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Malky Mackay told to resign or be sacked as Tan row takes new twist
19 Dec 2013 21:01
By Simon Gaskell
And former Bluebirds boss Dave Jones a shock contender to step in as claims of Tan's ultimatum to Mackay leave Scot's future in fresh doubt
Malky Mackay's future is hanging by a threadMalky Mackay's future is hanging by a thread
MALKY MACKAY’S future as Cardiff City manager was last night hanging by a thread amid claims of an email ultimatum from Vincent Tan telling him to resign or be sacked.
The Bluebirds owner is said to have sent Mackay a dossier of complaints, including his work on signings, transfer budgets, results on the pitch and conservative style of play – and demanding the end of his time as Cardiff boss.
As news of the bombshell email leaked out, we have learned the club has considered a number of alternative candidates, including Turkish manager Yilmaz Vural.
In a extraordinary twist, former Bluebirds manager Dave Jones is also understood to be in the frame, although that would be more in a director of football capacity.
Mackay is said to have received his email on Monday, prior to him maintaining he was not going to quit the club he led to the Premier League.
However we understand Mackay will remain steadfast and is planning to lead his Bluebirds into battle against Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow.
The email revelation comes at the end of an extraordinary week which began with Tan publicly slating Mackay in an official club statement for “unfairly raising supporters’ expectations” after claiming he wanted three new signings in the January transfer window.
Tan responded by saying Mackay would not be getting “a single penny” to spend, claiming he had already gone £15m over budget during a summer spending spree.
It now remains to be seen whether Tan will carry out his reported threat to axe the popular Bluebirds manager – who will be due compensation if sacked – but it is understood there has already been moves to sound out candidates to come into a new Cardiff management set-up.
There have been fresh suggestions that include experienced Turk Vural despite previous insistences from Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman that the 60-year-old’s claims he had been contacted by the club were “pure fantasy”.
But Vural could yet enter into discussions with club officials about a potential role, be it as a director of football or manager, in the coming days.
The name that will really surprise Bluebirds fans is Jones, who we have been told is very much in the frame for a potential director of football position, despite having been involved in legal action with Tan after being dismissed by the club in May 2011 after a six-year spell in charge.
It is believed Jones has been sounded out after his spell with Sheffield Wednesday came to an end last month, with Dalman having previously made it clear the club needed expertise at director level to guide Tan on transfers and other football matters.
Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been installed as overwhelming favourite by two bookmakers to succeed Mackay, Norwegian club Molde admitting there had been inquiries from two British clubs for the highly-rated young boss.
Vince Alm, of Cardiff City Supporters Club, told WalesOnline he worried by the extent the club had been destabilised by the apparent breakdown in the relationship between manager and owner.
He said: "If it's true, it's just another sign of how badly the relationship is between Malky and the owner and I think it's totally unprofessional the way Vincent Tan is going about doing his business. Some of it is very petty and petulant.
"Malky was asked a direct question as every single manager has been about signings. He was duty-bound to answer that question.
"It obviously goes back to this overspend which, again, it wasn't Malky signing the cheques.
"You've got to be worried what he could do to the club. I'm sure he means well in his own mind but the road he's taking us down at the moment is very unsteady.
"Malky is the type of manager that steadies the ship - that's the sort of manager Cardiff City needs. There aren't many decent managers out there and if there are any, are they going to come to a club where this is going on?
Vincent Tan's turbulent three years as owner of Cardiff City
From changing the club's colours to talk of changing their name and interfering in team affairs, his rule has not been quiet
The Guardian, Friday 20 December 2013 01.07 GMT
Vincent Tan, Cardiff City owner
Cardiff City owner, Vincent Tan, celebrates promotion to the Premier League in April. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA
2010
Vincent Tan buys more than 35 per cent of Cardiff City shares for £6m
June 2012
Cardiff – nickname the Bluebirds – confirm they will change their shirts from blue to red, with a new dragon crest as part of a "major and significant" investment. The club say: "The colour red is widely recognised as being synonymous with Welsh culture and heritage, with Cardiff the proud capital of the country. The colour also holds strong spiritual significance in Asia."
February 2013
Tan, who introduced McDonald's to his homeland Malaysia in the 1980s, speaks publicly for the first time about his plans to turn the club into a force in Asia.
Tan reveals the club could change its name to Cardiff Dragons. April 2013
Cardiff seal promotion to the Premier League, 53 years to the day since the club last won promotion to football's top tier.
August 2013
Cardiff kick-off life in the Premier League. Summer signings include the Chile international Gary Medel from Sevilla for £11m, the Tottenham central defender Steven Caulker for £8m and Andreas Cornelius for £7.5m, breaking their transfer record three times.
October 2013
Malky Mackay's key adviser, Iain Moody, is suspended and replaced by Alisher Apsalyamov, a 23-year-old Kazakh who is thought to be a friend of Tan's son.
October 2013
Vincent Tan's level of interference in his role as Cardiff City's owner extends to signing a player without the prior approval of Malky Mackay or any of the manager's recruitment and scouting staff. Etien Velikonja, a Slovenian forward who cost €2m (£1.7m), arrived at Cardiff unannounced in 2012 and via a deal that involved Jorge Mendes, one of the world's most high-profile football agents.
December 2013
Malky Mackay is slapped down by Cardiff City after saying he hoped to bring three new players to the club in the January transfer window. The chief executive, Simon Lim, says Tan was jolted by the manager's announcement that he would seek backing from the board for strengthening. Lim says it was Tan's view that the club overspent in the transfer market by £15m before the current season.
