LEWANDOWSKI GOAL SEALS AUDI CUP GLORY FOR BAYERN

Robert Lewandowski's late strike earned FC Bayern a third Audi Cup title on Wednesday

Munich - FC Bayern München beat Real Madrid CF 1-0 to win the Audi Cup friendly tournament for a third time on Wednesday night.

Once again, the difference for Bayern was made by new signing Douglas Costa, who delivered another virtuoso display, culminating in the assist for Lewandowski’s winner two minutes from time.

Götze denied

Following Tuesday’s 3-0 procession against AC Milan, Pep Guardiola restored some familiar names to his starting line-up, with Manuel Neuer, Medhi Benatia, Xabi Alonso, David Alaba and Thomas Müller all beginning the game. The Spaniards provided stiffer opposition than Milan, with the result that the game was an even contest in the opening period.

Former Bayern favourite Toni Kroos flashed a shot wide for the visitors, while Costa’s drive was deflected clear and a shot from Müller trickled just off target. Guardiola’s men should have had the lead just before the break, however, as Costa expertly turned his man and crossed for Mario Götze, only for the Germany international’s shot to be parried clear by Real keeper Keylor Navas.


Lewandowski on the spot

After the break, Kroos forced two good saves from Neuer, but the Bundesliga champions missed the best chance of the game when Lewandowski somehow side-footed wide after a burst of pace and a fizzing centre from Costa. Real’s defence simply could not get close to the Brazilian, and almost inevitably he was involved in the goal, winning a free-kick and then delivering a perfect centre for Lewandowski to touch home from close range with 88 minutes on the clock.

There might have been time for a second had Navas not been alert to parry clear Costa’s driven cross, but one was enough against a side whose level had dropped considerably following Kroos’ withdrawal. Costa and Co. can now turn their attentions to Sunday’s trip to fifth-tier FC Nöttingen in the first round of the DFB Cup, before the Bundesliga restart at home to Hamburger SV a week on Friday.

Stung Mourinho cries ‘the best team lost’

 Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger (R) and his players celebrate with the trophy after beating Chelsea in the FA Community Shield football match at Wembley Stadium in north London on August 2, 2015.

LONDON, August 3- The bad blood between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho bubbled to the surface after the Frenchman’s Arsenal team defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the season-opening Community Shield.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s smart first-half strike settled matters at Wembley Stadium and gave Wenger, embarking on his 20th season at the Arsenal helm, a first win over his Portuguese nemesis at the 14th attempt.

The sprightlier of the two teams, Arsenal were good value for their win and would have prevailed more comfortably had Thibaut Courtois not produced late saves to thwart first Santi Cazorla and then Kieran Gibbs.

But Mourinho protested that the “best team lost” and said that by putting “nine players in front of the box”, Arsenal had “(left) their philosophy in the dressing room”.

Wenger has grown accustomed to barbs from Mourinho, who has previously accused him of being a “voyeur”, in 2005 (for which he apologised), and, last year, a “specialist in failure”.

The pair clashed at Stamford Bridge last October and there was a further indication of their frosty relationship at Wembley when, with Mourinho congratulating Arsenal’s players as they returned to the pitch after collecting the trophy, Wenger swerved an opportunity to shake hands with the Chelsea manager, who reacted by stalking down the tunnel.

Mourinho felt that the snub had been deliberate — “you only miss me if you want to miss me” — and Wenger suggested it had been a reaction to previous incidents.

“I believe in a job where you have to respect people and respect everybody,” he told his post-match press conference.

“It’s a difficult job. I just think it’s vital –- I’ve said that many times in managers’ meetings –- that managers respect each other.”

While both men were keen to downplay the importance of Mourinho’s run of 13 unbeaten games against Arsenal, Wenger conceded that the media’s focus on the statistic may have created “a bit of a psychological hurdle … in the heads of my players”.

Having inflicted a one-sided 3-0 win upon then-champions Manchester City in last year’s Community Shield, only to trail in 12 points behind Chelsea in the Premier League, Wenger will know not to hold too much store by Sunday’s result.

– Costa doubt –

Chelsea’s manager Jose Mourinho (L) and Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger watch from the side during the FA Community Shield match at Wembley Stadium in north London on August 2, 2015

But after five wins in pre-season and with goalkeeper Petr Cech producing an assured showing against his former club, Arsenal will go into this weekend’s league opener at home to West Ham United brimming with optimism.

“Confidence-wise it’s good, it’s positive,” Wenger said.

“It allows you to focus on the next game with belief and to share with your players that you did something right.

“Apart from that, now starts the championship and we have to turn up with the needed performance and the demanded performance in every single game.

“We have a tricky start: West Ham, Crystal Palace. Two derbies, and Liverpool straight behind.

