SOCCER SHORTS:LIVERPOOL MANAGER Rafael Benitez has rubbished reports claiming he has been offered a lucrative package to quit Anfield and become coach of the United Arab Emirates.
After the club’s worst Premier League finish for 11 years the Spaniard has found himself having to field questions about his future almost every day.
However, Benitez stressed he intends to honour that contract.
“I was very surprised to read about this story (being offered the UAE coaching job) but it seems more and more as if they keep happening from somewhere,” Benitez said.
“I am very happy here in Liverpool. I have always been happy and I want to stay here for a long time – if it is possible.”
City set sights on Arteta as Ireland requests transfer
MANCHESTER CITY have made their first inquiries to ascertain Mikel Arteta’s availability from Everton as a replacement for Stephen Ireland after the unsettled midfielder made a transfer request.
Ireland’s request to leave Eastlands after a frustrating season in which his form has deteriorated and the manager, Roberto Mancini, has said he needs to “change his head” has been reluctantly accepted and moves are under way to find another creative player for central midfield.
Arteta ticks the right boxes and City are weighing up whether to turn their interest into an offer in excess of €23 million and can possibly offer Ireland in a player-plus-cash exchange.
Platini revives cup winners plan
UEFA PRESIDENT Michel Platini has revived the prospect of cup winners qualifying for the Champions League.
Platini first launched a proposal for domestic cup winners to take a qualifying slot two years ago but was forced to withdraw it after opposition from the European leagues.
Now the Uefa president has returned to the issue – but admits doing so would be “complicated”.
Platini said: “It’s difficult to change the tournament because it’s a great success.
“The access list is something we can think about for the future and I am always feeling and thinking that the winners of the cup perhaps they have to participate in this competition.
“They are champions as they have won a trophy and this is the Champions League.”
Rodwell signs new five-year deal
EVERTON MIDFIELDER Jack Rodwell has spurned reported interest from Manchester United to sign a new five-year contract with the club.
The 19-year-old had been linked with a €16 million move to Old Trafford but has committed himself to the Toffees having been persuaded by manager David Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright his prospects would be better at Goodison.
Rodwell only signed a five-year contract in February last year but due to his progress and interest from other clubs Everton have rewarded him with an improved deal.
Only last week Moyes warned his players that leaving Everton was not always the route to success.
Mihajlovic linked to Inter Milan
SINISA MIHAJLOVIC stunned Catania by quitting as coach ladt night amid reports linking him with Champions League winners Inter Milan.
Inter boss Jose Mourinho, who guided the side to an unprecedented Italian treble, wants to coach Real Madrid and is poised to hold talks with the Serie A champions about leaving.
Serbian Mihajlovic, who departed as Inter assistant coach in 2008, made no reference to Inter in his resignation letter but fans will now be wondering about his motives.
I hope to soon find a job which legitimises my decision and my professional ambitions, he said on Catanias website, apologising several times for the distress he has caused the club.
Gallas not to be risked
FRANCE COACH Raymond Domenech is confident William Gallas will be fit for the World Cup. The defender has been troubled by a calf injury.
Although he won’t be risked in the friendly against Costa Rica, Domenech said: “After what we saw in training we can be optimistic.”
Liverpool to honour Juventus fans
LIVERPOOL ARE set to honour the memory of the 39 Juventus fans who died at the Heysel disaster with a permanent tribute at Anfield this week. On Wednesday, three days before the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, the club will unveil a plaque at the entrance to the Centenary Stand in front of officials from both clubs. Former Liverpool captain Phil Neal and Sergio Brio, who both played in the 1985 European Cup final, will attend along with Gianluca Pessotto, the former Juventus defender.
Later this week a delegation from Anfield will visit Turin to attend the commemoration events being organised in the city. Wednesday’s event is part of a series of commemorations taking place this week in Liverpool.
