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A criação daLibra (Liga Brasileira de Clubes), que parecia perto de acontecer, pode sofrer um revés. Em um manifesto,23 clubes das séries A e Binformaramque não estarão presentes na reunião comos fundadoresda entidadeque acontece nesta quinta-feira (12), na sede da CBF, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Na carta, o bloco diz que realizará encontro no dia 16, também na capital carioca.

RelacionadasVascoVasco anuncia adesão à Libra: ‘Fundamental para o futuro do futebol brasileiro’Vasco09/05/2022Futebol NacionalClubes das Séries A e B formalizam bloco e assinam contraproposta para criação da Liga Brasileira de FutebolFutebol Nacional09/05/2022Fora de CampoLiga de clubes brasileiros: saiba quais times já aderiram à Libra e quem está na esperaFora de Campo11/05/2022

O encontro desta quinta, combinado na semana passada em São Paulo (SP), serviria para mais clubes assinarem a adesão à Libra. Atlético-MG, Botafogo, Bahia, Internacional e Grêmio, que ainda não integram oficialmente a Liga, não assinaram o manifesto de ausência da reunião.

Oficialmente, o bloco alega querer analisar e fazer apontamentos no estatuto de fundação da Libra (assinado pelos quatro grandes de São Paulo, Ponte Preta, Bragantino, Cruzeiro, Flamengo e agora o Vasco).

A ideia é convocar uma reunião posterior com os fundadores para expor de forma concretas as reivindicações.

Nos bastidores, contudo, conforme apurou o LANCE!, a realidade é que o grupo Futebol Forte, formado pelos emergentes do Brasileirão e que pedem maiores distribuições de receitas, ganhou a adesão de 12 participantes da segunda divisão.

Brusque, Chapecoense, CSA, CRB, Criciúma, Londrina, Náutico, Operário-PR, Sampaio Corrêa, Sport, Tombense e Vila Nova se alinharam ao Futebol Forte.

Além disso, o bloco, formado inicialmente por América-MG, Atlético-GO, Athletico, Avaí, Ceará, Coritiba, Cuiabá, Fortaleza, Goiás e Juventude ganhou também a adesão do Fluminense.

O L! apurou que o Atlético-MG, que estava pendendo inicialmente para o bloco, discordou da decisão de não comparecer à reunião desta quinta e decidiu seguir os moderadores Internacional e Botafogo. Além disso, houve pressão interna no clube pela adesão à Libra após a entrada do rival Cruzeiro.

Dos clubes restantes que não entraram na Libra e nem assinaram o documento do Futebol Forte, os paulistas Novorizontino, Ituano e Guarani devem endossar a liga.

Além de Inter e Galo, sobram Grêmio, Bahia e Botafogo e a expectativa dos fundadores é selar de vez nesta quinta a entrada de pelo menos dois deles na Libra.

Segundo o estatuto da entidade, para haver a formalização na CBF nesta quinta será necessário que haja a adesão de pelo menos 13 clubes (um terço do total das séries A e B).

A DIVERGÊNCIA

O estatuto assinado pelos paulistas e o Flamengo prevê que 40% da receita seja dividida igualmente entre todos os participantes da competição, 30% de acordo com performance e outros 30% por engajamento.

O Futebol Forte quer que seja reproduzida a divisão adotada na Premier League, da Inglaterra: 50% igualmente, 25% por performance e 25% da receita nos critérios de engajamento, que poderia ser rediscutida adiante.

O objetivo do Futebol Forte é reduzir a distância de receitas entre o último colocado e o campeão em no máximo 3,5 vezes. Pelo estatuto da Libra, a distância pode chegar a seis vezes.

Há discordância também em relação à Série B. No estatuto dos fundadores, há cláusulas que repassam de 15% a 20% do total arrecadado para a competição, isso em caso de queda de grandes. Os clubes da segunda divisão, contudo, querem 25% do bolo e parte do total ganho com direitos de TV.

Além disso, os clubes da Série B querem um poder de decisão maior. Isso porque, pelo estatuto da Libra, os clubes da Série A têm voto de peso dois em eleições e decisões que vierem a acontecer.

