Racist taunts hurled at Altidore

AZ Alkmaar forward Jozy Altidore was the target of racist chanting during a Dutch Cup game with FC Den Bosch.

The 23-year-old suffered the taunts in the first-half of AZ's 5-0 victory over second-tier Den Bosch on Tuesday evening.

Two announcements had been made to stop the chanting and the club said a third warning would result in the match's abandonment.

Referee Reinold Wiedemeijer had attempted to call a halt to proceedings, but Altidore reportedly urged the official to continue and later scored to make it 3-0.

Altidore admitted he was disappointed with the abuse, but said he was determined to continue playing.

He told Eredivisielive.nl: "It's a bit disappointing these things still happen in this time. You just hope these people can find a way to improve themselves.

"I feel like I have an obligation to my club and my family to not react to that and show the club stands for things better than that.

"We had good rhythm and we were doing things right and you have to look at the bigger picture."

He continued: "Racism is still alive all we can do is educate young kids coming up.

"They have issues and they need some help. I'll pray for them."

Officials from both clubs were also united in condemning the conduct of the Den Bosch supporters.

AZ Alkmaar's sporting director Earnest Stewart hit out at the culprits and said they are tarnishing the image of Dutch football.

"It's incredibly sad that this happens," he told Eredivisie Live.

"It is ridiculous. And all this after the events in recent months.

"The people at Den Bosch are ashamed of this. It's not only annoying for Jozy, but for Dutch football in general."

An official for FC Den Bosch added: "I'm deeply hurt by these people. I'm ashamed of what just happened. I have no words for it."

Keshi delighted with Nigeria victory

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has dedicated Tuesday's 2-0 defeat of Ethiopia to his countrymen.

Two late penalties from Chelsea midfielder Victor Moses earned Nigeria a place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

The East Africans were returning to the tournament for the first time in 31 years, and Keshi admitted it had been a tough match.

"(I have) a lot of respect for the Ethiopian team because it is a quality team. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy because they love to play football just like we like to play," Keshi said.

"This victory is a victory for Nigerians. It's something that I've been waiting for so long to make Nigerians everywhere in the world happy."

Nigeria will play giants Ivory Coast in Sunday's quarter-final and Keshi is anticipating it will bring out the best in his team.

"Taking on Cote D'Ivoire is a different ball game, it is a different mentality – everything is different because it is not going to be the same as preparing against Ethiopia or the last two teams we played against," he said.

Keshi also praised the effort of Enugu Rangers midfielder Sunday Mba who made his first start in the tournament against Ethiopia.

"Mba was wonderful, he played so well and I'm happy for him. We're trying to introduce young players who Mikel, Yobo and Enyeama can direct on the field.

"What we’re looking at is not just the Cup of Nations but how we will be able to build a very outstanding team for Nigeria in the next five years," Keshi said.

Mancini sorry to lose Balotelli

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said he is disappointed to lose Mario Balotelli to AC Milan.

After his side were unable to break down league cellar-dwellers QPR in a 0-0 draw at Loftus Road on Tuesday, the Italian boss said he was sad to see his compatriot depart the Etihad Stadium.

"They are very close (to completing a deal) and we are also so sad because Mario was an important player for us," Mancini said.

"With Mario we won the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Charity Shield. He's a fantastic player, but for him, this could be an important chance to come back to Italy and play for a top club like Milan and I hope he can continue to improve because he can become one of the best players in the world.

"It's difficult for me because I lost one striker and that could be important in the next 14 games.

"It is important for Mario to go back to Italy. It could be a good chance for him to stay with his family and to play for Milan. He can improve and I am happy for him. He can be one of the best players in the world."

QPR manager Harry Redknapp was not ready to rest on his laurels after picking up another valuable point, this time against the champions, as he looked to bolster his squad with strikers Peter Odemwingie or Peter Crouch before the transfer window shuts.

The former Tottenham manager said his club is in desperate need of reinforcements.

"We need to strengthen the squad - tonight I had two 'keepers on the bench because there were no other senior outfield players here," Redknapp said.

"There are one or two lads who are here who want to leave as well, so we went through the numbers tonight and we've probably got about 17 (players) for our 25-man squad. We've got to fill it up a bit.

"We are desperately short in quite a few areas really, we do need some reinforcements."

Redknapp agreed the situation before him was far from ideal, as QPR still sit three points deep in the relegation zone.

"It's not what I want," he said.

"I wish we had a squad which didn't need strengthening and we could all go out for dinner somewhere instead of messing around like idiots on the phone all night.

"We'll have to see, hopefully we can get some stuff done tomorrow (Wednesday)."

Galatasaray announce Drogba signing

Galatasaray have announced the signing of Didier Drogba from Shanghai Shenhua on a one-and-a-half-year contract.