“We need to keep a high level of urgency to start well because last year we had a problem.”

The only stain on Arsenal’s weekend was an ankle injury sustained by Jack Wilshere on the eve of the game, but although the England midfielder has a history of ankle problems, Wenger said that his absence was likely to be “a matter of days”.

Chelsea were without Diego Costa and neither Loic Remy nor new signing Radamel Falcao gave many indications that they are ready to step into his shoes.

Last season’s top scorer, Costa struggled with hamstring problems in the latter half of the campaign and Mourinho said he did not know if the Spain striker would be fit to face Swansea City on Saturday.

“But Falcao will have a bit more football,” added the Chelsea manager, who handed his runners-up medal to a young Arsenal supporter.

“Falcao will play against Fiorentina (in a friendly on Wednesday) from the start. Remy again too. If we don’t have Diego, I’m happy with the strikers we have.”

Ronaldo: I don’t care about FIFA

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best media-trained athletes in the world – but everybody has off days.
The Real Madrid superstar lost his cool when asked a question about FIFA, world football’s governing body.
His response? “I don’t care about FIFA, Qatar, I don’t give a f**k.” OK Cristiano, chill. Just a question.
Ronaldo was asked his opinion on the scandal-hit organisation in the wake of Sepp Blatter’s resignation announcement and human rights concerns surrounding Qatar’s 2022 winning bid.
Many would feel they are legitimate questions for the current holder of the FIFA Ballon d’Or award.
But the Portugal captain was clearly in no mood to discuss either topic, throwing his headphones down in disgust at the end of the interview.

Mikel can be Chelsea’s captain — Mourinho

    Mikel and Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has listed Super Eagles’s midfielder John Obi Mikel among the leaders in his squad, owing to the number of years he has spent at the Stamford Bridge.
John Terry is the captain and Branislav Ivanovic is the Vice-Captain but after the departure of Petr Cech and Dlidier Drogba, there is the need for other leaders in the team. When the Portuguese gaffer was asked of other leaders in his star-studded team, he replied:
“In this moment the two captains, if I can say captain, captain, captain, the same way last year we had Drogba, Petr and John, this season I would say this year we have John and Ivanovic.
Mikel trains with the team in Canada
Mikel trains with the team in Canada
Ivanovic is more than ready to be a big captain too; more than ready: lots of experience, lots of years at Chelsea, his personality, his character, the respect that he has from the other guys. In John and Ivanovic we have two fantastic captains. And after that we have people that come behind. (Gary) Cahill, lots of years at Chelsea, also vice-captain in the England national team. Good personality, good example.
(John Obi) Mikel is, after John, the guy with most years of Chelsea. I think (Cesc) Fabregas has personality for a captain too. Eden is coming with big status now and was voted one of the top 10 players in Europe last year. In my opinion he should be in the top three not in the top 10. Let’s see what is going to happen but we have these people. But let’s say John and Branislav are our captains and the others are ready to come,” he told Dailymail.co.uk.
Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006. Part of his profile on the official Chelsea website reads:
“As a junior Mikel had played as an attacking midfielder, but upon moving to west London Jose Mourinho quickly outlined his desire to play the Nigerian in the holding midfield role, a position he has operated in ever since. A tall, strong player, Mikel is as tactically astute as they come, moving the ball quickly on to his more attacking-minded team-mates, but he is also not afraid to join in further up the field when the timing is right.
Mikel has won a host of honours during his time at the club, but perhaps his finest moment in a Chelsea shirt was the 2012 Champions League final, when he produced an outstanding midfield display as we overcame Bayern Munich in Germany.
Often saving his best performances for the big occasion – the 2012 Champions League final being a case in point – Mikel has won every major honour at club level with the Blues”.

Bayern Munich confirm agreement to sign Juventus and Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal

                                          Agreement: Vidal will officially join Bayern next week

Bayern Munich have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Champions League finalists Juventus for the transfer of Arturo Vidal.

The Chilean international will complete a move to the Allianz Arena next week, according to the German club's CEO Karl Heinz Rummenigge.

"I can confirm that we have with both parties, Juventus and the player, reached an agreement. What is missing is the medical and the signature of the contract," said Rummenigge, speaking during the team’s pre-season trip to China.

"If everything goes according to plan, he can start training next week," he added.

Vidal, will become Bayern's fourth summer signing, following the acquisitions of Brazilian winger Douglas Costa, goalkeeper Sven Ulreich and young midfielder Joshua Kimmich.

                                          Champion: Vidal led Chile to Copa America success this summer

GettyChile's midfielder Arturo Vidal celebrates with the trophyChampion: Vidal led Chile to Copa America success this summer
However, Bayern's spending may not stop with the Copa America winner, according to Rummenigge.

"It is still too early to close the door and say that was it," he added.

