Magath: Former Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath offered to resign twice last year because his work was constantly being criticised by club bosses even though he had won consecutive league and German Cup doubles. "The criticism at me continued even though I won four titles in two years," he said. "First it was tactics, then I wasn't talking enough. Nothing concrete but always annoying taunts. If you're successful and being criticised, something's wrong."

Riquelme: Villarreal's Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme will return to his former club Boca Juniors on loan until the end of the season, according to Boca president Mauricio Macri. However, Villarreal president Fernando Roig insisted the deal was not yet closed. "Nothing has been signed," he said. "It isn't as straight-forward as it seems."

Ballack: Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack says he does not know how serious his pulled thigh muscle is after being injured in Germany's 3-1 win over Switzerland. It is still unclear if Ballack will be fit for tomorrow's league match at home to Middlesbrough.

Romario: Vasco da Gama had two players dismissed in a 2-1 defeat against America on Wednesday in a game where Rom-ario made his latest comeback for the side at the age of 41. Romario came on as a substitute in the 58th minute but was clearly off the pace and hardly touched the ball.

Ronaldinho: Brazil coach Dunga said yesterday that Ronaldinho remained part of his plans despite having started only one full international since the 2006 World Cup finals. "There's no issue, it's only an issue as far as the media are concerned," Dunga said. The Barcelona forward has not scored for Brazil since the Confederations Cup final in 2005.