Klopp sets time frame for title

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Jurgen Klopp laid down the law on his first day as Liverpool manager and insisted the only route to glory is by following his way.

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Jurgen Klopp laid down the law on his first day as Liverpool manager and insisted the only route to glory is by following his way. The German made a deep impression as he was unveiled at the biggest press conference of its kind Anfield has staged, stating his ambition to lead Liverpool to the title within four years and stressing he will have ‘the first and last words’ on all transfers.

Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, have admired him since they bought the club in 2010 and chairman Tom Werner wants Klopp, who has signed a three-year deal with the option of another 12 months, to be at Anfield ‘for a very long time’.

Klopp has wasted no time getting down to work as he spent yesterday afternoon at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground, and he intends to have watched their last 20 games by the end of this weekend. By then, he will be well aware of the challenge confronting him.

When asked what he was looking for in potential signings, Klopp said: ‘I don’t care about age. I’m not interested in it. If you’re old

and good, fine. If you are young and good fine, then come. The only thing I need is players that want to help the team.

‘They have to listen to what I say. That is very important because I believe it is better to have 11 players do the same thing wrong than everybody doing what they want. We have to do it one way and that is my way. Then we have to go through it.

‘Now we cannot talk about football philosophy and ball possession, playing like Barcelona, playing like whoever. No. This team needs to create their own style.’ There has been much talk of how Klopp will work with Liverpool’s transfer committee but the 48-year-old said speculation about it was ‘crazy’ — describing his role as being the manager.

‘I am always involved, of course, in transfers,’ added Klopp. ‘I was the boss of many people in Dortmund. It is the same thing. You call it coach, you call it manager.

‘It (working with the committee) was not a problem for 10 seconds.

‘I’m not an idiot. It’s enough that I have the first and the last word. In the middle we can discuss.’ – Daily Mail



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Khune calls for more consistency

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Bafana Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune has called on every player called-up to the national duty to maintain consistency.

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Cape Town - Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune has called on every player called-up to the national duty to maintain consistency and to play the way they did against Costa Rica “in each and every game going forward”.

Speaking after South Africa stunned a highly rated Costa Rican side 1-0 at the San Jose National Stadium on Thursday night, Khune said soon after the final whistle; they spoke as players and asked each other why they can't perform like that on regular basis.

“The past two games against Senegal and Costa Rica have shown the great talent we have and that if we stay focussed and continue working hard, we can go places. Anyway, that is what we will strive to do going forward; we have spoken about it among ourselves and all of us have the conviction and resolve to take our football to the next level,” said the Kaizer Chiefs keeper.

Khune was one of the players who received special mention from Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Nevas for his sterling performance on the night despite suffering from recurring hamstring problems throughout the 90 minutes.

The Madrid goalkeeper suggested that for Khune to grow and realise his full potential, he must play overseas as he has the characteristics of a star in the making.

“It is an honour and humbling to hear such words from such a fantastic human being and great keeper. The Costa Rican game was my 73rd game in the Bafana Bafana shirt and my aim is to stretch myself to the limit, continue working hard and the rest will take care of themselves.”

On the upcoming match against Honduras, Khune called upon all his teammates not to drop the ball but maintain the same intensity as Honduras will come at them with guns blazing.

“Definitely they saw us against Costa Rica and they will try to unsettle us but those are some of the aspects which we have to focus on; that nothing must be taken for granted going forward.”

Meanwhile, defender Anele Ngcongca and rising midfielder Bongani Zungu also got raving reviews from the Costa Ricans, so was towering defender Eric Mathoho and goal scorer Andile Jali. Ngcongca who earned his 50th cap on Thursday said his move to French side Troyes has seen his game improve tremendously.

“I like it in France because there too many African players who ply their trade there and from a technical and tactical point of view, there is a world of difference between French and Belgium football,” said the hard tackling defender.

The no nonsense defender echoed Khune's sentiments that it was time Bafana Bafana perform with the highest intensity every game because “the country has limitless talent”. - ANA



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Aguero injury blow for City

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Striker Sergio Aguero, injured during Argentina's shock 2-0 home defeat by Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier, said on Friday he would be out for a month.

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Buenos Aires - Striker Sergio Aguero, injured during Argentina's shock 2-0 home defeat by Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier, said on Friday he would be out for a month.

Aguero tore a muscle in his left thigh half an hour into the team's opening South American qualifier for the 2018 World Cup in Russia at the River Plate stadium on Thursday.

