The Sick Puppies™: May 2011

Hiddink drops further Chelsea hint

Turkey coach Guus Hiddink heightened speculation of a possible return to Premier League Chelsea when he said he would prefer the tempo of a club role to a national coaching job in an interview published on Tuesday.

“I feel energetic, so a club role is more preferable. And that’s what I like, working every day. I feel I need to do more,” he said in an interview with the Turkish daily Haberturk.

“I’ve trained Australia and PSV at the same time, as well as Russia and Chelsea, and I was very happy. We’ll see what happens with Turkey.”

Paul Scholes has retired from professional football after a glorious career at Premier League club Manchester United.

Tuesday morning's press conference announcement was consistent with his direct and unfussed playing style.

The midfielder announced his decision in a press conference on Tuesday morning saying: "I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do.

"This was not a decision I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing."

The 36-year-old added: "To have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

Manchester United chief David Gill expects a busy summer transfer market.

"It will be a busier than usual summer this year," Gill told MUTV.

"I will be going away at some point in June and be back for the start of our tour but I will be on with player stuff for the next few weeks I am sure."

Blues to sell Nicolas Anelka, Keep Didier Drogba

According to the Daily Mirror, Drogba is favored by Abramovich—who wants the Ivorian to develop a partnership with Fernando Torres.

The news is not so good for Nicolas Anelka however.

The Frenchman could well be offloaded this summer, with Chelsea apparently open to offers.

Chelsea's Zhirkov considering his options

Zhirkov told Sports.ru: “Well, such a possibility shouldn’t be excluded.

“I have no particular proposals. And in general, there’s no point in talking about that yet.

“I am a player of Chelsea FC and I speak about my possible return to Russia only because of my strong desire to be on the field. Unfortunately, I did not have enough playing practice at Chelsea.

“I just want to play football, not sit on the bench, that’s why the thoughts about a return occur to me. Now I can’t add anything to this. We’ll see how where it all comes in the end.”

Tom Cruise released by Arsenal

Tom Cruise has been released by Arsenal.

The 20-year-old fullback made his debut for the club in the 2009-10 season, when he played the full match in their Champions League group game against Olympiakos.

Cruise spent last season on-loan at Carlisle United.

Evra eyes Barca revenge mission

"Manchester United never die," he told MUTV.

"We are not afraid. I want to come back to the final and play against Barcelona again.

"Manchester United had a good season. Not a great season because we didn't win on Saturday night.

"But we have still won the league and we are going to win the league again next year, and make sure we win the Champions League as well."

Mark Hughes interested in Benfica star Felipe Menezes

Mark Hughes is looking to take Benfica star Felipe Menezes to Fulham on a one-year loan with the option to buy, according to his agent.

Menezes' agent Luiz Carlini attended Saturday's Champions League final at Wembley and it is claimed he was due to meet up with Fulham officials to discuss a possible move.

"Fulham want Felipe and there's a possibility the move could happen," Carlini told A BOLA.

Carragher told the Daily Mail: "When United fell behind to Pedro's goal, a clear pattern of play had been established but it would have been very difficult for Ferguson to take off Javier Hernandez, one of his main goal threats, to get an extra body in the middle.

"Once Wayne Rooney restored parity, though, the change could have been made at half-time. United needed three in midfield, where they were being overrun.

"An option would have been swapping Hernandez for Nani and moving Park Ji-sung inside; alternatively, Darren Fletcher could have come on, allowing Carrick to drop deeper, as Busquets plays for Barca.

Alex Ferguson wakes up to a banner in his driveway

While Sir Alex was sleeping, a banner which mentions Liverpool’s 5 and Barcelona’s 4 European Cup wins was erected in his driveway.

Oh Sweet Karma!

Special thanks to @lfcnel09 who uploaded the photo to Twitter.

Shakira teaches Barca players how to dance, on stage!

Gerard Pique's girlfriend Shakira just so happened to be performing in Barcelona the day after the team returned from their Champions League final win over Manchester United. Fresh off their open-top bus parade earlier in the day, Pique and several of his teammates continued their celebration by attending the concert.

During the show, Shakira called them all up on stage one by one to the shrieking delight of the crowd and once everyone got their hugs from the Colombian pop star and former Real Madrid fan, a public dance lesson commenced.

Shakira demonstrated her signature hip-shaking moves for the six footballers and told them to follow her lead. Out of the freshly crowned European champions, Sergio Busquets probably did the best job of mimicking her, while Xavi and Bojan failed drastically.

Pique then felt up his girlfriend while a stadium full of people watched and the footballers returned to their place in the front row.

