered a two-match suspension.

His punishment served, Wanyama is available for selection for Saturday's vital visit of West Brom, but Koeman would be either brave or foolish to bring him straight back into the team after Romeu's efforts during the African's absence. [Source]

Manchester United Boss Insults Journalist

It's not certain what's more puzzling: Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal's apparent inability to turn his team into title contenders; or his increasingly bizarre post-match press conferences.

"We don't speak any more about Wayne Rooney," video shows the former coach of Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich telling journalists.

"You have criticized him; I don't. You," he says, pointing at an off-camera reporter.

As he gets up to leave he turns and says, "You too! Fat man! There," again pointing at the assembled hacks.

The comment is greeted with laughter from the members of the press, and one voice, apparently belonging to the singled-out reporter, replies, "Thank you!"

While his team may not be playing the expressive, attacking football that the storied club's fans came to expect under former boss Alex Ferguson, Van Gaal is doing his best to replicate it post-game.

The latest eruption came after the team again dropped points -- this time at strugglers Newcastle United, who equalized in the 90th minute to deny Van Gaal and Manchester United a win.

Rooney, who has endured an abysmal season, showed flickers of his old form, scoring two and generally putting in an invigorated performance.

The reaction is by no means an isolated case, with incidents throughout this season and last showing similar spikiness.

The Dutch master has offered to quit his post, bristled at questions about his relationship with assistant manager Ryan Giggs (sarcastically saying, "No, no, we have a very bad relationship,") lashed out at former United player Gary Neviile's analysis ("Gary Neville needs to pay attention to his words") and lambasted a journalist for questions about goalkeeper David de Gea ("You think you are smarter than I, but it is not like that.") [Source]

AC Milan Defeats Capri, Sigh of Relief

AC Milan advances in Coppa Italia. Credit: AFP

MILAN - AC Milan reached the semifinals of the Coppa Italia (Italian Cup). The Rossoneri beat Capri 2-1 at San Siro. The win was was a sigh of relief for manager Mihajlovic, after Rome. Now at home, Milan looks to Europe with hope.

Coupe de la Ligue: Paris Saint-Germain Defeats Lyon, Reaches Final Four

Paris Saint-Germain teammates celebrate win over Lyon. Credit: AFP

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has confirmed its status. The capital club qualified, Wednesday, Jan. 13, for the semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue (League Cup) by beating the Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) 2 goals to 1 at Park of the Princes stadium, Paris. The meeting was not a walkover for the French champions.

With success, Laurent Blanc's team struck first. Adrien Rabiot took advantage of a misjudgment of an out-of-bounds ball to open the scoring. Lyon didn’t fail to respond as Lyon club president Jean-Michel Aulas that his team was aggrieved by arbitration. Despite this questionable decision, Lyon demonstrated tenacity and team members were rewarded for their efforts with Corentin Tolisso’s goal before half-time.

Double title, PSG joins Toulouse, Lille and Bordeaux, in the remaining four. The semifinals will be held on 26 and 27 January.

SHOCK: See How Brazil's Ms. BumBum Celebrated Messi Ballon d'Or Win (Photo)

Instagram: Suzy Cortez

With Cristiano Ronaldo in mixed form at the moment and fellow Barcelona star Neymar still a little way behind in the "world's greatest" stakes, Leo was basically a shoe-in for world football's ultimate individual accolade. Supporters the world over were quick to congratulate the Argentine prodigy on his success.

However, few have done so with quite the same enthusiasm as Suzy Cortez.

Despite the fact she's a Sao Paulo supporter, Suzy (aka Miss BumBum Brazil) has posted a series of snaps on her official Instagram page celebrating the Barca star's Ballon d'Or victory. [Source]

Football Commentator Sacked: Fell Asleep During Barcelona Match

Russian commentator Vasily Utkin sacked for sleeping on the job. Credit: Reuters

Some have described the current Barcelona teams as the best of all time but even watching the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar was not enough to keep one Russian TV commentator awake.

Vasily Utkin –  a lead commentator for the new Russian state sports broadcaster Match TV – was watching Luis Enrique’s side face Bayer Leverkusen in a Champions League tie in December when he accidentally dozed off at the end of the first half of the 1-1 draw. Utkin has now been suspended despite the fact that he claims to suffer from a chronic sleep disorder.

“I am convinced that [the suspension] is due to this commentary in the game between Bayer and Barça. But I wasn’t spoken to just about this game,” he told the TASS agency.

