Blokhin: Former Ukraine manager Oleg Blokhin was named coach of Russian Premier League club FK Moscow. The former Soviet striker replaces Leonid Slutsky, who was sacked by FK Moscow at the end of the season last month despite leading them to fourth place, their best finish, as well as the Russian Cup final. Blokhin, 55, European Player of the Year in 1975, quit as Ukraine coach last week after failing to secure a four-year contract with the Ukrainian FA.

Zanetti: Inter captain Javier Zanetti said Arsenal are the team he would most like to avoid in the first knockout round of the Champions League. "They play well and they are tough too," the Argentina defender said. The draws will be held on Friday.

Arminia Bielefeld: Michael Frontzeck will take over as Arminia Bielefeld's new coach following the sacking of Ernst Middendorp earlier this week. Bielefeld announced the appointment on their website (www.arminia-bielefeld.de) after yesterday's 2-0 win over VfB Stuttgart in their final match before the mid-season break. Frontzeck resigned as coach of Alemannia Aachen following the club's relegation last season.

Simeone: Former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone has signed a one-year contract to coach River Plate starting on Jan. 3, the club announced yesterday. Simeone replaces Daniel Passarella, who quit last month after River were knocked out of the Copa Sudamericana by modest Arsenal ending their last chance of winning a trophy this year. Simeone began coaching at Argentina's Racing Club and led Estudiantes de La Plata to the national championship in 2006.

In France: Ligue 1 results - Monaco vs Racing Lens 2-0; Metz vs Sochaux 1-2; Le Mans vs Lorient 0-0; Lille vs St Etienne 3-0; O. Lyon vs Nice 0-0; Paris St Germain vs Toulouse 1-2; Stade Rennes vs Caen 1-2; Valenciennes vs Auxerre 3-0. Playing today: 6 p.m. Strasbourg vs Nancy; 9 p.m. Bordeaux vs Marseille.