Watch it Here

Nani admits Berbatov upset over Wembley axe

Berbatov would have expected to be on the bench for the crucial final, but was shocked to find out that he couldn't even get a place on the bench and that Michael Owen was chosen to occupy his spot.

It is likely that Berbatov will now be looking for a new club where he can be considered first choice.

United pal Nani admitted: "It's a very difficult moment for him. It's very hard but the manager has to make a decision and it's very hard for him too."

Tottenham are expected to be interested in bringing back the forward, whose contract runs out in 12 month.

Malouda respects Guus Hiddink

'I have a lot of respect for him,' Malouda told Sky Sports News. 'When he came we were in a difficult situation in terms of results.

'He brought back confidence, I think. He improved our game and led us in the Champions League and FA Cup.

'He put the club back on the right way. It was short term. It was really quick, but it was really intense.

'You have to take your time to make the right choices and that is what the board is doing.

'I think we have a strong squad and when you want to add an ingredient to the squad you have to take your time.'

Hiddink would consider Chelsea offer

"If there was a concrete offer, then I would think about it," Hiddink said.

"There's nothing concrete," he insisted when asked about Chelsea. "You cannot go into all kind of speculation or rumours because there's nothing concrete. The moment things are concrete, I'll go to where I have to be, direct."

But Hiddink did little to dampen down the sense that he was expecting an offer to return to the club he led on an interim basis after Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked in February 2009.

"I'd like to work every day because I'd have more impact on the players. I like to work every day," he said..

Photos Ryan Giggs wouldn't want you to see

Abramovich marrying Olga in a Moscow register office in 1988

The 40-square-metre flat has been put on the market by Olga Abramovich, the billionaire's first wife, and it was home to the couple during their married years, when the Soviet Union was collapsing and the future Chelsea owner was a hustling market trader trying to make ends meet.

According to an unauthorised biography of Mr Abramovich, it was in this apartment that the billionaire uttered the words: "One day I'm going to buy the whole world."

At the time, Mr Abramovich was selling plastic toys in the market and the apartment only had two rickety chairs. If the couple had guests they had to sit on boxes and friends found the delusions of grandeur amusing. One of them told him that he should concentrate on buying a second pair of trousers instead. Mr Abramovich, of course, had the last laugh, going on to become the richest man in Russia and earning renown for his extravagant purchases on art, yachts and properties across the globe, not to mention a certain west London football club.

Gronkjaer set for final game

Jesper Gronkjaer has announced FC Copenhagen's season finale against Aab this weekend will be his last game in professional football.

Gronkjaer told the club's official website: "After careful consideration I've decided to end my football career at the highest level after Sunday's match against AaB.

"My journey with FC Copenhagen has been amazing and I've had experiences which are etched in my memory."

Kassai to referee Barcelona vs Man Utd final

UEFA have announced that Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai will officiate the Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday.

He has refereed United once in the tournament
already this season during their 1-0 away victory at Valencia in the group stages.

Kassai also took charge of four games at last year's World Cup in South Africa including Spain's 1-0 win against Germany.

All the match officials are from Hungary as Gabor Eros and Gyorgy Ring will assist Kassai, with Istvan Vad filling the role of fourth official.

Evra invites Samir Nasri to join him at Old Trafford

Evra said: “If Samir comes, he has to know there is no room for mistakes. Each year you are playing to win. That is Manchester United’s culture.

“Each year it is a guarantee of a title. I have been at Manchester for five years now and I can’t remember how many trophies I have won. 13? 15? So, ‘Petit Prince’, if you want to become King you know where you have to go.”

Charlie Adam's Blackpool contract extended

Blackpool have activated a clause in Charlie Adam's contract which in theory gives him another 12 months at Bloomfield Road, but it is unlikely to prevent the Scotland midfielder moving this summer.

The 12-month options have also been taken out on Keith Southern, Neal Eardley, Ian Evatt, Billy Clarke, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Louis Almond. The club have offered new contracts to Scotland pair Matt Gilks and Stephen Crainey, midfielder David Vaughan, striker Brett Ormerod and youngsters Mark Halstead and Ash Eastham.

Blackpool have also confirmed 11 players have been released. They are goalkeepers Richard Kingson and Paul Rachubka, Marlon Harewood, Andy Reid, Rob Edwards, Danny Coid, Malaury Martin, Jason Euell, David Carney, Salaheddine Sbai and Ishmel Demontagnac.

Valdano exits Real in victory for Mourinho

Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano has been sacked, president Florentino Perez said on Wednesday, in what will be seen as a victory for coach Jose Mourinho in his bid for more influence at the La Liga club.

