G-O-D

If England wins Euro 2004, I'll mark much more fucking harder than if Chelsea wins the Premiership.

Talks between Valencia and manager Rafael Benitez over a new deal will continue as the two parties have failed to reach an agreement, as rumours persist that he will walk away to join Liverpool.

The Anfield giants want Benitez to replace Gerard Houllier, but the Spanish champions are desperate to keep the man who has led them to two Primera Liga titles in three years.

Che chief Manuel Llorente has been speaking to Benitez regularly, while he has met the coach's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon to discuss a new contract.

They have offered Benitez a new two-year deal with more control over what happens at the club, but it is the lack of financial resources that Benitez is unhappy about.

Quilon says that he has met with Valencia chiefs, but nothing has been agreed and talks will continue.

"He had several conversations with Llorente and we have already spoken in person, but as yet there is nothing," said Quilon.

"They have told me what they want, but we have neither advanced nor have we backed down.

"For that reason, we will continue speaking."

The Reds seem determined to land Benitez, who has a proven track record in Spain, and the Merseyside outfit will be able to offer him the funds to build a side capable of challenging for The Premiership title

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I think Valencia has a hell of a fight on their hands in order to retain Benitez.

PSV Eindhoven say they are now unlikely to succeed in their attempt to sign Polish goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek from Liverpool.

Dudek is playing a waiting game at Anfield, like many others in the squad, to see who will replace Gerard Houllier as the new manager.

Dutch side PSV were interested in bringing Dudek back to Holland, where he made a name for himself at Feyenoord.

PSV chairman Harry van Raaj says that they will not have the time to wait for a new manager to be installed at Anfield, and have all but given up on Dudek.

"We do not plan and do not have time to wait for that," van Raaj told AD Sportwereld.

"That is why in reality we do not count on the arrival of Dudek."

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Porto playmaker Deco has admitted he would relish a move to Chelsea if, as expected, Jose Mourinho is installed as manager at Stamford Bridge.

The Brazil-born Portuguese international is reported to be one of a number of Porto players that Mourinho would look to bring with him should he move to England.

The midfielder has been an integral part of the Portuguese side's unprecedented success over the past couple of seasons, and his creative skills have attracted the interest of Europe's top sides with Barceona also reported to be tracking him.

However, Deco admits the lure of a move to Stamford Bridge to work under Mourinho would prove to good to resist.

"Of course I'd like to go to Chelsea as he's a coach I know well," the 26-year-old told The Sun.

"He's won everything here and now has other ambitions."

"I've a preference for the English league because of the way they play."

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If Deco arrives, does it means that Lampard will be benched, since both men play in the same position?

Arsenal star Ashley Cole feels he has become a hate figure for many football fans across the country but believes he does not deserve such criticism.

The England international claims that critics are determined to find fault with his game rather than concentrate on more positive aspects.

However, Cole insists that he is unfazed by the stick he receives and does not let it affect his game.

"People always seem to focus on the bad things I'd done - saying I dive, saying that I do bad tackles," he told The Sun.

"I'm like the bad wolf, the big bad wolf of football. Everyone hates me!

"I just think 'what have I done to deserve that?'

"I played for England, I try my hardest for England.

"I've not always played too well, of course, but that's not my fault. I want to play well but people seem to be on my back all the time.

"I don't know what it is that I've done wrong for people to hate me but, to be honest, I don't care."

Cole went on to admit he was wrong for his part in the scuffle between Arsenal and Manchester United players at Old Trafford earlier in the season, but believes it actually turned out to be a positive incident for The Gunners.

"Two of the top teams in the country were fighting for the three points and pride as well, no one wanted to lose.

"When he (van Nistelrooy) missed his penalty, we were just happy that we hadn't lost the game in the last minute.

"It was a little bit mad and, looking back on it, you think 'what was I doing?'

"But I was just backing up a team-mate.

"People were saying we don't have any team spirit - so we just proved that we did.

"We did have fighting spirit, maybe too much fight. But people asked if we were a team and if we were together. We just proved that we were."

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If Van Nistelrooy had scored that penalty, Arsenal wouldn't have gone the season unbeaten. I dare say the Battle of Old Trafford actually made Arsenal stronger.

Porto playmaker Deco is hoping to continue his association with Jose Mourinho if the Champions League-winning coach is installed as the new boss of Chelsea.

