Hertha Berlin coach Otto Rehhagel realised the full extent of the job he has agreed to take on at the club following the 3-0 defeat at Augsburg.
The 73-year-old took over from Michael Skibbe last week with the immediate task of halting a run of five straight defeats. However, on Saturday they were beaten for a sixth game in a row to fall into the relegation zone.
“Augsburg fought like you have got to do when you are in a relegation battle,” he said.
“I hope we can stay up. We are not Bayern Munich and the team has not won since December. This will be a tough fight.”
Gerrard mulls on England future
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has said he will consider his England future after this summer’s Euro Championships.
The 31-year-old, who has won 89 caps, has been hit by injuries over the last two seasons and knows calling time on the inter-national stage could help prolong his club career.
He said: “It’s something I am going to have to sit down and think about after the Euros.
“I’ve not spoken to anybody about it yet, nor have I made any decision about what I might I do. But I am aware of the future, the injuries I’ve had and I want to play for Liverpool for as long as I can.”
Greaves recovers
Former England footballer Jimmy Greaves has made a full recovery after suffering a stroke.
The 72-year-old spent two nights in hospital and underwent neck surgery after falling ill at his home in Chelmsford, Essex.
He has since been discharged and says he is feeling as fit as ever.
“I had a mini-stroke but just weeks later I’m honestly feeling better than I have in years... I’m as fit as a butcher’s dog,” Greaves said.
Doctors discovered the football columnist, who is England’s third-greatest scorer with 44 goals, had suffered a transient ischaemic attack.
Van Persie delays contract talks
Robin van Persie has confirmed that contract talks with Arsenal are on hold until the summer as he looks to concentrate on on-field matters.
The in-form Dutchman, 28, has been the subject of recent speculation linking him with a move away from the Emirates Stadium with his current deal expiring in 2013.
“There have been a lot of stories, generally contradictory ones, about my contract situation recently so I’d like to make it clear,” the Arsenal captain said.
“There’s nothing complicated – the club and I have both agreed to speak at the end of the season and see how things stand. The boss, Ivan Gazidis and I are all comfortable with it.”
Reja not leaving
Edy Reja will stay as coach of Lazio following a shock u-turn after having tendered his resignation from the club in midweek.
Lazio were expected to accept Reja’s stance and negotiations were already open with Gigi de Canio and Gianfranco Zola as replacements. However, Reja has now decided to reverse his decision.
“It’s not an issue of contracts, but of faith,” Reja told reporters.
“I had a few moments of suffering, but president Lotito rejected my offer of resignation, we said what we had to say, clarified certain positions and for this year the adventure continues.”
I pick the team, says Villas-Boas
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas denied his team selection for the 3-0 victory over Bolton had been influenced by owner Roman Abramovich.
The former Porto manager had admitted before the Stamford Bridge clash that the Russian had asked for an explanation following Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss at Napoli where Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien were substitutes but returned against Bolton.
Villas-Boas attempted to laugh off suggestions that Abramovich had told him to bring back the three experienced campaigners.
“I got the call this morning,” he joked before adding: “I’m not in tune with Roman’s agenda. All I know is that it was important for the team to win, mostly for the fans.”
Miyaichi set for Japan debut
Bolton teenage winger Ryo Miyaichi could be in line for his international debut after coach Alberto Zaccheroni named him in Japan’s squad for Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan.
“He has tremendous speed and staying power as well,” Zaccheroni said after selecting a 23-strong squad, including Miyai-chi and 10 other Europe-based players, for the home match in Toyota.
It is the first international call-up for the 19-year-old winger who joined Bolton last month in a loan move from Arsenal, his club since late 2010.