A round-up of today's other stories in brief
De Gea dampens talk of move
ATLETICO Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea has again played down speculation he is set to join Manchester United in the summer. United manager Alex Ferguson also insists such claims are premature and the player himself has echoed those comments. “I haven’t signed anything,” the 20-year-old said. “I’m happy here and have a contract until 2013, so now the essential target is to get the team into Europe and when the league finishes, we’ll see.”
Domenech wants 'indecent sums'
FORMER France coach Raymond Domenech was asking for “indecent sums” by demanding €2.9 million in compensation for his sacking, French Sports Minister Chantal Jouanno said yesterday. A France team in disarray went out at the group stage of last year’s World Cup in South Africa after players went on strike in support of team-mate Nicolas Anelka, with the forward having been sent home for verbally abusing the coach.
A conciliation hearing between Domenech and the French Football Federation (FFF) is scheduled for today.
* WOLVES manager Mick McCarthy has put contract talks on hold to concentrate on securing Premier League survival. McCarthy’s side are 19th in the table but just a point behind Blackpool in 17th and the former Republic of Ireland boss is determined to secure another season in the top flight before addressing the contracts of David Jones, Marcus Hahnemann and Jody Craddock, all of which expire shortly.
Lippi interested in moving to Premier League
WORLD Cup-winning former Italy coach Marcello Lippi has expressed his interest in managing in the Premier League.
The 63-year-old, who stepped down from his second spell as Azzurri coach after last summer’s World Cup, would like to ply his trade in England and admits Chelsea would be an attractive proposition.
Last night’s Champions League exit at the hands of Manchester United turned up the pressure on Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti, with the London club 11 points behind United in the Premier League.
Lippi said on Radio Mana Mana: “I miss coaching – this is normal. My years have been intense and rewarding. There were also disappointments, but this is absolutely normal because you cannot always win.
“In this respect I can only be satisfied, but the desire to do my job is still there. The future? I’d love to coach in the Premier League. Chelsea? It would be nice, but also to lead a national team would not hurt.”
Liverpool shareholder confirmed
THE New York TimesCompany has been confirmed as Liverpool's second largest shareholder.
The club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, made the disclosure to comply with Premier League rules, which state that any ownership of more than 10 per cent must be declared.
The head of FSG, John Henry, said he and the New York TimesCompany are the two biggest shareholders in the group which owns both Liverpool and the Boston Red Sox. FSG said: "The economic interest in this company is held by a range of investors, including Tom Werner. Those holding more than a 10 per cent interest are John Henry and the New York TimesCompany (which is quoted on the New York Stock Exchange). John Henry and Tom Werner are generally responsible for the management of Fenway Sports Group."
It was revealed last week that NBA star Lebron James has also invested in the club.
Ireland remain at 34th in rankings
WORLD champions Spain and runners-up the Netherlands have retained a healthy lead in the latest Fifa world rankings, with Italy returning to the top 10.
Brazil have moved up two places to third, with Germany and Argentina each slipping down a place to fourth and fifth, respectively. England remain sixth.
Italy, the 2006 world champions, climbed two spots to ninth to return to the top 10 after a seven-month absence.
The Republic of Ireland remain 34th but Northern Ireland have slumped 20 places to 65th, one spot above Scotland, who have dropped 16 places. Wales moved up one place to 115th.
FIFA WORLD RANKINGS (last months positions in brackets):1 (1) Spain; 2 (2) Netherlands; 3 (5) Brazil; 4 (3) Germany; 5 (4) Argentina; 6 (6) England; 7 (7) Uruguay; 8 (9) Portugal; 9 (11) Italy; 10 (8) Croatia. Others: 34 (34) Rep of Ireland; 65 (45) Northern Ireland; 66 (50) Scotland; 115 (116) Wales.
