The midfielder has struggled for game time under the current boss and the Real Madrid coach had now explained why he’s been left out

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has criticised Isco’s fitness, seemingly revealing why the midfielder has been out of favour this season as he was omitted from the squad once again.

Isco, 26, has made just five La Liga starts this campaign, and none since Solari took charge in late October.

The Spain international reportedly opted not to travel with Madrid on the bus for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 loss to Ajax on Tuesday after being dropped from the matchday squad.

While Solari was unwilling to be drawn into that matter, the Argentinian hinted that the midfielder was struggling to maintain his appropriate fitness levels as his exile continued this week when he was left out of the squad for Sunday’s trip to Real Valladolid on Sunday.

“Disciplinary issues are handled internally,” the coach told a news conference. 

“To play, you have to be in the right physical shape first and then you have to maintain it.”

Solari’s future with the club remains very much in doubt, with Goal understanding that  Jose Mourinho is being lined up to replace the Argentine in an interim role after a wretched 11-day period that some critics have dubbed the worst in Madrid’s history .

In that span the club lost twice to Barcelona at the Bernabeu, once in the Copa del Rey and once in La Liga, before taking a 4-1 loss to Ajax that saw the club knocked out of the Champions League.  

And Isco is not the only player to have drawn the ire of the current manager, who claimed that he had directly spoken to the players he didn’t think had fallen in line . 

Other star names like Gareth Bale and Marcelo have had their struggles, and a bust-up with Florentino Perez has left the future of club captain Serigio Ramos in some doubt as well . 

Madrid are third in La Liga, 15 points behind rivals and leaders Barcelona heading into Sunday’s match and have just 12 matches remaining to try and close the gap on the runaway league leaders. 

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The defender is linked with a move from the club, but the former Dutch winger wants him to stay a little longer

Ajax great Johnny Rep believes star centre-back Matthijs de Ligt should stay with the Eredivisie giants for another year amid links with a move.

De Ligt, 19, is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe and is already the Ajax captain.

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The Netherlands international, who has amassed 13 caps with the senior team, is linked with a switch to several of the world’s biggest clubs, including the likes of Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City and Manchester United.

But Rep, who helped Ajax to two Eredivisie titles and a pair of European Cups in the early 1970s, hopes De Ligt stays in Amsterdam a little longer.

“It would be good for him to stay another year at Ajax,” he told AS.

“He is 19 years old, he is the captain. He should not be in a hurry.”

Rep came up through the Ajax academy in the 1970s, eventually moving to Valencia after winning seven total trophies with the club.

He retired in 1987 and remains the most prolific Dutch player in World Cup history having scored seven goals across two tournaments.

Ajax visit Real Madrid on Tuesday looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the Champions League last-16 tie.

Rep believes Erik ten Hag’s men still have a chance against Madrid, who have lost three of their past four games.

“I haven’t seen from the beginning that it was certain Madrid would get through this tie,” he said.

“I’ve been watching Madrid this season with many problems. Ajax still has a chance.”

Ajax currently sit five points behind PSV Eindhoven in the league, but hold a game in hand on their title rivals.

After the Real Madrid tie, Ajax will face Fortuna Sittard in their return to Eredivisie play.

The Netherlands international’s ability to read the game puts him in a class of his own, says the retired striker

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is the best centre-back in the world, according to Stan Collymore, and has been compared to Rio Ferdinand and Sergio Ramos by the former Reds striker.

Van Dijk has had a significant influence at the back for Liverpool this term and has helped turn the Reds into the best defensive side in the Premier League.

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Jurgen Klopp’s men have conceded just 15 league goals this term and kept a clean sheet against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, although some claimed the Bavarians sat back in that game.

“Van Dijk reads the game better than any other defender in the Premier League and is a bit old-school in that respect,” Collymore wrote in the Mirror.

“I’d put him in the Rio Ferdinand bracket when it comes to his reading of situations — he sees the danger, acknowledges the danger and has the physicality and athleticism to be able to deal with it.

“Some players can read the game but don’t have the pace and some have the pace but not the instinct. He has the lot and on top of that he exudes a calmness that rubs off on the rest of his side’s back four.

