Borussia Dortmund are better off without former coach Jurgen Klopp, says former club striker Stephane Chapuisat.
Klopp left the German club at the end of last season, following a seventh-place finish. He was replaced by former Mainz manager Thomas Tuchel.
Klopp led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final over his seven years in charge at the club, however Chapuisat has insisted both parties are now better off apart.
“It was a good time to make a change after seven years. Players who nobody believed in any longer have blossomed,” he said.
“Jurgen Klopp probably felt it himself. It was simply the best for both parties.”
Owner banned for attack on refs boss
Fidel Kuri, the owner of Mexican first division club Veracruz, has been suspended for one year for attacking referees chief Edgardo Codesal, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) said.
Kuri attacked Codesal, head of the FMF referees’ commission, verbally and physically in the VIP box at his team’s 3-1 home defeat by Leon last weekend after referee Erick Yair Miranda sent off Veracruz’s Argentine winger Daniel Villalva in the 90th minute.
“After carrying out an investigation and hearing the parties involved, it has been decided to sanction Fidel Kuri Grajales with a year’s suspension from all football-related activities,” the FMF said.
Harper agrees to join Sunderland
Veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper, who spent 20 years at Newcastle United before leaving on a free transfer in 2013, signed for north-east rivals Sunderland.
“The experienced shot-stopper will be the third goalkeeper, supporting Vito Mannone and Jordan Pickford,” Sunderland said.
Harper, 40, who has been without a club since quitting Championship team Hull City at the end of last season, has agreed a short-term deal that will keep him at the Stadium of Light until the end of the campaign.
“I had a chance to join a Premier League club and a Championship club and had three offers to go to India but I think my career proves I’m a bit of a home bird,” he said.
Litex results annulled for team walk off
Litex Lovech’s results for the season have been annulled after the players walked off in protest at refereeing decisions in a match at Levski Sofia last month, the Bulgarian Football Union said.
Litex had already been expelled from the top flight but the BFU said they can play in the second division next term and in this season’s Bulgarian Cup having reached the semi-finals.
The decision to cancel Litex’s results means champions Ludogorets are now five points clear at the top.
Barca forward Tello joins Fiorentina
Barcelona have announced that forward Cristian Tello will join Italian side Fiorentina on loan until the end of the current campaign, bringing his current loan agreement with Porto to an end.
The 24-year-old joined the Portuguese outfit in the summer of 2014 on a two-year deal and made 33 appearances in all competitions last term.
Tello has played 19 times in total this season, scoring two goals.
A statement on Barcelona’s website said: “FC Barcelona and ACF Fiorentina have reached an agreement for the loan of Cristian Tello until 30 June 2016, once his current loan agreement with FC Porto is rescinded.”
Neymar has no plans to join Real
Neymar’s father has sought to end continuing speculation the Barcelona star could move to Real Madrid, telling Cuatro that they have no plans to moving the Spanish capital.
Neymar Sr. had already denied an Onda Cero report that he and his son met with representatives from Real while attending the 2015 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
However, the rumours have continued, with Madrid-based newspaper Marca saying Real would sell one of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo if they are able to complete a deal for Neymar.
Asked about the speculation, the forward’s father said: “Real Madrid? We have no interest. What media has said that? Marca? Where is it (the story)?”
Martinez will not let key players leave
Everton manager Roberto Martinez is adamant none of his key players will be allowed to leave this month, despite speculation about the futures of Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and John Stones.
Lukaku, their 19-goal top scorer, is set to make his 100th start for the club in today’s visit of Swansea but there were claims this week the Toffees had put a £65million price tag on his head.
Similarly, Chelsea have been linked with another move for England centre-back Stones while Man. City have reportedly identified midfielder Barkley as a replacement for Yaya Toure.
“None of our players who have been performing well...are going to leave in January. That is the end of the matter,” he stressed.
“January is not a window where we are going to bring any instability to our squad.”