G-O-D
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New Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has stressed his desire to build the club's future around homegrown players.
Previous boss Claudio Ranieri spent more than half of last season's £110million-plus transfer budget on foreign imports but Mourinho has already started the clear-out with Juan Sebastian Veron, a £15million buy from Manchester United, going out on loan to Inter Milan.
And the Portuguese manager, who won the Champions League last month with Porto, has stressed his desire to improve Chelsea's fortunes by investing in English players and, primarily, those which have come through the Stamford Bridge ranks.
'Last night I was spending my night analysing a document about the Academy, because I have to be ready for my feedback in relation to this document, and studying the pre-season programme for the United States tour, and make the changes for what I think is correct,' said Mourinho.
'I try to be very organised and I try to explain to the board what I like, and because of that I'm making a few documents for the board to explain what I want and what I like.
'I think it's (youth development) crucial. The biggest quality of the team is to play as a team. I don't know a successful team [which does not] play as a team.
'We must have a nucleus of strong personalities, and if possible with people with the culture of the club. With the Bosman law the door is open completely to go a different way, but we should recover a little of that spirit.
'So if you ask me would I like to have many English players in your team - yes, I would like - and when I finish your contract would I love to have a heart of Chelsea boys made in the club - I would love it and will work for it.'
Chief executive Peter Kenyon explained the club had gone for Mourinho because they felt he was the man to change Chelsea for the better.
'The next generation is about becoming a dominant force in the Premier League and building Chelsea into a truly big European club. That's about successive years of winning trophies,' he told Chelsea TV.
'In order to do that we have to take a completely different approach to perhaps the Chelsea of old.
'Youth development is an important factor in that. It's not about just continuing to buy the big-name players.
'This is about building a cohesive team from youth right the way through to the first team so it's completely revamping the way that we go about our football programme, and at that point we felt it was necessary to look for a new manager.
'We wanted the next generation. We wanted somebody to work with for the next five, 10 years, so age was an important factor. So was track record, someone who will take this Academy through to [the] first team.
'If you look at a lot of Europe their structure is to have a football director and a first team coach and what we wanted to do is combine that, somebody who would take the holistic view of identifying the nine-year-olds, signing them as YTS at 16, as pro at 17, and hopefully bringing them through to the first team, because that is the heart and culture that Chelsea wants to do.
'At the same time Chelsea is always going to have big-name players so the ability of that man to manage the big stars as well as the stars of tomorrow was a key component.'
Well, this can only be good for Chelsea.
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Age of Empires II- The Age of Kings: 8/10. Great game, especially if you play it online, but there's definitely room for improvement, especially the computer AI .
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I don't think he should get rid of Melchiot. Unless he's got someone definitely superior to bring in, Melchiot's been solid at right back for the past couple of seasons.
And personally, if he were planning to get rid of Hasselbaink, and either one/both of Muto/Crespo, I'd bring Forssell back and have him as one of the three main strikers.
I would love Forssell back at Chelsea. But he has already extended his loan for another season at Birmingham.
Melchiot is solid, but I think we can get someone even better.
Chelsea have reportedly failed with another attempt to lure Juventus star Pavel Nedved to Stamford Bridge.The Czech Republic international has been a long-term target for The Blues' billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, who has made repeated efforts to prise Nedved away from Turin.
Newly-appointed Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also an admirer of the European Footballer of the Year and would welcome Nedved in to his squad.
Reports in Italy claim Abramovich is prepared to offer the 31-year-old a blank cheque to join his ambitious revolution in West London.
But the former Lazio midfielder has rejected the overtures from Chelsea and again pledged his commitment to Juventus.
Nedved is under contract at Stadio Delle Alpi for a further two years and is determined to win the UEFA Champions League with Juve before he leaves the club.
Juve would be equally reluctant to sanction Nedved's departure despite the fact Abramovich would submit an attractive bid to procure his man.
The mercurial Nedved is likely to demonstrate the skills that have seen him courted by Chelsea during the upcoming European Championship in Portugal
Well, I don't think we need Nedved anyways. He'll probably only give Chelsea a couple of good seasons, and for that kind of money, I don't think it's worth it.
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Quoted for emphasis.
If I was Sven, My midfield would be:
------------Lampard---------
-J.Cole-----------------Beckham-
------------Parker------------
England captain David Beckham has backed team-mate Paul Scholes to end his goal drought and start reproducing his club form on the international stage.Scholes has struggled lately for England and has found his place under threat by the form of Frank Lampard.
The Manchester United star drew another blank against Japan on Tuesday, but Beckham knows that Scholes will soon be back to his best.
"It doesn't concern Paul at all," said Beckham.
"He would like to score more for England, but he is still scoring for Manchester United, so it's not as if he is a total goal drought and, if he sticks one in against France, I think people will soon forget about all the England games he has not scored in."
Beckham welcomed the appearance of Brian Kidd at England's training, as he recovers from illness.
"Kiddo means a lot to all the United lads and all the England lads and it is a shame he's not here for the (European) Championship, but it is nice for him to come here," added Beckham.
The Real Madrid midfielder also revealed he is glad to be back among his former Manchester United team-mates while on international duty.
"Seeing Gary (Neville), Phil (Neville), Scholes and Nicky Butt, these players I have spent so much time with is always good and it is good to come back to Manchester and see people and spend time with friends," added Beckham.
"I spoke to Gary all the way through the season and it was hard for both of us, as it was the first time I had played in a different team without him and I missed him, but not missing him too much because I have spent a few days with him, but seriously we are all great friends," joked Beckham.
I really hope Scholes will not let England down.
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Personally, I'm a really big fan of Mourinho. You've got to be a bit special to have won the Champion's League.
