Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has refuted reports linking him to a return as manager of Inter next season.
Media in Italy raised the possibility based on Mourinho’s decision to register his two children at the schools they attended while he was coaching the club he led to the Serie A, Italian Cup and Champions League titles last season.
Mourinho told a press conference: “What they’re saying each day in Italy that I will once again be coach of Inter next season is false, completely false.”
He added: “I am more and more content and happy at Real Madrid... normally my teams are always better the second season than the first. Because of that I want to be here next season, with the belief that Real will be better.”
De Jong dismayed By tackle reaction
Nigel De Jong says he was treated “like a war criminal” in the wake of a stormy World Cup final.
The Holland and Manchester City midfielder admitted he should have received a red card, not a yellow for his chest-high challenge on Spain’s Xabi Alonso.
The Dutch lost an ill-tempered game after John Heitinga was sent off and De Jong was vilified at home and abroad.
De Jong said: “At no time did I see Xabi Alonso because I was focused only on the ball.
“Actually, when I think back about it, it was not good at all. Of course the referee (Howard Webb) should have shown a red card for the foul. That is obvious.”
Trezeguet eyes France return
Former France striker David Trezeguet has earmarked Lyon as a desirable destination after adm-itting he would like to play again in France after an 11-year absence as he moves towards the end of his career.
The 33-year-old currently plays for Spanish side Hercules in La Liga after spending 10 years with Juventus in Serie A.
Trezeguet told L’Equipe TV: “Emotionally, I love Monaco. This is my club.
“But other teams have more ambition, like Lyon.
“This is a club that is ambitious and seeks to win titles. That’s what I want to find.”
No major transfers needed – Wenger
Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal do not need an influx of big-money signings this summer.
Wenger has been forced to defend the make-up of his young team in the wake of another capitulation, having led 3-1 at Tottenham just before half-time before settling for a 3-3 draw.
However, although the Arsenal manager is reported to have £40 million available, Wenger insists major surgery is not necessary.
“I feel there is always a need to improve the team, but if you look at our season you cannot come to the conclusion we need a massive change. That would be completely stupid,” he said.
Taiwo close to Milan switch
Marseille attacking full-back Taye Taiwo is close to an agreement with Milan, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.
The Nigeria international is out of contract at the end of the season and has made it clear that he plans to leave the Stade Velodrome.
Marseille director of sport Jose Anigo said: “Taye has played with us for six years and we have made him very good offers, but he has chosen to play in another League and to earn a little more.
“I want to tell you that he is in contact with Milan. I don’t know if he will sign for them, but it’s a good arrangement for him.”
McAllister tips Houllier return
Gary McAllister believes Gerard Houllier’s passion for football means he will return as Aston Villa manager when he has recovered from his latest health setback.
Assistant boss McAllister was in charge of yesterday’s home Premier League clash with Stoke while Houllier remained in hospital after suffering chest pains on Wednesday.
McAllister said: “I think he will be back, most definitely, knowing the guy.
“Once you get to know him a bit better you’ll know the type of person he is.”
Redknapp plans spending spree
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has called on chairman Daniel Levy to spend big this summer, regardless of whether the club qualify for the Champions League or not.
Redknapp is currently heading an ambitious project that he hopes will bring Champions League football to White Hart Lane on a regular basis.
He is also confident that his team can challenge for the Premier League within the next few years, but stresses that he needs a couple of top-class additions to make that possible.
“There shouldn’t be two transfer scenarios,” Redknapp said. “If you want to get into the Champions League again you have to keep improving.
“People say ‘If we get in the Champions League we’ll buy some great players’ but if you don’t buy some great players you won’t get in the Champions League.”