Champions League build-up: Rodri - 'Players close to going on strike' (original) (raw)

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Players 'close' to going on strike over schedule - Rodri

Live Reporting

Craig Nelson, Ben Collins, Holly Bacon & Tyrese King

  1. How to followpublished at 16:28 British Summer Time 17 September

UEFA Champions League trophyImage source, Getty Images
From 22:00 BST on the Wednesday of Champions League matchweeks, there will be game-by-game highlights available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app - plus a highlights show on BBC One at 22:40.
With the first set of fixtures spread across three days instead of two, there will even be a bonus highlights show on Thursday on BBC Two at 23:05. 2. ### Unai Emery wants Aston Villa to win in memory of Gary Shawpublished at 16:28 British Summer Time 17 September
Young Boys v Aston Villa (17:45 BST)
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Unai Emery wants Aston Villa to win in memory of Gary Shaw 3. ### 'Duran has really been doing his talking lately'published at 16:25 British Summer Time 17 September
Young Boys v Aston Villa (17:45 BST)
Aston Villa
Jhon DuranImage source, Getty Images
Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans on Jhon Duran: "Inside the changing room he has always been the same guy, really funny and a character. But on the pitch he's really been doing his talking lately. He's been focused, and working hard for himself and the team." 4. ### 'Duran's confidence is through the roof'published at 16:23 British Summer Time 17 September
Young Boys v Aston Villa (17:45 BST)
BBC Sounds
The recent form of Aston Villa's Colombia striker Jhon Duran was one of the topics on The Monday Night Club this week. Here's what the guys had to say.
Chris Sutton: "What I love about him is his confidence levels are through the roof. He backs himself. I don’t actually know what sort of striker he is. He’s a bit of an all-rounder but you know this is a player who thinks he should be in the team ahead of Ollie Watkins, which is some shout - that’s belief and ability. He looks a very natural finisher and he's certainly a talented player."
Shay Given: "You like [Duran's] confidence, he’s only 20 and he’s like ‘I should be playing’. Ollie Watkins is a phenomenal striker, so it’s a brilliant headache for Unai Emery to have."
Jhon Duran celebrates after scoring for Aston Villa against EvertonImage source, PA Media 5. ### Tielemans - We'll try to make the most of itpublished at 16:20 British Summer Time 17 September
Young Boys v Aston Villa (17:45 BST)
Aston Villa
Youri TielemansImage source, Getty Images
Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans on Aston Villa's long-awaited return to Europe's premier cup competition: "Obviously really happy. We achieved something really good last year finishing fourth in the Premier League and now we are here. We're really excited to get going in this competition.
"There has always been an ambitious plan, that's why I bought into the plan and trust Villa. We're earlier than expected in the project but we've had some really good performances last year and we'll try to make the most of it." 6. ### Emery - We are excitiedpublished at 16:17 British Summer Time 17 September
Young Boys v Aston Villa (17:45 BST)
Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Unai EmeryImage source, Getty Images
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery on tonight's game against Young Boys: "We are excited and I think it's a good moment for the club after a long time not playing Champions League, hopefully we can stay in the competition for a long time now as well.
"It's really a challenge, last year our challenge was to get Europe and now it is to keep it because to play in the Champions League you have to be one of the eight contenders playing well in the Champions League.
"But we have to enjoy each match, each moment in this competition. We're really motivated, and can use our experiences from the other European competitions. We want to build, to create together with the players we already have and are adding. We want to be competitive." 7. ### 'Raise a glass to Gary Shaw'published at 16:15 British Summer Time 17 September
Young Boys v Aston Villa (17:45 BST)
Aston Villa fans in a bar sing in tribute to former European Cup winner Gary Shaw, following the announcement of his death, aged 63, after being asked by ex-player Ian Taylor to "raise a glass" in his honour.
Taylor described the former striker - who helped Villa win the First Division title in 1981 and European Cup the following year - as an "absolute hero".
Video credit: @avfc_ess on X
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Ian Taylor raises a glass to Gary Shaw 8. ### 'How far can we go? I don't know'published at 16:13 British Summer Time 17 September
Young Boys v Aston Villa (17:45 BST)
Aston Villa
Unai EmeryImage source, Getty Images
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery on Aston Villa's Champions League dreams: "To compete and to face each match competitively. How far we can go? I don't know but we're not going to refuse any expectations from this competition. We start increasing our level tomorrow, tactically and individually and then adapt to our competitor's demands." 9. ### Champions League Anthem will be 'emotional' for Villa fanpublished at 16:11 British Summer Time 17 September
Young Boys v Aston Villa (17:45 BST)
Aston Villa fan Luke says he'll be "emotional" when he hears the Champions League anthem at the start of tonight's opening game against Young Boys.
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Villa fan Luke says he'll be "emotional" when he hears the Champions League anthem 10. ### Ferguson the 'full-package' says Hurzelerpublished at 16:09 British Summer Time 17 September
Brighton v Wolves (Weds, 19:45 BST)
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's EFL Cup third-round tie at home to Wolves about striker Evan Ferguson, who has not started for Brighton since March:
