Latest Football News: 2012

Roberto Di Matteo has been placed in interim charge and has a 100 per cent record in his three games, which included Wednesday's European epic against Napoli.

Treatment

But Luiz still thinks Villas-Boas should have been given longer than eight months, as the defender told Brazilian TV before the game with Napoli: "I'm really sad, as Andre was a really capable professional.

"Unfortunately, he didn't have the time to show his true value at Chelsea.

"He didn't have the chance. You cannot doubt a professional like him, who won five titles last season and was feted by everyone. But he didn't have enough time at Chelsea."

Next up for Chelsea is Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester at Stamford Bridge and Luiz is determined to face the Championship club.He could barely walk following the thrilling 4-1 extra-time win over Napoli, having played the full 120 minutes of the UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg clash.

But he said: "It's my ankle. I hurt it when I got a kick, but that's normal. This is football. I'll go to the training ground for treatment to help me for Sunday. I want to play."

Remarkable

Chelsea could make wholesale changes after their midweek exertions, including resting captain John Terry, who failed to complete the Napoli match.

That was only the 31-year-old's second game back following his remarkable recovery from knee surgery, but his leadership qualities have already shone through.

Luiz said: "For Chelsea, it is important to have all the players back from injury.

"JT is the captain and a legend for the club. He is a fantastic player and of course it makes me happy when he plays."

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Enrique - It's not over yet

Liverpool's Jose Enrique has admitted it is unlikely the Reds will qualify for the UEFA Champions League, but his side have not given up hope.

The Merseyside outfit currently occupy seventh position in the Premier League table, 10 points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with 10 games remaining this season.

The Spaniard has conceded time is running out but feels the Reds can use the Gunners' recent revival as a source of inspiration.

Difficult

Enrique

said: "We have to be realistic about the Champions League and we are 10 points behind so it is going to be really hard. But we are still trying because the league hasn't finished yet.

"All season we have put together regular wins. If you look at Arsenal at the start of the season they did not win their first three games and everyone said they were bad. Now they are one point behind third-placed Tottenham. We are like that.

"I know Champions League qualification is difficult but there are still many points to play for and if we play like we did against Everton you never know."

A 3-0 win over their local rivals, inspired by a Steven Gerrard hat-trick, ended a run of three consecutive league defeats for the Reds, and Enrique is looking for his team to maintain that level of performance.

Amazing

He continued: "We got a good result but in many games we deserved more this season. But when you don't win you don't care how you win - what is more important is the three points.

"But I don't think we have played badly this season; against a lot of teams we have played well and we have been unlucky with the goals. If we can play like we did against Everton, we can beat anyone."

Enrique's side host Stoke City on Sunday with Liverpool aiming to reach Wembley for a second time this season.

"I think everyone enjoyed going to Wembley a lot," he added. "To win a trophy in my first season here was amazing and we have a big chance to do that again. There are two games to play to get to the final and we have a good chance.

"It is difficult to play against Stoke, they are a real English team - they kick the ball all the time to their striker and we have careful at throw-ins and corners."

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Roy hopes to tie down Olsson

West Brom boss Roy Hodgson wants a quick resolution to negotiations over the long-term future of key defender Jonas Olsson.

Hodgson is desperate to keep Olsson, who only has 15 months remaining of his current deal.

He has opened talks over a new deal and Hodgson is keen for the Sweden international to commit himself to the Baggies.

Hodgson said: "Jonas will be entering the last year of his contract next year and no club really wants that to happen with the players they are anxious to keep.

"Albion and myself are anxious to keep Jonas. I can only hope the negotiations he and his advisor are having now with the club will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

"Talks are ongoing. We are not panicking he will walk out of the door in May, but the sooner the talks reach a conclusion, the better it is for everyone.

"It is nice to know what players you can rely upon when you are planning for the future."

Credit

Hodgson is hoping Olsson can enjoy the fruits of his labours after helping Albion establish themselves in the Premier League.

He said: "We think Jonas is a good player who has been here a few years, understands what we are about and plays a big part in helping us to achieve our goal.

"He deserves an awful lot of credit for what he has done so far. I think it would be nice if he could enjoy a couple of years enjoying the fruits of his work here.

"Part of his work has been getting us back into the Premier League but then it's been fighting hard at the bottom to keep us there.

