Sport News

[RIDER]

Mourinho eyes English return
COLIN STEWART

JOSE Mourinho, who left his position as Chelsea manager this week, says that he is keen to coach another English club later in his career.

Asked last night if he wanted to work in England again, he said: "Yes, for sure. I don't want it for my next step. My next step will be another country. I am 44 and I hope I have many years of management ahead and I love English football."
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Mourinho will not go back to his native Portugal just yet either. "I don't want the Portuguese national team," he said. "I want to make that very, very clear."

The coach said there were "fractures" behind the scenes at Chelsea. "The whole club was not a real block," he added. "There were some fractures. Maybe everybody had a responsibility [towards that] but I think this [departure] was the best solution."

Mourinho confirmed he had left by mutual consent. "I was not sacked and I didn't close the door," he said. "It is fair to say we found the correct words, mutual agreement is the correct English."

But he would not go into detail about his exit. "I am a man of war during competition but I am a man of peace outside competition," he said. "I don't want to air any dirty linen in public."

When told that many Chelsea supporters had cried over his exit, Mourinho said he too had been upset.

"I was crying too," he said. "Everything I do is with a lot of passion and emotion, everything is round the group ethic."

Mourinho's successor, Avram Grant, described himself as the "normal" one after being unveiled at Stamford Bridge earlier in the day. While Mourinho famously called himself "special", Grant said: "I am a normal person. I have my own philosophy."

Grant could not have asked for a tougher start, with Manchester United tomorrow his first game and Yom Kippur, the Jewish holiday today, meaning he will not be working with his squad prior to the match.

He added: "I need to look at the future, the near future especially. I think we will have a good relationship with the players and continue what we started in the last two days."

Despite reports of player unrest after Mourinho's departure, Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon stated that the squad were supportive after a turbulent few days.

"At the training ground it was business as usual," he said.

 

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I will miss Mourinho challenge' says Fergie
COLIN STEWART

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has described Jose Mourinho's departure from Chelsea as a "disappointment" and says he is at a loss to know what to do with an expensive bottle of red wine that he was planning on sharing with the Portuguese coach when the two clubs meet at Old Trafford tomorrow.

"I just do not know what I am going to do with my wine now," smiled Ferguson. "Jose leaving Chelsea is a disappointment for the game. He brought something fresh and new and I enjoyed the competition with him. I will miss the personal challenge.
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"He enjoyed unparalleled success at Chelsea and it will be a big test for whoever replaces him. At the moment that person is Avram Grant."

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, also paid tribute to Mourinho. "It is basically sad because I feel Mourinho is a manager of quality," he said. "I am a great believer in technical stability and therefore I don't think it is good news for football."

On their fractious relationship, he added: "We didn't get on the best but recently it has become better."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez kept his feud with Mourinho going to the last by declining to offer any compliments. "You know my relationship with him, it is better that I do not say anything," said Benitez.

Meanwhile, Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo is at the centre of an official police probe after an Everton fan claimed he was stamped on during last Saturday's match. Carl Lloyd, 34, told the Daily Post newspaper the Portuguese winger sank his studs into his right arm as he leaned over the advertising hoardings to retrieve the ball when it went out of play.

 

[RIDER]

Mourinho not special enough to fulfil ambitions of Abramovich
STUART BATHGATE

JOSE Mourinho's departure from Chelsea is a huge loss to British football. Entertaining, intelligent and provocative, he has been one of the most colourful characters on the scene in recent decades, and leaves a sizeable void which will not be readily filled.

He could also leave a big hole in the finances of club owner Roman Abramovich. Mourinho left the club "by mutual consent", according to a statement from Stamford Bridge in the small hours of yesterday morning, but the ostensibly amicable nature of this parting of the ways will not prevented him from seeking compensation of up to £25 million.
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Besides seeking redress for loss of earnings - he earned an estimated £5m per year and was under contract until 2010 - Mourinho might also require compensation for loss of reputation, as the abrupt end to his four-year stint at Stamford Bridge could well have done lasting damage to his standing in the game. The self-declared Special One has been the most successful manager in Chelsea's history, but judged purely on the standards demanded by Abramovich he has been a failure.

The Russian billionaire wanted the Champions League trophy, and supplied Mourinho with an extravagant transfer budget. The Portuguese coach could not deliver, even though he had won European club football's highest prize on a fraction of the outlay with Porto.

That was in 2004, in his final game before moving to England. He won the league in his first two seasons with Chelsea, which augured well for the team's assault on the Champions League. But, like his forerunner Claudio Ranieri, he could not get past the semi-finals. In the 2004-05 competition, then again last season, Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the penultimate round. In 2005-06 they finished behind Liverpool in the group stages, then lost to Barcelona in the first knockout round. Increasingly annoyed by this record, Abramovich also became more and more displeased by the kind of football employed by Mourinho. He did not merely want to beat the best, he wanted to do so in style, and his coach was coming up short on both fronts.

Still only 44, Mourinho has bags of time in which to find a new job and prove his genius again, and his restless nature will surely see him return to football soon. If he does retire on his earnings now, though, how will he be judged?

It should be clear at the very least that, whatever he is now, he has been a world-class coach for at least part of his career to date. The way in which he built an under-achieving Porto into UEFA Cup and Champions League winners in successive years showed his genius for getting the best out of players.

Mourinho became known as a painstaking, methodical coach who combined a scientific study of football with a knack for inspiring players with his unshakeable self-belief. He built that Porto side in his own image.

But, having succeeded there, he had to try to prove himself at the next level. "If I wanted to have an easy job I would have stayed at Porto," he said on moving to London. "Beautiful blue chair, the UEFA Champions League trophy, God, and after God, me."

Or, as it turned out, after God and Abramovich at first, and perhaps after chief executive Peter Kenyon as well. Then maybe after sporting director Frank Arnesen too, and latterly after Avram Grant, the director of football.

So, from being the kingpin at Porto, Mourinho had to adapt to a lesser role in a far bigger hierarchy at Chelsea. His own monstrous ego no doubt played a part in his inability to fit in, but in footballing terms it is easy to side with him.