Mourinho is expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge next week and Deco has revealed he would like to join his coach in London.

The 26-year-old told The Sun: 'Of course I'd like to go to Chelsea as he's a coach I know well. He's won everything here and now has other ambitions.

'I've a preference for the English league because of the way the play.'

Current Chelsea chief Claudio Ranieri last night revealed that he has been promised a decision on his future next week.

The Italian has held talks with Blues owner Roman Abramovich after maintaining his dignity and good humour throughout the season in the face of constant speculation that he would lose his job at the end of the campaign.

'It was a lovely meeting, and now I can only wait,' Ranieri told Sky Sports News.

'We talked about players, we talked about the future. Was Mourinho mentioned? No, no, no, because I spoke only about myself and my plans.

'Roman said `okay Claudio, next week I will give you the answer'.'

Should Ranieri be sacked, he will not be short of other offers, with Tottenham a possible candidate for his services.

However, it does not look like he will be returning to his home town club Roma as Cesare Prandelli has been appointed as the new coach of the Serie A side, according to Italian media reports.

The appointment of Prandelli comes after a dramatic day which had started with the announcement that Fabio Capello had defected from Roma to become coach of Juventus.

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Deco to Chelsea? I don't think we need him, unless Lampard doesn't feature in Mourinho's plans. If Deco comes to Chelsea, either him or Lampard will be benched, and I doubt either men will be happy about it.

The Sun is one of the worst sources for sports news, in terms of credibility. I'll believe it when I see it on reputable and credible sources like Sky Sports and Soccernet.

Birmingham City have confirmed they are interested in Crystal Palace winger Julian Gray, but have denied holding talks with the former Arsenal man.

It had been thought Blues were close to completing a deal for the 24-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, but so far talks have not taken place.

While City have not yet moved in on the one time Arsenal man, they have confirmed they are interested in securing his services.

Should Gray join the St Andrews outfit he would become Steve Bruce's third acquisition this close season following the arrival of Emile Heskey and signed agreement with Muzzy Izzet.

"Birmingham City can confirm that Julian Gray is a player that Steve Bruce is interested in," read a club statement on the club's official website.

"However, no discussions have yet taken place between the club and the player and furthermore no agreement has been reached."

Crystal Palace could yet make a Premiership return when The Eagles take on West Ham in the First Division final, but Gray will take no part following his red card against Sunderland.

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Belgium international defender Jelle van Damme has revealed he is strongly considering a move to Southampton.

The Ajax stopper has also been targeted by Anderlecht but is keen to prove his worth in The Premiership after Paul Sturrock showed an interest in his combative style.

After growing tired of being used mainly as a substitute in Amsterdam, a move away from Ajax looks a formality.

Coach Ronald Koeman has already stressed he will not change his plans with Maxwell staying at the club for at least another season so the route to the first team looks blocked for van Damme.

"I can't say much about it," he told Gazet van Antwerpen. "I can only confirm Southampton want me.

"The English style of play suits me better so the choice would be simple."

Anderlecht were hoping they could persuade the 20-year-old to return to his homeland.

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Manchester United and Juventus are understood to be ready to slug it out to acquire the services of Monaco full back Patrice Evra.

The France international has enjoyed a stunning campaign and played a major role in the club reaching the UEFA Champions League final.

Evra was also named Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year and his form has attracted admiring glances from the continent's biggest clubs.

Italian titans Juventus have been long-term suitors of the 23-year-old and are rumoured to have offered €8 million to Monaco several weeks ago.

The Red Devils are also reportedly keen on the left back and have been watching his progress this term with interest.

Evra is contracted to Monaco for a further three years but, after scaling such heights with the Principality side this term, may decide a move abroad will be beneficial to his career.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint Germain continue to be on the trail of Evra's team-mate Jerome Rothen, who is another to have revelled on the European stage this season.

Rothen has regularly stated it would fulfil a dream to play for PSG and Vahid Halilhodzic is expected to try to tempt the midfielder to Parc des Princes.

Monaco would be reluctant sellers but an offer in the region of €8 million may prove difficult to refuse, if PSG can raise sufficient funds.

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From what little I have seen of Evra in the CL, he looked good, and I think he can realise his potential if he moves to United.

No, Kaka is ours

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I haven't seen any news that Wenger wants Kaka, any sources?

And I doubt Arsenal is able to outbid Chelsea if we want the same player. Unless the player prefers Arsenal over Chelsea.