The former Chelsea striker has long been linked with a return to Europe after leaving Stamford Bridge for China in the close season, and, despite rumours of interest from Italy, the Turkish champions have won the race for his signature.

"Big clubs can reach for higher targets with bigger goals," the club's president Unal Aysal commented on the deal.

"Drogba said that he was very happy to play for a big club like Galatasaray in the future. Drogba met our coach and decided to come to Galatasaray."

Drogba said: "The opportunity to play for this great club was an offer that I could not turn down.

"I am looking forward to playing in the Champions League again, against the best clubs in Europe."

Both AC Milan and Juventus had been closely linked with a January move for the Ivory Coast icon, but Galatasaray announced yesterday that they had opened talks with the player.

He will link up with his new team-mates Ivory Coast's involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations ends.

Drogba is the second star name to move to the Turk Telekom Arena this January, with Wesley Sneijder making the switch from Inter to Istanbul last week.

Ferguson questions Adkins dismissal

Manchester

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says his new counterpart at Southampton, Mauricio Pochettino, is an unknown quantity to him.

The Argentine, who had been out of work since being sacked by Espanyol in November, was handed the reins at St Mary's Stadium following the dismissal of Nigel Adkins on January 18.

And, ahead of the Saints' trip to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Wednesday, Ferguson has hit out at the club's chairman, Nicola Cortese, over that decision, before admitting to being unfamiliar with Pochettino.

"I don't know a lot about him to be honest," the United manager told reporters.

"Nigel spoke to me the day before he was sacked. You cannot understand these things.

"Their form had picked up, two defeats in 12 games. I have to be careful what I say about their chairman but apparently he's a work of art."

Pochettino began his reign with a 0-0 draw with Everton at St Mary's Stadium on January 21.

Premier League preview: Reading v Chelsea

Reading will look to climb out of the English Premier League relegation zone with a rare victory as they entertain Chelsea on Wednesday.

The Berkshire club, 18th on the table with just four wins this season, have not won a league game against the Blues in 83 years.

But Brian McDermott's side will head into the contest full of confidence having won their past four matches in all competitions.

Reading accounted for Crawley Town in the third round of the FA Cup before beating West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United in the league.

They then capped a stellar start to 2013 with a 4-0 FA Cup rout of Sheffield United to set up a fifth-round clash with Manchester United.

Reading midfielder Mikele Leigertwood, who scored the second goal against Sheffield United, was at a loss to explain his side's positive reversal in form.

"I don't know what the secret is," he said. "We're not in a great position still, but we have done well of late and given ourselves a good chance to do well.

"We want to win games and have to deal with the pressure. We are confident at the moment and we can't look too far ahead."

Reading have just two injury concerns, with goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (shoulder) and forward Jason Roberts (hip) ruled out of the Chelsea clash.

Adam Federici will continue to deputise for McCarthy, while rested striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is expected to start up front.

John Terry started in Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Brentford in the FA Cup at the weekend but is likely to return to the bench.

David Luiz (ankle) remains in doubt for third-placed Chelsea, though Fernando Torres should keep his place up front after netting in a lacklustre display at Brentford.

"We came (to Brentford) and didn't create too much," Terry told the Chelsea website.

"Fair play to them, they played well but we need to liven up a bit and realise the importance to the fans and the club."

Nolan reveals Diame worries

West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan says he thought Mohamed Diame had left the club after he turned up late for a team meeting.

Following West Ham's 5-1 defeat to Arsenal last Wednesday, manager Sam Allardyce called his players in at 7am the next morning.

And with Diame heavily tipped to leave Upton Park, Nolan said his midfield colleague's tardiness had the players worried.

"Mo Diame was a bit late. When he arrived we all gave him stick. We said we thought he had left us without saying goodbye," he told reporters.

"There is a lot of speculation in the media about Mo. To be fair to him, he took all the banter really well."

Nolan also expressed regret over his side's performance in the heavy loss to Arsenal.

"We were all upset and disappointed with the result at the Emirates and I apologise to our fans," he said.

"We are now focusing on the match at Fulham."

Rosell proud of Vilanova choice

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell feels sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta made the right decision to promote Tito Vilanova to head coach.

Vilanova replaced Pep Guardiola at the end of the 2011/12 campaign following the latter's decision to take a break from the game for a year, and Barca are more than satisfied with his former assistant's work so far this season, as they lead La Liga by 11 points.

"Tito has talent, he understands what Barcelona mean, what La Masia is and what being Catalan means," Rosell told reporters.

"It was a brilliant decision by Zubizarreta to give him the job."

Rosell then went on to say that he does not expect Xavi Hernandez to retire any time soon after the veteran midfielder put pen to paper on a new contract on Monday.

"He has just renewed his contract until 2016. He'll be 36 years old by then, but we believe this deal won't be the last he signs with us."

