Former Russia midfielder Ilya Tsymbalar, considered one of the most gifted post-Soviet players, has died at the age of 44 in his native Black Sea town of Odessa.
“Long-serving Spartak Mos-cow and Russian national team player Ilya Tsymbalar died on December 28,” the Russian Football Union (RFU) said in a statement yesterday. “The RFU mourns and expresses its deepest condolences to his family.”
According to agent Roman Oreshchuk, Tsymbalar’s death was caused by heart trouble.
Tsymbalar was part of the Russian team at the 1994 World Cup finals in the United States and the Euro 1996 in England.
Kerslake has no interest in top job
Cardiff City caretaker manager David Kerslake said he had no plans to enter the running for the permanent role after seeing his side squander a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.
“With all respect, I wouldn’t be interested in this job. I love being a coach, that’s where I see myself,” Kerslake told reporters.
“I’ve been a coach now for pushing 10 years. I love what I do, I love being on the grass with the players so I’m happy doing that.”
Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reported to be the club’s preferred choice as manager.
Davids hints playing days are over
Barnet’s high-profile player-manager Edgar Davids has hinted his playing career could be over after claiming he was being targeted by referees in the Skrill Premier.
The 40-year-old former Holland international made the claim after he was sent off for the third time this season in his side’s 2-1 defeat at Salisbury on Saturday.
Davids bemoaned the officiating in the fifth tier saying it had taken the “fun” out of playing.
“I am a target but it is okay. I don’t think I am going to play anymore because they are taking away the fun and I want the team to do well,” he said in comments released on the club’s website.
Ozil out for up to three games
Arsenal’s Germany international Mesut Ozil will be out for up to three matches with a shoulder injury, manager Arsene Wenger said yesterday.
Ozil suffered the injury in the 3-1 win over West Ham United on Thursday.
Ozil, who missed yesterday’s 1-0 win at Newcastle United, has been ruled out of Arsenal’s game against Cardiff on Wednesday. He is also a doubt for their FA Cup third round clash against rivals Tottenham on January 4.
“I would have loved him here (at Newcastle) but he had a shoulder problem, he fell on his shoulder.
“He will be out for two to three games,” Wenger told Sky Sports.
Inter ponder move for Chelsea’s Mata
Chelsea’s Juan Mata is being linked with a move to Inter who are widely expected to make some new signings during the January transfer window.
According to widespread reports, Chelsea have expressed an interest in two Inter players, Fredy Guarin and Andrea Ranocchia.
Il Corriere dello Sport claimed that the Nerazzurri will try to make the most of those connections by making a move for the Spaniard.
Mata is unsettled under Jose Mourinho after being left on the bench for Chelsea’s big games this season.
The Spain playmaker could be available for as little as €15 million.
Borini heads back to Wearside
Sunderland striker Fabio Borini was due to head back to Wearside yesterday after his collapse at Cardiff.
The 22-year-old Italian was taken to hospital in South Wales after becoming ill during the half-time break in the Black Cats’ 2-2 Premier League draw at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet later revealed Borini, who had been suffering from a virus in the lead-up to the match, had been released from hospital, but did not fly back to the north-east with the rest of his team-mates on Saturday night.
However, a club spokesman said yesterday: “Fabio is feeling much better and will return to Wearside today.”
Reja confirms Lazio return
Edy Reja is confident Lazio “can achieve great things” after confirming that he will return as coach of the Serie A side.
Although Lazio have not officially announced the appointment of Reja as Vladimir Petkovic’s replacement, the tactician has told reporters that he will be in the dugout soon.
“Lazio and I can achieve some great things together, already from this season,” Reja told La Repubblica.
Reja also commented on Spanish forward Keita, who he is looking forward to working with.
“Keita is formidable when taking players on and I need people like that,” Reja was quoted as saying.