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Chelsea defender Filipe Luis has played down speculation of a return to Atletico Madrid, having struggled to break into Jose Mourinho's XI this term.
The Brazil international arrived at Stamford Bridge in the close-season but has often played second fiddle to fellow full-back Cesar Azpilicueta in his maiden Premier League campaign.
Reports have suggested Diego Simeone could look to bring the 29-year-old back to La Liga to strengthen his defence, with Filipe Luis having won plenty of silverware during his four-year spell at Atleti.
However, Filipe Luis told Marca: "I'm just focused on Chelsea, on working hard and giving my best in order to end the season with another important and beautiful trophy.
"Of course, everything can change in football, but I'm happy and have a three-year contract at Chelsea that I'd like to see out.
"I've had some of the best years of my career at Atletico and remember the supporters, my teammates and the coaching staff fondly.
"I'm really fond of El Cholo [Simeone], he's a coach that taught me so much."
QPR director of football Les Ferdinand has been handed a one-match extended touchline ban by the Football Association (FA) following an incident in the tunnel at the Premier League clash with Tottenham.
The former striker, who has also been fined £12,000, was said to have confronted a match official as the players left the field at Loftus Road, following a 2-1 defeat for the hosts.
The FA subsequently charged Ferdinand and an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing has now served him with a ban, which also prohibits him from entering the tunnel or changing rooms on matchday.
A statement from the FA read: "It was alleged the Queens Park Rangers director of football used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards a match official in or around the tunnel area after the end of the game against Tottenham Hotspur on 7 March 2015."
QPR sit four points adrift of safety following a 2-1 defeat to Everton last weekend.
Biz as usual for M/V Leisure World, the casino ship on 29/03 during the farewell parade for our beloved founding father's Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Leisure World accept illegal Singapore 4D betting and also provide loanshark services to their players.
Albert Ng Cheow Leng, the boss of New Century Tours is making more more money since RWS, MBS and Singapore Turf Club are close to mark the respect of Mr Lee.
Hope the authority could stop Leisure World operation for a day otherwise Leisure World will be seen above the law.
Ibrahimovic was built for Man United, claims Schmeichel
By James Goldman
Mar 28, 2015 09:52:00
The former Old Trafford great believes that the Theatre of Dreams would bring out the best in the Paris Saint-Germain star, whose style and confidence reminds him of Eric Cantona
Zlatan Ibrahimovic bears all the hallmarks of Eric Cantona and was built to play for Manchester United, according to former Old Trafford great Peter Schmeichel.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker has so far rejected the temptation to ply his trade in the Premier League despite several lucrative offers.
The 33-year-old recently voiced his displeasure at the standard of refereeing in France and Schmeichel believes that his former side should pounce, should the Sweden international opt to seek a new challenge in the summer.
"What Zlatan does with PSG is quite incredible," he told L'Equipe. "He gives PSG so much credibility and visibility. There we rumors last summer sending him to Manchester United. I said back then that he was built to play for United."
Schmeichel spent the first half of his United career playing alongside the charismatic Cantona and believes that Ibrahimovic, like the Frenchman, would revel in the unique opportunity that playing at Old Trafford provides.
"Why was Cantona so strong when I was there and not that strong in Leeds or France? Because it's Manchester United," he added.
"There's this freedom given to players but also responsibilities. We don't care what you like or who you are, we care about what you do on the pitch and the influence you have on the team. If you don't respect that, you leave.
"You can have the personality you want. Beckham, Cantona, they blossomed at Manchester United. Thousands of players tried to be Beckham or Cantona but failed because they didn't have the personality."
The 19-year-old winger sustained a knee injury during the Europa League defeat to Besiktas in February, but he hopes to return to action before the end of the season
Jordon Ibe is confident of playing a part in Liverpool's Premier League run-in after returning to light training following a knee injury.
The teenage winger spent the majority of the first half of the season on loan at Championship side Derby County, before returning to Anfield in January.
