Petr Cech has high expectations as Chelsea return to Premier League action today with the summit in sight.
The goalkeeper is eager for a sustained title challenge after Chelsea fell short in recent years, with just one title since the end of Jose Mourinho’s first spell as boss in September 2007.
“We haven’t won the Premier League for three years in a row, so I think it would be great to get that back,” Cech said.
“We have some young players, some new players who have never won the league, so it would be a great step forward for them to come and accomplish that.”
Vucetich sacked
Mexico’s national coach Victor Vucetich says he has been notified by the country’s soccer federation that he is no longer in the job. Media reports said that Vucetich would be replaced by Miguel Herrera who would be Mexico’s fourth coach in less than six weeks.
“It is an experience. It was positive, but was not what I had hoped. It ends this way. Just six work sessions,” Vucetich said.
“I am petulant, King Midas, but not God. That’s why it has come to this.”
Vucetich’s exit appeared to be a last-ditch bid to avoid missing out on the World Cup finals for the first time since 1990 with a play-off against New Zealand coming up next month.
Popovic confirms FFA contact
Western Sydney Wanderers boss Tony Popovic has confirmed he is on the shortlist to take over as Australia coach.
Popovic, along with Central Coast Mariners’ title-winning coach Graham Arnold and Melbourne Victory chief Ange Postecoglou are the main contenders to succeed the sacked Holger Osieck.
“We as a club have just been informed (by Football Federation Australia) that I’m in contention, that’s all we’ve had, which is obviously a great honour,” Popovic said.
“I’ve always maintained that one day I’d certainly love to coach the Socceroos if given the opportunity.”
Anzhi make Razak move permanent
Manchester City have confirmed Ivory Coast midfielder Abdul Razak has made his loan move to Anzhi Makhachkala permanent.
Under the terms of Razak’s loan arrangement, which was due to run until June next year, Anzhi were able to make the move permanent after his first appearance of the season against City’s up-coming Champions League op-ponents CSKA Moscow at the end of September.
The 20-year-old joined Man. City from Crystal Palace in 2010.
Loan spells with Portsmouth, Brighton and Charlton saw interest in the midfielder grow prior to his move to Russia.
Huntelaar out until 2014
Striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is unlikely to return until the new year after re-injuring his knee in training this week.
The Holland international is set to decide whether he should undergo an operation in the next few days, but Schalke sporting director Horst Held said the 30-year-old faced a long lay-off regardless.
“We’re going on the principle that he probably won’t play during the first half of the season,” Held said.
Huntelaar’s injury threatens his chances of pushing for a place in the World Cup squad next summer and certainly rules him out of Schalke’s Champions League group campaign.
Gazidis has a dig at rivals Tottenham
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis took the opportunity to make fun of Tottenham at the club’s annual general meeting on Thursday.
In an answer to a question over the promotion of NBC’s Premier League coverage in the United States, Gazidis mocked Spurs for the £80 million sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.
“It is a tremendous development for the Premier League that NBC is involved as heavily as it is,” said Gazidis, who was the former deputy commissioner of the Major Soccer League.
“It is also true that there are Gareth Bale posters plastered all over Times Square – unfortunately he doesn’t play for Tottenham any more, he now plays for one of our rivals.”
Rami delighted with Milan transfer
Valencia defender Adil Rami has spoken of his delight after joining Milan in training.
The France international has been allowed by the Primera Division outfit to train with the Rossoneri prior to making his loan move official in the January transfer market.
“I’ve had an excellent impression of the place,” Rami said.
“I am delighted to be here and to be at Milanello. I am in the best place to train in the world. I am feeling good.
“I am very lucky that Valencia have given me permission to train with Milan so that I can adapt in the best possible way to my team-mates and to the coach (Massimiliano Allegri).
“It feels as though I am part of a family here.”