Sacchi: Real Madrid director of football Arrigo Sacchi says the Primera Liga club still has a way to go before it can be considered the best side in Europe again. "The strongest clubs in Europe at the moment are Juventus and Chelsea. You may or may not like their football but they have a clearly defined approach to the game," Sacchi said. "We are at a crucial moment, just coming out of a grey patch. We haven't established our shape yet, and are still adapting to changes in the squad."
Petrov: Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoitchkov says Atletico Madrid will enjoy great success in Spain if they nurture the talents of his compatriot Martin Petrov. "If they support him, let him develop, and allow him to express himself Atletico will win many titles with Petrov," Stoitchkov said. Petrov, 26, joined Atletico from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg for 8.5 million euros in July and has been an immediate hit at the Calderon.
Ziege: Former Germany international defender Christian Ziege fears his career might be over after making little progress in his recovery from an ankle injury. "The point is surely not far away when you have to say it makes no more sense," the 33-year-old told Kicker. "Inevitably, I have to deal with thoughts of my career ending. This can't go on forever. I'm not going forward. I don't see any further treatment promising success." Ziege has not played for Borussia Moenchengladbach since suffering an ankle injury last December.
Chevanton: Uruguay striker Javier Chevanton says he felt hurt after being left out of his country's last two World Cup qualifiers and does not expect to be picked again while Jorge Fossati remains coach. "If I didn't get the chance to go to these two games, I don't think I will go to the World Cup either, if we qualify, and that hurts me a lot," the striker said. "I haven't been picked for the two most important games of the year," added Chevanton. "It hurts me that they're saying I'm injured and it hurts that nobody has called me."
Senegal: Henri Camara urged supporters to get behind Senegal in their struggle against the odds to qualify again for the World Cup finals. Senegal, who reached the quarter-finals of the tournament in 2002 beating holders France, trail qualifying Group One leaders Togo by two points. To get through they must beat Mali tomorrow and Togo must lose away to Congo in Brazzaville. Camara said: "All is still possible...We the players, as well as the supporters, everyone wants to go to the World Cup and the chance is still there."