Arsenal midfielder Wilshere banned for two games The England international unsuccessfully argued that the punishment was excessive but the FA's independent panel rules him out of matches against Chelsea and West Ham
Jagielka hopes for fresh faces at Everton to help top-four push The Toffees captain feels that the squad would benefit from some new recruits in January in order to give them the best chance of maintaining their position in fourth
Michu: Swansea Spaniards want Aspas on loan Liverpool The Swans attacker believes that his compatriot has been "unlucky" in his difficult first months at Anfield and would be happy to welcome him into the club's Spanish contingent
Swansea 'shouldn't worry' about Laudrup links to Tottenham - Wieghorst The Dane's assistant manager sees no reason to panic as the 49-year-old is mentioned as a possible candidate for Spurs in the wake of Andre Villas-Boas's departure
Sherwood unsure over Tottenham future The former Blackburn midfielder says he does not know whether he will be given the chance to succeed Andre Villas-Boas but admits he would like the opportunity
'Arsenal have no world class players' - Owen slams Ozil & Co. The former Real Madrid striker criticised the German's inconsistency at the Emirates and says Manchester United should have signed Ross Barkley, not Marouane Fellaini
Dzeko: I can fill Aguero void With the Argentine sidelined for at least a month with a calf problem, the Bosnian insists he is capable of stepping in and keeping City in the title race
Moyes sweating on Rooney fitness for West Ham clash The England international has picked up a groin problem that ruled him out of the Capital One Cup against Stoke but David Moyes is hoping he will return to fitness soon
'I have been doing that since I joined Manchester United' - Welbeck rejects Moyes training criticism The 23-year-old had been criticised for his effort in training by his manager but insists he has no issues working hard as he looks to increase his goal tally for the club
Swansea boss Laudrup rules out Tottenham switch The Dane has been heavily linked with a move to White Hart Lane following Andre Villas-Boas' sacking, but he insists he will not change club during a season
Mourinho eyes defensive improvements for Chelsea The manager thinks that, in order for his side to score more goals, they must work on their positioning and ability to retain possession of the ball more
Manchester United winger Nani out for 'a few weeks' - Moyes The Portugal international has been sidelined with a hamstring concern, adding to a growing injury list which includes Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney
Pellegrini fears lengthy Aguero layoff The Manchester City boss has revealed the Argentine could be out for up to eight weeks - twice the initial prognosis - although Pablo Zabaleta will be back sooner than expected
Suarez deal cements Liverpool's return to the elite The striker has committed his "long-term" future to the club, just months after publicly declaring his desire to leave, with the Reds now able to focus on a title challenge
Dembele: Tottenham 'positive' about Sherwood appointment The former Blackburn star presided over a shock Capital One Cup exit at the hands of bitter rivals West Ham in his first match since the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas
Baines nearing Everton return, confirms Martinez The left-back has been sidelined since limping out of last month's Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool due to an ankle injury, but is approaching full fitness once again
Suarez signs new Liverpool deal The striker, who has netted 17 goals 11 league games this season, says the "special relationship" he has with club's fans was key to his decision to sign a long-term contract
Wilshere must learn to cope with abuse, claims Dyke The Football Association chairman believes the Arsenal star must curb his temper after he was given a two-game ban for an abusive gesture aimed at Manchester City supporters
Kompany urges Manchester City to remain focused Manuel Pellegrini's men have surged to fourth with a blistering run of form and are many observers' title favourites, but the Belgian insists there is no room for complacency
Injured Koscielny out of Chelsea clash The Frenchman sustained a lacerated knee during Arsenal's 6-3 defeat to Manchester City last weekend, but should return to play some part in the Gunners' festive programme
Evra: We need to recapture the Manchester United spirit The French defender understands why the club's fans have expressed concerns after the reigning champions put in under-par performances at home to both Everton and Newcastle
Rodgers: Tottenham should have fought for Bale like Liverpool did with Suarez The Reds boss believes the north London club were always going to struggle once they made the decision to cash in on the Wales star rather than keep him against his will
Gabbidon praises Crystal Palace strike duo Chamakh & Jerome The centre-back has lauded the form of the Eagles' revitalised forward partnership under new boss Tony Pulis and believes the pair complement each other perfectly
The QPR manager lambasted the players the Portuguese boss brought to White Hart Lane and also offered his backing to Tim Sherwood, who he believes should become Spurs coach
Andre Villas-Boas has nobody to blame but himself for his sacking at Tottenham, according to predecessor Harry Redknapp.
Villas-Boas was dismissed by the club on Monday following a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool at White Hart Lane a day earlier, with Spurs seventh in the Premier League.
Spurs are 2/1 with Bet365 to beat SouthamptonAnd QPR manager Redknapp believes Villas-Boas' player recruitment, following the sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid in September, has ultimately cost him his job.
"You can't blame the club, with the amount of money they've spent on players," he said.
"Unfortunately [Villas-Boas] bought a lot of players in that haven't improved the team. Whether he bought them or the sporting director did, who knows what goes on.
"They haven't improved the team enough. But they still have enough quality to finish in the top four."
Redknapp, who spent four years at the club and reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, has been linked with a return to White Hart Lane.
However, he dismissed the speculation, and urged the Tottenham board to consider caretaker boss Tim Sherwood.
On a potential return, he added: "That's not going to happen. I had a great time but I've got a great job [at QPR].
"I'm working for good people here at QPR. I'm enjoying my time here, we're top of the league and things are going well.
"If [Sherwood) had a foreign name or a more sexy name perhaps he might get that job.
"I hope they don't think they've got to get someone who's Italian or Dutch or French or whatever. Let's hope Tim can get the job."
By Sport Magazine (@Sportmaguk) | Thursday, December 19, 2013
Arsenal v Chelsea
Monday December 23; Emirates Stadium; 8pm
Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in the previous round of the Capital One Cup has worked out quite nicely for the Gunners. While the Blues had a Tuesday night tie in Sunderland to contend with this week, Arsenal have had nine days to recover from the exertions of Champions League qualification and their defeat to Manchester City.