Ibe made a significant impact on Merseyside following his return, making five Premier League appearances, but he saw his progress hampered when he sustained a knee injury during the Europa League defeat to Besiktas on February 26.
Liverpool have yet to put a timescale on a potential return but, having stepped up his rehabilitation, Ibe hopes to return to action before the end of the season.
"I'm enjoying training and hopefully I can push on now, keep doing the gym sessions and hopefully get back into training soon and play again," Ibe told Liverpool's official website.
"I was a bit nervous coming back because I hadn't been out on the grass for four weeks, but everything is going well.
"It was the ligament on the side of my knee and they said I could be out for six to eight weeks, but everything has gone smoothly from here and hopefully I can crack on now and get back in action.
"Things happen for a reason so hopefully I can just learn from this, build up the strength in my knee and come back stronger and hopefully be even better."
The striker has scored 15 goals in the Premier League this season but was not selected for the games against Lithuania and Italy
QPR striker Charlie Austin admits he was not surprised to miss out on a place in Roy Hodgson's England squad to face Lithuania and Italy.
The 25-year-old has scored 15 goals this season, despite his side's struggles, and was tipped to gain full international honours this month, though he did not see his form rewarded.
Harry Kane did receive a call-up and came off the bench to score in the 4-0 win over Lithuania, and Austin concedes that the Tottenham striker could not be overlooked.
He told Soccer AM: "I think, if you look at the strikers, there are three who pick themselves. [Wayne] Rooney, [Daniel] Sturridge and [Danny] Welbeck.
"And then you are going to pick Harry Kane, the form he is in, he has been incredible this season. So no, I did not expect to be picked."
Austin, though, insists he will continue to fight to earn an England call-up, having been playing non-league football just six years ago.
"It was my dream six years ago, to progress myself through, and try to play as high as I can," he added.
"If you had said six years ago, 'you will be playing in the Premier League', I would have said you are being daft.
"It is every kid's dream to be a footballer and hopefully I can make the step into international football. That is what I am trying to do."
I want Valdes to get a chance at Man Utd, says Del Bosque
By Greg Lea
Mar 28, 2015 23:56:00
The Spain coach hinted he is frustrated at the lack of first-team action the former Barcelona goalkeeper has seen at Old Trafford
Vicente del Bosque has admitted that he wishes Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes was benefiting from more game time with the Red Devils.
The Spanish goalkeeper joined Louis Van Gaal's side on an 18-month contract in January but has yet to make an appearance for the senior side.
And his coach at international level regrets the fact that the 33-year-old is not getting any meaningful playing action.
"I know that he is training. I try to look whether he is on the United bench and I can see that he is currently a substitute," he told Cadena Cope.
“I wish him to play because he has always had sensational behaviour with Spain. I would like him to enjoy his job [rather than being on the bench] because at his age it is important to be active."
Steve Parish insists talk of a takeover at Crystal Palace is premature despite the club continuing to seek fresh investment.
Chairman Parish has made no secret of his desire to attract a cash injection in order to drive Palace to the next level in the Premier League.
But he maintains nothing has yet been finalised and that he - along with fellow owners Jeremy Hosking, Martin Long and Stephen Browett, who helped save the club in 2010 - are likely to remain involved should any deal be struck.
"The investment we need to move the club forward means we might need to bring people in," Parish told the club's official website.
"The papers love using words like 'takeover' and picking out certain individuals who might be involved, but they get snippets of information and build them up into facts that are nearly true but not really.
"I'll still be here and the other three guys would like to remain invested but we all recognise that a broader investor base would help us get to the next stage."
He added: "Nothing is done, we might do something, but if it's not right we won't do it."
Parish's decision to appoint Alan Pardew as manager in January certainly appears to have been the right one.
The ex-Newcastle boss has steered his new side to the brink of top-flight survival and they currently sitting in 11th position, 11 points above the bottom three.