"We have decided to end the contractual relationship with Jorge Valdano," Perez said at a hastily-convened news conference at Real's Bernabeu stadium following a meeting of the club's board of directors.

El Pais daily and other media reported Mourinho had asked Perez to oust Valdano as he seeks to increase his power over decision-making.

'Chelsea have had new manager lined up for some time'

Mark Bosnich has claimed that Chelsea already had their new manager lined up even when Carlo Ancelotti was still in charge of the club.

The former Blues goalkeeper believes the new boss at Stamford Bridge will be Guus Hiddink with Marco van Basten joining the club as a coach.

Speaking to the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show, he said: “I think they’ve had someone lined up for quite some time.

Reports in Spain suggest that Manchester United will announce the signing of Atletico Madrid's David De Gea next week.

Madrid sources claim the deal is worth 21million euros (£18.3million) with additional add-ons.

The 20-year-old has already confirmed he will be making a decision on his future at the end of the season, and it now appears he will be heading to England.

Berbatov to stay at United

"I have a contract for one more year and I will go nowhere," Berbatov confirmed.

"Now I am part of United's 19th title and I want to be part of the 20th, that's my plan.

"I am the happiest man in the team because I'm a champion and top goalscorer in the league. To win 19 titles is a fantastic achievement." he concluded.

Giggs skips training

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs was a notable absentee for training at the club's Carrington complex on Tuesday morning after finding himself at the centre of a media storm.

Father-of-two Giggs, 37, was named on Monday as the married footballer involved in a controversial privacy case.

Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming used parliamentary privilege to name him as the Premier League player who took out an injunction over his relationship with 28-year-old reality TV star Imogen Thomas.

Giggs was not thought to have an injury but was not present for an open training session ahead of the club's Champions League final on Saturday against Barcelona at Wembley.

Gomes keen on PSV return

PSV are set to sell Swedish keeper Andreas Isaksson in the summer with club technical director Marcel Brands telling Voetbal International: "He (Gomes) has let me know he is interested in a return to PSV.

"I have let him know I will look what we can do for each other. There is not much more at the moment."

Gomes has one year left on his current deal at Tottenham.

Porto confirm Villas-Boas clause

Porto president Pinta Da Costa has confirmed the club's coach Andre Villas-Boas has a release clause of 15million euros in his contract.

Da Costa told RTP: "I do not expect the exit of Villas-Boas, there is a clause price of 15million euros - but I am totally convinced that even if any club came in with the offer, he would reject the proposition.

"Villas-Boas is very committed to Porto and more so after this big season.

"Two days ago he also told me that if no players leave, then he will not even need any new players."

Aguero asks to leave Atletico

"I have thought about it a lot and I am convinced I must be true to myself," Aguero said on his personal website (www.sergioaguero.com).

"I don't think I should impose a limit on the chance of continuing to learn and grow," he added.

"After five intense years a stage in my personal development has ended and I have to move on to a new one."

Vialli: Abramovich always expects something special

He told talkSPORT: “Carlo (Ancelotti) is a very good friend of mine we played together in a couple of World Cups and I consider him a great manager, a great human being and his track record speaks for itself.

“The problem is that when you manage a club like Chelsea you always have to do something special. Winning the double is what is going to keep you on the job but if you have a normal season then you might find that the owner wants to move on and find another manager.

“It’s all down to the finances. The more money you spend to strengthen the team, that raises the bar, raises the standard.

“One season finishing fourth and winning the FA Cup might be enough to please the chairman and the fans but then if you spend £250m then that’s not going to be good enough.

“It depends on the objectives and the objectives are defined by the amount of money you put into the club.”

Redknapp dismisses Chelsea rumours

Asked about the link with Chelsea, Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "Well I have got a great job at Tottenham, things are going well for me.

"I have had a couple of great years it couldn't have gone better for me there.

"I haven't heard anything from Chelsea that's for sure, no one has ever mentioned Chelsea to me.

"It's not the first I have heard of it, someone said to me today your name got mentioned on TV, well I said I've never heard nothing at all so it's all news to me."

Lippi Fits Blues Bill, says Vialli

Former Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli believes World Cup-winning ex- Italy coach Marcello Lippi is a credible rival to bookmakers’ favourites Guus Hiddink and Marco van Basten for the Stamford Bridge hot-seat.

“I think there are a number of managers out there capable of taking them to the next level or winning the things the club wants to win,” Vialli (right) told City A.M.

“Normally there are two options. You either go for someone with a proven track record, and Guus Hiddink, Marcello Lippi and other managers, like Ancelotti before, have that.

Chelsea tonight confirmed they had parted company with manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The club said in a statement on their official website: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Carlo Ancelotti parted company with the club today [Sunday 22 May].