“I can explain what happened in the match. For a few years, I’ve been suffering from chronic sleep disorder. It just so happened that at the end of the first half, I fell asleep and I was talking in my sleep.

“Naturally, it is very easy to understand that this is the case, because in the second half there were no problems at all.” [Source]

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Shoots Down Arsenal and Barcelona Rumors

Aubameyang says he's staying put. Credit: Reuters 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reiterated he wants to win titles with Borussia Dortmund amid reported interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.

The 26-year-old fuelled speculation linking him with a move away from Dortmund after he missed a training session last week due to a "personal appointment".

The Gabon striker, who was last week named African Player of the Year, has been linked with a move to the Gunners and Barcelona, but he appears happy at Signal Iduna Park.

Aubameyang has won the DFL-Supercup with Dortmund but has expressed a desire to win more silverware with Thomas Tuchel's side.

"In football nothing lasts for ever," he told Sport Bild. "But my contract runs until 2020, that is a fact.

"I feel happy, still want to achieve lots with Dortmund and win titles, that is also fact. [Source]

Neymar Ordered to Testify in Court

Neymar and parents to appear in court Feb 2.

Spain’s national court has ordered Neymar to testify in an investigation into alleged irregularities involving his transfer to Barcelona. The court says Neymar’s parents, the former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell and the current president Josep Bartomeu will also have to appear before a judge. The Brazil striker is set to testify on Feb. 2.

The national court last year rejected Neymar’s request to throw out a probe into the irregularities. The court is looking into a complaint made by a Brazilian investment group which claims it was financially harmed when Barcelona and Neymar allegedly withheld the real amount of the player’s transfer fee from the Brazilian club Santos in 2013.

The complaint made in June by the investment group DIS names Neymar, his father and Barcelona as defendants, along with Rosell and Bartomeu. [Source]

Messi Hopes To Return to Argentinian Football One Day

Messi ponders return home Credit: Reuters

Speaking to FIFA.com, Messi revealed that the lure of a return home – where his boyhood club was Newell's Old Boys – still holds considerable appeal.

"Yes, I've always said that I would like to play in Argentina," he said.

"It was always my dream when I was a boy, though I had to leave at a very early age because of my situation and it didn’t happen.

"I had to go to Europe, start out with Barcelona and make my career there. But I would like to return to Argentinian football one day. What happens after that, only God knows."

Messi opened the scoring as Barcelona crowned a stellar 2015 by beating River Plate in the Club World Cup final last month and he conceded that helping defeat an Argentinian club was an unusual feeling.

Messi left Rosario as a 13-year-old to begin his journey to the top of world football in Catalonia.

The 28-year-old won his fifth Ballon d'Or in Zurich on Monday.  [Source]

What Christiano Ronaldo Envies Most About Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted rival Lionel Messi has a better left foot than he does before the Barcelona man accepted his fifth Ballon d'Or on Monday.

The comments came as he, Messi and fellow nominee Neymar spoke to reporters ahead of Monday's gala awards ceremony in Zurich.

Messi won the Ballon d'Or for the fifth time in his career, reclaiming his place as the world's best player after Ronaldo won the prize in 2013 and 2014.


Asked whether there was anything about Messi's game that he envied, Real Madrid galactico Ronaldo said he was a fan of the Argentine's left foot.

"His left foot is pretty good -- better than mine," he said. "I'd like to have his left foot."
At the other end of the stage, Messi's Barca teammate Neymar interrupted. "I'd take both of his feet," the Brazilian said amid smiles from all three superstars.


Messi, asked the same question, replied: "Envy is a very negative trait. Cristiano has many great qualities which every player would like to have. We each have our individual styles." [Source]

Caulker Joins Liverpool Ahead of Clash with Arsenal

Defender Steven Caulker has joined Liverpool on loan until the end of the season. The QPR defender moved to Anfield today to ease the club’s injury crisis with Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Martik Skrtel all sidelined for tomorrow’s clash with Arsenal.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed why Caulker is important to the team. “You need experience to play in the Premier League and we want to play pressing. “We want to press the opponents so they have to play long balls. If they play long balls you need the people in the last line who can win headers and we found it with Steve Caulker.