What had Grant or Arnesen achieved to deserve being ranked above Mourinho? And what good did Abramovich think he would do by becoming more and more self-indulgent and meddling in team matters? You can own a shoe shop, but that doesn't make you a cobbler.

ONLY ONE WINNER:

 

[RIDER]

Torres does the trick for Liverpool
COLIN STEWART

LIVERPOOL'S record signing Fernando Torres left the Madejski Stadium with the match ball last night after his hat-trick helped secure a 4-2 win over Reading in the third round of the Carling Cup.

The Spanish striker has, bizarrely, started on the bench for Liverpool's past two Premier League matches, and manager Rafael Benitez even insisted that last night's showing does not guarantee Torres a place in the starting line-up against Wigan on Saturday.

"Could be, we'll see," said Benitez when asked about Torres' possible inclusion. "During the week we have good strikers and I think I'll have to think about it. It was a terrific game [for Torres]. I think he can kill the defenders."

Liverpool went ahead in the 23rd minute with a brilliant solo run by Yossi Benayoun that culminated in the Israeli firing the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the penalty area.

But Reading were level in the 27th minute when a corner from Nicky Shorey appeared to have been cleared by Momo Sissoko's header. The ball fell invitingly for Reading winger Bobby Convey on the edge of the penalty area and his angled left-foot volley found its way through a ruck of players and into the corner.

The Merseysiders were back in front moments into the second half when Sebastian Leto sent Torres through the middle with a slide-rule pass. The club's £24 million signing made no mistake as he slipped the ball beyond Adam Federici and into the corner of the net.

Reading weren't out of it, and in the 64th minute John Halls rifled the ball into the net after a goalmouth scramble. But Torres settled things, firstly in the 70th minute when he converted a low cross from substitute John Arne Riise, and then when he rounded Federici and rolled the ball into the net on 86 minutes.

Elsewhere, Nicklas Bendtner's bullet header and a superb effort from Denilson sent Arsenal's young Gunners into the fourth round with a 2-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium. After an entertaining game with several chances at both ends, Bendtner powered in a late header, before captain Philippe Senderos had to clear off the line and Denilson made sure with a fine 20-yard strike.

Newcastle's night was further soured when manager Sam Allardyce revealed Michael Owen, who did not feature against Arsenal, will see a specialist tomorrow to decide whether the England striker needs a hernia operation.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had given youth a chance to impress. Pole Lukasz Fabianski started in goal, while Lassana Diarra, signed from Chelsea, Brazilian teenager Denilson and England Under-21 star Theo Walcott also made the side. Emmanuel Eboue returned from an ankle problem, with Senderos named as the home team's captain.

Newcastle felt they had a penalty shout during the match when Obafemi Martins tumbled under a challenge from Senderos, but referee Howard Webb was not impressed.

Forgotten man Georgios Samaras netted a last-minute winner to give Manchester City a 1-0 win over Norwich. Samaras, a £6million signing by Stuart Pearce, scored on his first appearance of the season, racing onto Shaleum Logan's through ball to seal a place in the last 16 after a drab encounter at Eastlands.

West Bromwich Albion suffered a catastrophic first half against Cardiff City as they lost 4-2. Tony Mowbray's side had walked off to a chorus of boos at half-time as Cardiff's old guard ran riot at The Hawthorns. Robbie Fowler opened the scoring after four minutes, before Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink unleashed an unstoppable second from fully 30 yards midway through the half.

Baggies fans were left shell-shocked as Fowler grabbed his second from the penalty spot and Trevor Sinclair got in on the act to put the visitors 4-0 up inside the opening half an hour.

Ishmael Miller gave Albion an unlikely lifeline as he pulled a goal back 12 minutes before the interval, while the same player scored from the spot late on.

There was no shock at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United enjoyed a 5-0 rout against giant-killing Morecambe. After 18 minutes, Billy Sharp managed to provide some cutting edge and struck the opening goal to take the wind out of Morecambe's sails. Sharp made it 2-0 before half-time to make the task even more difficult for the visitors. Luton Shelton (two) and former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie finished Morecambe off.

Kevin Nugent struck a controversial 69th-minute winner for Portsmouth over battling Coca-Cola Championship side Burnley at Turf Moor. Nugent struck low just inside Gabor Kiraly's right-hand post to seal a 1-0 victory despite angry protests he had handled from midfielder Pedro Mendes' initial cross.

Burnley had their chances but Ade Akinbiyi and Steven Caldwell both headed straight at Pompey keeper Jamie Ashdown when they should have scored.

Championship side Charlton suffered a miserable exit at the hands of League One Luton as goals from Matthew Spring and Drew Talbot in extra-time gave the hosts a 3-1 win at Kenilworth Road. Charlton had taken an early lead through Dean Sinclair but Steve Robinson equalised.

Blackpool also needed extra-time to see off Southend, with Michael Jackson's goal in the 118th minute securing a 2-1 win.

 

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Curbishley vows to field strong side despite Dyer injury

WEST Ham manager Alan Curbishley is sticking by his pledge to take the Carling Cup as seriously as possible. The Hammers, who are at home to Plymouth tonight, know there will be little respite before Premier League leaders Arsenal arrive at Upton Park on Saturday.

Curbishley sent out an experienced side in the last round for the 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers.

But, although the loss of Kieron Dyer to a broken leg that night meant victory came at a high cost, Curbishley will continue to use a majority of first-choice players in a competition he believes his side can win.

He said: "I did say after the Bristol Rovers game how disappointed I was after what happened to Kieron but we are in these competitions and we have got to attack them. Every now and then, a team from outside the top four gets to the final, so, if you are a team like that, then that is what you should be looking to do. We have injuries here but we have got enough to attack it."

Craig Bellamy missed Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle with a hamstring problem and Curbishley is likely to leave him out again tonight.

He said: "He wants to give it a go, but we will have to decide whether we risk it or give him a week's training ahead of the Arsenal game. If Craig doesn't make it we have only two recognised senior strikers. We could bring in youngsters if we wanted to, but I can also play Freddie Ljungberg or Luis Boa Morte up there. We can cope."

