Three-times champions Iran yesterday basked in the glory of coming from behind to defeat holders and great rivals Iraq at the Asian Cup with their coach calling it “a very special” victory.
Iraq’s German coach Wolfgang Sidka had attempted to suggest the 2-1 defeat was simply losing three points, but his counterpart thought differently.
“When these two teams play each other there’s so much rivalry and history, so it’s very difficult to get the players to concentrate and focus on football and it becomes a fighting game,” said Afshin Ghotbi.
“I was very happy my players were able to concentrate and could get this very special three points.”
Sunderland in talks with Miliband
Sunderland are considering taking on former foreign secretary David Miliband as a vice-chairman of the club.
The Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn has confirmed that talks have been held with 45-year-old Miliband, who is the Labour Party MP for the neighbouring constituency of South Shields.
Reports suggested that he could be hired to work at the Stadium of Light as a vice-chairman on an annual salary of £50,000.
Miliband has taken a back seat role in parliament since surprisingly losing out to brother Ed in September in the race to replace Gordon Brown as leader of the Labour Party.
Spalletti flattered by Russia link
Zenit St Petersburg boss Luciano Spalletti has claimed he would be happy to coach Russia one day if he is offered the chance.
The Italian tactician has been suggested as the number one candidate to succeed national team coach Dick Advocaat, whose contract with the Russian Federation expires after Euro 2012.
When asked about those reports in the Russian media, Spalletti said: “I’m happy about that, and proud.
“It’s something I would certainly be interested in.”
Spalletti, 51, joined Zenit in December 2009 and last year led them to the Russian league and cup double.
Juve open Forlan talks – report
Juventus have started discussions to sign Diego Forlan from Atletico Madrid, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported.
The Turin giants are looking to bring in a striker to fill the gap left by Fabio Quagliarella who suffered a long-term knee injury.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve’s initial proposal to sign Forlan on loan for the rest of the season has already been rejected by Atletico.
Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta is now exploring the possibility of authorising a bid for a permanent transfer with club president Andrea Agnelli.
Forlan is valued at €15m and currently earns around €4m a season at the Vicente Calderon.
Totti still vital to Roma – Sensi
Roma president Rosella Sensi has claimed that unsettled captain Francesco Totti is still at the heart of the club’s project.
Totti voiced his displeasure this week after seeing his playing time substantially decrease with the Giallorossi this season.
Sensi said: “Of all the players that have had the honour to wear the Roma jersey, Totti is the number one.
“More than anyone else, he has been placed at the centre of our project in view of the future.
“I say to my captain that even if the Sensi family leaves Roma, he must think of the duty that together we undertook for our fans and our city.”
Van Bommel agent dismisses Milan talk
The agent of Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel dismissed reports linking his client with Milan in the winter transfer window.
Van Bommel’s current contract with the German giants ends this summer and reports in Italy claim Milan are keen to acquire the services of the 33-year-old.
“It’s true that this week I will be in Milan but to discuss other matters,” Mino Raiola, Van Bommel’s agent, told calciomercato.it.
“I have had no contact with Milan.
“I have not yet spoken to Van Bommel either and it’s too early to discuss an eventual contract renewal.
“These are matters we will discuss later on in the season.”
Higuain faces long lay-off
Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain could be out of action for several months following surgery and may not return to full fitness for a year, a newspaper reported, quoting the doctor who carried out the operation.
Doctors at Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Tuesday “successfully” performed keyhole surgery to fix a slipped disc that has sidelined the 23-year-old Argentine since late November.
The doctor who led the surgery, Richard Fessler, said the player could return to competition in four months.
Fessler said Higuain would continue to feel some pain but it should not prevent him from playing. But he said it may be another year before he is fully recovered, Marca reported.