Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Friendly Games
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Kevin De Bruyne: 'Past failures won't affect us in Champions

sportsmole.co.uk, 17 March 2021, 15:12

Kevin De Bruyne insists Manchester City 's past Champions League experience has no relevance as they chase European glory this season.

City eased into the quarter-finals for the fourth successive year as they finished off Borussia Monchengladbach in their last-16 tie on Tuesday, winning 2-0 in Budapest for a 4-0 aggregate success.

Having become regulars at the business end of the competition, the challenge for City is now to kick on and win it for the first time.

The club have only reached the semi-finals once before, in 2016.

Asked how past experience can help them take the next step this time, De Bruyne said: "It doesn't help at all. It is a new game, new team, new everything.

"To compete at this level, it is all about details. We try to do our job, but this (the next game) is still three or four weeks away, so this is something that is put to the side and now we think about Saturday against Everton."

City already had one foot in the quarter-finals before Tuesday's clash, but De Bruyne all but sealed their progress with a stunning long-range strike after 12 minutes.

The Belgian's all-round performance also suggested a return to form after a recent spell out injured, but he did not want to draw attention to himself.

"It is always a nice feeling to score a goal, but I think the most important thing is that we qualified and we won," said De Bruyne, whose goal was followed by another from Ilkay Gundogan six minutes later. "My personal performance doesn't matter."

Premier League leaders City now turn their attention to their FA Cup quarter-final at Everton but, like manager Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne is not entertaining thoughts of the quadruple yet.

He said: "I remember because people two years ago were saying that (we could win it) but it is very hard.

"The amount of games and the physical and mental ability you need to have as a player or as a squad is very high. We try to do our best and focus game by game. That is the only thing we can do."