“I think I'll be a month without playing,” Aguero said as he left a Buenos Aires clinic where he had tests.

“I'll go the AFA (Argentine Football Association) national team compound to carry on with treatment. To recover from the tear I'll surely need a month although it will depend how it evolves,” he told TyC Sports.

Now Aguero, out of Tuesday's second qualifier away to Paraguay in Asuncion, looks set to also miss next month's home match against arch-rivals Brazil.

“I'd been playing very frequently and was in doubt (for Thursday's match) until the last minute but as player you always want to be there and never know what can happen,” Aguero added.

Aguero had scored five goals in Manchester City's 6-1 win over Newcastle United last weekend, coming off before the end as a precaution.

The AFA confirmed injuries to Aguero and midfielder Lucas Biglia, who have joined a growing Argentina injury list that includes Lionel Messi, also likely to miss qualifiers in November against Brazil and away to Colombia.

Defender Marcos Rojo and midfielders Fernando Gago, Ever Banega and Roberto Pereyra are also on coach Gerardo Martino's injury list.

Argentina's defeat was their first in 40 matches at the River Plate stadium dating back 22 years, during which time they have lost one home qualifier to Brazil in Rosario in September 2009.– Reuters



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Allardyce new Sunderland boss

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Sunderland have appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager on a two-year deal, the Premier League club said on Friday.

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London - Sunderland have appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager on a two-year deal, the Premier League club said on Friday.

Allardyce, whose former clubs include Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United, replaces Dick Advocaat, who stepped down on Sunday.

“I am very pleased to welcome Sam to our football club,” chairman Ellis Short said in a statement.

“Sunderland is a club he knows well and he was the obvious best choice for the job. He has vast experience of managing in the Premier League and an understanding first-hand of the north east and the passion of our fans, which will stand him in great stead.” – Reuters



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England maintain unbeaten record

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England comfortably beat Estonia 2-0 at Wembley to stay on course to complete a qualifying campaign with a 100 percent record for the first time.

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London - England, who reached Euro 2016 last month, comfortably beat Estonia 2-0 at Wembley on Friday to stay on course to complete a qualifying campaign with a 100 percent record for the first time.

Goals from Theo Walcott after 45 minutes and Raheem Sterling in the 85th gave England their ninth successive win in a qualifying campaign for the first time.

England lead Group E with 27 points from nine games, with Switzerland also qualifying after beating San Marino 7-0 to climb to 18 points. Estonia have a remote mathematical chance of finishing third after Slovenia where held 1-1 by Lithuania.

England manager Roy Hodgson told ITV: “It was as tough as we thought it would be because we have played against an organised team that are also quite intelligent in the way they play.

“We attacked a lot and saw a lot of the ball and had quite a few chances but it was a question of putting them away.

“But I think we were good value for our 2-0 win. In these type of games if you are not careful and lose your concentration you can slip up.

“People are telling me that this victory tonight will ensure we are seeded for the tournament in France and that is important too.”

England were never under any threat from an Estonia side that have only scored four goals in nine matches on a generally subdued night at Wembley.

One of the high spots came before kickoff when Bobby Charlton presented fellow Manchester United great Wayne Rooney with a golden boot for breaking his 45-year-old scoring record with his 50th goal for England last month.

Rooney was out injured but England did not miss him. Ross Barkley created Walcott's opener before halftime with a superb through ball which the Arsenal man collected with a deft right foot touch before his shot gave keeper Mihkel Aksalu no chance.

Sterling doubled the lead five minutes before the end with an easy chance following a cross by substitute Jamie Vardy, who had only been on the pitch for two minutes. – Reuters



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Klopp is ‘The Normal One’

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp described himself as"The Normal One" as he faced the media for the first time. [VIDEO]

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London - New Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described himself as “The Normal One” as he faced the media for the first time on Friday following his appointment as successor to Brendan Rodgers.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho famously described himself as “a special one” in his first press conference in English football in 2004, earning him the nickname 'The Special One'.

But Klopp, 48, told a packed room of journalists at Anfield: “I don't want to describe myself. I'm a totally normal guy. I'm the Normal One.”

The former Borussia Dortmund head coach was appointed on Thursday on a three-year contract following the dismissal of Rodgers, who was sacked last Sunday after three and a half years at the club.

“I am a normal guy from the Black Forest. I don't compare myself with genius managers in this club's history,”added Klopp, who led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final appearance.

