Constant kicks taking toll on AC Milan's Kaka

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.

Chelsea Latest News

Zola seeks Chelsea return !!

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has admitted that he would like to return to Stamford Bridge as manager one day.
The Italian ace is hoping to move into management at the end of the season and has admitted that a return to Chelsea is one of his ambitions.
He told the People: "Everybody was talking about me working with Capello but I was never contacted about it."Going back to Chelsea is one of the things I want to do one day."

Terry: We Have To Pick Ourselves Up

Chelsea captain John Terry has warned his team-mates to not allow their Carling Cup final defeat to derail the rest of the season.
"You hear people say the Carling Cup doesn't mean anything - but you try telling that to the players in our dressing room," said Terry. "You can tell by their faces what it means to them. Every year we put a strong side out.
"We have to pick ourselves up now. It is the last thing the players want to hear - my voice saying we need to pick ourselves up - but we need to.
"We are still in three massive competitions. The Premier League is not over. We go away to West Ham next week; then we have the Champions League and FA Cup after that.
"We can do one of two things. We can dwell on it and get knocked out of another competition, or we take this defeat and pick ourselves up and go again.
"The determination and will to win is still there. We hate losing in training, in small games and big games. There are a lot of big teams still to come to Stamford Bridge, and we will see after that."

Cole insists Chelsea will bounce back

Joe Cole insists yesterday's Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham won't hurt Chelsea's bid for the Champions League this season. Cole, left out of the starting line-up to accommodate new £15million striker Nicolas Anelka, believes the setback can only help them become tougher.
Cole said: "We are disappointed but we have got to pick ourselves up for the next game.
"We will go away and digest this game but it is disappointing for everyone at the club to lose in the final. We've not experienced that before as a group and it can only make us stronger now.
"We will wash ourselves of this game and concentrate on the next one. Tottenham are a very good side and give them credit for winning. But we have to move on."

Shevchenko unhappy being ordered to play with Chelsea kids

Andriy Shevchenko is unhappy with his treatment by Chelsea boss Avram Grant, it has been revealed.The Daily Mail says Shevchenko is said to be unhappy with Grant after the Ukraine striker was asked to play in a behind-closed doors match against Chelsea's youth team - and ended up, incredibly, on the losing side.

Grant tells Ramos: Chelsea job tougher than Spurs

Chelsea boss Avram Grant insists he has a much more difficult job than Tottenham coach Juande Ramos.Before yesterday's Carling Cup defeat, Grant said: "All the success Jose (Mourinho) had does make my job very hard. Since Roman Abramovich came, Chelsea have won a lot of trophies and spent more money than any side in history. But at big clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal or Man United there is always a commitment to win titles. It doesn't matter that I am the manager or that Jose was.
"It is different coming in at the bottom of the league to somewhere like Spurs, even though they are also a big club."

Abramovich presence at training unsettling Chelsea players

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's increased visibility at training is fueling talk that he is influencing team selection, it has been revealed.
The Sun says the Chelsea squad were shocked to see Abramovich attend training sessions for three days before the final.
Such intense interest from the Russian owner is unprecedented and has raised questions among the playing staff about Abramovich's influence in picking the team.

Chelsea Aftermath Carling Cup News

Chelsea's Terry in amazing Ten Cate bust-up

Chelsea captain John Terry had a furious bust-up with coach Henk ten Cate at training, it has been revealed. The Sun says Terry and Ten Cate had to be pulled apart by stunned Blues players after a furious training ground bust-up. The ugly confrontation - just 24 hours before Chelsea's Carling Cup final defeat by Tottenham - was watched by shocked owner Roman Abramovich.Eye witnesses saw Ten Cate aggressively face up to skipper Terry during Saturday's session.The pair went head to head, hurling a tirade of swear words and insults as players dived in to separate them.

A witness told The Sun: "The session was supposed to put the finishing touches to the final plans for Wembley - but it just descended into a massive row."All the players have become exasperated by the shambolic nature of some of the recent training sessions."And there was a lot of unrest among the squad because no one knew what the team was going to be for Wembley."Everyone was trying to guess what was going on and in the end the frustration became too much. But the intensity of the row took everyone by surprise.
"John and Ten Cate were right in each other's faces and when it became clear that neither was going to back down, other players jumped between them to pull them apart.

"To make matters worse, Mr Abramovich was visiting the training ground and saw the whole thing."

Grant failing to convince Chelsea powerbrokers

Avram Grant is battling for his Chelsea job after Sunday's Carling Cup final defeat against Tottenham. The Daily Mail says amid rumours of serious dressing-room unrest, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are understood to be hugely disappointed with Grant's failure to rise to the occasion at Wembley.
Owner Roman Abramovich visited the Chelsea dressing room after Tottenham's much-deserved 2-1 victory and is said to share the views of those who thought Grant not only picked the wrong team but then displayed a lack of tactical nous and also failed to inspire his players at key times.
In particular, they were shocked to see him on the periphery when coach Steve Clarke delivered a team talk between the end of normal time and the beginning of extra-time.
The Israeli seemed to have the full support of his employers when they handed him a four-year contract in December and he also had their public backing when the club announced their financial results last week.
Chairman Bruce Buck said: "We judge a manager on results and, to date, his results have been very, very good." Before Sunday, his record was impressive. In 34 games since succeeding Jose Mourinho he had won 24 and drawn eight.
But he has lost key matches - against Manchester United and Arsenal - and failed what amounted to the sternest test of his managerial career at the weekend.

Chelsea's Lampard in heated Grant row

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard had a furious row with coach Avram Grant over his first team future, it has been revealed.The Daily Mail says there has been a heated exchange between Lampard and the manager after Grant told him he could no longer expect to play in every game.
Grant suggested on Friday that the injuries Lampard has suffered this year could be the price he is paying for those remarkable record-breaking appearance runs in the past.
Chelsea's Drogba: Tottenham were better team tribalfooball.com - February 25, 2008
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba had no complaints over Sunday's Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham.Drogba told his club's website: "I think Tottenham were the best team. They did well.
"We have so many options, the first 11 need to perform and they need to show they have to be on the pitch, because of the pressure. We all want to play. The spirit is good.
"It's difficult to lose a final, no matter against Tottenham or other teams. There is disappointment because you want to lift the cup, but I'm not worried about the future. We are strong players with a strong mentality."

Chelsea boss Grant: Players right to be angry with ref

Chelsea boss Avram Grant says his players are right to be angry with ref Mark Halsey after yesterday's Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham. He was furious that a penalty was awarded for handball against Wayne Bridge on a linesman's advice after appeals by Spurs.
Boss Grant also rapped Halsey for blowing the final whistle with Salomon Kalou poised to shoot.
Even though Spurs were already celebrating and Kalou's shot hit a post, Grant moaned: "We're all upset because he stopped the match when Kalou was right in front of goal. How can he decide whether it's one or two seconds more?"
Petr Cech, Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry all confronted the officials after the final whistle.
Grant added: "The players were angry and I can understand that.
"The penalty was a rash decision and it wasn't even the referee's. When the ball hits a hand it doesn't mean a penalty if it's an accident."

Chelsea's fringe Cup players upset with treatment

The Chelsea players who were left out of Sunday's Carling Cup final squad are unhappy with their treatment by management.The Daily Mail says Andriy Shevchenko was among a number of senior Chelsea players unhappy at not being invited to stay with the Cup Final squad in London on the eve of the match.
Only those who were in the starting XI or on the bench spent the night at the Landmark Hotel, with the likes of Shevchenko and Ashley Cole told to travel to the stadium in their club suits on the day of the game.

Chelsea skipper Terry shrugs off Cup final team talk

Chelsea captain John Terry insists there was nothing untoward in him giving the team talk prior to extra-time against Tottenham on Sunday.
Avram Grant took a backseat as Terry attempted to rally his teammates, but insisted that this was simply a case of a club captain fulfilling one of his duties - "when the camera was on me, it was my time to speak and I did," he said

Arsenal And Man U Champions League Aftermath

Arsenal's Toure out for month

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he expects to lose Kolo Toure for four weeks after seeing him breakdown during last night's 0-0 draw with AC Milan.He said: "A calf injury that rules him out for, from what I've seen after the game, for three or four weeks at least. It was a bad movement, a consequence of the African Nations Cup, too much heat in the calf!"

