Man Utd lose 4-0 to West Ham in Carling Cup!!

Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole scored two goals apiece as West Ham shocked Carling Cup holders Manchester United 4-0 in their quarter-final.

Spector had never scored during his six seasons in the Premier League but the USA star struck twice to begin a rout that sent Hammers fans delirious.
Further damage was done by Cole after the interval with the England marksman pouncing twice to bring feeble United crashing back down to earth after their 7-1 drubbing of Blackburn.
The defeat also ended the Red Devils' 29-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Spector and Cole were brilliantly supported by Victor Obinna with the Nigerian forward, on loan from Inter Milan, having a hand in each goal.
Sir Alex Ferguson made 10 changes to the side that hammered Blackburn last weekend with only Anderson remaining, but the manner of this defeat will still prove difficult to stomach.
Experience was supplied by the likes of Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea but they also wilted in the face of West Ham's onslaught.
Those who had braved the arctic conditions at a near-sold out Upton Park enjoyed a night of high drama, the benefit of which could be felt in the Hammers' Premier League survival bid.
Manager Avram Grant has proved something of a cup specialist but while he will be delighted to see his side through to the semi-finals, he will be just as pleased at having strung together successive victories that could inspire a climb up the table
Wigan were dispatched 3-1 last weekend but Grant made six changes with captain Scott Parker on the bench despite suffering from a chest infection.
There was little sign of the carnage to come early on when the holders were denied the lead by the woodwork, with Robert Green showing lightning reflexes to push Gabriel Obertan's shot on to the post.
Anderson expertly picked out Giggs but the Welsh winger's delivery into the box was poor and the ball looped away harmlessly.
Controversy reigned in the 16th minute when West Ham scored through Obinna - only to have the goal ruled out for offside.
Obinna's shot deflected off Spector and the linesman had made the correct decision, but the Hammers were incensed.
Players queued up to demonstrate with referee Mark Clattenburg, who then warned Grant after the Israeli hurled the ball away in disgust after it had gone out of bounds.
Any sense of injustice was soon remedied, however, when Spector nodded West Ham ahead.
Obinna supplied an exquisite chip that Spector, having crept inside Fletcher, headed into the net.
Emboldened by their goal, West Ham attacked with greater conviction but were almost caught by a United counter that ended with a tame header from Obertan.
Cole almost got the better of Fabio before James Tomkins angled a corner wide and in the 37th minute the home side's ascendancy was rewarded once more.
The hapless Fabio was involved as his attempted block of Obinna's shot instead fell into the path of Spector who blasted home from close range.
A header from Bebe was easily saved by Green but most of the action continued to take place at the other end.
A dreadful blunder from Green, who until now had looked rock-solid, almost let United in with his clearance hitting the back of Federico Macheda.
The ball deflected into the path of Javier Hernandez but reinforcements arrived for the Hammers to clear the danger in the nick of time.
United were pouring forward as the expected fightback began in earnest, only to be halted in their tracks in the 55th minute when they were caught on the break.
The superb Obinna was the supplier with his inch-perfect cross met by Cole, who headed the ball home.
There was still more to come from West Ham, however, as little over 10 minutes later Cole slammed home his second after being set up by Obinna.
Zavon Hines had a strong penalty shout rejected by Clattenburg after being shoved in the back by O'Shea, but West Ham had the result wrapped up long ago

Jose Mourinho banned one-match Champions League!

REAL MADRID boss Jose Mourinho has been hit with a one-match Champions League ban and a fine following his side's red card fiasco against Ajax last week.

The club have been fined £100,000 after Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos seemed to deliberately incur second bookings, therefore wiping out previous cautions ahead of the tournament's knockout stage.

Mourinho has been fined to the tune of £33,400 and received a two-match touchline ban, one of which has been suspended for a three year probation period.
Alonso and Ramos — who both received second yellow cards for time wasting — must pay £16,700 each.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas and his reserve Jerzy Dudek, who seemed to pass on messages, must pay £8,300 and £4,100 respectively.
The one-match bans automatically handed to Alonso and Ramos for the dismissals will stand.

JAMIE CARRAGHER injured 3 months!!

JAMIE CARRAGHER faces three months on the sidelines after being told he needs surgery on his dislocated shoulder.

The Liverpool defender, 32, suffered the injury in Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.
Carragher underwent tests at the club's training ground yesterday but medical staff were unable to make a full assessment until this morning.
He said: "I'll be having surgery at the end of the week. The average is about 12 weeks.
"I'd like to come back before that but I've got to make sure it's right.
"It will probably be late February or early March when I'm looking to come back.
"It's difficult for me when I'm injured. It hasn't happened very often and I'm very lucky with that I suppose but maybe it's caught up with me a little bit now.
"I've been here before with a broken leg which put me out this length of time.
"It's not easy but you've got to get on with it, and it makes you more determined to get back.
"I'm sure towards the end of the season when people are maybe feeling a little bit tired I'll be raring to go."

Five-star Barcelona destroy Real Madrid

David Villa scored a brace as Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 5-0 with an astonishing display of attacking football at the Nou Camp on Monday.

Villa's second-half double led Barca to an incredible rout of Real in El Clasico and saw the Catalans leapfrog their fierce rivals - who lost for the first time under Jose Mourinho - at the top of the Primera Division.
Mourinho had gone unbeaten in his first 19 games in all competitions since joining Madrid in the summer, but the Portuguese was unable to avoid defeat in the biggest one of all as Pep Guardiola maintained his perfect record as Barca coach in the Clasico with a fifth straight victory over Real.
Xavi and Pedro put Barca two up within 17 minutes, while Villa made it a night to remember at a packed Nou Camp with two goals early in the second half and substitute Jeffren Suarez added a fifth right at the end.
To add insult to injury for Madrid, they finished the match with 10 men after Sergio Ramos pushed Carles Puyol in the face late on.
It was some revenge for Barca - and Guardiola - after Mourinho, then coach of Inter Milan, knocked the Catalan side out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage last season here.
Mourinho handed a rare start to France striker Karim Benzema, out of favour for most of this season, after Gonzalo Higuain failed a late fitness test.
Guardiola, though, was able to field his strongest XI, which of course included Lionel Messi.
And the Argentina winger, yet to score against a side coached by Mourinho, almost did so after five minutes, when he beat Madrid keeper Iker Casillas with an exquisite chip from a tight angle, only to see his effort rebound off the post.
But four minutes later, Barca did go ahead.
Andres Iniesta's perfectly-weighted through-ball found Xavi and the midfielder took one touch to control, albeit with some fortune, before clipping the ball past Casillas on the volley from close range.
Angel di Maria tested Victor Valdes with a stinging effort at the other end two minutes later, but Barca made it 2-0 in their very next attack.
It came after 17 minutes and was scored by Barca's number 17 - Pedro.
The Spain forward was left with a simple tap-in from close range after Casillas failed to deal with Villa's low cross from the left.
That followed a long passing move from the home side and the Catalans looked good for their lead.
An unseemly brawl followed after half an hour, when Cristiano Ronaldo pushed Guardiola in the chest, with the Barca coach having refused to hand the ball to the Portugal winger on the touchline.
Ronaldo was shown the yellow card and received huge jeers every time he touched the ball after that.
The former Manchester United forward came close with a free-kick later in the half and also saw a decent penalty appeal turned down after he went to ground following a challenge with Valdes.
Messi was booked for simulation a minute before the interval for exaggerating a foul by Ricardo Carvalho.
Barca began the second half brightly and after Xavi and Villa missed good chances early on, the latter made it 3-0 with only 54 minutes on the clock.
The Spain striker latched onto Messi's pass and beat Casillas with a clinical finish in the area, although he looked to be marginally offside when the ball was played.
The same combination made it 4-0 three minutes later as Messi set up Villa once more and the former Valencia forward slid the ball through Casillas' legs as the keeper came out to narrow the angle.
The Nou Camp was rocking after that and Barca dominated right until the end.
Substitute Bojan Krkic saw his fierce effort saved by Casillas and was unable to stay on his feet as he raced clear moments earlier.
But Jeffren, who replaced Pedro with three minutes left, did make it five in added time when he clipped the ball past Casillas from close range after a low cross from the right.
Madrid's misery was compounded right at the end as the visitors finished the game with 10 men after Ramos hit out at Puyol and was shown the red card.

