Sven-Goran Eriksson Urges FA To Consider Jose Mourinho

Sven-Goran Eriksson has urged the FA to approach Jose Mourinho as coach when Fabio Capello resigns. The national team’s coach is one the hardest jobs in football and one where many managers have failed to get the best out of the players.

The Swede insists the special one has more than the correct qualities to succeed as England Manager and would like to see the Portuguese man at the helm. Eriksson himself enjoyed a successful spell as England manager guiding the Three Lions to a quarter-final place in the World Cup where they lost to Brazil in 2002.

Jose Mourinho, who is now boss of Real Madrid, helped guide Chelsea in winning two Premier League titles and the FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Jose was a candidate for the England job, absolutely not," the Leicester boss was quoted as saying in several national newspapers.

"Do you think the discussion that you must be English to be the England manager is still going on? I don't think so.

"Nobody would complain if England were to take Mourinho. I think what he has done during the last 10 years makes him perhaps the best, or one of the best, managers around.

"When he's finished at Real he won't be short of offers, so why not? If you've tried English football, you love it, whether you are a player, coach or manager.

"If you've been working in football in England, then leave for another country, it's not the same. So, I understand Jose wants to come back."

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Andre Villas-Boas Expects City To Challenge For Premier League Title

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Andre Villa-Boas has said that he expects Manchester City to challenge for the Premier League title when the new season starts. City have been splashing the cash this summer and yesterday signed Argentine striker Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid in a deal reported to be around the £35 million mark.

The Chelsea boss insists that City will be looking to start the season strong as they aim to win the league, "I think it's pretty clear that they are building a squad to fight for the title," the 33-year-old said.

"It's for Mancini to say what his objectives are but my personal perspective is that they are making good signings and that they can threaten for the league."

The former Porto coach feels it be close race between a number of five clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.

"I think Man United as the title holders will be a reference for everybody but you can see the amount of activity Manchester City have had in the market. It's pretty clear they have a title objective as well," he said.

"Liverpool did more or less the same, Tottenham want to get back into the top four so they'll be challenging and Arsenal are always a threat - we haven't seen the last of them in the transfer market - so everybody is strengthening and as long as everybody feels happy with what they have, everybody competes in a different way."

Chelsea have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, but Villas-Boas suggests he will add to squad is the right player becomes available.

"It all boils down to the evaluation period, there's still plenty of time for those decisions," added Villas-Boas.

"The players that we have shown interest in are young and looking to the future of the club, you might see similar moves in the future from us. It is one of the oldest squads in the Premier League, we respect them and we are happy enough with the quality that we have to challenge for the title but we are also looking into the future.

"We are so comfortable at the moment with what we are getting because of the young players we have. Things for the future are brighter for us in that respect."

John Terry Admits Management Ambition

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John Terry has confirmed that he would like to become Chelsea manager when his finishes his playing career.  The Blue captain is 33 and has three years left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge.

The appointment of Andre Villas-Boas as manager at Chelsea, who is just three years his senior has ignited his own ambitions about going into management.

‘It’s great for the players looking at this,’ said Terry. ‘Bringing in Roberto di Matteo as his assistant and giving chances to players who’ve been around the club gives encouragement to players like me, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech that if we do our badges there will be roles in the future, whether it’s with the first team or reserves.

‘That’s my overall aim, to become a manager. I’ve got three years left on my deal and I will be 33 then, but I’m certain he will be around for a long time." he said of Villas-Boas.

‘He’s a very intelligent man. He has attention to detail in pre-game and during training, and he’s very much like Jose Mourinho in taking it from one training session to another.’

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John Terry: Modric Would Be A Great Addition

John Terry insists that Luka Modric would be a great addition should Tottenham allow the Croatian to join the Blues, the Tottenham player has been locked in talks with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy as the midfielder seeks permission to leave White Hart Lane.

Chelsea have had two initial bids rejected by Spurs as the club try it’s best to keep hold of the highly-rated player, Luka Modric has since submitted a written transfer request in an attempt to force through a move to Chelsea.

Terry has praised the 25-year-old's ability and believes he would be a good addition to manager Andre Villas-Boas' squad who are likely to challenge for the title this season, with the lure of Champions League football Modric is keen on the move to West London.

"He's a world class player who is very difficult to play against," said Terry.

“He's very agile, very quick and a great finisher like we've seen over many years.

"I know there are problems. It's probably a little bit disrespectful towards Spurs. He has his own problems at the moment.