“I see in Van Dijk someone who is unflustered and will go on, either with Liverpool or another club, to win many, many titles.

“And by the time he hangs up his boots, we could be talking about him in the same venerable tones as Sergio Ramos if he gets the chance to win as many titles either at Liverpool or elsewhere.”

The Dutch international became the world’s most expensive defender when Liverpool paid £75 million to sign him from Southampton in January 2018, but Collymore thinks that now looks a bargain price.

“Van Dijk has to be worth at least £175m of anybody’s money and, while it’s easy to throw around statements such as ‘best in the world’, I really believe he is,” the former striker added.

The centre-back could still lift the Premier League and the Champions League this season with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson having said the Reds are targetting both titles.

They need either a win or a scoring draw when they travel to Bavaria next week if they are to make it through to the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition. 

Former Spurs star Clive Allen believes a Wales international forward is being “unfairly treated” in Spain and should be given the support he deserves

Tottenham have been urged to make a “massive statement” by bringing Gareth Bale back to the club, with Clive Allen saddened to see a former favourite being “unfairly treated” at Real Madrid.

Speculation regarding the Wales international’s future has resurfaced over recent weeks.

Bale has faced criticism from former Blancos stars in Spain, while his apparent reluctance to integrate fully with those at the Santiago Bernabeu has been questioned by Marcelo and Thibaut Courtois.

A disgruntled fan base, amid a testing season for Madrid, has also made a scapegoat of the 29-year-old after growing tired of his form and fitness issues.

Bale’s agent has spoken out in defence of his client, slamming a supposed lack of respect and branding those involved “a disgrace”.

Jonathan Barnett has also sought to play down the mounting transfer talk, with Manchester United and Chelsea being credited with interest, but Allen believes a homecoming could be the best option for a man still given the appreciation he deserves in north London.

The former Spurs striker and coach told talkSPORT of the links to Bale: “I would love to see that happen.

“Gareth Bale coming back to Spurs, with the new stadium and the way the club is moving forward, I think that would be a massive statement.

“Obviously I was there when he arrived and I worked with him for a number of years.

“I saw him become an incredible footballer, he matured as a person and he has gone to extraordinary heights and achievements.

“We don’t appreciate him enough. What he has produced at Real Madrid has been nothing short of exceptional. It’s absolutely incredible what he’s done there.

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“I think Gareth has been very unfairly treated at Real Madrid. It’s just incredible they feel that way about him.”

Bale has spent almost six years in Spain, during which time has won the Liga title and four Champions League crowns.

He has also taken in three Club World Cup triumphs and passed the 100-goal mark for Madrid.

Expectation has always been high around him, though, following a record-breaking transfer in 2013 and he is not considered to have stepped out of the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo following the Portuguese’s switch to Juventus last summer.

The Reds will be looking to keep pace with Premier League leaders Manchester City as they welcome Sean Dyche’s Clarets this weekend

Knocked off top, but have Liverpool been knocked out of the title race?

We will find out this week, as the Reds resume their Premier League campaign at home to Burnley.

A run of four draws in six league games has given the impetus to Manchester City, but Jurgen Klopp’s side know that with nine games remaining, there will be plenty more twists and turns to come between now and May.

Liverpool were 3-1 winners when visiting Burnley back in December, coming from behind to grab all three points at Turf Moor.

Here, Goal takes a look at everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s meeting…

Liverpool’s injury worries appeared to be easing, with Roberto Firmino shaking off an ankle problem to feature at Everton.

But James Milner, Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno all missed training at Melwood this week, with Lovren still no closer to a return after two months out with a hamstring issue.

Joe Gomez, injured in the reverse fixture, should be back later this month.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain featured for the Reds’ under-23 side at Derby County on Friday and is nearing a comeback, while young striker Rhian Brewster is also back in full training after 14 months out with a knee injury.

Liverpool do not have any suspended players for this game.

We can expect at least one change from last weekend’s draw at Everton, with Firmino almost certain to come in for Divock Origi up front.