Anyway, I'm taking bets on who's out the door. My choices:
Veron (obviously)
Gronkjaer
Sullivan
Babayaro
Huth
Mutu
Zenden
Add Melchiot, Joe Cole (on loan), Smertin, Forssell (already on loan), Carlton Cole (on loan), Macho and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to the list and I think that's pretty much it. Crespo could also be going, but personally, I would want him to stay for another season and see how it goes.
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Birmingham City have confirmed the capture of Muzzy Izzet on a free transfer from Leicester City.
The Turkish international has long been expected to quit The Foxes when his contract expires at the end of June.
Midlands rivals Birmingham had been leading the hunt for the influential midfielder and have concurred on a three-year deal with Izzet.
The former Chelsea trainee spent eight years with Leicester but the club's failure to retain their Premiership status inevitably prompted his departure from The Walkers Stadium.
Blues boss Steve Bruce had been confident of signing Izzet since the season concluded and he has now snared his man.
Izzet will stake his claim for a place alongside former Foxes team-mate Robbie Savage in the St Andrews engine room next season.
Meanwhile, Trinidad & Tobago international Stern John has ended the uncertainty surrounding his future by signing a new one-year contract.
John had been concerned about his prospects with Birmingham, particularly following the acquisition of Emile Heskey from Liverpool.
But he has clearly been reassured by Bruce that he has a key role to play in the club's plans and has penned a 12-month extension.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Helder Postiga has been offered to Portuguese giants Benfica on a year-long loan, according to director of football Jose Veiga.The Portuguese international striker, who has been included in coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad for Euro 2004, has had an indifferent first season at Spurs with only two goals in 12 starts.
Benfica are on the look-out for a striker and Postiga would initially arrive on a year-long loan, with an option for another season with both clubs negotiating a fee for the player thereafter.
Postiga has recently admitted that his future may lie away from Tottenham unless he is guaranteed more regular football under their new manager.
The 21-year-old was offered to Sporting Lisbon a few months ago and the only stumbling block would be his elevated wage demands.
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Santini is a surprising name for the Spurs hotseat, and next season could be interesting for Tottenham.
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Well, right now, I'm neutral on Mourinho. However, if he can lead Chelsea to trophies after trophies, I know I'll be taking an instant liking to him.
Veron leaving can only be good for Chelsea.
Eidur Gudjohnsen has nailed the door shut on rumours of his exit from Chelsea, saying Jose Mourinho has assured him of his future at Stamford Bridge.
The Icelandic striker has mixed emotions concerning the departure of Claudio Ranieri, but feels the future looks good under Mourinho.
Mourinho said at Wednesday's press conference that he will look to trim his squad, but Gudjohnsen claims he has already been informed he has a future at the club.
"With Claudio relieved of his job, it leaves you with mixed emotions, but we will go into the new season looking forward," Gudjohnsen told Sky Sports News.
"We have a new manager and it is going to be an exciting season."
Gudjohnsen feels Mourinho has all the right characteristics needed to succeed in The Premiership, if his handling of the press on Wednesday is an indicator of his capabilities.
"I was impressed because he was not fazed by any questions and he showed a lot of belief in his team and himself," added Gudjohnsen.
Commenting on his own future, the former PSV Eindhoven man said: "I spoke to him last night, just briefly, and he told me he is looking forward to working with me as a player and wants to see me on July 5.
"You don't need to hear anything else as a player."
Gudjohnsen is aware that a number of the Blues squad could be moved on, but is confident he will not be shown the exit door.
"In any club there will be comings and goings," he stated. "Mr Mourinho has made it clear there are a few too many, but it is not up to me to say who will stay or go.
"But I definitely won't be going, I know that."
This is good news. Eidur has proven himself to be a good player at Chelsea.
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Oliver Kahn's father has admitted that Manchester United are keen on signing the German international goalkeeper.
Reports earlier this week claimed Kahn was pondering a move away from Bayern Munich, with Manchester United thought to be hoping to take him to England.
Bayern Munich played down the rumours, but Kahn's father Rolf insists United are trying to bring him to Old Trafford.
"Oliver has had offers from Manchester United in the past, but the contact has certainly intensified over the past few weeks," Kahn told German daily AZ.
Bayern goalkeeping coach Sepp Maier revealed that Kahn was considering a move away to a new league after winning everything at the German giants.
"He's deadly serious," Maier told German daily Tz.
"He wants to move and the English league is calling him. He's already achieved everything with FC Bayern and that's why he's now looking for a new challenge."
United's reported interest in Kahn would be something of a surprise as they already have Tim Howard and Roy Carroll competing for the number one shirt and Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to want a sign someone coming to the end of their career as Kahn is.
Kahn? I Kahn see the logic in that. (Alright, bad pun.
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The Qatar Football Association insist they have beaten Bolton and Celtic to the signature of Rivaldo.
They claim the Brazilian international, who was a target for both British clubs, has signed up to join Ronald de Boer in the Middle East next season, while Frank de Boer is also considering a move to join his brother.
Qatar FA technical director, Manfred Honer, maintains the deal to take Rivaldo to their country is already sealed.
He said: 'Rivaldo has signed for us. He has been here for three days looking around and finding a place to live.'
Honer added: 'I never had any doubt in the negotiations that the move was all about money - it is what motivates the player.
'I can't reveal figures, but if you are telling me Celtic and Bolton were willing to offer him £30,000 a week, I can only smile and say we are paying him much, much more.'
Looks like Rivaldo is tempted by the riches of Qatar.
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Sven-Goran Eriksson will again warn Wayne Rooney that he must control his temperament ahead of the Euro 2004 finals - or risk being sent off.