Richard Wright will take over from Robert Green in goal after the former Everton man made his debut at Bristol Rovers before returning to the bench.

Meanwhile, Ayegbeni Yakubu is ready to prove himself to Everton manager David Moyes after being dropped for Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

The Nigerian was axed from the starting line-up for the game at Villa Park as Moyes felt the £11.25million club record signing had not been working hard enough recently.

It was a case in point at Villa Park when Yakubu failed to chase down a simple ball from Leighton Baines at one stage in the game after coming as a 69th-minute substitute.

That resulted in Baines remonstrating with Yakubu for his lack of effort.

On Monday, the 24-year-old trained with a group of players who had not been involved in the defeat to Villa.

Now it remains to be seen whether Moyes will restore the former Middlesbrough striker to the side for the third-round tie against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

At least from assistant manager Alan Irvine's point of view, Yakubu has not let his shoulders drop or taken the criticism to heart.

"He has responded really well to being left out, and that's what you hope for from players," said Irvine. "We are a hard-working team, and we need all of our players to do a very committed and totally honest job when they are out there.

"We also ask them to do not only their own job, but to help other people out as well.

"I'm sure Yak will do that. He seems a great lad."

 

[RIDER]

Terry passed fit for Russia test

Terry passed fit for Russia test

Terry will not have to wear his moulded face mask in Russia

Russia v England
Luzhniki stadium

Kick-off: 1600 BST
Live coverage on BBC Radio 5live & the BBC Sport website
Highlights: BBC One 2240 BST England captain John Terry has been declared fit for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Russia on Wednesday.
Terry has overcome the knee problem that forced him to miss England's 3-0 win over Estonia on Saturday.
He will need minor knee surgery in the future and also has a broken toe and fractured cheekbone but has been given the all-clear to play in Moscow.
"They need to remove a bit of floating bone, but I will be back a week after the operation, I am told," said Terry.

 

[RIDER]

Toshack fumes at pampered players
John Toshack
Toshack had a few choice words for some of his players
Wales manager John Toshack has launched a stinging attack on his players by suggesting they are spoilt and do not care about playing for their country.

Toshack's side play San Marino on Wednesday, a fixture that comes days after a 3-1 defeat in Cyprus.

And Toshack said: "The players will say they do care and it is rubbish to say they don't. But did it look like they cared? It didn't look like it to me."

Toshack added that they "take for granted" playing for Wales.


I feel that some of the players take (the treatment they receive) for granted - I don't like that

John Toshack

"I was in charge of that team, and people will look at me and wonder what I was doing. That hurts my pride," he added.

"I'd hope that some of them feel the same - but I am not sure that they do."

Toshack had remained tight-lipped since suggesting he would "take a hard look" at himself after watching his side throw away a half-time lead in Nicosia on Saturday.

But he delivered another heartfelt speech at Tuesday's media conference, insisting resigning as manager had never entered his mind.

The 58-year-old former Real Madrid manager also rejected suggestions the squad are no longer playing for him, and revealed he had spoken frankly to them about their attitudes.

"What I saw on the pitch the other night was unacceptable," said Toshack.


606: DEBATE
For all those having a go at John Toshack I question just who else you would like in charge

toshacks_barmy_army

"I did question the attitude of some of them. When I went for this job, the people offered me three years. I turned it down and insisted on five years.

"You looked at some of those things on the field and think 'what have we been doing here for the last two-and-a-half years?'.

"This is a young group. The experienced players are still a couple of years away from the experience we need and I don't like some of the things that I see.

"Another five star hotel boys, here we are in Rimini now. Look out the window, if the waves are making a noise in the evening, just phone down and we'll see if we can move you over to one of the rooms on the other side of the hotel.

"We have a chef with us now who makes the food. They travel well wherever they go.

"There are doctors, physios, kit men, masseurs lugging skips about, taking equipment down the training ground and putting it down for them.


I needed to let one or two of the players know how I felt

John Toshack

"Sometimes I feel that some of these take it for granted and I don't like that and won't accept it.

"The people who've paid money to go to Cyprus have got to go home to do a shift. They pay money again to come to San Marino and watch the game.

"We travel around and get paid for doing it and doesn't cost us a penny. I needed to let one or two of them know how I felt."

Toshack said he believed Wales had turned a corner following recent positive results against Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.

But he admitted that Saturday's performance against Cyprus was one of the "worst he had ever seen", although he rejected suggestions this was the worst Wales team ever.

"It's certainly not as blessed with Premier League players like previous Welsh teams," he said.

Wales face Group D whipping boys San Marino on Wednesday, but such is the depth of Toshack's despair at his side's current form, he is not taking victory for granted.

"I suppose they are going to have to win one day," he said of San Marino, who have never won a competitive game.

"I'd like to think we'll perform better than we did the other night. I'd like to think we'd win and get three points.

"But even if we do, it won't take away what I felt from the game in Cyprus."

 

[RIDER]

Drogba - We wanted more

Didier Drogba feels Chelsea should have scored more despite demolishing Rosenborg 4-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

Chelsea outclassed Rosenborg from start to finish in Norway and could easily have added more to their tally, with Shaun Wright-Phillips hitting the bar and Michael Essien missing a series of chances.

But, although Drogba believes the team can play even better, he was happy with evening's events.

"We can always improve, and I think we could have scored more goals, but we are happy with our performance," he said.

"We're a team of big players and we had a bad run of games, but we've shown now that we are able to bounce back.

"We blocked them out of the game and prevented them from playing their game.

"We have to keep winning and grab points."

 

[RIDER]

Strachan hails Bravehearts
Strachan hails Bravehearts

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan hailed the "sheer guts" of his players after Massimo Donati's injury-time winner sunk Shakhtar Donetsk to keep the Hoops' UEFA Champions League hopes alive.

Strachan's side suffered a nightmare start, going down to Brandao's fourth-minute strike and losing defenders John Kennedy and Lee Naylor to injury.

But the fiery Scot paid tribute to a big-hearted comeback that left Donati the last-gasp hero after a Jarosik equaliser.