QUEM JÁ É INTEGRANTE DA LIBRA

Corinthians
São Paulo
Palmeiras
Santos
Bragantino
Ponte Preta
Flamengo
Vasco
Cruzeiro

QUEM INTEGRA O FUTEBOL FORTE

Athletico
América-MG
Atlético-GO
Avaí
Brusque
Ceará
Chapecoense
CSA
CRB
Coritiba
Criciúma
Cuiabá
Fluminense
Fortaleza
Goiás
Juventude
Londrina
Náutico
Operário
Sampaio Corrêa
Sport
Tombense
Vila Nova

QUEM SÃO OS MODERADORES E AINDA NÃO APOIARAM NENHUM DOS LADOS

Grêmio
Internacional
Bahia
Botafogo
Atlético-MG

Arsenal fans have been heard chanting Barcelona icon Lionel Messi's name upon the arrival of the Real Madrid team bus at the Emirates.

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• Arsenal host Real Madrid in UCL
• Los Blancos bus arrives at Emirates
• Gunners fans chant "Messi"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ahead of the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final against the defending champions on Tuesday, Arsenal fans jeered the arriving Madrid bus and also chanted the name of Messi – who was Los Blancos' arch nemesis for many years.

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  Arsenal go into this tie as underdogs against the 15-time Champions League winners. If they want to progress to the next round, they will very likely have to take a first leg advantage to the Santiago Bernabeu next week. The Gunners have never won this competition and will need to be at their best to win this tie.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After Mikel Arteta's Arsenal host Madrid on Tuesday night, they travel to Spain for the return fixture next Wednesday.

يخوض فريق ليفربول، مساء يوم الأحد، مباراة قوية ضد نظيره آرسنال، وذلك في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز لكرة القدم.

ويستضيف ملعب “أنفيلد” مباراة الفريقين في قمة لقاءات الجولة السادسة والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2024/25.

ويحتل ليفربول صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 82 نقطة، حيث حسم لقب الدوري الإنجليزي خلال الجولة قبل الماضية.

في حين أن آرسنال لديه 67 نقطة حيث يحتل حاليًا المركز الثاني في جدول البطولة.

كانت مباراة الفريقين في الدور الأول من هذا الموسم على ملعب “الإمارات” قد انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدفين لمثليهما.

ويسعى ليفربول إلى تحقيق الفوز، بغض النظر عن انتهاء مهمة حسم اللقب، لتعويض ما حدث في الجولة الماضية عندما تعرض الفريق للهزيمة أمام تشيلسي بثلاثة أهداف لهدف.

في حين أن آرسنال يريد الفوز من أجل تضميد جراحه بعدما ودع دوري أبطال أوروبا، قبل يومين من دور نصف النهائي على يد باريس سان جيرمان، وسبق ذلك خسارته أمام بورنموث بهدفين لهدف في الدوري الإنجليزي. موعد مباراة ليفربول وآرسنال اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 6:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وآرسنال اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN Sports HD 2. معلق مباراة ليفربول وآرسنال اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي

سيعلق حفيظ دراجي على أحداث مباراة اليوم.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.

Not so long ago, there were doubts over Aiden Markram’s place in the South African Test XI. His struggles – largely as opener – had become so profound that a batter once tipped to be the next big thing spent large portions of the last 12 months averaging about 10 runs an innings.South Africa were unwilling to let one of their prized assets go by like that. So the coach Mark Boucher decided to push him down the order. T20 cricket proved that the experiment was worthwhile – to the point that the player is confident of his place in the upcoming World Cup. And now, batting at No. 4 in four-day cricket, Markram made the highest score out of the South African line-up in the tour game against England Lions in Canterbury. He came in to bat with his team 20 for 2 in the fifth over, trailing by 253 runs, and made and unbeaten 88 off 169 balls. It wasn’t enough to ward off defeat but it does put the team in better stead going into the first Test at Lord’s on August 17.The England Lions’ performance mirrored the senior side under Brendon McCullum as they piled up a first-innings total of 672 at nearly a run a ball. And as pleasing as that must be, Craig Overton picking up a five-wicket haul in the first innings and the returning Ollie Robinson finishing with 3 for 29 in 11 overs in the second innings will be significant as well. Both players may well be fighting for the third seamer’s spot in the Test XI – currently held by the English summer’s biggest find Matthew Potts.South Africa may yet be happy with their work in the warm-up game. Their lower-middle order bailed them out from a position of considerable strife, taking the score from 129 for 5 in the first innings up to 433 with Khaya Zondo (86) Rassie van der Dussen (75), Kyle Verreynne (62) and Marco Jansen (54) contributing heavily.Their collapse in the second innings does raise a concern about the top order though. They were five-down for 100-odd again only this time there was no counterattack. Markram, who had earlier picked up a six-for with his offbreaks, found a way to survive but the rest crumbled; bowled out for 183. Robinson picked off three of the top five while 23-year old Derbyshire seamer Sam Conners ran through the tail, finishing with a four-for of his own.