Kluivert is VERY over-rated, one of the most over-rated players in the world today. I watch all the Spanish games I can on Sky Sports and whenever I see Kluivert I feel sorry for him because he's shite now. His control is poor, his communication is weak, he has no pace to speak of and his finishing is sub-par. If Boro want him, let them have him.

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Couldn't have said it better myself.

Boro fans better not get their hopes up on Kluivert. I doubt Steve McClaren will be able to get the best out of him.

Adriano Galliani met with Roman Abramovich in Milan on Thursday but vehemently denies there were any discussions about players, as does Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon.

Milan's chief officer sat down with the Chelsea owner amid suspicions that the Russian billionaire is weighing up a massive bid for one of the Rossoneri's newly-crowned champions.

Andrei Shevchenko's decision to sign a new contract at least kept the Ukrainian out of the equation but rumours are still rife that Chelsea will attempt to raid Milan, even though counter suggestions have intimated that the Serie A winners are keen on England's Frank Lampard.

"Nothing in particular happened," Galliani told reporters afterwards. "We have only spoken about football in general.

"Milan keep their players and Chelsea too. I swear we have not spoken about players."

Kenyon, who was also at the meeting, maintained the same stance when questioned on the nature of the meeting, denying he was in Italy to discuss Juan Sebastian Veron's possible move to Internazionale.

"On this occasion, we went only to meet Milan," Kenyon is quoted as saying in the Italian media.

"We have known Milan's officials for some time and we respect them.

"It was a general meeting and we have absolutely not spoken about players."

Nevertheless, expect something to come out of the discussions at a later date.

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They met just to discuss football and not players? Sounds rather farfetched to me. If Milan want Veron, I'll be happy to see him go to Milan, as long as we get someone like Shevchenko or Kaka in return.

Is it just me or does EVERY Chelsea fan want Ranieri to stay? I haven't heard anyone say they wanted Mourinho. I hope Ranieri stays in Britain, he's a ruddy nice bloke.

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Many of us do want Ranieri to stay, but the matter is out of our hands. We are pretty much resigned to the fact that Ranieri will be leaving us with Mourinho at the helm next season.

Let's hope it's not a bad move by Abramovich.

Mourinho: It's Chelsea

Porto coach Jose Mourinho has revealed for the first time that he wants to join Chelsea this summer, it has emerged.

The Champions League-winning boss has become Europe's most wanted coach after the success of his team over the past two seasons.

Chelsea, whose current boss Claudio Ranieri is widely expected to leave the club this summer, are among the clubs believed to be chasing Mourinho.

'I have some offers in my wallet, but one which I very much want to accept, which is that from Chelsea,' Mourinho told Portuguese channel Sport TV.

Until this assertion, Mourinho had been coy about his future, refusing to name the clubs who have been courting him.

The 41-year-old has for more than a year been widely regarded as one of the world's best young coaches, a reputation which was enhanced by Porto's 3-0 win over Monaco in Wednesday's Champions League final at Gelsenkirchen.

He was expected to let the dust settle after arguably the club's greatest ever victory, which followed their European Cup triumph of 1987 and UEFA Cup win last year.

Speaking immediately after Wednesday's final, Mourinho would not confirm that Chelsea were among the clubs interested in his services.

He said: ``The country where I want to work next is England, and I haven't changed my mind about that.

``The club I gave my word to I would be favourite to go - I don't change my mind.

``I cannot speak about Chelsea because I really don't know, but I know that my agent has a few things in his pocket, and he has showed what's in his pocket to the Porto board and what the choices are.''

Mourinho still feels passionately about Porto, the club he turned from an under-performing side into one which has won two league titles, the Portuguese Cup, the UEFA Cup and now the Champions League, and wants to part on good terms.

He added on Wednesday evening: ``I still have a contract for two years but I would like to leave Porto, I am being completely frank and I want to talk to my chairman, to my board. I am going to open up to my chairman to try and sort out my professional career.

``It's almost for sure my last match, we made history but I have to keep working and trying to get success in my next step. This is the best way to finish my career with Porto - in two and half years we have won everything.

``Yes, England is the country I would like to go to, though I have a few contacts with other countries, especially Italy. I will be almost for sure going to England.''

Porto would not want to lose Mourinho at this stage, but they appear powerless to stop him leaving, particularly as they could not hope to match the salary he would expect to receive in the Premiership.

