Football news

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed speculation that he is set to take over as Italy coach from Roberto Donadoni after Euro 2008.

"It pleases me to hear my name linked to the Azzurri bench, but I believe it is impossible," Ancelotti told a news conference. "I could only train the national team after 2010 when my contract with Milan expires.

"I think, Donadoni deserves to stay."

Ferguson backs respect campaign

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has backed the campaign for players to show greater respect to referees. The FA has launched an initiative to improve behaviour towards officials, which has also been backed by England coach Fabio Capello.

"We had a pivotal moment some years ago when my players surrounded Andy D'Urso," the United manager said.

"I went off my head with them about that. I thought it was ridiculous and it never happened again."

Schuster can prove his worth

Bernd Schuster has the chance to prove himself as Real Madrid coach over the last 10 games of the season by steering them to the Primera Liga title, defender Michel Salgado said.

"It's true we have gone through a difficult patch over the last month but it is something he had to experience," Salgado said.

"There is a big difference between coaching Real and playing here, and, with all due respect, to coaching Real as opposed to Getafe.

"Now we shall really see if Schuster is up to the job of being Real coach. I think he is because the work he has done until now is good."

Zola hints at Chelsea return

Italian striker Gianfranco Zola said he would like to return to Chelsea in the future to work in either a coaching or managerial capacity.

Zola, one of the most popular foreign players to appear in the Premier League, scored 80 goals for Chelsea in a dazzling seven-year career at Stamford Bridge between 1996 and 2003. Just before he left, Chelsea fans voted him as the best player in the club's history.

Zola said: "Will I go back to Chelsea? We'll see. I think so. I think sooner or later I'll have a go. But at the moment it is important to get the knowledge. Playing football is one thing, but coaching is another."

Torres not a Liverpool great yet

Liverpool's Spain striker Fernando Torres has been told by manager Rafael Benitez that he is not one of the club's greats just yet.

"Everyone is talking about him and comparing him to players but I think it's too early," Benitez said.

"You need to wait some years into a player's time at a club and then you can say someone is a star. At the moment, he is a very good player and a good prospect. He can get much better in the future."

The Spain striker is the first Liverpool player to score 20 league goals since Robbie Fowler 12 years ago and has done so in his debut season after moving from Atletico Madrid.

Beckham presents award to Pele

David Beckham said he was humbled to present a lifetime achievement award to Pele at a charity event in Manhattan in midweek.

"For me to be here to present this to the greatest sportsman of all time, I feel particularly honoured," the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder told reporters. "This absolutely is a highlight moment for me."

The black-tie event, a $1,250-a-plate fundraiser at Gotham Hall, was a benefit for Harlem Youth Soccer.

Pele, 67, blazed a trail for soccer in the North American region, one that Beckham now follows.

US to face to England in Wembley

The United States will prepare for 2010 World Cup qualifying with a friendly international against England in London in May.

The match is scheduled for May 28 at Wembley Stadium and will be the American team's first visit to England since 1994.

The US have also lined up European friendlies against Poland on March 26 and Spain on June 4.

Hiddink to watch Chechnya game

Russia coach Guus Hiddink said he would have no problem going to Chechnya to watch a Russian Premier League match involving local side Terek Grozny. Promoted Terek were given Russian FA permission to play their home games in Grozny after receiving personal safety guarantees from Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov.

Chechnya has been slowly returning to normal after two bloody wars with separatists in the past decade.

"I don't have a problem going there," Hiddink told Reuters.

"Actually I think it would be a good experience for me to see other parts of Russia outside (the main cities of) Moscow or St Petersburg."