"This season's performances have fallen short of expectations and the club feels the time is right to make this change ahead of next season's preparations."

Guus Hiddink has revealed he has acted as an adviser to Chelsea since his spell as caretaker-manager two years ago as he continues to be linked with a possible return to Stamford Bridge.

He wrote in his column in De Telegraaf: "It works well with Chelsea. Since I left two years ago I've been advising the club on things concerning the squad.

"Sometimes I become a sounding board. It costs me very little time and I can combine it well with my position with Turkey.

"There is no conflict at all."

Anelka sues L'Equipe for quoting him saying "Go screw yourself, dirty son of a whore!"

Nicolas Anelka began his 150,000-euro libel action against French newspaper L'Equipe on Friday for their reporting of his foul-mouthed World Cup rant at former coach Raymond Domenech.

The Chelsea striker is also demanding that a front page apology be published by the daily sports newspaper.

Anelka has never denied ranting at Domenech during half-time in the World Cup group match against Mexico on June 17, which France were drawing 0-0 at the time and went on to lose 2-0. But he has said the newspaper distorted his words splashed across the front page with the expletives included.

After winning the Double in his first season at the club, Ancelotti has overseen a disappointing, and trophyless, campaign, and the rumours around Stamford Bridge suggest he will be sacked by Roman Abramovich next week.

Ancelotti said he will accept his fate. "I just want to wait to see what the club have decided. I'm not desperate to keep this job. My desire is to stay because I feel happy here," Ancelotti said. "If they decide to change, it's not a problem. You won't see me crying."

Rinaudo interested in Chelsea move

Gimnasia La Plata defensive midfielder Fabian Rinaudo would be interested in a move to Chelsea, according to his agent.

Rinaudo's agent Marcelo Simonian told Ontheminute.com: "Rinaudo would be interested in a move to Chelsea, but I have not heard anything from the club.

"I believe Rinaudo will move to Europe this summer."

Simonian insists his client would not be interested in a move to Catania.

He added: "Catania is not an option at all."

Real Madrid sign Hamit Altintop

Real Madrid have signed Turkey midfielder Hamit Altintop on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, the La Liga side have announced on their official wesbite.

A statement on Real's official website read: "Real Madrid and the Bayern Munich player Hamit Altintop have reached an agreement which will see him tied to the club for the next four seasons.''

Tevez wants out

Speaking to an Argentinian radio station, Tevez indicated his desire to leave Manchester City in search of a new challenge.

"I want to leave Manchester City. Football has changed a lot for me and I don't know if I will even make it to the next World Cup. And that has nothing to do with whether I'm selected or not. I've been treated very well here and I'm grateful. I also gave my everything for the club to receive the results it has had. But I need a change of scene."

Arsenal midfielder confirms decision to leave the club.

Brazilian midfielder Denilson has stunned Arsenal by announcing that he wishes to leave the club.

“This has been the worst season of my life and I am so upset, so frustrated,” he told The Sun.

“I am a winner and I came here to win trophies but I’ve been here for five years and won nothing.

“A footballer’s career is over very quickly so it is time for me to move on.

Jose Mourinho is reportedly ready to sell Karim Benzema.

Marca claims Mourinho has told Real directors to invite bids for the striker as he chases Atletico Madrid star Sergio Aguero.

Real are already in contact with Atletico in an attempt to negotiate down the price they are demanding for Aguero who has been advised to move on by his father-in-law, Diego Maradona.

Galatasaray to announce agreement for Bolton striker Elmander

Galatasaray are to announce the Bosman signing of Bolton Wanderers striker Johan Elmander today.

Elmander will be officially announced as a Galatasaray player today, according to club chairman Unal Aysal.

Speaking on Turkish television, Aysal also confirmed Lyon's Kim Kallstrom, a team-mate of Elmander's in the Swedish national side, is a target for the club.

Old Trafford farewell for Van Der Sar

Alex Ferguson has confirmed Edwin van der Sar will make his final Premier League appearance in Manchester United's clash with Blackpool at Old Trafford.

"I have players who need a game," said Ferguson.

"Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Anderson, Dimitar Berbatov, Patrice Evra and Edwin van der Sar will play."

Poulsen sees his future at Liverpool

“Of course it’s been a difficult season for me,” he said. “I came under Roy Hodgson and halfway through the season he left but I have still had some good times here.

“I am feeling settled here with my family. I have three kids now and we had a baby in February who was born in Liverpool.

“What I miss of course is playing more but I hope the future will be brighter for me at Liverpool.

“I have two years of my contract left so yes I think my future will be here.”

