Kevin Keegan believes it is “ridiculous” to question Roberto Mancini’s status as Manchester City manager.
City head into Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea with speculation persisting about the Italian’s future.
Keegan said: “In any other sport it would be ridiculous to question someone who has gone into a football club, won the first trophy in 30-odd years, then won the league in the most exciting season ever.
“Europe was a disappointment, but Europe was disappointing for Manchester United and Chelsea. You get that.”
McDermott holds Leeds United talks
Former Reading boss Brian Mc-Dermott is poised to succeed Neil Warnock as manager of Leeds.
The 52-year-old has held advanced talks with Leeds owners GFH Capital, who want McDermott in place as soon as possible in a bid to guide the club away from relegation trouble.
Warnock left Elland Road 11 days ago following the home defeat to Derby, while a run of four straight losses has seen Leeds slip to within five points of the Championship bottom three with five games remaining.
Martinez defends FA Cup ticket sales
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has defended the club’s failure to sell their entire allocation for tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final.
The Latics have sold around 22,000 tickets for the Wembley meeting with Millwall, prompting the FA to make the spare 10,000 available to “neutral” supporters.
“It’s not about the numbers,” Martinez said. “The numbers need to have a meaning. Back in 1995, when I arrived at the club, we had gates of 2000 people.
“Now we are in the best league in the world, and we are in the semi-final of the best cup competition – for us to take whatever figure it is represents an incredible percentage of the town.”
Quality the key for Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton insists England have no chance of emulating that famous 1966 World Cup triumph until they address the decline of home-grown players in the Premier League.
With a new £7 billion TV contract due to start next season, top-flight clubs will have even more cash to scour the planet and bring in the very best global talent but Charlton acknowledges England are paying the price.
“The number of players we have to choose from is ridiculous,” said Charlton. “Didn’t Fabio Capello say there were only 94 footballers he could select out of the whole of the league?
“You can’t expect them all to be world-class players. I would like to think that one day we will be favourites going into a World Cup, but we are not anymore.”
Leonardo hails defeated Ancelotti
Paris St Germain sporting director Leonardo hailed the “incredible” job being done by coach Carlo Ancelotti (picture) despite the team’s Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona on Wednesday.
The Ligue 1 leaders drew 1-1 at the Nou Camp in the second leg of the quarter-final, but were eliminated on away goals after last week’s 2-2 draw at the Parc des Princes.
“Honestly, we are very disappointed,” the Brazilian said. “We knew right from the start we were playing against an excellent side in Barcelona.
“We are only at the start of our journey. Here at PSG, everything is happening very quickly and we are trying to build something.
“Carlo Ancelotti is doing an incredible job. It’s incredible what we have achieved.”
Wilson leaves Sheffield United
Sheffield United have confirmed the departure of manager Danny Wilson with just five matches of the League One season remaining.
The Blades are in the play-off places, lying fifth in the table and four points clear of Tranmere in seventh. But a run of just one win in six matches, culminating in a 2-0 home defeat by Crawley on Tuesday, has prompted a change at Bramall Lane.
Assistant manager Frank Barlow has also left the club, with first-team coach Chris Morgan taking charge for the remainder of the season – starting with tomorrow’s home game against promotion rivals Swindon.
Dede turns down Serie A move
Vasco Da Gama defender Dede has turned down the chance to continue his career in Italy after agreeing a move to Brazilian club Corinthians.
The €12m-rated Brazilian was attracting interest from Milan and Napoli but agent Sabatino Durante said that Dede has decided to join Corinthians.
“Forget about it, the player has chosen to join Corinthians,” Durante said. “The negotiations for that transfer are at a good point.
“He has great strength and power, but you need more focus to play in Europe. Despite being watched by Milan, Juventus and Napoli, he has decided what step to take. He could become a top player at Corinthians.”