The league leaders are three games into a period predicted to reveal their true potential as trophy challengers – and thus far they’re winless. A draw with Everton was followed by defeats to Napoli and Manchester City, knocking the stuffing out of Arsenal’s cushioned lead at the top of the table and handing them the task of beating Bayern Munich in Europe.
By the time they kick off against Chelsea, Arsene Wenger’s side could be third in the league – Liverpool and City are both capable of overtaking them this weekend. Jose Mourinho’s side could also leapfrog them with a win at the Emirates, where the Blues haven’t lost since 2010.
Chelsea were 2-1 winners on each occasion the sides met last season, with Juan Mata scoring in both games. The Spaniard has failed to score only once in the past five games he’s played against Arsenal – a record that should be enough to win him a place in Mourinho’s starting 11. Although, having been hauled off after 62 minutes of their match against Crystal Palace last weekend, he probably shouldn’t count on it.
Liverpool v Cardiff
Saturday December 21; Anfield; 12.45pm
The red Bluebirds have won their past five league meetings with Liverpool, including a 4-0 win at Anfield, although they were all in the late 1950s. Cardiff have been tough to beat at home this term, but have won just once on the road. Liverpool, meanwhile, have scored 20 in their past five at Anfield, including nine since losing Daniel Sturridge to injury. His absence (and that of Steven Gerrard) has seemed only to galvanise Luis Suarez.
Crystal Palace v Newcastle
Saturday December 21; Selhurst Park; 3pm
The Tony Pulis revolution returns to Selhurst Park, where the Eagles have picked up seven points in their past three games. Barry Bannan is the key to unlocking Newcastle’s defence, but it’s at the back where Palace’s strength lies, having let in one in five before last week’s trip to Chelsea. Newcastle’s Loic Remy – who missed a howler against Southampton last week – will need to be at his best to break down Palace’s rearguard.
Fulham v Manchester City
Saturday December 21; Craven Cottage; 3pm
Manchester City have become the agoraphobics of the Premier League. Despite eight wins from eight at the Etihad, they have just two away victories so far this term. Fulham have won just two league games at Craven Cottage this season, but they will be heartened by the absence of the injured Sergio Aguero. There remain plenty of goals in this City team, however, as Arsenal found out. Yaya Toure will fancy it here.
Manchester United v West Ham
Saturday December 21; Old Trafford; 3pm
Carlos Tevez scored for West Ham the last time they won at Old Trafford, in 2007. Their biggest threat this time could be an equally controversial player – former United prospect Ravel Morrison, who is rebuilding his career in east London. Robin van Persie scored three of United’s six goals against the Hammers last season, but with the Dutchman out injured, the onus will again be on Wayne Rooney to perform in front of goal - if he's fit.
Stoke v Aston Villa
Saturday December 21; Britannia Stadium; 3pm
Aston Villa’s trip to the Britannia signals the start of a period that Paul Lambert will see as vital. His side has picked up 12 points from eight games on the road this season, and their away games at Stoke and Sunderland sandwich ties with Crystal Palace and Swansea at home. Now, then, is the time for Villa to rediscover their best form. The same could be said of Christian Benteke – the Belgian hasn’t scored in his past 10 games.
Sunderland v Norwich
Saturday December 21; Stadium of Light; 3pm
Sunderland’s home form: won two, lost six, conceded 16. Norwich’s away form: won two, lost six, let in 21. It’s not pretty reading for either, but the difference is that Sunderland’s home points are their only wins of the season. If they’re going to stay up, home victories need to be more frequent, and they will fancy themselves against teams like Norwich. Although with Gary Hooper scoring four in six, the Canaries will not be easy targets.
West Brom v Hull
Saturday December 21; The Hawthorns; 3pm
Alarm bells were clearly ringing at the Hawthorns after four defeats on the bounce, leading to Steve Clarke’s sacking just hours after West Brom’s loss to Cardiff. Chairman Jeremy Peace pulled the plug ahead of a crucial game, with the Baggies failing to win at home in their past three attempts. On the plus side, Hull don’t seem to enjoy life on the road, with just one win so far. Someone’s form book is going to have to get ripped up here.
Southampton v Tottenham
Sunday December 22; St Mary’s; 1.30pm
Andre Villas-Boas said he was no quitter after overseeing Tottenham’s worst home defeat in 16 years, and then promptly left “by mutual consent”. So Spurs now head to St Mary’s, where Southampton have been beaten just once this term. Mauricio Pochettino has surely exceeded everyone’s expectations since taking over on the south coast, and he might want to watch himself on Sunday – Daniel Levy’s on the hunt again.
Swansea v Everton
Sunday December 22; Liberty Stadium; 4pm
As Christmas gifts go, a tenth straight game unbeaten with them opening up the gap between themselves and Moyes’ boys would be up there for Everton fans. And, for Roberto Martinez, a win at his old club would be fairly sweet, too. The Toffees will miss Gerard Deulofeu after he picked up a hamstring injury, ruling him out until January. Swansea were beaten 3-0 in Wales by Everton last term. This time they face genuine top-four contenders.
Posted on Thursday, 12.19.13
5 things to know about the Premier League
Chelsea's captain Frank Lampard, center, celebrates his goal with his teammates during their English League Cup quarterfinal soccer match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. Scott Heppell / AP Photo
BY STEVE DOUGLAS
AP SPORTS WRITER
Arsenal's three-month stay atop the English Premier League will end on Monday if it loses to title rival Chelsea in one of the biggest matches of the season so far.
After dropping five points in its last two league games, Arsenal is within range of three teams — Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City — heading into the first of four rounds of matches in quick succession over English football's traditionally busy festive period.
Second-place Liverpool hosts Cardiff on Saturday and will move provisionally top for two days with a win at Anfield. Fourth-place City travels to Fulham.