Arsenal boss Wenger refuses to blame Adebayor

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger refused to blame Emmanuel Adebayor after his last-gasp miss in last night's 0-0 draw with AC Milan. Wenger said: "We didn't take advantage of the chances we created because we were a bit nervous in the final third. We were a bit too forceful and they defended with a lot of experience."Adebayor's wasn't the only chance. We had plenty. Eboue also had good chances, but we were a bit nervous and when we had shots we didn't test the keeper enough.

Most of our shots were straight in the middle of the goal because we wanted to hit it too hard.
"You could see last Saturday against Manchester United that our mind was already on this game."We just wanted to force the decision too much. We weren't relaxed enough in the final third when we had the chances."Wenger added: "We can play at a high tempo for 90 minutes. They will have to come out."

Man Utd furious over Ronaldo laser light

Manchester United were unhappy with a laser light targeting Cristiano Ronaldo throughout last night's 1-1 draw at Olympique Lyon. The Daily Mail says before the kick-off, United staff noticed what seemed to be a laser light being shone into the eyes of Ronaldo from the crowd during the warm-up.

United reported the matter to UEFA but the problem appeared to continue throughout the first half. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We reported it to UEFA. We noticed it before the game."They tried to deal with it but I don't know how much longer it went on."

Rooney: Tevez strike crucial for Man Utd

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admitted relief after Carlos Tevez's grabbed a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Olympique Lyon. Tevez struck in the 87th minute in France as United claimed a 1-1 draw from the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.Rooney told Sky Sports: "It is always crucial to get an away goal and 1-1 is a lot better than 1-0. It was a crucial goal to take back to Old Trafford."I felt we controlled the game for most of it. They had a few chances and stuck the ball in.

"Lyon are a good team and we know we have to concentrate 100 per cent."United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side were caught out by Karim Benzema's opening goal but was pleased with their display.Ferguson told Sky Sports: "I think we showed our determination to try to get back."We lost a goal out of nothing. We were in complete control and it knocked us back a bit."They defended very well and made it difficult for us but I think we deserved it without question."There was an urgency to get back in the game and I think we are best in that situation."

Chelsea And Liverpool Champions League Aftermath

Liverpool's Kuyt: Gerrard refused to settle for 1-0 win

Dirk Kuyt has revealed how Steven Gerrard drove Liverpool onto their 2-0 victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday night. After scoring Liverpool's opener, Kuyt confirmed Gerrard's intention by saying: "We had been patient and worked so hard that when the goal finally arrived I suggested to Stevie that maybe we should try to retain possession and make sure we finished with a clean sheet.

"He just looked at me and said: 'No - we want another one.' Of course, he was proved right, and a good result became a great one when he scored right at the end. We still face a tough night over there, but two goals and a clean sheet against a top Italian side like Inter is something we are all delighted with.

"For me, it was a way of putting a difficult period behind me. I only want to look forward now, and I was so pleased with this."If we can go a long way in the Champions League, maybe as far as last year, it would make up for some of this season's disappointments. It might even help us show our true form in the Premier League

Liverpool boss Benitez admits Euro football easier

Rafael Benitez admits that he finds it easier to influence European games than he does Premier League matches. The Liverpool boss was reflecting after masterminding the Champions League first-leg triumph over Inter Milan on Tuesday, that lifted months of gloom from Anfield. And with his own back firmly against the wall after continued speculation over his future, Benitez can afford a wry smile as Liverpool dare to contemplate a 12th appearance in a European Cup quarter-final if they can survive in the San Siro on March 11.

Benitez said: "In Europe you can approach a game tactically in a different way."In England it is a different style of football and more difficult for the manager to influence what goes on."It is not as simple to influence the game with tactics in England the way it is elsewhere in Europe."

Liverpool boss Benitez: I need to rotate because squad not good enough

Rafa Benitez admits his Liverpool squad still isn't at the level of the top three clubs in England.After victory over Inter Milan last night, Benitez again defended his rotation policy: "I rotate because I want to win. "You can play with the same XI all year long and finish fourth, and that's a bad result. We have to rotate because our squad is not as good as Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United."

Chelsea boss Grant receives death threat

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has been the subject of death threats.The club's training ground at Cobham, Surrey, was sealed off after a member of staff opened the package on Tuesday. A note addressed to Grant claimed the powder was lethal.A police source confirmed that the note to Grant, 52, included the words: "You are a back-stabbing Jewish b******. When you open this letter you will die a very slow and painful death."Death threats of a sexual nature were also made to Grant's wife, Tzofit, a well-known television personality in the couple's native Israel.

A spokesman for Surrey Police said: "We were called to Chelsea's training ground at Cobham at 12.15pm yesterday after they received a suspicious package."A white powder contained within the package was analysed by specialists from Surrey Fire Service and was determined to be a harmless substance."Detectives are continuing investigations to identify the source of the package."At the time Grant and Chelsea were in Athens ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League 0-0 draw with Olympiacos.Chelsea were not immediately available for comment on Wednesday.

Ballack backing Chelsea boss Grant's selections

Michael Ballack has backed Chelsea boss Avram Grant's decision to start Tuesday's 0-0 draw at Olympiacos with Frank Lampard and John Terry on the bench. The German said: "John and Frank have been injured for a long time and it was a big game against Olympiacos so it was a decision from the coach."I'm not sure if anyone is untouchable now.

I think they are both still very, very important players for us but you have to be careful after injuries."I know this myself, having had eight months out. It's not an easy time when you come back - you can't play every game straight away."The coach has a lot of experience. He knows what he's doing."

Chelsea's Lampard urges Grant to forget rotations

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has urged coach Avram Grant to ditch any thoughts of rotations. "I don't know how much rotation there will be in the future but it's important we get a settled team in the run-in," warned Lampard."Any good team I've been involved in has had a pretty settled line-up and it'll be down to the manager to find that.

"It's easy to talk about fresh legs, which we have at the minute, but we need to perform as a team."The great thing is that we have a lot of strong players fit and ready to play. If we can perform with all the talented players in our squad we can do what we want to do."

FA Cup Aftermath

Cesc, Wenger admit Man Utd rattled Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas and Arsene Wenger admit Arsenal's FA Cup humiliation at Manchester United has hurt them. "We will go nowhere playing like we did on Saturday," said Cesc. "I don't think I left my house at the weekend after that game. I just stayed in, watching the tape of the match and thinking about the mistakes we had made."We all have to realise we are not perfect and that there are still things we need to improve. Individually, everyone must be better.

"Wenger admitted the severity of the defeat by their biggest domestic rivals had hit every first-teamer hard.He declared: "All the players were very quiet on the first day back in training. Who wouldn't be hurt by a defeat like that?

"We want to be the best possible but had a bad day. When you have such a big disappointment, you can sometimes forget just how good you are."When you are at the top level, people always expect the worst of you. So now it is down to us to prove we have the quality to cope with this situation. But what is most important is our biggest targets are still in front of us."We are five points ahead in the Premier League and have a fantastic opportunity in the Champions League."

Gallas blasts Arsenal teammates over Cup humiliation

Captain William Gallas has turned on his Arsenal teammates over their dismal performance in Saturday's FA Cup defeat at Manchester United. "When you play against teams like Manchester United or Tottenham we have to be ready for the fight, and all the games that we have lost we weren't ready," said Gallas, who has seen Arsenal lose at Sevilla, Middlesbrough, Tottenham and now United this term.

"I'm sorry but we just weren't ready. We have to change our mentality. When we are on the pitch we have to fight before we can play good football."When we play away we have to fight, and we didn't fight on Saturday. Winning the Premier League and Champions League are dreams, but to get those dreams you have to fight."Tomorrow it will be different as we play at home and we have to play our game."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Not just Gallas targeted Nani

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has blasted the roughhouse antics of Arsenal during Saturday's FA Cup victory. He rapped: "There is one law for them and another for everyone else." Wiley missed a kick by William Gallas at Nani and then refused to take retrospective action after seeing a video replay.Nani was also fouled more than once for alleged 'showboating'.

Ferguson added: "I haven't anything to say about Gallas.We kind of expected that.
"Justin Hoyte had a kick at Nani off the ball and their young left-back, Traore, had a terrible tackle on Nani as well."There could have been three or four red cards."The ref had a hard game in the second half. There were so many things happening."

Wenger Slams 'Disgraceful' Old Trafford Pitch - Arsene Wenger was highly critical of the Old Trafford groundsstaff following their FA Cup demolition at the hands of Manchester United, but stopped short of blaming the defeat on the "disgraceful" pitchArsenal were played off the park last night, though the French manager suggested that it was a park that did not deserve to be played on at all.