KONCHESKY : I'm not good enough

PAUL KONCHESKY admits his performances have not been good enough for Liverpool.

The left-back has accepted full responsibility for his side's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham at White Hart Lane yesterday.
Konchesky was given a tough time by Aaron Lennon and was caught out of position and found lacking for pace as the winger raced through to score the winner in added time.
Despite an encouraging performance at White Hart Lane — where the Reds dominated the first half and should have led by more at the interval — Konchesky was the one player who came in for criticism.
And the 29-year-old conceded: "I've got to up my game.
"Where I've played before has not been as high a standard as Liverpool, but this is a good pressure.
"The fans want you to be in the top four because that's where Liverpool belong.
"Straight after Aaron's winner I knew that I'd have to hold my hands up, but we also had chances to win the game.
"That's part of football and we've got to try to take the positives out of the game.
"I was gutted, being the last minute as well it didn't give us any time to get back into the game.
"But that's life, we've got to put it behind us, and I've got to put it behind myself for the next game."

Grant: Man United can't stay unbeaten

West Ham boss Avram Grant does not believe Manchester United can make it all the way through the season without defeat.

However, he has warned Sir Alex Ferguson's men have a habit of coming good in the end.
By his own admission, Ferguson believes the Red Devils have yet to play to their full potential, but nevertheless returned to the top of the Premier League following Saturday's 7-1 demolition of Blackburn at Old Trafford.
United are unbeaten so far, with seven draws and eight wins from 15 league games, and have yet to concede a goal in Europe.
Ferguson is set to make several changes for Tuesday night's Carling Cup quarter-final at Upton Park, with the likes of Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling, Wes Brown and goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak all keen for a chance to impress.
Grant went head to head with Ferguson in the 2008 Champions League final, when his Chelsea side were beaten on penalties in Moscow as United added European glory to their domestic title.
The Israeli feels while the Red Devils are a class act, to extend the current unbeaten record through to May is perhaps too big an ask.
"It has happened before with Arsenal, but I don't think it will [again]," said Grant.
"What happened with Arsenal was exceptional. I don't believe there is a team which can last all the season without losing."
The former Portsmouth boss, however, is in no doubt United will be leading the chase for honours again in 2011.
"When I was at Chelsea, Alex [Ferguson] described that season as the best season ever - but even then they did not start so well," Grant said.
"You don't need to be at your best in the first few months, but at the end of the season.
"Alex is very clever. He does it every year. I can't remember one season when United started with full power."
West Ham have worries at the other end of the table, as they remain bottom despite Saturday's morale-lifting home win over Wigan.
Grant is set to utilise all of his squad on Tuesday night, aiming to protect key men like Scott Parker, who has been troubled by a chest infection, against burnout.
Defender Lars Jacobsen is cup-tied after playing for Blackburn in their second-round win over Norwich before his August move to the Hammers, but midfielder Kieron Dyer could return from a hamstring injury.
However, the Irons boss also knows the importance of the fixture, having reached the last eight with hard-fought victories at Sunderland and against Stoke.
"Many of the players we have in the squad this season have had long-term injuries, so we have to manage them differently," Grant said.
"We are doing all we can so they can play, sometimes we succeed, sometimes not.
"It is not very often that West Ham comes to a quarter-final of any competition, so we will try to win this game."
Academy product James Tomkins impressed alongside Matthew Upson at the centre of West Ham's defence against Wigan, having spent a few days working with new coach Wally Downes.
The 21-year-old is hoping the Irons can take momentum into the clash against United.
"The game is massive for the fans. It doesn't get much bigger than the cup quarter-final," Tomkins said.
"The mood is good in the dressing room. It is nice to get the win, to see the lads buzzing.
"After a game when you win there is no better feeling and hopefully we can just carry this on against United."
Saturday's match against Wigan had been labelled the 'save our season' game by the Upton Park board, who reduced ticket prices to help obtain a bumper crowd of just over 34,000.
Grant feels the demanding Boleyn Ground faithful can play their part against United.
"The fans are great. They saw us give a poor performance last week at Liverpool after going a long way on a cold day," said the West Ham manager.
"I am sure they will continue like this on Tuesday and will do everything to support us."

Rooney: My future is at United

Wayne Rooney insists his future remains at Manchester United, but admits he was nervous about the reaction of the fans to his comeback.

Rooney is set to make his first start for nearly two months in Wednesday night's Champions League tie with Rangers at Ibrox.
It will also be the first time he has started since that stunning week in October which began with claims that he wanted to leave Old Trafford and ended with him signing a five-year contract.
There have been claims in the meantime that Rooney has fallen out with a number of his team-mates and, after he was pictured smoking on holiday with wife Coleen in Dubai, it has been suggested the new contract is only a way for United to maximise their return on the 25-year-old should they decide to sell at the end of the season.
It is an assertion Rooney refutes entirely.
"I read that I have agreed a new deal so that the club can agree a higher price with a different team somewhere down the line," the England forward said in an exclusive interview with MUTV.
"It is a load of rubbish. I signed a new deal to stay here for the long-term future with Manchester United."
Rooney received a mixed reception at Old Trafford on Saturday when he made his comeback from an ankle injury as a second-half substitute against Wigan.
Whether perceptions amongst the doubters will change if Rooney starts scoring again remains to be seen.
It does however seem his reputation has been damaged, even if he claims it was not his fault.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried about the reaction from the fans," he said. "I can understand their frustrations with the contract negotiations.
"It happened in the public eye, which made it difficult, and I did make the club aware of my concerns.
"The media also made a big thing of it (Dubai) but it's happened in the past, it was just the time it came out.
"But I always made it aware I wanted to be at this club and I am delighted my future is at United."
There was no apology, as manager Sir Alex Ferguson stated was Rooney's intention when he signed his new contract, just a desire to start scoring goals again, which he has not done in open play for United since March.
It was quite extraordinary that Rooney should suffer a debilitating ankle injury at the exact point that Ferguson was giving his emotional speech about the player not receiving the best advice immediately before a Champions League clash with Bursaspor.
The Dubai trip was part of the recovery plan, followed by an intensive week of conditioning work in Oregon, which Jonny Evans insists was not an effort to get Rooney away from his irate team-mates.
"You read that he has fallen out with team-mates but there has been none of that whatsoever," said the Northern Ireland star.
"It has just carried on as normal. He is a big character in the changing room and he is always bubbly.
"He has always had that desire to win and is a fantastic player. That is not just going to go away.
"Last year his form was outstanding with the amount of goals he got. Hopefully he can bring that back to the team."
Indeed, Sir Alex Ferguson is counting this as a fresh start after a disappointing early season that also included allegations about Rooney's private life.
"Absolutely," Ferguson said. "There is no question about that.
"His fitness is good. He needs that football training which he has not had a lot of, but he is getting there and this is an ideal opportunity for him in the sense of getting back to the level we know he is capable of.
"Maybe it will take two or three games, but they will help to get him back as quick as we can.
"This is a high-profile match, on a terrific pitch, in a great stadium with a terrific atmosphere.
"All the signs are plus ones, particularly for a player of Wayne's ability."

