Football news

Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm has been named Germany captain for the World Cup to replace injured Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, newspapers reported yesterday.

Ballack withdrew last week from the June 11-July 11 World Cup finals in South Africa with an ankle injury sustained in a heavy tackle by Portsmouth's Germany-born Ghanaian Kevin-Prince Boateng in England's FA Cup final.

The reports also said that coach Joachim Loew will name Schalke's Manuel Neuer as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper after Bayer Leverkusen's Rene Adler was forced to withdraw with a rib injury in April.

Roma vow to keep De Rossi

Roma president Rosella Sensi has sought to end speculation regarding the future of Daniele De Rossi, by declaring the Italy international is not for sale. The Rome-born midfielder has attracted interest across Europe, with Manchester City and Real Madrid the most strongly linked.

"Daniele will remain at Roma forever, Real can forget about him," Sensi said.

De Rossi, currently training with Italy in preparation for the World Cup, said: "I don't know anything about Real's interest. To be linked with important clubs makes me happy because it's a sign that I'm doing things well.

"I would consider a move away only if the club tells me that for technical, tactical or financial reasons they must sell me."

Sneijder talks up Hiddink's credentials

Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder believes compatriot Guus Hiddink would be an ideal replacement for Jose Mourinho who is expected to be confirmed as Real Madrid's new coach in the coming days.

"They (Mourinho and Hiddink) both have a great capacity to motivate the group, but the most important thing is that they both focus on the tactical aspect, giving the players great courage," Sneijder said.

"It's thanks to that attitude that you are able to gain trust in yourself."

The 63-year-old Hiddink, who is the current manager of Turkey, has never coached in Italy.

Hands off Modric, Redknapp tells Fergie

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has told Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to forget about signing Croatia midfielder Luka Modric.

Ferguson is believed to be keen to bolster his midfield with a £25 million move for Modric after his impressive form helped Spurs clinch a place in the Champions League.

"There's no chance of it happening at all," Redknapp said. "Luka's key to everything that's happening at this place.

"Everybody knows what I think of him. And if you want to move on to higher levels you don't start flogging off your best players - to anyone."

Capello not tempted by Inter interest

Fabio Capello (picture) insists he has no intention of quitting his role as England coach to take charge of Inter after the World Cup.

Capello has been linked with a move to the newly-crowned European champions following confirmation of Jose Mourinho's imminent departure from the San Siro to coach Real Madrid.

"I have a contract with the Football Association and the only way it will finish is if they decide to sack me," he was quoted as saying in The Sun.

"I see my name linked with a lot of jobs in Italy and in Spain, but I'm happy here with the FA."

Celtic players back Lennon - Brown

Celtic players are right behind Neil Lennon in his bid to become the club's full-time manager, according to skipper Scott Brown.

The Irishman ended his tenure as interim boss with eight successive Premier League wins at the end of the season to strengthen his case to become successor to Tony Mowbray.

However, the Celtic board have not yet asked Lennon to take over on a permanent basis.

Brown revealed the Celtic players are "hoping"Lennon gets the job but would like a decision made one way or the other before pre-season starts on July 1.

"I think we all hope he gets the job because of what he has done in the last eight games," Brown said. "It's the best form we've hit in two years so he deserves a chance."

Di Carlo handed Sampdoria job

Sampdoria yesterday appointed former Chievo coach Domenico Di Carlo as their new manager on a two-year contract.

The 46-year-old Italian succeeds Luigi Del Neri, who left the club last week to join Juventus.

Di Carlo, who kept unfancied Chievo in the top flight for two successive campaigns, has just three years coaching experience in Serie A.

Sampdoria finished fourth in the league last season and will play in the Champions League qualifying round.