Football news

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to work in English football again.

The 52-year-old Italian was dismissed by the Blues in May after two seasons at the helm, the first of which saw him lead Chelsea to their first ever double before following it up with the club’s worst campaign of the Roman Abramovich era as they finished trophyless.

Speaking in his first broadcast interview since leaving Chelsea, Ancelotti said: “The Premier League is the best in Europe, so I would like to stay here if it is possible.

“I don’t want to name names because these teams have managers, but I would like to manage a team that has ambition and I want to wait and see what happens this season.”

Redknapp: I’d take Tevez tomorrow

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed he would not hesitate to sign Manchester City’s wantaway striker Carlos Tevez.

Tevez appears frozen out of City boss Roberto Mancini’s plans due to his conduct on the substitute’s bench last month. With an investigation ongoing into his alleged misdemeanour, Tevez is unlikely to see any first-team action anytime soon, and Redknapp would not hesitate to bring him to White Hart Lane.

“I would take him if he were available for sure. Who wouldn’t? If City want to let me have him on loan and massively subsidise it, I’ll take him tomorrow,” Redknapp said.

Heynckes calls for reinforcements

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has called for reinforcements and wants the Bavarians to bring in at least two world-class stars for next season.

“I’ve told the board: We have the Euro Championships next year, in which many Bayern players will be involved, and we need to consider that in our planning,” Heynckes said.

“We need to not only complement our numbers, but further strengthening is clearly required with two absolute top stars. My biggest motivation is to see the team play in a way that will later make people say: ‘That was the best team ever at Bayern Munich’.”

Lay off Suarez, says Liverpool’s Dalglish

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish mounted a passionate defence of Luis Suarez after his Uruguayan striker was dragged into another Premier League controversy.

Just a week after Suarez was accused of subjecting Manchester United defender Patrice Evra to a barrage of racist abuse, he attracted more criticism in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Norwich when he tumbled to the Anfield turf under a challenge from Marc Tierney.

However, referee Peter Walton refused to penalise the visiting defender.

“I’ll say something but won’t add to it. People question Luis Suraez’s integrity and it’s their integrity that needs to be questioned, not his,” said Dalglish.

Della Valle on Mihajlovic’s side

There were loud calls by the Fiorentina fans for Sinisa Mihajlovic to be sacked at the end of Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Catania but club supremo Andrea Della Valle said the coach’s job is not really in discussion.

Fiorentina extended their winless run to four games against Catania but Della Valle says the coach is not to blame.

“I am sorry for the fans and I understand their frustration,” he said.

“However, Sinisa has no blame for what happened. I saw a good Fiorentina performance and now we have to concentrate for our next important match against Juventus.”

Mowbray relief as Boro end poor run

Tony Mowbray was relieved as Middlesbrough kept the pressure on Championship leaders Sout-hampton with a 2-0 win over Derby at the Riverside Stadium.

Rhys Williams and Marvin Emnes got the goals to secure Middlesbrough’s first win in six league matches and lift Mowbray’s side up to second in the table.

“It was important we got a win,” Mowbray said.

“We had to bounce back but also we had to start winning games at home. It has been very frustrating for us in recent weeks.”

The only memorable aspect of the day for Derby was the debut of striker Mason Bennett, aged just 15 years and 99 days, to become the club’s youngest ever player.

Messi miss costly

Lionel Messi missed an injury time penalty as Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw by nine-man Sevilla late Saturday, a result which saw the champions surrender top spot.

Barcelona have now kept a record six clean sheets in all competitions, but despite dominating the match at Camp Nou, they were thwarted by a dogged Sevilla defence and goalkeeper Javi Varas who pulled off a series of outstanding saves.

The game boiled over in the final minutes as Andres Iniesta was upended in the area and a penalty was awarded.

Frederic Kanoute was red-carded for attacking Cesc Fabregas before the spot-kick was taken by Messi and sensationally saved by Varas. There was still time for Fernando Navarro to also be given his marching orders for a second yellow card.