De Gea staying and not to join Man United

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea insists he is happy at the Rojiblancos and has no intention of joining Manchester United.

The highly-rated youngster has attracted widespread plaudits since establishing himself as Atletico's number one over the last year, and in recent weeks he has been closely linked with a move to Old Trafford.
However, the Madrid-born 20-year-old is adamant his immediate future is at the Vicente Calderon.
He was quoted as saying on his club's website: "The supporters can relax, I'm staying here. I'm very relaxed and there's no reason to move.
"I'm very happy here, I've spent my whole life here and this is a great club that deserves everything.
"Atletico Madrid have given me everything. It's a compliment that a club as great as Manchester United are interested in you, but Atletico are close to my heart and I want to stay here."

Milan progress, Roma & Real win

AC Milan reached the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Auxerre, while Real Madrid thrashed Ajax and Roma beat Bayern Munich.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's wonderful 64th-minute opener for Milan came out of the blue and he was later replaced by Ronaldinho, who netted the second late on.
That left Milan on eight points in Group G, and Ajax's 4-0 thumping at home to Real Madrid ensured the Rossoneri would qualify as runners-up to the Spaniards.
Cristiano Ronaldo struck a brace as Madrid guaranteed themselves a first-place finish in the group after convincingly seeing off the hosts at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Goals from Karim Benzema and Alvaro Arbeloa put Madrid in control and Ronaldo struck twice after the break, the second from the penalty spot.
Madrid finished the match with only nine men after Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were sent off in the closing stages after picking second yellow cards for time-wasting.
Marseille cruised into the last 16 with a 3-0 victory over Spartak Moscow at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Mathieu Valbuena got Didier Deschamps' men off to the perfect start with a fine opener inside 20 minutes, and further strikes by Loic Remy and Brandao after the break ensured OM the margin of victory they required to progress.
In the night's other Group F encounter, Chelsea ensured they would progress as winners with a 2-1 win over MSK Zilina at Stamford Bridge.
Carlo Ancelotti's men fell behind to Babatounde Bello's 19th-minute opener for the group minnows, but second-half goals from Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda ensured the three points for the home side.
Roma captain Francesco Totti capped a magnificent comeback with a late penalty as the Italians stunned Bayern Munich 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in Group E.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time after Mario Gomez's two goals, Marco Borriello hit the back of the net four minutes after the re-start before Daniele De Rossi equalised.
Totti then scored the winner from the penalty spot six minutes from the end after Borriello had been brought down by Bayern goalkeeper Thomas Kraft.
The result puts Roma within touching distance of the next round as they sit three points clear of third-placed Basle. Bayern have already qualified as group winners.
Frederico Almerares scored the only goal to keep Basle's hopes of qualification from Group E alive. Almerares netted after 14 minutes against bottom side Cluj, who rarely threatened the home goal at St Jakob Park.
In Group H, Arsenal suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Braga at Estadio Municipal.
The Gunners were denied a cast-iron penalty by referee Viktor Kassai before Braga scored two late breakaway goals from Brazil striker Matheus, leaving Arsene Wenger's men not yet assured of their place in the last 16.
Shakhtar Donetsk scored three second-half goals to brush aside Partizan Belgrade and virtually assure progression from Group H
Goals from Taras Stepanenko, Jadson and Eduardo put Shakhtar in charge of the group as news came through of Arsenal's setback.

Jose Mourinho has reiterated his desire to return to England

REAL MADRID boss Jose Mourinho has reiterated his desire to one day return to the 'incredible' Premier League.

Mourinho, 47, led Chelsea to back-to-back championship successes in 2005 and 2006.
He also steered the Blues to two League Cup triumphs and an FA Cup win before leaving Stamford Bridge three years ago.
But despite moving to the Bernabeu following his historic Treble success with Italian side Inter Milan last season, the Portuguese tactician is already plotting his return to England.

He said: "The time I spent in England was the best time of my career so far and that's despite winning the Champions League in Portugal and Italy.
"In the Premier League we did great things and created history for Chelsea with a great contribution to some great moments in this incredible football country.
"I still have a home in London and me and my family are still in love and will always be in love with this country."
The Special One added: "The Premier League is an incredible competition. I feel very fortunate as a coach and as a manager because I have now worked in four countries — Spain, Italy, England and Portugal.
"The good thing is to have the chance to compare the different emotions and the experiences of different competitions.
"We can always discuss the qualities of the football in the different countries but not about the emotions of the game or the atmosphere as in England.
"The atmosphere, the intensity and the emotion in England is something you cannot compare with other countries and for somebody that is really in love with the game, as I am, this is the place where you enjoy it the most."
Mourinho, speaking at the League Managers' Association Hall of Fame Dinner last night, then went on to praise his old nemesis Alex Ferguson.
The Manchester United supremo recently cooled talk he was planning to bring the curtain down on his glittering 23-year career at Old Trafford.
But Mourinho — tipped by many as a future successor to Fergie — added: "When I heard Sir Alex say this I was laughing because I was not surprised.
"He has an incredible humour but at the same time brightness and common sense. For me he is amazing as he is the same person I met in 2004.
"I have more white hair and more wrinkles but he is exactly the same. I hope he continues for years and I get to face him a few more times.
"When I am in my 50s or 60s, I also see myself still in football with the same ambitions and desires.
"So I understand why Sir Alex wants to continue. It was the same with Bobby Robson and I see myself continuing for many years."

Sunderland unhappy with draw

Sunderland duo Lee Cattermole and Danny Welbeck were frustrated not to take all three points after Everton hit back to earn a 2-2 draw.

Welbeck scored twice to overhaul Tim Cahill's opener but Mikel Arteta's deflected late goal salvaged a 2-2 draw for the visitors.
And the on-loan Manchester United striker told Sky Sports 1: "We were disappointed not to get the three points but we played really well and did well to keep it at 2-2.
"It's a team game and we're always looking to get three points but we'll take it as a positive and move on."
And captain Cattermole added: "We felt we could win at home, we've got a good record. To go in front and concede in the 80th minute is a bit disappointing but it's a point."
The result nonetheless extends Sunderland's impressive run of form to just one defeat in 12 games - leaving them seventh in the table and raising hopes of a push for European football.
"We've got to have the belief," Cattermole continued. "To go that long, one defeat in 12, shows we're a good team. We're pulling together well."
Manager Steve Bruce, though, was satisfied with the result and told Sky Sports 1: "We started slowly against one of the better teams in the Premier League. That put us on the back foot but we responded and overall I have to say I would have taken a 2-2 - we're a little bit aggrieved we've conceded too late but I think a draw was a fair result."
Either team could have won the game in the closing stages, with Welbeck denied a hat-trick by a deflection off Sylvain Distin which the officials did not pick up and Everton substitute Jermaine Beckford missing an even better opportunity.
Visiting boss David Moyes said: "It was a great chance in the last seconds, through on goal, and he normally finishes them. It could have been three points.
"We had the ball a lot in and around the edge of the box, we got into good positions but didn't make them pay. It was disappointing we couldn't finish off our good play.
"But we're pleased - it's a hard place to come, especially after the result last week for Sunderland."
Kieran Richardson was clearly in an offside decision - just yards from the referee's assistant - when the ball was returned to him to cross for Welbeck's second goal and Moyes quipped: "Obviously it was an offside goal - but it was a difficult one for the linesman to see, wasn't it?"
Welbeck, for his part, simply commented: "I was just bothered about getting my head on the ball and luckily it went in."

