Schalke 04 coach Felix Magath has launched a charm offensive on Facebook in a bid to win back the support of the club’s fans.
Schalke supporters are upset at what they perceive to be Magath’s dictatorial style and his transfer policy, in particular the mooted sale of keeper Manuel Neuer at the end of the season.
The club’s main fans’ association has written an open letter to Magath urging him not to “sell the club’s soul”.
In reply Magath opened his own page on the internet social networking site Facebook on which he wrote in his first posting: “Dear fans of Schalke 04, I am delighted to be able to regularly share ideas and opinions with you.”
Carragher vital to Reds – Dalglish
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes veteran defender Jamie Carragher still has plenty to offer the club.
Carragher, who signed a new two-year contract in October, turned 33 last month but his performance in last weekend’s victory over Chelsea highlighted his value.
“He’s a fantastic influence in and around the place but if he’s on the pitch he can be a far greater influence,” said the Scot.
“He was fantastic last Sunday. It’s a great credit to him that he got through the game. He’s probably been the club’s best defender for many years.
“Carragher is a great credit and asset to this club, and he’ll be invaluable to us going forward.”
Lindegaard speaks of Ferguson warmth
Anders Lindegaard will never forget how relaxed Sir Alex Ferguson made him feel when he was first introduced to the legendary Manchester United manager.
The Danish goalkeeper first met Ferguson on a whistlestop tour of United’s Carrington training complex late last year.
“I remember almost everything Sir Alex Ferguson said to me,” said the 26-year-old.
“The thing I remember most was how comfortable he made me feel. He is maybe the greatest man in football right now but he can still make people feel comfortable in his appearance.
“That is a very good skill to have.”
Blackpool face keeper shortage
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway could have only one senior goalkeeper available for today’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Bloomfield Road.
Paul Rachubka is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging his knee on Thursday in a recurrence of the injury that kept him out for the first half of the season.
Matt Gilks, who has not played since November due to a knee problem of his own, is still several weeks away from a return to action, so Richard Kingson is in line to start against Villa, while Holloway hopes to be granted permission by the Premier League to sign another keeper.
Cruyff accepts Ajax advisory role
Football legend Johan Cruyff has returned to Ajax on an advisory basis after agreeing to become a member of one of three “sounding board groups”.
A meeting on Thursday between general manager Rik van den Boog, Ajax’s board of directors and Cruyff confirmed the former Holland playmaker’s willingness to advise on technical issues.
The other two sounding boards will focus on financial and association matters.
Ajax also announced further talks would be held to determine whether Cruyff’s role would be expanded.
Bastos open to Juventus move
Lyon’s Michel Bastos is open to the possibility of joining Juventus.
“Juve want me and no player can turn down the Bianconeri shirt,” the Brazilian told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “We’re talking about one of the top 10 clubs in the world.
“They have Gigi Buffon, the best ‘keeper on the planet, and Alessandro Del Piero who is a symbol of Italian football.
“There is Milos Krasic too, a new star of the European game.”
Bastos, who was linked with a number of Italian clubs in the past, also denied claims that he was keen on a move to Barcelona.
“I was just asked a question about which club I would like to play for and I said Barcelona,” he added. “There is nothing strange in that.”
Bosingwa happy with transfer deals
Jose Bosingwa admitted the money spent by English clubs in January was “crazy” but is nevertheless pleased with Chelsea’s work in the transfer window.
The Blues lavished a British record of £50 million on Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and also brought in Brazilian defender David Luiz for around £25m.
Liverpool also spent big, reinvesting the Torres fee in £35 million striker Andy Carroll, having already added Luis Suarez to their squad for nearly £23 million.
Portuguese right-back Bosingwa was as shocked as most other observers when the figures started mounting up.
“I was following the end of the transfer window like everybody was,” Bosingwa said.
“I was watching it on the internet in the hotel where we were staying and it was crazy, but good for us.”