17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Former Shrewsbury, Accrington midfielder Steve Jagielka
Accrington are "absolutely devastated" by the death of former midfielder Steve Jagielka. The older brother of Sheffield United's former England and Everton defender Phil, Steve has died at the age of 43. Accrington tweeted a tribute, which read: "Everyone at #ASFC is absolutely devastated to hear of the death of former midfielder Steve Jagielka.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Marcelo Bielsa pleased with vision of Leeds United - Sports
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has praised the vision of a club which has propelled Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling into the debate over England selection. Striker Bamford is being tipped to be included in Gareth Southgate's squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland when it is named on Thursday, while full-back Ayling has also been mentioned in dispatches.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
Arsene Wenger's World Cup and Euros shake-up meets opposition, but playing Premier League season during summer hailed as 'perfect' plan
talkSPORT pundits Trevor Sinclair and Simon Jordan have accused Arsene Wenger of only thinking about money with his suggestions for radical changes to the football calendar.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
'If he was anywhere else Fabrice Muamba wouldn't be here today' - Tottenham stadium announcer Paul Coyte looks back nine years on from Bolton star's collapse
Tottenham stadium announcer Paul Coyte has recalled how White Hart Lane stood still and held its breath after watching Fabrice Muamba collapse on the pitch back in 2012.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
Erling Haaland should choose Man City transfer over Manchester United and Chelsea - but Andros Townsend launches passionate defence of Sergio Aguero
Crystal Palace star Andros Townsend has admitted he would join Man City over the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea if he was in Erling Haaland's position.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Rio Ferdinand expects Manchester City to target Erling Braut
Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Harry Kane might have missed his chance to join Manchester City. Kane has been consistently linked with a move away from Tottenham Hotspur in recent years, with the 27-year-old said to be fearful that he could end his career without winning either the Premier League or Champions League.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Result: Abuse survivor: Sheldon Review 'as dilute as Vimto
An abuse survivor says the Sheldon Review into historical sexual abuse within football is as "dilute as Vimto for two-year-olds". The review was published on Wednesday and looked at abuse between 1970 and 2005, what the Football Association knew and did about it, and recommendations for improving safeguarding in the future.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Result: Football Association 'far too slow' to implement
The Football Association was guilty of inexcusable "institutional failings" in delaying the implementation of child safeguarding measures between 1995 and the spring of 2000, an independent review of historical sexual abuse has concluded. The review by Clive Sheldon QC said high-profile convictions - including one for serial abuser Barry Bennell in the United States in 1995 - should have served as the catalyst for change, but that it took another five years for the FA to put adequate processes in place.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Ronald de Boer: 'Donny van de Beek is happy at Manchester
Donny van de Beek "feels loved" and is "so happy" at Manchester United, according to former Netherlands international Ronald de Boer. The 23-year-old has made 26 appearances for the Red Devils this season following his arrival from Ajax but has largely struggled to impress, providing just one goal and one assist for the club.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea 'regret allowing Fikayo Tomori to leave' - Sports
Chelsea are reportedly already regretting their decision to allow Fikayo Tomori to leave the club on loan. The 23-year-old struggled for action in the first half of the 2020-21 campaign and was subsequently allowed to join AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the season. The centre-back has impressed during his time at San Siro, already making 10 appearances in all competitions, and the Italian giants are thought to be keen to sign him on a permanent deal this summer.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Rio Ferdinand concerned by Harry Maguire's lack of pace -
Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has admitted that he is 'concerned' by Harry Maguire 's lack of pace. The Red Devils have made more steps forward under head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season and are currently second in the Premier League table, while they are still in the Europa League and FA Cup.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
Police Scotland charge man over alleged online racist abuse of Everton's Yannick Bolasie
Police in Scotland have charged a man in connection to an allegation of racially-aggravated online abuse aimed at Everton winger Yannick Bolasie.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
New Dinamo boss to stick with Zoran Mamic's plan against
New Dinamo Zagreb coach Damir Krznar insisted it was business as usual following predecessor Zoran Mamic 's resignation in the wake of being handed a prison sentence. Mamic was sentenced to four years and eight months by Croatia's supreme court following a conviction for fraud relating to club funds earlier this week and his resignation followed promptly after.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
Andros Townsend recalls hilarious tale of fake Football Manager fine which landed him in hot water with partner - 'It could have been a real sticky one!'
Fast forward back to September 2015 and Andros Townsend was pretty baffled, to say the least, upon receiving a text from his partner, Hazel, asking why he had been issued with a fine for missing training.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
Paul Canoville reveals doctors didn't think he would survive six-week coma as Chelsea icon thanks fans for banner
Chelsea icon Paul Canoville has revealed doctors did not expect him to survive following a serious health scare which left him in a six-week coma.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Teden Mengi signs new long-term Manchester United contract -
Teenage defender Teden Mengi has signed a new and improved deal with Manchester United. The highly-rated 18-year-old academy graduate made his first-team debut against LASK in the Europa League last season. Mengi joined Wayne Rooney's Derby on loan in January and has made six Sky Bet Championship appearances to date.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
Tottenham fan wants Man City to WIN Carabao Cup final if it means Jose Mourinho is sacked - 'The man's a dinosaur and I want him gone'
Have you ever wanted your football team to lose a match? Thought not.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Heerenveen vs. FC Twente - prediction, team news
Heerenveen play host to FC Twente on Friday evening with the opportunity to move level on points with their eighth-placed opponents. While the home side are targeting a top-seven finish in the Eredivisie table, Twente will feel that victory will keep them in contention for Europa League qualification.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Celta Vigo
