Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich vows to stand by Andre Villas-Boas even after recent wobble

Roman Abramovich has “no intention whatsoever” of sacking Andre Villas-Boas as Chelsea manager despite being upset at the club’s poor run of form, according to a source close to the Russian billionaire.

ManUtd lack fire power against Crystal Palace

Dougie Freedman's side to face Cardiff City in the Carling Cup semi-finals after goals from Darren Ambrose and Glenn Murray.

Chelsea performance 'not good enough', says under pressure manager Andre Villas-Boas

The Chelsea manager labelled the performance unacceptable and said his team had been far “inferior” to Liverpool, who have now won on their last three visits to this stadium which had, in previous seasons, been such a fortress for the home side.

“I thought Liverpool were far superior all the way through,” Villas-Boas said.

“They had a strong desire to kill the game and we couldn’t match it. We have to be critical of ourselves and shouldn’t accept this result.

“At the moment, at home, we’ve just not been good enough. We need to get our fans behind us at home. I know, and you can feel, Stamford Bridge has become anxious about Chelsea playing at home, but we need their full support behind us. That’s the only way you can build the atmosphere to take us through this period.”

Sanchez double as Barca cut Real lead to three

An Alexis Sanchez brace helped Barcelona to a 4-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday which reduced Real Madrid?s lead to three points and showed they will not give up their title without a fight.

KG eyes clash with Red Devils tonight

Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagiso Dikgacoi is looking forward to play against his childhood dream team, Manchester United, in a Carling Cup match at the Old Trafford tonight.  

Aguero sinks the gunners

Sergio Agüero puts league leaders through to the Carling Cup semi-finals with 83rd-minute strike.

Chelsea crash to Liverpool again

Andre Villas-Boas left to fear for his future as his side suffer yet another loss in the Carling Cup quarter-final.

Real Madrid leapfrog Barcelona in La Liga power stakes as first El Clasico of the season approaches

It's payback time. Twelve months ago, Jose Mourinho watched from the Nou Camp touchline as Barcelona tore apart his Real Madrid side in a 5-0 humiliation. Fast forward to the weekend and the balance of power in Spain is reaching a new tipping point.

Barcelona crash...

Barcelona crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat at Getafe on Saturday and now trail Real Madrid, who came from a goal down to beat nine-man derby rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1, by six points.

Ferguson must sharpen up his midfield to give Manchester United a cutting edge

When the indignation wears off Manchester United will study all of the chances they missed and blame not the match officials but themselves.

Andre Villas-Boas's five fixtures to save his job

Saturday, November 26: Chelsea v Wolves
Probably the most appealing of their next five fixtures, Chelsea are unlikely to struggle too much against a side that have only recorded three victories this season.
Likely outcome: high scoring victory and timely boost to players' confidence.
Will he stay? Job safe for now.

Tuesday November 29: Chelsea v Liverpool
Given last weekend's 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Kenny Dalglish's side, Chelsea will be out for revenge. Villas-Boas' line-up will ultimately come down to how much progression in the Carling Cup means to the club given the away trip to Newcastle three days later.
Likely outcome: Chelsea to scrape through
Will he stay? Yes, but remaining in the Carling Cup will not be enough to end speculation.

Saturday, December 3: Newcastle v Chelsea
Not an easy tie to be sandwiched between to cup fixtures, harder still for Chelsea when you look at Newcastle's record this season. They've lost just once – to leaders Manchester City last weekend – and have a perfect home record.
Likely outcome: score draw
Will he stay? Roman Abramovich is unlikely to rock the managerial boat just days before a do-or-die Champions League clash with Valencia. Defeat could put the penultimate nail in the proverbial coffin.

Tuesday December 6: Chelsea v Valencia
Chelsea came within minutes of victory at the Mestalla in September. Had it not been for an inspired performance by Diego Alves, Villas-Boas' side could well have scored four of five goals. Home advantage should see them secure qualification but only victory will do with both sides tied on points in the Group E table and Bayer Leverkusen unlikely to lose against Genk.
Likely outcome: narrow victory and group runner's up
Will he stay? Exiting the Champions League will likely be the straw that breaks the camels back for Villas-Boas. This result over any other will prove pivotal to his fate, though victory and qualification won't mean he is home and dry.

