Category: Sports

Thomas Partey admits Atletico Madrid’s Champions League disappointment

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Teye Partey says his outfit must focus on tasks ahead than dwell on their early elimination from the Uefa Champions League.
The Rojiblancos were arguably the biggest casualty of the group stage as they failed to qualify for the round of 16 after finishing third in Group C behind Chelsea and AS Roma.
Diego Simeone’s men are now set to continue this season’s European adventure in the lower-ranked Europa League.

“When you are on the pitch you only think about the team and people watching,” Partey told Marca.
“I worried a lot because it was not good to be knocked out and I always want to compete but when you cannot, then there is no point still talking about it.
“We have other things to look forward to this year and next season I am sure we will be in the fight for the Champions League.”
Despite Atletico’s disappointing showing Partey had a good run on personal level.

The Ghanaian started five of the six group games, coming on as a substitute in the last.
He scored the equaliser in the 1-1 home draw with Azerbaijani side Qarabag last October.

-Goal

 

Atsu not leaving Newcastle United, says Benitez

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has reiterated his desire to keep Ghana international Christian Atsu as well as other players who command first team place in his set-up.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to West Ham United alongside Jonjo Shelvey and striker Aleksander Mitrovic but the Spanish manager insists there have been no official offers and none will even be sold.

“We cannot sell players that are playing because we would need to replace them with better players and in January, it takes a lot of money to convince them to come here,” Benitez was quoted as saying by Daily Star.

“So we are not thinking of selling those that are already playing. I have heard people talking about our players but we do not have any offers,” he said.

He added: “If someone would come in and could buy, then we would have extra money to go into the market but we don’t want to sell anyone who has value for our team.”

Atsu was rested in Newcastle’s Cup game against Luton Town.