The home side squeezed home with two balls to spare in a seven-over chase

Associated Press17-Aug-2022Ireland 56 for 3 beat Afghanistan 95 for 5 (Ghani 44*, Adair 3-16) by seven wickets (DLS method)George Dockrell edged Ireland to a T20I series victory over Afghanistan in a tense conclusion to a rain-affected decider in Belfast.Dockrell hit the decisive run as the home side clinched a 3-2 win by seven wickets after reaching a reduced target of 56 with two balls of their seven allotted overs to spare.Having won the toss and put the Afghans in, Ireland got off to a good start when Mark Adair removed openers Hazratullah Zazai, who had dispatched the two previous balls to the boundary, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz in his first over.When Adair had Ibrahim Zadran caught by Barry McCarthy, he had 3 for 16 and the tourists had been reduced to 26 for 3 inside four overs.Usman Ghani steadied the ship, but Josh Little had Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi caught behind by Lorcan Tucker off successive deliveries in his second spell, but with Ghani unbeaten on 44 and his side having reached 95 for five from 15 overs, rain intervened.Paul Stirling needed just five runs to reach 3000 in T20Is as Ireland’s reply got under way, and he made it within three balls, cutting Naveen ul Haq for four off the first and taking a single from the third.Fellow opener Andrew Balbirnie was trapped in front for 9 attempting to sweep Mujeeb Ur Rahman with the score on 17, Mujeeb had Stirling caught at deep midwicket for 16 to give his side hope, and Tucker soon followed for 14.However, Harry Tector and Dockrell saw their side home for the loss of three wickets.

Litton, Nurul impress for Bangladesh, but the steep target proves too much in the end

Mohammad Isam30-Jul-2022

A late flourish by Bangladesh captain Nurul Hasan could not defy Zimbabwe, who kept their nerves to clinch a 17-run win in the first T20I and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The win was fashioned by fifties from Wessly Madhevere and Sikandar Raza, followed by some efficient death bowling by Richard Ngarava and Luke Jongwe. This is Zimbabwe’s sixth successive T20I win, their best streak in the format.Chasing 206, Bangladesh were never really in the chase until Nurul started hitting sixes in the last few overs, but an already struggling side looked out of their depth all through.Related