Monday, December 12: Chelsea v Manchester City
Villas-Boas will welcome the six-day break between the Champions League and this tie. Injuries permitting he should be in a position to field his strongest side but the focus will fall on Chelsea's defence and how well they cope with a side that has scored 42 goals already this season.
Likely outcome: third home defeat of the season
Will he stay? If Chelsea have secured a place in the Champions League knockout stage it will buy him some grace, if not this could be his last game in charge.

Villas-Boas: we need Chelsea fans behind us

Andre Villas-Boas on Wednesday night said he took “responsibility” for Chelsea’s collapse in form after the surprise 2-1 Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen which puts their progress in the competition in doubt.

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie in the same class as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?

Mikel Arteta believes "on fire" Arsenal captain Robin van Persie is up there with world's best strikers after brace against Dortmund

ManUtd' defensive self-destruction

Hosts' defensive self-destruction returns with potentially calamitous consequences in a damaging draw at Old Trafford.

Man City fluff their lines in Naples

Edinson Cavani's two goals inflict a big hit on City's chances of qualifying for the knockout phase of the Champions League.

Massive week for Pirates

Orlando Pirates' Siyabonga Sangweni Orlando Pirates face his former team Lamontville Golden Arrows in their 2011 Telkom Knockout semifinal on Saturday.

With the side coming off a disappointing 3-1 loss to BidVest Wits at the weekend, they need a few positive results to bring back the confidence to the team.

They will at least have the suspended key duo of Benni McCarthy and Lucky Lekgwathi back in action after they missed the Wits game, which will be a big boost to beleaguered coach Julio Leal.

Pirates are currently 10 points behind League leaders SuperSport United and the defence of their title looks shaky.

Having already won the MTN8 though this season, they will be hoping for more silverware as they seek a final appearance in the 2011 Telkom Knockout with a win against in-form Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Why Man Utd boss Ferguson regrets not signing Tottenham's Parker in August

Sir Alex Ferguson has to be having second thoughts about not going for Scott Parker during the summer.

Admission that Tom Cleverley's injury is worse than first feared only exacerbates the problems in midfield the Manchester United manager needs to confront. The energy and mobility Cleverley - andAshley Young - added to United in the early part of the season masked problems so exposed byBarcelona in the Champions League final last season - and later exploited by Manchester City in that derby drubbing.

There's been plenty said about the creative void left by Paul Scholes, but Ferguson also lacks a ball-winner. Cleverley was able to cover both shortcomings, but United haven’t played with the same pace and snap since Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Davies took him out at Old Trafford. Ferguson's midfield has looked pedestrian, their build-up laboured and the final pass virtually non-existent. The players are still good enough to challenge for the title in England, but against Champions League opposition - and City - United's flaws have been exposed.

That Ferguson chose to ignore finding a solution over the summer now risks coming back to haunt him - on and off the pitch.

With the January market looming, the Manchester United manager now faces a huge dilemma - which could've been avoided if he'd pull the trigger on Parker before the former West Ham United midfielder had signed with Tottenham.

When winning the prestigious Golden Foot last month, Ryan Giggs was asked by Italian journalists about his former United teammate Giuseppe Rossi. Giggs admitted during Rossi's time at Old Trafford there was little chance of Ferguson keeping the now Villarreal striker happy with the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy ahead of him.

And this is dilemma that again confronts the United manager.

The talk is Inter Milan now need to sell Wesley Sneijder to fund their planned overhaul and have been actively encouraging Ferguson to try again after a frustrating summer in pursuit. Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gatian, Lille's Eden Hazard and now Ajax whizkid Christian Eriksen have all been mentioned as potential solutions to United's creative problem. Then there's Rennes' powerhouse Yann M'Vila, who is greatly admired by Ferguson and would fit perfectly in a midfield lacking genuine defensive steel.