"In different games we have had to think, really play well technically but for sheer guts that's as good as it gets," Strachan said.

"Just when you think you have seen it all, you think about every scenario, but you can never know what's going to happen.

"Losing a stupid goal, ending up with a midfielder playing left-back, a centre-half at right-back [Gary Caldwell] and someone who has not played for five months who is 34 [Steven Pressley].

Heart

"How did we win the game? The simple answer is with a huge heart."

Celtic now need just a point from their game against Milan to progress to the last 16, but Strachan refused to get carried away with the win.

"It has put us in a great position," he admitted.

"We cannot ask for any more from the players but what happens elsewhere we can't deal with. We have had another smashing campaign this year."

 

[RIDER]

Serie A: Ancelotti refuses to dwell on Milan's home slump

Serie A: Ancelotti refuses to dwell on Milan's home slump
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to press the panic button after his team's miserable home league form continued Saturday as the European champions were held to a 0-0 draw at the San Siro by Juventus.

Milan failed to win for the seventh home Serie A match in a row, earning five draws, two defeats, five points and just a pitiful three goals in that period.

It is a situation that has become desperate, particularly with bitter city rivals and reigning champions Inter Milan romping clear, unbeaten at the top of the table.

If Inter win at Fiorentina on Sunday, the gap between the two Milan sides will be 16 points after just 13 games.

But Ancelotti preferred to praise his opponents rather than dwell on his own team's failings.

"They are aggressive, compact, the tightest defence in Italy, they don't concede much," he said of Juve on Sky Sport television. "We had our chances, we have nothing to reproach ourselves about."

For Juve, though, it was once again a non-conclusive result against a title rival, following previous draws against Fiorentina, Inter and Roma.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon defended his side's supposed lack of ambition in big matches.

"We have earnt respect and we've not played badly. We're a Juventus that takes risks to get big results, we've got the right attitude," he insisted. Juve coach Claudio Ranieri was satisfied with his charges.

"I am happy because we have showed character. We were playing against the European champions. Milan don't deserve to be where they are in the league (seventh). It's not easy to play at their ground," he said.

It wasn't easy for either side in a game of few opportunities.

The league's top goal-scorer David Trezeguet had the first clear chance of the match for the visitors on 12 minutes in a cagey first half but his fierce shot from an angle beat AC Milan's Brazilian goalkeeper Dida, only to crash against the upright and away to safety.

Things began to hot up after the break and Dida parried a long-range effort from Bosnian midfielder Hassan Salihamidzich three minutes after the interval with Italy full-back Massimo Oddo blocking Czech winger Pavel Nedved's follow-up.

Milan had the ball in the net on 50 minutes but Alberto Gilardino was offside when he mopped up the rebound from Brazilian playmaker Kaka's rasping effort.

Just passed the hour mark and the visitors should have gone in front but forwards Vincenzo Iaquinta, at the front post, and Trezeguet and the backstick, failed to gamble on full-back Christian Molinaro's wicked ball across the six-yard box.

Milan substitute Filippo Inzaghi sprung the Juve offside trap 20 minutes from time but he rushed his shot from the edge of the area and blasted the ball straight at Buffon when a little composure was needed to break the deadlock.

Milan did manage to pile on some late pressure with Inzaghi and Kaka both threatening, without either forcing a save out of Buffon.

Juve moved clear of Roma and Udinese in second place on 26 points, two behind Inter, while Milan moved up to seventh on 18 points, but both sides could drop places after Sunday's matches.

In the day's early game, Sampdoria jumped up to sixth after dominating lowly Reggina 3-0 at home.

Two goals from Claudio Bellucci and a third from Paolo Sammarco kept Sampdoria on the UEFA Cup qualification trail while sinking Reggina deeper into relegation trouble.

Reggina are fourth from bottom and if either of the bottom three - Empoli, Siena and Cagliari - take at least a point from their matches on Sunday, Reggina will find themselves in the drop zone.
__________________

 

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Football: Ronaldo will be fit for Japan, says Galliani
Brazil forward Ronaldo will be fit to return to the AC Milan squad when they compete in the Club World Cup in Japan, vice-president Adriano Galliani said on Saturday.

Speaking to Sky Sport television cameras ahead of the crunch Serie A clash against Juventus, Galliani insisted that Tuesday's Champions League match against Celtic would come too soon for Ronaldo but that he could play on December 13 in the global tournament semi-final.

Ronaldo's long awaited comeback from a thigh injury lasted only a single game after he played against Cagliari last weekend only to get injured in midweek.

"I report what the doctors tell me: for Ronaldo the problem is a pull ... not a tear. It's a small thing," said Galliani.

"Next week Ronaldo would have to be in a position to train and to be ready (to play). I wouldn't say (he will be) on Tuesday in the Champions League, but for Japan, yes

 

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Primera Liga Preview: Racing out to put the brakes on Real's home run
After two dismal away performances in the last week, Spanish league leaders Real Madrid will be glad to be back in their Santiago Bernabeu stadium to face Racing Santander on Saturday.

The Spanish giants have a 100 per cent record at home this season, in both La Liga and the Champions League, however their visitors can also boast of the best defensive record in the Spanish first division.

Racing goalkeeper Tono Rodriguez has conceded only nine goals this season, and been beaten just twice in their last eight games.

"When you walk out onto the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu it can be intimidating, but once the whistle goes you realise it's only 11 men against 11," said Tono on Thursday.

However, the 11 men that Real will field are collectively the most lethal strike force in the Spanish first division with 30 goals to their name this season.

Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and club captain Raul Gonzalez have six goals apiece and Robinho is not far behind, the Brazilian having found the net five times.

"Yes, Real are probably the best team in the world... but we are not going there with a defeatist attitude," added the Racing goalkeeper.

Real will be without their suspended midfield playmaker Jose Maria Gutierrez, who has made many of his team-mates' goals this season but who was sent off in the 1-1 draw at Murcia last Saturday.

The reigning Spanish champions have 29 points from 13 games and a one-point advantage over second-placed Villarreal while Real's eternal rivals Barcelona are one point and one place further back.