"The groundsman had as bad a day as us," Wenger sniped."You will see us in a different shape when we come back and a different pitch."The pitch is a disgrace. You have players worth £20-25million and you cannot play a pass without it bouncing."Wenger did admit that they were beaten by the better side on the night, but will doubtlessly be looking forward to more hospitable confines against AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday."It is difficult to find any positives from the performance, apart from the fact we do not have any more injuries," he said.
"Even before the sending off we never looked like we could come back.

"It was difficult. We did not seem the have the physical resources that were needed."We were not up to our level. We need to pick ourselves up quickly because we have a massive game on Wednesday and need to be at our best against Milan."

My Champions League Chelsea Preview In TNP 19 Feb Tuesday

Olympiacos vs Chelsea

There is not a shadow of a doubt that Chelsea will win this Champions League Tie.Chelsea has done very well in a difficult group and finish as group leader.Drawing Opponent Olympiacos is what every group leader had wish for as Olympiacos is consider as one of the weakest team in Champions League.

With fully fit Drogba, Essien, Kalou , Mikel back from ACON And Vice-Captain Frank Lampard return to full fitness and back in goal scoring form from The FA Cup against Huddersfield and boosted by the return of Captain John Terry And third-highest Champions League goalscorer in history with 60 goals Andriy Shevchenko and no injury reported.Chelsea is looking in a very strong position to win the tie and qualify for the Champions League quarter-final with ease.

Chelsea rested alot of key players in the victory against Huddersfield in preparation against Olympiacos while Olympiacos was able to rest only a few players in a 1-0 victory against Ergotelis.The result of this match have written in the stars for Chelsea.The Blues Bless with key players back and no injury worries Chelsea will dominate the match and win the tie with style Keeping The Blue Flag Flying High.

My Prediction : Olympiakos 0 - 3 Chelsea

Ng Ghim Pheng, 17, Student, Chelsea Fan

Schalke04 vs Porto

Both team are the sole surviving representative of their own country.Schalke remain Germany’s only survivor in the competition while Porto is the only Portgual sole surviving representative in the champions league.And only one will survive.

Schalke was unable to rest any players in the weekend as they look to secure 3rd place in order to qualify a Champions League place while Porto was able to rest 3 of their first team defenders in preparation for Schalke strong attack at home.

Schalke Winter signings Zé Roberto, Albert Streit and Vicente Sanchez have all been added to the list of players registered for the Champions League.While Porto registered new signings Hélder Barbosa, Rabiola.The one major absentee for Schalke is full back Christian Pander and Porto major lost will be defensive ace Bosingwa but both has returned to training and should be available for selection in the 2nd leg.

Schalke nicknamed The Miners will be working very hard and organise the defence seeking to keep a clean sheet at home and also winning the game in order to have the advantage in the 2nd leg while Porto nicknamed The Dragons will be ready to breathe fire and score as many away goals as possible to gain the vital advantage while trying not to concede any goals.With Porto array of attacking talents Ricardo Quaresma and Lisandro López with Lucho González as playmaker, The Miners will have problems all night keeping The Dragons soaring in attack and an away goal will be inevitable.

My Prediction : Schalke04 1 - 1 Porto

Ng Ghim Pheng, 17, Student, Chelsea Fan

Champions League Schalke Vs Porto And Roma Vs Real Team News

TEAM NEWS - Schalke Vs Porto

Schalke
The one major absentee for Schalke is full back Christian Pander. The German international has recently returned to training after a knee ligament injury but is unlikely to be ready and was not risked at the weekend against Wolfsburg. Heiko Westermann continues to deputise.Mladen Krstajic, Ivan Rakitic and Rafinha will take their places against Porto having been suspended by the club for Schalke’s final Group match against Rosenborg for a breach of club discipline. Jermaine Jones is available again after being suspended for Matchday 6.Winter signings Zé Roberto, Albert Streit and Vicente Sanchez have all been added to the list of players registered for the Champions League, so should all make the squad.

Probable starting XI: Neuer, Rafinha, Bordon, Krstajic, Westermann, Ernst, Jones, Rakitic, Kobiashvili, Asamoah, Kuranyi

Porto

The major loss for trainer Jesualdo Ferreira is that of defensive ace Bosingwa. The 25 year old has not shaken off a knock picked up while playing for Portugal against Italy. Jorge Fucile looks set to switch flanks to deputise. Midfielder Mario Bolatti (leg) and striker Adriano (thigh) both miss out through injuries, but defender Bruno Alves has recovered from the thigh injury he sustained on international duty and should be fit enough to take his place in the team.
Tarik Sektioui is available again after returning from African Cup of Nations duty.

Probable starting XI: Helton, Fucile, Pedro Emanuel, Bruno Alves, Cech, Lucho Gonzalez, Paulo Assuncao, Raul Meireles, Sektioui, Lisandro Lopez, Quaresma

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Schalke-Kevin Kuranyi

Although some may say that Schalke are a little predictable with Kevin Kuranyi the target man for the crosses and corners provided by the likes of Rakitic, Rafinha and Westermann, he is still a difficult player to manage. Defenders know where the ball is going, but the German international is very skilled in the use of his size to dominate in the air. He is not unskilled on the ground and will be fired-up by a passionate home crowd as the Königsblauen look for a positive first-leg score to take to Portugal.

Porto-Lisandro Lopez

Lisandro has scored five goals in his last four games, so is certainly in a rich vein of form just now. He is far and away the leading scorer in the Bwin Liga with 16 goals and will be looking to continue that run against Schalke on Tuesday. With Ricardo Quaresma providing the ammunition, Lisandro Lopez could be the one to fire Porto into the quarter finals.

Conclusion

It should be a very close game at the Veltins Arena of Tuesday, with a cagey opening as neither side will want to give anything away. Schalke are going to have to score goals I feel if they are going to get anything from the second leg. That could leave them a little exposed at the back however, which the likes of Quaresma and Lisandro will exploit.

Schalke 1-1 Porto

TEAM NEWS - Roma Vs Real Madrid

Roma

Despite being declared fit to play against Juventus at the weekend, central defender Juan was rested by Spalletti and is all but certain to be named along side Mexes in favour of Ferrari this week. Second choice goalkeeper Gianluca Curci is also still out for another four to six weeks, as is Roma’s third choice goalkeeper Julio Sergio. Panucci, who was also rested against Juventus, should reclaim his spot at right-back ahead of Cassetti and ex-Real man Cicinho, despite his training bust up with Aquilani. Totti has had ongoing back pain in recent times, but is set to start despite his poor form of late and his replacement, Vucinic, is also struggling with a slight thigh strain.

Real Madrid

Schuster may have to do without a whole host of key players, as Robinho is still out for another two weeks or so with an abdominal muscle tear. Thankfully, star striker Van Nistelrooy successfully came through 30 minutes against Betis at the weekend and has shaken off his ankle bruise in time for this match. Pepe is also still out on the sidelines with a torn calf muscle while Metzelder has another two months to overcome an injury to his foot, having just started the rehabilitation programme. Meanwhile, fringe player Javier Saviola is out with a sprained knee and ankle and Wesley Sneijder is out for the next month after suffering a fractured rib in training only a few days ago. Marcelo has become the latest casualty to roll up to Real Madrid’s treatment table ahead of this week’s match after he sustained a knock to the calf against Betis at the weekend.

POSSIBLE STARTING LINE-UPS

Roma (4-2-3-1): Doni; Panucci, Juan, Mexes, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro; Taddei, Perrotta, Mancini; Totti

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Casillas; Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Torres; Diarra, Gago, Guti; Robben, Raul, Van Nistelrooy

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Roma – Daniele De Rossi

After another spectacular performance against Juventus at the weekend, De Rossi is emerging as one of Italy’s finest defensive midfielders. He will have a huge job this week against Madrid as he will be a key figure both offensively and defensively for his side. His ability to make and create, while also positioning himself to stop the movements of players such as Raúl and Robben, will certainly be put to the test. It’s a big chance for this young star to prove himself on the big stage. Expect De Rossi to excel in this match once again.

Real Madrid – Raúl: Having had another superb season, the Madrid captain will be called upon to lead his squad to victory this week, in the all important first leg of this two-legged tie. His quality and experience will be essential to his side’s performance, and if he manages to add to his tally of fourteen goals this season against Roma, then that would be great for El Real too. He is potentially the most important figure in this first leg, so it will be interesting to see what eventuates.