But should any of these candidates arrive, with the pressure of a massive price-tag guaranteeing them an extended chance to prove themselves, where will that leave the clutch of young midfielders which Ferguson has not shied away from talking up since the start of the season?

United staff say they haven't seen a talent like Ravel Morrison since Scholes, Ryan Tunnicliffe is pulling up trees at Peterborough United, Paul Pogba's departure on-loan was blocked by Ferguson as he sees him as first team material - and then you have the fit-again Daniele Petrucci, back after a broken leg and who has been likened to Francesco Totti, plus Robbie Brady, doing so well at Hull City.

The arrival of a 27 year-old Sneijder, or an even younger M'Vila or Eriksen isn't going to go down well with players like Pogba, who is now in the middle of protracted talks over a new deal.

Everything could have been solved if Ferguson had gone for Parker.

As he's shown for club and country, Parker has been dynamic at both ends of the pitch this season. With England he's primarily been employed in a holding role, while at Spurs the former Hammers man is high up the table in terms of assists. And against Spain, he proved himself well capable of matching it with the game's very best.

Parker could've solved both problems weighing heavily on United’s midfield and at 31, would not have appeared a threat to the youngsters now expecting a first team chance.

Ferguson hasn't been against signing veterans in the past. Henrik Larsson is the obvious example, but there's been others. Gines Carvajal's revelation that Ferguson tried to sign Raul last year before he joined Schalke is proof the United manager will go for an OAP when he feels it necessary.

But his failure to make a move for Parker has now handed him a huge dilemma. Can United risk waiting for the likes of Pogba, Petrucci and Morrison to prove their value. Or do they now splash out millions on a Sneijder and/or M'Vila - and so force these youngsters to look elsewhere to launch their senior careers?

After 25 years in the job, it's another massive question Ferguson needs to get right for the good ofManchester United.

Adebayor sends Spurs to third

London - A double by Togolese international striker Emmanuel Adebayor handed Spurs a deserved 2-0 win over Aston Villa here on Monday and lifted them up to third place in the Premier League.

Adebayor - on loan from Manchester City - struck in the 14th and 40th minutes to give manager Harry Redknapp a pleasant return to the dugout after recovering from minor heart surgery.

Spurs went above Newcastle on goal difference and trail Manchester City by nine points and Manchester United by four, though, the London club have a game in hand.

There was little fuss when Redknapp took his seat on the bench just before kick-off.

He had missed the Europa League defeat to Rubin Kazan and the win over Fulham just before the international break when they extended their unbeaten run in the league to eight matches.

"I enjoyed the way we played tonight, I think the fans enjoyed it as well," said Redknapp.

"They've seen lots of great teams over the years and they're enjoying the way this team's playing.

"It's great to be back tonight - I wouldn't want to watch it at home again, that was nerve-wracking."

Redknapp was especially complimentary about Croatian playmaker Luka Modric, who has returned to his best form after a troubled start to the season when he appeared distracted by Chelsea making several multi-million pound bids which were all rejected.

"Luka was fantastic, he and Scott Parker have been outstanding together," Redknapp said.

"I love Luka, I love the way he plays his football and he's an absolutely top-class fella."

Adebayor - who took his total haul for the season to five in the Premier League - scored with a superb overhead kick and then a close range effort, both times being set up by Welsh star Gareth Bale.

Ex-Spurs striker Darren Bent had a header saved early in the first half, but it hardly broke the momentum of the hosts.

Bale was rampant throughout making a mockery of Villa manager Alex McLeish's decision to start with two right backs - including former Spurs defender Alan Hutton - to try and neutralise the Welshman.

Adebayor - who was sent out on loan to Real Madrid last season as he fell down the pecking order at City - could easily have had a hat-trick.

However, he spurned the three second-half chances that fell his way and also had a strike disallowed for offside.

A nice curling effort from the edge of the box drifting just wide, while 12 minutes from the end Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, who had earlier come off best in a one on one, dived bravely at his feet.