Barca are preparing for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against arch-rivals Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Messi rejects superstar tag

Barcelona's Lionel Messi says comparisons to other athletes such as Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt and Muhammad Ali make him feel uncomfortable.

The prolific forward has been likened to some of the best sportsmen in history for the way he has dominated football in recent years, but Messi would rather not evaluate his career until he has hung up his boots for good.

"It's crazy that I'm compared to athletes like Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt or Muhammad Ali," Messi was quoted as saying by El Periodico de Catalunya.

"I don't like comparisons, who am I to compare myself to someone else? I do my job and when (my career) is over we'll see how well I've done."

The Argentine then went on to stress that he is not easily satisfied with his own performances.

"The biggest critic of Messi is Messi. I know when I do things correctly and when I do them poorly. I'm my No.1 critic."

The 25-year-old has netted 29 goals in 20 La Liga appearances this term.

Villas-Boas thrilled with draw

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas was thrilled with his side's performance in their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

The Red Devils went ahead thanks to a 25th-minute header from Robin Van Persie but Spurs were able to snatch a point thanks to a last-gasp Clint Dempsey goal.

Despite only managing to score in the final minute of the match, Villas-Boas insisted Tottenham were unlucky not to take more out the game as they continue to strive for a Champions League berth.

"I think we were the best team, we created the most chances," Villas-Boas said after the match at White Hart Lane.

"I think it is probably the worst game United have had in terms of chances created and in terms of opportunities with only four.

"I think it is credit to what the team has been doing and it's a pity we couldn't win but I am extremely happy with the draw obviously.

While pleased with the result, Villas-Boas said it was important to back up the performance with positive results in their upcoming fixtures.

"It is important (the point) but there are so many games still ahead of us," he said.

"This point only counts if we are able to do well in the next games against Norwich and West Brom, we need to continue our run of form. We really wanted to win, it gives you great pleasure and confidence when you win against big teams.

"I think we played great football defensively and offensively, I think we played really well. We played better than our opponent and I think it is credit to the boys the way they have embraced this season and how much they want to get this Champions League qualification.

"Hopefully we can remain competent in the rest of the games to reach our objective."

Messi rejects superstar tag

1 January 2013

Barcelona's Lionel Messi says comparisons to other athletes such as Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt and Muhammad Ali make him feel uncomfortable.

The prolific forward has been likened to some of the best sportsmen in history for the way he has dominated football in recent years, but Messi would rather not evaluate his career until he has hung up his boots for good.

"It's crazy that I'm compared to athletes like Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt or Muhammad Ali," Messi was quoted as saying by El Periodico de Catalunya.

"I don't like comparisons, who am I to compare myself to someone else? I do my job and when (my career) is over we'll see how well I've done."

The Argentine then went on to stress that he is not easily satisfied with his own performances.

"The biggest critic of Messi is Messi. I know when I do things correctly and when I do them poorly. I'm my No.1 critic."

The 25-year-old has netted 29 goals in 20 La Liga appearances this term.

Messi rejects superstar tag

1 January 2013

Barcelona's Lionel Messi says comparisons to other athletes such as Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt and Muhammad Ali make him feel uncomfortable.

The prolific forward has been likened to some of the best sportsmen in history for the way he has dominated football in recent years, but Messi would rather not evaluate his career until he has hung up his boots for good.

"It's crazy that I'm compared to athletes like Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt or Muhammad Ali," Messi was quoted as saying by El Periodico de Catalunya.

"I don't like comparisons, who am I to compare myself to someone else? I do my job and when (my career) is over we'll see how well I've done."

The Argentine then went on to stress that he is not easily satisfied with his own performances.

"The biggest critic of Messi is Messi. I know when I do things correctly and when I do them poorly. I'm my No.1 critic."

The 25-year-old has netted 29 goals in 20 La Liga appearances this term.

Messi rejects superstar tag

1 January 2013

Barcelona's Lionel Messi says comparisons to other athletes such as Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt and Muhammad Ali make him feel uncomfortable.

The prolific forward has been likened to some of the best sportsmen in history for the way he has dominated football in recent years, but Messi would rather not evaluate his career until he has hung up his boots for good.

"It's crazy that I'm compared to athletes like Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt or Muhammad Ali," Messi was quoted as saying by El Periodico de Catalunya.

"I don't like comparisons, who am I to compare myself to someone else? I do my job and when (my career) is over we'll see how well I've done."

The Argentine then went on to stress that he is not easily satisfied with his own performances.

"The biggest critic of Messi is Messi. I know when I do things correctly and when I do them poorly. I'm my No.1 critic."

The 25-year-old has netted 29 goals in 20 La Liga appearances this term.

Messi rejects superstar tag

1 January 2013

Barcelona's Lionel Messi says comparisons to other athletes such as Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt and Muhammad Ali make him feel uncomfortable.

The prolific forward has been likened to some of the best sportsmen in history for the way he has dominated football in recent years, but Messi would rather not evaluate his career until he has hung up his boots for good.