Conclusion

These matches are always extremely difficult to predict. In this particular contest, both sides have their issues, however that shouldn’t affect them too much come match time. Roma are certainly are tough side to defeat at home,and their main aim in this leg will be to come away with a clean sheet. Whether or not they can do that against the Madrid attack, remains to be seen. However, despite their poor away form in recent times Real will be confident of achieving a positive result here, to take with them to the Bernabéu in two weeks time.

Roma 1-1 Real Madrid

Champions League Refs And Liveprool Vs Inter And Olympiacos Vs Chelsea News

Champions League: The Referees

Liverpool FC vs Internazionale - Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)
AS Roma Vs Real Madrid CF - Herbert Fandel (Germany)
Olympiacos CFP Vs Chelsea FC - Konrad Plautz (Austria)
FC Schalke 04 Vs FC Porto - Laurent Duhamel (France)
Arsenal FC Vs AC Milan - Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)
Celtic FC VS FC Barcelona - Peter Fröjdfeldt (Sweden)
Fenerbahçe SK Vs Sevilla FC - Florian Meyer (Germany)
Olympique Lyon Vs Manchester United - Luís Medina Cantalejo (Spain)

TEAM NEWS - Liverpool Vs Inter Milan

Liverpool

Pepe Reina, Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres were all rested at the weekend and will all start on Tuesday. Rafa Benítez will certainly name what he believes is his very strongest side for this encounter, and only has Daniel Agger (foot) and Andriy Voronin (ankle) out injured. Likely XI (4-4-2): Reina - Finnan, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa - Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Babel - Crouch, Torres

Inter Milan

Luis Jimenez is injured and will miss out, while Inter's doctors must check on the progress of Luis Figo. Roberto Mancini rested some players during the Livorno game, so the likes of Materazzi, Ibrahimovic and Cruz should all earn recalls. The coach is unsure what to do about Patrick Vieira, however, and might opt to leave him on the bench as he's lacking match practice. Cesar is suspended. Likely XI: (4-4-2): Júlio Cesar - Maicon, Cordoba, Materazzi, Maxwell - Zanetti, Cambiasso, Stankovic, Chivu - Ibrahimovic, Cruz

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool – Fernando Torres has been at Anfield for less than a season, but he’s already one of the key men in Rafa Benítez’ side. It’s simple: when the striker doesn’t play, Liverpool lack cutting edge up front. The Reds smashed in more goals than any other team in the Champions League group stages, but have struggled to find the net of late. Torres’ pace and accuracy in front of goal are vital if Liverpool are to eradicate the recent profligacy which has cost them dear.

Inter – Julio Cruz Former Inter manager Roy Hodgson says he’s the key and so do we. The striker has developed from a bit-part player at the Giuseppe Meazza to one of the Nerazzurri’s star men. Cruz has scored 15 goals in 19 games this season and if Liverpool’s defence show the same indecisions as against Barnsley they can expect the veteran Argentine to pounce.

Conclusion

It should be a fascinating tie, at times more chess than free-flowing football. The ability of each side to put away the few chances they get will be decisive.

TEAM NEWS - Olympiacos Vs Chelsea FC

Olympiacos has been without Didier Domi since 3rd October with a thigh injury, Raúl Bravo since 6th November (Achilles), Michalis Konstantinou since 25th January (groin), Lomana LuaLua since 27th January (foot). But Júlio César returned on Saturday from a thigh problem, while Konstantinou, Domi and LuaLua have all resumed training. The former Newcastle and Portsmouth forward, LuaLua, could feature against Chelsea, Lemonis saying on Saturday that the next training session would determine whether he could play on Tuesday. During the January transfer window, Olympiakos signed Fernando Belluschi from River Plate, Leonardo from Portuguesa and Mirnes Šišic from Levadiakos. All three have all been added to the club's revised list of players registered for the Champions League duty. But 15-year old Kyriakos Papadopoulos has been taken off the list, along with Marko Né and Archubi, who left Olympikos during January.

Squad: Goalkeepers - 1 Leonidas Panagopoulos, 71 Antonios Nikopolidis, 87 Michalis Sifakis Defenders -2 Christos Patsatzoglou, 3 Didier Domi, 4 Leonardo, 5 Júlio César, 14 Michał Żewłakow, 15 Raúl Bravo, 18 Paraskevas Antzas, 30 Anastasios Pantos, 5 Vassilis Torosidis Midfielders-6 Ieroklis Stoltidis, 11 Predrag Djordjević, 19 Konstantinos Mendrinos, 22 Konstantinos Mitroglou, 25 Fernando Belluschi, 28 Cristián Raúl Ledesma, 77 Mirnes Šišić Forwards - 7 Luciano Galletti, 9 Darko Kovačević, 10 Leonel Núñez, 20 Lefteris Matsoukas, 23 Michalis Konstantinou, 32 Lomana LuaLua.

Chelsea John Terry, out since 16th December with broken metatarsals, returned on Saturday. Andriy Shevchenko, out since 26th December with a back problem, also returned as a substitute, but has stayed behind in London to work on his fitness. Didier Drogba, back after African Nations Cup duty, missed training last week as well as the Huddersfield game with a knee problem but travelled to Athens, as did Michael Ballack, who is also carrying a slight injury. The Blues have added Ballack and recent signing Nicolas Anelka to their Champions League roster, in place of Claudio Pizarro and Steve Sidwell. And as well as Drogba, Grant has welcomed back John Obi Mikel, Salomon Kalou and Michael Essien from their exploits in Ghana from the African tournament. Essien played every minute of hosts Ghana's six games, scoring in the victories against Morocco and Nigeria, while Drogba scored three goals in his six matches and netted Kalou three times in five games.

Squad:Goalkeepers - 1 Petr Čech, 23 Carlo Cudicini, 40 Hilário Defenders - 3 Ashley Cole, 6 Ricardo Carvalho, 18 Wayne Bridge, 20 Paulo Ferreira, 22 Tal Ben Haim, 26 John Terry, 33 Alex, 35 Juliano Belletti, 41 Sam Hutchinson Midfielders - 4 Claude Makelele, 5 Michael Essien, 8 Frank Lampard, 10 Joe Cole, 12 John Obi Mikel, 13 Michael Ballack, 15 Florent Malouda, 24 Shaun Wright-Phillips. 42 Lee Sawyer Forwards - 7 Andriy Shevchenko, 11 Didier Drogba, 21 Salomon Kalou, 39 Nicolas Anelka.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Olympiakos

Serbian striker Darko Kovacevic 34, is the top scorer in the Greek Super League with 15 goals, including six in Olympiakos' last nine matches. He alo scored three goals in six games during the group stage of the current Champions League campaign. That took his overall tally to six goals in Champions League games, although he has notched 25 in 42 competitive European games throughout his career. Kovacevic, who will be the main goal threat to Chelsea, recently added 12 months on to his existing contract, tying himself to Olympiakos until June 2009.

Chelsea

England midfielder Frank Lampard reached a milestone at the weekend. His first goal in Chelsea's 3-1 FA Cup win was his 100th, and the second his 101st for Chelsea, whom he joined from West Ham United in 2001. He has now made 353 appearances for the Blues, and manager Avram Grant declared: "I don't think there are many midfielders who can score so many goals. More importantly, he's a player who knows how to give assists as well as score goals. He is a very good player. He deserves to score 100 goals and more, maybe he will score 200, I don't know." He is yet to score in this season's Champions League campaign, but has scored 11 in his career (and 17 in all competitive European games).

Conclusion

Olympiakos have enjoyed an excellent Champions League campaign to date - their best for nine years - and will be desperate to give a good account of themselves on Tuesday in the intimidating atmosphere of their own stadium. But they will find Chelsea resolute and battle-hardened opponents. Back in 1998-99, Juventus ended their hopes in the first knock-out round, and Chelsea are favourites to progress this time over two legs.But Chelsea have too much quality and with no injury problems trouble is the word for Olympiakos.

Olympiacos 0 - 3 Chelsea

QF FA Cup Draw And Eto'o fined for anti-Real songs

Full draw for FA Cup quarter-finals:

Sheffield United or Middlesbrough Vs Cardiff City

Manchester United Vs Portsmouth

Bristol Rovers Vs West Brom

Barnsley Vs Chelsea

Matches to be played on the weekend of 8 and 9 March.

