AVB hopes for Mourinho return
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas hopes speculation surrounding the future of Jose Mourinho will result in his return to England.
Since leaving Chelsea in 2007, Real Madrid coach Mourinho has achieved further success in Italy and Spain, yet the Portuguese has been a constant figure of rumour regarding a possible return to the Premier League.
Villas-Boas believes the Premier League would be better off with a manager of Mourinho's calibre among its coaching ranks.
"He's a top coach in the world," Villas-Boas told reporters. "This league continues to attract the best players in the world
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 23:52
Stevens in line for Schalke return
Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has confirmed that former head coach Huub Stevens may rejoin the club in some capacity.
Stevens was sacked in December after a poor run of results that saw the side plummet down the Bundesliga table.
But Heldt revealed he has held with the Dutchman about a possible return to Gelsenkirchen.
"I'm careful with my statements as regards to what happens behind the scenes here, but yes, we told him (Stevens) some of our ideas and there is no absolute refusal on his part," Heldt said.
Category: News
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 23:49
Juve hotseat not for Stramaccioni
Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni has claimed he could never be tempted to take the helm at Juventus.
Juve boss Antonio Conte said on Friday he could not rule out ever coaching Inter, but Stramaccioni has played down suggestions he could take over in Turin.
"It's hard to see myself on the Juventus bench," the 37-year-old told reporters.
"My coaching career is still young. Maybe in a few years' time I'll be somewhere else, but not there.
"The fans shouldn't get their hopes up. I know the truth; I've spoken with the presi
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 23:29
Heynckes mulls Gustavo experiment
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes says he may play Luiz Gustavo alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger in Saturday's clash with Hamburg.
With Javi Martinez suspended for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg with Juventus, Heynckes is looking to test Gustavo's effectiveness at the heart of midfield.
"I think I will play Luiz Gustavo alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger, although I'm yet to discuss this decision with Luiz and Javi," Heynckes told reporters.
Heynckes also revealed he is wary of featuring Franck Ribery, after the France star suffered a toe injury in training on Thursday.
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 23:25
Garde notes Sochaux threat
Lyon coach Remi Garde believes 18th-placed Sochaux could prove difficult opponents when they visit the Stade de Gerland on Sunday.
Sochaux sit in Ligue 1's relegation zone but a win away to Lyon could see them rise as high as 16th by the end of the weekend.
Lyon, second in the French top tier, need victory to keep the pressure Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who are five points ahead of Garde's team.
Despite the disparate fortunes of Lyon and Sochaux this season, Garde expects the visitors to provide a tough test, although he hopes the motivation to remain a title contender will ensure his t
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 23:21
Rodgers dismisses Suarez punch drama
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has fended off questions about Luis Suarez's alleged punch on Gonzalo Jara while on international duty.
Suarez appeared to aim his fist at the defender's face during Uruguay's 2-0 victory over Chile in World Cup qualifying and could face FIFA action.
But the Reds boss was unwilling to comment on an issue which he feels has 'no great relevance' to his own job.
"I always say to players I've got a very simple rule, that when you're with Liverpool, just talk about Liverpool," Rodgers told reporters.
Category: News
Views: 645
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 23:18
Jimenez: Real right to sign Lopez
Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez has praised Real Madrid's decision to sign Diego Lopez from Sevilla in January.
The 27-year-old, who has himself been linked with a move to Real, believes Lopez is now pushing Iker Casillas to become first-choice 'keeper in the side.
"They made a great decision signing Diego Lopez. He is proving that the club was right to sign him," he told AS.
"There is no doubt he is producing great performances, and I don't know if Casillas is fit enough at the moment. I don't know what Mourinho's decision (on team selection) would be."
Category: News
Views: 670
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 23:08
Lloris bracing for ´eight finals´
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris says the club will approach their final eight matches of the Premier League season like cup finals.
Andre Villas-Boas' side lost their three games before the international break, and they sit four points ahead of Arsenal in the race for fourth place and a Champions League berth.
The Frenchman feels the spell away from the club will help the squad recharge their batteries ahead of the run-in.
"I have big confidence because we have good character. We've proved it this season and now we have to show it on the pitch," Lloris told Sky Sports News.
Category: News
Views: 643
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 23:04
Allegri likens Balotelli to Ibrahimovic
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has compared Mario Balotelli to his side's former talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Balotelli joined the Rossoneri in January and has scored seven goals in his first six games for the club, leading Allegri to compare the 22-year-old with the Paris Saint-Germain star.
"He's similar to Ibrahimovic both physically and technically, but he can get better because he's playing with continuity here," Allegri told reporters.
"Balotelli still has to improve a lot as a centre-forward given his potential, but he has all the right ingredients to do it."
Category: News
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 22:57
Bent available for Villa selection
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has confirmed that Darren Bent has returned to first-team training following a spell on the sidelines.
The striker has been unavailable since mid-February through illness and injury but is available for selection against Liverpool on Sunday.
"Benty is back training. He had a little flu bug there for the last few days but I think he is OK," Lambert told Sky Sports News.
