TP Mazembe’s dreams of reaching another Club World Cup final were quickly extinguished when the African champions lost 3-0 to Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their quarter-final yesterday.
Tsukasa Shiotani and Kazuhiko Chiba both scored following corners and Takuma Asano added the third as Hiroshima earned a tie against South American champions River Plate on Wednesday.
In yesterday’s other quarter-final, Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande scored twice in the last 10 minutes to stun their CONCACAF counterparts America and set up a dream tie against European champions Barcelona on Thursday.
Inter boss Mancini affirms faith in Icardi
Coach Roberto Mancini has insisted that he never doubted his captain Mauro Icardi after the striker scored two goals in Inter’s 4-0 victory at Udinese on Saturday.
Icardi’s indifferent start to the season has prompted speculation of a rift with Mancini, while Icardi has also been linked with a move away from the San Siro.
“He put in a great performance,” Mancini said.
“I was never worried about him. He has scored six goals so far which is a good return. (Stevan) Jovetic also had a great game as their understanding with one another is growing.”
Angry Luis Enrique rues stupid mistakes
Angry Barcelona coach Luis Enrique blamed stupid mistakes after the La Liga pacesetters threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at home to Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.
“The game was under control until we conceded the first goal. We committed individual errors and gave the ball away stupidly which we don’t often do,” Luis Enrique told a news conference.
“The players are disappointed like I am as we wanted to continue with our advantage over rivals. This will serve, though, as something to learn from.”
Revitalised Pato eyes England move
Alexandre Pato wants to move to England, no doubt piquing the interest of a number of Premier League clubs.
A young star at Milan, the 26-year-old’s career looked to be on a downward trajectory when the injury-hit forward returned to Brazil to join Corinthians in 2013.
However, Pato is now injury-free and, having netted 26 goals during a loan spell with Sao Paulo, ready to return to European football. Corinthians are reportedly ready to sell the Brazil international in January, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool said to be interested.
“One day I knew I would like to come to England because I think the Premier League is the number one in the world. It is very competitive,” Pato said.
Neville: No ambition to coach United
Gary Neville does not see himself managing Manchester United in the future.
Valencia sent shockwaves around the footballing world earlier in the month when they handed the former United and England right-back his first managerial post.
“No, I don’t see myself managing Manchester United at all,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“I know what I want to do in my life, and that’s not something that’s in my mind.
“From my point of view, this is important for me and a valuable experience. I’m aware I need to succeed.”
Banks battling kidney cancer a second time
England World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks has revealed he is suffering from kidney cancer for a second time.
Having lost one kidney to the disease 10 years ago, Banks is receiving chemotherapy treatment after blood tests showed the other is now affected.
He told the Sunday Mirror: “Last year we went on our annual holiday to Florida. A week later I couldn’t sleep and then I couldn’t even stand due to the pain.
“I was sent straight to hospital where they told me I had cancer. I was so shocked when they told me it was my kidney.”
‘Improved defence down to team effort’
Jose Mourinho has attributed Chelsea’s re-found steel to a collective willingness to defend.
The previously robust Premier League holders have been remarkably meek in defence this season, contributing to their miserable campaign so far but they have kept four clean sheets in five games.
Mourinho, who takes his side to free-scoring Leicester tonight, said: “The tactical adjustments are minimal compared with the global attitude.
“I always say the same: you defend with 11 players, you have more chances to defend well.
“In this moment our team is working well and hard defensively, the attacking players are doing their job.”