Football news

Walter Smith refused to blame player burnout after Rangers were held to a 1-1 home draw by Inverness on Saturday.

Rangers have had a tough run of games with matches against Champions League rivals Valencia, Celtic, a League Cup quarter-final against Kilmarnock and Inverness in the space of 10 days.

“I don’t think tiredness is a factor and I don’t think warnings are necessary,” the Rangers manager said.

“We have got a lot of big games and it is going to be difficult but it would be difficult for any group of players.

“If someone wants to use that as an excuse on our part then fine but I’m certainly not using that one; I’d rather be involved in the Champions League than not.”

Wenger salutes mature Arsenal

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over West Ham confirms they now have the maturity to launch a sustained title challenge.

Alex Song’s 88th minute header secured a victory that looked likely to elude Wenger’s side as they battled to remain in touch with leaders Chelsea.

“It was a relief because when you win with two minutes to go it is always a relief,” said Wenger.

“We needed to be intelligent, patient not to make a mistake at the back with the West Ham team who had a strong spirit and were well organised. We kept going and out of this game you can say we had a great attitude and we have matured.”

No fear of sack for Mancini

Roberto Mancini claimed he does not fear the sack at Manchester City after experiencing a second successive defeat.

But the Italian manager admitted City can forget about lifting the Premier League title if they are to lose more games against the lesser teams, following a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Wolves.

“I do not feel the pressure, I am not worried about that (the sack). But of course we have to win these games, because we are a very good team,” Mancini said.

“But we have to play all the games at 115 per cent, not 15 per cent. We played only in the first 20 minutes.”

Ferguson rules out January signings

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out making any new signings in the January transfer window.

“We won’t be buying in January,” Ferguson said. “If you want someone to play in Europe, you are limited right away. There are hundreds of players cup-tied.

“You have five months left of the season, I will have Antonio Valencia back hopefully towards the end of February, which is a new player coming back.

“If Michael Owen gets back, it is another new player coming back. So with the squad I’ve got, I don’t see any reason for us to buy anyone.”

Cassano begs Samp to let him stay

Bad boy Antonio Cassano has begged his employers Sampdoria to let him stay at the club following a spat with club president Riccardo Garrone.

Sampdoria have asked Italian footballing authorities for permission to terminate the Italy striker’s contract after he apparently argued with and insulted Garrone on Tuesday.

“I’ve already apologised to Mr Garrone, who I’m very fond of, in the presence of my team-mates,” Cassano said. “I’ve read that there’s a lot of speculation but I repeat, as long as there is this possibility, I want to stay at Sampdoria.

“No-one realises the delicate time I’m going through with my wife. If I want to stay close to her as much as possible, given my many sporting obligations, then there’s a reason, but I don’t want to make my private life public.”

Hoeness expects to keep Schweini

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness said yesterday he expects Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger to sign a contract extension with the Bavarian giants, rather than look for a big-money transfer in 2011.

Schweinsteiger’s contract expires in 2012, but Bayern would only be able to make money by selling him at the end of this season, rather than risk losing him on a free transfer.

“Bastian knows what he has here,” Hoeness said.

“He is not exactly a pauper. When our people need more money from Bayern’s board, they will get it.”

Benzema earns Mourinho praise

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho praised Karim Benzema for his successful late cameo performance against Hercules, which he believes will serve as a timely confidence booster for the Frenchman.

The big-money signing from Lyon in 2009 was unable to find the net in his 14-minute spell after replacing Pepe, but he did play a big part in the two goals scored by Cristiano Ronaldo that helped Madrid earn a 3-1 win in Alicante after trailing early on.

“He didn’t score but he created three goals, the second, the third and the fourth, which Cristiano wasn’t able to score,” Mourinho said.

“He’s been an extra help in attack, a new problem for Hercules. It’s very important for his morale. I’m very happy for him.”