"It's crazy that I'm compared to athletes like Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt or Muhammad Ali," Messi was quoted as saying by El Periodico de Catalunya.

"I don't like comparisons, who am I to compare myself to someone else? I do my job and when (my career) is over we'll see how well I've done."

The Argentine then went on to stress that he is not easily satisfied with his own performances.

"The biggest critic of Messi is Messi. I know when I do things correctly and when I do them poorly. I'm my No.1 critic."

The 25-year-old has netted 29 goals in 20 La Liga appearances this term.

Messi rejects superstar tag

1 January 2013

Barcelona's Lionel Messi says comparisons to other athletes such as Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt and Muhammad Ali make him feel uncomfortable.

The prolific forward has been likened to some of the best sportsmen in history for the way he has dominated football in recent years, but Messi would rather not evaluate his career until he has hung up his boots for good.

"It's crazy that I'm compared to athletes like Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt or Muhammad Ali," Messi was quoted as saying by El Periodico de Catalunya.

"I don't like comparisons, who am I to compare myself to someone else? I do my job and when (my career) is over we'll see how well I've done."

The Argentine then went on to stress that he is not easily satisfied with his own performances.

"The biggest critic of Messi is Messi. I know when I do things correctly and when I do them poorly. I'm my No.1 critic."

The 25-year-old has netted 29 goals in 20 La Liga appearances this term.

Two-goal Di Maria hits out at doubters

Angel Di Maria says he silenced his critics with two goals in Real Madrid's 5-0 win over Valencia on Sunday.

La Liga leaders Barcelona were beaten 3-2 by Real Sociedad on Saturday, and Madrid took full advantage of the Catalans' loss as they recorded a comfortable away win over Valencia, with Di Maria netting a first-half double at Mestalla.

"Things went very well and I put in a great performance. It was probably my best game of the season. This will silence my critics after the recent criticism," the Argentina international was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"It is an important win and means that we keep closing the gap. It was a match that we made easy for ourselves. We did things well from the start.

"It was important to keep our winning streak going. There are some matches that are difficult and others that are easier, but this time we had a great match.

"We went out to press forward as we have been doing lately and we got a lot of goals."

Real Madrid remain third in the table with 40 points from 20 games.

Rodgers delighted with new boy Sturridge

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed Daniel Sturridge's impact after another impressive display in the 5-0 win over Norwich.

Rodgers' side swept Norwich aside with ease and Sturridge found himself involved throughout. He linked up extremely well with Luis Suarez, including a delightful dummy in the build-up to the Uruguayan's goal.

After the break, the England international scored Liverpool's third before being replaced by Fabio Borini to the sound of thunderous applause from the Anfield support, and Rodgers was understandably pleased too.

"Daniel has come in and got three goals in three games, and that's not even three full games. He has done in those games everything we thought he could do," Rodgers told Sky Sports.

"His goal today was one of the big reasons we brought him in. He is a natural goal scorer. He has wonderful ability, pace and power in the box, but for us I thought he could be someone who just gets a tap-in.

"It was great control and pass from (Jordan) Henderson to allow Stewart (Downing) to slide the ball across with great technique. Daniel was in the right place at the right time and any goal scorer will tell you it's a great goal because you're in the box and he got his third goal in three games.

"The play between those two was great (Sturridge and Suarez). I thought Steven Gerrard was unbelievable with his passing, intensity and work rate, but today was very much a team performance."

Rodgers continued his praise for Liverpool’s team performance and highlighted their work rate and determination as important characteristics against a Norwich team he says are difficult to beat.

"We were outstanding," he said. "The first goal was important for us today. They've shown great resilience in recent months, Norwich, they’re a difficult team to beat.

"But I thought the players were outstanding. Their application and work rate was outstanding, and some of our football today was very, very good. Five goals and a clean sheet is very good."

The win sees Liverpool jump one place into seventh and despite the one-sided scoreline, Rodgers was quick to dismiss suggestions it was their best performance of the season.

"No not at all. We have played in a number of games where we haven't got the results," he said.

"Some people look at it (the Norwich win), see the goals and some of the play today (and say it was Liverpool’s best performance), but we have played well in a lot of games.

"Sometimes we have got our rewards, sometimes we haven't. It's always good when you lose to get straight back in. We have worked very hard this week and the players took that into the game.

"(It was a) terrific performance. I am pleased for the players because they worked very hard and were disappointed after last week."

Afcon: South Africa 0 Cape Verde 0

Hosts South Africa were held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde Islands in the opening match of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.

The extent of South Africa's decline as a force in African football was ably demonstrated at Soccer City, Johannesburg, where traditional minnows Cape Verde shut out the heavyweight with relative ease.