After that, the big question surrounds Klopp’s midfield. Will he return to the 4-2-3-1 formation he has used in the past, with Naby Keita (left) or Xherdan Shaqiri (right) brought in? Both were unused at Goodison.

Keita could also be used as a third midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation, with either Gini Wijnaldum or Jordan Henderson missing out. That, for now, appears likeliest.

Peter Crouch could face his former club, though he is likely to be used from the bench with Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood both in good form of late.

The game will kick off at 12 noon GMT, and will be screened live on BT Sport 1.

In the United States, the game can be watched live on television on NBC Sports, kick-off 7am ET. 

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After ugly scenes after the final whistle in the play-off first leg encounter between the teams, NEUFC are seeking action against Bengaluru officials

NorthEast United FC have lodged an official complaint with the match commissioner after distasteful incidents after the conclusion of the first leg of their Indian Super League play-off tie against Bengaluru FC.

The Highlanders had triumphed 2-1 after a dramatic injury-time penalty, awarded after Harmanjot Khabra had wrestled Juan Cruz Mascia down in the penalty box, was converted by the Uruguayan forward.

Following the final whistle that soon blew, there were ugly scenes with Bengaluru FC players and technical staff seemingly involved in a fracas which also featured NorthEast United assistant coach Shaun Onteng and winger Nikhil Kadam.

Though the situation was diffused soon, the Highlanders have gone on to register an official complaint against Bengaluru FC assistant coach Gerard Zaragoza and Spanish midfielder Dimas Delgado.

The Highlanders have accused Zaragoza and Dimas of physically assaulting Onteng and Kadam during the altercation.

More seriously, NorthEast United have also levelled charges against the aforementioned Bengaluru FC duo of abusing Kadam and Onteng verbally. They have also said that discriminatory language against Nikhil Kadam, highlighting his Indian nationality, was also used.

The League Secretary of the ISL and match commissioner now have a decision to make and Goal has come to know that the latter has already requested video footage of the incident from the TV broadcasters.

Should the Bengaluru FC duo be meted out any punishment, it could potentially endanger Dimas’ participation in the return leg in Bengaluru. With the Blues trailing the tie 2-1, coach Carles Cuadrat will be a concerned man.

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The Scotsman does not think the Reds have anything to fear as they chase a maiden Premier League trophy

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson believes that being part of a title race should be enjoyable, amidst talk of pressure getting to him and his team-mates.

The Reds had held a seven-point lead over Manchester City, but a dip in form since the turn of the year has seen the reigning champions close the gap and go top of the table by a point.

Since losing to City – Liverpool’s only league loss of the season – Jurgen Klopp’s men have drawn with Leicester City, West Ham, Manchester United and Everton, allowing Pep Guardiola’s side to catch up.

However, Robertson has dismissed speculation that the pressure is getting to the squad, lauding their position.

“Talk about pressure and ‘bottling’… Relegation, that’s pressure,” Robertson said to The Anfield Wrap.

“I’ve said it in interviews before, people lose their job, players lose half their wages, managers get sacked more often than not. That’s not what this is. We’re going for a title, we’re going for trophies, it’s something we should enjoy, it shouldn’t be something that we fear.”

And the Scotland captain believes that Liverpool have every chance of winning the league, and must be ready to capitalise on any potential slip-ups from the league leaders.

“You know how hard it is to win a Premier League. We’ve got nine games and we’ve put ourselves in a great position. Some people that are talking about it would pay a lot of money to put their team in the same position as us.

“If you said at the start of the season would we have took a point behind Man City with nine games to go, after how far we finished behind them last season, you would have. It’s hard because of what’s happened in the season, we were leading but it was too early, it was in December/January, you don’t win a league then.

“Now we’re at the bit where it matters, we’re in single figures and we’re a point behind. We’ve given ourselves a hell of a chance. If City slip up then we need to be in a position to take advantage of that.”

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The defender feels Manchester City must stay in form as the Reds will be flawless for the rest of the Premier League season

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany believes Premier League title rivals Liverpool will win all of their remaining games.

Pep Guardiola’s men hold a one-point lead at the top with eight matches left in the Premier League this season.