Carlo Ancelotti: Resignation rumours untrue

Carlo Ancelotti insists he remains in charge of Chelsea and has denied he ever considered his position as coach over the weekend.

The Italian was rumoured to have spoken to the League Managers Association on Sunday night and consulted them about his position within the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.
But despite Chelsea crashing to their third defeat in four games with a 1-0 reverse at Birmingham on Saturday, Ancelotti made it plain today that he was here to stay ahead of their Champions League game against Group F whipping boys MSK Zilina tomorrow night.
"I don't know if it's enough to clarify my position today to close these rumours and speculation," said Ancelotti.
"These rumours are totally untrue. I don't know why they came out. I didn't speak with the LMA.
"They called me last night when I was at home, quiet, to find out what was happening.
"These rumours are totally untrue. I have my contract until 2012, here, in this club. I've said a lot of times that I'd like to stay here.
"I love not just this club, but these players. I have a lot of confidence in these players, in this squad, so there's no reason to change my ideas.
"I don't know if this is enough to speak about all this. I think that when the team don't reach the right results, obviously the coach is under pressure.
"Obviously I am under pressure because I'd like Chelsea to win every game. I am focused on my job to make us play better than we are at this moment.
"There was, last night, an LMA dinner with the coaches and they wanted to know about these rumours. I said to them that they were totally untrue. I read in the papers today that I called them. That's untrue. I didn't call anybody."
He underlined that at no stage over the weekend had he ever considered his position at Chelsea.
"There is no reason to think about this, my position. My position in the club is very clear," he declared.
"I am the coach and I have to train my players to maintain the team, the club, at the best level. Now, this moment is not so good on the pitch and we have to do better there.
"Obviously I understand very well because I have had a lot of occasions like this in my career. The coach is in trouble when the team doesn't produce results, but this is my life. I like my life.
"I'm not disappointed about this. I'm disappointed because Chelsea have lost three in four games, and this is not good - for me, the players, the club, for my job. We want to do better."
Ancelotti also stamped on suggestions that he was unhappy with the recent removal of former assistant coach Ray Wilkins and the appointment of Michael Emenalo as his successor.
"I'm sad because the team doesn't win," added Ancelotti.
"I maintain the same relationship with Ray, even if we can't work together.
"Nothing has changed in my personal behaviour with Ray. The club decided to change and I have to stay focused on my job with another assistant. This is not a problem for me. That's not the reason why the team are losing at this moment.
"We have to clarify the position of Emenalo. Emenalo is doing the same job that he did when I came here. He was on the training ground on the first day.
"He is on the training ground again. He's not 'involved' because he has no licences. He was involved in the tactical meetings and decisions when I arrived here. That position was the same when Ray was here. Nothing has changed.
"I'm not able to speak about financial things, administrative things, or contracts. I can just speak about my contract, not others. I prefer to stay in my position and control technical matters.
"I said also, before, that my aim is to stay here at this club, this country, in this atmosphere, for a long time. It depends on me.
"I did a good job last year and I'd like to do the same this year. My aim is to stay here. I don't want to stay like Sir Alex Ferguson because I think that's impossible, but my aim is to stay here."

Man Utd discuss with Denmark goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard!!

Manchester United appear to have opened talks with Aalesund over Denmark goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, but are not in for David de Gea.

The Norwegian club's chairman Bjarne Haagensen has revealed he is currently in England with Lindegaard's agent, Henrik Hoff, to talk with United.
Haagensen admitted that a deal to take the 26-year-old to Old Trafford could be just hours away.
"Henrik and I are in place in Manchester," Haagensen told TV2.
Asked if a deal was close, he responded: "It is. We are in the middle of it. I can't say more right now. We will send a press release in three or four hours."
Lindegaard himself is returning to his club after keeping a clean sheet against Czech Republic - but he would not comment on the rumours of an imminent switch.
"I have only heard the rumours about United, I have absolutely no comment," he told VG.
It had been reported earlier on Thursday that United were close to agreeing a £15million swoop for Atletico Madrid stopper De Gea, but the Spanish club have denied it.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said: "Nobody has spoken with us. Nor do I have any idea (about this matter)," Cerezo was quoted as saying today by Spanish newspaper AS.
"We hope that he will be a Rojiblanco player for a long time."

Gerrard will be out for three to four weeks!!

Steven Gerrard will be out for three to four weeks with the hamstring problem sustained on England duty, according to Liverpool's medical team.

The Reds' anger with England coach Fabio Capello has gone up a notch after learning captain Gerrard will be out for up to a month as his exertions for country will now impact on his club.
The 30-year-old sustained a grade two hamstring tear in the 2-1 Wembley friendly defeat to France on Wednesday night after playing 25 minutes longer than the hour initially intended.
Liverpool are understandably upset as they feel Gerrard was unnecessarily over-played, having being led to believe he would be protected, but accept they are powerless to do anything about it.
It was the midfielder's seventh injury on international duty in three years and all the hard work manager Roy Hodgson has done to ease the burden on a key player - like resting him for the Europa League - has been undone by Capello.
His treatment by England appears to contrast with that of strikers Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt who, although they went into their respective internationals with slight ankle injuries, were handled differently.
"We have a good relationship with the Spanish medical staff," said head of sports medicine and sports science Peter Brukner.
"They assessed Fernando and he had a good day or two of treatment over there and didn't train.
"They felt he was okay to play 45 minutes (in the 4-0 defeat to Portugal) and he came through that okay and we fully expect him to be fine for the weekend.
"Dirk is coming back after a pretty severe ankle injury and after playing three games in a week he was a little bit sore.
"We discussed it with Dirk and the Dutch team and agreed it would probably not be a good idea for him to play, so he sat out the Netherlands game (against Turkey)."
Gerrard's unavailability could not have come at a worse time with the Reds having struggled in their last two Premier League games, which saw a six-match unbeaten run come to an end at Stoke at the weekend.
The fixture list is relatively kind to Liverpool in the run up to new year, with games against West Ham, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Fulham, Blackpool and Wolves.
However, Gerrard could miss more than half of those fixtures and with Lucas Leiva suspended for Saturday's visit of the Hammers, currently bottom of the table, central midfield has been significantly weakened.
Liverpool's head of fitness and conditioning Darren Burgess last night appeared to sum up the feeling on Merseyside with an angry outburst on social networking site Twitter.
"Unbelievable from all associated with England and English FA with regard to Steven Gerrard's injury. Completely ignored agreement and past history," he wrote
"Completely amateurish and now we pay for their incompetence. Absolutely disgraceful."
No action has been taken against Burgess, although staff have been reminded of their responsibilities regarding social media.
The Australian has contacted the Football Association to express regret for the strength of his feelings - but there has been no apology from him or the club.
Brukner has taken a more diplomatic view, after describing the injury as "significant".
"He's going to be out for a little while, I'm afraid. I'd imagine it could be three to four weeks," he said.
"But if you put your hand up to play for your country, you've got to accept how long they want you to play for.
"There were obviously circumstances last night which came together to result in Steven playing for a bit longer than we'd hoped, which is disappointing but there's nothing we can do about that now.
"We'll move on and work as hard as we can to get him back playing for Liverpool as soon as possible."
Although Gerrard's absence is a significant blow there was some good news on the injury front with Torres, Kuyt, Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson all been declared fit to face West Ham.
Skrtel (knee and ankle) sat out Slovakia's international while Johnson is back in full training after missing the last three matches.
"Martin got a knock against Stoke which wasn't too bad but we thought it wasn't a good idea for him to travel and play an international. But all three of these players will be fine for West Ham on Saturday.
"Glen is also available for selection. He's been training all week at Melwood and he's ready to play."
Joe Cole (hamstring) and Daniel Agger (calf) remain on the sidelines.