Rooney escaped with a verbal warning during last night's friendly against Japan, when he lashed out at Shinji Ono after being fouled.
The 18-year-old striker failed to make contact with his arm, but referee Roberto Rosetti would surely have taken action against him in a competitive match.
After reviewing the video of the 1-1 draw, Eriksson was - not for the first time - set to remind Rooney to control himself when it matters most in Portugal this summer.
'I understood that something had happened but I didn't see it. Wayne Rooney missed the ball and did something,' accepted Eriksson.
'In a competitive match, he would have had at least a yellow card. I will see it again on video and then I will decide. But if it's like people have said, then, of course, I will talk to him.'
While David Beckham has largely learned to control his own hot-blooded temperament, despite his two red cards this season for Real Madrid, Rooney remains England's most combustible individual.
Moreover, the Everton forward may be experiencing some frustration as he is still short of his best form, a fact acknowledged by Eriksson.
'He's not as brilliant as he was but I'm sure that will return,' he said.
'I'm sure that, on June 13, he will be much better physically than he was against Japan. He has been working very hard in training.'
Paul Scholes' tackling also remains a concern, given that he is prone to launching himself into full-blooded challenges at inopportune moments.
The Manchester United midfielder escaped giving away a penalty against Japan when he challenged Alessandro Santos, but was even later with several other tackles.
Asked if he could ensure Scholes timed his tackles better, Eriksson admitted: 'I don't think you can do that in 12 days!
'But he played very well in the first half and makes everyone play.'
Gary Neville has backed Sven Goran Eriksson's perseverance with the `diamond' formation after hailing the current England squad as 'the most technically gifted' he has played in.But the Manchester United defender warned that England will be punished in the Euro 2004 opener with France if Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Co are allowed the amount of possession that Japan enjoyed in Tuesday's friendly international.
Eriksson opted to play four attack orientated players in the middle of the park in Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard with the latter having to adopt the holding role in front of the back four.
Neville believes it is a million miles away from the rigid 4-4-2 system that was used by Kevin Keegan in Euro 2000 when England exited at the group stages - and a step in the right direction.
Neville said: 'It (the diamond) is the best system for us to employ and I don't think that will change.
'England teams have been too flat in midfield in previous tournaments with two lines of four.
'In Euro 2000 4-4-2 was set in stone, really rigid lines. This team is not about that. It's a move forward for us.
'This allows us to be a bit more fluent with the way we play and allows players like Scholes, Beckham and Gerrard to interchange. With Rooney dropping in there as well, it is more fluent than in the past.
'We've also got the midfielders to score in Beckham and Scholes, then you see the shooting of Gerrard while Lampard has made a career at West Ham and Chelsea of arriving late in the box.'
Neville added: 'People ask about the danger of four people bombing forward at the same time but they're intelligent footballers and it would be an insult to suggest one couldn't sit in there and hold.
'We are comfortable with the system and I thought the first half hour against Japan was fantastic, some great passing and movement.
'They got space behind us when we got a little bit tired and we will have to defend well as a team against France with the quality they have going forward.
'If we give them the possession Japan had then we would be in a little bit more trouble because people like Henry, Zidane and Pires will open you up and find the gaps.'
Neville claimed: 'Technically, this is the best England team I have played in. Euro `96 had a lot of powerful figures like Adams, Shearer, Platt, Ince, Pearce, Gascoigne and Sheringham.
'But in the past I don't think any England team would have been able to leave out players like Joe Cole, Butt, Dyer and Hargreaves which was the case on Tuesday.'
Neville knows that it is vitally important that England hit their peak for kick-off time against France in Lisbon on June 13.
He said: 'We had trained hard in Sardinia and we did tire quite a bit against Japan but it was the first game for two and a half weeks for some players and you can be rusty when you don't play for so long.
'It was a really good fitness test for us and you will see a better performance on Saturday against Iceland and hopefully a lot better performance against France.
'At 7.30 on Sunday week is when we have to be at our peak and ready to deliver. What happened on Tuesday will be forgotten about then. We hope it all comes right on the night.'
Rooney could be a huge hit if he controls his temper. Like I said before, he can make an impact at Euro 2004.
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Jose Mourinho today looked forward to a 'fantastic challenge' after being unveiled as Chelsea's new manager on a three-year contract.
The 41-year-old former Porto coach has replaced Claudio Ranieri who parted company with the Blues on Monday.
Mourinho was released by Porto yesterday, less than a week after leading the Portuguese champions to victory in the Champions League final against Monaco.
In the immediate aftermath of that 3-0 win in Gelsenkirchen, Mourinho revealed he had completed his mission with the club, paving the way for a switch to west London.
And he said today: 'Chelsea represent a fantastic challenge for me. It is a great club with a world-class squad of players.
'The plans and ambitions for Chelsea excite me and I am sure they will do the same for the fans whose incredible support I have already witnessed.
'The English Premiership is recognised as the best league in the world and I am really excited at the prospect of competing week in, week out at the highest level in England as well as in Europe.'
In Mourinho's first full season in charge at Porto in 2002/03, he won the treble of domestic league and cup, and UEFA Cup before claiming Europe's top prize last week.
It is this pedigree which made him the preferred choice of Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, who will demand Mourinho - who has been officially named as manager and first-team coach at the London club - brings similar success to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said: 'The appointment of Jose Mourinho is all about building on the foundations which we have already established at Chelsea.
'He represents the new generation of football coaches and we are convinced he can take us to the next level, both in England in Europe.
'His record of sustained success makes him perfect for what we want to achieve at Chelsea.'
Mourinho told a news conference: 'I have been asked "how do you cope with the pressure, with the big players, with the urgent ambition to start winning titles?". That is what I love.