Eto'o fined for anti-Real songs

Eto'o has been fined US$17,000 for singing anti-Real Madrid songs
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o has been fined US$17,000 by the Spanish federation for singing anti-Real Madrid songs.
Eto'o, who plays for Barcelona, was reported to have jubilated excessively during his club's win of the 2005 Spanish league title.
The federation ruled that the Eto'o's actions during the celebrations were "very grave" and amounted to "initiating violence."
The striker, who recently set the Africa Cup of Nations scoring record, helped lead Barcelona to back-to-back titles in 2005 and '06.
The same year the Catalan club also captured the Champions League trophy.

Real Madrid Richest Club In The World !

WORLD'S WEALTHIEST CLUBS BY REVENUE
1) Real Madrid: £236.2m
2) Man Utd: £212.1m
3) Barcelona: £195.3m
4) Chelsea: £190.5m
5) Arsenal: £177.6m
6) AC Milan: £153m
7) Bayern Munich: £150.3m
8) Liverpool: £133.9m
9) Inter Milan: £131.3m
10) AS Roma: £106.1m

The list shows that the game's riches continue to be monopolised by the same group of clubs, with only one change in the top 10 from the previous season. Juventus dropped out because they played in the second-tier of Italian football in 2006/07, their place in the top 10 going to Italian rivals Roma. Deloitte's figures take into account income from ticket sales, merchandising and broadcasting contracts but do not include transfer revenues and does not calculate profitability. Real Madrid retained its crown as the world's wealthiest club, in terms of sales, in a season when it clinched the Spanish championship under Fabio Capello, and with David Beckham in the team. Its revenues rose to £236.2m from £202m the year before.

Manchester United moved into second place, leapfrogging Barcelona and Juventus, thanks to a season in which they won the Premier League and reached both the Champions League semi-final and FA Cup final.Real saw a 20% increase to take their total revenue, though Manchester United's revenue grew even more quickly, up from £167.8m to £212m.

Dan Jones, of Deloitte's sports business group, said: "With the new Premier League television deals now online for the 2007/08 season, Manchester United have the opportunity to significantly close the gap on Real. "A successful Champions League run may even see them challenge again for the number one position." Deloitte says the new TV money could help more English clubs into the top 20 in a year's time. Meanwhile, Arsenal, helped by increased revenues at their new Emirates Stadium, jumped from ninth place to fifth, while Chelsea's move up to fourth spot means England are the first country to have three clubs in the top five.
The other British clubs to make it into the list were Liverpool (8), Tottenham Hotspur (11), Newcastle United (14), and Celtic (17).

Harry Philp, director of sports finance and advisory firm Hermes Sports Partners, said: "The top seven or eight clubs tend to usually be the same, and generally drawn from the big English,Spanish and Italian clubs. "Real Madrid will have been helped by the very lucrative TV deal that they have, and the fact that their stadium is pretty much sold out for every game. "Manchester United have been helped by their success on the field but also by ticket price increases. "They have also done a lot of renegotiation of much of its financial arrangements."Arsenal have clearly benefited from the move to the Emirates."

Interesting News

8 Years Old G14 disband

Commenting on today's G-14 General Assembly decision to dissolve G-14 and to withdraw from its pending court cases against the football governing bodies, G-14 President Jean-Michel Aulas commented: "A new era in clubs' representation has been confirmed today. G-14 Members were ready to dissolve this organisation because G-14 has successfully achieved its key objective of ensuring that Clubs are fully respected by the international governing bodies and appropriately integrated in the relevant governing structures up to the highest levels.

In recent months the dialogue between the clubs and UEFA and FIFA has intensified. This productive communication has facilitated the recent creation of the European Club Association, fully recognized by UEFA and FIFA, and it also led to the landmark agreement regarding the participation of clubs who release players for World Cup and European Championship final tournaments in the related revenues, generated from central marketing of these events. Noting the change in tone of the dialogue with the governing bodies the G-14 General Assembly had no hesitation in deciding to cease G-14's legal proceedings alongside Charleroi (case "Oulmers") and Olympique Lyonnais (case "Abidal") . By signalling the end of G-14 we wish to pave the way for the newly created European Club Association to become the sole, independent and representative body for clubs at European levels."

Created in September 2000, G-14 was the first representative body to defend the interests of clubs at European and international levels. Its key objective was to correct the democratic imbalance that existed in the governing structures of football at international level by ensuring that clubs, which are the cornerstone of the game, were better respected and adequately represented in said governing structures. As G-14 winds down it is worth noting that its key demands have been heard and accepted or are in the process of being addressed by UEFA and FIFA, namely that clubs are fully integrated, up to the highest level, in the decision making process within FIFA and UEFA, that a harmonised international calendar for club and national team football needs to be mutually agreed between clubs and the federations, that clubs should be compensated for the contribution their players make to international tournaments and that they should be protected from the cost of player injuries suffered on the occasion of national team duty.

G-14 will cease its operational activities upon completion of its liquidation procedure by June 2008.

UEFA pool ball probe after Everton complaints

UEFA are set to investigate claims that a pool ball was hurled at Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard during their win at SK Brann this week. Skipper Phil Neville handed the missile - which landed near keeper Howard - to referee Anton Genov during Wednesday's UEFA Cup tie in Bergen.The Bulgarian official's report is expected at UEFA headquarters this morning when chiefs will launch an inquiry into the incident.

That could lead to a hefty fine for Norwegians Brann or even the possibility of having to play a European game behind closed doors.Euro bosses will also look into the stewarding at the Brannstadion after a pocket of Everton fans ran on to the pitch at full-time to celebrate the 2-0 first-leg win.

Southgate urges Middlesbrough fans: Don't bring balloons!

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate hopes fans do not burst their FA Cup dreams by taking balloons to Bramall Lane on Sunday.A stray balloon from Manchester City fans saw Michael Ball mess up a clearance, which resulted in a Sheffield United goal on their way to a 2-1 fourth-round win. Boro boss Southgate said: "We can get 5,000 fans there and it'll be great to get that level of support, but no balloons please!"

Newcastle boss Keegan set to ditch ProZone

Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan may abandon the club's ProZone system after Gavin Fleig left the club this week.Although Keegan is not certain to abandon the ProZone system, he has the option of using the rival computerised player and game analysis offered by Amsico Pro Sports. Glenn Roeder, Sam Allardyce's predecessor, installed Amsico at Newcastle about a year ago when the club signed a two-year contract.
Allardyce brought Fleig to Newcastle as his ProZone expert.

FA appoint Quest to look into January transfers

The Football Association have appointed Quest to conduct an audit into transfers taking place in England, beginning with the recent January transfer window.The firm of investigators, led by former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Stevens, will also monitor transfers during the summer of 2008. Quest were appointed after a tender process, and were chosen because of their previous experience in this area, having conducted an inquiry into transfer irregularities between January 2004 and 2006. FA director of governance Jonathan Hall said: "We are very pleased to have engaged Quest given their excellent credentials and experience.
"However, this transfer audit is a very different undertaking to their previous inquiry carried out for the Premier League. "It will focus specifically on reviewing the FA's processes in respect of the new Agents Regulations, assessing compliance with FA Rules and identifying any areas of poor practice within the industry."

The FA have also set up a 'whistleblower' hotline to report "any potential problems with the transfer market and the financial side of football generally". The number for the new line is 0844 980 8218. The FA's statement continued: "Both these new measures form part of the FA's enhanced regulatory capacity, including extra resource in the Financial Regulation department, upgraded database systems, an information hotline and tailor-made guidance notes based around the new Football Agents Regulations." It is understood the audit will focus on a selection of transfers rather than being an exhaustive investigation into all business completed, and will look at Premier League and Football League deals.

Aston Villa apply for Intertoto Cup

Aston Villa have applied to enter next season's Intertoto Cup in case they fail to qualify automatically for Europe via the Barclays Premier League.The competition format has altered since Villa last entered the Intertoto back in 2002 and Martin O'Neill's side would only have to negotiate one round to reach the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup. Villa have entered the Intertoto on three previous occasions and won the competition in 2001. O'Neill said: "It's just covering bases, but we've got a chance to qualify automatically for Europe and we're going to try and charge on if we can. "We've got ourselves into a position where we've got a 12-game season and we'll be going into it all guns blazing.