Here are five things to know about the upcoming games in the Premier League:
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ARSENAL LOOKS TO BE CHRISTMAS NO. 1
By kickoff on Monday, Arsenal will have had eight days to get over the humiliation of losing 6-3 at Man City — a result critics seized on as evidence that Arsene Wenger's side isn't ready to challenge for the title.
That came after a 2-0 loss at Napoli, which almost eliminated Arsenal from the Champions League, and a 1-1 home draw against Everton.
The tough run of opponents eases somewhat after the Chelsea match, so staying top of the league by Christmas Day with a win at Emirates Stadium will should see confidence returning among Arsenal's players.
Both teams face a punishing schedule of four league games in a 10-day span, starting on Monday.
---
COVERING FOR AGUERO
City's prolific form of late will be tested over the festive period as top scorer Sergio Aguero will be missing until the middle of January, at the earliest, because of a right calf injury.
The Argentina striker's potent partnership with Alvaro Negredo has been key to the string of impressive results in recent months that have put the team back within sight of Arsenal.
In Aguero's absence, City manager Manuel Pellegrini must decide whether to play an extra attacking midfielder or pair Negredo with Edin Dzeko, who started the midweek League Cup win over Leicester and scored two goals.
"Sergio has had an amazing season, scoring a lot of goals, and he is an important player for us," Dzeko said after the 3-1 victory. "This (injury) is very bad for the team, but there are a lot of players who want to play."
Fulham has conceded at least two goals in eight of its last nine games in all competitions and is second from bottom.
---
CARDIFF CHAOS
Five Premier League managers have lost their jobs so far this season, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Cardiff's Malky Mackay became the sixth.
Not because of results — Cardiff is four points above the bottom three and having a solid season in its first year back in the top division — but because it seems Mackay is being increasingly provoked by Malaysian owner Vincent Tan.
First of all, Tan removed Iain Moody, Cardiff's head of recruitment and a close ally of Mackay, in October and replaced him with a 23-year-old friend of Tan's son who had no previous football experience.
Then, on Monday, Tan publicly criticized Malkay for saying he ideally would like to sign three players in the January transfer window, accusing the manager of putting pressure on the club's board by raising fans' expectations.
Mackay said he is "really calm" about the situation and other managers are backing him.
"My only conclusion is you have a business guy (Tan) operating the club who knows absolutely nothing about football," Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said Thursday ahead of Saturday's match against Cardiff.
---
SUAREZ, SUAREZ, SUAREZ
At his pre-match news conference on Thursday, Rodgers raised a glass and gave a toast to the assembled journalists, wishing them a happy Christmas "and for no Luis Suarez questions."
He said it jokingly, for every media opportunity with Rodgers of late has been dominated by questions about the Uruguay striker.
It's easy to see why.
Suarez has scored 10 goals in his last six games, is the league's top scorer with 17 — even though he missed the first five matches through suspension — and will run away with the player of the year award if he continues his current form.
Rodgers' request fell on deaf ears, although he had no fresh news on reports that Liverpool is ready to offer a new contract to Suarez that would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history.
"I don't think there is any rush at this moment in time," Rodgers said. "Of course he is a player we want to keep here and build the team around in the coming years."
---
UNITED RECOVERY
Manchester United may still be eighth in the standings and 10 points off first place, but two straight away wins — one in the league and the other in the League Cup quarterfinals — has put a smile back on manager David Moyes' face.
Moyes was under heavy scrutiny at the start of December after the champions lost to Everton and Newcastle at Old Trafford in the space of four days to leave themselves closer to the bottom three than they were to Arsenal.
It's been that kind of season for United, with inconsistency plaguing the team. But even without injured Robin van Persie and with Wayne Rooney a doubt because of a groin problem, Moyes' side will be the clear favorite to beat West Ham at home on Saturday.
Aside from its surprise 3-0 win at Tottenham in October, West Ham has scored just two goals in its seven other away games this campaign and is fourth from bottom.
Suarez deal includes buy-out clause for non-English clubs
Dec 21, 2013 11:00:00 AM
The Uruguayan signed a new "long-term" contract at Anfield on Friday but it includes the option for him to leave for a set price should one of Europe's biggest clubs show interest
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent
Luis Suarez has a buy-out clause in his new Liverpool contract which allows him to be sold to an overseas club from next summer.
The precise release figure, which can only be triggered by a non-English club, is unknown but sources anticipate it is in the region of €71-84 million.
Suarez signed a four-and-a-half year contract on Friday that is worth £200,000-a-week plus bonuses as Liverpool moved quickly to tie down the outstanding player in this season's Premier League ahead of the January window.
Both parties were keen to avoid a repeat of last summer's transfer saga, when confusion reigned in the player's camp over whether he could leave after Arsenal bid £40m-plus-£1 for him.
Goal understands that Suarez and his agent Pere Guardiola were keen to obtain a watertight agreement that the striker could leave if Liverpool should again fail to qualify for the Champions League.
The Merseysiders, on their part, wanted to ensure the Uruguayan cannot sign for another English club without their consent.
The new buy-out clause allows some leeway for Suarez should his sensational personal form not be matched by the progress of Brendan Rodgers' team in the second half of the season.
Suarez, who had two-and-a-half years remaining on his previous contract, claimed he will honour his long-term commitment to Liverpool. "It's nice because when you extend your contract, you extend it because you want to stay here for the future," said the striker, who turns 28 in January.
"I signed not only for two-and-a-half more years, but I signed for a long time to stay here and I am so happy. When you are happy, you try everything for the best for the future. I spoke a lot with my family because my family are very important to me and they are happy here. We spoke over the last few weeks with the club and everything is OK. I don't have a problem; the club don't have a problem, so it's very good."