“It's cool that you're looking for that, but it's not my part to think about that. I don't think any manager starts by saying that they want to be a legend.

“I was a very, very average player. I was at a special club in Germany with Mainz 05 and then had a great opportunity to take Dortmund for seven years. Now I'm here and I hope to enjoy my work.”

In an interview with the club's in-house television channel, LFC TV, Klopp described the job as “the biggest challenge... in the world of football”.

His first game at the helm will be a trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on October 17.

Liverpool won the last of their 18 league titles in 1990 under the stewardship of Kenny Dalglish.

Rodgers led them to a second-place finish in 2014, but they finished sixth last season and are currently in 10th place in the table with 12 points from eight games.

While Klopp called for patience, he has set himself the objective of winning a league title by 2019.

“It's been crazy here,” he said. “But it's not so important what people think when you come in. It's important what people think when you leave. So please give us time.

“This could be a very special day, if you are patient. When I sit here in four years, I think we will win one title.”

Klopp introduced a style of high-octane football during his time at Dortmund and he pledged that Liverpool would play at “full throttle”.

“I believe in a playing philosophy that is very emotional, very fast and very strong,” he said. “My teams must play at full throttle and take it to the limit every single game.”

He added: “Liverpool has extraordinary supporters and Anfield is a world renowned home, with an incredible atmosphere.

“I want to build a great relationship with these supporters and give them memories to cherish. I hope we can feed off each other's energy and that we take this journey together.”

Klopp confirmed that his assistants at Dortmund, Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz, would join him at Liverpool.

He also thanked Liverpool's American owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) for appointing him and said he was happy to work with their transfer committee, which oversees the club's recruitment strategy.

“It was absolutely no problem between FSG and myself,” he said.

“We talked about this. It's nothing. If two clever, intelligent guys sit at a table and you both want the same, what can be the problem?”

Klopp's contract is reported to be worth £5 million per year, rising to £7 million with bonuses.

“In Jurgen Klopp we have appointed a world-class manager with a proven track record of winning and someone who has the personality and charisma to reignite this football club and take the team forward,” said Liverpool chairman Tom Werner.

“Critically, he is also a winner and someone who can connect with and enthuse our supporters.”

AFP



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Blame the players, not Mourinho - Costa

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Chelsea's Diego Costa insists the players are to be blamed for the champions' poor start to the Premier League season.

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Chelsea's Diego Costa admitted to being overweight at the start of the season and defended under-fire manager Jose Mourinho, insisting the players are to be blamed for the champions' poor start to the Premier League season.

Chelsea languish 16th in the league table and owner Roman Abramovich was moved to publicly back the manager after their fourth league loss of the season against Southampton at the weekend.

Costa scored 20 league goals last term as Chelsea went on to win the title with a comfortable eight-point margin but has struggled so far this campaign.

The Spain international has a solitary league goal and has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, including being retrospectively banned for violent conduct during the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sept. 19.

“We know we're not in the form we were supposed to be at the beginning of the season. I'm going to be very honest, maybe a few weeks ago, I was not on top of my game. At least physically,” Costa was quoted as saying by the British media.

“I got injured at the end of last season and then I went on holiday. When I came back ... I was a little bit overweight. That affected my game.

“You can be selfish and blame it on the manager but I'm not going to do that. I'm responsible 100 percent, and so are the other guys,” the 27-year-old added.

Costa joins a host of senior players, including John Terry and Cesc Fabregas, who have backed Mourinho in what the Portuguese has described as “worst period in my career”.

The Blues have been woeful defensively, conceding 17 league goals already. They let in only 32 league goals last season.

Defender Gary Cahill also continued the theme of presenting a united front, backing Mourinho to turn things around.

“I think in terms of backing the manager, of course we all back him, of course we are all around him,” Cahill said.

“Dare I say he doesn't even need backing, when you've done so much in the game, not just in this league but in other leagues too.

“It is obviously nice to have that and he certainly has it from the players and the club,” he added. – Reuters



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Pics: Jurgen Klopp unveiled

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Jurgen Klopp has been unveiled as new Liverpool manager. The German addressed the media where he gave some hint of his vision for the fallen English giants.

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Jurgen Klopp has been unveiled as new Liverpool manager. The German addressed the media where he gave some hint of his vision for the fallen English giants.



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Mashaba left purring after win

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Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba showered his players with praise after beating hosts Costa Rica in an international friendly match.