"Maybe he could be looking ahead now, if the club is looking forward, to a few years where he can consider himself a bona fide Premier League player in a bona fide Premier League team."

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Blues welcome Benfica draw

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay considers a pairing with Benfica in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League to be a 'good' draw for the club.

The Blues, fresh from their heroic showing against Napoli in the last-16, now know the path they will have to tread if they are to make the final of Europe's premier club competition.

Benfica, who helped to see off Manchester United in the group stage, provide the next obstacle, with the first leg of that tie set to be staged on Portuguese soil.

Gourlay admits Chelsea could not have asked for much more from the draw, but concedes that they cannot afford to get carried away and start thinking about potential challenges to come.

He told Sky Sports: "It's a good one for us. It doesn't matter who you get at this stage, it's going to be a difficult game, but it was important for us to get the away game first and then hopefully build the foundation from there. I think we are pleased.

"I know quite a lot about Benfica from the fact that they topped Manchester United's group. They are a very strong side and we look forward to the upcoming games."

Focus Reigning champions Barcelona could lie in wait at the semi-final stage should Chelsea see off Benfica and the Catalan giants overcome AC Milan, but Gourlay is taking things one step at a time.

He added: "We must give the utmost respect to Benfica, we will worry about that game and focus on that game, along with a lot of other important games we have coming up.

"Then, if we can get through and show the same spirit as we did last Wednesday evening (against Napoli), then we can start thinking beyond that."

Much has been made of the standing Chelsea's senior stars enjoy at Stamford Bridge of late, but Gourlay believes the midweek displays of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Didier Dorgba prove that there is a united front at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "You keep hearing about this player power. There's no secret, we have some big, big players at the football club, but that's for the good of the football club. We need everybody to raise their game, not just our experienced players.

"I think it was a wonderful team performance on Wednesday night and if we show the same character, the same passion and the same effort, then I think we can turn things around this season."

Objectives Roberto Di Matteo was at the helm as Chelsea swept into the last eight of the Champions League, with the Blues' caretaker coach having enjoyed a productive time in the dugout since inheriting the reins from the ousted Andre Villas-Boas.

Gourlay said: "It's not just Robbie, it's everybody that's around him. We all have to play our part.

"He's started well in his three games and everybody knows the objectives between now and the end of the season. It's all about the team and everybody is clear about what we want to achieve and is pushing in the same direction, which is critical at this stage."

Di Matteo is now considered to be a leading candidate to take the job on a permanent basis, while speculation regarding a possible return for Jose Mourinho refuses to go away.

Gourlay is reluctant to be drawn on the managerial situation at present, with Chelsea's focus locked on their efforts to do as well as possible in Europe, the FA Cup and the Premier League.

He said: "All we are focused on at the moment is Roberto Di Matteo and his backroom staff, who are doing a fantastic job, and the players we have now. Let's just see what happens in the summer when the summer comes along."

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Harry not worrying over Spurs

Manager Harry Redknapp insists he has no reason to be concerned by Tottenham's recent slump because he still feels they are producing quality performances.

Spurs have suffered three successive defeats in the Premier League to hinder their chances of securing UEFA Champions League football next season.

A deflating 5-2 derby demolition by Arsenal at the end of last month was followed by a home defeat to Manchester United before losing to Everton at Goodison Park last weekend.

However, an FA Cup fifth-round replay victory over Stevenage ahead of the trip to Merseyside handed Spurs a spot in the quarter-finals and a welcome boost.

Performances

Tottenham take on Bolton at White Hart Lane in the last eight on Saturday and, while keen to get back on track, Redknapp is adamant recent results have not reflected his side's performances.

"We've had a couple of results that haven't gone our way, but the performances have been excellent," he told Sky Sports.

"I think if we were playing badly you'd start worrying, but we haven't.

"I've probably never had a team since I've been in football that had more of the game against Man United than we did on that particular day. We've been fortunate enough to beat Manchester United once or twice, but you've come away quite often and thought how have we won that game?

"We played ever so well against them and the same at Everton last week. No one goes to Everton and gets an easy game. The second half was as good as I've ever had a team play at Everton.

"It was just unfortunate really we didn't get the results but I've got no problem with the performances."