"We have to wait and take smart decisions. We are charged with setting up a team that can be successful and play attractive football."

                                                       More to do: Rummenigge says Bayern boss Guardiola could still re-enter the market

ReutersKarl-Heinz Rummenigge, CEO of Bayern Munich, talks with head coach Pep Guardiola during the Bayern Munich Champions dinner at Postpalast in MunichMore to do: Rummenigge says Bayern boss Guardiola could still re-enter the market
Vidal joins Bayern following four years in Italy - having rejected the Bavarians' overtures to join Juventus in 2011.

The Chilean left Bayer Leverkusen to join the Bianconeri, which infuriated former Bayern president Uli Hoeness, who accused the player of 'breaking his word'.

But following four successive Serie A titles and a run to last year's Champions League final with Juve, Vidal is now set to finally join Die Roten, for a fee believed to be in the region of £28million.

Transfer news LIVE: Manchester United linked with Pedro and Sergio Ramos

Kiss goodbye? Pedro could be about to leave Barca, but will it be to Old Trafford?

Pedro could be ready to leave Barcelona, according to team-mate Sergio Busquets - and Manchester United lead the chase for the £22million man.

“Yes, I have spoken to him but I won't tell you what he said,” said Busquets. “It was a private conversation. I would want him to stay, I would love him to stay.

“He's a friend of mine and it will be his final decision. He wants to play more and get more minutes. That's what he wants. “But we are in a team of great players and it's hard for him. Finally, it will be his decision, but I hope he stays.”

The two sides play each other on a friendly on Saturday. Meanwhile, here's what else is happening in the transfer world:

New York Red Bulls 4 - 2 Chelsea: 5 things we learned as champions stumble in pre-season clash

Jose Mourinho insisted his players were not resting on their laurels but they were undone by a collection of kids and second-string players

Premier League kings Chelsea kicked off their pre-season tour with a surprising defeat to the New York Red Bulls' reserve team.

Blues’ boss Jose Mourinho insisted beforehand that his players were in the right frame of mind ahead of the coming campaign and that they were not resting on their laurels after their title success.

Chelsea were undone here, however, by a collection of kids and second-string players in their first return to action after their summer holidays.

Loic Remy opened the scoring in the 26th minutes when he collected a pass from Oscar in the box and fired it past home keeper Kyle Renish.

Goal: Loic Remy celebrates with Oscar


Six minutes into the second half, however, John Terry’s poor pass back allowed midfielder Frankie Castellanos to rounded new Chelsea keeper Asmir Begovic and score.

And sixteen-year-old defender Tyler Adams turned the game around when he took advantage of some poor defending to hand his side a shock lead in the 69th minute.

Just four minutes after that Nemanja Matic deflected a cross into his own box to give midfielder Sean Davis the chance to power home a third.

Eden Hazard created space for himself in the Bulls’ box to pull it back to 3-2 just two minutes after that. But a fourth goal in ten fascinating minutes extended the New York Red Bulls’ lead.

It was Davis again on target, smashing in an effort at the near post of Begovic who should have done much better.

The fringe Bulls players had been in action because the senior Bulls’ side were beaten on penalties to Philadelphia Union on the US Open Cup just 24 hours earlier.

Hat trick: Red Bulls Sean Davis celebrates


The Bulls had tried to move this fixture but Philadelphia would not agree to it, leaving them with no choice.

In the end the Bulls had the last laugh here with the senior players joining in the celebrations on the pitch after the final whistle.

This was a training exercise for Chelsea but Jose Mourinho will still not have been happy with the sloppy approach of his Champions.

So what did we learn from this the Blues’ first day back?



1) Thibaut Courtois might have seen off Petr Cech but he can’t afford to allow complacency to creep in
The Belgian no.1, under no pressure at all, dithered on the ball two minutes before half-time and allowed Daniel Bedoya to rob him of the ball. Bedoya played the ball across to Marius Obekop but by the time the midfielder had managed to get his effort away Courtois had recovered.

And Asmir Begovic also had his blushes saved after he flapped at a cross four minutes after the break. Frankie Castellanos should have put the ball into an empty net but John Terry cleared off the line.

Terry could not save Begovic minutes later, however, as Castellanos scampered through again and rounded the Belgian before poking the ball home.

2) Loic Remy is not short of confidence going into the new campaign
The French striker was already off the pitch by the time it all fell apart.

He might be, in theory, down to no.3 in the pecking order following the arrival of Falcao but he clearly intends to hit the ground running next season.

Confident: Loic Remy

Remy scored one and was unlucky not to get another as Bernard Traore’s cut-back bounced off his knee five minutes before the break. Remy also felt assured enough to try a Charlie Adam from just inside the Red Bulls’ half. The ball flew over the bar, but Remy is clearly in the mood going into the new season.

