Football news

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has played down concerns over the fitness of Valon Behrami after the midfielder was forced off during the warm-up against Italy in Geneva on Saturday.

The West Ham player was substituted after 57 minutes of the 1-1 draw with an apparent groin problem, raising fears he would join the lengthy list of players set to miss the Africa showpiece through injury.

But Hitzfeld revealed the player did not seem too distressed by the injury.

"Behrami was playing very direct and looked threatening. I hope it's not serious," Hitzfeld said. "He wanted to continue playing actually. It was the doctor who took him out."

Bayern to face minnows in cup

Bayern Munich have been handed an easy start to the defence of their DFB-Pokal title as they meet the lowest-ranked side in the competition in the first round.

Louis van Gaal's side have been drawn against fifth-division Germania Windeck, who are in for a second major financial boost in the space of a year after facing Schalke in the first round last season.

Steve McClaren's first competitive game as Wolfsburg coach will see him go to fourth division side Preussen Munster.

The ties will take place on the weekend of August 13-16, one week before the start of the new Bundesliga season.

Mourinho appoints Karanka as no.2

Real Madrid confirmed Jose Mourinho has appointed compatriot Aitor Karanka as his second in command at the Bernabeu.

Karanka joins a coaching team consisting of Rui Faria, Silvino Louro and Jose Morais and, like the trio, has also signed a four-year contract with Real.

It is thought his appointment came about because Mourinho wanted someone who - like Giuseppe Baresi at Inter - knew the club well.

Karanka spent five years at Madrid, between 1997 and 2002, helping them to three Champions League trophies and one league title.

The 36-year-old was serving as Spain U-16 coach.

Benitez - Inter's no.1 target says Moratti

Inter president Massimo Moratti has confirmed Rafael Benitez is the no.1 choice to take over the reins of the European champions.

Speculation has been rife that Benitez is to be Jose Mourinho's successor since the Spaniard left Liverpool by mutual consent on Thursday, with Italian media expecting a deal to be completed this week.

And Moratti has confirmed they are set for talks with Benitez over the next few days.

"I can only speak well of him because he is very good," Moratti said.

"Yes, that is the direction and in the next few days we will see, we will decide."

Houllier backs Gerrard appointment

Gerard Houllier believes Steven Gerrard is the perfect choice to take over from the injured Rio Ferdinand as England captain at the World Cup.

The former Liverpool manager insists the Anfield midfielder thrives on responsibility and wearing the skipper's armband will increase his value to England.

Houllier said: "I am pleased for Stevie. It is a good reward to be captain of England. He must be absolutely over the moon.

"He is a winner and he will give an urge to drive them on all the time. He never gives up. He leads by example, giving a lot of mental and physical energy to himself and the team."

Ferguson to mull Scotland return

Barry Ferguson is unlikely to make a decision on his Scotland future for several weeks after revealing he has yet to mull over a potential return to the national team.

The Birmingham midfielder, 32, was banished from international football following the infamous "Boozegate" affair under George Burley's regime.

Current Scotland boss Craig Levein wants him back but Ferguson claims he is no closer to making a decision.

"I have not given it any thought and the manager knows exactly where I am coming from," he said.

"I told Craig that my priority was seeing out the season. It was agreed that we would discuss things again before the start of the new campaign and that remains the case."

Martinez keen on striker Boselli

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed his interest in Argentine striker Mauro Boselli but would not be drawn on whether an offer has been made.

The 25-year-old Estudiantes frontman has also been linked with Sunderland and Birmingham, but reports in South America suggested the Latics had agreed a club record fee.

Martinez said: "It is true he is a player we have been following for a long time, but I can't confirm anything regarding an offer.

"Over the next few weeks we hope to finalise a few things with the players we have been trying to get. Mauro is one of a number of names that will come out because we have been following a lot of players."