'This is a big challenge because of the power of football in this country, because of the desire of Chelsea to win.
'England holds a big passion for me in terms of football and when I saw when things were going well for Porto and me, when I saw so many clubs were chasing me, I was in a position where I could choose my next club.
'I think Chelsea are the perfect club. Many people thought my decision was made a long time ago. Not true. What was clear was that English football and Chelsea were favourites for me but the first real contact was over the weekend.'
He added: 'I found people here with the same mentality I have. They love football as I do, they want to win like I want to win and over the last two years I have had a taste as a manager of the biggest success. I want to keep this taste.
'I do not want at 2010 and 2012 to and have the same titles I have now. I want more.'
Asked if he would be bringing his Porto backroom staff with him, Mourinho said: 'My staff grew up with me, we won step by step together so I have people in whom I have confidence.
'At the same time I must meet people who are in the club now. I have to meet them, to communicate, to know their desire. I cannot say who and how many are coming with me.'
SQUAD CUTS IN PROSPECT
Mourinho made it clear he wanted to work with a small squad but would not reveal if any of the players at Porto would follow him to Stamford Bridge.
He said: 'In relation to players I would say if all the names you wrote in last few days are correct we would have a 50 player squad and I hate to work with big squads.
'I want a small squad - 21 players plus the goalkeepers and no more.
'It is a correct number for the specific work we want to do. I want to look to the reserve and youth team with different eyes.
'In relation to the Porto players. I love them all as we won together and made history together and I wish the best for all of them. I will not give a sheet of players of who I want. I must give a document with reasons why I want this and that.
'We have to spend time so we know what we really want and what we really need.'
And he made it clear he wanted immediate success.
He added: 'I think football clubs want success in relation to their potential. Even if a manager does good work in a club, if we don't achieve targets we are looking for at the beginning, you have to assume you have failed.
'I'm not asking for time, what I want is to give my best, to improve things, to create a football team in relation to my image and my football philosophy.
'Most important is to find players who think as I think. We should not be afraid to say `we want to win', we shouldn't defend ourselves from pressure saying we only want success in the last year of my contract.
'I think (next season's) Champions League will be the strongest ever - every shark is there - the competition will be very hard. Other teams think like we think in Europe and in English football - they share our ambition - but I don't want self protection from them.
'The biggest ambition I have is to win the first Premiership match on August 14. My second ambition is to win the next match and we will keep going like this.
'We have top players and, sorry if I'm arrogant, we have a top manager.'
'I AM THE EUROPEAN CHAMPION... A SPECIAL ONE'
Mourinho also took a swipe at Ranieri who had suggested he might struggle in the Premiership because standards in Portugal are not as high as in England.
'I heard that and what I suggest is that of you should explain that for a team to win the UEFA Cup and Champions League you have to play many times against teams from different countries. I did not win the cup playing against 20 Portuguese teams.
'I did it against teams from his [Ranieri's] own country, Italy, teams from your own country, teams from everywhere.
'I am the European champion. I think I am a special one.'
The former Porto manager insists team spirit comes ahead of superstar players.
'I am a great defender of team spirit and teamwork. The first thing I have to promise to my players is that I will look at them with the same eyes.... I do not want special relations with one of them.
'I hate to speak about players individually. Players do not win trophies, squads win trophies.
'I cannot say I love this player, I love players who love to win. They not only win in 90 minutes, but every day, every training session, in every moment of their lives.
Small squad? So if Mourinho wants a small squad, and wants to bring in several Porto players, we could see a mass exodus at Chelsea this summer.
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Axed Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz is in line for a return to Manchester United as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson, according to reports.
Queiroz failed to win a trophy in his single season at the Bernabeu and is expected to link up again with boss Ferguson, with whom he helped bring the Premiership title to Old Trafford in 2002/03, rather than seek another manager's position of his own.
United surrendered their domestic crown this season, failing to compete with a dominant Arsenal side, with Ferguson working alone before hiring Walter Smith as his number two for the last three months of the campaign.
Ferguson told Queiroz he would always be welcome back at Old Trafford and United could now offer the 51-year-old a one-year rolling contract.
An announcement could be made by the end of the week.
Meanwhile, Queiroz says he was misled by Real should have quit his post in January after they failed to honour their pledge to strengthen the squad.
Queiroz, who was replaced by former player Jose Antonio Camacho, said that the club would not have ended the season empty-handed if president Florentino Perez had not decided to offload several key players at the start of the campaign.
'I made my biggest mistake in January,' Queiroz told Spanish sports daily Marca on Wednesday. 'I should have left when we were leading the league and doing well in the Cup and the Champions League. Maybe if I had gone then Real might not have ended the season as they did.'
Real, who at one stage enjoyed an eight-point lead at the top of the table, finished fourth in the Primera Liga after losing their last five matches.
Queiroz said that the club's decision to reject the signing of Argentine defender Gabriel Milito and allow players of the calibre of Fernando Morientes and Claude Makelele to leave at the beginning of the season had taken its toll on the team.
'I asked that Morientes be allowed to stay and I am convinced that with him in the squad alongside Geremi, Makelele and Milito then Real would have ended up with one or two trophies.'
Asked if he felt as though he had been deceived by the club, Queiroz replied: 'If you were promised a car with air conditioning, four wheels, leather seats and metallic paint and you were then given one without any of that how would you feel?'
CLAIMS REJECTED
He rejected claims by the Real president that he lacked sufficient authority to run the team and said that the proof was that the club had not only changed the coach but also its recruitment policy by signing Argentine defender Walter Samuel last month.
Samuel was the first defender to be hired by Perez since he took over as president four years ago.