Michael Emenalo become new Chelsea's assistant first-team coach

Michael Emenalo has been appointed Chelsea's assistant first-team coach following the departure of Ray Wilkins last week.

Emenalo had been working as head opposition scout for the club since October 2007 but will now make the transition to coaching.
Chelsea confirmed the move in a statement on their official website: "Chelsea Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Emenalo to the position of Assistant First Team Coach. He moves up from his previous position of Head Opposition Scout.
"Michael has been an important part of the first team management structure since his arrival in October 2007, and his promotion to Assistant First Team Coach is recognition of his efforts to date.
"Michael will continue to oversee the first team scouting operation as he makes the transition to coaching. He will split the initial period between assisting First Team Coach Carlo Ancelotti and updating his coaching qualifications as he takes on this bigger and more influential role."
Emenalo was brought to the club by former boss Avram Grant and along with first-team coach Paul Clement, he was favourite as a replacement for Wilkins as Chelsea looked to appoint from within the club.
"Michael Emenalo is doing a fantastic job as head opposition scout and he is already working very close to me," said Ancelotti.
Emenalo, 42, was a defender during his playing days and became known to Grant during their time at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
He moved to the United States in 1986 where he graduated from Boston University three years later with a degree in international relations with political sciences, having also played college soccer.
He also played in Belgium and Germany before winning the Anglo-Italian Cup with Notts County.
He won 14 caps for Nigeria in total and played in the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of captain John Terry who is understood to have seen a chiropractor in Italy on Wednesday in a bid to solve a troublesome nerve problem in his right leg.
Terry has been left in agony by the injury which has been managed during the season with a series of injections. The club are hoping that Terry might be fit for the clash with Newcastle on November 28.
The Blues are also relatively unconcerned by Alex's selection as a substitute for Brazil against Argentina on Wednesday night.
The defender, who is likely to be out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury, was named as a sub but not used.
The defender missed Chelsea's games against Fulham and Sunderland due to his injury but joined up with his national side for the game in Qatar.
Alex was due to return to the club's training ground at Cobham on Thursday for more treatment. It is likely he will undergo further investigation via arthroscopic surgery.

Robert Pires join Aston Villa 6 month contract!!

Former France and Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires is back in the Premier League after signing a short-term deal with Aston Villa.

Pires has put pen to paper on a six-month contract and becomes Villa manager Gerard Houllier's first signing.
The 37-year-old has been a free agent since his release by Villarreal in the summer and had been training with the Gunners for the past two months.
Pires, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, agreed to the deal after passing a medical at Bodymoor Heath on Thursday.
He could come into contention to play some part in Sunday's Premier League clash at Blackburn.
Pires will provide experience to the Villa midfield at a time when skipper Stiliyan Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell are sidelined through injury.
Pires told Aston Villa TV: "I can't wait to play and put on that new shirt. It is very exciting.
"I am very happy to join Aston Villa because it's a big club in England. I am also thrilled to have the chance of working with Gerard Houllier. I know him.
"I had a good opportunity two months ago to train with Arsenal. Thanks to Arsene Wenger for that.
"Now this move represents a new opportunity and a new challenge for me. I am very happy to start.
"I can't wait to put that shirt on and play for Aston Villa. I am proud to play for Villa and to the fans, I'd like to say 'See you soon at Villa Park'."
Houllier has been impressed with youngsters Barry Bannan and Marc Albrighton this season, but a fit and firing Pires will also bolster the side.
He won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups with Arsenal, as well as Euro 2000 with France.
Assistant manager Gary McAllister welcomed the opportunity of working with Pires and believes his sheer presence will have a positive effect on the whole squad.
McAllister said: "He is a proven winner. It gets thrown around a lot these days when people say they are a winner but he is a genuine article.
"He's a European champion and he has won the World Cup as well. He has vast experience and was a fantastic player in the Premier League for Arsenal.
"People thought he was coming to the end of his career but he went to Villarreal and did well there for several seasons.
"For all the younger players...what a tremendous addition. The younger players can only learn from watching a guy like Robert on the training field.
"He will gain respect but I am sure Robert Pires isn't coming here just to be a player that everyone is going to stand back and admire.
"He will want to gain the respect of the fact that he is still competitive and still able to do a job at this level."
Houllier will hope Pires can make the same impact as McAllister, who enjoyed a new lease of life under him at Liverpool in his late 30s.
France coach Laurent Blanc has already backed Pires to do just that.
Blanc said: "Pires may be getting on in years but he still has the skill and technique to bring something to the party at Aston Villa."

Ballack: Man United must sign Schweinsteiger

MICHAEL BALLACK has told Manchester United to sign Bayern Munich superstar Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Midfielder Ballack, 34, left Chelsea in the summer to move to Bayer Leverkusen after helping the Blues see off United's challenge to claim a league and FA Cup Double.
But the Germany ace reckons his international team-mate would be the perfect recruit to help boost the Red Devils' ageing squad.
Schweinsteiger, 26, was one of the stars of the World Cup and helped lead the Germans to the semi-finals of the South Africa showpiece.
Yet with his contract at the Allianz Arena set to expire in 18 months time, a move to Old Trafford could appeal to the talented playmaker.
Ballack said: "Bastian has taken on the responsibility placed in him and is now in a phase when he is looking to reach the zenith of his career.
"He took a huge step forwards at the World Cup. He has presence, authority, personality, performance and goals. He has everything.
"Only he will be able to feel what is right for him for the future.
"Every footballer is attracted to certain things and Bastian will feel these also but there are not that many big clubs around and Bayern is one of them.
"But on the other hand, Real Madrid or Man United are both attractive and he would fit in well at both clubs."

Chelsea interest in Benfica's Brazil centre-back David Luiz

Chelsea are reportedly ready to renew their interest in Benfica's Brazil centre-back David Luiz following injuries to John Terry and Alex.