That means Palace are likely to extend their longest stay in the Premier League, and Parish feels such achievements are beginning to change the wider perception of the club.
"For the first time in a long time I feel like we're in a good place so let's hope we can cement our position in the league so we can start our planning earlier than we've ever been able to do it before," said Parish.
"I think we're in a different position than we have been before in terms of attracting players; I like to think that over the last two years we've made ourselves a different proposition in terms of how we're perceived.
"When we start next season the first priority will be getting to 40 points and staying in the league but I think we've got to start looking upwards and start feeling like that we're a good squad."
The 20-year-old defender says that it has been tough adapting to the manager's standards but that he has learned a lot from his appearances as a central midfielder
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho demands perfection from each of his players, says defender Kurt Zouma.
The youngster has been eased into the Blues' first team in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, sometimes playing in midfield instead of centre-back, and admits that his boss is not an easy taskmaster.
"Mourinho puts pressure on all his players. It is very demanding - he wants perfection from everyone," the Frenchman told L'Equipe. "He won't let you take a month to fix something.
"In defence, he asked me to move tactically, to be well placed to listen to the older players around me, John Terry and Gary Cahill.
"Initially, in midfield, I was obsessed with the ball - I was not paying enough attention to the players behind me - but it's something I've been working on. In midfield, it's different. He asks me to use my power and stay in place to help the defence.
"I've learned to hate losing," the 20-year-old continued. "The only thing you get when you lose is the right to eat in the evening. When we play at Chelsea, we should not accept losing."
Zouma is winning over the fans at Stamford Bridge but feels that he has a long way still to go, particularly if he wants to secure a place in the France squad when they host Euro 2016, and the former Saint-Etienne man knows that displacing one of Terry and Cahill may be necessary.
"It's good to see that the fans know my name now," he remarked. "Maybe my physicality impresses them a little, yes, but it will have to stay impressive throughout my career, otherwise it is useless.
"I know that we are talking about me but I really have to be very careful with that because it can play tricks on you. Anyway, I was taught not to get carried away with myself - if I did, I'd get a thrashing.
"Honestly, I think I have to play a little more for Chelsea to make the France squad for Euro 2016. We have many, many players in contention to be worthy of such an event so I'll make a big effort.
"It's normal that Cahill and Terry like to play together - I also like to play with them. They're really beefy, they have the experience, but, when you have a goal, do not look at who is in your way. You have to fight, that's all."
The iconic Bulgarian forward holds a grudge against the Man Utd manager from his time at Barcelona, but was glowing in his praise of Jose Mourinho
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been branded “scum” by Hristo Stoichkov for comments he made while in charge of Barcelona.
Stoichkov was considered one of the best strikers in world football in the mid-1990s and spent two stints at Barcelona - for five years from 1990 and, after one season with Parma, another two at Camp Nou until 1998.
His final campaign with the Catalans coincided with Van Gaal's tenure, but the Bulgarian has no respect for the current Old Trafford boss due to derogatory comments he made about Stoickhov to the player's wife.
"I have no respect for him - he's scum," he is quoted as saying in L'Equipe. "One day, when I was injured, I was with my wife at Camp Nou and Van Gaal went up to her.
"He asked her how it was possible that she married someone like me. She responded that I was a Ballon d'Or winner.
"My departure in 1998 was the fault of Van Gaal, for sure."
Stoichkov's opinion of the United boss is in sharp contrast to his opinion of Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, whom he was very impressed with when he worked for Barca as an assistant almost two decades ago.
"I don't think that Mourinho was merely an interpreter," he added. "He was already a coach in his own right.
"But he never thought he was worth more than then-coach Sir Bobby Robson. Mourinho understood everything – from our own team to our opponents."
Torres in emotional tribute to Liverpool fans after Anfield return
By Stephen Darwin
Mar 30, 2015 10:24:00
The Spain striker played in the Steven Gerrard - Jamie Carragher charity match on Sunday and expressed his gratitude for the positive reception he received from Reds supporters
Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has paid an emotional tribute to the club's fans after he returned to Anfield to feature in Sunday's All-Star charity match.
The Atletico Madrid forward brought an end to his Liverpool career back in 2011 after he opted to sign for Chelsea in a €58.5 million deal - a move that was initially met with disgust by Reds fans.
But Torres was roundly applauded on Sunday as he lined up for the Steven Gerrard vs Jamie Carragher All-Star charity match, with the Spaniard expressing his gratitude to the Merseyside club's supporters for the reception he received.
He posted on Instagram: "Thank you Liverpool supporters for everything you gave me in my career, you are just different class. It was a privilege to play in front of you again.
"Today I feel in peace with myself, hearing you singing my name is something I will never forget. From the bottom of my hart [sic] thank you very much Liverpool!!! #YWNWA"
Hasselbaink hails Van Gaal: He is a very loving man
By Jay Jaffa
Mar 30, 2015 11:30:00
The former Chelsea striker says the criticism his compatriot has received is natural at a club like Manchester United but is convinced he will succeed at Old Trafford
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has described Louis van Gaal as a "very loving man" and believes the Manchester United manager will ultimately confound his critics.
The Red Devils have come under fire for much of the season for their style of play and poor results, yet United are currently fourth in the Premier League and on course to qualify for the Champions League.
Van Gaal was also on the end of a stunning outburst from Hristo Stoichkov over the weekend in which the former Barcelona striker labelled the Dutchman "scum".
Hasselbaink, the current manager of Burton and a Netherlands international under Van Gaal, has a very different view.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "He [Van Gaal] is mild! I'm telling you. I need to find the time to go over to Manchester and have a cup of coffee or tea with him when he is not that busy.
"He is somebody who tells you exactly what he wants, how he wants it and when he wants it. There are no prisoners. But he is a very loving man and a top coach, one of the best in the world.
"Of course he has come in for criticism because he is manager of one of the biggest clubs in the world, but let's not forget, Manchester United is changing.
"I am 100 per cent [sure] he will succeed and they will play attractive football."
United, who are five points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, resume their pursuit of a top-four finish when Aston Villa make the trip to Old Trafford on Saturday.
Barnes: I can´t get back into management because I´m black
30 March 2015
Former England international John Barnes claims he will struggle to get back into management because of the colour of his skin.
The former Celtic, Jamaica and Tranmere Rovers boss has been out of work since leaving Prenton Park after just four months in charge in 2009.
And Barnes feels it is unlikely an opportunity to return will arise.
"A white manager loses his job and gets another job, he loses his job, he gets another job. Very few black managers can lose their job and get another job," he tells ITV4's John Barnes: Sports Life Stories programme, which airs on Tuesday.
"What I can judge it from is by looking at society. How many black people are there in the higher echelons of any industry? We can talk about journalism, we can talk about politics. So why should football be any different?"
Asked whether the Celtic job was too much too soon for a rookie manager when he took it in 1999, Barnes added: ”Well if it comes now at 51, I don’t think it will be any different.
"It's more to do with the perception of my ability to do the job, because there's a certain perception of who can make a good manager."
Newcastle post record profit as Ashley debt stays the same
30 March 2015
Newcastle United's financial results have shown the Premier League club recorded a fourth straight year of profit, although the debt owed to owner Mike Ashley remains unchanged.
The club released their accounts for the year ending June 2014 Monday, showing an operating profit of £4.7m while improved commercial revenue helped ensure a record £18.7m profit after tax.
However, Ashley is still owed £129m, with the club confirming that none of the interest-free loan had been paid back and that the businessman had not taken any further monies.
Ashley was recently fined by the Scottish Football Association for his influence at Scottish Championship side Rangers, having sought to increase his 8.92 per cent stake beyond 10 per cent.
Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley said in a statement: "I am pleased to report a positive set of results which confirms the healthy financial position the club now finds itself in and is a reflection of the prudent and measured manner in which we operate.
"The club benefits from a supportive owner and is financially stable. This gives us a strong platform from which to grow, both on and off the pitch, a result of which means, as we move forward, we are able to net spend on the playing squad and invest in other areas of the business.
"The most pleasing aspect in this set of accounts has been the growth in our commercial revenue and it has been our strongest year yet in that respect.
"With our commitment to keeping ticket prices affordable for our supporters, growing our commercial income has been crucial. The deals we struck with our two main sponsors, Wonga and Puma, together with a stronger focus on our commercial operations, have helped us achieve this growth.
"We believe financial stability will deliver positive on-field results for the club."
Newcastle are on course for a mid-table finish in the top flight, with John Carver's side 12th going into the final eight games.
Southampton have announced a post-tax profit of £33.4million for the year ending June 30, 2014.
It is the first time the club, who finished eighth in the Premier League last season, have posted a profit since entering administration in 2009, when they were relegated to League One.
Total revenue increased to £106m (up from £71.8m the previous year), with the rise accounted for by the more lucrative television rights deal.
However, the St Mary's Stadium outfit expanded the wage bill from £41.4m to £55.2m and showed debts of approximately £50m.
Chief executive officer Gareth Rogers told the club's official website: "There are lots of positives to take from these financial results. Recording the first profit and positive net asset position for the first time since administration in 2009 is very pleasing.
"It shows the health of the club and the group is strong and the foundations are there to be built on.
"The opening of the Staplewood Campus training ground in November was an important step for the football club. A substantial investment was ploughed into the development and the state-of-the-art facilities will further enhance the staff's ability to maximise the potential of our first team and academy players.
"Our focus remains on developing significant commercial growth which will support our vision to create a sustainable business model.
"We have a strong business plan in place and we're already seeing the green shoots of that plan. We believe it is possible to be a well-managed, well-structured football club that is successful both on and off the pitch."
Ron Vlaar believes the "positive vibes" Tim Sherwood has spread at Aston Villa have made a big impact at the club.
Sherwood was appointed as Paul Lambert's successor in February after the former Scotland midfielder paid the price for a run of 10 Premier League games without a win.
Villa were in the relegation zone when Sherwood took charge, but are now three points clear of third-bottom Burnley and captain Vlaar has been impressed with the impact made by the ex-Tottenham head coach.
He told the club's official website: "I haven't had too many sessions with the gaffer - and only one game.
"But I know there's a big difference now at Bodymoor Heath and at Villa Park. There's a lot more energy and positive vibes going through the building.
"You feel it everywhere and that's a good thing. You can see it with the players and all of the people who work at the club.
"I think having a laugh and a joke is good and he's the type of manager who likes to do that with his players.
"The stress levels, even with the situation that we're in, are lower than before which makes it easier for everyone to work in this environment.
"To me, that's important. Now we need to go on and get some more results.
"We've had some good results already and were unlucky in our last game against Swansea.
"We've scored more goals and are creating more so I'm really pleased."
Villa face a difficult trip to Manchester United when the Premier League resumes on Saturday following the international break.
Jones optimistic over Everton´s strike partnership
31 March 2015 16:25
Everton assistant manager Graeme Jones believes the burgeoning partnership between Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Kone can fire the club up the Premier League table.
The pair have joined forces to help Everton win their last two league matches against Newcastle United and QPR.
Those six points have eased growing fears of being dragged into a relegation battle and Jones is optimistic Lukaku and Kone can play a role in a strong finish to a frustrating campaign.
"It looks a very natural partnership," Jones told the club's official website.
"Arouna, having worked with him previously, is fantastic at taking the ball and he has really good one-v-one qualities.
"We all know Romelu is a very flexible centre-forward. Everyone likes to stereotype him as a target man and somebody who can get hold of the ball, but Rom can play as a 6"3' winger sometimes. He has great ability and with space can hurt anybody.
"The most important thing is that they have chemistry, a connection and enjoy playing together. Once you have got that, it's not just a thing a management team can fabricate.
"It's just something else in our armoury that we can use to win football matches."
Everton host Southampton this weekend when the Premier League returns after the international break.
Newcastle need to be mentally prepared, says Williamson
31 March 2015 17:23
Mike Williamson knows Newcastle United will need to be mentally prepared if they are to end their run of four straight defeats to fierce rivals Sunderland on Sunday.
Newcastle lost 1-0 to Sunderland in the first Tyne-Wear derby of the season but are nine points ahead of Dick Advocaat's men, who sit just a point above the relegation zone with eight games remaining.
But Williamson told nufcTV: "You can look at history books or the form guide at the minute but I don't think it really matters - nothing really contributes apart from on the day, who turns up, keeps their cool and capitalises on any small margins.
"I think you can rip the form book up when it comes to that game.
"It's a great spectacle and I thoroughly enjoy playing in them; the atmosphere, the pressure and the intensity of it has always been brilliant.
"It's something to relish and hopefully we can get a positive result. It's all about keeping your composure and making sure you can play under that pressure.
"The atmosphere on the matchday is electric - fantastic for both sets of fans and players - and the games that I've played in definitely rank among the most important games.
"I've played in quite a few before and I know what it's all about. I know the meaning behind it.
"I think it affects people differently. It's up to the management whether they feel they have to pump certain players up or calm certain players down because everybody does about it differently but more than anything, it's just about preparation, making sure we're at optimum levels mentally and physically and making sure we all do our jobs."
Tottenham acquire final piece of land for new stadium
31 March 2015 19:12
Tottenham have agreed a deal to buy the final piece of land required to move ahead with plans to build a new stadium.
The land in question had belonged to a sheet metal company who had previously taken the club to the High Court to contest a compulsory purchase order.
However, an agreement was reached on Tuesday, with the company allowed to remain on site until later in the year to facilitate relocation.
Pre-development and site clearance works have already begun, and the club will shortly submit an application for a basement level at the stadium to Haringey Council.
The change to the design is intended to free up space for improved media facilities and player changing facilities, with car parking being moved underground.
"Our commitment is to find the best solution for the club, our supporters and our community," said chairman Daniel Levy. "It will be our new home for many years to come and we want it to be world class.
"We are aware that both our fans and the local community are eager to see the stadium delivered as soon as possible and we shall be working to do so.
"I must however urge patience in the interests of getting the best possible outcome for all and ensuring that we progress diligently.
West Ham legend Geoff Hurst has backed Sam Allardyce to continue his impressive work at Upton Park amid doubts over his future.
The former Newcastle United boss has endured a mixed time of it in east London, returning West Ham to the top flight before receiving regular criticism from some fans over his style of play.
With the 60-year-old out of contract in the close-season, question marks remain over his long-term future at the club, but Hurst believes Allardyce remains the right man for job.
"I think Sam should stay and I am surprised there are people who think otherwise. You should be careful what you wish for," he told Goal.
"I don't see anyone out there who could come in and guarantee doing a better job than Sam.
"There have been some terrific performances this season and the team is moving in the right direction."
West Ham sit ninth in the Premier League thanks largely to an impressive first half of the season, with victories over Manchester City and Liverpool among the highlights of their campaign.
Allardyce's side have also taken points off Manchester United and fierce rivals Tottenham, and Hurst has urged the club's board to stick with their manager.
"What’s been impressive for me has been the level of performances against the top sides," he added.
"The players have really held their own and gone toe-to-toe with them, especially at Upton Park.
"I don’t know what the owners' plans are because obviously the move to the Olympic Stadium is big in their thoughts and they are looking to the future, but I would like to see Sam in charge next season."
