Struggling Deportivo La Coruna unveiled former Real Betis and West Bromwich Albion coach Pepe Mel as their new manager yesterday until the end of the season in a bid to steer clear of the La Liga relegation zone after a winless start to 2017.
La Liga winners in 2000 and Champions League semi-finalists in 2004, Deportivo are battling against a third relegation in seven years after losing four games in a row which led to Gaizka Garitano being sacked after Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of fellow strugglers Leganes.
Mel is the seventh manager they have appointed in six years.
Van Dijk not for sale, say Southampton
Southampton have no plans to sell defender Virgil van Dijk and are determined to retain the core group of the current team, chairman Ralph Krueger has said.
The 25-year-old van Dijk, who is currently nursing an ankle injury, has grown in influence at Southampton this season with local media linking him to possible moves to Liverpool and Manchester City.
“Virgil is very committed for us and we don’t see anything but that in our future,” Krueger told British media.
“He is our team captain and we don’t see him anywhere else than in red and white stripes,” Krueger added.
I’m among the best in the world – Kane
Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane believes he is one of the best strikers in the world after his hat-trick in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Stoke City took him past 20 goals in all competitions for a third successive season.
Kane, who scored his second hat-trick in a week and third in nine games in Sunday’s match, is level with Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku on 17 goals.
“I feel that if you look at my stats, my goals, then I’m up there. If you guys want to print that (I’m one of the best in the world), I’m more than happy to have that,” Kane told British media.
“I’ve had a good couple of months now so it’s important I continue that until the end of the season.”
Argentina union repeats strike call
Argentina’s players union said it will go ahead with a plan to strike next weekend when the first division is set to resume despite the country’s FA reaching an agreement with the government on a cash injection to clear unpaid salaries.
The championship was due to restart on February 5 but has been on hold because of financial problems.
“The Argentine Footballers’ Union (FAA) maintains its stance of not starting the second half of the tournaments in the professional categories organised by the AFA,” the union said.
Kante needs to improve – Makelele
N’Golo Kante needs to develop his leadership qualities if he wants to be considered an “exceptional player” and establish himself as a regular with France, according to Claude Makelele.
Makelele returned to Stamford Bridge as assistant manager of Swansea City on Saturday but could not prevent Chelsea securing a 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Diego Costa, while Kante produced an outstanding performance in midfield.
“What I like about him is that he’s very generous,” Makelele said.
“He plays with a smile on his face, and that’s an exceptional quality. I really hope he has a better career than mine, but he still needs that leadership.
“That doesn’t mean be a team captain, but to have an aura within the team that when they look at him, they think ‘We’re going to win’.”
Moore to replace Ayre at Liverpool
Liverpool have named Peter Moore as chief executive to replace the departing Ian Ayre.
Liverpool-born Moore, 61, will take up the role in June and report directly to the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG).
The appointment completes a 10-month transition plan by FSG and finalises the senior management structure at the club.
Moore is chief competition officer at Electronic Arts (EA) based in the United States and has been chief operating officer and president of EA SPORTS during his nearly 10 years at EA.
Ayre is leaving to take up a similar position at German second division club 1860 Munich.
Motherwell sack manager McGhee
Motherwell have parted company with manager Mark McGhee, the Scottish Premiership club have announced.
The Steelmen have lost four Premiership game in a row, conceding 17 goals in that run.
Fans protested against McGhee during and after Saturday’s 5-1 home defeat by Dundee which left the Lanarkshire club 10th in the table, three points above bottom side Hamilton.
The statement read: “The decision, taken by the board following consultation with the ‘Well Society, comes after a disappointing run of results, culminating in the loss at home to Dundee.”