The Premier League champions have been linked with Luiz on several occasions in 2010.
And with coach Carlo Ancelotti's defensive options now severely depleted due to an injury crisis at Stamford Bridge, the Blues look set to launch a serious bid for the 21-year-old with the aim of landing him in January.
Luiz, who has won three caps for his country and won the Portuguese League Footballer of the Year award last season, could cost around £25million.
Alex is out until the New Year after keyhole surgery on his knee, while Terry is sidelined for an indefinite period due to his back problem.
However, Chelsea still have seven Premier League fixtures to negotiate before the transfer window re-opens - trips to Birmingham, Newcastle, Tottenham and Arsenal, and home games against Everton, Manchester United and Bolton.
Ancelotti's only recognised senior central defender currently available is Branislav Ivanovic, who is one booking away from a domestic suspension.
Teenage Holland international Jeffrey Bruma, who has only made three substitute appearances in the league to date, is competing for a place alongside Ivanovic with Paulo Ferreira, who struggled in the 3-0 home defeat by Sunderland at the weekend.
It has been suggested that Michael Essien or John Obi Mikel could drop back into the rearguard, while some fans have even called for Didier Drogba to step into the breach.

Fergie: Rooney realised mistake

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney realised he had made a mistake when he felt the backlash against his plans to leave Manchester United.

Rooney stated last month that he would not sign a new contract with United, after failing to receive assurances over squad-strengthening.
But two days later he agreed a five-year stay, with Ferguson glad the England striker realised he had been hasty in going public over his concerns, which were met by an angry response from many supporters.
Ferguson believes the advice Rooney received was not in the 25-year-old's best interests.
"You don't necessarily have to heed advice after listening to it," Ferguson said.
"Some young people take bad advice. He has an agent who is not the most popular man in the world and he obviously sold it to Wayne to ask away. The boy rushed in.
"But the minute he heard the response of the public and our supporters, he changed his mind, he knew he'd made a mistake.
"There's nothing wrong with that as long as you recognise it. He immediately apologised and agreed a new contract within a couple of hours.
"It wasn't done to get the contract, I don't think that for a minute. But maybe he should have listened to better advice."
Ferguson is now hoping to see Rooney rediscover prime form, after struggling for goals this year.
Rooney has been at Nike's plush headquarters in Beaverton, on the west coach of the United States, for a week of conditioning work.
"We want to get Wayne back to his best," said Ferguson.
"He's had a good week in the States and we've got him to the point where we want him to be in terms of accelerating his fitness. Is he ready to get into the first team? We'll have to assess that when I get back."
Ferguson was a special guest at the inaugural Aspire4Sport conference in Qatar on Wednesday, and admitted he has mellowed as a manager but it still prepared to give his players the hairdryer treatment if warranted.
The 68-year-old said he had forced himself to keep pace with players' modern habits, admitting their lifestyles are a new phenomenon for him.
"I've mellowed a great deal," he said. "The world has changed and so have players' attitudes.
"I'm dealing with more fragile human beings than I used to be. They are cocooned by modern parents, agents, even their own image at times.
"They need to be seen with their tattoos and earrings. It's a different world for me so I have had to adapt.
"There is nothing wrong with losing your temper if it's for the right reasons. But I never leave it till the next day. I don't believe in that.
"Some managers wait till Monday when they say things are calmer but I want to let it go after the game because I am already planning for the next one. Once I let it go, it's finished and I don't bring it up again. I don't wait till tomorrow."
Discussing the current season, Ferguson admitted United had at times been lucky.
He said: "I don't know how we are still unbeaten. We should have lost by six against Villa but in a way it was great because it was a reflection of what I have always believed in: when you give young people a chance they never disappoint you.
"That's what Villa did, they tore into us and had a fantastic belief in themselves. But we have a great group of young players at the club. We tend to go for younger players before older ones because they give you more loyalty."
On the subject of the Glazer family, Ferguson said he was "privileged" to work with owners who let him run the team.
"They have never bothered me or interfered with my job. I'm probably in a privileged position. Some owners are hands on because they've invested a lot of money, not just foreign owners.
"I've heard stories of owners texting managers during training sessions, English owners. Just because people are successful in business, doesn't mean they will be successful at a football club."
Ferguson also dismissed retirement as "for young people" and vowed to carry on working.
"Retirement is for young people. I'm too old to retire. I would have nothing to do.
"As long as my health is good I will carry on. My family will make this decision."
Ferguson also had his say on the England team and suggested a winter break in the English season could benefit the team.
The Scot also suggested England should look for the best available boss when Fabio Capello leaves, even if he is not an Englishman.
Ferguson said: "There's too much expectation on the England team.
"There are too many games, they need a winter break but the TV schedule won't allow it.
"I admire Fabio Capello and the next England manager needs to be the best to win a World Cup. If the best is abroad so be it."

Man City denied over Hiddink speculation

Manchester City have been quick to deny claims by Guus Hiddink that he was offered the manager's job at Eastlands in the summer.

The Dutch coach, currently in charge of Turkey, says he was approached by both City and Liverpool during the close season.
Hiddink says he rejected the approaches as he was not keen on a return to club management following his stint with Chelsea in 2009.
"In the summer City and Liverpool both came to me with an inquiry," Hiddink said.
"But at my age I don't want to manage a club again for seven days a week over three years."
Liverpool were strongly linked with Hiddink at the time as they were looking for Rafa Benitez' replacement - but instead opted for Roy Hodgson.
But City already had Roberto Mancini in place and they have insisted that no approach was made to Hiddink.
Liverpool were in the market for a new manager following Rafa Benitez's departure to Inter Milan.
But Hiddink's claim will cause huge embarrassment to City, who have insisted they have never looked to replace Mancini.
"We strenuously deny that we have ever spoken to Guus Hiddink or any other manager about the possibility of succeeding Roberto Mancini," Vicky Kloss, City's chief communications officer, told the Sunday Mirror.

Man utd tracking Jordan Henderson from Sunderland

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken with him about Jordan Henderson.

Manchester United and Manchester City are both thought to be keen on the highly-rated midfielder - who has just been handed his maiden call-up to the England squad.
The 20-year-old has been in excellent form for Sunderland over the last 12 months which has not only propelled him into the international scene, but has also seen him linked with a big money move.
And now Bruce has admitted that Ferguson has asked to be 'kept informed' over Henderson.
"Only once has Fergie talked about one of my players, and that was [Antonio] Valencia, and, bugger me he bought him!" joked Bruce in the News of the World.
"He had spoken to me about him. 'Keep me informed' were his words, then he signed him.
"He has sae the same about Jordan, but to be fair they have all asked to be kept informed.
"What has caught most of their eyes is his ability to get up and down the pitch now is huge. You looked at Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Cesc Fabregas , they are all great players but they can get up and down the pitch to get the mileage, and you need that in the modern game.
"He has caught the eye because he is a very good player. If you are Chelsea, Manchester United, or Liverpool, there is a 20-year-old who is playing in the Premier League week in, week out. There are not many you can look at.
"He is a Sunderland player, and a Sunderland lad and we will do our utmost to keep him but we can never stop speculation.
"He has huge respect for this football club and he will do the right thing. Jordan has a good grounding."

Roy cools over Glen Johnson form

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is shocked his assessment of Glen Johnson's form had created such a fuss and apologised for any perceived criticism.