Real Madrid will be looking to extend their unbeaten record in all competitions to 10 matches when they face Celta Vigo on Saturday afternoon. As well as reaching the Champions League quarter-finals with victory over Atalanta BC, Zinedine Zidane 's team also remain in contention for the La Liga title.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Steven Gerrard sends best wishes to Walter Smith - Sports
Steven Gerrard has passed his best wishes to Walter Smith as he keeps his fingers crossed the former Rangers boss can make a full recovery. The Ibrox club announced on Saturday that the 73-year-old was recuperating in hospital after undergoing an operation. The pair have grown close since Gerrard moved to Glasgow in 2018, with the current Rangers boss dubbing Smith - who lifted 21 major honours during two spells in charge of the Ibrox club - his "unofficial mentor".
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Steven Gerrard: 'Steve Clarke right not to rush Nathan
Steven Gerrard insists Scotland boss Steve Clarke has made the right move in opting not to rush through a call-up for rising Rangers star Nathan Patterson. The Ibrox faithful were hoping to see the talented 19-year-old included in the Scots squad for next week's World Cup qualifiers after watching Patterson excel while recently deputising for injured skipper James Tavernier in the Europa League.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Police in Scotland charge man over alleged racist abuse of
Police in Scotland have charged a man in connection with an allegation of racially-aggravated online abuse aimed at Middlesbrough midfielder Yannick Bolasie. The 22-year-old was due to appear at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Wednesday following his arrest. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a racially aggravated comment posted online.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
England Women's Demi Stokes pens new Manchester City deal -
England defender Demi Stokes has signed a two-year contract extension with Manchester City. The new deal will keep the 29-year-old left-back at the club until summer 2023. Stokes, who has won 58 caps for England, joined City in January 2015 and has gone on to help the club win six trophies, including one Women's Super League title, three Women's FA Cups and two League Cups.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
Ricky Hill, the fourth black footballer to play for England and first ever of South Asian heritage, isn't done fighting against racism as Luton Town legend pushes for equality in management
Wembley is so often described as the spiritual home of football - but the stadium hasn't always reflected the heart and soul of the town.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea want Brazilian starlet Gabriel Menino?
Chelsea are reportedly keen to bring Palmeiras midfielder Gabriel Menino to Stamford Bridge. The 20-year-old has made 59 appearances for his current club in all competitions, contributing four goals and seven assists in the process. According to UOL, Atletico Madrid are closely following the midfielder, who could potentially be available for somewhere between €15m (£12.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
How Manchester United could be transformed into serious Premier League title challengers next season, with Erling Haaland one of THREE big-money transfers
It is set to be a big summer for Manchester United in the transfer window.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Cristiano Ronaldo 'more likely to rejoin Manchester United
Juventus attacker Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly more likely to return to Manchester United during this summer's transfer window than rejoin Real Madrid. The 36-year-old's future in Turin is currently being called into question, and Madrid have been strongly linked with a move for their former player.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'identify Pedro Goncalves as cheaper Jadon
Manchester United could reportedly move for Sporting Lisbon attacker Pedro Goncalves during this summer's transfer window. The Red Devils are expected to be in the market for a right-sided forward in the upcoming market, and Borussia Dortmund 's Jadon Sancho continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester City handed boost in Adrien Rabiot pursuit? -
Juventus are reportedly planning to sell Adrien Rabiot during this summer's transfer window. The 25-year-old has been a regular for the Old Lady during the 2020-21 campaign, making 34 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals and two assists in the process. However, according to Calciomercato, Andrea Pirlo 's side are prepared to offload the France international in order to fund a move for Sassuolo 's Manuel Locatelli.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
Ronald de Boer reveals he has spoken to Donny van de Beek's agent about his Manchester United future, claims Dutch midfielder 'feels loved' at Old Trafford and has NOT asked for Ajax return
Ronald de Boer rubbished rumours Donny van de Beek has asked Ajax to return this summer amid his continued struggles at Manchester United.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham Hotspur 'keen to sell Davinson Sanchez this summer'
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen to offload Davinson Sanchez during this summer's transfer window. The Colombia international has made 145 appearances for Spurs since arriving from Ajax in 2017, including 28 outings in all competitions during the 2020-21 campaign. The 24-year-old has also started his side's last seven Premier League matches, but according to Football Insider, Jose Mourinho 's side are prepared to listen to offers for the centre-back this summer.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Real Betis vs. Levante - prediction, team news
Real Betis will be looking to return to winning ways in Spain's top flight when they continue their campaign at home to Levante on Friday evening. Manuel Pellegrini 's side, who are currently sixth in the table, will enter the contest off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla, while ninth-placed Levante recorded a 1-0 victory over rivals Valencia last time out.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
Van de Beek Man United exit talk rubbished, Bellingham barred from England duty, Liverpool training ground woes, Wenger's Premier League and World Cup plans - LIVE sports news
Keep up to date with all the latest sports news, views and gossip.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Pep Guardiola not concerned by Champions League trophy -
Pep Guardiola insists his eyes are not on the big Champions League prize - despite living with the constant expectation that he must win it. Guardiola's Manchester City eased into the quarter-finals for a fourth successive year as they completed a comfortable victory in their last-16 tie against Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday.
17 March 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Gary Lineker will get extra checks on brain for signs of
Gary Lineker says he will get extra checks on his brain for signs of dementia. Research has found that former professional footballers are three and a half times more likely to die from a brain disorder than the general population, and an inquiry was launched by Parliament this month into sport's link to dementia.
17 March 2021
talksport.com
Thomas Tuchel warns misfiring Chelsea signings 'time is running out' to start scoring as ex-Blue sends message to Timo Werner and Kai Havertz ahead of Atletico Madrid clash
Thomas Tuchel has warned his misfiring Chelsea strikers and recent signings they are running out of time to start delivering goals.
Show more

