Monday, 23 March 2015

Former Netherlands star Van Bronckhorst to become Feyenoord head coach

Former Netherlands star Giovanni van Bronckhorst is to take over as Feyenoord coach from the departing Fred Rutten next season. Van Bronckhorst, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with the likes of Rangers, Arsenal and Barcelona, is currently assistant coach at De Kuip, a role he also held under Rutten's predecessor Ronald Koeman. The 40-year-old is now set to take the reins from Rutten - who announced earlier this month that a disagreement with the Eredivisie club's hierarchy over the team's direction was behind his decision to leave. Van Bronckhorst started his career with Feyenoord before returning to the club to see out his playing days in a three-year spell between 2007 and 2010.

Fernando Alonso underwent tests at Cambridge University ahead of a potential comeback in Malaysia

Fernando Alonso will return to Formula One at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday after passing a medical examination by three Cambridge University doctors. The Spaniard, who was injured in a bizarre accident in testing in Barcelona last month, was given the all-clear by the British experts. He will go through final tests at the circuit in Kuala Lumpur later this week, but they are thought to be little more than a formality. Alonso’s McLaren team issued a statement, confirming that: ‘Subject to a successful final FIA medical assessment this Thursday, Fernando Alonso will return to the cockpit of his MP4-30 car. ‘Since his Barcelona testing accident, Fernando has followed a rigorous, specialised training programme, designed and closely monitored by leading sports scientists, to ensure his safe and timely return to racing.

“I don’t think they’re a winning machine all the time,” said Pellegrini. “I’m sure from now until the end of the season every team will drop points, so it’s important to return to our normal performance and win our games. “After that we’ll see what happens with Chelsea. Maybe we can win all the games and maybe we can retain the title. The important thing is they must feel pressure. “If you don’t win, it’s easy for them. We depend now just on these last eight games to at least finish in the same position we are now.”

Martin Skrtel's foot lands on David de Gea's leg, with the FA to decide whether there was any intent

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has been charged by the Football Association after he appeared to intentionally stamp on Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea towards the end of Sunday's heated Anfield clash. In the final seconds, with his side trailing 2-1 and desperately chasing an equaliser, Slovakia international Skrtel looked to crash his studs down on the Spaniard's calf after he had gathered an attempted through ball. The 30-year-old escaped punishment but the FA have now stepped in and he could grace a three-match ban. Following a feisty match, which ended 2-1 to Louis van Gaal's visitors, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said he did not believe Skrtel, 30, had set out to intentionally hurt De Gea who appeared to be in some pain. 'I have seen the Martin Skrtel incident,' Rodgers said. 'The ball was played through but it probably looks worse in slow motion.

The Atletico boss is highly sought-after after winning La Liga with the club last year and taking them to the Champions League final, but is close to commiting to the club until 2020.Speaking on Revista de La Liga, Balague said City, Paris Saint-Germain and two Italian clubs came in for the 44-year-old, but says Simeone is happy at the Vicente Calderon Stadium. "He had a huge offer from City, a huge offer from PSG, from two Italian teams, but he is close to signing a new deal with Atletico Madrid until 2020," Balague said.

Ozil appeared in high spirits during training but is likely to have to answer to Arsene Wenger on his return

Mesut Ozil will be reminded of his responsibilities after he was spotted in a Berlin nightspot just hours after missing Arsenal's win over Newcastle. The Germany international was left out of the squad that won at St James' Park with a slight cold. He was given permission to fly to Germany ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Australia, but he was seen in a club in his homeland later on Saturday night. His decision to go out partying leaves question marks over his omission from the squad to face John Carver's side on Saturday. And manager Arsene Wenger will remind the club's record signing of his responsibilities in a face-to-face meeting when he returns from international duty following Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Georgia.

