Constant kicks taking toll on AC Milan's Kaka
The constant kicking from opposition defenders is beginning to take its toll on AC Milan midfielder Kaka.
A bad challenge suffered in the first minute of Sunday's victory over Palermo has Kaka struggling to make next week's crucial Champions League second-leg date with Arsenal.
"I am on the receiving end of many blows," complained Kaka, "and I'm not the only one. The referees must do something about this."
Milan fitness coach Daniele Tognaccini, discussing Sunday's incident, added: "He took a kick that would've grounded a normal person for good."
Galliani: AC Milan could lose Kaka like Van Basten
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has backed Kaka's complaints over the way he has been kicked and hacked this season.
Galliani said: "Kaka is absolutely right because unfortunately the referees continue to allow fouls to be made from behind. I believe they think these fouls can be handled by players, because they see them and should expel or warn, however, nothing happens.
"We have already lost one great, who was called Marco Van Basten at 28 years old and would like to avoid losing Kaka at the same age."
Mourinho already discussing backroom staff with Barcelona 2008
Jose Mourinho has agreed to work with existing Barcelona coaching staff should he replace Frank Rijkaard at the end of the season. El Mundo Deportivo says during talks in Portugal, former Chelsea boss Mourinho spoke with Barcelona directors Txiki Begiristain and Marc Ingla about his backroom staff.
Pep Guardiola (current coach of Barca B), Luis Enrique and Eusebio Sacristan were all put forward to Mourinho as potential assistants - ahead of Rijkaard's current No2 Johan Neeskens.
Mourinho already knows Guardiola and Luis Enrique from the first spell he had at Barca as Sir Bobby Robson's assistant.