Redknapp admits Spurs face a "big week", with a visit of Stoke looming on Wednesday before his side make the short trip to Chelsea next weekend, but for the moment the manager is focused on Bolton.

Important

"We want to get to the semi-finals so it's very, very important for us," he said.

"The priority is getting to the cup final and getting a Champions League place, that's where we're at.

"We want to go to Wembley if we can this year, certainly, so tomorrow is an important game.

"It's a big week. We've got an important cup game and then obviously two important league games - Stoke and Chelsea - so we'll give it our best shot in all of them."

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Ledesma back at Saddlers

Argentinian attacking midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma has returned to Walsall on a deal until the end of the season.

The midfielder, 23, established himself as a real fans' favourite at the Banks's Stadium last season having signed a similar deal.

Ledesma made 10 appearances, scoring once, as the Saddlers avoided relegation - something manager Dean Smith will be hoping he can inspire once again this term with his side struggling at the wrong end of the League One table.

"We are delighted to have Emmy back," Smith said. "He has great technical ability, is good with both feet and can score goals. He knows a lot of the lads from last season and has settled in immediately. He's trained all week and looks really sharp.

"We've stayed in contact with him and we knew there was a possibility of him coming back. He really enjoyed his time with us but his girlfriend struggled to settle in England, which is why he returned home last summer.

"She's now pregnant and Emmy is, quite rightly, looking for something more long-term, so we'll see how the next two months go. He's a lively character and I'm sure he'll play his part between now and the end of the season."

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Gera could return in April

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed Zoltan Gera is ahead of schedule in his injury rehabilitation.

The Hungarian has not played since the end of November last year after suffering a long-term knee problem and he had been ruled out for the season.

But Gera, who had played just three games in the current campaign, has returned to running and could be back in Hodgson's plans by the end of April.

"Zoltan is actually ahead of schedule," Hodgson told West Brom's official website.

"The schedule was he wouldn't take any part this season, but would be fit for pre-season training.

"Now we're hoping by the end of April, beginning of May, he might be able to take part. He's out playing head tennis and running.

"But of course he's not doing the twisting and turning, stopping and starting, and changing direction he would have to do, and also the contact that is involved."

No slacking

Meanwhile, Hodgson has warned his players he will not tolerate any slacking in the closing months of the Premier League season.

Victory at rock-bottom Wigan on Saturday would move West Brom to within two points of their target of 40, which theoretically secures safety from relegation.

But Hodgson does not want his squad to take their foot off the gas and will drop players if he thinks they are not providing 100 per cent effort and focus.

"I may also fall into the trap of being a bit comfortable when we've got ourselves safe," he said.

"I think the thing that will stop that is we have quite a few players at the moment who want to play.

"I shall be relatively ruthless in that area if we're safe and I get the impression one or two players aren't playing like they were when we weren't safe."

Evra out to salvage season

Patrice Evra admits Manchester United must take the Premier League title if they are to avoid writing off the 2011/12 campaign as 'a really bad season'.

The Red Devils have disappointed in cup competitions this term, with elimination from the Europa League on Thursday compounding their misery.

All of their attention must now be focused on the defence of their domestic crown, with there only one piece of silverware left for them to play for.

Evra is aware that ending the season empty-handed would be considered a failure, with it imperative that a club of United's stature pick up trophies on a regular basis.

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March 18, 2012 1:00pm

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"A big club like Manchester United should be able to compete in every competition. But now we have no choice, we have to focus on the league," the French full-back told the club's official website.

"We have to win the league to save our season. If we don't win the league, it will have been a really bad season."

Despite seeing United slip out of Europe in midweek, Evra is convinced their continental failings will not be allowed to impact on their league efforts.

Focus

"I'm not worried about the league because we are playing well and now we are top, in front of Manchester City," he added

"After tonight we go home and rest, then focus on Wolves (on Sunday) because it's a big game, a massive game and we have to make sure we win."

Evra is at a loss to explain United's uncharacteristic struggles in Europe this season, but is refusing to dwell too long on the events of the past."We didn't start well in Europe this year - maybe we were too confident at the beginning of the Champions League - and this is the end now," he said.

"We are out again and we have to be honest with ourselves, we don't deserve to be in the Champions League or the Europa League.

"We haven't played in Europe this season with the same desire that we have in the league.