Evans is with the Northern Ireland squad preparing for a midweek friendly against Scotland and a crunch Euro 2016 qualifier against Finland at Windsor Park on Sunday, but is currently suspended from domestic duty after being handed a six match ban by the FA.I have sympathy for him (Cisse) because I feel like he was dragged into the situation that wasn't really meant to happen and it was just unfortunate that both of us have got a ban at the end of it. "At the time in my mind, it was just a misunderstanding from Papiss Cisse. I have sympathy for him because I feel like he was dragged into the situation that wasn't really meant to happen and it was just unfortunate that both of us have got a ban at the end of it. “I was unaware that I’d spat at the time. I'm sure in the future I'll try to think more carefully about when I do spit but I was totally unaware at the time that I’d done it, so it might be difficult.”

The world's most expensive footballer was confronted by fans as he left the club's Valdebebas training base

Gareth Bale's future at Real Madrid was thrown into more doubt after his white Bentley was attacked by abusive supporters. The Spanish club acted swiftly on Monday night by identifying those responsible. A club statement said that three men had been involved and that one was a club member who would now be banned for life. The £80million former Tottenham forward, who has been linked with a return to the Premier League in the summer, was accosted driving away from the club’s training ground in the early hours of Monday morning after arriving back in Madrid following the 2-1 defeat in Barcelona.

Floyd Mayweather Sr: Will offer words of advice to his son on May 2

Speaking to fighthype.com, the 62-year-old appeared to take a dig at the ill-health of Roach, who has endured a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He said: "We were enjoying a beautiful day until we heard what Freddie 'The Joke Coach' Roach had to say. “Freddie, you have the problem, not me. Why are you not training all of your fighters anymore? Why do other people have to hold the mitts and speak for you. "How can you be a trainer when you can't even hold the mitts. Nobody knows what you're saying anyway. You have others talking for you and holding the mitts for you.

PSG have reportedly bid for Paul Pogba

PSG have bid for Pogba...but Barcelona and Madrid are interested - Nedved

In recent months he has been linked with a return to Old Trafford as well as moves to Madrid and Barca, but it is the Ligue 1 champions who have moved into pole position for his signature. "Yes, PSG sent us an offer," Nedved told Le Parisien. "But Paris is not the only one. Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested."

Manny Pacquiao took time out to have fun with family.

Manny Pacquiao enjoys a well-earned family feast as Filipino fighter takes his mind off upcoming mega-fight

Manny Pacquiao has been training hard recently, so it’s hardly surprising he replaces the many thousands of calories he burns with a big feast. The Filipino star looked relaxed as he took his mind off his upcoming $300million (£200m) mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather Jnr with a family meal. It’s a little over six weeks before the duo go head-to-head in Las Vegas and the 36-year-old has again stepped up his training in recent days, this time sparring for the first time with partners Edis Tatli and Kenneth Sims Jnr. Tatil, a Finnish lightweight, has lost just once in 25 fights while Sims has fought just five times but his style has been likened to Mayweather's.

“I never imagined that I’d play in a game of this magnitude,” he told the club website, adding that this time he hopes for a better result. “I was focused on my nervousness about coming back to play. Aside from it being a Clasico, it was important for me. I didn’t enjoy it as you should enjoy a Clasico, let’s hope I can do it this time.”

Following a stuttering start to his time in Spain, the 28-year-old has now hit seven Liga goals and four to help Barca into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo launched the new Nike CR7 #Mercurial Superfly! . he wrote on his google plus account "In case you missed it on +Nike Football Snapchat account, I’m excited to launch the new Nike CR7 #Mercurial Superfly!

Radamel Falcao's disappointing spell at Manchester United has reduced him to tears, according to his former agent Silvano Espindola. The Colombia international joined the club on a big-money loan deal from Monaco in September, with United holding the option of signing Falcao permanently at the end of the season should they wish. However, the former Atletico Madrid striker has scored just four Premier League goals in 18 appearances in 2014-15, and has been heavily criticised for his displays, even turning out for the Under-21 side earlier this month.

Rafael Nadal lost the first set but fought back to win the match 4-6 7-6 (12-10) 7-5 in just under three hours. Raonic will now play four-time champion Roger Federer in Saturday's semi-final after the Swiss comfortably beat Czech Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-0. In the other semi-final, Britain's Andy Murray plays top seed Novak Djokovic.