"We've got a good squad of players. If he comes he could certainly add to that."

John Terry also believes that striker Fernando Torres will be back to his best when the season resumes in August, The Spaniard is enjoying a full pre-season with the Blues this summer and looking as sharp as ever.

"He backs himself," he continued. "He realises from the World Cup he had a slight injury and carried that towards the end of last season.

"He feels fresh, he's happy. He's fully settled. I'm certainly looking for him to get double figures goals wise.

"He was still good at times last year. He's a world class player and the price tag is big weight to carry on your shoulders.

"He's got all the ability in the world. He's very quick and a great finisher.

"We're delighted to have him and if he can bring goals along with what we already have then fantastic."

Fergie Expects City To Be Title Challengers

Alex Ferguson has claimed that he expects Manchester City to mount a realistic title challenge this coming season, both United and City are expected to hit the ground running when the campaign gets underway in August following closely by Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The Scot expects City to be a thorn in United’s flesh this season and Fergie acknowledges that United will have to play at their best if they are to reach their 20th Premier League title, City have emerged as realistic challengers for major honours since Sheikh Mansour's takeover of the club and heavily investing in the team.

He said: "There was a period not so long ago when City were actually in the second division and they were never a thorn in our flesh.

The Manchester United manager also went on to add; "Whereas every year in the past we've had to contend with Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool.

"But winning a trophy does you a power of good. I don't think there's any doubt about that. It takes the pressure off the manager and gives confidence to the players.

"We've experienced it ourselves over the years and we expect City to be challengers next season.

"But nothing changes. One of the teams will always be a thorn in our flesh, whether we like it or not - possibly all four of them."

Ferguson also believes that Liverpool, who have endured a difficult time of late, will be back to their best under Kenny Dalglish this season.

He added: "Liverpool went off the radar for a bit. They are now back on it.

"Long term you know they are going to there."

Ferguson has also reiterated his desire to maintain his position in the United hot seat and has played down speculation that he could retire soon, when speaking about if he looking for retire soon he added;  "Absolutely not,"

"Not at all. I'm not even thinking about it. You just have to keep going.

"The challenge, whether it's with young players or old players, is that you have to do something. There's always that expectation at this club."

Joao Moutinho Happy At FC Porto

Joao Moutinho has claimed that while he is flattered by the interest Chelsea have shown in an attempt to sign him, he has no desire to turn his back on Porto.

New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has suggested that he would like to sign the Portuguese international, but the highly-rated midfielder has moved quickly to squash rumours linking him to a move to Stamford Bridge.

"It is good to see my name associated with a great club, but it is also true I am already at a great club, FC Porto, where I will continue to work," Moutinho told O Jogo.

With Andre Villas-Boas leaving the Portuguese giants this summer to take over at Chelsea, media reports had been linking Colombian frontman Radamel Falcao, Brazilian striker Hulk and Portugal international Moutinho with a move to the Blues.

Roberto Di Matteo Joins Chelsea

Chelsea have today confirmed that former player Roberto Di Matteo will join the Blues as Assistant Manager, the former West Brom manager will join up with Andre Villas-Boas to work with Chelsea’s new chief as they embark on a new Premier League campaign.

The 41-year-old coach spent six years at Stamford Bridge, signing from Lazio in 1996 and staying until his forced retirement from injury as a player in 2002.

Following a run of poor results in February for West Brom, Di Matteo was sacked, the Italian has been out the game since and will now look forward to working with Villa-Boas.

Villas-Boas said: "If you see the technical staff in front of me, and my appointment of Roberto, these are people who like the quality of the game and have a philosophy.

"It's not just a case of winning it's a case of flair.

"Everyone likes attacking football and the Premier League has a certain amount of goals in every game and it should be an entertaining game for the fans and that is what we will look to do."

Porto Striker Falcao Could Joins Villas-Boas At Chelsea

Andre Villas-Boas could go back to former club Porto to raid some of its star players, forward Radamel Falcao is heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and could well be the new Chelsea manager first signing.

The new Blues manager who penned a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge yesterday has insisted he will not be off-loading any of the current players at Chelsea, but he hasn’t ruled out making offers for new players.

The prolific hitman has admitted he is keen to test himself at the highest level and may be ready to follow his 33-year-old boss in departing the Europa League winners.

"I am leaving things up to my agent," Falcao said.

"I am very calm about the situation but I know there has been some movement.