South Africa Thuso Phala orchestrated the first incident of noe, tricking Nivaldo inside the opening minute, before being hauled down and winning Bafana-Bafana a free kick in a dangerous position.

It produced what proved to be one of the best moments in the match for the home side, as Siphiwe Tshabalala's free-kick met Bongani Khumalo, who headed wide of the post.

South Africa made most of the attacking moves in the first half, but struggled to keep hold of the balling, gifting Cape Verde plenty of possession.

In the 16th minute Cape Verde gave South Africa a scare, as Babanco split the defence with a brilliant through-ball, playing Platini in on goal. The Santa Clara striker wasted the opportunity, dragging his shot wide.

Cape Verde then won a free-kick, but Heldon's curling effort flew harmlessly over Khune's crossbar.

After half an hour Tshabalala's cross found Phala at the back post, but the Platinum Stars midfielder could not control the ball, allowing the opportunity to slip away.

Next it was the turn of Kagisho Dikgacoi to try his hand, the Crystal Palace midfielder's speculative shot from distance flying high over the crossbar.

It was end-to-end stuff as Babanco's corner for Cape Verde was flicked toward the back post by Fernando Neves to Ryan Mendes, but the striker couldn't keep his effort down and the ball soared over the bar.

Lerato Chabango replaced Dikgacoi at the beginning of the second half, a clear sign South Africa coach Gordan Igesund was ready to take a risk.

In the 56th minute Bafana-Bafana cut through the Islanders' defence from the right wing, as Majoro fed Parker. The Chiefs striker was blocked by Varela, but the ball fell for Tshabalala, whose strike was parried brilliantly by Vozinha.

With half an hour to go Tshabalala was replaced by Ajax attacking midfielder Thulani Serero, who is yet to regain full match fitness following a long injury layoff.

Cape Verde coach Lucio Antunes also made his first change, bringing on Julio Tavares for Platini.

Igesund soon brought on Bafana's most potent striker Katlego Mphela to replace Majoro. The Sundowns man has also just returned from a long term injury.

Serero made an immediate impact with a beautiful reverse pass, picking out Parker just outside the box.

Nivaldo was there to intercept and the Cape Verde defence continued to frustrate the home crowd.

In the 71st minute the visitors nearly silenced them as a clever cross from Babanco reached Mendes, whose superb diving header fell just wide of a scrambling Khune.

Captain Khumalo could have won it for South Africa in injury time with a header from a corner, but it wasn't to be and Cape Verde deserved a draw.

Even though Bafana once again failed to score, they are still in the competition, needing points from their next two games against Angola and Morocco to progress to the second round.

Valdes tells Barcelona he will not renew his contract

The Blaugrana goalkeeper has told the club he plans to leave at the end of his current deal, after recently expressing his desire to experience "other cultures"

Victor Valdes has informed Barcelona he will not renew his contract when it expires in 2014, according to the player's representatives.
Camp Nou chiefs held talks with agents of the Spain international on Thursday and the Catalan club had hoped to persuade the goalkeeper to extend his lifelong association with the club.

However, it now appears certain the 31-year-old will leave at the end of next season following the release of a statement on Thursday evening.

"Victor Valdes' agents have told Barcelona, in the meeting held this afternoon, of the irrevocable decision from the player not to renew his contract, thus avoiding discussing future wage issues," his representatives told Spanish news agency EFE.

Valdes' contract expires on June 30, 2014, and he could well make a move away from La Liga after recently expressing his desire to experience "other cultures".

However, he had also revealed at the start of January his intention to retire at Barca, an opinion that has clearly changed since.

The current Liga leaders' sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta had thought that Valdes had every intention of remaining at Camp Nou.

Reports in the winter transfer window have linked Manchester United shot-stopper David de Gea with a move back to the Primera Division, having left Atletico Madrid in 2011.

The Blaugrana are yet to comment on the Valdes news, with a pre-match press conference due to be held on Friday ahead of their clash with Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Wenger feels sorry for Benitez

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he feels sympathy towards Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez.

The former Liverpool boss has come under heavy criticism ever since he replaced fan favourite Roberto Di Matteo at Stamford Bridge and has won just two of seven home fixtures so far.

Despite the hostility at the Bridge, Wenger does not think Benitez or his players can blame the negative environment for their performances on the pitch.

"You never know how much it affects the players," Wenger said.

"The crowd can be a bit difficult or become enthusiastic if the game turns well.

"Of course it tests the mental strength of the players. But for young players especially, it is not easy.

"I think it is part of our job to deal with that and the only thing I can say, it is easier to play in a positive environment than in a negative environment.

"It is part of a football player's career to deal with both sides of it. We have all played in hostile atmospheres. But it should not stop you from playing."

With the Gunners boss feeling the heat from his own fans this season, the 63-year-old can relate to Benitez's situation but insists there will be no sympathy shown on Sunday.