The timing of the deal, which was sealed following swift negotiations between Guardiola and Ian Ayre, Liverpool's managing director, in Barcelona this week, is instructive.
Real Madrid were preparing to lay the foundations for a concerted move for Suarez in January, even though it was always more likely that he woukd remain at Anfield until the end of the season.
Suarez has scored a remarkable 17 league goals in 11 games since returning from suspension on 25 September.
He added: "I believe I can achieve the ambitions of winning trophies and playing at the very highest level with Liverpool. My aim is to help get us there as quickly as possible."
Liverpool's America-based owners Fenway Sports Group have previously been reluctant to extend contracts mid-season but moved quickly to secure the services of Suarez with a contract that comfortably makes him the best-paid player in the club's history.
Principal owner John W Henry said: "We are committed to working hard to keep our best players and this is an indication that we are moving in the right direction and moving at a pace that impresses one of the best players in world football."
The Chelsea boss hailed the "phenomenal" German, describing the club-record summer signing as key to the Gunners' unexpected run at the Premier League title this season
Jose Mourinho has hailed Mesut Ozil's impact in the Premier League, describing him as the final piece of the puzzle as Arsenal look to win a first title in a decade.
The German was a surprise club-record €50 million deadline-day signing at the Emirates Stadium, notching four goals and a league-high seven assists since his arrival.
Mourinho worked with Ozil for three years at Real Madrid, and he feels the midfielder - along with the maturing talents of Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott - can guide Arsenal to the title.
"Mesut is a phenomenal player, one of these players that you buy to complete the puzzle of your team," Mourinho is quoted as saying by The Guardian.
"You don't need time with him, you need nothing. The player just arrives. His quality and his maturity and his leadership... You put him in and you know automatically your team becomes better.
"There are many ways to improve your team. One of them is to work with young players and another is to go directly to the market and buy one of these finished products. Arsenal had the chance to do it with Mesut and they did very well.
"I think, in the deep of their souls, [Arsenal] think they can [win the title]. In my previous time here, Walcott was a kid. He's now a man. Other players are in the best moment of their careers - [Jack] Wilshere, Ramsey and [Kieran] Gibbs."
Mourinho - who missed out on No.1 target Wayne Rooney during the summer - was less positive about Chelsea, hinting that fans will have to wait until next season for the first piece of silverware of the Portuguese's second spell.
"Next season, Chelsea will have a phenomenal team," Mourinho said. "Between the work we are doing [on] the evolution of the players and a couple of clinical signings [next summer].
"When you buy two clinical players to complete the puzzle you are building, I think that Chelsea next season will have a really very good team."
Man Utd could struggle with transfer targets - Moyes
By Peter Hanson8
Dec 22, 2013 8:18:00 AM
The manager reiterated his interest in bolstering his squad, but notes it could be hard to persuade players to make the switch halfway through a season
Manchester United manager David Moyes thinks that the club may fail to lure top transfer targets in the January transfer window.
The reigning champions have experienced an indifferent season approaching the half-way point, as five losses in the Premier League have left them in seventh position, eight points off table-toppers Liverpool.
Moyes, however, has seen his side improve in recent matches following four straight wins in all competitions, with United topping their Champions League group and reaching the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup.
United's patchy league form had led to rumours the Scot could bolster his ranks, especially in midfield, but Moyes feels his targets are unlikely to leave their clubs midway through the campaign.
"We will look [at targets]," Moyes said. "But I wouldn't turn around and say that I'm massively sure that we will get them.
"Because a lot of the players we would be interested in wouldn't be available for us in that month of January.
"But we'll certainly be looking."
Man Utd struggled to sign players in the summer window too and only sealed the Marouane Fellaini on deadline day, with moves for Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera falling flat.
Relegation-threatened Sunderland running out of time - Poyet
Sun Dec 22, 2013 4:48am GMT
Sunderland's manager Gus Poyet (C) looks on during their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea, Wales, October 19, 2013. CREDIT: REUTERS/REBECCA NADEN
(Reuters) - Sunderland are running out of time to avoid relegation from the English Premier League, manager Gus Poyet said after his side made some "scary" decisions in their disappointing, goalless draw at home to Norwich City.
The draw takes bottom side Sunderland to 10 points from 18 matches, four adrift of West Ham United who are 17th and outside of the relegation zone. Only one side, West Bromwich Albion in 2004-05, have avoided relegation after being last at Christmas.
Poyet, who took over from Italian Paolo Di Canio in October, had enjoyed a bright start to his career at the Stadium of Light with home wins over big spending Manchester City and archrivals Newcastle United but Saturday's stalemate was a missed opportunity to attain precious points.
"It was disappointing," Poyet told reporters.
"We are losing time, we are losing games. I said in the beginning after winning a couple, we needed to win 11 to think, 'Can we get to 40 (points)?', and we can't win a football game, so who are you going to blame?
"This is where we are. The quality is what you see, there is no more."
Sunderland failed to fashion many clear-cut chances against a Norwich side who had lost six of eight away matches in the Premier League this season.
South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-yeung had a good opportunity in the second period but he chipped over from 22 metres with Norwich keeper John Ruddy out of goal.
"I expect somebody to score. It doesn't have to be Ki all the time, but it has to be somebody," the deflated manager said.
"The decisions in the last 30 metres today were scary, and that was unexpected - players who needed to have a shot, taking three touches, players who need to take a touch, they try to shoot, back to goal.
"I didn't expect that. I have got no explanation. Now if we make a mistake, I can tell you why, but there were things today that happened on the pitch that are difficult to explain."
Tiredness was a possible factor for the hosts after they needed extra time to beat Chelsea in the League Cup quarter-final on Wednesday.
SO BAD
Poyet, though, had no interest in blaming fatigue.
"I have always said I hate excuses - until now for some reason we have always had an excuse and people can use it," the former Uruguay midfielder said.
