Bordeaux assistant coach Eric Bedouet will take charge of the French first division side for the last four games of the season following the shock departure of Jean Tigana late Saturday, the club have announced.
Former France international Tigana quit in the wake of a 4-0 drubbing by Sochaux, during which his teenage daughter was verbally abused in the stands.
“It was a disastrous evening for the club and me,” said Tigana, after seeing his side ship four goals inside 30 minutes against their rivals for the final Europa League position.
“My daughter was harassed in the stands. She’s already getting hassle at school, so I’m taking the decision to end my journey with Bordeaux.”
Magath to stay at Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath has vowed to stay with the 2009 German league champions, even if they are relegated on Saturday at the end of the Bundesliga season.
“I will stay at this club, even if we must play in the second division, but I am sure we will still be in the Bundesliga next season,” Magath said.
Wolfsburg’s 2-1 home defeat to Kaiserslautern on Saturday means they are 15th in the table and level on 35 points with 16th-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach, who are in one of the relegation places.
St Pauli had their relegation confirmed by an 8-1 defeat at home to Bayern Munich last weekend, but either Wolfsburg, ’Gladbach or Eintracht Frankfurt will join them after Saturday’s programme.
Guardiola flattered by Inter link
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola said he was honoured to hear that Inter were interested in him but made it clear that he has another year left on his contract with the Spanish giants.
Guardiola is believed to be Inter’s no.1 target for the coaching job after Jose Mourinho reaffirmed his commitment to Real Madrid.
“I am honoured by Inter’s interest in me and they are a great club,” the Spaniard said during a news conference.
“I still have a year on my contract with Barcelona. In any case, before anything else I have to talk to the team and the directors.”
Henry scores as Bulls, Galaxy draw
French striker Thierry Henry scored early for New York and US forward Landon Donovan equalised for Los Angeles in a showdown of Major League Soccer conference leaders that ended in a 1-1 draw.
The match-up featured the US league’s two best-known global stars, Red Bulls striker Henry and English midfielder David Beckham of the Galaxy.
Henry opened the scoring in the fourth minute but Donovan levelled for the Galaxy in the 41st minute.
“Got one, should have had another,” Donovan said. “In all, a fair result.”
Ibrahimovic sets sights on double
Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is optimistic his team can win a Serie A and Coppa Italia double.
Milan held Roma to a goalless draw at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday to capture their first league crown since 2004 and now Massimiliano Allegri’s side turn their attention to tomorrow’s cup semi-final return leg at Palermo.
The Rossoneri were held to a 2-2 draw by Palermo in the opening leg at the San Siro.
“Now we just have to focus on the Coppa Italia,” Ibrahimovic said. “We hope to do well on Tuesday and get to the final, then we will think about next season’s aims.
“Next year we want to win three titles.”
Redknapp gloomy over CL hopes
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has admitted White Hart Lane is unlikely to host Champions League football for a second successive season.
Spurs’ 1-1 draw at home to Blackpool means Manchester City will have fourth place and the final qualification slot all but wrapped up if they beat the London side at Eastlands tomorrow.
“It’s going to be very difficult, obviously,” Redknapp said. “We haven’t been able to win games in the last month or so. But it takes some doing to get in the top four anyway.
“We have only done it once before. It’s not as though we do it every year and people have to understand that.”
Young stands up for Heskey
Ashley Young has defended Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey after he barged referee Mike Jones during the 1-1 home draw with Wigan.
The normally placid Heskey was incensed when not awarded a free-kick for a challenge on him by Latics defender Antolin Alcaraz.
Villa caretaker boss Gary McAllister substituted Heskey at half-time for fear of being reduced to 10 men and the player left the stadium immediately.
Young said: “I think a few things had gone on during the game. I think if you know Emile as a person, unless something has happened on the pitch he’s not going to turn like that.
“He came into the changing room at half-time and everyone has talked to him and he’s fine. We controlled him at half-time and he will be back next week.”