"He trained Wednesday morning, so he is back. He got a kick - one of the lads caught his foot. It was a bit tender to kick the ball but it could have been worse. He is OK now."
Category: News
Views: 643
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 22:55
FA investigate Ferdinand racism claims
The Football Association say they have found no evidence of England fans singing inflammatory songs aimed at Rio Ferdinand.
It has been alleged that sections of England support were chanting in a racist manner about the Manchester United defender and his brother Anton during a World Cup qualifier against San Marino last week.
The FA said that it will continue to search for evidence and punish anyone found responsible.
In a statement, Club England MD Adrian Bevington explained: "In San Marino, we had FA security officers monitoring the English supporters in the stadium. This includes recorded vi
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 22:53
Benitez pleased with Chelsea progress
Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez argues that the Blues have been doing a 'great job' under his tenure.
The Stamford Bridge outfit have slipped from title contention under the Spaniard but are five points ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
Many supporters at Stamford Bridge have not taken well to Benitez since his arrival and the former Liverpool boss believes that tensions were heightened by negative comments about the club that were falsely attributed to him.
He told the Daily Mirror: "I try to have the vision of the big picture. If I'm here, it's b
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 22:50
Riera not afraid of Real Madrid
Galatasaray wing-back Albert Riera says his side can upset Real Madrid and move into the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Spaniard realises the Liga champions head into the quarter-final tie as the favourites, but is nonetheless optimistic about his side's chances to progress.
"Can we knock out Madrid? Why not? We have enough talent to play against anyone, honestly," he told Marca.
"People are going to be surprised by us because we're going to attack with everything we have.
"If we get a good result in the first leg, watch
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Views: 615
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 22:47
Premier League: Arsenal - Reading
Preview - Betting Tip
Read a full preview of the Premier League game between Arsenal v Reading at Emirates Stadium on Saturday March 30 2013, kick-off 15:00 (GMT).
Arsenal - Reading
Emirates Stadium
Kick-off: 15: 00 GMT.
TV: Highlights BBC ONE Match of the Day.
Arsenal (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Jenkinson; Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Arteta, Coquelin; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Ramsey; Giroud.
Category: Betting Tips
Views: 752
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 21:58
Championship: Leicester - Millwall
Betting Tip
The English Championship football match between Leicester City (6th) and Millwall (15th) kicks off on 29 March 2013.
Leicester City has played 19 English Championship matches this season on Walkers Stadium. On home ground Leicester City has won 12, drawn 3 and lost 4 matches. This ranks the Foxes 3rd in home team performance in the English Championship.
Millwall has played 19 English Championship matches this season away from home. On away ground Millwall has won 6, drawn 6 and lost 7 matches. This ranks the Lions 7th
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Category: Betting Tips
Views: 860
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 20:01
Ligue 1: Paris SG - Montpellier
Betting Tip
The France Ligue 1 football match between Paris SG (1st) and Montpellier (8th) kicks off on 29 March 2013.
Paris SG has played 15 France Ligue 1 matches this season on Parc des Princes. On home ground Paris SG has won 10, drawn 3 and lost 2 matches. This ranks PSG 1st in home team performance in the France Ligue 1.
Montpellier has played 14 France Ligue 1 matches this season away from home. On away ground Montpellier has won 4, drawn 2 and lost 8 matches. This ranks Montpellier 10th in away team performance in the France Ligue 1.
Category: Betting Tips
Views: 779
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 19:56
Championship: Derby - Bristol City
Preview - Betting Tip
The English Championship football match between Derby County (13th) and Bristol City (24th) kicks off on 29 March 2013.
Derby County has played 19 English Championship matches this season on Pride Park Stadium. On home ground Derby County has won 9, drawn 7 and lost 3 matches. This ranks the Rams 9th in home team performance in the English Championship.
Bristol City has played 19 English Championship matches this season away from home. On away ground Bristol City has won 3, dr
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Category: Betting Tips
Views: 1385
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 19:37
League Two: Bradford - Southend
Preview - Betting Tip
The English League Two football match between Bradford City (11th) and Southend United (10th) kicks off on 29 March 2013.
Bradford City has played 18 English League Two matches this season on Valley Parade. On home ground Bradford City has won 9, drawn 4 and lost 5 matches. This ranks the Citizens 4th in home team performance in the English League Two.
Southend United has played 19 English League Two matches this season away from home. On away ground Southend United has won 9, drawn 4 a
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Category: Betting Tips
Views: 785
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 16:37
Ancelotti wants Beckham stay
Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to keep David Beckham at the club beyond his contract expiration in the off-season.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder joined in January, but his deal with PSG is just a short-term one and he is set to leave at the end of June.
Ancelotti will have fuelled rumours the ex-England international could remain at Parc des Princes after his frank admission that he wants PSG to hold on to the veteran.
The Italian told reporters on Thursday: "Beckham is available for tomorrow's game. He's arrived back in Paris and has not missed a traini
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Category: News
Views: 730
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 04:13
Hangeland pens Fulham extension
Fulham defender Brede Hangeland has signed a new deal which ties him to the Premier League club until 2015.
