Kepa Arrizabalaga insisted his relationship with Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea remains strong as the pair compete to be first choice for Spain in their forthcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa got the nod from Spain head coach Luis Enrique in two of Spain s last four internationals, and he kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over Malta and a 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

De Gea, who at 28 is four years Kepa s senior, was Spain s first choice at the 2018 World Cup and played the duration of all 38 of Manchester United s Premier League matches last season.

Luis Enrique also has Real Betis Pau Lopez at his disposal for Spain s qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Sweden, and Kepa said there is healthy competition in the squad.

Europe fell in love with the football minnows Iceland at the 2016 European Championship in France and the Nordic warriors are now getting ready to hit the global stage in Russia.

Iceland will battle Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria at the Group stage of the 2018 World Cup and will do it wearing a shirt their FA will officially promote on 15 March.

Ahead of this important date, Iceland have unveiled an amazing promo video to announce the cordial occasion.

Enjoy.



…

Germany midfielder Lars Bender is eagerly anticipating Wednesday s international friendly against Lionel Messi s Argentina.

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder previously took on the Barcelona star in last year s Champions League, when the Argentine netted a stunning five goals in one game.

Nevertheless, despite the memory of Messi s impressive performance last term, the gifted forward will not be the only player Bender will be keeping a close eye on.

Of course, I am really looking forward to this game, Bender told the DFB website.

But not just because we will be facing Messi. He has the ability to single-handedly decide games and has extraordinary qualities.

However, he is only one component of a very strong team. A match against Argentina is som…

West Brom defender Gareth McAuley will set new targets for himself after helping the club to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

McAuley signed a new two-year deal with the club on Friday after a season which saw him pick up the Supporters and Players Player of the Season awards.
Speaking to the club s official website, McAuley thanked manager Steve Clarke for helping him stay focussed during the contract discussions and said new goals would now be set over the summer.
I ll now sit down, have a good think over the summer and set myself more targets for the next two years, McAuley said.
I ve achieved pretty much what I set out to do when I came here just little personal things and I ll evaluate that again and be ready to go again.
That keeps me moving forward, kee…

Jose Mourinho insists Tottenham s EFL Cup quarter-final at Stoke City must be viewed in isolation despite their patchy league form heading into the tie. 

Under a week ago, Spurs were top of the Premier League on goal difference ahead of Liverpool, but a late 2-1 loss away at the Reds was followed by a 2-0 home defeat against Leicester City. 

The double setback has seen Spurs slip to sixth in the table, six points adrift of Jurgen Klopp s champions, who now once again lead the way. 

Tottenham boss Mourinho was asked at a news conference how important it is for his side to stop the rut quickly as they switch focus to the EFL Cup, yet the Portuguese thinks it will have little impact at the bet365 Stadium. 

I think it s isolated of the con…

Tottenham interim head coach Cristian Stellini attempted to promote togetherness after Antonio Conte s reign came to an end in explosive fashion.

Conte was dismissed on Sunday after a week of intense speculation suggesting the club s hierarchy were going to dismiss him.

The Italian had blasted his players in an extraordinary rant eight days earlier following Spurs 3-3 draw with Southampton, a game that saw them throw away a 3-1 lead.

That outburst, coupled with recent poor form and reports neither he nor the club wanted to agree a new contract, ultimately led to Conte s exit.

But his assistant, Stellini, has stayed on to take charge until the end of the season, and his first task is to rebuild morale and trust with the squad and fans.

I feel very…

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Dele Alli s ultra-competitive nature means he often saves his best for top-class opposition.

The 22-year-old midfielder has come in for regular criticism this season having largely struggled to hit the heights that saw him net 18 league goals last term.

But a brace in the crucial win at Chelsea earlier this month hinted at his sense of occasion, while the England man has also been on target in notable victories over Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Pochettino believes Alli, who is set to play a key role for England at the upcoming World Cup, feels most at home on the big stage.

He needs strong opposition to give his best. It s his character. He is so competitive that when it s easy he s not interested, Pochettino…

Hoffenheim head coach Julian Nagelsmann played down reports linking him with Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea.

German sensation Nagelsmann, 30, has emerged as a possible replacement for Arsene Wenger, who will leave Arsenal at the end of the season.

The Chelsea job could also be available amid uncertainty over Antonio Conte s future in London.

However, Nagelsmann – who was reportedly in the frame to succeed Jupp Heynckes before Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich appointed Niko Kovac – dismissed the rumours.

When asked if there was truth behind the speculation, Nagelsmann told Sky Germany: I don t think so, no. These are just rumours.

Nagelsmann, who was only 28 years of age when he was fast-tracked from Hoffenheim s successful youth …

England have called Tom Cleverley into their squad for matches against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia after Ryan Mason was forced to withdraw through injury.

Tottenham midfielder Mason picked up a knock in training, prompting Roy Hodgson to turn to Cleverley, who impressed in a loan spell at Aston Villa this season and is reported to be on the brink of leaving Manchester United permanently to join Everton.

Cleverley, 25, won the last of his 13 international caps in a 1-0 home defeat to Germany in November 2013.

He will link up with England ahead of Sunday s friendly with Ireland in Dublin, which serves as preparation for a Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia seven days later.

…

Jorge Sampaoli faces a challenge at Sevilla / Image via 1meee.com

Taking over from the man who earned Sevilla three Europa League titles on the trot was always going to be a daunting task.

Criticism

Many fans and pundits alike had their doubts over whether Jorge Sampaoli was the right man for the job, but the Argentinean manager rolled up his sleeves and dived in head first showing commendable courage and self-belief.

The 56-year-old former Chile head coach was appointed Sevilla manager this summer, following Unai Emery’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain and despite big reputation and results with the Chilean national football team, Jorge Sampaoli’s appointment was welcomed with a pinch of salt.

Having led Chile to their first-ever Copa America titl…