"Today, we have not. Today was a day to win and we didn't, so we are responsible for where we are and it's getting more and more difficult.
"It would be very nice if somebody could tell me why we are at the bottom, and if you think it's because of me, I'll take it if it's not personal.
"I have always accepted criticism from the press. If it's fair, I take it. If it's me, it's me. That's where we are."
Defender Wes Brown came close to breaking the deadlock for the hosts with a 70th minute header that struck the post, but the former Manchester United player turned villain in stoppage time when he was shown a straight red card for clattering through substitute Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Brown, 34, will be suspended and miss Thursday's away trip to high-flying Everton, who have not lost at home in 2013.
"I didn't have time really to pay attention to one action where we were so bad today," Poyet said when asked about the red card.
"We were getting the stability in defence, getting some clean sheets. Now we have lost one of the leaders. I don't know what to expect on Boxing Day (December 26)."
(Writing by Patrick Johnston; Editing by Ian Ransom)
Cardiff City's manager Malky Mackay reacts during their English Premier League soccer match against Newcastle United at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, October 5, 2013. CREDIT: REUTERS/REBECCA NADEN
(Reuters) - Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay refused to throw in the towel on Saturday after a 3-1 defeat at Premier League leaders Liverpool followed reports he had been told to resign or be sacked.
Controversial owner Vincent Tan was booed and heckled by Cardiff fans with shouts of "get lost" as he arrived at Anfield and his reception during the game and afterwards was even worse with banners saying "Tan out" and "We want our club back".
Supporters hung around after the defeat to chant their support for Mackay, who led them to promotion to the Premier League for the first time last season.
"The crowd were our 12th man. I reiterate 100 percent that I absolutely will not be resigning from the football club. I am a proud man to lead this team. Why would I want to leave? That is something you will have to ask other people," Mackay told reporters.
"I told the players how proud I was of them. We were excellent until Luis Suarez showed why he is about the best player in the world right now. I told them not to go under and we stayed in the game. Liverpool will be challenging for the league this year."
Two goals for Suarez helped seal an easy win for Liverpool with Cardiff struggling in the first half amid all the background chaos but they did improve after the break.
Tan's unorthodox running of the club has bemused fans of the Welsh side, not least his decision to change the "Bluebirds" home shirts from blue to red.
Cardiff are just above the drop zone after a decent start but the Malaysian tycoon complained this week that Mackay had overspent in the transfer window and would not receive "a single penny" in January despite requests for three signings.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, a friend of Mackay, said that Tan knows "nothing about football".
Pundits have long bemoaned the actions of several new owners in English football, with Hull City fans at loggerheads over a move to change their name to Hull Tigers and Blackburn Rovers supporters aghast at the running of their club by Indian chicken processing firm Venky's.
(Reporting by Mark Meadows, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Collins blasts 'cheating' Januzaj over dive The 30-year-old is hoping that the teenager will cut simulation out of his game after watching the Red Devils starlet fall over a non-existent challenge at the weekend
Chelsea not aggressive enough against Arsenal, admits Mourinho The Blues spurned a couple of very good opportunities to claim a huge victory at the Emirates Stadium but the Portuguese concedes they might have done more to win
Wenger: Arsenal denied '100 per cent' penalty against Chelsea The Frenchman is furious with Mike Dean for not giving his side a spot-kick after Willian felled Theo Walcott in the first half of a dour north London derby
Michu out for 'up to three months' with ankle injury The Spaniard could miss six weeks of action if the Welsh side decide he needs to go under the knife after being forced out of Sunday's defeat at home to Everton
Sherwood named permanent Tottenham manager The former Spurs player has been named head coach until the end of next season, after impressing as caretaker manager following the departure of Andre Villas-Boas
Rosicky eager to extend Arsenal stay The midfielder would be happy to finish his career at the north London club but, with one eye on Euro 2016, is keen to play first-team football and would welcome a move to MLS
Moyes hoping for Van Persie 'miracle' The Dutchman and Michael Carrick could make a comeback in the festive fixtures while the Scot also confirmed that Marouane Fellaini will be out for six weeks after wrist surgery
Wenger finally proving Arsenal doubters wrong, says Henry The club legend has backed his former manager to end the Gunners' eight-and-a-half-year trophy drought this season, and feels Mesut Ozil was a shrewd piece of business
Suarez dreams of Liverpool title win The striker, who signed a new contract on Friday, insists he wants to win a "big trophy" with the club, while Brendan Rodgers has backed the Uruguayan to break records
Wenger confident in Arsenal's title credentials The Gunners have slipped to third following the heavy loss to Manchester City and has called on his squad to prove their championship worth against Chelsea on Monday
Moyes hails Manchester United 'leader' Rooney The England striker has put the conjecture surrounding his future behind him to reward his new manager with a series of outstanding displays for the Old Trafford outfit this season
Fellaini out for six weeks after wrist surgery The midfielder is also suffering from a back injury which has prompted David Moyes to sanction the operation, while Michael Carrick is closing in on a return
Sneijder: No reason to leave Galatasaray The Dutchman says he is eagerly waiting for the end of the January transfer window so that the speculation concerning his future dies down
Adebayor: Villas-Boas disrespected me The striker was immediately restored to the starting line-up by interim coach Tim Sherwood and now feels his confidence has returned
Guarin confirms agent talks with Chelsea The midfielder, who has also been targeted by Manchester United, claims he is open to staying with the Serie A club
Van Gaal hints at Tottenham agreement The Netherlands coach admits there is "a chance" he could fill the White Hart Lane vacancy as he is keen to manager in the Premier League, but only after the World Cup
Monday December 23 2013
‘I left Madrid because I wanted to’
By Football Espana staff
Jose Mourinho has commented that he left Real Madrid in the summer because he wanted to, and not because the club did.