City have won 24 of their 30 league games this campaign, while Liverpool have 22 victories after beating Burnley 4-2 on Sunday.

Kompany, whose team are aiming for back-to-back titles, said he felt the Reds would be flawless for the rest of the league season.

“We couldn’t have asked for more at this stage of the season but we are all convinced that Liverpool will win every single remaining game until the end of the season,” he told reporters.

“We know how big the task ahead of us is with big games still coming up and difficult games against any team. We’re all relaxed and calm, we’re not getting carried away.”

Raheem Sterling led City to their latest win, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Watford on Saturday.

Kompany believes the 24-year-old, who has 15 goals and nine assists in 27 league games this season, is one of the world’s best attackers.

“He has an amazing drive to develop. It’s incredible because his first year at City was tough and then from the moment Pep came in he just kicked on and went from strength to strength,” he said.

“For me, he is one of the best wingers in the world. He’s so, so important for us. To have the ability to unlock defences when they defend with so many bodies is the sign of a top, top, top player.”

The Burnley striker said his side targeted the Leicester star in their recent Premier League meeting and his national side will deploy similar tactics

Czech Republic striker Matej Vydra has said England’s defence – and in particular Harry Maguire – can be exploited ahead of the two nations squaring off in Euro 2020 qualifiers. 

The Czech Republic will visit Wembley Stadium on Friday, as both teams kick-off qualifying for next summer’s tournament. 

Vydra is hoping his national team can take advantage of Maguire in the same way that his club side did on Saturday. 

Maguire was sent off in a Premier League match at Burnley after only five minutes at Turf Moor, though Leicester still managed to win the game 2-1. 

Vydra has admitted that the 26-year-old was intentionally targeted, and added that while England’s attack is top notch, the Three Lions defence is another story. 

“[Harry] Kane is top, [Marcus] Rashford as well, [Raheem] Sterling is in a great form. The attack is very strong,” Vydra said.

“Defence, I don’t say it’s not strong as well, but it’s not as strong as the attack.

“For example, Maguire. We talked about him at Burnley before we played against Leicester. In some moments it seems he doesn’t know what’s happening behind him, that’s why he got a red card after five minutes in the match against Burnley.”

England will not be at full strength in the back on Friday, with John Stones and Trent Alexander-Arnold both missing through injury. 

Vydra’s Burnley team-mate James Tarkowski could be in line for minutes in defence, with goalkeeper Tom Heaton another Clarets player in the England squad. 

Vydra is hoping to seal a famous result at Wembley in order to secure bragging rights over his club team-mates.

“We talked about the game and I hope we’ll get a good result. If so, I can taunt them for a long time!”

The 34-year-old guided his side to the last eight of the Champions League this week and his representative says there is much more to come

Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest footballer of all time and will make history at Juventus, says the Portugal superstar’s agent Jorge Mendes.

Ronaldo, 34, is enjoying a fine debut season in Serie A since joining Juve from Real Madrid last summer. The Portuguese attacker has scored 19 times in the Italian top-flight, with a further four goals coming in the Champions League. 

Ronaldo, who won four of his five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, ensured his side remain in contention for this year’s European crown with a star performance in Turin on Tuesday.

While Madrid suffered a shock last-16 exit at the hands of Ajax, the Juve striker hit a sublime hat-trick to overturn a first-leg deficit and knock out Atletico Madrid 3-2 on aggregate.

He therefore drew level with old rival Lionel Messi on a record eight Champions League hat-tricks, but Mendes is in no doubt who is better.

“He is the best player in the history of the game and he proved it against Atletico Madrid,” Mendes said to Gazzetta dello Sport of his client.

“He is an alien, he made the difference in England and Spain and the same is happening in Italy.

“Without him, Real Madrid wouldn’t have won that much, he was the leading light and he is the best player in the history of Real Madrid.

“I am sure he will make the difference in Italy as well. He will make history at Juventus.

“Cristiano is epic, incredible, divine.”

Juventus will find out their quarter-final opponents when the Champions League draw is made on Friday. The remaining teams in the competition are Ajax, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Porto and Tottenham.