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Johannesbyrg - Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba showered his players with praise after beating hosts Costa Rica 1-0 in a highly charged friendly international match at a packed San Jose National Stadium on Thursday.

A clinical finish by Andile Jali in the ninth minute separated the two sides in a match which was played at a high tempo throughout the 90 minutes.

“The boys showed they can mix it with the best in the world when their backs are against the wall,” said Mashaba. “I thought we really took total control of the game in the first half and we were full value of the good lead going to the break.

“The defence was watertight and the midfielders played like a well-oiled machine in the first 45 minutes. And what can I say about goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune; despite suffering a recurring hamstring injury, he marshalled his defence with aplomb. This is the spirit this team must carry going forward into the World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Mashaba.

“I now want to go to Honduras and finish the good job we started here. It is good to develop a winning culture ahead of meetings with Angola and next year's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.”

Apart from Jali whose goal came after an enterprising one-two passes with Thulani Serero, Erick Mathoho, Anele Ngcongca and Rivaldo Coetzee were rock solid at the back while Sundowns' Bongani Zungu received plaudits from the local media and public for his influential play in the midfield.

As the Costa Ricans chased the elusive equaliser, Mashaba said he was really impressed by his defence which he described as watertight and uncompromising when the hosts threw everything into attack.

Serero could have made it 2-0 soon after resumption but his powerful shot was well-saved by Keylor Nevas in goals for the hosts. Bafana Bafana leaves Costa Rica on Friday and head to nearby Honduras where they meet their counterparts on Tuesday, at Metropolitano Stadium in San Pedro Sula. - ANA



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Barca back Messi in fraud case

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Barcelona have given their full backing to Lionel Messi in the Argentina forward's tax fraud case.

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Barcelona - Barcelona have given their full backing to Lionel Messi in the Argentina forward's tax fraud case and vowed to fight “external decisions” they say are unfairly targeting the club.

A Spanish court on Thursday ordered Messi and his father Jorge, who are accused of defrauding the Spanish state of 4.2 million euros ($4.76 million) from 2007 to 2009, to stand trial and the state attorney said Barca's star player should serve a jail sentence of up to 22 months if found guilty.

In a statement published late on Thursday, Barca noted the state attorney's stance was “the complete opposite” to that of Spain's public prosecutor, who has said Lionel Messi should not have to answer the charges as his father oversaw his finances.

“FC Barcelona has expressed its affection and solidarity to Leo Messi and his family in such a peculiar situation,” the statement said.

“The club shall continue to offer him and his family its full support and assistance in the legal, fiscal and administrative aspects of these proceedings.”

Messi is one of several Barca players, including compatriot Javier Mascherano and Brazil forward Neymar, who have been targeted by the Spanish authorities in recent months. All deny wrongdoing.

The club itself was charged last year with tax fraud in the signing of Neymar from Brazilian club Santos and paid $18.6 million in what it called a “complementary tax declaration”.

They said they remained “convinced the original tax payment was in line with their fiscal obligations”.

Barca's legal problems have come on top of a Fifa ban for breaking rules on the signing of minors and president Josep Maria Bartomeu complained last year of what he called a concerted campaign to damage the Spanish and European champions.

He was repeatedly asked who was behind the alleged campaign, including if it might be arch rivals Real Madrid, but he declined to provide any names.

“FC Barcelona condemns the accumulation of totally inadmissible and external decisions that have been going on for some time and that have nothing to with strictly sporting affairs,” Barca said on Thursday.

“They are damaging to the smooth running of the club, its stability and that of the players that form part of it.

“The club shall be working with more determination than ever to defend its legitimate rights and is ready for any new challenges that might arise.” – Reuters



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Klopp promises ‘full throttle’ football

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Liverpool's new manager Jurgen Klopp promised to bring “full throttle” football with a “big heart” to Anfield.

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Liverpool's new manager Jurgen Klopp promised to bring “full throttle” football with a “big heart” to Anfield in his first comments since the German was unveiled as the Merseyside's club new manager on Thursday night.

The club's American owners, Fenway Sports Group, signed the former Borussia Dortmund manager on what is reported to be a three-year contract, after sacking Northern Irishman Brendan Rodgers on Sunday.

One of the most coveted managers in world football, Klopp has been out of work since May when he finished a seven-year reign at Dortmund to take a sabbatical.

“Firstly, I would like to offer thanks to the ownership of Liverpool Football Club for showing faith in me and my staff and presenting us with this wonderful opportunity,” Klopp told the club's website on Friday (www.liverpoolfc.com).