Spurs could have had a hatful as Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart went close with a chip and a shot from a tight angle went into the side netting.

Kyle Walker, who was on loan at Villa last season, also went close when his drive from 25 yards went just wide.

Brad Friedel, who left Villa at the end of the last campaign, went largely untroubled and the visitors never looked likely to win their first away match in the league this season.

AVB - My job is safe

Andre Villas-Boas insists he does not face the sack from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich despite their latest slip-up in the Premier League.

Question marks have been raised over Villas-Boas' future at Stamford Bridge with Guus Hiddink being linked with a return to the club after leaving his role as Turkey coach.Chelsea face a huge task to get back into the title race after falling 12 points behind league leaders Manchester City following Sunday's home defeat to Liverpool.

However, Villas-Boas, who left Porto to takeover at Chelsea in the summer, remains confident he has Abramovich's backing.

"It's not a question of the owner having patience. We have set out to build something new at this club and the club is committed to taking what we're building to the future.

"The owner didn't pay 15 million euros to get me out of Porto to pay me another fortune to get out. Our commitment is towards the club and what we are doing in the future."

Not impossible

Villas-Boas admits Chelsea's title hopes are hanging by a thread after suffering a third Premier League defeat in four games.

"There were no positives when you get a result like this," added Villas-Boas. "The situation in the league is not good. It's not impossible to turn it around, but it's not the brightest of starts.

"There's no running away from responsibilities. There's no calling this a transitional period. We're not calling for time to work. Our responsibility is to win trophies."

Becks - Title won't sway me

David Beckham insists that winning the MLS with Los Angeles Galaxy will have no bearing on his future.

The former England captain lifted the MLS Cup on Sunday evening after helping the Galaxy to a 1-0 triumph over Houston Dynamo.

His contract with MLS is now due to expire, and the 36-year-old is set to reveal a decision about his future.

A number of Premier League clubs are reported to be keen on taking him back to England, whilst big-spending Paris Saint Germain have offered him a move to France.

Asked whether the trophy would have an influence on his decision, he replied: "None, it won't make any difference.Galaxy have also offered him fresh terms, but Beckham was giving little away - just insisting that his first silverware in America would have no impact on his future.

"I said that before whether we won or not, it would not change my future."

Success

Beckham insisted that winning the MLS was just as important as any of his previous triumphs withManchester United and Real Madrid.

"It is exactly the same, doesn't matter where I am playing, what country, what team," he told Sky Sports News.

"When you are successful and win, it all means the same thing - European Cup, FA Cup, Premier League, La Liga, all means the same thing.

"I play the game to win. Whether I stay or not, I've had an amazing five years."I always think about being successful whichever club I have been at, I have played for two of the biggest clubs in the world in Real Madrid and Manchester United and been successful with them, now I have played for the biggest club in America and had success.

"I've loved it here. The fans have been unbelievable, the owners, the players, every one of them are heroes. They've been incredible all season and this has capped it off."

Beckham revealed that he played through the final despite tearing his hamstring earlier in the week.

"I tore my hamstring four days ago," he revealed.

"We told everyone it was a cold but I don't think anyone believed me - I will let it repair, we go on tour next week so I might have a glass of wine tonight. It was a slight tear and I have played worse."

Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic remain confident they can beat Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title.

City are currently five points clear of United at the top of the table and remain the only unbeaten side in the top flight this term.

Roberto Mancini's men outlined their title credentials with their stunning 6-1 win over United at Old Trafford last month, butRooney and Vidic admit there is a long way to go before the championship is decided.

"There's a lot of games left. They (Manchester City) certainly have the players to be up there towards the end of the season, so we are not taking them lightly."
Wayne Rooney on the title raceQuotes of the week

"You never know what's going to happen, but we managed to come back last season," said Rooney.

"There's a lot of games left. They (Manchester City) certainly have the players to be up there towards the end of the season, so we are not taking them lightly.

"But we are just digging in and getting points on the board."

