Eden Hazard must prove his fitness by returning to full training to feature in Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final first leg at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, said assistant coach Steve Holland.
Hazard missed yesterday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at Stamford Bridge as he continues to fight calf trouble.
“He hasn’t trained yet, but that doesn’t definitely rule him out of Tuesday’s game,” Holland said.
“He’s obviously close but it’s a day-by-day one at the moment.
“For him to be considered for Tuesday, he obviously needs to train with the group very quickly.”
Toure demands more respect
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure feels he does not get the respect he deserves because he is from Africa.
The Ivory Coast international has won league titles in England, Spain and Greece, and is on the six-man shortlist for the PFA’s player of the season award.
And the 30-year-old says that only his birthplace has blocked him from being hailed as one of the best midfielders in the world.
“To be honest, proper recognition has only come from the fans.
“I am very proud to be African, I want to defend African people and I want to show to the world that African players can be as good as the Europeans,” he said.
Mel keen to mentor striker Berahino
West Brom head coach Pepe Mel is trying to be a “sporting mentor” for Albion striker Saido Berahino.
Berahino has been involved in a couple of controversies of late. The 20-year-old was filmed inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon in a parked car in March while he was also part of a bust-up that followed his club’s 3-3 draw with Cardiff.
“The most important thing for me is that he is a young player,” Mel said.
“He has a lot to learn and wants to learn. He still has time to make errors and it is up to us as coaches to show him the right path.
“I’m trying to be his sporting mentor.”
Giroud resilience impresses Wenger
Olivier Giroud has shown great determination to shut out media scrutiny of his private life and lead the line for Arsenal, according to manager Arsene Wenger.
Giroud took his tally to the season to 20 goals with a superb strike in the 3-1 win over West Ham on Tuesday night.
Details of Giroud’s personal life were reported by the media earlier this season, but Wenger has been impressed by how he has managed to get his focus back on football.
“It was a bit physical and mental as well with what happened to him, but Olivier is a strong lad with a strong mentality and he is a strong, positive guy,” said Wenger.
“He has a great mentality which is what I think got him back (on form).”
Bielsa linked with Marseille job
Marseille interim head coach Jose Anigo expects former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa to take charge of the club next season.
Anigo is stepping aside this summer and has been helping Marseille with the process of finding the man to take the team forward, with Bielsa now emerging as their number one target.
He has already paid the club a visit, and an appointment could be imminent.
Anigo told L’Equipe: “I’m confident. I am convinced that his response will be positive.
“He stayed a good while to see everything and the people of his type analyse everything and take their time to give an answer.”
Roma eye bid for Spurs’ Paulinho
Roma are thought to be back on the trail of Tottenham midfielder Paulinho, reports in Italian media said yeterday.
Tottenham signed the Brazil international last summer for £17.3m from Corinthians. Paul-inho has made 28 appearances for Spurs this season but has struggled to secure a regular place lately.
Roma, who have already as-sured themselves of playing in the Champions League next season, are eyeing a bid for Paulinho as he is seen as a perfect fit for the club’s 4-3-3 tactical module.
Roma coach Rudi Garcia believes that the Brazilian can be a huge asset to the Giallorossi’s bid to leave their mark in Europe next season and is ready to make his move this summer.
Mariners keep title defence alive
Bernie Ibini’s strike kept the Central Coast Mariners’ A-League title defence alive with a tense 1-0 home win over Adelaide United in the elimination play-off yesterday.
Ibini’s rasping drive into the bottom corner of the net in the 67th minute brought the crowd to their feet and the champions held on to the slender lead to advance to the semi-finals.
The Mariners will take on the Western Sydney Wanderers in the last four next Saturday, while Melbourne Victory will face twice champions Brisbane Roar a day later for a place in the final on May 4.
Table-toppers Brisbane and second-placed Wanderers had already booked their play-offs ticket weeks ago as the top two sides during the regular A-League season.