Since signing from FC Copenhagen in 2008, the Norway international has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
Hangeland has been in talks with the club since December, and after three months the Norway international is happy to have put pen to paper.
"I'm delighted," Hangeland told the club's official website.
"It's taken a long time, but we're there now and I hope the club
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Views: 878
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 02:16
Lambert: Anfield win ´long gone´
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert says December's 3-1 victory at Anfield will count for nothing when they host Liverpool on Sunday.
Villa put in one of their best performances of the season that day and will fancy their chances of completing a double over Brendan Rodgers' side after winning two consecutive league games for the first time.
Although the former Norwich manager admitted his side are in good shape going into Sunday's match, he is refusing to get carried away.
"I don't know if you ever get a complete performance but, that day, we played very, very well," he told reporters.
Category: News
Views: 837
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 02:12
Hughton hails Van Wolfswinkel swoop
Norwich manager Chris Hughton has expressed joy at his club's capture of striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
The Premier League club officially announced a deal with Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon for the Dutch striker last week, with Van Wolfswinkel to arrive at Carrow Road on July 1.
Hughton has praised his club for their initiative in securing the move and drawn attention to the 24-year-old's finishing prowess ahead of the close-season switch.
"It's a real exciting period for us and certainly we have to thank the club very much for their support and their ambition on this one," Hughton told report
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Views: 757
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 02:10
Redknapp: No substitute for hard work
QPR boss Harry Redknapp believes hard work is the key to escaping relegation this season, and pointed to Barcelona as role models for his side.
Rangers find themselves bottom of the table, seven points from safety with just eight games to play, ahead of their trip to Fulham on Monday.
"We need players who are going to work hard," Redknapp told reporters. "Barcelona are the best team in the world because they work the hardest. We need workers.
"We’ve got to go on a little run now and see where it takes us. We're playing well. We were excellent for 45 minutes at (Aston) Villa. We're playing well.
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Views: 825
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 02:06
Adkins calls for united front
New Reading manager Nigel Adkins believes togetherness is the key to Premier League survival as he takes charge for the first time this weekend.
The former Southampton boss replaced Brian McDermott at the Madejski Stadium this week, with the club seven points from safety, and faces a tricky first test when they travel to Arsenal on Saturday.
Adkins believes they need to move on quickly from McDermott’s departure if they are to mount a serious fight for survival, but said the players will find it difficult.
"It's always the way," he told reporters. "I know with Brian they would have been very close
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Views: 889
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 02:02
Pardew dismay at Haidara officials
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has slammed the lack of action by match officials after Callum McManaman's horror tackle on Massadio Haidara.
McManaman has come under heavy criticism after forcing the Newcastle defender from the pitch after a knee-high tackle earlier this month.
Despite the brutality of the challenge, the Englishman escaped punishment both during and after the match.
And Pardew insists referee Mark Halsey and his assistants failed to correctly handle the situation, citing their lack of familiarity with each other as the prime issue.
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Views: 903
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 01:54
Laudrup confident Williams will stay
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup believes Ashley Williams will stay at the Liberty Stadium despite rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal.
Swans vice-captain Williams has also been linked with Liverpool after an impressive campaign which has seen him lift the League Cup and help the Welsh club push into the top half of the Premier League table.
Laudrup admitted speculation is a natural thing when players are performing well, but is confident he can persuade his stars to stay put.
"We know that there will be a lot of rumours - I've said that before - about some of our players because they've d
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Views: 640
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 01:51
Klopp eager to halt Bayern charge
Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp is eager to delay Bayern Munich claiming the Bundesliga title for as long as possible.
The Bavarians are runaway leaders in the German top flight, holding a 20-point advantage over the reigning champions after 26 matches.
Bayern could wrap up the title this weekend if they beat Hamburg and Dortmund fail to triumph at Stuttgart.
While Klopp is aware of the ramifications of this weekend's results, he does not want Dortmund to be prematurely stripped of their Bundesliga crown.
Category: News
Views: 674
Added: Sky
Date: 29.03.2013 - 01:49
Damiao ´most likely´ to leave Brazil
Tottenham target Leandro Damiao is 'likely to leave' Internacional, according to the Brazilian club's director of football.
Andre Villas-Boas' side had a 19 million-euro bid for the striker turned down towards the close of the winter transfer window.
However, the north London club could be tempted to enter the race for the 23-year-old's signature again come the summer following football director Luis Cesar Souto De Moura's latest admission.
"Leandro Damiao is indeed the player that is most likely to leave Internacional," he told UOL.
Category: News
Views: 628
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 01:47
Weah tips Mancini for Monaco job
AC Milan legend George Weah has backed Roberto Mancini to become the next coach of Monaco.
The Ligue 2 side, taken over by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev in December 2011, are leading the French second-tier standings with nine matches remaining but are expected to oust current boss Claudio Ranieri at the end of the season.
Despite some fervent denials from the former Inter boss, Mancini has been tipped to succeed Ranieri, and Weah has backed him as a prime candidate for the role.
"Mancini would be a good appointment for Monaco, they have an interesting history, and of course, Arsene Wenger
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Views: 716
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Date: 29.03.2013 - 01:44