The world number one was set to play third seed Simona Halep of Romania in the semi-final of the BNP Paribas Open. Williams was playing the Californian event for the first time since she was booed while winning the 2001 title. Halep will face former world number one Jelena Jankovic in Sunday's final after the Serb fought back to beat Germany's Sabine Lisicki 3-6 6-3 6-1.

Following the battle between the two greatest in modern days football, people have begin to chose between Messi and Ronaldo who are set to face off in La Liga on Sunday as Barcelona take on Real Madrid at the Camp Nou, and Pele has revealed that the Argentine is the man he would turn to if he was a coach. “They play a different kind of football, but I think Messi is more for the team, and gives more assists, whereas Ronaldo is more about scoring. “I think Ronaldo is a lot like Ronaldo Nazario from Brazil, he is the same style as him. “If I had a team and had to choose, I’d choose Messi. But both players are fantastic.”

Sepp Blatter: Fifa presidency rivals disappointed by TV debate snub

Two of Sepp Blatter's opponents for the Fifa presidency have expressed disappointment at the incumbent's decision to reject an offer from the BBC and Sky to take part in a televised debate. Blatter's three opponents - Luis Figo, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein and Michael van Praag - accepted the invitation. "I think it is a pity," said Figo. "We owe it to the fans of football to hold this debate with all four candidates." Prince Ali said a televised debate was a good idea and should be supported.

2022 World Cup final confirmed for December 18

The 2022 World Cup final in Qatar will take place on December 18, Fifa’s Executive Committee has confirmed. Concerns over the intense summer heat in the Arab nation forced the world governing body to set up a task force looking into a revised schedule, moving the tournament away from its traditional June-July time slot. But while the task force suggested a final on December 23, the ExCo has announced that the showpiece will take place five days earlier to fall in line with Fifa president Sepp Blatter’s suggestion.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss the first leg of PSG's quarter-final

Ibrahimovic was sent off for a challenge on Oscar half an hour into the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on March 11, as Laurent Blanc’s men went on to go through on away goals after extra time.UEFA confirmed last week there was “no chance” of overturning the red card, but the organisation’s disciplinary body met in Nyon on Thursday and decided not to extend the Sweden international’s automatic one-match suspension. The 33-year-old will now miss the first leg of PSG’s Champions League quarter-final, with the draw for the last eight taking place on Friday morning, live from 10am on Sky Sports News HQ. A UEFA statement read: “Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been suspended for one UEFA competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible.

Andre Schurrle with girlfriend Montana York

Andre Schurrle has blamed his unimpressive return to the Bundesliga on the lack of training he received during his time at Chelsea. The World Cup winner left Stamford Bridge for Wolfsburg in a £22million deal in January, having previously starred for Mainz and Bayer Leverkusen in the German league. After a bright start, setting up two goals against Hoffenheim on his debut, the 24-year-old admits he is 'stuck in a hole' after failing to make any impact in his last nine games. Speaking to Bild, Schurrle suggested his poor form was a repercussion of his time spent at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho.

Lionel Messi poses for a family selfie on Thursday to celebrate Spanish Father's Day

After leading Barcelona to Champions League victory against Manchester City at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night Lionel Messi hit back at those that criticised him earlier in the season before celebrating Spanish Father's Day with his family.m The Argentina international's girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo posted a picture to her Instagram account on Thursday morning wishing him 'Happy Father's Day'. Roccuzzo and two-year-old son Thiago each planted a kiss on Messi's cheek as the trio posed for a family selfie to mark the occasion.

Argentina international Messi and Hart acknowledge each other's performances with a hand shake

The barcelona attacker says the Joe Hart was “phenomenal” as he pulled off a string of fine saves to confine the Catalonians to a 1-0 second-leg win and a 3-1 score on aggregate. Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal at the Nou Camp but Luis Suarez was seen praising Hart during the second half after he denied the Uruguayan with a superb stop late on And Barcelona’s players queued up to heap praise on Hart, who is set to be named in Roy Hodgson’s England squad on Thursday.

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic reacts after getting a red card against Burnley last month.

The Blues have had just two penalties in 28 league games so far - compared to five spot kicks in just eight Champions League matches. In an article on the club's official website, titled Penalty Puzzle, Chelsea compare the number awarded to them during the past six seasons.The two penalties given to Jose Mourinho's men this campaign both came in home derbies - against Arsenal and QPR - and the club highlights that the most recent of those was four and a half months ago.