"I feel sympathy for every manager until the day I play against him. Then the sympathy goes and comes back after the game," he said.

"We are all in the same position. We know we are in a fragile job and that the confidence is very important.

"It's a job where you have to take care of your own team.

"But the confidence of the crowd in the team plays a big part.

"Let's not hope on any weakness of Chelsea. Let's focus on our strength. You want to go there and be at your best. That's all you can do. You never know how your opponent will turn up. We cannot speculate on that.

"You want to go to a big game and just think, 'Let's be at our best'."

Lampard agrees terms with LA Galaxy

Chelsea veteran Frank Lampard has reportedly agreed to terms on a move to LA Galaxy at the end of the season.

The midfielder has been told by the three-time Premier League champions that he will not be offered an extension on his current 150,000-pounds-a-week deal when it expires at the end of the season, bringing to an end a 12-year association with the Stamford Bridge club.

Manchester United and Arsenal are both monitoring Lampard's situation, while Everton have already had a three-year offer rejected - but the MLS side appear to have won the race, according to Goal.com.

"It's all but done," a source in the United States told the football website.

An LA Galaxy spokesman would not confirm or deny the news, only telling Goal.com that head coach Bruce Arena publicly acknowledged interest in Lampard on Thursday.

"I wouldn't be surprised if over the next week or so, we're going to have some kind of decision we're going to make with a Designated Player," Arena told reporters.

"We wouldn't rule (a move for Lampard) out. It's always a possibility."

Lampard, Chelsea' second-highest all-time goalscorer, was free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club from the start of January, and is open to a move to the United States for personal as well as professional reasons.

During Chelsea's tour in North America last summer, Lampard expressed an interest in playing in MLS but admitted that he would wait to see if Chelsea would extend his contract first.

"I am not sure (about a future in MLS)," Lampard said at the time.

"I have another year on my contract at Chelsea and we have a big season ahead of us with the Super Cup and the Club World Cup in December. It's up to Chelsea to speak with me about my future and, at that time, I'll speak with them.

"I wouldn't rule anything out at the moment."

Suarez admits to diving, alleges United conspiracy

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has admitted to diving to try to win a penalty earlier this season, but insists he is unfairly scrutinised.

The Uruguayan has confessed to attempting to dupe referee Lee Mason by throwing himself to the ground as his side were held to a 0-0 draw by Stoke at Anfield in October.

However, Suarez also claimed his handball against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup was unintentional and believes his high profile has led to the criticism he receives from the press.

He told Fox Sports Argentina: "I don't listen (to) all the nonsense some people say about me. I'm accused of cheating here. People say I throw myself all the time inside the box. Let's see: they said that when we played against Stoke, for instance, and in that case they were right. I invented a foul because we were drawing 1-1 against Stoke and I wanted to win.

"Sometimes on the pitch I say to myself: 'What have I done?' But the name of Suarez sells papers.

"The other day, for instance, I touched the ball with my hand accidentally, and I was criticised because I kissed my hand.

"The media make up a lot of things about me because they want to sell papers. I say to the media: You should talk more about football, not about other stuff."

The 25-year-old went on to cite his incident with Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, after the Uruguayan was found guilty of racial abuse by an FA tribunal, as proof that the Premier League leaders are supported by the press.

He also accused the English media of treating South American players poorly.

"Manchester United controls the media, they are powerful and the media will always help them," he said.

"I was arguing with a person (Patrice Evra) and maybe I thought he spoke Spanish when he didn't speak Spanish.

"When someone comes and says to me something bad about being a South American, I don't cry, because that happens inside the pitch.

"I have my conscience clean. I can help Liverpool today. We are united and we can play well. Liverpool doesn't depend on me.

"It's complicated to play here in England. As Carlitos (Carlos Tevez) and Kun (Sergio Aguero) have said, it's complicated for a South American footballer to be here as we are treated differently to the local footballers.

"But they have their culture, they are like this, you know."

English sides chased Huntelaar

Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has revealed a number of English clubs enquired about his availability earlier this winter.

The Netherlands international has been linked with clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal in the past few months, but he eventually decided to sign a two-year extension to his expiring contract.

"A number of clubs from England enquired about me. However, I never opened contract talks with any of those teams," Huntelaar told Welt.

"I asked myself whether I wanted to stay put or make the move to England. The Premier League is the only top league in Europe where I have not played yet.

"The most important thing for me was that my family feels well, though. And we have everything we need here at Schalke."

The 29-year-old then went on to discuss his long-term future, and made it clear that he wants to end his professional career at Ajax.

"My dream club has always been Ajax. I might return there towards the end of my career before I retire. I am completely focused on Schalke for now, though," he said.

Huntelaar previously wore the Ajax jersey from January 2006 until January 2009.

English sides chased Huntelaar

Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has revealed a number of English clubs enquired about his availability earlier this winter.

