Football news

Phillip Cocu has been appointed PSV Eindhoven coach on a four-year deal.

The 42-year-old replaces Dick Advocaat, who had previously stated his intention to step down at the end of the season if PSV failed to win the league title.

With the club finishing as runners-up and seven points adrift of Ajax in the standings, the former Holland coach is stepping aside to give Cocu the chance to lead the club once more.

Cocu spent three months as PSV’s interim coach at the end of last season following the dismissal of Fred Rutten, before Advocaat then came in to take over the reins.

Laudrup sticking with Swansea

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has insisted he wants to remain with the club for their European campaign next season.

Laudrup has become one of the most in-demand managers in the Premier League after another re-markable season has guaranteed the Swans ninth spot and seen the Welsh club win the League Cup, their first major trophy.

Laudrup said: “Next season I want to try to consolidate Swansea. There is a lot of challenge there, we’re playing in Europe and I would like to be a part of that experience.

“Then let’s see what happens in the future.”

Effenberg’s no

Stefan Effenberg has turned down the opportunity to form part of Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff at Bayern Munich next season.

Effenberg had been linked with the record German champions after another potential employer, Schalke, extended the contract of their head coach Jens Keller at the weekend.

However, director of sport Matthias Sammer said Effenberg has turned down the offer.

“I am and was always in con-tact with Stefan,” he said.

“In the talks we held, it became clear that this is not what he wants to do. I certainly cannot imagine him coaching our reserve team in the fourth division.”

Deulofeu to commit to Barca

Barcelona have agreed terms with young forward Gerard Deulofeu over a new contract.

The 19-year-old is set to sign a new deal which ties him to the Primera Liga champions until June 30, 2017, the club an-nounced yesterday. His new buy-out clause is €35 million.

Deulofeu has been tipped as the next player to emerge from Barca’s hugely successful La Masia academy and make an impression in the first team.

He has made 35 appearances for the Catalans this season, 31 for the B team and four for the senior side, and scored 18 goals.

Benitez hunting for new job

Rafael Benitez has revealed the hunt for his next job is already under way. Having done enough to ensure a Champions League place next season, the Chelsea interim manager now has the chance to add silverware with tomorrow’s Europa League final against Benfica.

While he focuses on that task, his representatives are already scoping out potential destinations for next season.

“It has started already, the agents are working,” he said.

“My job is to concentrate on the games, my agent is talking around.

“The Premier League is a fantastic league, my family still live in England so it would be easier but if not I will go abroad.”

Blatter ‘appalled’ by racist jeering

FIFA boss Sepp Blatter was “appalled” by racist jeering directed at Milan’s Mario Balotelli during their Serie A match against Roma, he said yesterday.

The game was stopped early in the second half at the San Siro on Sunday because of chanting by visiting Roma fans aimed at Balotelli.

Warnings were broadcast over the public address system and the game resumed immediately afterwards.

“Appalled to read about racist abuse in Serie A last night,” Blatter said on Twitter.

“Tackling this issue is complex, but we’re committed to action, not just words.”

Pellegrini denies City job reports

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has denied he has spoken with Manchester City over the possibility of replacing Roberto Mancini.

Manchester City chiefs have fuelled the intense speculation about Mancini’s future by re-maining silent over the rumours, but Pellegrini has moved to distance himself from reports suggesting he was on the verge of replacing the Italian.

“I categorically deny that I am the new City coach, nothing has been signed,” he said.

“I’ve been fortunate enough, and very proud, that every year the big clubs are interested in me. I have an agreement with Malaga not to talk to anyone and nothing has been agreed with any other outfit.”