Villarreal will be looking to continue keeping the pressure on Real, and could take over at the top if they slip up with three points at struggling Valladolid, who have only won once at home this season.

"We are all disappointed that we squandered the chance to go top last weekend when we were held to a draw by Almeria. We are determined not to make the same mistake at Valladolid," said Villarreal's Joan Capdevila on Wednesday.

"Not having UEFA Cup commitments this week means that we can relax and focus fully on Sunday's game," added the Spanish international defender.

By contrast, Barcelona had a taxing 2-2 draw against Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday and the fixture pile up is starting to take its toll on the Catalan club.

Thierry Henry and Sylvinho are definitely out of action for the local derby at Espanyol on Saturday, with a back strain and left knee injury respectively.

There are also question marks over the fitness of defenders Oleguer Presas and Lilian Thuram as well as their Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.

However, the biggest worry for Frank Rijkaard is the plummeting form of one-time superstar and two-time World Player of the Year Ronaldinho.

Against Lyon, Rijkaard decided to leave the Brazilian among the substitutes for the first time in nearly three years and he could be relegated to the bench again on Saturday.

Another factor which could also count against Ronaldinho starting for Barca is the possible return of their prolific Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o.

Eto'o has been out of action since early September with a thigh injury but he has almost fully recovered and may be in the squad to face Espanyol.

"If I play this week, then great, but if I have to wait a week, it's not important. I'm ready, I've been working hard to get back," said Eto'o earlier this week.

Espanyol have been one of the revelations of the season and currently lie fourth, just two points behind their neighbour.

"At the start of the season we were just thinking about avoiding relegation but now we've set our sights a lot higher," said Espanyol coach Ernesto Valverde, who used to play for Barcelona.
__________________

 

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Rey Mysterio In China When Earthquake Hits, More News & Notes

Written by Richard Gray on May 13, 2008 - 9:41:50 AM

- WWE has posted an article on their website reporting that Rey Mysterio was in China Monday afternoon when the magnitude 7.9 earthquake hit. According to the report, Mysterio was in the middle of an event at a local TV station when the earthquake hit. He and his wife Angie were moved back to their hotel for safety reasons. Neither Mysterio nor Angie were hur

 

[RIDER]

Kurt Angle Injury Update, New TNA Video Game Gets Bad Press, Dark Match

Written by Richard Gray on May 13, 2008 - 9:30:55 AM

- Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is reporting that Kurt Angle is expected to be out about a month with his nick injury. Meltzer also echoed what I have been reporting in that there was talk of doing a program between Angle and A.J. Styles to commence at Slammiversary.

- 1Up.com has a featured on the "Worst Videogame Box Covers Ever" and TNA's new Impact video game is on the list. Click here to read it.

- Robert Roode over Curry Man was taped last night for Xplosion. TNA will tape next week's TV tonight from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

 

[RIDER]

JBL, Success In WWE/TNA, Booker's Gimmick, More
Written by Richard Gray on May 13, 2008 - 9:10:05 AM

This is not a new installment of Ask WNW. I am currently traveling so this is a special retro edition of Ask WNW with questions mixed in from past installments. Enjoy!

Is JBL really a self-made millionaire or is that just part of his gimmick?

John “Bradshaw” Layfield really did get rich by investing in the stock market. Actually they tweaked his gimmick to fit his real-life persona rather than the other way around which is done for most performers. JBL is considered an expert at the stock market and even provides analysis for news networks and trading publications.

Thanks for posting my last question. I highly respect your opinions. When wrestlers like Christian Cage and Kurt Angle went to TNA, they were used better. When wrestlers like Monty Brown and Kazarian went to the WWE, they were not used much at all. What wrestlers in TNA do you think would be better off in WWE and vice versa? Do you see either Ron Killings or Chris Harris being successful?

Thank you for the compliment! I somewhat disagree with your opening statement. I don’t feel like TNA has used Kurt Angle “better” than WWE. He was still a main event caliber talent in WWE and I actually feel that TNA has done a very mediocre job of booking him. Sure they book him over on all PPVs, but there are several occasions in my opinion where he is booked to look too “soft.” As for Monty Brown he was climbing the ladder in WWE but due to personal problems, he ended his relationship with the company. Kaz needed more size to be a contender in WWE. For him to get a shot in WWE he needed more of a defining characteristic. Even at 215 pounds he was not heavy enough for his height. With all of this being said, there is no “perfect” situation for anyone. To be successful in the wrestling industry you almost have to be in the right place at the right time. Christian was booked to be a main eventer in TNA because he couldn’t get past the “smaller” stigma in WWE and TNA wanted to capitalize on his popularity from WWE. As for Killings or Harris I don’t see either one making much of a run past mid-card status. I hope that I’m wrong, but Harris was really just a mid-card guy in TNA and while Killings was a top caliber talent in TNA, he’ll have a hard time at competing with people like Edge, The Undertaker, etc. One thing you have to understand is WWE has far more top names than TNA and a wrestler that is considered a “big deal” in TNA such as Killings is nothing more than a mid-card performer on WWE’s roster. Excellent question!

With Booker T now a TNA talent, how is he not only able to use the Booker T name but the entire gimmick including the catch phrases? Wasn’t that owned by WCW which obviously is now WWE?

No, Robert Huffman (a/k/a Booker T) owns all of the trademarks to his gimmick as well as the Booker T ring name. He is free to use it whenever he wants and he could actually be the one that would be able to pursue legal action against WWE should they use any mentions of his gimmick (not that they ever would). However, WWE owned the rights to the King Booker gimmick which is why he dropped it after parting ways with WWE.

Chris Jericho's return to the WWE was hyped up to be a huge deal and yet he's nothing but a mid card performer. Would Chris Jericho's return be considered a failure as far as the expectations were concerned?

No not at all. Chris Jericho was very well aware that if he went back to WWE that he would have to work as an upper-mid card performer under the likes of John Cena, Triple H, and Randy Orton. Is that to say that he will never get another run at the WWE Championship? No but he was well aware of what his position would be in the company before he signed a contract to comeback. I have talked to people very close to Chris and they tell me that he loves being back in the business. Jericho is still making very good money and feels rejuvenated in WWE.