The boys have been magnificent during the first two thirds of the season. "We are making good progress and I couldn't ask any more from the players. They have given me everything.
"We had a superb finish to last season, being unbeaten in the last nine games, and it would be nice if something similar happened again. "Entering the Intertoto is in no way a signal that we've given up hope of qualifying for Europe automatically. Nothing could be further from the truth."

The Great Sevilla player sales

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido admits he may be forced to sell his star players if they do not qualify for the Champions League. "At least 20 per cent of the budget of the team depends on qualifying for the top continental competition," said Del Nido. "If we do not make it this season, we will have to sell our assets, namely players to compensate for the money we miss out on."

Premiership clubs are sure to scramble for Sevilla's brightest, with Manchester City keen on Luis Fabiano, Tottenham interested in Fredi Kanoute, Andre Palop and Christian Poulsen, Arsenal wanting Diego Capel and Aston Villa the Spanish Liga club's wing-back Jose Luis Crespo.

Man U News

Man Utd figures targeted by Newcastle golfers

Newcastle United and the city are already gearing up for their big Premiership clash with Manchester United.The Daily Mail says figures of Manchester United footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo, have been placed in the middle of the Parklands driving range in Newcastle for Geordie fans to aim at in the build-up to the forthcoming Premier League clash at St James' Park.

Fergie minds the gap at the top

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is hurting at falling into Arsenal's slipstream at the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners took advantage of Manchester United's defeat by Manchester City to move five points clear after beating Blackburn.
The reversal of fortune gives an added edge to the FA Cup fifth-round encounter on Saturday at Old Trafford between the arch-rivals. United boss Ferguson said: "I am not happy we are five points behind them. "You want to be leading at this stage of the campaign. "However, I have to say Arsenal are looking more compact and more solid than they were last season."

Ferguson is perplexed at marking his 100th FA Cup game by facing a Premier League side in the competition for the third time in succession this season. First of all Aston Villa were dispatched, then Carling Cup finalists Tottenham, both at Old Trafford. Ferguson quipped: "If we get through this one, I am going to the draw!" He insists he has no alternative but to shuffle his pack with a Champions League game to follow against Lyon on Wednesday. He said: "You cannot (keep the same side) in every game. That is why clubs have squads of 22 players. "You cannot go back to the days when Liverpool won the league with only 14 players to call on."

There is plenty of history between United and Arsenal but Ferguson has seen a change in the landscape. He said: "We both have different teams today and as a result it is now less fractious."
Meanwhile Ferguson is convinced Gary Neville will overcome his injury concerns, which centre around a long-standing ankle problem. "What Gary needs is a bit of luck," said the United boss.
"He's had setback after setback. "It is only because of his character he is able to persist in his efforts to get back. "He is getting all the help and encouragement we can give him.
"Gary is not far away but what he cannot afford is another niggling injury, which can happen."

Hargreaves: Man Utd will bounce back against Arsenal

Owen Hargreaves is confident Manchester United can bounce back from their derby humiliation against Arsenal in the FA Cup this weekend.United flopped to a 2-1 derby defeat against Manchester City on Sunday - and Arsenal beat Blackburn a day later to go five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League. But Hargreaves said on Thursday: "I don't think there's anyone with their head down. "The derby game has gone and we're all professional enough and have been in the game long enough to know there's a next game.

"We've got to take that opportunity to make things better." United face Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday, and then travel Lyon in the Champions League next Wednesday, before they return to Premier League action on February 24 at Newcastle. Hargreaves continued: "It's a long season and there are definitely games in a season that are more important than others.
"Next week is one of those weeks - we're in three competitions and it's very important to see what direction we are heading in. "But this is why our players are at Manchester United - because we expect to win games. "And winning games is what we are going to have to do if we are going to stay on top."

Liverpool News

DIC's £460M bid convinces Liverpool to sell

Dubai International Capital are making a double-your-money offer to Liverpool's American owners and are confident of an agreement being struck before the end of March. The Mirror says an outline agreement to transfer ownership of the Anfield giants from George Gillett and Tom Hicks to Dubai International Capital is in the pipeline.Sources in New York have confirmed that a £460million deal with DIC - the Dubai government's financial arm and headed by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum - is now on the verge of conclusion.

The effective sale price is nowhere near the ambitious £1billion valuation that was put on the club by Hicks in November. He and Gillett paid just £219m to take control of Liverpool from David Moores a year ago.One insider said: "These talks are still ongoing. Tom and George want to make sure they get the right price for giving up the club."Despite leaving Liverpool with a £350m debt, they will be able to walk away having made a substantial profit.

Inter Milan president Moratti wants Liverpool's Gerrard for Centenary

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti will do all he can to prise Steven Gerrard away from Liverpool at the end of the season.Tuttosport says Gerrard is Moratti's top target as he plans a summer spending spree to celebrate Inter's Centenary.

Failure to qualify for the Champions League could open the door to Moratti tempting Gerrard away from his hometown club.

Chelsea News

Huddersfield's Brandan: Ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho different class

Huddersfield midfielder Chris Brandan is excited about taking on the millionaires of Chelsea in tomorrow's FA Cup meeting.He said: "There are so many top-class players at Chelsea it's difficult to single anyone out. But Frank Lampard is an unbelievable player and it will be a privilege to be on the same pitch as him."It's one of those days where you're determined to give a good account of yourself to get them back to the Galpharm and see how they cope with our pitch."Brandon was the goal hero for Andy Ritchie's men in the third-round win over Birmingham and was part of the side who narrowly lost 2-1 at Chelsea two years ago.

He added: "The last time we went there Jose Mourinho was absolutely unbelievable. What a great guy."After the match he invited us all into their changing room to have a chat with his players and get lots of shirts and other memorabilia. He was superb.It's unusual to be invited into the opposition changing rooms and I felt like a young kid in the sweet shop. I got Ricardo Carvalho's shirt but a few of the boys ended up with three or four shirts.

"We've all seen them play on TV but getting on to the same pitch makes you appreciate what incredible players they have."I don't think they have been beaten for four years at Stamford Bridge. We've just got to dig in and see what happens."I suppose I ended up becoming the goal hero against Birmingham and I don't see why that shouldn't happen again."

Terry back for Chelsea: He's a bionic man

John Terry's remarkable recovery powers continue to astound coach Avram Grant after the England international was considered fit enough to be included in the squad to face Huddersfield in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Terry was not expected to return to action for a further fortnight after fracturing three bones in his foot against Arsenal in December last year.
"He has surprised us all," admitted Grant. "Maybe he is a bionic man. He recovers very quickly and well and maybe he will be available for Saturday.

"Maybe he will be on the bench or even start, but we haven't decided about that yet. But each injury depends on the person and he is very strong, not just mentally, but also physically.
"He is a very important player for us. I haven't seen a captain like him. I have been all over the world and he is a big captain and influence on the team."For me a captain leads by example and not just talking. He sets a good example and we miss him a lot on the pitch."

Chelsea's Anelka: I'm not moody - just shy

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has dismissed claims he's moody. Anelka, 28, has quickly settled into life at Chelsea after completing a £15million move from Bolton last month.And the French striker is keen to point out his reputation for being moody is far from the truth.He said: "When you don't speak with the Press, they make up a story about you.

"And then, when you don't answer, they make up some more about you."That's what happened - people made up stories about me."But I think if you ask the dressing room, the players know me better and they will tell you who I am."I'm sure that if you asked a question, nobody would say anything wrong about me.

"I know who I am, I'm shy and I just live my life."

AC Milan will outbid Barcelona for Chelsea's Drogba

AC Milan are ready to break the bank for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.Gazzetta dello Sport says Ronaldo's knee injury has kicked Milan into action as they seek a new centre-forward for next season.Drogba has declared an ambition to move to Barcelona, but that won't put off Milan president Silvio Berlusconi, who is prepared to go head-to-head in any bidding war for the Ivory Coast ace.

Arsenal News

Arsenal offering Cesc stunning £33M deal

Arsenal are ready to hand star midfielder Cesc Fabregas a deal worth a whopping £33 million. The Sun says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants the Spaniard, 20, to commit until 2016 by signing a two-year extension to his current contract.Fab, whose pay will go from £50,000 to £80,000 a week, said: "I have a contract until 2014 but I have been speaking to Arsenal and they want to renegotiate it."The new deal will put Fab in line with the likes of star defender William Gallas, who took the captain's armband at the start of the season

Arsenal boss Wenger denies Cesc contract talks

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied the Gunners have opened negotiations over a new contract with star midfielder Cesc Fabregas.Fabregas, whose current deal with the Gunners expires in 2014, revealed that the club has sought talks over fresh terms.But Wenger insists the Spain playmaker was simply voicing his commitment to the club in response to speculation over renewed interest from hometown club Barcelona.

