Football news

Jose Mourinho has fuelled speculation about his future at Real Madrid by revealing in an interview he could return to work in England “sooner than expected.”

Mourinho, who is embroiled in a bitter feud with Madrid’s sporting director Jorge Valdano, told the Sunday Mirror he always envisioned returning to work in England following his departure from Chelsea in 2007.

“It’s always important for me and my family to be happy and I love English football and my family love England,” he said.

“I have always maintained I will return one day but maybe it will come sooner than I expected.”

Robben angered by Muller complaint

Arjen Robben has hit out at Bayern Munich team-mate Thomas Muller following the pair’s clash in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Werder Bremen.

Muller gesticulated at Robben after the Dutchman took a poor free-kick during the match at the Weserstadion, and at the final whistle Robben angrily remonstrated with the Germany international over his actions.

“I hate it when team-mates constantly raise their hands and complain,” said Robben.

“It is disrespectful. We are a team. We don’t need to do that. We have got to be role models and should not make things any harder than they are.

“You should not make such gesticulations.”

Amauri considering Juve exit – agent

Juventus’s strong interest in Cagliari striker Alessandro Matri may prompt Amauri to seek a new club, the Brazilian-born player’s agent has said.

“Amauri wants to prove his worth at Juve,” agent Gianfranco Pocetta was quoted as saying.

“Now, though, he needs a relaxed atmosphere. If he doesn’t find it in Turin, then it’s probable he could seek another club.

“The situation could change in the last hours of the transfer window.”

With the January transfer window closing tonight, time is running out to find Amauri a new club and for Juventus to bring in a replacement.

The Bianconeri are said to be discussing a deal to get Cagliari hitman Matri on loan with an option to buy.

Owen glad to seize rare chance

Michael Owen admitted he took to the field in Manchester United’s 2-1 FA Cup win at Southampton fearing he might have to wait another three months for his next start.

Owen’s vital equaliser on Saturday came as much as a relief to the player himself as it did to the travelling fans.

“The last time I started a game was Scunthorpe away,” said Owen, understandably forgetting he was also in the XI at Sunderland a couple of matches later.

“I have been injured in the meantime but, when you do play, you have to perform.

“I did all right. It takes the pressure off a little bit.”

Dortmund will win title – McClaren

Wolfsburg coach Steve McClaren labelled Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga champions elect after his side were beaten 3-0 by the leaders on Saturday.

Dortmund still have a long way to go before they can officially be crowned as the 2010/11 champions, but McClaren is convinced that they will make it after witnessing them close up at the VW-Arena.

“Today, we played against the upcoming champions,” he said. “I said that in the first half of the season already.

“Dortmund were our strongest opponents all season.”

Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp is not accepting the congratulations just yet. “If Mr McClaren says that we will be the German champions, then that does not make it any more likely,” he said.

Genoa set to beat Spurs for Rodriguez

Genoa are reportedly poised to complete the signing of Uruguayan sensation Federico Rodriguez, who had been close to Tottenham.

Spurs were believed to be in pole position to sign the 19-year-old Penarol striker during the January transfer window but Dynamo Kiev, Sampdoria and Bologna were also linked with the player.

According to the latest reports in Italy, Genoa have acquired Rodriguez, who holds a Spanish passport, for €4m.

As Genoa have already brought in Alberto Paloschi, Antonio Floro Flores, Mauro Boselli and Linus Hallenius earlier this month, they could opt to loan Rodriguez out to Bologna.

Barcelona equal Real’s 50-year mark

Barcelona’s 3-0 win at Hercules on Saturday night was their 15th consecutive Spanish league win and equalled the mark set by Real Madrid in the 1960-1961 season.

“It’s an immense honour to share the record with such a fantastic team like that of Real Madrid and Alfredo Di Stefano,” said Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola.

“We are proud. If 50 years have passed, it shows how difficult it is.”

Barcelona can claim a record 16th win in a row if they defeat Atletico Madrid at home next Saturday.