To submit your question for our next installment of Ask WNW, click here.

Remember questions with proper spelling and grammar receive top priority and stand the best chance of getting answered. I am currently traveling so Ask WNW is on a temporary hiatus.

 

[RIDER]

The Ultimate Warrior Launches Internet Reality Website
Written by Richard Gray on May 13, 2008 - 9:06:09 AM

The following press release was sent to us this morning:

Professional wrestling's most energetic, iconic and intense personality has launched a website that has fans in a frenzy. The Ultimate Warrior will bet back into the ring after 10 years removed on June 25th in Barcelona, Spain. This event is one of the most talked about news events to effect professional wrestling in many years.

UltimateWarriorTV.com will be the site where fans can access exclusive footage of Warrior training physically, mentally and spiritually in a way unparalleled. No man has ever stepped into the ring and created the excitement for fans that Warrior did. That excitement has been brought to your home computer where you can view footage from the man named Warrior as he entertains the world with his colorful personality and wisdom that is often imitated, but never duplicated.

Warriors agent, Bernie J. Gernay from PSI Marketing Group, stated "This is going to be the greatest internet reality site on the planet. We launched UltimateWarriorTV.com because millions of fans want all they can get of him. With Warrior, you always get more than you expected including, of course, the unexpected. That is what makes Ultimate Warrior the commodity he is."

 

[RIDER]

What You Didn't See On Last Night's RAW
Written by Luke Parks on May 13, 2008 - 2:09:09 AM

Pre-Show Dark Match:
- Ron Killings def. Nick "The Natural" Nemeth

Heat:

Jim Duggan def. CK3 (aka Conrad Kennedy III)

Paul Burchill & Katie Lea def. Super Crazy

Paul London & Brian Kendrick def. Charlie Haas & Highlander Robbie

Post-Raw:

Shawn Michaels, Triple H, & John Cena def. Randy Orton, JBL, & Umaga in a 6 man-tag cage match.

 

[RIDER]

TNA Impact Taping Results (5/15) *Spoilers*
Written by Luke Parks on May 13, 2008 - 12:49:44 AM

The show opened with them announcing King of the Mountain on 6/8 will be an eight-man match for the title. Jim Cornette picks four guys and Joe will pick three others. Cornette picked Robert Roode, Matt Morgan,James Storm and Tomko. Joe will announce his three picks next week, but Booker T came out demanding to be picked and Christian & Rhino chased him out.

Kaz, Sonjay Dutt, & Jay Lethal def. Johnny Devine & the Rock 'N Rave Infection

Lethal asked SoCal Val to marry him and the wedding will be on Slammiversary

Awesome Kong def. Gail Kim for the TNA Knockouts Championship

Kurt Angle asked Karen to come back to him. They teased Karen coming next week for an answer.

LAX def. The Motor City Machineguns

Angelina Love & Velvet Sky def. ODB & Roxxi Laveaux

Samoa Joe, Christian Cage, & Rhino def. Team 3D & Booker T.

 

[RIDER]

WWE RAW Results - 05/12/2008
Written by Ryan Gray on May 13, 2008 - 12:41:46 AM

- WWE Monday Night RAW opens up tonight with a video package of Triple H laying out the ECW roster with a steel chair in last week's RAW main event and Randy Orton then laying out Triple H with the RKO.

- Jim Ross welcomes us to the Joe Louis Arena as we go into the show with the lights out in the arena. The lights come back on and William Regal is in the ring with Lilian Garcia. The crowd is heavily booing Regal. He looks at Lilian and she starts singing "God Save the Queen" which of course gets even more boo's.

Lilian stops singing and Regal asks how the fans can disrespect him and his country. He says he is the King and can do whatever he wants, even having people thrown out. He says he will set an example and walks to ringside. Regal points at a guy and his girlfriend in the crowd and asks security to throw them out of the building. Security comes along and try to get them to leave when Mickie James runs out. Mickie says it is her brother and his girlfriend but Regal says he doesn't care and has them thrown out of the building.

Mickie follows Regal in the ring and he says he will have them thrown out as well. He tells her to get out of the ring but she keeps protesting with Regal. He says he will strip her of the Women's Championship. The music hits and out comes John Cena.

Cena helps Mickie James out of the ring and stares down William Regal. Cena says he has been away for a few weeks and usually when returning, he's ready to raise some hell, but tonight he has to talk to Regal, man to man. Cena says he knows what its like to go out here and have the people tell you that you suck. Cena says there are a lot of folks, everybody pretty much, who thinks Regal is messing up. Regal says Mr. McMahon endorsed him last week and Cena replies that Vince is insane and talks to himself, a lot.

Cena has a handful of e-mails from fans, sent to WWE.com. Cena reads the e-mails, which are all negative towards Regal turning off the lights on RAW for the past two weeks. One letter said "This is bad, this is WCW Thunder bad." Regal asks if this is how the fans truly feel as they chant "Fire Regal." Cena says of course it's how they feel. Regal says tonight, he won't be turning out the lights in any matches and gives his word.

Regal says he knows Cena wants revenge against Randy Orton for kicking him in the head at Backlash, so he announces Randy Orton vs. John Cena as the main event tonight. Regal says if anyone gets involved in the match who's not a participant, they will be automatically suspended. Regal says now, perhaps he has earned a little bit of the fans respect. Regal goes to leave the ring as Cena gets on the mic and says no, he hasn't earned respect, he just made a good match. Cena mentions how he made Lilian start the match with "God Save the Queen" and reminds him he is in the United States of America, son. Cena gives Regal some advice and says these people will rip him apart if he keeps making mistakes like those. Cena tells him to recognize where he's at, Detroit.

Cena talks about Detroit and brings up Aretha Franklin. He asks Lilian Garcia to break out in Aretha's "Respect" song and she does. The crowd pops for Cena and Lilian as Regal makes his way backstage and Cena follows.

- Tonight we will see Chris Jericho apologize to Shawn Michaels for his actions over the past few weeks and a WWE Tag Team Title match with Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defending against Santino Marella and Carlito. We go to commercial break.