It had been suggested that Liverpool were preparing to swoop for Mourinho as replacement for Gerard Houllier.

But Chelsea have several advantages over their Anfield rivals, not least the millions which owner Roman Abramovich has pumped into the club since arriving last summer.

They have also secured automatic entry to next season's Champions League by finishing second in the Premiership, whereas Liverpool came fourth and must go through qualifying.

Mourinho seems set on moving to Chelsea, which puts the emphasis on the powers that be at Stamford Bridge to make the next move. 

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Well, everyone expected it anyways, so, no surprises here.

Fletcher to skipper Scotland aged 20

Darren Fletcher was today told he is to be handed the Scotland captaincy at the tender age of 20.

Fletcher: Scotland captain

The decision to give the Manchester United midfielder the armband for tomorrow night's friendly in Estonia means he is almost certainly Scotland's youngest ever captain - and definitely the most youthful in living memory.

Scotland manager Berti Vogts decided to pick Fletcher ahead of Steven Pressley, who is captain at Hearts, in the absence of Barry Ferguson, the first choice skipper and Christian Dailly, his deputy.

Vogts said: 'Darren Fletcher is a guy in a key position in my team and a key player for the World Cup qualifiers.

'He is the future of Scotland and also the future Scotland captain - and I think he is the future captain of Manchester United.'

Portsmouth midfielder Nigel Quashie is set to make his Scotland debut and in the process become the first black player to represent the country since Andrew Watson in the 1881-82 season.

A former England B international, who re-qualifies through a Glaswegian grandfather, Quashie could also be joined in the starting line-up by fellow debutant and Pompey team-mate Richard Hughes.

Norwich duo Malky Mackay and Gary Holt are also in the starting line-up but Vogts has still to decide on certain positions after 18 players made themselves unavailable.

Pressley is set to play the first 45 minutes but is likely to captain the side in Edinburgh on Sunday when the season ends with a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. 

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Is Fletcher that good to be captained by Scotland?

 

Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Kluivert keen on move to England

AMSTERDAM, May 26 (Reuters) - Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert has hinted he is keen to move to England after being told by Barcelona this week that he can leave the Spanish club.

'I played for six years now in Barcelona and both the club and I are going separate ways,' Kluivert told reporters at a Netherlands Euro 2004 training camp on Wednesday. 'I think it's a good time to look at other clubs.'

Kluivert said it had long been an ambition of his to play in the premier league.

'I have always said England would be one of the preferred countries I would like to play in,' he said.

'There a few clubs but no concrete clubs yet. I will first play the European Championship and after that we will see what is going to happen.'

The 27-year-old Kluivert has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal in recent years, while Chelsea and Newcastle United are among other premier league clubs who could be interested in signing him.

He started his career with Ajax Amsterdam before spending one season with AC Milan.

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What was up with Mourinho?  He didn't even celebrate at all and seems like he was in the huff during the post match interviews.  Very odd. 

Here's hoping that he's on his way to Chelsea.

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Well, because he's leaving Porto for an English club.

Porto's Champions League-winning manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed he is set to leave the club and will 'almost for sure' be moving to England.

Mourinho, who guided his side to a convincing 3-0 win over Monaco in Europe's premier club competition, is the top target for Chelsea, whose manager Claudio Ranieri has been working under the threat of the sack for most of the season.

And that prospect increased immediately after the final whistle in Gelsenkirchen as Mourinho left the celebrations early to meet up with his family and revealed he was to quit the Portuguese champions.

'It is almost for sure my last match. We made history but I have to keep working and try to get success in my next step,' he said.

'This is the best way to finish my career with Porto. In two and a half years we have won everything.

'The club was sleeping a little bit [two and a half years ago] and it has woken up very, very well.

'I am very proud in what we did but the time to leave has arrived. You will find out in the next few days, I will decide everything.

'I have to speak with the club (Porto) because I have a contract with them and I desire to leave.'

When asked if he would be heading to England he told Sky Sports: 'Yes, it is the country I would like to go to. I have a few contacts with other countries, especially Italy.

'I will be almost for sure [in England].'

Mourinho was pressed on whether billionaire Roman Abramovich had tempted him to Stamford Bridge.

'I think in the next [few] days everything will be clear,' he said.

'The persons have had serious conversations with my agent and little conversations with me.

'The club I gave my word [to] I would be favourite to go - I don't change my mind.