The Portuguese endured a difficult third and final year in the Spanish capital, before leaving in May and returning to Chelsea, after months of speculation on the matter.
For the 50-year-old, his motivations to be back at Stamford Bridge are not purely personal, nor were they forced by Los Blancos.
“If I was here for me I wouldn’t be here. There are teams that could have been successful immediately, I had a lot of them in my hands,” reflected Mourinho to reporters this week.
“I had Real Madrid. I left them because I wanted to, not because they wanted me to.
“If I was here for financial reasons, I wouldn’t be here getting a lot less money than I had at Real Madrid, where I had three more years on my contract.”
The English media have it that Mourinho was on close to €15m a season with Madrid and that with Chelsea he is now earning just under €10m a year.
“I didn’t come here because the job was easy, or because I had a team ready to attack the title, or because I was coming here for the best contract of my life.
“It’s the worst of my last six years. I’m here because I love the club, I love the project. I also love the country in terms of football, but the main reason is I was explained what the club wanted of me and I liked that.”
The two-time Champions League-winner was talking ahead of Chelsea’s meeting with Arsenal and so was asked for his ambitions of longevity for the future and if they include matching Arsene Wenger’s 18 years with the Gunners.
“I would say 12 years. I’m 51 next month. I’d say 12 years, and two years to go to a World Cup with a national team. I would prefer the Portuguese national team. England second.
“Realistically I have four years contract remaining. I hope at the end of those four years we sit, analyse the situation and that we will be the point where we are both happy to carry on or happy to separate.
“My desire and my feeling is to work these four years and analyse the situation.”
Manchester United manager David Moyes insists he will get the best out of Marouane Fellaini.
Tuesday 24th December 2013
The £27.5million midfielder has endured a disappointing first few months at Old Trafford.
He is still to score for his new club, has struggled with a wrist injury for the past couple of months and thanks to a separate back problem that did not clear up as anticipated, is now facing up to six weeks on the sidelines following surgery.
Little wonder most United fans are distinctly underwhelmed by the 26-year-old's contribution to the Red Devils cause.
However, Moyes remains totally confident Fellaini will eventually prove why the Scot was so keen to get him out of Everton following his own exit from Goodison Park in the summer.
"I have no doubt he will eventually be a good player for us," said Moyes.
"He has been unlucky. He has not felt 100 per cent because of his wrist and has been finding it difficult.
"I asked him to see if he could get over the Christmas period. He got the back injury against Everton and since then he has never really been right."
It means Fellaini, who has already sat out five matches, will miss up to seven more Premier League games, including the trip to Chelsea on January 19.
In addition, the Belgium international will also be sidelined for both legs of the Capital One Cup semi-final with Sunderland, plus the first two rounds of the FA Cup.
Crucially though, Fellaini will be available on February 25, when United recommence their Champions League quest against Olympiacos.
The same is also true of Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie, who are much further down the road to recovery from their respective Achilles and thigh injuries.
Moyes has already stated he expects Carrick to be available for the New Year's Day visit of the midfielder's old club Tottenham, although he raised the possibility of an even quicker return in a rather cryptic answer to a question about the pair's fitness ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Hull.
"This is the time when miracles happen," said Moyes.
"Let us hope there is one for Robin Van Persie and Michael Carrick."
Victory at the KC Stadium would represent a fifth straight triumph for the first time under Moyes.
It would represent an outstanding recovery from those tepid home defeats to Everton and Newcastle, even if Moyes continues to insist United did not deserve the eventual outcome in either contest.
Nevertheless, in a season he has repeatedly stated is one of transition, Moyes should be grateful for the form reversal, even if he knows at a club like United, four or five positive results in a row are regarded as routine rather than anything worthy of congratulation.
"A fortnight is not long enough at this club," he said.
"It has to be for years. That is what the previous regime did. They won games for years and years.
"My plan is to do that as well.
"I hope the players get back to what they are used to. They have a great winning mentality here and that was the big thing.
"No matter what we had done we had to get back to winning.
"We are playing better, we are passing the ball better and we are creating more chances.
"We are trying to get better but in the past years United have tended to do that in the second half of the season anyway."
Meanwhile, Moyes has confirmed he will make a decision on the present loan arrangements of Nick Powell, Jesse Lingard and Ryan Tunnicliffe once the Festive programme is out of the way.
The trio have impressed to varying degrees at Wigan, Birmingham and Ipswich respectively this season but United do have the option of calling their players back if they wish.
Monday December 23 2013
Mourinho wants Diego Lopez again
By Football Espana staff
Jose Mourinho has reportedly asked Diego Lopez to consider joining him at Chelsea in the summer, on from their time together at Real Madrid.
The goalkeeper was signed by the Portuguese Coach in the January 2013 transfer window initially as cover for Iker Casillas, who had fractured his hand that month.
On from maintaining the former Villarreal and Sevilla man as his No 1 for the season, and subsequently seeing the ‘keeper continue to keep Casillas out of the first-team picture under Carlo Ancelotti, Mourinho is believed keen to once more sign the 32-year-old.
A Bola are running the line that the 50-year-old has already contacted Diego Lopez over a possible move to Chelsea next June, as Petr Cech and Mark Schwarzer’s respective futures at Stamford Bridge remain uncertain, whilst the Coach is described as aware of Barcelona’s interest in Thibaut Courtois, so reluctant to plan ahead exclusively with him.
Diego Lopez is believed to have responded positively to Mourinho, but indicated that he would only be willing to consider leaving Real Madrid should he lose his long-term place in the team back to Casillas.
Daniel Levy is sure new manager Tim Sherwood will bring success and excitement back to Tottenham after handing the novice coach an 18-month contract.
Tuesday 24th December 2013
Levy, usually known for his measured and calculated approach in the transfer market, took a big gamble on Monday night when he appointed Sherwood as Tottenham's new head coach.