"He doesn't have to show me what he can do because I know what his potential is. He has the full package for a striker. It is important he integrates in our style of play and follows our principles."
He also sees this cup game as an opportunity for players who have not featured so far this season: "The players don't have to feel they have to impress me. It is important they prove to themselves they belong to the squad. I am completely convinced with all the players in my squad. I am completely trusting and believing in them."
Get more on Brighton here
Brighton striker Evan FergusonImage source, Getty Images 11. ### Trophies and targets the aim for Man Utd - Ten Hagpublished at 16:06 British Summer Time 17 September
Man Utd v Barnsley (20:00 BST)
Simon Stone
BBC Sport's chief football news reporter
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spoken a lot in recent times about how he has won two trophies in two seasons during his time at Old Trafford, putting him second to Pep Guardiola in terms of silverware since 2022.
This avoids the fact United finished eighth last season - their worst finish since 1990.
The words of predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were put back at Ten Hag yesterday.
Solskjaer (who didn't win a trophy but did finish second and third in his two full seasons as manager) said trophies were an 'ego' thing and league placings were a more accurate barometer of where a team is.
"I think all the leagues are important," said Ten Hag, whose assessment of United being in five leagues includes the Community Shield.
"In top football, at the end of the day it's about winning trophies and hitting targets.
"You set some targets in the season but also longer term where you want to grow into, therefore you have a strategy. You follow the strategy to develop and progress the team.
"When you win one of the five leagues you hit some targets and you did your job well." 12. ### Who can't you wait to watch in the Champions League?published at 16:04 British Summer Time 17 September
Viktor Gyokeres and Fabian RuizImage source, Getty Images
Constantin Eckner: I'm interested in seeing Viktor Gyokeres and Sporting Lisbon's entire attacking line playing in the Champions League.
While most football fans know about Gyokeres, I feel like Sporting are criminally underrated due to the fact that Portugal's Primeira Liga does not attract that much attention internationally.
Mina Rzouki: Honestly, we all want to see how Julian Alvarez fares at Atletico Madrid, especially after scoring his first goal over the weekend, but I’m more interested to see what happens with Fabian Ruiz and PSG this season.
Glorious performances for Spain in Euro 2024 had several questioning why Ruiz’s displays for country were so far superior to what he has shown with the French giants. According to El Chiringuito, much of that might have to do with the player’s less than ideal relationship with coach Luis Enrique.
PSG have always preoccupied themselves with scouting attacking brilliance while the midfield has often lacked the balance and brilliance of some of their competitors, such as Manchester City and Real Madrid. Ruiz, if allowed to play with greater consistency, might just be the answer. Against Brest this weekend he reminded us of the technique and magic he can bring to any game, scoring a beauty to help PSG win.
Will we see the Spaniard take control of PSG’s midfield to help navigate the side against a tricky run of European fixtures? 13. ### Visit of Bratislava is must-win opener says Lambertpublished at 16:02 British Summer Time 17 September
Celtic v Slovan Bratislava (Wed, 20:00 BST)
Good Morning Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland
Former skipper Paul Lambert says victory at home to Slovan Bratislava is a must if Celtic are to progress to the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time since season 2012-13.
Celtic begin their campaign in the tournament's new format on Wednesday night against the Slovakian champions.
"I don't think people should think it's going to be an easy game," Lambert told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland radio programme.
"If Celtic underestimate them, it'll be a sticky tie, but I don't see Brendan Rodgers doing that. Celtic have got to get off to a good start."
Speaking on the Football News Show, former Tottenham and Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown said: "This one, at home, is the game where you want to set the tone. You can imagine the atmosphere's going to be incredible. I feel like it's a game where you've got to take the points."
Click here to keep updated with Celtic news
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Does the new Champions League format benefit Celtic? 14. ### Which player are you most looking forward to watching?published at 15:59 British Summer Time 17 September
Lamine Yamal celebratesImage source, Getty Images
Phil McNulty: Having had the appetite whetted at Euro 2024, I’m going for Barcelona’s 17-year-old genius Lamine Yamal. He is made for this stage, as he proved when Spain won in Germany.
If I could pick one more I’d go for another teenager, Real Madrid’s 18-year-old Brazilian Endrick…if he gets regular game time.
Julien Laurens: There are loads of contenders obviously but the best and most exciting player right now in Europe is the Barcelona winger.
Lamine Yamal is still only 17 but his maturity and decision making is out of this world, on top of his pace and technical ability. He is a delight to watch.
He was a star at the Euros with Spain in the summer and will be a star in this Champions League campaign too.
Guillem Balague: It was only few months back that we were praising moments of magic from Lamine Yamal but now he already has three goals and four assists in five games, so his contribution is regular and essential for this Barcelona team that has started so strongly under Hansi Flick.
They recover the ball early in a show of collective effort, they score lots, they create lots too. Fun to watch but Lamine is the player that takes them to another level. 15. ### Who are the dark horses?published at 15:56 British Summer Time 17 September