Injured Muzarabani, Chatara ruled out of Bangladesh T20Is

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This is the second time in the space of six T20Is that Zimbabwe have breached the 200-run mark. It is also the first time in eight years that Zimbabwe have taken a 1-0 lead in a bilateral series against Bangladesh.Bangladesh still had an outside chance in the last two overs when they needed 32 runs, but Ngarava and Jongwe did just about enough to close out the win.Ngarava nails his wide yorkers
As often happens in T20s, the match came down to a critical penultimate over. Ngarava, drafted into this squad to make up for an injury-hit pace bowling attack, more than made up for the absentees Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani. He conceded just four runs in the 19th over, kept the rampant Nurul quiet and picked up a wicket for good measure to leave Bangladesh needing 28 runs in the last over.Nurul had struck three sixes until that point, including two off Wellington Masakadza in the 15th over. He then struck Jongwe over long-on, but Ngarava bowled his wide yorkers very well, not allowing any room to Nurul and Mosaddek Hossain. Nurul collected a four – off a leg bye – and a six in the last over after a dot ball, but Tanaka Chivanga came back superbly to shut down the visitors with three consecutive dot balls.Williams helps Zimbabwe pick up pace
After Zimbabwe opted to bat, they cruised to 80 for 2 in 11 overs before Sean Williams laid into Nasum Ahmed. He struck the left-arm spinner for two fours and a six in the 18-run 12th over to give some impetus to the innings. He went after Nasum’s down the leg-side deliveries and dispatched them over deep square leg, steered one fine with a paddle sweep, and pulled one to the long-leg boundary.The boundaries propelled Zimbabwe after their powerplay of 43 for 1 in which they struck only four fours. Williams exited shortly afterwards, bottom-edging a Mustafizur Rahman slower ball onto his stumps for 33 off 19 balls.Raza raises the roof
Zimbabwe scored 91 runs in the last six overs of their innings, thanks mainly to Raza who was in a punishing mood for his unbeaten 65 off 26. The first of Raza’s four sixes was a pull off Taskin Ahmed in the 15th over, before he struck Shoriful Islam for two more in the 19th over and one off Mustafizur in the last over.Raza also struck two straight fours, and a beautiful cover drive to finish the innings. Madhevere supported Raza very well despite appearing to suffer from a hamstring pull. Before he was joined by Raza, he was more focused on using the pace of the ball to hit boundaries behind square. His innings was cut short in the last over when he had to retire hurt for 67.Litton exits in confusion
After giving Bangladesh their best powerplay score – 60 for 1 – in nearly four years, Litton attempted a scoop against Wiliams in the seventh over. Ngarava, at short fine leg, dropped a sitter in haste to celebrate the big wicket but made up for it by quickly throwing the ball to the bowler, who ran back to break the stumps at the non-striker’s end, where Litton was well short. Litton did not even try to make it to the crease as he took a bit of time to realise the catch had been shelled. The on-field umpire, who seemed confused with the proceedings, asked Litton to wait and signalled for the TV umpire, signalling not out as the soft signal. This added to the confusion, but the TV umpire adjudged that Litton was actually run out.In a slightly similar incident four years ago, Law 27.7 of the ICC handbook (now 31.7) had to be invoked, but in that case, Hardik Pandya was caught in the first instance. Here, Litton was dropped, and then run out. The 31.7 law states that “an umpire shall intervene if satisfied that a batsman, not having been given out, has left the wicket under a misapprehension of being out. The umpire intervening shall call and signal Dead ball to prevent any further action by the fielding side and shall recall the batsman”.Zimbabwe win the middle overs too
Bangladesh never quite got a big partnership going after Litton fell for 32. Anamul Haque got out the ball after hitting his second six in the tenth over, while Afif Hossain pulled a half-tracker down deep midwicket’s throat in the 13th. Najmul Hossain Shanto, a surprise inclusion in the T20I squad, struck a six and three fours in his 25-ball 37 but he was unable to cope with the rising asking rate and was caught behind in the 16th over. It was left to the new captain Nurul, who, eventually, couldn’t quite get Bangladesh to the target.

Sheffield Wednesday have submitted an offer to sign a new attacking “sensation” ahead of a Championship rival.

Rohl wants Sheffield Wednesday to attack January window

The Owls managed to keep hold of manager Danny Rohl towards the end of 2024, despite rumours of a move away from Hillsborough to Southampton and Hamburg.

The 35-year-old has now been in charge for over a year and has the club in the top half of the second tier, just three points away from the playoff places. Talking last month after remaining at the club, Rohl hinted that he would like to “attack” the January transfer window.

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“The most important key point is that I’m here and I decide to stay here. I feel very well. In football there are a lot of rumours around a person if you are successful – it’s a normal way.

“I’m very clear in my mind what I want to do. I know we have started a journey 14 months ago and I know my team is still hungry for more and we want to develop and make the next step. I spoke a lot about the topic of what I want to do and see but also what we have to do.

“The next opportunity is in 12 days [when the transfer window opens] and let’s see what we are doing. If we really want to attack or we are just talking.”

Some targets that have been mentioned in recent days include Ipswich Town full-back Harry Clarke and Stoke City loanee Tom Cannon.