Chelsea close in on keeper signing

According to various sources, Chelsea are close to wrapping up a deal for the young Belgian keeper - Thibaut Courtois.

Courtois, at nineteen years of age is a Belgian U21 international contracted to Genk.

Chelsea are expected to buy the £5 million rated keeper and then loan him back to Genk for a year.

Hoddle urges Chelsea to sign Sneijder

Former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle believes a player of the creativity of Wesley Sneijder is urgently needed to change the dynamics of the trophy-less club.

Hoddle says: "Chelsea keep coming closer to winning the Champions League, they have been consistently reaching semi-finals, but right now the squad is lacking a creative element in midfield, to open the door.

"I feel they have a good strike force, and I do believe that Fernando Torres will come good, but it is not easy for him without chances being laid on by a creative midfield.

Click to enlarge

Wayne Rooney was yesterday embroiled in an argument with a Liverpool fan over Twitter. The Manchester United player was subjected to abuse from user, sam_oldham_LFC, who said to Rooney “Rooney ya fat whore ill smash ya head in with a pitchin wedge and bury ya with a ballast fork ya fat ugly lil nonce.”

Rooney responded by instigating for his abuser to come and find him at Carrington – United’s training ground, "haha you know were I train every day kid come and do it good luck.”

When Oldham replied: "and ill be down tomorrow lad in me twin turbo nissan micra’’. Rooney retorted: “cool bring ur sandwedge girl."

"I'll put u asleep within 10 seconds u little girl. Don't say stuff and not follow up on it. I'll be waiting"

Eventually, both men appeared to back down. Oldham wrote: “I wasn’t bein a hardman its called a joke mate.’ while Rooney added: “Haha bit of banter and people go nuts chill all people.”

Oldham's Twitter account was shut down yesterday.

Del Bosque: I want Barcelona to beat Man Utd

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has backed Barcelona to beat Manchester United in the Champions League final,

"It is not easy to know who will win, either Manchester or Barca, but I want Barcelona be the champion," he said

"They have many players who have helped us (Spain) to become world champions and we must be grateful.

"Against Manchester it will unite us all. I hope Barca win."

Juve to review Del Neri's position

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli will review Luigi Del Neri's position as manager after expression his dissatisfaction with recent displays.

"We will evaluate the [managerial] situation at the end of the campaign," said Agnelli.

"I am not happy, in fact, I am really dissatisfied, but we will wait until the end of the campaign to speak about next season.

"We still have one more game left to play and then we will discuss what will happen."

When asked about Conte, Agnelli said: "Antonio has declared himself available to join Juventus.

"We will make our decisions and then announce them once the season is over."

West Ham's BA clashes with fan at club's gala dinner

An eyewitness at the £275-per-head event - just 24 hours after the club was relegated from the Premier League - revealed how Ba triggered the mayhem when he was asked by a fan for his autograph.

The player replied, "I'm too tired" and the fan snapped, "I pay £60,000 a year for a box at this s*** club, I'm not going anywhere."

The fan squared up to Ba with Gabbidon stepping in to keep them apart. A table was knocked over in the mayhem.

While he was hoping the source of support came from a different source, Avram Grant was given a cheeky message of support from a rival Millwall fan.

A banner mocking West Ham's manager Avram Grant trailed by a plane as his team were in the process of squandering a 2-0 lead away at Wigan.

'Avram Grant – Millwall legend’, read the banner displayed by the aircraft.

Holloway’s antics could rob Blackpool of Europa League spot

England, Norway and Sweden will each receive one extra place in the qualifying rounds of next season’s Europa League after being judged the three fairest leagues in Europe by UEFA.

With the current standings, Fulham seem likely to clinch that spot and qualify for the qualifying rounds of next season's Europa League.

However Blackpool would have been above Fulham and in pole position to qualify for next season’s Europa League if Holloway and his staff had matched the score of Mark Hughes and his coaching team.

Fulham could also miss out on the competition if Tottenham lose their current position of fifth in the league, as Tottenham are ahead of Fulham in the fair-play table along with Chelsea and Manchester United.

Along with the overall number of cards and the touchline behaviour of officials, clubs are scored on 'positive play’, 'respect towards opponent’ and 'respect towards referee’.

Jeffren Suarez rules out summer Liverpool switch

Reports in the Spanish press accredited Liverpool with a firm interest in Suarez, and were said to be lining up an approach to bring him to Anfield in the summer.

However, the Venezuelan-born forward has refuted claims linking him with a summer switch to Merseyside, insisting he is happy in Spain.

"I do not want to go because I want to succeed in this club," said Jeffren, who has started just three La Liga games this season.

"I hope to have more minutes on the pitch and my biggest wish is to remain at Barca."

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