'I don't want to lower myself to the same level as others who have not shown me any respect,' said Queiroz.
'In sporting terms things didn't go well but that doesn't mean we should lack courtesy or elegance. I am not going to do that because I don't want to confuse Real Madrid with the president of the club.'
Queiroz said that neither he nor sporting director Jorge Valdano, who stepped down from his post last week, had enjoyed any significant decision-making powers at the club.
But Queiroz added that if Real could learn from the mistakes of this season they would make a rapid return to winning ways.
'With the situation becoming so clear and if the same errors are not made again Real will improve and I'm sure Camacho will be happy,' he said
Will Queiroz help Sir Alex steer Utd to another title? Let's hope not.
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Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos has dismissed reports that he has held talks with Chelsea over a possible move to Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian international is hopeful of staying at El Santiago Bernanbeu after holding talks with new manager Jose Antonio Camacho.
Carlos had seen talks over a new deal stall as he holds out for a new long-term deal.
Reports that emanated last week suggested that Chelsea were hoping to capitalise on the wrangle over his contract by taking him to England, but the full back insists he never talked to Chelsea and his comments were misinterpreted.
"I have never talked with Chelsea about anything," Roberto Carlos told Marca.
"The comments I made were misinterpreted.
"I don't know how to say how delighted I am to play for Madrid, to live in the city and in Spain where I have my family."
The former Internazionale ace has just over a year to run on his current deal and it seems Real are likely to offer him the long-term deal he desires to keep him in the Spanish capital.
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Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has revealed to skysports.com that he is in talks over a return to Valencia as manager.
Valencia are looking for a new coach after Rafael Benitez's decision to leave after turning down a new contract at La Mestalla.
Benitez seems set to join Liverpool and Ranieri is Valencia's top target to replace him at the Spanish champions.
Ranieri finally left Chelsea on Bank Holiday Monday after months of speculation over his position at Stamford Bridge with Jose Mourinho set to move in at Chelsea.
Valencia managing director Manuel Llorente and Juan Bautista Soler, who will become club vice-president on Sunday, are believed to have flown out to London on Tuesday evening to begin talks with Ranieri and his advisors.
The Italian coach enjoyed a successful spell at Valencia, winning the Spanish Cup before leaving in 1999 and he revealed he expects to agree his return to the club once he sorts out his settlement with Chelsea.
"Now I must solve my pending contract with the Chelsea," Ranieri told Skysports.com.
"Anyway, I do not believe that they are going to have any problems."
Ranieri would be a popular choice amongst Valencia fans as he was well liked there during his time at the club.
So I guess we'll be seeing Ranieri in La Liga next season.
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England 1-1 Japan: FT Report
Frank Lampard may have little to reproach himself for, yet the ifs and Butts remain as large as ever for Sven-Goran Eriksson as he ponders England's Euro 2004 midfield.
One figure should, above all others, dominate Eriksson's mind over the next 10 days. Not Thierry Henry, not even Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira or David Trezeguet, but Zinedine Zidane.
Eriksson's impersonation of a Kevin Keegan midfield at the City of Manchester stadium against Japan may have added to England's attacking options.
Indeed, Lampard himself, who was chosen ahead of Nicky Butt in the holding midfield role, performed admirably in the experimental circumstances.
However, even though England seized the lead on 23 minutes through Michael Owen, they lost control of the game thereafter.
Japan were allowed far too much time and space from which to launch their attacks and Shinji Ono duly equalised seven minutes into the second-half.
Moreover, their own creative attacking midfielder, Shumsuke Nakamura is no Zidane and the French midfield maestro will lick his lips at the prospect of exploiting the gaps in England's midfield.
Then again, all the normal caveats must, of course, apply.
This was a friendly, the players were intent on avoiding injury - even if Gary Neville did, rather worryingly, limp off - and, come June 13, this result will matter not a jot.
Yet like it or not, Butt - or, indeed, Owen Hargreaves, Phil Neville or Ledley King, who have all played in the holding role for their clubs this season - would give England exactly the ``balance'' which Eriksson believes is so crucial.
And if Lampard is not at fault, then - whisper it quietly - maybe, just maybe, the time has come for the England coach to at least consider leaving out Paul Scholes instead.
Without an international goal in 26 appearances, he was patently off the pace in the City of Manchester Stadium, not just in his shooting, but also even in his normally exemplary tackling.
Lampard, meanwhile, had to restrain his normal game, with Steven Gerrard and David Beckham attempting to share the defensive burden with him.
The Chelsea midfielder at least settled quickly into the unaccustomed role, breaking up a Japanese attack to launch a counter offensive which resulted in Tsuneyasu Miyamoto heading over his own bar.
From the ensuing corner, John Terry's powerful header was only half-saved by keeper Seigo Narazaki but was just hooked off the line in time.
Lampard had a shot deflected over the bar but England seized the lead when Narazaki failed to handle Gerrard's speculative long-range effort and Owen swooped on the rebound with glee.
England nevertheless then relaxed on their lead and Japan were, rather worryingly, allowed to swarm forward in numbers.
David James was forced to produce three reaction saves, while Ashley Cole also timed a last-ditch tackle to perfection to deny Keiji Tamada.
Scholes, meanwhile, was racing about recklessly, missing tackles and almost conceding a penalty when he clashed with Alessandro Santos.
And even Wayne Rooney showed his wild side in seemingly attempting to slap Shinji Ono as he fell to the ground.
England needed to rediscover their discipline but, after Lampard had shot just over the bar, they were caught napping in defence just seven minutes after the restart.
Nakamura was allowed far too much space in which to dictate play before setting Santos free down the left flank to cross for Ono to beat James.
