Football news

Marco van Basten will not be returning to Ajax to become their new director of football. The former Ajax player and coach was put forward for the role by club advisor Johan Cruyff but talks have failed to find an agreement.

Van Basten said: “I have spoken with Ajax and that in itself was interesting. But there were lots of ifs and buts and ultimately they were not easily resolved so we said forget it.”

It is believed Guus Hiddink is now Ajax’s primary target but he still has commitments as coach of Turkey. Marc Overmars and Ed-win van der Sar have also been mentioned as possible candidates.

Injured Kirkland returns to Wigan

Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has returned from his loan spell with Championship side Doncas-ter after just one match because of a back problem.

The former England inter-national only made his Doncaster debut last Friday after signing a three-month deal two days previously.

However, the 30-year-old, for whom back complaints have been a recurring issue during his career, suffered a spasm and returned to the DW Stadium for treatment instead of playing in the midweek defeat at Blackpool.

Dutch choose Krakow as base

Holland, the 1988 champions, will be based in the Polish city of Krakow for next summer’s European Championships starting June 8.

“We will be able to train in excellent conditions at the Wisla stadium which has a great pitch,” coach Bert van Marwijk said.

“Krakow is also a very pretty town – it’s important for the players, who will have more freedom than last year at the World Cup in South Africa.”

Krakow mayor Jacek Majch-rowski told reporters he was very pleased the Dutch would be staying in his city and would be organising a three-square kilometre fan zone for supporters of the ‘Oranje’ as well as a camping site.

Redknapp slams ‘no relegation’ talk

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp blasted foreign owners who want to see an end to relegation from the English Pre-mier League and promotion from the Championship.

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the League Managers Associa-tion, claimed on Monday that some foreign owners were keen to end the concept of relegation. But Redknapp said such a plan was scandalous.

“How can you not have promo-tion and relegation? It’s scanda-lous,” Redknapp said.

“Years ago, with 10 games to go, the league was over.

“If you were not going to win the league, be promoted or relegated then you would switch off, now most of the teams are fighting for something.”

Giovinco not joining Juventus

Sebastian Giovinco will not join Juventus in January a Parma official said yesterday, quashing rumours of a possible move to the Bianconeri by the Italy striker.

Giovinco is co-owned by both clubs but Pietro Leonardi, the Parma director general, said there will be no dealings with Juventus in the next transfer window.

“I can exclude a Giovinco return to Juventus in January. We’ll only talk to them about him at the end of the season,” he said.

“He’s our player now and we are happy with what he is doing, we’re also happy that he is a player who is wanted by other clubs.

“We decided to rely heavily on him and now that he has the opportunity to play we want his contribution.”

Kalou seeks Chelsea guarantees

Salomon Kalou has told Chelsea he wants a guarantee of more game time before he signs a new contract. The 26-year-old had looked set to leave next summer but manager Andre Villas-Boas said talks had begun with the striker over an extension.

The parties need to reach an agreement before January if Chelsea are to avoid risking Kalou leaving for nothing.

“That’s what every player wants to have, game time.

“It’s very important to play to improve and to push yourself to the limit. That’s what I’m looking for,” Kalou said.

Barca coach hails ‘one-off’ Iniesta

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola hailed Andres Iniesta as a ‘one-off’ talent in a side dominated by Lionel Messi after the 2-0 Champions League win over Viktoria Plzen.

Iniesta put Barca ahead after 10 minutes, following an excellent interchange with Messi, with the second goal coming eight minutes from time through David Villa.

While Messi was at his majestic best, Iniesta also produced a superb display.

“Iniesta is a one-off, he works harder than anyone,” he said.

“He gives an important balance to the side. In my first two seasons he played a part in us doing so well but last season he was crucial in us winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

“I think this season he will continue to be crucial.”