The club were also linked with defender Ronnie Edwards, however, the Southampton youngster has since joined Queens Park Rangers on loan. Now, it looks as if Wednesday and QPR are set to do battle in the transfer market once again.

Sheffield Wednesday make bid to sign teenage “sensation”

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, both Sheffield Wednesday and QPR have bid to sign Brisbane Roar attacker Thomas Waddingham, who has been dubbed a “sensation”.

Within his report for FI, O’Rourke claims that the 19-year-old is regarded as one of Australia’s best young strikers and is catching the eye of a number of teams across Europe.

Both Wednesday and QPR have bid for Waddingham, who is seen as a potential star in the making and already drawing comparisons to iconic Aussie striker Mark Viduka.

The teenager has scored a total of 15 goals in 40 senior appearances for Brisbane Roar, and by the looks of things, a move to the Championship this month could be on the cards, making this one to keep an eye on.

Chelsea have now made an enquiry over a deal for an “outstanding” midfielder this month, whose own club are enduring financial difficulties, according to a report.

Chelsea eyeing a midfielder

The Blues are on the lookout for a new midfielder, and they have identified 17-year-old Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi as a potential target, with a deal possible if they are willing to stump up a fee of around €30m (£25m).

AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana is also on Enzo Maresca’s radar, and Chelsea are willing to make an offer of £50m to get a deal done this month, displaying just how highly he is thought of at Stamford Bridge.

Another player who Chelsea are hopeful of securing a deal for is Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan, but there is likely to be competition for his signature, with Manchester United also believed to be keen.

Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Crystal Palace (a)

January 4th

AFC Bournemouth (h)

January 14th

Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)

January 20th

Manchester City (a)

January 25th

West Ham United (h)

February 3rd

Nypan is not the only midfielder the Blues may have to do battle with Man United over, as reports from Spain (via Sport Witness) have now revealed that Barcelona’s Dani Olmo is being targeted by the two Premier League clubs.

It is explained that Barca are unable to register Olmo at the moment, which means he could leave as a free agent at some point this month, with a number of teams from across Europe aware of the situation and ready to take full advantage.

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The west Londoners have been in contact.

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England’s “big six” are all keen on the midfielder, while there is also interest from Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig in Germany, so he will not be short of options if he departs the Camp Nou this month.

Chelsea are said to have taken the first step towards signing the Spaniard by making an enquiry, but the report states that it is his lifelong dream to play for Barcelona, meaning he is hoping to be re-registered.

Olmo impressing when given the opportunity

It has not been an ideal start to life at Barcelona, but the attacking midfielder is making the most of the opportunities he’s been given, scoring five goals in his first 11 La Liga outings.

Some of the former RB Leipzig’s performances will no doubt have impressed manager Hansi Flick, and he also received high praise from former boss Julian Nagelsmann during his time in Germany.

Nagelsmann dubbed the £150k-per-week Spain international “outstanding”, while also adding: “He has exceptional abilities and is very safe with the ball. When he gets put under pressure, he knows how to provoke a foul.”

As such, Olmo could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea, but it may be extremely difficult to win the race for his signature, given that a number of top clubs are interested, and the fact he wants to make things work at Barcelona despite the registration issues.

High-ranking Tottenham Hotspur chiefs are reportedly attempting to beat an elite club to the signing of a very highly-rated player, but time is running out for the under-pressure Ange Postecoglou to get his first outfield signing through the door.

Tottenham chase more January signings as Postecoglou faces crucial week

The Spurs boss is facing calls for his dismissal amid what has been a dismal campaign so far, even when taking into account their injury crisis.

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Tottenham have lost 12 top flight games already, and for the first time in decades at this stage of a season. The Lilywhites are also yet to win a single Premier League game in 2025, with their 5-0 victory at Southampton in mid-December last year being their last set of three points.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Leicester City (home)

January 26

Brentford (away)

February 2

Man United (home)

February 16

Ipswich Town (home)

February 22

Man City (home)

February 26

Postecoglou’s sit 15th in the table as a result, closer to the relegation zone than European qualification places, and this is pretty unacceptable. They take on Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday, with fellow strugglers Leicester City in line soon afterward, as Postecoglou looks set for a crucial week at N17.