Eriksson kept his first-choice XI on for a full 76 minutes, but while Narazaki was called upon to block Owen's shot after a neat turn, Japan still largely dictated the game.
Indeed, while Lampard sat deeper and deeper, Nakamura - again in space - still let fly from 20 yards with a shot which flew just wide of James' upright.
Ono also shot just wide and James failed to hold onto Santos' cross-shot but he was not punished.
Eriksson finally started making his changes, with Neville being caught in a late tackle by Takayuki Suzuki and replaced by his brother Phil.
Campbell, meanwhile, directed a header just wide and Joe Cole also threatened, but the draw was about as decisive as Eriksson's midfield experiment.
In truth, the question remains unanswered. Time, however, is running out for Eriksson to find the solution and Zidane lies in wait.
Get Scholes out of the starting XI already. And I think that Scott Parker would do very well as a holding midfielder.
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Barcelona have confirmed Chelsea have made an offer to Ronaldinho and have revealed Real Madrid may also lodge a block-busting bid for the Brazilian.
Ronaldinho is reportedly heading Chelsea's summer shopping list with money seemingly no object for The Blues' billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.
The Samba star enjoyed a magnificent debut season at Camp Nou but Chelsea are aiming to tempt him away from Catalunya just 12 months after his arrival from Paris Saint Germain.
Barca's vice president Sandro Rosell has revealed Chelsea have offered Ronaldinho a phenomenal salary to move to Stamford Bridge.
Rosell also stated that Real presidential candidate Lorenzo Sanz wants to take Ronaldinho to El Santiago Bernabeu if he ousts Florentino Perez in the elections.
"Chelsea have offered him a good contract," Rosell told Catalunya Radio. "Barca don't know anything but we know that the player will want to stay at Barca.
"On Wednesday (chairman) Joan Laporta will go to Brazil and I believe that will help to resolve everything.
"I insist that I feel optimistic and believe that he will stay and we will put the highest possible clause on him so that no club can pay it.
"Sanz, the ex-president of Real Madrid and a possible candidate for the elections, also wants him.
"He is obsessed and will use Barcelona, like Florentino Perez did, to win the elections and for that reason he wants to offer Ronaldinho a very great contract."
Rosell also confirmed the club are nearing a deal for Monaco midfielder Ludovic Giuly, with the sticking point being the length of contract for the France international.
"That is going well," he continued. "We are on the verge of reaching an agreement between the player and the club.
"While Barca offers him a contract for three years, he has requested four."
But Rosell was less optimistic of bringing David Trezeguet to Camp Nou, with discussions with Juventus proving to be problematic.
"The negotiations between both clubs are not ideal."
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MADRID, June 1 (Reuters) - Valencia's leading shareholder Francisco Roig has called for the board's resignation following Rafa Benitez's decision to quit as club coach, saying he has lined up former boss Claudio Ranieri as a replacement.
An outspoken opponent of the board, Roig does not have a majority shareholding nor does he have the power to appoint a new coach on his own. However, he remains a highly influential figure at the club.
'I am disappointed that the incompetence and poor management of the board...have meant that the most successful coach in the history of the club has been forced to leave,' Roig said in a statement on Tuesday.
Benitez, who guided Valencia to triumph in the Primera Liga and UEFA Cup this season, resigned earlier on Tuesday, saying events at the club had undermined his personal morale and willingness to continue.
Roig, a former club president, said the board's failure to put together a convincing plan for future development had prompted Benitez's decision.
'This all comes about because of the differences that have emerged over the course of the last year and because of the total absence of a solid sporting project,' he said.
Roig, who leads the main opposition group to president Jaime Orti, said he had spoken to Ranieri who 'showed a strong desire to return to Valencia as soon as he has resolved his contractual situation with Chelsea'.
Ranieri, who coached Valencia for two seasons and steered them to victory in the King's Cup in 1999, was sacked by Chelsea on Monday after months of speculation about his future.
Spanish media have reported Benitez has been offered a five-year deal by English premier league club Liverpool, who sacked French coach Gerard Houllier last month after six years at the helm.
Well, Ranieri did manage at Valencia before, and I think he could be heading for the Spanish champions instead of Spurs.
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England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson feels his squad is far better equipped for success at Euro 2004 than it was for the World Cup two years ago.
The Swede led England to the quarter-finals in Japan and Korea despite a catalogue of injuries which left a number of players less than 100 per cent fit and others unable to play at all.
Now, with two years' more experience under the belts of the players and the emergence of the likes of Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard, Eriksson is in upbeat mood with friendlies to come against Japan and Iceland this week.
He said: 'The fitness level is much better. We don't have any injuries as we had two years ago, when Steven Gerrard and Gary Neville did not even come to the tournament.
'David Beckham was not fully fit [nor was Michael Owen], Danny Murphy also, so it looks much, much better and that's good.'
The players and coaching staff have spent the last week on the Italian island of Sardinia, and Eriksson was delighted at how it went.
'The week in Sardinia was good in general. It was good for the group mentality, combining work with a holiday. I think most of the players needed it after a long, long season,' he told Sky Sports News.
Eriksson's plan for the friendly against Japan is set to be the tried-and-tested formula of starting with what he sees as his strongest starting XI, before introducing others after the break to 'prove him wrong'.
Eriksson admitted he would be aiming for a win against France in England's opening match on June 13.
'France may be the strongest squad in this tournament but it is better to win [against France] than to draw. I could maybe accept that [a draw] - it is not that bad, not at all.'
The Swede also believes Everton striker Rooney has the opportunity to make his mark on the tournament.
'I hope Wayne will be the big surprise in the tournament but he is 18 years old so we should not put too much pressure on him.