Conor GallagherImage source, Getty Images
Constantin Eckner: My dark horse also hails from the Spanish capital. Atletico Madrid have made a number of intriguing moves on the transfer market during the summer, adding the likes of Julián Alvarez and Conor Gallagher.
The club have reached the final twice under the tutelage of Diego Simeone. The only concern I have is that Simeone has yet to figure out how his team can be a bit more dominant in possession and thus defend leads better.
Mina Rzouki: Despite a disappointing performance over the weekend, Inter Milan - like Manchester City and Real Madrid - boast consistency. Their coach Simone Inzaghi, vastly underrated, has constructed a side that play beautiful and fluid football while the mentality they showed last season secured the Scudetto they so richly deserved.
While last year they appear to have concentrated on securing their 20th overall league title, this year they must try to go far in Europe and they have the squad to cause real problems and the tactical balance that is essential in this competition.
With another striker added to the mix in Mehdi Taremi and a coach renowned for excelling in cup competitions, one must be aware of the Italian giants. 16. ### Get Involved - Should players go on strike over expanded calendar?published at 15:54 British Summer Time 17 September
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
I'm sick to the back teeth of people having a go at footballers who raise legitimate concerns at too many games. Of course they don't work in the NHS, on oil rigs or any other so-called proper jobs. But these people will be the first to complain that games are boring, players aren't trying and so on. You wouldn't treat racehorses like this but it's all about the money now. To one and every football fan, you signed up for this, own it.
Ant, B'ham 17. ### Who will be the Champions League's surprise package?published at 15:51 British Summer Time 17 September
Mohamed Salah in training with LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images
Phil McNulty: Jurgen Klopp or not, there is something about the Champions League and Anfield that gets the juices flowing in this competition, as proved by Liverpool's record. If they make the knockout stages they will be a handful for anyone.
They will relish their return to what they believe is their rightful stage after a year away and there is still so much class at Arne Slot’s disposal.
The Dutch coach will also enjoy the tactical challenges presented by Europe’s elite tournament.
Julien Laurens: This new mini-league format will make for a more interesting campaign where teams outside of the big ones will have a chance to impress and defy the odds.
I think Bayer Leverkusen could be the dark horse of the season. Xabi Alonso and his players achieved something special last season with an unbeaten domestic season and now the German champions will show all their talents in the biggest competition of all.
Guillem Balague: Since they ended Juventus's dominance in 2021, Inter Milan just won the league again, and have been in Europa league and Champions League finals.
They are another team with a lot of layers and with Lautaro Martinez they have one of the best players around. They did not sell a big name and have added to a strong squad. 18. ### Get Involved - Should players go on strike over expanded calendar?published at 15:48 British Summer Time 17 September
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Regarding the number of games @14:25 Andrew it is a good idea, I would go one step further and if there is a cap on the number of games, the players salary should be adjusted accordingly, i.e. 50 games in calendar year but capped at 45 = 10% pay reduction. I would be surprised if the players would go for it if a salary sacrifice system was put in place, but it would certainly reduce the number of complaints!
Luke, Hull 19. ### Who will prevail this season?published at 15:45 British Summer Time 17 September
Jose Ignacio Fernandez Iglesias, known as Nacho Fernandez and Erling HaalandImage source, Getty Images
BBC Sport's Spanish football expert Guillem Balague: You imagine the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City in the semi-finals and, once there, there are many things that affect a result (a referee decision, an injury, a mistake) that is not very clever to predict.
But I feel City have got what it takes to win both the domestic long-term competition and the cup competition that is the Champions League.
They are very strong in both boxes and have the maturity to understand what is required in every part of the pitch and every minute of the game
BBC Sport's German football expert Constantin Eckner: Real Madrid won the trophy in May and have since added Mbappe to their attack.
The Spanish powerhouse is once again the team to beat, and they may very well win it for the 16th time.
I wouldn't pay too much attention to their performances until January, because Carlo Ancelotti's side excels in the knockout stages whereas other teams struggle to perform on point in the later months of the season.
As far as challengers to Madrid's throne go, Man City and Bayern Munich have the quality to win the competition.
BBC Sport's Italian football expert Mina Rzouki: I am always loath to bet against Real Madrid, especially considering they are now home to the best player in the world, Kylian Mbappe, but I believe this year belongs to Manchester City. With Erling Haaland one of the few players to have benefited from a genuine rest in the summer and a team that remains full of creativity and experience, surely they are the team to beat this year.
Most of the other behemoths have reasons to bet against them. Bayern Munich and Barcelona have a new manager and need time, Arsenal could or should be focusing on the league whereas Manchester City continue to grow and have learned to win in a variety of ways. When even your goalkeeper can deliver assists, I can’t see past Pep Guardiola’s men this season.

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