“We want to have the best solution for us and we are absolute convinced that Steve is the best solution for us and I’m looking forward to working with him," said Kloop. [Source]

Arsenal Close on Signing Nigeria U17 World Cup Stars Nwakali and Chukwueze

Arsenal looks to have won the signing race for Nwakali and Chukwueze

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Nigeria U17 duo Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze, Sky sources understand. A host of Europe's top clubs have been tracking Nwakali and Chukwueze after they impressed in helping Nigeria win last year's FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile. The Gunners look to have won the race to sign them, despite Nwakali's brother Chidiebere playing for Manchester City. [Source]

Luis Enrique: Barcelona Still Looking to Add to Attacking Options

Barcelona's attacking triumvirate of Lionel Messi -- who reclaimed the Ballon d'Or on Monday night -- Neymar and Luis Suarez have been scoring freely all season, but Luis Enrique is still looking to add to his attacking options.

Schalke winger Leroy Sane is the latest young attacker to be linked with a move to the Camp Nou but, with wages taking up over 70 percent of their annual budget, Barcelona have said that they are watching their finances carefully.

"This is a difficult transfer market. No one wants to lose an important player at this time. But still, we will attempt to reinforce our line until the last day," Luis Enrique said ahead of Wednesday's Copa del Rey second leg against Espanyol. "For reinforcements to come we must negotiate and those negotiations are tough. It won't be easy for clubs to give up key players during this winter transfer window." [Source]

Real Madrid: Gareth Bale Disappointed at Rafa Benitez Departure, Says He'll Press On

Bale unhappy with Benitez departure but says he'll keep doing his best. Credit: Getty Images

It's clear that Gareth Bale was one of the few Real Madrid players who wanted Rafael Benitez to stay on as manager. Bale scored 3 in the club's 5-goal win over Deportivo de la Coruna, during Zinedine Zidane's managerial debut.

“I had a very good relationship with Rafa," Bale said. "Obviously, it was a big disappointment to see him go but things like this happen in football: you’re professional and you get on with it, and carry on." Bale went on to say, "I’m happy at the moment. Obviously, you can never predict what happens in the future but I’m enjoying my football at the moment, so I’ll keep going.”

Benitez's sacking came with a double sting for Bale since club owner Florentino Pérez promised that Zidane's position would be temporary.

Bale noted, however: “I don’t think there was too much difference, to be honest. We’ve been working hard of late and maybe we didn’t have a bit of luck before but I think we’re all working the same amount on the football pitch. We’re all giving 100% and the most important thing is we win games and win titles.” While still at the top of the Primera Division table, Real Madrid ranks third behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

In Depth: Napoli's Storybook Rise to the Top of Serie A

Napoli leads Seria A after 5-1 win over Frosinone Jan. 10. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Maurizio Sarri is not much one for birthdays. You could imagine him lighting a cigarette off the candles on a cake sooner than stopping to blow them out. But even he would concede that his 57th was a little bit special. He celebrated it by taking his childhood team back to the top of Serie A. Read the full story at theguardian.com

Yaya Toure: Fire Storm Continues Over Aubameyang CAF Comments

Yaya Toure not at all thrilled with Aubameyang's selection as CAF's African Footballer of the Year

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, never shy about sharing an opinion or lodging a complaint, voiced his displeasure about not winning CAF's African Footballer of the Year award, calling Aubameyang's selection "pathetic" and "what brings shame to Africa." To set the record straight, former Super Eagles (Nigeria) coach Adegboye Onigbinde has asserted that Aubameyang deserved to win.

“Can one be the accused and the judge?” he said to the media. “There is a meticulous system of selecting people for this award and probably he (Toure) does not understand the details. And I don’t believe CAF have changed its system from what I know it to be.”

“This award is not done by one man. It is done by media people, technical people, making their input. Unless Yaya Toure can come out and say what he thinks really went wrong.”

Onigbinde, who led the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, faulted Toure’s claim that he should have won. “Because Cote d' Ivoire won the Cup of Nations is not a criteria to award him the award. It is a cumulative assessment,” he added.

Bayern Munich's Pep Guardiola "Sorry" for Spreading Rumors About Possible Employers

Pep Guardiola may find himself managing a top English Premier League team by summer 2016.

While he has a job now, Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola plans a big move to the English Premier League this summer. Needless to say, the former Barcelona coach coming to town spells the unemployment line for somebody.

Allegations that his comments were offensive prompted Guardiola to apologize. "I'm sorry. It was not my intention to offend anybody. Normally in my career like a trainer, a football player I respect a lot my colleagues," he told the media at Bayern's training camp in Qatar.

Bayern Munich's stellar record makes Guardiola an attractive pick for Premier League teams flapping in the wind such as Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Benteke, Liverpool's Accidental Frontman

Christian Benteke will lead lineup in Liverpool-Arsenal match Jan. 13

Injuries plague Liverpool as they take on Arsenal, Wednesday, Jan. 13 at Anfield. The Reds came close to defeat against Exeter City in the FA Cup, but settled on a 2-2 draw.