3. Bertrand Traore has not just been brought in to make up the numbers
Mourinho clearly intends to give the 19-year-old Burkina Faso forward the chance to make a case for his inclusion.

Chelsea managed to persuade the FA to make Traore the first player to get a work permit under the new rules and the youngster, who can play anywhere across the front three, started on the right.

He started slowly at first but stuck to his defensive duties and was far more convincing when he switched to his favoured left.

4. Diego Costa will continue being a thorn in the side of defenders next season
He was a touch ring-rusty on his reappearance here but there was enough to suggest there will be more headaches for his opponents in the upcoming campaign.

Costa, who had hit 20 goals to put the Blues on course for their Premier League success, picked up good positions and at times pulled the Bulls defence apart - but had no luck in front of goal.

Thorn in everyone's side: Diego Costa

He hit the bar with a header in the second half then blasted over from the rebound.

He also sent a diagonal effort wide, after being sent clear, when you would have put your mortgage on him to open his account for the new term. He’ll be fine next season.

5. Rising star Ola Aina is not quite ready just yet
The teenage full-back is among the rising stars that Jose Mourinho raved about towards the back end of last season.

But he lasted just 25 minutes of this training exercise after coming on to replace Branislav Ivanovic at right-back after half time.

As the Red Bulls dominated, Mourinho replaced Aina with young striker Dominic Solanke. Ramires moved to right-back and Nemanja Matic dropped in to centre-half But the Bulls went on to score another two goals.

Liverpool agree transfer of Christian Benteke from Aston Villa - Sky sources

Liverpool and Aston Villa have reached an agreement over the transfer of striker Christian Benteke, according to Sky sources.

Liverpool met the £32.5m release fee clause last Thursday in Benteke's contract and the two Premier League clubs have been in talks over the weekend over the finer details of the Belgium international's transfer.

The 24-year-old is expected to have his medical with the Reds by Tuesday morning but the deal will not be done in time to allow him to join the club on their pre-season tour.

James Milner & Danny Ings score as Liverpool beat Adelaide United

Summer signings James Milner and Danny Ings scored as Liverpool beat Adelaide United 2-0 on their pre-season tour.

Milner, who also netted in the 2-1 win over Brisbane last week, diverted Jordon Ibe's low cross home after 68 minutes at the Adelaide Oval.

The home side had few chances but Tarek Elrich's 20-yard shot skimmed a post.

And Ings sealed Liverpool's win with his first goal for the club - slotting home after collecting a pass from fellow new signing Nathaniel Clyne

culled from BBC SPORT

Manchester United: Louis van Gaal happy with attacking options

Manchester United are ready to gamble on the fitness of striker Wayne Rooney, and may not bring in any more forwards.

Javier Hernandez and James Wilson are the only other true strikers left after Robin van Persie joined Fenerbahce and Radamel Falcao's loan ended.

Boss Louis van Gaal is considering using Rooney as a sole striker with support coming from summer signing Memphis Depay behind him.

However, Van Gaal did not rule out "a surprise" signing.

Following Friday night's friendly win over Club America, he said: "I am not worried about depth of forwards. We still have Rooney. He can play in the striker's position. Last year the media said he had to play there. I listen to the media.

"We also have Hernandez, Wilson and maybe a surprise, you never know. It is a process."

Despite spending £83.1m on four players so far this summer, the club have not ruled out another big-money signing.

Rooney, 29, has been relatively injury free over the past two seasons. On both occasions he was United's top league scorer with 14 and 17 goals respectively.

The last time he was used extensively as the club's main forward was during the 2009-10 season, when he scored 34 goals - the best season of his career so far.

Van Gaal's transfer spending so far
Forward Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven)	£31m
Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)	£25m
Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)	£14.4m (reported)
Right-back Matteo Darmian (Torino)	£12.7m (reported)
Total	£83.1m

Depay, 21, could be played in a more central attacking spot than the wider role he usually occupied at PSV Eindhoven, Van Gaal has said.

He played behind Rooney in the number 10 role in the opening match of his side's US tour against Club America.

Hernandez is now likely to be the main back-up to Rooney, which is a surprise as his United career looked over when he went on loan to Real Madrid last season.

The Mexican, 27, is currently sidelined with a broken collarbone that ruled him out of his country's Gold Cup campaign.

A similar role has been earmarked for 19-year-old Wilson, who did not make the progress anticipated last season after scoring twice on his debut against Hull in May 2014.

United's first five matches
Tottenham (home)	Sat, 8 Aug
Aston Villa (away)	Fri, 14 Aug
Newcastle (home)	Sat, 22 Aug
Swansea (away)	Sun, 30 Aug
Liverpool (home)	Sat, 12 Sep