Top News

27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Vinicius Junior struggled once again for Brazil on Wednesday, with his side having been beaten 4-1 by fierce rivals Argentina. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The agent of Chelsea attacker Joao Felix is reportedly in contact with Galatasaray to discuss a potential summer transfer for his client. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The RHG Enerturk Enerji Stadyumu will host a crucial relegation clash on Friday when Kayserispor take on Hatayspor in the Turkish Super Lig. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is being eyed up by Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho for a summer transfer, according to a report. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have received a major fitness boost ahead of their return to domestic action, as Nicolas Jackson is confirmed to be training on the grass again following a hamstring injury. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Second-placed Bayer Leverkusen could close the gap to leaders Bayern Munich to three points with a victory in the Bundesliga against visitors VfL Bochum on Friday at BayArena. 26 March 2025 talksport.com Alessia Russo inspired Arsenal Women to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid to book their spot in the Champions League semi-finals. 26 March 2025 talksport.com Max Cleworth is Wrexham's most valuable player - he would fetch co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney a record transfer. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal Women produced a devastating second-half display against Real Madrid Femenino as they reached the Women's Champions League semi-finals with a 3-0 quarter-final second-leg win at the Emirates Stadium, sealing a 3-2 success on aggregate. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Leaders Barcelona will resume their La Liga title bid when they face Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Thursday. 26 March 2025 talksport.com Victor Wanyama has sealed a shock return to British football - at Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was reportedly watched by officials from Barcelona during the recent round of UEFA Nations League matches. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing rising Serie A star Gustav Isaksen during the summer transfer window. 26 March 2025 talksport.com They're not singing anymore… 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly initiated contact with the entourage of Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Joao Pedro ahead of a possible transfer for the Brazilian in the summer window. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu allegedly has admirers in the Barcelona dressing room amid suggestions that the Catalan outfit could move for him during this summer's transfer window. 26 March 2025 talksport.com Todd Boehly's alleged involvement in a ticket resale website has led to the Chelsea Supporters' Trust to demand an investigation into their club chairman. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Ligue 1 gets back underway after the international break when in-form Champions League hopefuls Strasbourg and Lyon go head-to-head at the Stade de la Meinau on Friday night. 26 March 2025 talksport.com Olympique Lyonnais remain at risk of relegation to Ligue 2, despite being on the brink of securing European qualification. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool's decision to provide Jurgen Klopp with more power contributed to the club's failure to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold to a new deal, Reds expert David Lynch has claimed. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Benfica defender Antonio Silva for just €40m (£33.5m) this summer. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk This weekend's Turkish Super Lig action will get underway at Corendon Airlines Park, where Antalyaspor will be playing host to Alanyaspor on Friday afternoon. 26 March 2025 talksport.com Jose Mourinho created some minor miracles at Real Madrid, but his unnoticed heroics with Raphael Varane have now been revealed by the player. 26 March 2025 talksport.com Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes had one big chance to prove they were better than Steven Gerrard, but failed miserably. 26 March 2025 talksport.com 26 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool fans may have to see Trent Alexander-Arnold in Real Madrid colours even sooner than they think. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly working on a move for Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg, with the Red Devils determined to win the race for his signature during this summer's transfer window. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly learned the asking price of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling. 26 March 2025 talksport.com Dean Huijsen was left red faced after he was asked if he was on drugs during an interview. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Fresh off a two-week hiatus, the Primeira Liga returns as Gil Vicente welcome Benfica for the opening fixture of matchday 27 on Friday evening.