"We can see the difference in the league - we are top, and we are more focused on the league, we have to tell the truth. I don't know why that is. If I knew the answer, it wouldn't have happened. But it's a bad year in Europe for Manchester United. That's it."

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Andrews talks put on hold

Roy Hodgson will wait until nearer the end of the season before negotiating the future of in-form midfielder Keith Andrews and Albion's other out-of-contract players.

Andrews penned a short-term deal at the Hawthorns that expires in the summer when he arrived from Blackburn on a free transfer in January.

He has impressed for the Baggies so far, scoring two goals in four Premier League appearances.

But Hodgson insists 31-year-old Andrews, and his team-mates who are also on expiring deals, must be patient over extending their contracts.

Waiting

"He has only been here a few weeks and there are still 10 games to go so there is a lot of football to be played," he told the Express & Star.

"I don't think we're going to fall into the trap where if someone has three good games the world is their oyster and three bad games suddenly means we don't mention their name again.

"I don't think we'll be judging in those terms. We know what Keith can do and we know his qualities and we're very pleased with them.

"But it will be very important that, when we sit down and offer him a new contract, he knows exactly what role we see for him and I don't really want to do that with any player at the moment.

"It could be any one of a number of players whose contracts are running out and who might want a new contract, I will be saying 'let's get a few weeks further down the road before we make a decision'."

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Howard - We must bounce back

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes his side must aim to put their derby defeat behind them with a good FA Cup performance against Sunderland on Saturday.

A 3-0 defeat against Liverpool on Tuesday ended a nine-match unbeaten run for David Moyes' side in a week that saw the 48-year-old manager celebrate a decade at Goodison Park.

Howard believes this result was an anomaly and thinks his team will be ready to face Sunderland in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final.

Blip

He told the club's official website: "I don't think the FA Cup game has any more importance because of losing the derby - the chance of going to Wembley is enough to lift everyone's spirits.

"We all want a place in the semi-final. We will keep going, because the confidence is certainly still there. That's because of the way we were playing before Anfield.

"We still feel our form is good and we will count that defeat as just a blip, push on and hopefully get a good result at the weekend, which will really help to put this behind us."

The 33-year-old continued: "We had gone into the game on the back of a really good run, but unfortunately it didn't end in the storybook way we all hoped. But this is a good team, this is a good bunch of boys, and there is definitely no problem with the character in the squad.

"We will be up for the fight at the weekend, and it would be fantastic to get a good result to give everyone a lift after what has been a long week. It won't be for the lack of trying.

"Losing derbies always hurts, but we are professionals, we want to see it out, so we will get back to work and hopefully get a result."

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Rivals weigh up stadium options

Managing director Ian Ayre has stressed Liverpool will be patient before making a decision on how best to solve the club's stadium issues.

The Reds are looking to increase their capacity to boost their revenue from gate receipts and put them in line with Manchester United and Arsenal - the only Premier League clubs with stadiums that hold over 60,000.

Liverpool are mulling over building a new stadium in Stanley Park or redeveloping Anfield, which currently has a capacity of 46,000.

A naming-rights deal would also swell their income and is a realistic possibility, but Ayre admits the club's hierarchy face a balancing act between spending money on the squad and a new stadium/redevelopment.

"It is about finding the right solution that keeps the great heritage experience and atmosphere, and finding the right thing for the future. It's not so easy a challenge," he said.

Economic model

"We have to have the right economic model. Our sweet spot is around 60,000 to 65,000 because we don't want empty seats.

"We already have 46,000 seats and those extra 20,000 seats are not going to generate hundreds of millions.

"People are more interested in what happens on the pitch [but] it's not to say that the other things are not important.

"If it meant we were writing cheques for that rather than the team, people will ask why."

Speaking at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress being held in the city, Ayre accepted Liverpool must act "in a responsible way".

He was joined at the event by Everton's chief executive Robert Elstone, who reiterated that redevelopment of Goodison Park is unrealistic.

The Toffees have had stadium issues of their own on the other side of Stanley Park, with a joint proposal with Tesco for a site at Kirkby having already been rejected.

"We have to look for a new site and use the Kirkby funding model which involved 40% to 45% of the capital cost coming from retail uplift subsidy," he said.

"I don't think there is a shortage of sites, I believe there is a shortage of funding."