Parma president arrested for money laundering

Parma president Giampietro Manenti has been arrested over allegations of money laundering during his takeover of the club, according to widespread reports in Italy. The Serie A club have been plagued with financial difficulties all season and are on the brink of bankruptcy,which has seen them deducted points twice for not paying players and staff. Italian news agency ANSA claim that Manenti, who bought the club for just €1 in February, is one of several people who have been arrested following over 60 house searches across Italy. A statement from the Guardia di Finanza - an arm of law enforcement responsible for monitoring smuggling and financial crime - confirmed the arrest of 22 people "for crimes of embezzlement, conspiracy, computer fraud, use of cloned payment cards and mafia-style money laundering".

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has launched a bizarre attack on his critics via Instagram. Signed for £16m in the summer, Balotelli has struggled to secure a place in Liverpool's starting side since his move to Anfield. Criticism of the player has been widespread, with manager Brendan Rodgers publicly questioning the Italy international's attitude and work-rate. The 24-year-old missed Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Swansea due to illness but was clear in his Instagram rant, launching an attack on those who have criticised him.

Sunderland have lifted Adam Johnson 's club suspension after Durham Police extended the winger's bail following his arrest on suspicion of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The England international has not played since he was arrested and later bailed at the start of March, but could now feature in Dick Advocaat's managerial debut against West Ham on Saturday. Johnson's bail was subsequently extended on Tuesday as the allegation continues to be investigated and he does not have to report back to police until April 23. A statement from Sunderland read: “The club has discussed the current position in detail with both the PFA and Adam’s representatives,” it said.

However, Ron Dennis says his marquee signing is eager to return the McLaren-Honda partnership to winning ways. “I can show you the texts that he was sending me last night [Saturday]. The word that made me smile was ‘relish’, meaning relishing the challenge," Dennis assured Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle ahead of the race.

France Prime Minister Manuel Valls condems Zlatan Ibrahimovic's outburst about the country.

France Prime Minister Valls shocked by Ibrahimovic outburst

France Prime Minister Manuel Valls has admitted he was shocked by Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's outburst about the country on Sunday. The 33-year-old was left fuming after his side's 3-2 Ligue 1 defeat at the hands of Bordeaux at the weekend and was caught on camera delivering a foul-mouthed tirade during which he labelled France a "sh*t" country. Ibrahimovic apologised for his comments shortly after the incident, but Valls was not impressed and has urged the striker to think about the potential consequences of his words before he speaks his mind.

The gates at Johnson's £1.8million mansion were shut following his arrest earlier this month

Sunderland will ‘review its position’ regarding suspended winger Adam Johnson after police extended his bail following his arrest on suspicion of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The club suspended the 27-year-old ‘pending the outcome of the police investigation’ when he was arrested at his £1.8million mansion in County Durham on March 2. It was confirmed on Tuesday that Johnson has now been told to report back to a Durham police station at 10am on Thursday, April 23. And the club said in a statement: ‘Following the decision by the police today (Tuesday), the club will be reviewing its position and will not make any further comment at the present time.’

Garath McCleary: Bradford give life ban warning after winger is target of alleged racist abuse

A man has been arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Reading's Garath McCleary during the FA Cup quarter-final replay against the Bantams at the Madejski Stadium on Monday evening. McCleary appeared to make a complaint to the assistant referee after he went to collect the ball for a corner just before half-time.

"Leo Messi is a unique player, one of the few players in the world who can win you a game on his own," Iniesta said at a press conference. "It is always an advantage to have a player of his quality. We hope he will continue his fine form in the match against City. Messi is a guarantee." The Spain international then went on to stress that Barcelona cannot afford to think about Sunday's Liga Clasico match against Real Madrid just yet as City are a team that should not be underestimated.

"It’s true we have an important match on Sunday against a direct opponent, but we can’t think about what we have ahead of us further than Wednesday’s game. We have a good result from the first leg but City have enough good players to turn that result around. City are a dangerous opponent. They have forwards who can decide the match at any moment and that says it all.