"My ambition is to keep working hard and I am convinced I can play in a superior league like England.
"If Chelsea is interested in me then all that needs to happen is for negotiations to take place."

Falcao is understood to have a £26million release clause in his contract and Porto president has admitted that if the release clause is meet, Jorge Pinto da Costa will consider offers.

Chelsea are also being linked with Joao Moutinho now that Villas-Boas completed his switch to West London, the playmaker also have a release clause in his contract and the Porto president said if their valuation is meet both players could leave Porto.

He said: "If there are termination clauses we have to prepare for the possibility that a player will leave at the value set out.

"But I am not going to negotiate that price with anyone.

"As with Villas-Boas, there was no conversation with Chelsea, just the money paid into our account to release him."

Chelsea Confirm Villas-Boas Appointment

Chelsea have today confirmed that Andre Villas-Boas is their new manager, the former Porto boss has signed a three-year deal at Stamford Bridge and will start his new job straight away.

Chelsea yesterday paid Porto £13.3m to activate his release clause so Villas-Boas could join the Blues and having agreed personal terms today he has been unveiled as their new chief.

Villas-Boas was previously at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho he is already familiar with the club.
Chelsea released a statement on their website and it said; "Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce that Andre Villas-Boas will be the club's new manager.

"He has signed a three-year contract and will start work immediately.

"Andre was the outstanding candidate for the job. He is one of the most talented young managers in football today and has already achieved much in a relatively short space of time.

"His ambition, drive and determination matches that of Chelsea and we are confident Andre's leadership of the team will result in greater successes in major domestic and European competitions.

"Andre will bring his coaching experience back to a club he is already very familiar with, having previously worked here for three years.

"He has always been highly regarded at Chelsea and everyone here looks forward to welcoming him back and working with him."

Chelsea Close To Announcing Andre Villas-Boas As Chelsea Manager

Chelsea have tonight paid FC Porto £13.3m compensation to release Andre Villas-Boas from his contract with the Portuguese champions, Villas-Boas had earlier resigned from his post..

Andre previously had a spell with Chelsea working alongside Jose Mourinho and is often referred to as ‘Mini-Mourhino’, the 33-year-old helped guide Porto to Europa-League success while winning the cup and league title in Portugal this season and he is set to hold talks with Chelsea in London on Wednesday to discuss personal terms.

Should he agree personal terms, Villas-Boas will become the youngest Premier League manager.

Chelsea had been on the look out for a new manager after sacking Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season, it now seems certain that the Blues will get their man.

Chelsea said in a statement on their official website: "We note that the release clause of Andre Villas-Boas has been activated.

"We can at this time confirm our interest in him and hope to reach agreement with him on personal terms and make a further announcement in the near future."

Porto has also confirmed that Vitor Pereira will now takeover as their new coach on a two-year contract, after announcing earlier that they had received payment to release Villas-Boas.

A statement to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission read: "FC Porto, in accordance with Article 248 paragraph 1 of the Securities Code, hereby informs the market they have received from Mr Andre Villas-Boas the amount provided for in clause to terminate his employment contract."

Several Clubs Chasing Neymar

Brazilian club Santos have revealed that there are several club chasing Neymar, it was thought that Chelsea tabled an offer for Brazilian starlet. But it was thought that Real Madrid had edged in front for the striker’s services.

Santos club president Ribeiro also suggested that other clubs are interested in him and Neymar has been attracting interest for some time and it is expected to be only a matter of time before he secures a big-money move,

They are not the only Real Madrid and Chelsea in the picture as Ribeiro claims a number of teams have joined the race.

"It is not just Madrid, a lot of other clubs in Europe have been calling us," he said.

"It is no surprise; it would be strange if they didn't want him.

"If they pay the buy-put clause of €45million (£39.8m) and the player wants to go, there is nothing we could do."

Santos are bracing themselves for a sizeable amount for Neymar, but Ribeiro insists nothing will happen until after the club has played the second leg of the club's Copa Libertadores final clash with Penarol on Wednesday.

He added: "The clubs can talk to Neymar after the Libertadores, but I am sure that, if we win the title, the reasons for Neymar to stay will be even stronger.

"I know the dizzying offers will arrive, but the player will earn more if he keeps developing here."
Santos hope Neymar will form part of an ambitious future at Santos, with Ribeiro revealing that plans are in place to bring a number of former players back to the club.