'Everything we are doing and have done in the last week and will do in the next two weeks is for the tournament. Tomorrow we start with what we think is the best team but I will see how many substitutes I use. I do not know now.'
He added: 'Maybe it is not necessary for the players to play 90 minutes. On the other hand those who who do not start need matches as well. Some will not have played in a month.
'Japan will make life difficult. I hope England do not lose but I am sure Japan will try to beat us. I would rather not to lose the France game. That is much more important to me.'
England goalkeeper David James believes the 'family unit' of the national squad can return home triumphant from Portugal.
The Manchester City number one, who will line up at his home ground for England against Japan tomorrow night, is encouraged by what he has seen over the last two years.
He said: 'The intention is to go and win. We've got the talent on the coaching side, we've got the team - and by that I mean the entire squad. Provided everyone is going in the right direction and maximising their performance, we've got a chance, a very good chance.'
James felt the training camp in Sardinia had been beneficial as a team-bonding exercise.
'We enjoyed each other's company very well,' he said. 'We've grown in the nucleus of squad. We have a good number of players in both squads (for the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004) and with the age and experience we have it will have grown.
'I am the granddad of the team at 33. The age of the team has come down, there is a lot of experience and a lot of youngsters which is good.'
James is delighted to go into the tournament as his country's number one, but believes he always felt part of things even when David Seaman was above him in Eriksson's pecking order.
'One thing I said while I was in Japan was that I felt so much a part of the squad.
'The gaffer had got me in amongst the squad and I didn't feel alienated in any way, to have my chance to start has been just a growth in a family unit if you like. It feels like a natural progression.
I think Rooney could be making a huge impact at this year's Euro, he definitely has the potential to do that. I'm not so sure about David James tho. He's just an accident waiting to happen.
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Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt revealed he will reconsider his Old Trafford future after the Euro 2004 finals.
Butt put in a transfer request earlier this season after finding himself on the sidelines but the right move never materialised as he was not interested in a £5million switch to Birmingham City.
After rebuilding bridges with Sir Alex Ferguson, he started playing more often and soon insisted he was happy at his U-turn, saying: 'It's the club I've grown up with and I definitely see my future here.'
But he still failed to hold down a regular starting place and was left on the bench for the FA Cup final.
Indeed, he now has a better chance of playing for England at the Euro 2004 finals than he does of starting in the United team next season.
No wonder, therefore, that the 29-year-old midfielder looks to be undecided once again about his long-term future as he contemplates the next Premiership campaign.
'It's something that I've spoken to the manager about and, in all honesty, I don't really want to start thinking about that again until after the European Championships,' he insisted.
'This is far more important to me than anything that might happen next season. It's difficult, though. I haven't been playing regularly and I don't want to be in the same boat next season, especially now we have these transfer windows.
'You can find yourself stuck for months and then, when it gets to January, making a move to another club is not something you particularly want to rush into. It's something I need to sit down and think about. I need to talk to my family. I've got a wife and children to consider.
'Obviously I also need to talk to the manager at Old Trafford. It's something I need to think about seriously and I don't think now is the time.'
Butt nevertheless admitted: 'Things just haven't gone right for me at United this year but that's in the past now.
'That season is over and I need to look forward. I've always taken that attitude. I don't sulk. I just get on with it, and when I get my chance I try and take it.
'I haven't got a clue why I've been left out so much this season, although obviously people who have played there have done well.
'They've got a case for saying they should be in the team. Phil Neville's done brilliantly and, towards the end, Darren Fletcher has done well as well.
'Then, of course, you've got Roy Keane. I got injured early in the season and I don't think that helped. The lads who came in did well. They deserved to stay in
Butt should leave if he wants to get regular first-team action. With Djemba-Djemba, Fletcher, Keane and Kleberson, I doubt Butt would get much of a look in the first team sheet next season.
Man Utd have a good strike force for next season in Van Nistelrooy, Saha, Smith and Solksjaer, but I think what they need is a playmaker. Ronaldo will be one, but he's too young and inexperienced just yet, so Man Utd should bring in someone who can create chances for the strikers.
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I think Ranieri will be the next manager of Spurs, since he has said that he likes London, and I think Benitez will be the one to go to Liverpool now.
MADRID, May 31 (Reuters) - Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is convinced that Roberto Carlos will extend his contract with the club despite the player's complaint that he is being treated more like a product than a footballer.
'I am hopeful that we can find a formula that will allow him to finish his career at Real Madrid,' Perez told Spanish state television on Sunday night.
'He has got a year left on his contract with Real Madrid and he is going to fulfil it.'
The Brazilian international, who is reported to have been targeted by Chelsea, was critical of the club's negotiating technique in an interview with Brazilian daily O Globo published at the weekend.
'The club have said they will give me two more years and then see how I play before deciding to offer me any more,' he said.
'But I am 31 years old and my record won't allow me to accept this sort of thing. I am not a product. When I go out to play I give everything.
'(David) Beckham sells a lot, but he also earns a lot, just like Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. But they shouldn't use players like products and think they can do what they like with us.'
Roberto Carlos joined Real in 1996 from Inter Milan for approximately $7 million. He has won three league titles and three European Cups with the club.
Spanish media have reported that the defender has been offered a four-year deal worth six million euros ($7.36 million) a season by Chelsea and the player himself confirmed that the premier league club were interested in signing him.
'They (the Spanish media) are talking a lot about it (a Chelsea offer) and when news like this comes out into the open it is because there is something in it,' he said.
Perez countered by saying that Real had not yet made the player an official offer and criticised the defender for trying to use the media to bargain with the club.