The Netherlands international has been linked with clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal in the past few months, but he eventually decided to sign a two-year extension to his expiring contract.

"A number of clubs from England enquired about me. However, I never opened contract talks with any of those teams," Huntelaar told Welt.

"I asked myself whether I wanted to stay put or make the move to England. The Premier League is the only top league in Europe where I have not played yet.

"The most important thing for me was that my family feels well, though. And we have everything we need here at Schalke."

The 29-year-old then went on to discuss his long-term future, and made it clear that he wants to end his professional career at Ajax.

"My dream club has always been Ajax. I might return there towards the end of my career before I retire. I am completely focused on Schalke for now, though," he said.

Huntelaar previously wore the Ajax jersey from January 2006 until January 2009.

Mourinho pledges EPL return

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has once more reiterated his desire to return to the Premier League in the future.

The 49-year-old enjoyed success in England at Chelsea from 2004 until 2007, and he has nothing but fond memories of his time in the English top flight.

"My memories from English football could not be better," Mourinho said.

"In England you feel the real passion for the game. It's not just about passion for clubs, it's mainly about passion for football – and you feel it. I loved it from the first to the last day.

"But I know that one day I will come back because English football means a lot to myself."

Mourinho has an ongoing contract with Madrid, but a number of recent reports have suggested that he could leave the club at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Mourinho pledges EPL return

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has once more reiterated his desire to return to the Premier League in the future.

The 49-year-old enjoyed success in England at Chelsea from 2004 until 2007, and he has nothing but fond memories of his time in the English top flight.

"My memories from English football could not be better," Mourinho said.

"In England you feel the real passion for the game. It's not just about passion for clubs, it's mainly about passion for football – and you feel it. I loved it from the first to the last day.

"But I know that one day I will come back because English football means a lot to myself."

Mourinho has an ongoing contract with Madrid, but a number of recent reports have suggested that he could leave the club at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Mourinho pledges EPL return

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has once more reiterated his desire to return to the Premier League in the future.

The 49-year-old enjoyed success in England at Chelsea from 2004 until 2007, and he has nothing but fond memories of his time in the English top flight.

"My memories from English football could not be better," Mourinho said.

"In England you feel the real passion for the game. It's not just about passion for clubs, it's mainly about passion for football – and you feel it. I loved it from the first to the last day.

"But I know that one day I will come back because English football means a lot to myself."

Mourinho has an ongoing contract with Madrid, but a number of recent reports have suggested that he could leave the club at the end of the 2012-13 season.

FINAL WHISTLE VERDICT: QUALITY SHOWED

Following Chelsea's biggest ever win in an away game at Southampton, Rafael Benitez was very pleased with the way the team steadied itself after conceding first, and used its quality to overcome a top-flight side comfortably to reach the fourth round of the Cup.
A good reaction to the defeat against QPR was on order and Demba Ba was handed his debut a day after signing. Two goals from the fresh arrival rewarded the selection…
'It is always important for a striker to score goals but more than just the goals was his contribution for the team,' said Benitez as he considered Ba's 90 minutes.
'His movement and understanding of things we were wanting to do was really good. He was very clever and he could understand the movement of the players. He did everything well on the pitch.
'I prefer to have this selection problem now than to have just one striker. It is important to have good players and different options, and Ba and Torres can compete or play together.'
On the overall performance…
'The first half Southampton started well but little by little we were doing better, and the second half we were much better,' noted Benitiz.

'With the players we have, when you go one goal ahead and the opposition have to take more risks, if you have clever movement you know you will score more goals.
'They were going forward and we had more space behind and it is always a threat to have Hazard and Mata and Moses. I am really pleased because Victor has to go to the Africa Cup of Nations but he was given permission to stay today and scored a goal.'
On Frank Lampard's goal which drew him level with Kerry Dixon overall, and with Bobby Tambling in FA Cup goals…
'It is a great achievement for him and hopefully he can score a lot of goals until the end of the season.
'I will be delighted if we can carry on in all the cup competitions until the end because it means the team is doing well. Today I was trying to manage minutes with substitutions for Ivanovic and Mata, and I will try to do the same until the end of the season.

'We have a good record in the FA Cup and as a club and as a manager, but every game is different. We are happy because we progressed and have another chance to do well, but we will see what happens in the next round.'
Southampton manager Nigel Adkins had no argument about the result and was not short on praise for the opposition from London.
'Chelsea were very good second-half,' he said.
'We started brightly and scored a good goal, but the big killer blow was the goal before half-time. In the second half they demonstrated the good players they have got. Give them credit. They have good football players and a good manager and staff. Mata was exceptional.'

Kalou flattered by Liverpool link

Lille forward Salomon Kalou says he is happy to hear speculation linking him with Premier League sides Liverpool and West Ham.

The Ivory Coast international spent six years at Chelsea before moving to Ligue 1 in July on a free transfer.