Warning

United skipper Vidic insists they are not thinking too much about City and he fully expects their local rivals to hit a sticky patch despite their fine run of form in recent weeks.

"We will think about what they are going to do, but only if they are five points ahead of us with six games to go," noted Vidic.

"You can see what I mean from last year. In the first seven or eight games Chelsea played unbelievably.

"But there was also a time when everything is not going well. It's a ten-month season and you can't always play great football.

"There will be good days and bad days but you have to play as a team.

"For that reason, we aren't thinking about them. We still have to play them and they still have to play the top four or five others as well.

"So, we aren't thinking about them, because that's not the way we are going to win the league."

AC Milan assistant boss Mauro Tassotti admits the club are interested in Carlos Tevez, but would need to assess him before making a move.

AC and city rivals Inter Milan are emerging as the most likely candidates to sign Tevez, who remains AWOL from City.

The Argentine striker returned to his homeland earlier this month without City's permission and he is yet to report back to training.

This came after City fined the player two-weeks' wages for breach of contract, following their Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich on 27th September.

Tevez has not been involved for City since the defeat in Germany and Roberto Mancini admitted last week that he does not see a way back for the player.

Now Milan assistant boss Mauro Tassotti has confirmed their interest, but admitted they would need to look at the player first - before deciding on any move.

"Tevez to Milan? He is a great player but we need to evaluate his condition and his head because as well as technical ability, you need to be mentally ready to play," he is quoted by the Daily Mirror.

"There are problems with Manchester City but it could be an idea."

Backing

Meanwhile, Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta added to the calls for the club to bring Tevez in - insisting he would be perfect for them.

"Tevez would be perfect to substitute Cassano," Costacurta said.

"I get the impression that he could create some problems if he is left on the bench though - and that will happen at Milan when you consider the forwards they have in their squad.

"He would have to be managed properly. Nevertheless, he is the ideal attacker for Milan."

Hiddink plays down Blues rumours

Guus Hiddink has distanced himself from rumours linking him with an imminent return to Chelsea, despite admitting he is in regular contact with Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

The Dutchman had his contract terminated with the Turkey national team last week after they failed to overcome Croatia in their Euro 2012 play-off.

Hiddink enjoyed a successful four-month spell at Stamford Bridge in 2009, replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari that February and leading the team to FA Cup glory and third place in the Premier League.

The 65-year-old returned to his then permanent position as coach of Russia that summer but speculation has continued ever since over a possible return to west London.

That speculation increased on Sunday when Chelsea lost 2-1 at home to Liverpool, their third defeat in four games, to leave current boss Andre Villas-Boas under pressure.

Hiddink freely admits he is still in contact with Roman Abramovich but appears to have ended speculation of a dramatic return - for now at least - by revealing he intends to take some time out of the game.

When asked whether he had been offered at position back at Chelsea, Hiddink told RT: "No, I was contracted to the Turkish Federation at the time.

Relationship

"The relationship [with Abramovich] was and has been and will be very good.

"When I go to London, I am always welcome at Cobham [Chelsea's training ground] and the stadium.

"We don't speak every week but every now and then there is contact and I feel very welcome always.

"I will take some time off and we will see what the future brings.

"I haven't agreed anything with anyone because I was in Turkey, that's why I will take my time to settle down and reflect on what to do.

"I have made the decision to stop the previous job and then one must take some time to reflect and look where there is a prestigious project, not just football but also through other things where I can help somewhere.

Return

One such project could be a move to big-spending Anzhi Makhachkala. The Russian Premier League club have been linked with a move for Hiddink and it would mean a return to the country where he had a successful four-year spell in charge of the national team.

Hiddink admitted that such a move may be of interest to him, adding: "There is deep affection from my side and frequent contact with all kinds of people in Russia which I like very much.

"I have heard it [Anzhi's project] from the outside but it is a prestigious project. I like the project because there must be a good football team.

"It's not just football, it's nice for a region [Dagestan] which is still living in poverty."