- Back from commercial and WWE Hall of Famer "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's music hits and he makes his way out to the ring. Piper shakes the hand of Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross and has a seat at ringside for the following match.

WWE Tag Team Title Match: Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly vs. Santino Marella and Carlito
After Piper takes a seat, the challengers Santino Marella and Carlito make their way to the ring followed by the WWE Tag Team Champions, Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly. As the Champions enter the ring, Carlito and Santino go outside and throw an apple at Roddy Piper.

Hardcore Holly and Santino Marella start this Title match up with Holly in control of Santino. Carlito, the illegal man, hits a swinging neck breaker on Holly which lets Santino get a 2 count. Carlito gets tagged in now and goes to work on Holly. Santino is tagged back in as they keep Holly locked down in their own corner.

Carlito and Santino continue working together well as a team, keeping control of the match. Holly hits a back suplex on Carlito as both men try to make a tag and they do. Cody and Santino are in now, with Cody launching a nice offense followed by a 2 count. Cody hits a big powerslam off the ropes for another 2 count. Reversed bulldog by Cody and yet another 2 count. Santino goes to the second rope but hops off as Roddy Piper distracted him at ringside. Santino turns around and gets hit by a big DDT from Cody Rhodes for the pinfall and the win.

Winners: Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly

After the match, Roddy Piper gets in the ring and raises the hands of Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes. We see clips of Jericho and Michaels recent problems as we go to commercial.

- Back from commercial and Mr. Kennedy comes out. He says he knows he has a big mouth but nobody can shut it for him because he is Mr... KENNEDY!

Mr. Kennedy vs. Snitsky
Kennedy makes his way down to the ring as the monster Snitsky comes out for this singles match. Snitsky looks to be sporting a new goatee look.

Kennedy and Snitsky start the match off and Snitsky overpowers him, slamming him into the turnbuckle and hitting a series of kicks and punches. 2 count by Snitsky. Mr. Kennedy gets lifted up into a massive bear hug that Snitsky just holds and applies the pressure as Kennedy tries to fight back but gets caught right back in the hold.

Kennedy finally gets out of the bear hug but gets knocked down by a big shoulder block. Snitsky misses the elbow drop and Kennedy fights back with forearms and takes out the knees of Snitsky with kicks and drop kicks. Snitsky ends up getting back in control but Kennedy counters his pump handle slam and hits the Mic Check for the win.

Winner: Mr. Kennedy

- We get a mention for the Randy Orton vs. John Cena match later tonight as we go back to commercial.

- Back from commercial and we see Santino Marella backstage. Santino has words for Roddy Piper and says he is going to find him and hurt him.

- Backstage we see John Cena making something to drink. Mickie James walks up and thanks him for his help earlier and Cena acts real weird. Mickie says she, her brother and sister are going out for drinks later and invites him. Cena says no. He has a duty to his job tonight and an important match. Mickie asks if he's joking and he says yes. Cena says he will be there later tonight and says when you go out with him it can get wild. Mickie says she has to get off to her match and they say goodbye.

- We see Beth Phoenix and Melina walking to the ring as we go back to commercial.

Melina and Beth Phoenix vs. Maria and Mickie James
The heel Divas make their way to the ring after commercial followed by Maria and the WWE Women's Champion Mickie James. Maria and Melina start the match up.

Mickie gets tagged in early and goes to work on Melina and gets a 2 count that Beth Phoenix breaks up. Mickie runs into Beth, knocking her to the floor. Melina gets herself a 2 count on Mickie.

Beth Phoenix starts walking to the back, leaving Melina to face Mickie and Maria by herself. Mickie hits the DDT on Melina for the win and the pinfall as we go back to commercial.

Winners: Mickie James and Maria

- Back from commercial and WWE Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho is coming out to the ring. Jericho says he didn't believe HBK's injury was real and shows clips from the HBK-Batista match at Backlash. We see more clips of HBK and Jericho's tag match last week. Jericho says he saw the pain in HBK's face as he super kicked John Morrison and he realized Shawn Michaels is really hurt.

Jericho says he came out here to say he is sorry to Shawn Michaels tonight. The music hits and out comes the Heartbreak Kid. HBK tries to speak but Jericho keeps interrupting him saying he came here to apologize. HBK says he isn't the one who needs to apologize and says he faked an injury for the first time in his life. HBK says he was right, he is not hurt. Jericho starts to laugh. Jericho says HBK is trying to play tricks on him before their match at Judgment Day.

HBK says he told everyone he would do whatever it takes to win and he did just that. HBK says again, he is not hurt. Jericho says he's starting to insult his intelligence. Jericho says he still isn't buying it and he's onto him. Jericho keeps talking and gets laid out by some Sweet Chin Music by Shawn Michaels. HBK kneels over Jericho and says "Trust me, I'm not hurt." HBK's music hits and he makes his way back to the back as we go back to commercial.

- Back from commercial and Jeff Hardy's music hits and he makes his way to the ring, returning to RAW to a huge pop. Hardy says it's great to be back and says he made a mistake, and he paid for it. He says now that he's back, he has a lot of things to do, like become Intercont.... his microphone cuts out and William Regal comes to the entrance way.

Regal says Hardy should pay for his sins and tonight he will, facing Umaga. The music hits and out comes the Samoan Bulldozer.

Umaga vs. Jeff Hardy
Hardy dives through the ropes and attacks Umaga as he makes his way to the ring. No bell has even rang yet. They finally make it to the ring after brawling on the floor and the bell rings. Umaga unloads on Hardy, throwing him into the corner. The crowd pops for Hardy as they keep fighting. Umaga drops Hardy with a big Samoan Drop.

Umaga continues unloading on Hardy in the turnbuckle and goes for a running splash but Hardy moves out of the way. Hardy goes up top, hits the Whisper in the Wind on Umaga for the pinfall.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

- Back from commercial and Cryme Tyme are making their way to the ring.

Cryme Tyme vs. Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch
Back from commercial and Cryme Tyme make their way to the ring. Typical tag team match starting up with both teams getting their moves in.