He said: "Next year we celebrate our centenary, we are hopeful of bringing Robinho and Diego back to the club, and of keeping Elano and Ganso, and Neymar could be the biggest star of that movie."

Harry Redknapp Wants Tottenham To Show Ambition

Harry Redknapp has called on Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy to show their aim of keeping hold of Luka Modric. Chelsea is the latest club to come knocking at the door for the Croatian midfielder.

The Blues have tabled a £22 million offer for the player. Although Spurs have rejected the bid, Daniel Levy has insisted he will not sell Modric for any price.

Redknapp now wants Tottenham to spend big and prove to Modric he does not need to join "a bigger club" to win silverware.
 
"I think we have to show him our ambition, which we will do," Redknapp said.

"If we can add one or two good players to our squad there's no reason we can't have another great season.
"So Tottenham could be a great club for him to stay with for the next few years. That's what we're hoping for."

Redknapp also revealed there are other clubs who have expressed an interest in signing Modric this summer.

"Chelsea are not the only club that have been in for him," added Redknapp. "There have been other clubs - top, top clubs.

"But if Tottenham are looking to go anywhere we can't be selling Luka. We have to do something to keep him at the club.

"We can't afford to sell Luka Modric if we want to be a successful club."

He added: "He's a fantastic lad. You'll never meet a better lad than Luka. I suppose he's seen a massive contract and the chance to win the Premier League and play in the Champions League and that's what he wanted.

"But we want that as well. We want to get back in the Champions League and we need him to help us do that.

"If Daniel's saying no he really can't be seen to be going back on that now. He's made a very strong statement. I wouldn't see Daniel backtracking on that at any price."

Will this be enough for Luka Modric to stay?

Real Madrid Keen On Brazil's Neymar

The agent of Brazilian Neymar has hinted that the striker could join Real Madrid this summer, Chelsea saw a £32m bid for the hitman rejected this season and the players club Santos has said that Neymar wouldn’t be sold for less than £41m.

The 19-year-old is widely regarded as the best young player in the world, The teenager's agent, Wagner Ribeiro has revealed a move to the Bernabeu is not out of the question.

He told Spanish newspaper MARCA: "What if it means going to sign for Madrid? In football anything is possible."

He said in The Sun newspaper: "Last year Santos received an offer of £32m from Chelsea and it was rejected. Now he would not leave for less than £41m.

"Neymar is like Messi. Soon he will be the best in the world because he is a player unlike any other. He is just 19 but all the big clubs are following him."

Fernando Torres Relishing Summer Break

Fernando Torres believes he will capture his form for Chelsea when the season resumes in August, the hitman has been slow to make an impact since joining Chelsea for £50 million from Liverpool in December.

The former Liverpool man is currently away on international duty with Spain and he scored in their weekend win over the USA, the striker will then go away on holiday with his family after the game against Venezuela to re-charge his batteries.

Torres is looking forward to when he returns to Chelsea for next seasons Premier League campaign and is confident next season will be a lot better for the Spaniard.

"I felt very comfortable from the beginning. I felt good and I was really committed. It has been a tough year for me," said Torres.

"I have only played twice for the national team in recent times. The injuries I have had prevented me from being in good shape. I am happy that the team won and that everything was perfect.

"A lot of things happened over the past 12 months but I am looking forward to the last game of season (against Venezuela) over the next three days.

"I finally get to go on a break. It's been five summers with no holidays and we have a chance to enjoy with family and rest and I am sure next season will be a lot different from the last one."

Carlo Ancelotti To Take A Year Out

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he will take a one-year sabbatical from management, after being sacked by Chelsea at the end of the season the Italian as decided to takes a year out from management.

Ancelotti had been linked with Aston Villa, QPR and Roma.

"I am in no hurry to coach and I don't need to," Ancelotti told the Italian newspaper La Stampa. "I have not been contacted by any club in England and I have not spoken to Roma. It is all fantasy.

"I have enjoyed this experience [of coaching in England]. I will return to London to organise my life. Besides a six-month break, I have been coaching nonstop since 1995. I will take a year off and look around, study how my colleagues work."

Ancelotti enjoyed a successful playing career at Roma between 1979 and 1987 and has never hidden his wish to guide the club in the future.

"I have always said and I reiterate it that one day I will coach Roma, but it's still early," he said.

Florent Malouda Keen On Hiddink Return

Chelsea forward Florent Malouda has insisted that former boss Guus Hiddink would be the ideal manager to replace Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian was sacked after the last game in which Chelsea failed to win any silverware this season.