To cover critical loses, coach Jurgen Klopp has put striker Christian Benteke at the head of the line and made him team captain for the first time. He'll have to rally a host of inexperienced players  to pull off a win against the Gunners.

Regardless of challenges blending in with the team and working with Klopp since arriving from Aston Villa, it's clear that 25-year-old Benteke is of Premier League stock. All eyes will be on him he carries the load for Liverpool. While he may not be Klopp's favorite, from the length of the club's growing injury list, Benteke's all Klopp has got for the moment.

Is 2015 Messi's Best Ballon D'Or Win Ever?

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Barcelona forward Lionel Messi 

Messi endured a relative dip in form but bounced back in style in 2015 to win his 5th Balloon D'Or. But is this his best win ever? His masterful performances helped Barcelona to yet another Champions League win, with Messi instrumental in seeing off Manchester City, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich. Barca also won La Liga, with Messi scoring 43 goals in the 2014/15 season and topping the assists table too, but it was his opening goal in the Copa del Rey final that was perhaps his most memorable individual moment of 2015.

2012

Guardiola's final year in charge of Barca saw the club lose their grip on La Liga, but the goals kept coming for Messi. He netted an astonishing 50 of them in the 2011/12 league season. Messi was also top scorer in the Champions League for a fourth consecutive season, netting five times in one game against Bayer Leverkusen, but missed a crucial penalty in a semi-final defeat to Chelsea.

2011

Barca won La Liga again in the 2010/11 season with Messi scoring 31 goals and also providing 18 assists, but the little magician's year will be best remembered for his Champions League heroics. He was the top scorer in the competition for a third successive season as Barcelona lifted the trophy at Wembley. He starred in a semi-final win over Real Madrid before delivering a man of the match performance against Manchester United in the final. [Source]

Video: Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or 2015 | (FULL VIDEO) HD 1080i

Lionel Messi Wins 5th Ballon d'Or

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or award for the world's best player for the fifth time.

The 28-year-old beat club-mate Neymar of Brazil and Real Madrid's Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Either Messi or Ronaldo, who became a three-time winner last year, have won the past eight awards. -- Source: BBC

Ballon d'Or 2015: CR7 Still Waiting But Doesn't Think He'll Get It

Cristiano Ronaldo anxiously awaiting Ballon d'Or 2015 announcement. Credit: Twitter

Messi will win top prize says Ronaldo, according to the UK Telegraph. The media outlet failed to quote the footballer's observation, so Cristiano Ronaldo probably didn't just say he'd rather not get the honor.

Barcelona's Luis Enrique Named FIFA World Coach of the Year

From ESPN -- Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has been named FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football after leading Barcelona to a Treble in his first year in charge. Luis Enrique was honoured at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Zurich on Monday, though the coach was not in attendance. Under his leadership in 2015, Barcelona won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

FIFA Ballon d'Or Ceremony 2016 Time and Date

Are you anxious to find out who will win FIFA's Player of the Year? If so, set your watch to GMT. The ceremony starts around 5:30 p.m. GMT at Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland.

2015 Player of the Year: Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo?

Here's the breakdown:

Messi has won the award four times, having been beat out by Cristiano Ronaldo twice. The Argentinian superstar led Barcelona to a La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey last season, scoring 52 goals in the 2014/2015 season.

Ronaldo wants a third Ballon d'Or after 2013 and 2014 wins. But he has a tough hill to climb after a less-than-stellar season. He scored 57 goals in 2014/15.

Neymar, the youngest of the trio, scored 46 goals in the 2014/15 season, and took the lead during his teammate Messi's injury absence. The Brazilian has been a key member of Barcelona's powerful goal-scoring trio, Messi-Suarez-Neymar, dubbed MSN.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place Monday, Jan. 11 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Portugal: Benfica, Nacional Match Postponed due to DENSE FOG

UPDATE: Benfica's Jonas led the team to a decisive victory over Nacional Jan. 11, scoring three of the team's four goals.

OLDER:
Football fans will have to wait for Benfica and Nacional's big clash. The Sunday match lasted just eight minutes, when officials called to halt the game due to heavy fog. Unfortunately, clouds settled on the field at Estadio da Madeira making it impossible for the game to proceed. The match is rescheduled for Monday, 11/1.

Benfica, Nacional match postponed due to fog 10/1. Rematch set for 11/1. Credit: Reuters