France coach Laurent Blanc has suggested a reduction in the number of teams in Ligue 1 may give his side a better chance of success on the international stage.
Blanc feels his job is not helped by the number of matches his players take part in.
“If we want to do justice to the team and team selection, we must move towards a more consistent calendar,” Blanc told L’Equipe.
“There is no one answer to balance things, but given the growing importance of the Champions League, only the domestic competitions can help free up dates.
“We either return to 18 clubs in Ligue 1 or we get rid of a cup competition.”
McLeish praise for golden oldies
Alex McLeish paid tribute to golden oldies Kevin Phillips and Maik Taylor for rescuing Birmingham from League Cup humiliation and securing a quarter-final spot.
Phillips cancelled out Sam Wood’s opener for Brentford in injury time and then Taylor, 38, saved Craig Woodman’s spot-kick to seal a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win.
“It was not about loyalty as such when we gave them new contracts in the summer,” McLeish said. “As a manager, at times you have to be ruthless. But we felt there was still mileage in these two guys.
“Kevin will never lose that knack in the danger area. Maik is also a top pro and I think some advice from Dave Watson (goalkeeping coach) helped with the last penalty.”
Mowbray promises fair treatment
New Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray insists he will have no problem working with Stephen McManus, Scott McDonald and Barry Robson despite selling them when in charge of Celtic.
“They were all sitting in the front row when I had a meeting with them, looking me in the eye and hopefully looking forward to it and getting an opportunity,” Mowbray said of the former Celtic trio.
“They will all get the same opportunities.
“The guy who has played one game for Middlesbrough, a young guy coming through, the seasoned professionals, it all starts level.”
Reo-Coker a winner and a fighter – Houllier
Gerard Houllier has hailed new Aston Villa captain Nigel Reo-Coker as “an example for the rest of the team” as he revealed his desire for the midfielder to stay at the club.
Reo-Coker, whose contract runs out in the summer, has temporarily been given the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Stiliyan Petrov.
“We will try to keep Nigel,” Houllier said. “If he wants to go elsewhere, he will go elsewhere. A contract doesn’t mean a lot anyway.
“He has played practically every game while I have been in charge and his performances are getting better and better.
“He has got personality and I like that. He is a winner, he is a fighter.”
Hernandez on the right track – Fergie
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Javier Hernandez is on the right path towards becoming a Manchester United great after he fired the club into the League Cup quarter-finals.
The 22-year-old Mexico striker extended his rich scoring form with a brilliant winner in United’s 3-2 victory over Wolves on Tuesday.
Ferguson said: “They tend to build heroes quickly here but he’s justifying the praise at the moment.
“He’s very professional, the first out on the training ground and the last one back in every day and he’s rightly getting a lot of praise for his goalscoring.
“He was absolutely brilliant – it was a magnificent goal. He’s shaped to shoot, dummied the defender and finished really well.”
Chiellini agrees new Juve deal
Giorgio Chiellini is set to sign a new deal with Juventus after revealing that the terms for the renewal of the contract have been agreed by all parties.
Speaking at a FIFA 2011 publicity event, Chiellini said: “There is agreement on everything for the renewal.
“There is only a little bureaucracy missing.”
Asked if Juventus need to bring in some reinforcements in January, Chiellini said: “Quagliarella can’t play in Europe, Amauri and Iaquinta are hurt. If everyone is available, then we don’t need reinforcements, but every area of the team can be improved.
“I don’t believe in a big signing, only some adjustments.”
Milito omission stuns Moratti
Inter president Massimo Moratti has expressed shock over Diego Milito’s omission from the short-list for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
The Argentine striker scored 30 goals last season, including two in the Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich as Inter completed a historic treble.
“I don’t know why he isn’t on the list for the Ballon d’Or,” Moratti said after learning that Milito had not been nominated for the prestigious accolade. “It’s incredible.
“I called him. Diego made us win everything. Now he is suffering being out injured. He will give us extra strength (when he returns).”
Four Inter players are in contention for the award, namely Samuel Eto’o, Julio Cesar, Maicon and Wesley Sneijder.