The England defender has not been up to scratch this season but has been troubled by injury and missed the last three matches with a groin problem.
After the midweek draw with Wigan Hodgson gave an honest assessment of how he thought the right-back had been playing, saying he had not yet reached the level which made him a regular in Fabio Capello's side.
Reports emerged today claiming Johnson is unhappy at Anfield and that his relationship with the manager has deteriorated.
Just a few hours earlier, after the 2-0 defeat at Stoke, Hodgson said he stood by his comments, although they were not meant as a direct criticism of the player.
"We all want Glen Johnson to find his England form, but that has nothing to do with him being injured at the moment," he said.
"That was just a general comment that I think I was entitled to make.
"We have a player with ability and we are hoping he is going to bring that ability to the team because we want to use it help us win matches.
"It is no good being a player with great ability if you are not bringing that on to the field of play.
"We know Glen can and will do that but first and foremost Glen has to get fit and I'm hoping that will be the case by next Sunday (at home to West Ham) because he has made good progress.
"He as well as I knows this season he hasn't reached that form very often - it amazes me that when you make a statement of such obvious veracity people want to make headlines out of it.
"Everyone is saying what I am saying. I hope I am honest and I hope the players are honest.
"I didn't realise I had been accused of criticising him; I don't normally criticise my players and I'm sorry if that has been suggested."

Joey Barton has been banned for three games by the FA due to his violence conduct

Newcastle's Joey Barton has been banned for three games by the FA after accepting a charge of violent conduct, for which he has apologised.

The Magpies midfielder has said sorry to Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen for the punch that will earn him a three-match ban.
The 28-year-old had earlier been charged by the Football Association over an incident during Wednesday night's 2-1 Premier League home defeat by Rovers.
Barton said: "I fully accept that I was in the wrong on this occasion and accept the charge that the FA have brought against me.
"I would like to apologise to Chris Hughton, my team-mates, our supporters and of course to Morten Gamst Pedersen and Blackburn Rovers.
"This season, I have really been enjoying my football and although I have been on the receiving end of a few robust challenges, I have, up until now, remained calm in the face of provocation and just carried on with the game.
"But I hold my hands up, I reacted badly to the situation on Wednesday night and I deeply regret it.
"I have been working very hard to keep that side of my game under control and I think it has showed in the way I have been able to get on and enjoy my football this season.
"I look forward to trying to get back into the team once my suspension is over and helping the club maintain its good start to the season."
Barton will miss Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham and the following two games against Bolton and Chelsea.
That will come as a blow to Hughton, who has seen the former Manchester City midfielder establish himself as a key member of the side which currently sits in fifth place in the table despite the Blackburn defeat.
Hughton said: "We accept the action taken by the FA, and it is of course disappointing to lose Joey for three games.
"He has worked so hard on his game this season, but he knows that he can't react the way he did on Wednesday."
Barton was charged after match referee Mike Jones viewed video footage of the incident, which he did not see at the time.
It happened 50 minutes into the game while the official was cautioning Rovers' midfielder David Hoilett for diving.
Barton walked towards Pedersen, who had opened the scoring in the third minute and caught him with a punch to the ribs.
The Norwegian was treated at length on the pitch and later had a frank exchange of views with his attacker, who seemed to be suggesting it had been little more than a playful slap.
Barton's career has been littered with problems on and off the pitch, although having sought professional help, he has managed to avoid trouble and rediscover something like his best form this season.
His new-found tolerance was put to the test at Wolves earlier in the campaign when, in Hughton's words, he was "kicked from pillar to post", but did not react.
However, his frustration got the better of him last night and he must now face the consequences.
Hughton, who had earlier suggested the incident had only been given such prominence because of Barton's involvement, now faces the task of finding a replacement as the Magpies attempt to bounce back against Fulham at the weekend.

IAN WRIGHT wants his son Shaun Wright-Phillips to quit City

IAN WRIGHT wants his son Shaun Wright-Phillips to quit Manchester City in January's transfer window.

Wright-Phillips has made just six appearances this season as boss Roberto Mancini juggles his star-studded squad.
Arsenal legend Wrighty said: "I'd love him to get out of there on loan at least. We're talking about someone who is still in the England squad, so Fabio Capello obviously rates him.

"But when you're not playing regularly, it's only a matter of time before he stops getting picked."
Winger SWP, 29, came on as a sub in England's Euro 2012 qualifiers with Switzerland and Montenegro but has not started a league game for City since September 11.
SunSport columnist Wrighty added: "Shaun's finding it very hard to keep his spirits up.
"I can just see him getting further and further down the pecking order.
"I want him to go somewhere he'll get a fair crack at the first team."

Laurent Blanc interested to be Man Utd Manager

France head coach Laurent Blanc has confirmed he would be interested in succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.

The 44-year-old former France international spent two years playing at Old Trafford until 2003 before hanging up his playing boots following an illustrious career.
Blanc is now in charge of France after leaving Bordeaux over the summer to replace Raymond Domenech following the nation's dismal showing at the World Cup finals in South Africa.
The ex-Barcelona, Marseille and Inter Milan defender has been tipped as a potential successor to Ferguson once he eventually retires and the Frenchman is not ruling himself out of the running.
However, for now, Blanc is focusing all of his efforts on helping France to qualify for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine in two years' time and is not being sidetracked by club football.
"I could be attracted," Blanc told Reuters.
"It would be a very exciting challenge, very difficult, but conceivable if he presides at the process of his own succession.
"I would like it very much, but it would be difficult to find him a successor. He is at the helm for 24 years.
"Anyway, I am not concerned by that project so far. I have another challenge!"

Modric: Cattermole challenge was career threatening

Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric has accused Lee Cattermole of putting his career in jeopardy following the Sunderland captain's latest controversial challenge.

Lee Cattermole was booked for his tackle on Luka Modric and harangued by unhappy Spurs players

Cattermole was shown a yellow card for the tackle on the Croatian in Tuesday's 1-1 Premier League draw at White Hart Lane, which sparked a brief melee between opposing players.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was convinced the challenge was fair but opposite number Harry Redknapp was adamant Cattermole should have been sent off for the third time this season.

And Modric, who stayed down for some time following the tackle, echoed his manager's sentiments, claiming his leg could easily have been broken by the challenge.

"Players who tackle like that need to think before making a tackle because they can ruin careers of friends and professionals," Modric said. "They just need to think about it.

"He should have been sent off. I can't show you now but there is a big swelling on my knee and he should have got a red card but the referee decided differently. When you see tackles like that, it is a little upsetting, and if they are not punished properly then even more so.

"For now, it is a little bit sore but I hope it will settle down. I jumped and if I stayed with my legs on the floor it would have been even worse, but I got out of the way at the last second.

"Maybe if I stayed on the floor I would have broken my leg but I jumped and that has probably saved me. Thank God everything finished well.''

Referee Howard Webb was also at the centre of the game's other big controversy, electing to book David Bentley for diving in the box following a challenge from Boudewijn Zenden.

A fourth league game without a win means Tottenham face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League for a second successive season, leaving them four points behind the top four having played a game more.

"If you look at the result, it is not good for us," Modric said. "We deserved to win. We should have had a penalty and maybe a red card (for them) and then it would have been a different game. But we need to focus on the next game and try to win.''

Tevez: I wish Rooney joined me at City

CARLOS TEVEZ lit the fuse on an explosive Manchester derby by admitting: I wish Wayne Rooney had joined me at City.