“They have presented to me a very clear vision and I share their ambitions and model of work,” the German, who won two Bundesliga titles with Dortmund, added.

“This is a talented group of players and there is still much to compete for this season.

“I believe in a playing philosophy that is very emotional, very fast and very strong. My teams must play at full throttle and take it to the limit every single game.

“It is important to have a playing philosophy that reflects your own mentality, reflects the club and gives you a clear direction to follow. Tactical of course, but tactical with a big heart.

“Liverpool has extraordinary supporters and Anfield is a world renowned home, with an incredible atmosphere. I want to build a great relationship with these supporters and give them memories to cherish.

“I hope we can feed off each other's energy and that we take this journey together,” he added.

Klopp has been joined at Liverpool by Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz, his former assistants at Dortmund.

“In Juergen Klopp we have appointed a world-class manager with a proven track record of winning and someone who has the personality and charisma to reignite this football club and take the team forward,” Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said.

“He possesses all the qualities we are looking for in a manager - he is a strong, inspirational leader, who has a clear philosophy of high energy, attacking football. Critically, he is also a winner and someone who can connect with and enthuse our supporters.

“His attitude is infectious and we believe it will lift the entire club,” Werner added. – Reuters



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Sterling will set world alight - Hart

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Joe Hart has no doubts that Raheem Sterling will go on to “set the world stage alight” despite an indifferent start to his Manchester City career.

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Manchester City new recruit Raheem Sterling may not have justified his price tag yet but team mate Joe Hart has no doubts that the 20-year-old winger will go on to “set the world stage alight”.

Sterling cost City 49 million pounds ($75.29 million), making him the most expensive English player ever, but is yet to have any significant impact on the Sky Blues' season scoring twice in 10 appearances.

Sterling came under heavy criticism for his controversial exit from Liverpool, with reports claiming he was reluctant to travel for the Merseyside club's pre-season matches in Asia and Australia.

Hart said Sterling does not let the criticism affect his performances on the pitch.

“Raheem never shows that the pressure from City or England supporters is getting to him - it's pretty obvious when you're around him,” Hart told reporters.

“It was a tough time in the media and from the outside before his move but he was perfectly fine and very excited to start his new chapter at Manchester City.”

“He has coped with it really well. He is an excellent player, a really good person. He is someone who has at least 10-15 years left in football and to set the world stage alight,” added the goalkeeper. – Reuters



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Chelsea, Arsenal fined

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Chelsea and Arsenal have been fined 40,000 pounds ($61,400) and 30,000 pounds by the English FA for failing to control their players during their ill-tempered Premier League London derby at Stamford Bridge.

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London - Chelsea and Arsenal have been fined 40,000 pounds ($61,400) and 30,000 pounds by the English FA for failing to control their players during their ill-tempered Premier League London derby at Stamford Bridge last month.

Both teams were involved in a fracas just before halftime and Arsenal finished with nine men having had Brazilian defender Gabriel and Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla sent off.

Gabriel was sent off for what was seen as kicking out at Chelsea striker Diego Costa and although he had his red card rescinded by the FA he still received a one-match ban and a 10,000-pound fine for his protests before leaving the pitch.

Cazorla was sent off after 79 minutes for a second yellow card after a foul on Chelsea's former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Costa was handed a three-match ban after the match which Chelsea won 2-0.

Chelsea, meanwhile, announced on Thursday that former Italy and AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia had joined them on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old will provide experienced cover for Asmir Begovic and Thibaut Courtois for the champions who are struggling, fifth from bottom with eight points from eight games.

Belgian international Courtois, the London club's first-choice keeper, will be sidelined until December because of a knee injury.

Amelia, who was released by Milan in the summer of 2014, has signed a contract as a free agent that will keep him at Chelsea until the end of the season.

He had a short-term deal with Serie B side Perugia at the end of last season but never made a first-team appearance.

Chelsea, who have conceded 17 league goals this season, host third from bottom Aston Villa in their next fixture on October 17. – Reuters



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Top ten Klopp soundbytes

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In Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have appointed one of the most colourful managers in the world. There’s rarely a dull moment with the German.

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Liverpool's new manager Jurgen Klopp is known as much for his humorous utterances as for his success in steering former club Borussia Dortmund to the summit of German football.

We list 10 of his most celebrated soundbites:

“We're facing the greatest challenge there is in football: to play against an Italian team that only needs a draw.”

