Winning matters, not style of play: Simeone
Madrid: Atletico Madrid's Argentine coach Diego Simeone said on Friday that winning was the only thing that mattered, regardless of the playing system, adding that his team had been improving recently. Simeone made these remarks at a press conference on the eve of Saturday's La Liga away match against Leganes at the Municipal Stadium of Butarque. "There are many ways to play and you can win (using) all. We have to understand as coaches, above all, the best playing system is that which suits us the best," Simeone stressed. "I do not defend any specific style; I simply comment on what I see... I think that football is wonderful because there are different playing styles. No one owns the truth. The truth is still (whoever) wins," he added.
De Bruyne out for up to six weeks
Manchester: Kevin De Bruyne will be sidelined for up to six weeks after the Manchester City star suffered knee ligament damage in Thursday's League Cup win against Fulham. De Bruyne limped off in the closing minutes of City's 2-0 victory after falling awkwardly in a clash with Timothy Fosu-Mensah. The 27-year-old had scans on Friday that revealed the left knee injury is serious enough that he is unlikely to be back in action until mid-December, although he does not require surgery. His absence during a busy period is a major blow for City, who face crucial Champions League fixtures, the Manchester derby and a trip to Chelsea before De Bruyne is likely to be fit.
India announce probables for Jordan clash
New Delhi: National football coach Stephen Constantine on Friday announced a list of 30 probables for India's forthcoming international friendly against Jordan to be held in Amman on November 17. This will be the first time the senior teams of the two countries will meet each other in an international friendly. As per the latest FIFA Rankings, India are currently ranked 97, while Jordan are at 112. Besides 14 U-23 players, who have been named in the list of 30, Constantine has also recalled three others — goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharjya, defender Nishu Kumar and winger Jackichand Singh for the camp. The players will be assembling at the preparatory camp from November 11 in New Delhi.
India to face Nepal in SAFF U-15
NEw Delhi: After their heartbreak against Bangladesh, India are all set to face off against Nepal in the third-place match of the SAFF U-15 Championship at the ANFA Complex in Nepal on Saturday. India came very close to qualifying for the final of the championship after Harsh Patra unleashed a 17th minute 30-yarder in their semifinal clash. However, a 93rd-minute penalty by Bangladesh sent the match into the dreaded penalty shootout, which resulted in a 2-4 loss. Due to this result, India are now set to face neighbours Nepal in the third-fourth placed match on Saturday.
Argentina left Messi for Mexico friendlies
Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi was again left out of the Argentina squad announced for two friendlies against Mexico later this month, while players from Copa Libertadores finalists Boca Juniors and River Plate were also ommitted. Messi's ommission on Thursday is no surprise as he hasn't played in any of four previous friendlies since the end of the World Cup in Russia and is believed to have asked to be excused from non-competitive matches for the rest of the year. Argentina are due to face Mexico in Cordoba on November 16 and then again in Mendoza four days later.