Off the field, chairman Daniel Levy, technical director Johan Lange and the Spurs recruitment team are working to try and acquire Postecoglou more additions in a few key areas. £12.5 million goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky still stands as their only January incoming, and this is something the north London club’s hierarchy will be eager to change quickly.

Tottenham are reportedly still in the market for a new attacker after missing out on a loan deal for PSG outcast Randal Kolo Muani, who opted to join Serie A heavyweights Juventus instead.

Spurs held discussions over Kolo Muani last week, but were beaten to the Frenchman’s signature by Thiago Motta’s side, as attention now turns to who they could bring in as an alternative before February 3.

As per GiveMeSport and other media sources, Lyon winger Rayan Cherki could be a option for Tottenham, and it is believed he’ll be allowed to leave for a bargain price tag around the £25 million mark.

They’re also looking to reinforce their backline, with Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu believed to be a serious transfer target.

Influential Tottenham figures working on Patrick Dorgu deal

GiveMeSport have another update on Levy and Lange’s transfer plans, involving the exciting Denmark international.

GMS write that “influential” figures at Tottenham are attempting to beat Man United to the signing of Dorgu, and they’re actively working on a deal for the 20-year-old behind-closed-doors.

Destiny Udogie is still out with a hamstring injury, exposing their lack of depth behind the former Udinese sensation, with Dorgu viewed by many as a potential like-for-like alternative to the Italian.

Dorgu’s price tag stands at around £34 million, and going by Lecce sporting director Pantaleo Corvino’s comments, the defender could be worth every penny.

“He is a potential champion. Correction: he is a champion,” said Corvino. “Whether as a full-back or winger, he runs for three, has an eye for goal, and possesses an engine unmatched by anyone else.”

It is worth noting that the versatile full-back is one of Lecce’s star performers, both in an attacking and defensive sense. According to WhoScored, Dorgu averages their joint-second most tackles on average, whilst also attempting their second-highest rate of shots per 90 behind forward Nikola Krstovic.

Jose Mourinho has revealed he and Samuel Eto'o "fought every day" before a crucial match in Inter's 2010 Champions League triumph.

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Mourinho explained clashes with Eto'o before last 16Says he fought with striker "every day"He recalls telling Eto'o "I don't trust you"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Jose Mourinho explained how his treatment of Samuel Eto’o prior to Inter’s Champions League last-16 clash with Chelsea left the striker pleading to play. Mourinho said as part of the BBC’s ‘How to win the Champions League’ series that he and Eto’o “fought every day”.

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The last 16 draw pitted Mourinho against Chelsea for the first time since the end of his first spell with the club in 2007. Inter, chasing a famous treble, led 2-1 from the first leg. Though he set up Diego Milito for the opening goal in that contest at San Siro, Eto’o also missed a glorious chance just after the half-hour mark. He was substituted in the 67th minute for Goran Pandev, and it’s fair to say Mourinho had doubts about the Cameroon forward for the return leg.

WHAT MOURINHO SAID

Mourinho said: "Psychology is part of the job and is part of the game with the players. The way you deal with the press is not going to win to win matches. Not at all. But, with the players? Yes. And, you know, I had I think, hundreds of players (during my career). I always looked at each one of them as a different guy than the other guys. Every person is one individual. 

"I give you an example of a very strong minded guy, Samuel Eto’o. The week before that match at Stamford Bridge, I fought him every day. Big, big discussions, big level of pressure. I told him: “I'm not going to play you. You are not in your best level. You are not going to play.” He said: “Please, Mr. Let me play. I said: “no, there is no please Mr. You are not going to play. You are not performing. I don't trust you”. It was one week of an emotional work with him."

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Mourinho relented, and he played Eto’o from the start. His faith was rewarded as Eto’o scored the only goal at Stamford Bridge 11 minutes from time to clinch a 3-1 aggregate win, Mourinho’s psychological approach having successfully motivated the striker. Inter went to beat CSKA Moscow before a defining triumph over Barcelona was followed by victory against Bayern Munich in the final to complete the treble.