Hiddink enjoyed a successful spell at Stamford Bridge for four months during 2009 and helped Chelsea win the FA Cup.

Hiddink has been installed as the bookies favourite to takeover at Chelsea and he would have all the players backing.

"I have a lot of respect for him," Malouda said.

"When he came we were in a difficult situation in terms of results.

"He brought back confidence I think. He improved our game and led us in the Champions League and FA Cup.

"He put the club back on the right way. It was short term. It was really quick, but it was really intense.

"You have to take your time to make the right choices and that is what the Board is doing.

"I think we have a strong squad and when you want to add ingredient to the squad to have to take your time."

Hiddink & Neymar on Chelsea’s Radar

Chelsea are closing on a Brazilian striker Neymar. Last season the Blues had a £19 million pound offer rejected by Neymar’s club Santos.

Chelsea have renewed their interest with a £23 million offer.

Owner Roman Abramovich has made it his top priority to secure Neymar's services and will speak with the player directly in an attempt to convince the 19-year-old to come to London this summer.

A source close to Chelsea said, “Roman is ready to get personally involved to clinch the signing of Neymar.

“He’s aiming to talk with him next month to prove how much he is wanted.”

The signing of Neymar could spell the end of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka’s Chelsea career, with Chelsea splashing out £50 million in January to land Torres it is thought that either Drogba or Anelka will leave Stamford Bridge.

Also last night former manager Guus Hiddink insisted that he will listen to any serious offer from Chelsea, the Dutchman has confirmed that he remained in contact with Abramovich since his spell in 2009.

Hiddink said, "there is a lot of speculation about Chelsea. But if there was a concrete offer, I would think about it".

The Dutchman is currently manager of Turkey’s national side and insists he is committed to his job there, but admits if his side fails to beat Belgium in the Euro 2012 qualifier next week it could be the end.

He added; "if we lose I can imagine they’d say it would be better for me to quit”.

Kaka Plays Down Prem Link

Brazilian playmaker Kaka has played down reports linking him to a Premier League move this summer and insists he is happy at Real Madrid, the Chelsea target was thought to been keen with linking up with the current Chelsea and former AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Kaka added, "I have a good relationship with Carlo but the truth is that I want to stay in Madrid, I want to play in Madrid and I want to live in Madrid."

Kaka has not firing on all cylinders after a difficult season at Real Madrid follow lengthy lay-off due to knee injuries and the midfielder is keen to prove his worth at the Bernabéu.

Speculation had been mounting after Kaka’s mother posted a tweet suggesting that she is moving to London this summer.

"I want to stay at Real Madrid and I want to play for Real Madrid," said Kaka.

"My mother is coming to live in London next year. She is a preacher and she is coming to talk about God.

"I want to stay at Real Madrid and I want to play for Real Madrid."

“But I have a challenge with Real Madrid. I don't want to think now about playing in the Premier League or going back to Italy.

"I want to get back in good shape and play for Real Madrid next season."

Chelsea Sign David Luiz

Chelsea have managed to sign Brazilian international defender David Luiz from Benfica for £21.4m, just in time before the transfer window closed at 11pm tonight.

David Luiz is capable of playing in the centre of defence but he can also as a full-back on either side.

The Brazilian has made 70 appearances for Benfica in the Portuguese Liga this season, scoring four goals, whilst he also has four caps for Brazil.

David Luiz has signed five and a half year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Fernando Torres Joins Chelsea

Fernando Torres has joined Chelsea today for a £50m deal from Liverpool breaking the British transfer record after the Reds initially rejected a transfer bid from Chelsea last week.

The striker then subsequently handed in an official transfer request the next day, which was rejected and today Chelsea made an improved offer which Liverpool found head to resist considering the players had already made up his mind that he wanted to leave Anfield.

Fernando Torres joined Liverpool in the 2007 season and made his competitive debut for Liverpool against Aston Villa in a 2–1 win on 11 August 2007.

Torres has since made 142 appearances and scoring 81 times for the club and the 26 year old now seeks a new challenge in hope of winning silverware at Stamford Bridge.

Having completing his transfer to Chelsea, the striker said; "I am very happy with my transfer to Chelsea and I am looking forward very much to helping my new team-mates this season and for many years to come.

"Having played against Chelsea many times since coming to England, and in some very big games I will never forget.

"I know there are many great players here and I will work hard to win a place in the team. I hope I can score some important goals for the supporters to enjoy this season."