Sneijder: Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni said the club will meet with Wesley Sneijder’s entourage today after leaving the Dutch midfielder out of his squad for a 1-0 win over Palermo. Stramaccioni indicated on Saturday, three days after the Italian club were accused of blackmailing the player, that Sneijder would be available for selection only to leave the Dutchman out of his matchday squad. The decision is likely to further fuel speculation about Sneijder’s future with the Nerazzurri.
Eto’o: Anzhi Makhachkala, led by captain Samuel Eto’o, beat 10-man CSKA Moscow 2-0 yesterday to join the army side at the top of the Russian Premier League. Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore headed Guus Hiddink’s men ahead in the 57th minute and Morocco international Mbark Boussoufa added a second 20 minutes later after great work by Cameroon striker Eto’o. CSKA had midfielder Alexander Cauna sent off after a second booking late in the first half and rarely troubled the home side.
Holloway: Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway hailed Glenn Murray after the striker climbed off his sick bed to fire the Eagles to the top of the Championship. Murray was struck by a virus on Saturday morning and was initially ruled out of the clash with Palace’s rivals Brighton, but he eventually shrugged off the illness to leave his former club feeling sick with two goals in a 3-0 victory. “His football brain is as good as anybody I have worked with and his eye for getting on the end of a cross is awesome,” Holloway said.
Pellegrino: Mauricio Pellegrino has been sacked as coach of Valencia, the club have confirmed on their Twitter feed. Pellegrino only took up the reins in May, but Los Che – currently 11th in the Primera Division standings but just four points off a Champions League place – decided to dispense with his services after Saturday’s 5-2 defeat against Real Sociedad at the Mestalla.
Neeskens: Former Dutch World Cup playmaker Johan Neeskens has been fired by big-spending South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, the club said yesterday. It is the end of a trophy-less 18 months in charge for Neeskens, a former assistant coach with the Netherlands, Barcelona and Galatasaray. Sundowns have struggled all season despite having the most expensive squad in the league. They have won twice in 12 league games and are second from bottom.