However, the forward has struggled to impress in France, managing just three goals so far this season.

Both West Ham and Liverpool have been linked with a January move for the 27-year-old, with Lille reportedly ready to accept offers of 2.8 million pounds for Kalou.

Kalou is currently with his national side preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations but was full of praise for both the Hammers and Brendan Rodgers' team.

"I am flattered with all teams linked with me in England," he said.

"It means I am not a bad player as some people think. Teams such as Liverpool, West Ham, are very good teams."

Both clubs have already been active in the transfer window with Liverpool bringing in Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea while West Ham have signed Joe Cole and Marouane Chamakh.

FA Cup Arsenal´s chance to end trophy drought

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger concedes he is irritated by being forced to "watch other people win" as the Gunners' trophy drought drags on.
Wenger has called for his side to respond appropriately when they face Swansea in the FA Cup third round, as they look to make amends for their 2-0 home defeat suffered at the hands of the Welsh club earlier in the season - and bolster their chances of winning their first trophy in eight years.

After the club missed out on qualifying for the semi-final of the Capital One Cup, losing to Bradford City in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, the pressure has increased on the Frenchman as he looks to bring silverware back to the Emirates.

Wenger himself has admitted his frustration with the club's trophy drought.

"It bothers me [not to win trophies], of course it bothers me because I’m not here to watch other people win trophies," he told the Arsenal website.

"I think it is an important moment of the season for us, to strengthen the confidence of the team.

"We feel we are on a good run but how far can we go? To win in the FA Cup will strengthen us.

"For us it’s important to show continuity and consistency and the FA Cup is part of that. To get people to believe more in the team it’s important that we win on Sunday."

Despite Wenger's ambition to go all the way in the cup, he understands that the Gunners will face tough opposition on Sunday in the light of that dispiriting loss to Michael Laudrup's side on December 1.

"They had a very good game [at the Emirates Stadium]. We have to give them a different response on Sunday," Wenger said.

Swansea host Arsenal on Sunday afternoon at the Liberty Stadium.

Wenger flags interest in Holtby

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger he is interested in signing Schalke's young star Lewis Holtby.

But Wenger refused to say whether they would bid for him in January or wait until his contract expires in the summer.

The 22-year-old midfielder has attracted interest from a host of clubs around Europe, and will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season after declaring his intention to refuse any new deal from the Bundesliga club.

And while the Gunners manager revealed his interest in Holtby, he said the pressure is always on during every transfer window to 'secure the next Lionel Messi' and claims he will have to look further afield for new talent.

"We have looked at (Holtby), yes," he told reporters.

"People want to see the next Lionel Messi - they don't want to see a promising guy. The name of the player gives people hope, but when they haven't heard of them people are already sceptical.

"It's much more difficult for us now. The competition is higher. We are trying to diversify a bit more because we are limited in England. A new market that is very interesting is Japan - it's very competitive.

"The country where we were really competitive in the past was France, but they produce less top players than they did, say, 15 years ago.

"The emerging countries look to be Germany and Spain - they have taken over from France and they have many good, young players."

After the departure of Robin van Persie to Manchester United in the summer, Wenger secured Montpellier forward Olivier Giroud - but reveals he came close to signing Demba Ba, who is set to move from Newcastle to Chelsea this January.

"It was Giroud or Demba Ba in the summer - they are very similar players. I was a bit cautious about the noises on Ba's knee injury, but someone told me the problem he has is manageable and can be prevented," he added.

Falcao not going to Real, says Cerezo

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has quashed speculation linking Chelsea target Radamel Falcao with Real Madrid.

Falcao's impressive performances this season for Atletico has led to many clubs reportedly showing interest in his services, including Los Blancos and the Blues.

However, Cerezo has made it clear that there is no substance to the suggestions made on Punto Pelota that his star player is set for a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"I want to say that it is false that Falcao has an agreement with another team. I say it is false because I have (not) spoken to anyone regarding this subject," Cerezo told Marca.

"It is absolutely false and a lie. It is one thing to joke but it is another to make a something out of nothing. Above everything, I don't like having words put in my mouth that I have never said.

"Like (club general manager) Miguel Angel Gil said, Falcao is our player and he has won the right to make his own decision. He has a contract with us and there is no need to talk nor invent anything else.

"It seems that some want to destabilise Atletico and Falcao. The day that something does occur, if that day happens at all which I doubt, then there will be something to talk about. But, there is no need to talk of just rumours."

Cerezo also revealed that the club is preparing to offer coach Diego Simeone a new contract but that they will do so with calm and patience.

"The renewal of his contract will be done with tranquility and will occur over the course of the year," he said.

"There is no date nor day nor place by which it needs to happen. There is no problem and it will happen when it can. We do not know if he has offers from other clubs though I do imagine he will have since he is a very good coach."