Sherwood had been touted for the role on an interim basis until the end of the season, but the Tottenham chairman handed the former Spurs midfielder a deal until the summer of 2015.
The 44-year-old's only previous experience in management has been with the club's youth teams.
Acclaimed managers like Louis van Gaal, Fabio Capello, Guus Hiddink and Frank De Boer were all mentioned as possible successors to Andre Villas-Boas, but Levy has taken a punt on Sherwood and he is more than happy with his decision.
"We were extremely reluctant to make a change mid-season, but felt we had to so in the club's best interests," Levy told Tottenham's website.
"We have a great squad and we owe them a head coach who will bring out the best in them and allow them to flourish and enjoy a strong, exciting finish to the season.
"We are in the fortunate position of having within our club a talented coach in Tim Sherwood.
"We believe Tim has both the knowledge and the drive to take the squad forward."
A large number of Spurs fans were annoyed with Levy for sacking Villas-Boas, but the promise of bringing excitement back to White Hart Lane will strike a chord with even the most disgruntled supporter.
Tottenham's motto - Audere est Facere (To dare is to do) sums up how Spurs fans want to see their team play.
Ever since Bill Nicholson led the team to an historic double 52 years ago, Tottenham have been associated with free-flowing, attacking football.
Spurs fans laud heroes like Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle and Jurgen Klinsmann for delivering such football.
Gareth Bale produced that kind of magic three seasons ago against Inter Milan, and he did the same again last year during what was a truly phenomenal campaign for the Wales star.
This season Spurs have lacked any such zest. The team were a lot more slow and methodical in their build-up play. They scored just 12 league goals from open play under Villas-Boas this term.
Sherwood, who played nearly 100 times for the club between 1999 and 2003, is totally wedded to Spurs' attacking philosophy. That became evident on Sunday when he threw caution to the wind at St Mary's Stadium.
Sandro and Etienne Capoue were left out of the starting XI and in came Mousa Dembele, Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela and Gylfi Sigurdsson - each one of them attack-minded players. Spurs won a thrilling match 3-2. The gamble paid off.
Levy will be hoping his own punt does not backfire.
Mourinho took pay cut to oversee Chelsea ´project´
23 December 2013
Jose Mourinho took a pay cut to join Chelsea from Real Madrid because of his desire to build a long-term "project" at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho returned to the Premier League club for a second time in June following a three-year spell at Real during which he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana.
It marked a much-celebrated managerial appointment by the Chelsea players and fans as Mourinho masterminded back-to-back Premier League titles during his first stint as well as success in the FA Cup and League Cup.
Ahead of Monday's Premier League clash with Arsenal – where Arsene Wenger has been at the helm since 1996 – Mourinho has spoken of his desire to be given time and patience like his counterpart at the Emirates Stadium has in order to make his mark.
And Mourinho has revealed he harbours hopes of being in charge of Chelsea for the next 12 years before taking his first job in international football as he works towards a retirement age of 65.
He said: "It's sad because I think a league gets better if we keep the good things and we improve the bad things.
"One of the good things is that sense of stability, to let people work without pressure.
"I had Real Madrid and I left because I wanted to, not because they wanted me to. I had other clubs in other countries where it would be easier to go to.
"If I was here for financial reasons, I wouldn't be here, getting a lot less money than I had at Real Madrid.
"I didn't come because the job was easy, or because I had a team ready to attack the title, or for the best contract.
"I'm here because I love the club and I love the project.
"How long will I stay? I would say 12 years.
"I'm 51 next month. I'd say 12 years, and two to go to a World Cup with a national team."
Kevin Phillips could find out whether he has a future at Crystal Palace on Christmas Day, according to boss Tony Pulis.
Tuesday 24th December 2013
Pulis revealed he will hold talks with the veteran striker over his Selhurst Park situation in Birmingham, before the Boxing Day Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Palace will stay in the Midlands on Christmas night, when former Stoke manager Pulis said he and Phillips will sit down and discuss what will happen in January.
Phillips has been linked with a move away from Palace in the transfer window after the New Year.
One of Pulis' first acts on arrival at Selhurst Park was to remove Phillips' caretaker coaching role - assumed after Ian Holloway's departure - and asking the 40-year-old to focus on goalscoring instead.
"I've spoken to Kevin numerous times, and he was in today," Pulis said.
"We'll have a chat on Christmas night when we're up in Birmingham, so we'll have a little bit more time to sit with Kev then."
Pulis admitted players must leave before he can strengthen in January, but he does not have a specific number of signings in mind yet.
The Palace manager said: "I think it's ideal when you do your business early on (in the transfer window), because there's so many games through January.
"And you don't want to be chasing one or two at the end of the month, but that depends on who will go as well as who will come in.
"There has to be a little bit of movement out to allow players to come in.
"It's just a case of seeing who's available, what we've got, what we can do, and trying to wheel and deal to the best interests of the club."
Palace could be missing at least 10 players at Villa Park, with striker Marouane Chamakh suspended.
Pulis said midfield duo Kagisho Dikgacoi and Stuart O'Keefe will be a big miss against Villa for the festive clash.
He said: "Chamakh has been very good, and the two midfield players who played at Chelsea as well, I don't think they'll be fit.
"And you're looking at one or two other injuries as well.
"You're thinking if they were fit that would make us stronger as well.
"We haven't had what I would consider the strongest group to pull from."
High winds and driving rain made Monday's training all-but a washout, but Pulis said his players coped admirably.
He said: "You expect a bit of weather in England, everybody talks about the weather in England, what surprises me is that everyone is surprised.
"We just walked through stuff today instead of running through.
"We couldn't get the balls to stay still, so we walked through stuff and moved through stuff.
"The players have been okay with that, they have been fine."