The Argie hitman left Old Trafford for Eastlands in July 2009 and Roo looked like following in his footsteps last month.
The England striker was on the verge of quitting United but was persuaded to stay with a five-year mega-deal.
Ahead of tomorrow's Premier League crunch at Eastlands, Tevez said: "I would have liked him to come here of course. But it was complicated for him to leave United.
"Wayne is a player of great quality. He was a team-mate and a friend of mine at United and he is one of those men that it is better to have on your team than against you.
"For me he is the best English striker of recent years.
"I made the change and so far I'm not sorry."
Rooney is currently in America as he recovers match fitness after an ankle injury.
City have not given up on signing him despite the player penning a deal worth £250,000 a week at Old Trafford.
Just three points separate the teams at the top end of the table.
Victory will fire City right back into the title race.
Tevez said: "We are in the top three and I think we are better than last season, we're improving all the time.
"But we have to continue to fight over an entire season before we can gauge whether we are good enough to win the title.
"I think we can - but we have to continue winning.
"Our results have been good so far, but it is not perfect.
"To be champions you have to avoid losing at home and not give away too many draws.

"So on that front we are falling a bit short. "But there is plenty of time to recover. The title race is wide open."
And pal Joe Hart is backing Tevez to keep City's title bid on track tomorrow night - by winning the game on his own.
Keeper Hart said: "Carlos can carry a team and he can carry 10 men.
"If we're stinking and Carlos plays well, there's a good chance we'd win.
"He's a phenomenal player. I'd say the best I've played with. He just leads by example in all the right ways.
"You would look to him, not to give you a pep talk but to win you a game."

Van der Vaart player of the month, Moyes manager of the month

Rafael van der Vaart has been named as Barclays Premier League player of the month for October, with David Moyes taking the manager award.

Tottenham's Van der Vaart, a deadline-day signing from Real Madrid, scored three goals during the month as well as laying on another for Roman Pavlyuchenko against Fulham.
Everton took 10 points from their four league games this month to earn Moyes his award, beating Birmingham, Liverpool and Stoke and drawing with Spurs - whose equaliser came from Van der Vaart.
It is the eighth time Moyes has won the award - and the third in 2010 - while he has also been named as the LMA manager of the year on three occasions since joining the Toffees in 2002.

Balotelli will miss the Manchester derby!

Mario Balotelli will miss the Manchester derby after accepting his red card against West Brom, but the striker will appeal his three-match ban.

The Manchester City forward was given a straight red card for violent conduct after clashing with Youssouf Mulumbu.
City are now appealing against the three-match ban but accept the red card - he had already been booked - meaning he will miss the chance of facing Manchester United.
The FA said in a statement: "The FA can confirm that Manchester City FC have today submitted a claim that, following the dismissal of Mario Balotelli for violent conduct, the standard punishment of an automatic three match ban is clearly excessive.
"The claim will be heard by an independent regulatory commission tomorrow."

Torres has the X-Factor

FERNANDO TORRES blew the Premier League title race wide open and insisted: The best is yet to come.

The Liverpool hitman, who struck twice to stun leaders Chelsea, said: "It's been a difficult time for me but I'm feeling better and improving every day.
"I don't know if I can play at my best soon but I hope so.
"The end of last season was tough for me, especially at the World Cup, because of lots of injuries.

"Part of life as a footballer is being criticised. Everything you do is around the world a minute later.
"I know the expectation and I want to fight hard to get my top form back."
Torres opened the scoring after 11 minutes before hitting a magnificent second on the stroke of half-time.
It took his record against the champions to seven goals in eight games - and left Chelsea just two points clear of Manchester United at the Premier League summit.
For Kop boss Roy Hodgson it was vindication of his insistence that it was only a matter of time before Torres struck gold once again.
Hodgson said: "Fernando is a vital player for Liverpool, he would be for any club.
"We speak all the time and he wants the club to do well. He wants to see we're moving in the right direction.
"We were all in a situation wondering what the future would be during the takeover but, like myself, he can see a positive one here.
"He likes being at Liverpool and playing for Liverpool. I don't have any fears for the future as far as he's concerned, as long as we can get back close to the top of the table where Liverpool belong.
"He has taken his fair share of criticism, some of which has been exaggerated and not deserved.
"But people will now say he's back to his best. Let's just hope that's the case."

Agger's injury is long-term

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is resigned to being without Daniel Agger for the "long-term" after the defender was ordered to rest a calf injury.

The 25-year-old Denmark international has not played since September 25 when he came on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland.
He visited a specialist in London on Wednesday to assess the problem and has been told not to train to allow the problem to rectify itself.
"Agger is long-term. They can't put a date on it," said Hodgson.
"At the moment he can't train, he has just got to rest and wait for the next time he goes to see the specialist again.
"They are very anxious that bone doesn't form. It is a calcification issue and training would certainly accelerate the calcification.
"Now they have to wait and hope the body breaks down the calcifying elements before he can even think about training again.
"So it could be very long term."

Carroll get England call after score yesterday against Arsenal!

ANDY CARROLL will get his first England call-up against France next week - unless FA chiefs block it.

The giant Newcastle striker was watched by Three Lions boss Fabio Capello yesterday as he headed the shock winner at Arsenal.
Capello is a big fan of 6ft 3in Carroll but the Italian is also well aware the young striker has been involved in a number of off-field misdemeanours in recent weeks.
Carroll, 21, is facing the threat of jail after ending up in court facing charges of causing actual bodily harm and this weekend was alleged to be involved in a drink and drugs scandal.
But Capello wants to look at Carroll in the friendly against the French at Wembley on November 17 and will consult with FA bosses.
Carroll was heavily tipped to feature in the last England squad - the Euro qualifier against Montenegro.
But he was omitted because he had failed to turn up for a medical assessment when selected for a previous Under-21 squad, angering coach Stuart Pearce.
He has been forgiven for that now and, with Capello keen to experiment against France, Carroll could start the match.
Toon boss Chris Hughton insisted: "There was never any question of not picking Andy today.
"I didn't talk to him about the headlines and he is not a difficult player to manage. He is mentally very strong."
Sunderland's Darren Bent will miss next week's clash with France as he has been ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Roberto Mancini won't quit!!

ROBERTO MANCINI insisted 'You'll have to sack me' after another catastrophic Manchester City defeat.

The Italian's job is on a knife-edge after City slumped at Polish minnows Lech Poznan in the Europa League.
Last night's humiliating loss was their third in a row and there have been a series of dressing-room bust-ups.

But Mancini, who has blown £300million on building a superstar line-up, refuses to quit - saying: "For me it is totally clear, I will stay at City until they fire me.
"I've seen the owner Sheikh Mansour two or three times and we have a good relationship.
"I also have very frequent contact with the president, Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
"We speak three or four times a week and he often comes to training."
City are fourth in the Premier League despite their mega-bucks outlay on new players.
But Mancini insists he will eventually get it right - if he is given time.
He told French magazine So Foot: "As a coach I've taken teams that weren't winning such as Fiorentina, Lazio and Inter and I've won."
Mancini now faces crunch games against West Brom on Sunday and bitter rivals Manchester United next Wednesday.
His side were sunk by two late Poznan goals in their Group A clash.
And he groaned: "We didn't deserve to lose. Everything is against us and Poznan were lucky.
"To say the team are against me is all rubbish.
"There were some hard discussions with some players but the team follows me.
"The club have asked me to qualify for next season's Champions League and we are going well for that.
"We must change this situation. It's difficult but we must pay more attention in the way we play.
"We can only change things if we stay together.
"We have lost the last three games but, here, we didn't deserve to lose. That's football."
There was some good news for Mancini as skipper Carlos Tevez flew back from Argentina to Manchester after his thigh injury and trained at Carrington yesterday.