"At the moment there are no talks. What he wanted to say is that he is committed to the future here," said the Frenchman. "He was interviewed by Spanish radio and that's all he wanted to say."

Usmanov ups stake in Arsenal

Billionaire Alisher Usmanov has increased his stake in Arsenal - five months after last buying shares in the club, reports the Daily Mail. On the eve of the Gunners' FA Cup tie with Manchester United, Red and White Holdings, the Russian businessman's investment vehicle, announced it now holds more than 24 per cent in Arsenal Holdings PLC.
Usmanov's group has held 23 per cent since last September, which made it the second biggest individual shareholder behind Danny Fiszman, who has 24.11 per cent.
Under London Stock Exchange rules, Red and White would be required to launch a takeover for the club once it has 30 per cent of the shares.

The company, jointly owned by Usmanov and Iran-born Farhad Moshiri, has been gradually increasing its stake in the club but received a frosty reception from Arsenal's board, who have said they do not need a billionaire backer. Liverpool join Arsenal interest in Thuram
Liverpool have joined Arsenal in their interest in Barcelona defender Lilian Thuram.Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been linked with offering the French veteran a player-coaching role next season, however DiarioSport says the defender is also interesting Liverpool's Rafa Benitez.

Arsenal boss Wenger: I can go for another 20 years

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he could go on for another 20 years! "One morning, maybe, I will get up and think 'I don't want to do this today' but it hasn't happened yet.
"My life has been football, football, football. I couldn't change. I've had opportunities in the past to consider other things, to go into television, for example, but each time I realised that I couldn't live without football."My spirit and enthusiasm is exactly as it was 20 years ago. It might be the same 20 years from now. What I do accept is that you need fitness and energy to do the job I do. That's not guaranteed for anyone.

"I also realise you need a kind of animal force. To motivate people you need the hunter's animal instinct. You must want to win. When you're a young manager your animal instinct is strong but your knowledge is small."With age the balance changes - the animal instinct shrinks and the wisdom becomes dominant."Then you get to the stage when you have only wisdom. That's when you have to say goodbye. Then, of course, you might lose wisdom also. When that happens you have a problem!"

Arsenal's Adebayor: I'd force Henry, Eto'o to bench

Arsenal ace Emmanuel Adebayor has declared himself better than former teammate Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o, the Barcelona strikers. "With me on the field," Adebayor told Tuttosport, "Henry and Eto'o would have to be on the bench."

Arsenal step closer to landing AC Milan's Gourcuff

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Yoan Gourcuff's deteriorating situation at AC Milan.Tuttosport says Gourcuff has informed Milan directors his intentions to leave at the end of the season after he was not included in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for last week's victory over Siena.A return to France has been mooted, however Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been linked with a £12 million bid for the midfielder.

Vela: My dream is to play for Arsenal

Arsenal striker Carlos Vela admits he wants a move to London at the end of the season.The Mexico international is currently on-loan at Osasuna and told Marca: "After two years I would like to go to the club which trusted in me. "Arsenal is a great team and it would be a dream to play for them"

Champions League Latest News

The 16 teams competing in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round have been tweaking their squads ahead of the first leg of their last 16-ties later this month – with AC Milan new boy Pato perhaps the most eye-catching of the 45 players who have been registered.

Instant impact - The 18-year-old Brazilian has scored four goals in his first six Serie A games for the reigning European champions, and will hope to carry that form into the UEFA Champions League where the Rossoneri face Arsenal FC in the first knockout round.

Chelsea FC welcome back Michael Ballack after a long-term ankle injury and have also registered January signing Nicolas Anelka, with Steve Sidwell and Claudio Pizarro making way.

Georgios Samaras, Koki Mizuno and Barry Robson bolster the Celtic FC squad for their encounter with 2006 winners FC Barcelona, and Maniche reinforces FC Internazionale Milano who play Liverpool FC. Ties will be held on 19/20 February and 4/5/11 March.

UEFA Round Of 16 Champions League Clubs

AC Milan
IN : Pato,Alberto Paloschi
OUT : Serginho

Arsenal FC
IN : Vito Mannone, Håvard Nordtveit, Johan Djourou, James Dunne, Kerrea Gilbert, Gavin Hoyte, Abu Ogogo, Rene Steer, Henri Lansbury
OUT : Lassana Diarra, Mark Randall, Kieran Gibbs

AS Roma
IN : Carlo Zotti, Daniel Unal
OUT :Ahmed Apimah, Barusso, Marco Andreolli

Celtic FC
IN : Georgios Samaras, Koki Mizuno, Barry Robson,Scott Fox, Rocco Quinn
OUT : Jiří JarošíkMaciej ŻurawskiJames O’BrienTheodor Bjarnason

Chelsea FC
IN : Michael Ballack, Nicolas Anelka*
OUT : Steve SidwellClaudio Pizarro

FC Barcelona
IN : José Pinto
OUT : none

FC Internazionale Milano
IN : Maniche, *César, Pelé
OUT : Walter Samuel, Olivier Dacourt, Santiago Solari, Fabio Perssinotto, Giorgio Schiavini, Goran Slavkovski

FC Porto
IN : Hélder Barbosa, Rabiola
OUT : Edgar, Hélder Postiga, Rui Pedro

FC Schalke 04
IN : Albert Streit, Zé Roberto, Vicente Sánchez
OUT : Darío Rodríguez, Mimoun Azaouagh, Mesut Özil

Fenerbahçe SK
IN : Claudio Maldonado, Uğur Arslan Kuru *
OUT : Tümer Metin, Necati Yılmaz, Güven Güneri

Liverpool FC
IN : Martin Škrtel*
OUT : Mohamed Sissoko, Craig Linfield, Robert Threlfall, Jack Hobbs

Manchester United FC
IN : Ji-Sung Park, Rodrigo Possebon, Daniel Welbeck, Craig Cathcart
OUT : none

Olympiacos CFP
IN : Fernando Belluschi, LeonardoMirnes, Šišić
OUT : Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Rodrigo Javier Archubi, Marco Né

Olympique Lyonnais
IN : Jean-Alain Boumsong, César Delgado
OUT : Milan Baroš, Nadir Belhadj, Fábio Santos

Real Madrid CF
IN : none
OUT : none

Sevilla FC
IN : Ernesto Chevantón, Andrés Palop **, Pablo Vargas
OUT : Andreas Hinkel, Martí

* Players marked with an asterisk have already played in a UEFA club competition this season and are eligible to represent a different club according to article 15.07 of the Regulations for the UEFA Cup.

** Sevilla goalkeeper Andrés Palop returns to the A list having recovered from injury. His replacement, Pablo Vargas, is maintained as an A-list player.

Couple Of Man U Related News

Chelsea's Obi Mikel: Man Utd tried to demolish my career

Mikel still recalls how The Red Devils showed little care for his future in order to drag out the transfer situation, and he admits the memory of that time is still an open wound. “All United were after was money. I didn’t see why they wanted to wreck my career,” he said in The News of the World.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has reopened his row with Manchester United - claiming the Reds tried to wreck his career. United eventually sold Mikel to Chelsea after a drawn-out row over his original transfer from Lyn.

"The thing is, I didn't know the reason why United had to drag the whole thing out. It didn't make any sense. "FIFA didn't let me train with either team so I was training alone in my neighbourhood.

"But Chelsea fought for me and when people do things like that, it's difficult to abandon them. "That's why I'll be at Chelsea for a very long time."

What was Cristiano Ronaldo texting during a training session?

Fergie has fined Cristiano Ronaldo no less than £8,000 for sending text messages from his mobile phone during a training session, according to The Manchester Evening News.

Apparently, Ronny was caught sending four texts during breaks in the middle of training at the Carrington training complex. And, as the club penalty is a £2,000 on the spot fine for each offence, they will probably be the most expensive messages that Ronaldo has ever sent.
Let us know who you think Ronaldo was texting and what his meassge might have been.

E-mail To cfcghimpheng@hotmail.com or comment here on this entry of post what C.Ron could have text during the training session.