'I think every club has a motivation. When you have money to spend you must spend well. When you don't have money to spend you have to go for the formation. The best way is to do both things.

'When clubs decide to change their manager they believe something is not the way to be so I want to work and enjoy my life as a manager.

'I love football and I love to work. The club, the board and supporters [must know] I go with all my heart and give everything to improve the club.

'I decided I would like to go when I felt in Portugal there was nothing more to win, the challenge was not big enough for me.'

Mourinho said: 'I cannot speak about Chelsea because I really don't know, but I know that my agent has a few things in his pocket, and he has showed what's in his pocket to the Porto board and what the choices are.

'The country where I want to work next is England, and I haven't changed my mind about that.

'I still have a contract for two years but I would like to leave Porto, I am being completely frank and I want to talk to my chairman, to my board. I am going to open up to my chairman to try and sort out my professional career'.

Porto striker Benni McCarthy was downhearted on hearing that Mourinho was to leave.

'That's a real kick in the butt, we're losing a great trainer, a great man, a real gentleman,' he said.

Earlier in the evening Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon admitted his admiration for Mourinho - but refused to be drawn on whether he would be the next boss at Stamford Bridge.

Speculation has been rife for months that current Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri will be sacked in the close season with Mourinho emerging as the hot favourite to replace him.

Kenyon, in Gelsenkirchen to watch the Champions League final between Porto and Didier Deschamps' Monaco, refused to comment on the current managerial situation.

However, he did concede to an admiration of the talents of the respective coaches who guided their sides to the final, with Monaco reaching their destination at the expense of Chelsea.

'What you have got tonight are two of the best young coaches in Europe,' he told ITV1.

'They have done tremendously well to get here.'

Kenyon, responding to newspaper reports stating Mourinho was England-bound, added: 'There is lots of speculation; Claudio is our manager and remains our manager until that changes.

'There are more teams than Chelsea in England right now - and you know what has happened at Liverpool (who have just parted company with Gerard Houllier).

IMO, there are only three clubs he could be moving to. Chelsea, Liverpool, or Spurs.

Pedro Emanuel on for Deco now.

IMO, Monaco have overcommitted themselves in attack for the second half, and got caught by Porto on the break.

McCarthy on for Derlei now.

3-0.

Porto should be CL champs now.

Interesting fact: Your fact is wrong. Last year was a 0-0 draw after extra time. That's 180 minutes without a goal. This year the goal came in the 39th minute. That's 219 minutes. Research shows that the last goal in the 2001/02 final betwwen Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen was scored by Zidane in the 44th minute. That means there were 46 minutes in that game after the last goal was scored.

2001/02 - 46 minutes since goal.

2002/03 - 180 minutes without goal.

2003/04 - 39 minutes until goal.

That's 265 minutes without a goal. Don't spout crap trying to look smart.

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Yeah, I was wrong. I forgot to include 'at least'.

What?

It IS a poor game, how many shots have there been? It isn't as bad as last years mind you. But that goal will lift it in the 2nd half, should be better

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A game isn't just about goals. Sure, this game isn't as fast-paced as most of the EPL matches, but it is more technical.

Did you see how Hugo Ibarra and Carlos Alberto went past defenders in the first half? That was brillance.

And Monaco have been looking threatening down the left, although their forwards, especially Morientes, have been caught offside before they can get the ball into the box.

Pompey sign Griffin from Newcastle

LONDON, May 26 (Reuters) - Portsmouth have signed defender Andy Griffin from Newcastle United on a four-year deal.

The 25-year-old, a free agent after his contract ended, played 90 games for Newcastle after joining from Stoke in January 1998.

'I've like Andy for some time and he has been affected by the competition there for places,' said Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp.

'He had a time out with injury and it's always going to be hard to get back in a side with the calibre of Newcastle on a regular basis when you look at the competition.

'He's a good solid back and can push forward and he's what we've been looking for as a natural right-sided player.'

Portsmouth were this season's surprise package in the premier league following promotion in 2003, finishing a creditable 13th in the 20-team division after going unbeaten in nine of their last 10 games. Newcastle finished fifth.

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Good game this

[/sarcasm]

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It is a good game. Just because Arsenal isn't in this match doesn't means it's a bad one.

Monaco have been more threatening, but Porto is the one to take the lead through Carlos Alberto.

Interesting fact: There was 200 minutes without a goal in the CL finals until Carlos Alberto scored.