'I am not aware that anyone from Real Madrid has made Roberto Carlos an offer of an extra two years. One thing that will not be accepted is players using the media as a means of negotiating with the club...But I am convinced he will stay with us.'
Perez also stressed that several of Real's leading players, including recent signing Walter Samuel, had accepted lower salaries to play for the club.
'Players want to come to Real Madrid and for them the financial side of things isn't the most important thing.
'Samuel proved this. He could have earned more at Chelsea, but he preferred to come here. The same thing happened with Ronaldo and Zidane, both of them lost money by coming to Real.'
Carlos can stay at Real. We already have Bridge, who has been good for Chelsea last season.
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Porto midfielder Costinha is keen to follow Chelsea-bound Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho is expected to be confirmed as The Premiership's big-spenders' new manager in the coming days and will replace Claudio Ranieri at the helm.
He has been tipped to raid Porto for several of the players who helped the club to win the UEFA Champions League, with playmaker Deco believed to be the prime target.
But midfield anchor man Costinha has confirmed he wants to link up with Mourinho in London and is hoping a deal can be arranged.
Costinha, who has two years remaining on his contract, is a key figure for Porto and he is likely to cost in the region of £7 million.
"Do I want to follow Mourinho? Of course, why not?" commented Costinha in the Sunday Mirror.
"I have to be careful because I still have two years left on my contract at Porto but if I could choose of course I would like to go with him because I know if I go then I will have more success.
"My agent is taking care of it and I know there will be developments over the next few days."
Costinha also hailed the methods of Mourinho, whose success in steering Porto to European glory elevated him to the position of the most sought-after coach on the continent.
"He is probably the best trainer I've ever had," added the Portuguese international. "He knows how to prepare the players and how to speak with them.
"He thinks about football 24 hours a day. He is always wondering where he can improve his team, where he can make better use of a player.
"He is fair with everybody. He is not one way with the star of the team and different with a youth player.
"There are no superstars for him. The most important thing is the team."
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NO player in the world would "bench" Lamps, there'd be absolute outrage.
And for the record they play in different positions with different styles, think Joe Cole not Frank Lampard.
Different styles, yes. But ain't Deco and Lampard both attacking midfielders who play in the central midfield? Assuming Mourinho plays a attacking midfielder and defensive midfielder in the center, he can play Deco-Makelele, Deco-Parker, Lampard-Makelele, Lampard-Parker as midfield combinations. And Joe Cole will prolly be shipped out on loan, IMO.
Boudewijn Zenden could be ready to spend another season on loan, as his Chelsea career looks unlikely to be resurrected.The Dutch star spent the last campaign at Middlesbrough on a temporary deal and he impressed everyone on Teesside, after making a slow start to his time at The Riverside.
Boro have already told the 27-year-old that they want him to join them on a permanent basis - but it now seems likely that there could be competition for his services.
Newcastle and Fulham are both being linked with a possible move for Zenden, who is currently with Holland preparing for Euro 2004.
Zenden is yet to find out if he has a future at Chelsea, but it seems a change of management is unlikely to herald a return to the Stamford Bridge first team squad.
Now Zenden's farther Pierre - who helps manage the player - has confirmed his son could be ready to go back out on loan.
"He would like to play for Middlesbrough again. He had a great time there last season," Zenden senior told the Sunday Sun.
"He knows the most important thing for any player is to have a good relationship with a coach and he had that with Steve McClaren, who he has much respect for.
"But he also has great respect for Sir Bobby Robson and would be interested in Newcastle if they are interested in him.
"He has a contract with Chelsea for one more year, so maybe he stays at Middlesbrough for one more year - or goes somewhere else - on loan.
"I've been told Fulham are interested - but we hope to know what is going on before Euro 2004."
Meanwhile, Newcastle have also been linked with a move for Sochaux midfielder Jaouad Zairi.
The Magpies are believed to have watched the Moroccan along with the likes of Seville, Real Betis and Internazionale in recent weeks.
Zenden is prolly surplus to requirements at Chelsea, so I think he should be sold to a club. It will be good for both Zenden and Chelsea.
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England coach Sven Goran Eriksson has dropped a broad hint that Frank Lampard will be given the nod to start the opening game against France.
The Chelsea midfielder has enjoyed a superb season at club level and is set to be rewarded with a starting role at Euro 2004 in Portugal.
Eriksson concedes Lampard's performances this season have made it virtually impossible for him to be overlooked for the team's first match against holders France.
The key decision now appears to rest on who Eriksson will axe in favour of Lampard with Paul Scholes admitting his place is under threat.
Scholes' Manchester United colleague Nicky Butt is more likely to make way, with Eriksson also hinting Steven Gerrard could play on the left side of midfield.
"I want to start the first game with my best 11, or the 11 we have in our heads," said Eriksson. "I don't mind if coaches see that team and learn our secrets.
"I think the way Frank Lampard has played this season means it's going to be difficult to leave him out.
"Let's see if Gerrard is going to play on the left or not. If he stays fit he'll be a very important player in this tournament.
"We have four top midfielders and we have to find the best formation."
Following a training camp in Sardinia, Eriksson is happy with the condition of his squad and feels England should be targeting a spot in the semi-finals of the European Championship.
He continued: "I feel confident. The players look a lot fitter than they did two years ago. The training sessions in Sardinia have gone well, almost too good.
"I feel much better going into this tournament than I did before the World Cup. I can't at the moment, see any problems. It's too good to be true.
"I think we have to at least get to the quarter finals for us not to be classed as failures and for me to keep on to my job.
"But if we play well and keep fit I'd like to think we can go farther than we did in Japan and reach the semi-finals."
IMO, Lampard should play ahead of Scholes.
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