JTG and Murdoch go at it now with JTG getting his pin countered as Trevor Murdoch rolls him up for a pin and the win.

Winners: Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade

After the match, Cade and Murdoch make up or whatever. Cade tells Murdoch to sing a victory song and he does, Know When to Fold Them. As Murdoch sings, Cade lays him out and keeps beating on him. Cade leaves the ring as Murdoch tries to get to his feet.

- Backstage we see Melina and Jillian Hall confronting Beth Phoenix. Beth says last week Melina cost her the WWE Title so she could have a shot at the Title. Melina clubs Beth with a forearm to the face and they start brawling in the backstage area until WWE officials break them up.

- Backstage we see Todd Grisham with Randy Orton. The former WWE Champion talks about winning the main event at WrestleMania and talks about standing over Triple H on RAW last week. Orton says the Age of Orton will be on display this Sunday as he beats Triple H at Judgment Day and says he will defeat John Cena tonight on RAW. Back to commercial.

Randy Orton vs. John Cena
The former WWE Champion Randy Orton comes out to a brand new theme song. The music hits and out comes John Cena, back in action on Monday Night RAW. Cena makes his way to the ring as we get ready for the main event.

The crowd breaks out in a Cena chant as the bell rings and they lock up with Orton eventually applying his usual side headlock. Cena hits a cradle suplex and gets a 2 count on Orton. Big shoulder by Orton knocks Cena down. Orton hits right hands on Cena but he fights back with his own. Back breaker move by Orton and a 2 count.

Orton starts with his stalking of John Cena, kicks him in the head and starts stomping. Cena blocks the boot, catches it while laying on the floor. Cena gets up and dumps Orton over the top rope, leaving him lay on the floor as we go to commercial.

Back from commercial and Orton has Cena in another side headlock. Cena hits a flying shoulder on Orton but Orton starts to stalk him. Orton goes for the RKO but Cena throws him away. Cena takes Orton down with the Blockbuster and goes to the top. Cena with a big leg drop from the top.

William Regal and JBL come to the ramp with JBL dressed as a referee. JBL comes to the ring and Cena starts brawling with him. Cena blocks another RKO and hits the FU on Orton but JBL kicks him in the face, stopping the FU. Orton pins Cena for the win after a fast count by JBL.

Winner: Randy Orton

As Orton's music plays, Cena attacks JBL and they brawl. Orton and JBL end up double teaming Cena as The Game's music hits and out comes Triple H. The WWE Champion goes right for Orton and they begin to brawl. Cena and JBL go at it with them fighting through the crowd.

In the ring, Orton hits Triple H with a big boot and gets over him, hitting him with numerous right hands. A steel cage begins to lower over Orton and Triple H as they continue to brawl.

The cage sets in over the ring and Orton keeps beating on Triple H as the crowd rallies behind the WWE Champion. Triple H hits a big Spinebuster and throws Orton over the top rope and he lands outside the ring and the cage. Triple H climbs to the top of the steel cage, looks down at the floor to Randy Orton as his music plays and the WWE Champion stands high atop the cage going into this Sunday's Judgment Day pay-per-view.

 

[cool_eagle]

Euro 2008 (news): Larsson returns for Sweden EURO bid

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Larsson returns for Sweden EURO bid

Before revealing the players who would make up Sweden's UEFA EURO 2008™ squad in Stockholm today, coach Lars Lagerbäck announced that they would be read out in a random order. Apparently not, for when he got to the 23rd and final name, a cheer went through the Swedish press corps – Henrik Larsson was back.

Playing well
The 36-year-old retired from international football following Sweden's elimination by Germany at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but remained in Lagerbäck's thoughts as he continued to impress at Helsingborgs IF, for whom he has scored six goals in eleven Allsvenskan outings this season. "There's been a glow about Henrik and his football throughout the spring," Lagerbäck said. "And I know that he looks like he's enjoying his football, he's playing good football. I thought about him returning during Helsingborg's UEFA Cup campaign, when Henrik played a big part in the team's success."

'Quick decision'
Larsson even made an appearance at the conference, albeit via a mobile phone link after journalists had asked to hear his thoughts. The former Feyenoord, Celtic FC, FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC striker said: "When I said I was retiring, I was in a disappointed frame of mind. I wasn't happy with our performance in that match against Germany, and I wasn't happy with my own performance either. At that point I didn't know that I'd keep playing football for as long as this – or that I would enjoy it as much as I am right now. Lars Lagerbäck phoned me yesterday while I was out playing golf. When I checked my voicemail I made a quick decision to say 'yes'."

Linderoth doubt
While Sweden welcomed back one veteran, another will not be travelling to EURO as Teddy Lucic resisted the call. Other surprises were scarce, with Fredrik Stoor of Rosenborg BK earning selection ahead of Halmstad BK's Peter Larsson, and Johan Wiland of IF Elfsborg claiming the third goalkeeping spot. Tobias Linderoth is included despite not having played this year, but will be replaced by Kennedy Bakircioglu if he fails to prove his fitness at a pre-finals training camp.

Sweden squad
Goalkeepers: Andreas Isaksson (Manchester City FC), Rami Shaaban (Hammarby), Johan Wiland (IF Elfsborg).

Defenders: Mikael Dorsin (CFR 1907 Cluj), Petter Hansson (Stade Rennais FC), Daniel Majstorovic (FC Basel 1893), Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa FC), Mikael Nilsson (Panathinaikos FC), Andreas Granqvist (Wigan Athletic FC), Fredrik Stoor (Rosenborg BK).

Midfielders: Niclas Alexandersson (IFK Göteborg), Daniel Andersson (Malmö FF), Kim Källström (Olympique Lyonnais), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham City FC), Fredrik Ljungberg (West Ham United FC), Tobias Linderoth (Galatasaray AS), Christian Wilhelmsson (RC Deportivo La Coruña), Anders Svensson (IF Elfsborg).

Forwards: Marcus Allbäck (FC København), Henrik Larsson (Helsingborgs IF), Johan Elmander (Toulouse FC), Zlatan Ibrahimović (FC Internazionale Milano), Markus Rosenberg (Werder Bremen).