- Prior to a Champions League last 16 second-leg match against Juventus last season.

“He likes having the ball, playing football, passes. It's like an orchestra. But it's a silent song. I like heavy metal more. I always want it loud.”

- On difference between him and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“When Dortmund last won here 19 years ago, most of my players were still being breast-fed.”

- Following a victory at Bayern Munich in 2011.

“We will wait for him like a good wife waiting for her husband who is in jail.”

- On being forced to fare without injured centre-back Mats Hummels.

“Mkhitaryan fits us like an arse on a bucket. What he offers is exactly what we need.”

- On signing Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

“Gotze has gone because he is (Pep) Guardiola's personal chosen signing and he wants to play with Guardiola, in his style. I can't make myself 15 centimetres shorter or start speaking Spanish.”

- On Mario Gotze's departure to Bayern Munich in 2013.

“The fans should not only recognise us by our black and yellow jerseys. Even if we play in red, everyone in the stadium should think, 'Whoa, that can only be BVB.'“

- On his desire to instil an identity at Dortmund.

“They are like the Chinese in the business world. They look at what others are doing and copy it, just with more money.”

- On competing with super-rich Bayern Munich.

“The only thing I can say is that it was great. London is the town of the Olympic Games. The weather was good, everything is OK. Only the result is so shit.”

- After Dortmund's 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the 2013 Champions League final at Wembley.

“Yes, it's true. I underwent a hair transplant. And I think the results are really cool, don't you?”

- On his hair transplant. – AFP



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Brazil, Argentina lose in qualifiers

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Argentina slumped to a shock home defeat against Ecuador while Brazil were beaten 2-0 by Chile as South America’s 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign got underway.

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Argentina slumped to a shock home defeat against Ecuador while Brazil were beaten 2-0 by Chile on Thursday as upsets dominated the opening round of South America's qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup.

A star-studded Argentina side badly missing the inspiration of injured captain Lionel Messi struggled to find a way through a disciplined Ecuador in a lackustre game at the Estadio Monumental.

The tone for a miserable night for Argentina had been set early on, when Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was stretchered off the field with what looked like a serious hamstring injury.

The game appeared to be heading for a 0-0 draw entering the final 10 minutes before Ecuador secured a breakthrough from a Frickson Erazo header that fired the minnows into a 1-0 lead.

Moments later Antonio Valencia burst down the right flank and fed for Felipe Caicedo, who slotted home past Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero for 2-0.

The defeat piles the pressure on Argentina coach Gerardo Martino, whose position was already the subject of scrutiny following his team's failure to win the Copa America earlier this year.

Brazil meanwhile - also missing their talismanic presence with captain Neymar serving a suspension - were undone by goals from Chile stars Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez in Santiago.

Vargas, topscorer in Chile's triumphant Copa America campaign, picked up where he left off in that tournament to fire the hosts into the lead on 72 minutes.

Arsenal star Sanchez then applied the coup de grace in the 90th minute, jabbing home from close range after a wonderful flowing move which ripped Brazil's defence apart.

Chile manager Jorge Sampaoli hailed his side's victory, the first by Chile over Brazil since 2000.

“I'm very happy because I have never beaten Brazil, and to beat a team that has caused us so many problems in the past means a lot,” Sampaoli said.

“Brazil are a great team, with great players who will surely be in the next World Cup,” added Sampaoli.

Brazil had been desperate to move on from a disappointing Copa America campaign which followed their humiliating 7-1 drubbing against Germany in last year's World Cup semi-finals.

But the Brazilians, lacking the creative flair of Neymar, struggled to find a way through a physical Chile side who were fortunate to finish the game with 11 men.

Yet while Argentina and Brazil were left reeling, there were no such problems for Uruguay, who shrugged off the absence of star strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani to score a historic first ever away win over Bolivia in La Paz.

The high altitude of La Paz has often left visiting sides gasping for breath, with Uruguay suffering a 4-1 thrashing in their last trip to the Bolivian capital in 2012.

However goals in each half from Martin Caceres and Diego Godin clinched a clinical 2-0 victory for the Uruguayans, who had never won in La Paz in five previous attempts.

Colombia meanwhile opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win, Teofilo Gutierrez and Edwin Cardona getting the goals in a hardfought victory over Peru in Barranquilla.

In the day's other game, Paraguay snatched a late away win over Venezuela when Derlis Gonzalez pounced on a defensive mistake to score the game's only goal in the 85th minute.– AFP



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