Manchester United stars Cristiano Ronaldo spends £10k on birthday meal

Football ace Cristiano Ronaldo spent almost £10,000 on a vintage wine-fuelled meal for 11 pals to mark his 23rd birthday.Guests at the flash London Road restaurant in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, included Shrek, sorry - Wayne Rooney

The Special One Jose Mourinho - "I'm On Sentata Sports" Fantastic - Be Champion !

For The Special One I'm Fantastic Jose Mourinho - "I'm On Sentata Sports" Series

Please Visit The Following Two Users

http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=videoup12&p=r

http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=dan0628&p=r

The Special One Jose Mourinho Linked To Barcelona

Mourinho agent in more Barcelona talks yesterday

The agent of Jose Mourinho held talks with Barcelona vice-president Marc Ingla and sports director Txiki Begiristain yesterday. El Mundo Deportivo says while Jorge Mendes will have spoken with the Barca directors about his clients, Deco and Rafael Marquez, he will also have again been pumped for information about Mourinho's situation.

Mendes has already met with Barca chiefs in the last month in Lisbon as Mourinho's shadow looms large over Frank Rijkaard's reign this season. It's suggested a mutual commitment between Barca and Mourinho will hold until June.

Jose Mourinho is being lined up by Barcelona to replace Frank Rijkaard in the summer.

The Sunday Mirror says Catalan giants accept that Frank Rijkaard's reign as coach looks certain to end at the end of this season. Given Barca trail arch-rivals Real Madrid in La Liga, it will take a Champions League triumph to ensure Rijkaard stays in charge at the Nou Camp.

Barca are preparing a huge war-chest to help recruit free agent Mourinho and set him up with a fund to ensure the world's best players want to sign for them.

Skipper Puyol: Mourinho at Barcelona? Why not?

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol admits he'd welcome former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to the Nou Camp next season. "Mourinho? Why not? He is a great coach," said Puyol. "But with our current boss (Frank Rijkaard), we are doing well."

The defender also revealed: "I would like retire at Barca. I have a contract until 2010 and I will do everything possible to stay with the club. "If I can't, then I could not play for another team in the Spanish Liga."

Real 7th Haeven And Raul Lifetime Contract

Real Madrid crushed Valladolid 7-0 at the Bernabeu to extend their lead at the top of the Primera Liga to eight points on Sunday.

The visitors took the game to Real early on but went in at the break 5-0 behind, as Raul (twice), Julio Baptista, Arjen Robben and Guti punished their overly ambitious approach. Guti and Royston Drenthe completed the rout after the interval while Iker Casillas pulled off a top-class save to deny Valladolid a consolation goal near the end.

The champions, who lost 2-0 to promoted Almeria last weekend, pulled away from second-placed Barcelona, who could only draw 1-1 away to Sevilla on Saturday. Earlier, Uruguay striker Diego Forlan scored twice to earn Atletico Madrid a 2-0 win away to Racing Santander, that put them fourth with 41 points, one behind Villarreal who edged Real Murcia 1-0 on Saturday.

Valladolid were determined to play open attacking football at the Bernabeu, and had Real pegged back early on. But in the ninth-minute Baptista scored the opening goal with Real's first sortie up field. Dutch winger Robben, back in the side after injury, fed the Brazilian in the area after a swift counter-attack and he left Sergio Asenjo with no chance.

Against the run of play, Guti released Raul into the area in the 32nd, and he rounded Asenjo to double the lead. A minute later Guti's ball over the top sent Robben scampering clear to score his first league goal for the club. Valladolid's back four continued to push up and in the 38th minute Baptista was brought down by Asenjo, as he chased a ball into the area.

Raul put the spot-kick away and a minute before the break Guti broke clear in a one-one-one and buried his shot high in the net. The second half had the atmosphere of a training match as Guti collected his second with a shot off the post in the 62nd and Dutch midfielder Drenthe powered through onto a Guti pass to round off the scoring.

The only worry for Real was when Brazil forward Robinho had to be substituted with what looked like a stomach muscle injury.

Real Madrid to offer Raul 'lifetime' contract

Real Madrid are ready to offer skipper Raul a new contract for life.

Telecinco says Real want to offer Raul a contract - beginning from when his current deal expires in 2010 - that will be renewed at the end of every season, so long as he participates in 30 games.
The agreement will also involve Raul nominating what role he wishes to fulfil at Real once he hangs up his boots - effectively making the contract a 'lifetime' deal.

The playing arrangement is similar to what Ruud van Nistelrooy agreed to last month, with the Dutchman having renewed for two years and having the option of continuing to extend the deal every 12 months so long as he plays 35 games.

Man U Vs Man C And Chelsea Vs Liverpool Matchday Preview

Man City U18s thrash Man Utd 5-0

Manchester City's U18 team have thrown down the gauntlet to their senior counterparts after thrashing Manchester United 5-0 yesterday. Goals from Donal McDermott, Derek Boyata, a penalty from David Ball and a Robbie Mak brace mean City are now nine points clear at the top of their Under 18s Group.

Will Man City Able to do the same as their youths players ? Will Man City do a upset over Man U to put a dent in their quest to retaining the title ?

Man U Probable Line Up


GK : Van der Sar
DL : O'Shea
DC : Vidic
DC : Ferdinand,
DR : Brown
LMC : Scholes
DMC : Hargreaves
RMC : Park
LWG : Giggs
RWG : Ronaldo
CF : Tevez

Man City Probable Line Up


GK : Hart
DL : Michael Ball
DC : Dunne
DC : Richards
DR : Onuoha
LMF : Martin Petrov
LMC : Gelson Fernandes
DMC : Dietmar Hamann
RMC : Stephen Ireland
RMF : Gelson Fernandes
AMC : Geovanni
CF : Benjani

Liverpool boss Benitez awarded honorary doctorate

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has been awarded with an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Miguel Hernandez University in Spain for his services to football.
He said: "I'm really pleased and proud. The award is in recognition of a long career in football. It's not easy to spend so long in one career after you leave university and so I am delighted.

"Of course to have a long career you need the support of your family and the other people behind you on your staff. I've had that and been fortunate that everyone has been working really hard with me."









Chelsea Probable Line Up


GK : Cech
DL : A.Cole
DC : Carvalho
DC : Alex
DR : Belletti
LMC : Lampard
DMC : Makelele
RMC : Ballack
LWG : Malouda
RWG : Joe Cole
CF : Anelka


Liverpool Probable Line Up

GK : Reina
DL : Riise
DC : Hyypia
DC : Carragher
DR : Finnan
LMF : Benayourn
LMC : Lucas Leiva
DMC : Mascherano
RMC : Gerrard
RMF : Pennant
CF : Kuyt

Sunday PaperTalk

Paper Talk : Chelsea and Spurs want Valencia ace

Tottenham have made Valencia forward David Villa their top target, while Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Hibernian's Steven Fletcher.

NEWS OF THE WORLD
Blackburn will step up their efforts to extend David Bentley's contract, with Real Madrid, Valencia and Sevilla said to be tracking the England star.

Didi Hamann wants to see out his career at Manchester City.

Newcastle will make a £10million summer swoop for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing.

Tottenham and Chelsea are on red alert to sign Valencia striker David Villa after the Spain striker announced he sees his future in the Premier League.

Samir Handanovic is the latest goalkeeper linked with a move to Tottenham.

MAIL ON SUNDAY

Frank Lampard could leave Chelsea for just £5million this summer.

THE PEOPLE

Fabio Capello has reassured David Beckham he will win his 100th England cap.

Sam Allardyce claims Newcastle could not match his ambitions to turn the club into a major force.

Aston Villa will try again to sign James Milner from Newcastle this summer.

Manchester United hope to hijack Karim Benzema's summer move to Chelsea.

SUNDAY MIRROR

Mathieu Flamini insists he wants to sign a new contract at Arsenal.

Sunderland must avoid relegation if they are to hold on to striker Kenwyne Jones.

Tottenham are lining up David Villa as a replacement should Dimitar Berbatov leave in the summer.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY

Barcelona have won the race to sign Racing Santander defender Ezequiel Garay.

Hamburg want former Spurs boss Christian Gross as their new manager.

Spurs will move for Real Zaragoza striker Diego Milito in the summer.

Manchester City and Roma are battling it out to sign Ajaz's Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Juventus midfielder Raffaele Palladino is top of Arsene Wenger's summer wish-list.

Italy's reserve goalkeeper Marco Amelia will join Spurs in the summer.

SUNDAY MAIL

Real Madrid are plotting a £4million swoop for Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher.