' Man City should have lost points for FFP breach'- Mourinho

The Chelsea manager believes that current sanctions are not tough enough, while he also explains his love of the Premier League and his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has once again hit out at Financial Fair Play, arguing that clubs who breach the rules, such as Manchester City, should be docked points, not handed a fine.

Manuel Pellegrini's side, likely to be dethroned as champions by Chelsea on Sunday, were handed a large fine last year, with Uefa capping their spend and reducing their squad size.

Mourinho, though, does not believe that the sanctions go far enough and says that FFP favours the biggest, more established sides over the Blues, who have been forced to offload numerous big-name players to balance the books.

"Clubs should be punished with loss of points. Our owner Roman Abramovich wants to fulfil FFP. He doesn't want to enter these dynamics of paying the fine," Mourinho explained to the official magazine of the Portuguese FA.

"FFP benefits clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, who have a big fan base and get huge revenues on sponsorship and merchandising. At Chelsea, for instance, we refuse to pay any fine. We live with what we produce.

"I feel really well about that. It forces us to be better, to manage our resources better, to live with what we create. It forces us to think more. We have to sell in order to buy, to be aware of what you sell and what you buy."

Mourinho also spoke of his love for the Premier League, ranking it as the best division in the world, but, despite enjoying the famously gruelling Christmas fixture list, feels that a winter break is needed.

"England will always have the most spectacular league. There's no Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern, it’s true, but as a league it's the most spectacular," the Portuguese continued. "The product they sell is appealing. Many millions watch Sunderland against Newcastle, for example.

"In Europe, there are several factors that can explain it. The first is Christmas. I love to play during that period, no matter how hard it is for my family.

"It's a bit like the actor who has a theatre play on Christmas Day — people want to go to the theatre on that day. But I can't agree that there's no break after that superhuman period. Get to February and English teams are struggling."

Mourinho also touched upon his relationship with former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and revealed that the pair regularly meet up now that they are no longer in opposing dugouts.

Asked if he missed his rival, he replied: "Not the man, we talk more often now, on the telephone and even personally. We met in London and Paris. But I miss a bit my opponent Alex Ferguson. I always asked him a lot of questions.

"I remember a chat we had when he was still coaching, before Manchester United-Real Madrid in March 2013. We both had butterflies in our stomachs and I asked him: 'Does this ever change?' He told me: 'No! It will be like this until the end!' I told him that was my plan. Now I ask him if he's fine, if he's happy and if he regrets. And he's happy."

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Liverpool consult American specialists on Sturridge injury, says Rodgers

The Reds manager says that there are "underlying issues" behind the England striker's nightmare season, while young full-back Jon Flanagan will be out until December.

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Liverpool have consulted specialists in the United States amid reports that Daniel Sturridge is to undergo a hip operation.

Sturridge's season has been blighted by injuries, which have restricted the England international to just 18 appearances in all competitions.

The former Chelsea man has struggled with calf, thigh and now hip problems and his return date is unclear.

"We've found some underlying issues related to Dan's problems," the manager told reporeters. "Staff here are liasing with great medics in America.

"Daniel wants to be available, it is unfortunate for him on the back of how fantastic he was last season."

Sturridge's last Liverpool appearance came in the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Blackburn Rovers on April 8, when he was substituted after 85 minutes in a 1-0 win.

Reds boss Rodgers also confirmed that another man who has struggled with long-term injury problems, Jon Flanagan, will be unavailable until December.

"He's been a huge miss for us," the Northern Irishman lamented. "There was a time last season when he was arguably the best full back in the league."

Liverpool will welcome back Lucas Leiva from the treatment table ahead of their meeting with QPR, he added, while captain Steven Gerrard will be back after his rest against Hull City. However, Mario Balotelli and Mamadou Sakho are also among those who miss out.

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I'm not to blame for Robben injury- Guardiola

The Bayern trainer feels he was not to blame for the Dutchman's misfortune, while stressing they will not take any risks with Robert Lewandowski when they take on Barcelona.

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has insisted that Arjen Robben was ready to play against Borussia Dortmund in the wake of Thomas Helmer's claims that the Spaniard is to blame for the winger's latest injury.

The Netherlands international made his Bayern comeback in the DFB-Pokal semi-final defeat against BVB on Tuesday after a five-week injury layoff, but lasted just 15 minutes before he was taken off again with another injury.

Robben underwent a series of tests on Wednesday to determine to extent of his latest physical problems and was diagnosed with a muscle tear that will keep him out of action for the remainder of the season.

Helmer was quick to point his finger in Guardiola's direction following Robben's setback, but the Bayern coach refuses to accept any blame.

"I obviously would never play someone without discussing it with the physio and doctors first," Guardiola said at a press conference.
"Arjen is an incredibly important player for us and he was fit."

The Bayern boss then went on to discuss the situation of Robert Lewandowski and made it clear that they will not take any risks with the Poland international for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first-leg against Barcelona.

"We will have to wait and see how his situation develops. He has a concussion and a broke nose. That is quite complicated in the first few days.

"The doctor is always in charge. If he says it's a risk, then Lewandowski will not play."

Guardiola was also questioned about a potential move for Ilkay Gundogan following Dortmund's announcement that the midfielder will not sign a contract renewal at the Signal Iduna Park, but he stressed that any decisions regarding transfers will be taken by Matthias Sammer and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"A potential move for Gundogan is not an issue for me. Sammer and Rummenigge are in charge of transfer issues."

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Guardado completes permanent PSV move

The Mexico international has sealed his permanent move to the Eredivisie champions and is desperate to add more trophies in the years to come.

Andres Guardado is eager to claim more silverware with PSV after signing a three-year contract with the Eredivisie champions.

The Mexico midfielder joined the club on loan from Valencia at the start of the season and has played 33 times for Philip Cocu's side in all competitions, helping them to their first league title since 2008.

PSV announced last month that a deal had been agreed with Guardado's parent club for a permanent transfer and the 28-year-old has now put pen to paper.

"This day is very special and very important for me, for my family and for my career," he told he club's official website. "I am very happy to have signed this contract.

"It has been a complete year in every respect for me, I hope the coming years equal what has been achieved this year.

"Playing in the Champions League is fantastic, it is the best club tournament in the world. It's a dream to play football in it, I hope to play well in it next year with PSV."

Sporting director Marcel Brands believes Guardado has a big part to play in PSV's quest for more trophies.

"Andres was a key pillar in the championship winning team and we hope to continue to benefit from his quality in the coming years," he said.

"He is a very stable player with lots of experience. The other players also have great respect for him."

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Nigeria Women League starts May 2

The women topflight league will commence on Saturday with interesting pairings in the abridged competition.

Actions will resume in the Nigeria Women Premier League on May 2 in various stadia across the country after several adjustments to the initial resumption date.

This season’s competition will see teams battle for honour in two different groups with twelve teams set for battle this weekend.

In Group A, Delta Queens will welcome Confluence Queens, while in Osogbo  Ibom Angels would be hoping to cage hosts Osun Babes.

In Lagos, FC Robo welcome giants Bayelsa Queens as Adamawa Queens tackle debutants  Martins White Doves of Benin. The Edo team topped group B of the Professional cadre last season. They are expected to put in a better fight against the Adamawa girls.

In Group B, only two matches would be played this weekend, as defending champions Rivers Angles of Port Harcourt and Sunshine Queens of Akure would have to wait for the approval of NFF Executive Committee to know their opponents.

However, Edo Queens would be at home to welcome Nasarawa Amazons, while FC Taraba will play host to Pelican stars .

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'Mourinho should show more respect'-Wenger

The Chelsea boss mocked Arsenal's Champions League exit to Monaco and lack of title success, with the veteran French coach hitting back, while he believes the Gunners are improving.

Arsene Wenger has hit back at Jose Mourinho’s recent taunts by suggesting the Chelsea boss lacks respect for his fellow managers.

The Portuguese, set to win the Premier League this weekend, ridiculed Arsenal’s defeat to Monaco in the build-up to their clash at the Emirates Stadium, before mocking their decade-long wait for the title after Sunday’s 0-0 draw.

While Wenger did not rise to Mourinho’s bait, he was keen to stress the importance of respect among the managers – something the Chelsea boss could "improve" on.

"The biggest thing of managers is to respect each other and some people have to improve on that," said Wenger when asked about the taunts. "Everybody lives with his own internal problems and I live with mine and that is enough."

Wenger believes his side have improved this season and are much closer to challenging for the title next term.

"We have to look at it in a realistic way," he continued. "I feel we have made progress and so I look at it in a positive way because what you want in the season is your team to become better.

"We faced a big challenge because Chelsea didn't drop their level and thats why we didn't catch them but overall we feel we have made progress.

"When you fight for the championship you win some games because you smell you can do it that you don't win if you're fourth or fifth."

On the injury front, Mathieu Debuchy remains a doubt with a hamstring problem and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also unavailable, but Abou Diaby is in full training and Mikel Arteta is closing in on a return, though still needs "more time".

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Flying Eagles jet out to Germany on Saturday

The Flying Eagles will fly out to Germany on Saturday for final camping and preparations for the Fifa U20 World Cup holding in New Zealand.

The team was supposed to have left Abuja for Germany on Thursday but delays resulting from xenophobic attacks in South Africa hindered the quick process of New Zealand visas for the Flying Eagles players and officials in Johannesburg.

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed explained the reasons for the delay in the team's departure for the Germany camping.

"The international passports of the players had to be withdrawn from the Embassy of Germany to get the New Zealand visas for the players and officials since New Zealand don't have an embassy in Nigeria but in South Africa. So our Protocol Officer was detailed to get the visas for the members of the team in South Africa which he did.

"Since the team has gotten the South Africa, New Zealand visas, the German Embassy has promised to grant visas to the entire team. The major problem has been getting three major visas to embark on the trip. The South Africa, Germany and New Zealand visas have to be on players’ and officials' international passports before we can embark on such a journey," Sanusi disclosed.

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Diego Simeone still the man despite Atletico Madrid's shaky campaign

The Argentine coach may not be bringing any silverware back to the Vicente Calderon this year, but he has done enough to demonstrate that he is the right man for the club

May 1, 2015 11:46:42

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GUEST FEATURE    By Kunle Fayiga     Follow on Twitter 

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In what was going to be a tough affair, both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid had it all to do in the second leg of their Champions League quarter final clash last week.
The game was heading for a stalemate like in the first leg at the Vicente Calderon until Cristiano Ronaldo teed up Manchester United loanee Javier Hernandez who tapped the ball home from close range.
It was a relief for los Merengues, as they advance to the semi finals.
The defeat will surely have hit Atleti hard, but take nothing away from the Rojiblancos, they were outstanding.

A 1-0 win over Villarreal earlier this week has put them within seven points of second-placed Real in the league. 

Atletico’s season might not have been as smooth as last term, when they won the Liga BBVA crown for the first time in 18 years. They also reached the Champions League final for the first time in 40 years, only to lose to their cross-town rivals when they should have wrapped the match up with a few seconds to spare.

In spite of the shortcomings, Atletico Madrid have shown character once again this season.

Prior to the Champions League clash, Real’s last victory over Atletico was the ‘Decima’ triumph in Lisbon last May.

Atleti had remained unbeaten in seven previous encounters with
Real this season claiming four wins and three draws, the highlight being the 4-0 thrashing at the Vicente Calderon on February 7.

The success of Atletico Madrid can be attributed to none other than Diego Simeone.

Simeone | The centrepiece of Atletico's success

The ex-Atletico player came in to manage the club in December 2011 and since then has completed a remarkable turnaround.
Atletico were in 10th place upon Simeone’s arrival and they looked in danger of going down the drain further. That season, they finished in fifth.

Atletico took home the Europa League to cap off a revived season.
The 4-1 win over Chelsea in the 2012 UEFA Super Cup will surely always remain a highlight of the Argentine’s managerial career
The Rojiblancos bagged the 2013 Copa Del Rey against Real Madrid and the 2014 Liga BBVA title for the first time since 1996, when Simeone was still playing for the team. It was also the first time a team other than Barcelona or Real Madrid had won the La Liga since Valencia in 2004.

Simeone has installed discipline into the Atletico Madrid side. The Argentine tactician was a defensive midfielder in his playing days and as a DM, you have to be disciplined, so it’s not hard to see him extend such a talent into his managerial career.

Atletico Madrid are focused and determined. These are key factors to the results they get against the big opposition.
There is also motivation.

It’s no doubt that Simeone is a master motivator. You can see it from the way he shouts and screams from the touchline. Focus and determination has made Atletico Madrid excel well beyond expectations.

Atletico have been hit hard by player sales

Atleti do not match up with Real Madrid and Barcelona in terms of player quality and finance. The wealth of Real Madrid is about twice that of Atletico. Unstable finances have made the team sell most of its key players over the years to generate some revenue, the most recent being Diego Costa and Filipe Luis.

Despite the shaky finances, Atletico have stood tall and strong under Simeone.

The acquisitions of Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic have brought more potency in attack with the duo scoring an impressive total of 45 goals in 89 appearances this season.

Atleti’s effectiveness at set pieces and aerial challenges makes it a big deal for any team to contend with. 

2015 might be the first time that Simeone goes without a trophy for the Rojiblancos, but a series of strong results—especially against Real Madrid—shows Atleti are now a formidable force to be reckoned with.

No longer are they a team to beat with ease. You need tactical nous and good fortune to beat them.

The 2013 Copa Del Rey triumph was Atleti’s first win over Real since 1999. Barcelona simply did not have an answer to Atleti in 2014 as they went winless in six encounters and Lionel Messi failed to find the net against the team vs. which he had scored most goals.

Simeone’s presence has made the traditional two-horse race for the title become a three-horse race. Even though Atleti might be out of contention for defending their Liga crown this season, the atmosphere created by Simeone will ensure that Barcelona and Real Madrid will be wary of the reigning champions for some years to come!

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Lukaku, De Bruyne and Muamba lead Mertens tributes

The death of the Sporting Lokeren defender on Thursday - three days after he collapsed during a match - left many clubs and players grieving.

Figures from across the world of football gave their Twitter condolences to Gregory Mertens after the Sporting Lokeren player passed away on Thursday.

The 24-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest in Monday's reserve fixture with KRC Genk and, after being resuscitated on the pitch, was in a medically-induced coma for days until his death was announced.

Former Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba was 23 when he went through the exact same situation in March 2012 against Tottenham, except he survived the cardiac arrest, and he passed on his respects.

 Muamba's former club Arsenal passed a message of support to its 5.71 million followers following the central defender's death.

 Closer to home club-wise, Belgian heavyweights Anderlecht tweeted a tasteful photo of Mertens.

 Mertens, who died aged 24, might not have been a household name, but the tragic circumstances of a death suffered while playing the game he and so many others love struck a chord with many players, Fiorentina defender Micah Richards among those.

Premier League leaders Chelsea, the home of Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and playmaker Eden Hazard, also paid tribute to Mertens.

 Mertens never featured Belgium's senior team, the centre-back played for the country's youth teams up until Under-21 level and the official account of his home nation's FA also paid their respects

 Manchester City are familiar with heart-related football tragedy due to Marc-Vivien Foe's death in 2003 while playing for Cameroon, which resulted in his final club paying their respects by retiring the No.23 shirt.

Thousands of Belgians poured out support for Mertens and his family after the news broke he had died, and national team stars Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne were among those

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'Pardew for EPL Manager of the Year'

The goalkeeper feels his coach's achievements at Crystal Palace should be recognised after taking them from 18th in the table to a possible top-half finish.

Alan Pardew's rescue job at Crystal Palace should see him recognised with the Premier League's Manager of the Year award, according to goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

Pardew arrived from Newcastle United in January with Palace a point adrift of safety in 18th place and on course for relegation.

However, like Tony Pulis did at Selhurst Park a season ago, Pardew revitalised Palace and oversaw an upturn in fortunes to the point where his side could finish in the top half this term.

Twelve points clear of danger, Speroni feels the former West Ham boss has to be a candidate for the managerial gong.

"He was amazing, he lifted everybody, it was amazing how he managed to put his message across and how the players took it on board very, very quickly," the Argentinean told Perform.

"Normally it takes managers some time to adjust, to make sure the players know what he wants to do, which ways he wants to play but in Alan's case it was done really really quick and credit to him for that.

"We needed it, we needed to get the points on the board as quickly as possible and he managed to do that which is incredible.

"It's hard to talk about different managers in terms of football style, they all have their own different ideas, different ways they want to play the game.

"At the time we needed to be solid, we were conceding a lot of goals and that's what we did, we were solid and we tried to get the goals we needed on the counter attack and now we probably play a different kind of football.

"I'm enjoying it a little more because that is the way I grew up playing, back home in Argentina and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

"He has done a fantastic job, not only for us but for Newcastle at the beginning of the season and he has to be up there he has to be one of the [manager of the year] candidates for sure."

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Ronaldinho wants MLS move - agent

The Brazilian attacker looks set to leave Queretaro later this year, his brother and agent has said, saying that the USA could be a potential destination.

Ronaldinho's agent has dropped a huge hint that the Brazilian is keen to leave Queretaro for an MLS club this year.

The former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan attacker signed a two-year contract with the Mexican team in September last year, but his agent and brother does not think he will still be at the club in 2016.

The 35-year-old has been linked with a move to either LA Galaxy or New York Red Bulls for years but Roberto de Assis Moreira has dropped the biggest suggestion yet he could be playing in the US soon.

“Ronaldinho will play for Queretaro until the middle of the year then we are going to look for another club,” he told reporters.

“MLS needs big players to increase the appeal of soccer to the American public. In sport anything can happen, although nobody has contacted me yet...”

Ronaldinho has struggled to cement a starring place in the Liga MX side's XI – with allegations he's shown up late to training reportedly affecting his chances – fuelling rumours he will be leaving at the next opportunity.

The departures of Tim Cahill and Thierry Henry have freed up designated player contracts at New York Red Bulls – whereas LA Galaxy just signed Steven Gerrard – making them favourites to lure the World Cup winner to the US.

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Totti: I'll never fight with Roma

The veteran striker reacted to rumours the Giallorossi will not extend his current contract, suggesting he will retire in 2016

Francesco Totti has insisted he will not fight with Romaamid rumours they do not want to extend his contract.

The veteran striker, who turns 39 this year, has played for the Giallorossi first team since 1992, winning one Scudetto, two Coppa Italia trophies and two Supercoppa Italiana titles.

Although he rarely completes 90 minutes for Rudi Garcia's men, he remains a key part of their team but reports in Italy have been suggesting lately that the club do not see a future for Totti beyond next season.

Totti took to his official social media outlet to respond to the rumours and insist he will support the club irrespective of whether he is playing on the field or watching from the sidelines.

“I want to clarify something. I never asked to change my contract,” Totti told his Facebook followers.

“The owners, club and I have always been in sync on this matter. It is my passion that binds me to these colours.

“I have never been and never will be a problem for Roma. I will applaud from the pitch, from the bench and from the stands for the players who wear and will wear this shirt.

“I have always desired and dreamed of the best for this team.”

Roma sit third in Serie A with five games to go – one point behind city rivals Lazio and five points clear of chasing side Napoli, who lost 4-2 to Empoli on Thursday.

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Pogba ruled out of Real Madrid clash

Juventus had been hopeful the star midfielder could be fit for the Champions League semi-final but he will not rejoin training until after the game.

Juventus have confirmed Paul Pogba will miss Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.

The France international has been missing with a torn thigh since mid-March, missing the last-eight win against Monaco and several key Serie A games.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri had been optimistic that he could feature in Turin against Carlo Ancelotti's side but tests have been revealed that he will not have recovered in time.

"The MRI scan taken by Paul Pogba this afternoon revealed that the player has made further progress in his recovery from a torn thigh muscle," a club statement read.

"The player will undergo a personalised recovery regime before potentially returning with the group on Wednesday."

That would allow Pogba to feature in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 13.

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