Liverpool defender Daniel Agger admits he should have rested a groin problem against Chelsea at the weekend but played because of illness to Martin Skrtel.
The 27-year-old, who has withdrawn from Denmark’s friendly in Turkey today in order not to aggravate the injury, took his place alongside the incoming Jamie Carragher for the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge as his regular centre-back partner had a virus.
“I should not have played on Sunday but Skrtel became ill and there was not much I could do. I was thrown into it,” he said.
“I have a pulled groin. It takes only a few days to recover.”
Del Piero wishes Crook well
Alessandro Del Piero has released a statement in response to the resignation of Sydney FC coach Ian Crook.
Amid speculation the 38-year-old’s arrival at the A-League club was the catalyst for Crook’s decision, Del Piero released a statement expressing his sympathy at the departure of the English coach after just six games at the helm.
“I’m sorry for the resignation of our coach Ian Crook. In the few weeks here in Sydney so far, I could appreciate the quality of technical and human resources,” the statement read.
Sydney FC are yet to appoint a permanent replacement for Crook.
Rennes president defends M’Vila
Rennes president Frederic de Saint-Sernin has defended Yann M’Vila after the midfielder’s “excessive” two-year ban from the France national team.
The French federation suspended the Rennes midfielder after he broke a curfew to visit a nightclub just days before a key game with the U-21 side.
Saint-Sernin said: “It is excessive and disproportionate.
“They have deprived him of the next World Cup and, equally, deprived the France team of Yann M’Vila, who I know and who is a big player.”
The fall-out from the play-off defeat also saw coach Erick Mombaerts leave his post with the Under-21 team.
Juventus ‘right’ to drop me – Pogba
Paul Pogba believes Juventus were right to drop him from the squad for last weekend’s Serie A game at Pescara after he twice turned up late for training.
The 19-year-old midfielder’s agent Mino Raiola slammed the club after an explanation for the sanction was made public but Pogba has taken a less reactionary stance, saying he had learned a valuable lesson.
“The coach (Antonio Conte) was right to drop me,” he said.
“It is a lesson for me,” said Pogba, adding his lateness was due to a “misunderstanding”.
Zaha’s choice
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha could yet decide to play for Ivory Coast, the country of his birth, even if he makes his England debut in a friendly against Sweden today.
The 20-year-old, who left West Africa as a four-year-old, said he was still undecided about which country he would ultimately opt for.
“It’s 50-50 because I was born in Ivory Coast but all I know is England,” he said.
“When the time comes, I’ll make a choice. For now I just want to reach the top.”
Today’s match in Stockholm is classed as a non-competitive game by FIFA, which means Zaha would not be committing himself to England long-term if he makes an appearance.
Green forecasts league shake-up
Rangers chief executive Charles Green has predicted the Scottish Football League will unveil plans for league reconstruction later this week.
Green expects the SFL to discuss possible changes to the format of Scottish football at a meeting tomorrow.
“I understand that the (Scottish) Football League on Wed-nesday are having a meeting of clubs and it’s the intention of the executive to unveil what they think would be a restructuring plan for Scottish football,” Green said.
Hearts, another pillar of the Scottish game, are battling for their survival after the SPL side were served with a winding-up order relating to a tax bill of nearly £450,000.
Santon eager for Cabaye clash
Newcastle defender Davide Santon is relishing the chance to line up against club-mate Yohan Cabaye after winning a recall to the senior international stage.
The 21-year-old is in line to pick up his first Italy cap for 20 months when Cesare Prandelli’s men face France in a friendly in Parma this evening.
Santon said: “I am so happy because it has been a really long time since I was in the senior international team. It will be really nice, especially if I play against my friend Yohan.
“Even though it is a friendly, we want to win and I am excited for the match and to see all my friends from Italy.”