Daniel Amokachi has picked 27 players for the Super Eagles’ twin friendly matches against Bolivia and South Africa on March 26 and 29 In-form strikers Brown Ideye of West Bromwich Albion and Anthony Ujah of Cologne have been recalled to the Nigeria side that would take on Bolivia and South Africa in friendly matches later this month. While Emmanuel Emenike has been dropped from the squad selected by acting coach Daniel Amokachi, goalkeeper and captain Vincent Enyeama is expected to earn his century during the pair of matches.

Long standing striker Emenike was dropped for his poor form with the Eagles having not scored since October 2013. Instead, in-form trio Ideye, Ujah and Odion Ighalo of Watford have been recalled while Ahmed Musa also returns after the disappointing campaign to qualify for the Afcon.

hear what Jose Mourinho and Ronald Koeman say about the match

Jose Mourinho: "I'm not happy with the result but I'm happy with the situation, the six-point lead.

"Even knowing a point would give us a six-point lead we played to win in the last 15 minutes of the game.

"We started well but the penalty changed the rest of the first half. We stopped playing and made some mistakes.

"When Ramires came on we killed their counter-attack and had complete control of the game.

"We had a lead of five points and now we have a lead of six points with one less game to play."

Van Gaal believes he has the support of the dressing room, claiming the chemistry within his squad is right, with United clinging onto the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot, but the 63-year-old admits that a premature exit from the club would be on the cards were things to change."When I think the chemistry between the players and the manager is not good enough anymore, then I go," Van Gaal said ahead of Sunday's showdown with Premier League rivals Tottenham. "I am in my first season here and I can still win the title, but that will probably go to Chelsea.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa (left) opened the scoring with a far post header from Branislav Ivanovic's cross

Chelsea are 110 years old this month: and they look every day of it, battling towards a third Premier League title under Jose Mourinho. He likes to win his trophies from the front, but the going is getting harder. Had Manchester City not chosen exactly the same time in the season to have a wobble, Chelsea would be looking over their shoulders by now. Instead, they dropped two points at home, while actually managing to increase their lead at the top. Six points clear with a game in hand is nobody's idea of a crisis – particularly when the spare game is against Leicester City. Mourinho would certainly have bought that at the start of the season, as would any rival. Yet this Chelsea are far removed from the team that once seemed so assured.

In an interview for Super Sunday by Geoff Shreeves whether Mourinho encourages his players to influence referees, Terry replied: “No, never. Not in his previous time here or his current time here. “He’s the complete opposite. No manager I have worked under has insisted on that. When the captains sit down with the PFA and referees at the start of the season, it’s brought up and spoke about.

#	Team Name	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Chelsea	28	19	7	2	58	23	+35	64
2	Manchester City	29	17	7	5	59	28	+31	58
3	Arsenal	29	17	6	6	56	30	+26	57
4	Manchester United	29	16	8	5	50	26	+24	56
5	Liverpool	28	15	6	7	42	30	+12	51
6	Southampton	29	15	5	9	40	21	+19	50
7	Tottenham Hotspur	29	15	5	9	46	42	+4	50
8	Stoke City	29	12	6	11	33	35	–2	42
9	Swansea City	28	11	7	10	33	37	–4	40
10	West Ham United	29	10	9	10	39	37	+2	39
11	Newcastle United	29	9	8	12	32	44	–12	35
12	Crystal Palace	29	8	9	12	34	40	–6	33
13	West Bromwich Albion	29	8	9	12	27	36	–9	33
14	Everton	29	7	10	12	34	41	–7	31
15	Hull City	29	6	10	13	26	37	–11	28
16	Aston Villa	29	7	7	15	19	38	–19	28
17	Sunderland	29	4	14	11	23	43	–20	26
18	Burnley	29	5	10	14	26	47	–21	25
19	Queens Park Rangers	29	6	4	19	30	52	–22	22
20	Leicester City	28	4	7	17	24	44	–20	19

Monday, 23 March 2015

Saturday, 21 March 2015

Thursday, 19 March 2015

Wednesday, 18 March 2015

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

Sunday, 15 March 2015