Ferguson Still Eyeing Treble After Cup Draw

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson vowed to keep his side's treble quest alive after seeing them survive an FA Cup scare at Middlesbrough.

The Premiership leaders surrendered a 1-0 lead and then had to come from behind to clinch a replay at Old Trafford on Monday, March 19 courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo's 68th-minute penalty.

However, the draw came at a cost with keeper Edwin van der Sar facing a scan tomorrow on a calf muscle damaged during the warm-up and defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic picking up injuries which could rule them out of next Saturday's Premiership clash with Bolton.
Asked if the treble dream was still alive, Ferguson said: 'We are still there. 'The name of the game is to keep winning. That is the best recipe and best energy-enhancer of all time, winning. We can handle that.

'They (Middlesbrough) are still in the cup too. We will approach it the way we did today. We will use our squad in the right way.
'We will start utilising our pool, which we have been doing for the last three weeks.'

United dominated the first half and went ahead on 23 minutes when Wayne Rooney blasted home his first goal in eight games.

However, Boro dragged themselves back into the tie a minute before half-time when Lee Cattermole smashed a shot on the turn past reserve keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
The Teessiders got their noses in front within two minutes of the restart when George Boateng took advantage of some woeful marking to head home Downing's corner, but the Dutchman's joy was to turn to misery on 68 minutes.

He blocked Rio Ferdinand's flick-on with his hands and referee Rob Styles had to hesitation in pointing to the sport, and Ronaldo calmly stroked home his 17th goal of the season.
Ferguson told Sky Sports News: 'It was one of the best performances for quite a while, for weeks. The rhythm was back, the speed was back and it was terrific to see that.

'It was a good pitch, everything was in our favour and then the goal at half-time brought Middlesbrough back into the game.
'The goal from the corner kick was a bit of bad marking on our part, but we never gave in.
'Manchester United are expected to keep going - they did and we got a deserved equaliser.'
On van der Sar's injury, he added: 'He has a calf injury and we will send him for a scan tomorrow - hopefully it is not serious.'

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was delighted with his side's performance, and warned United not to write them off ahead of the replay. He said: 'Everybody will have written us off - I think most people wrote us off before the game today, and we came very, very close to turning them over.

'When you are in the position we were in, you have the belief you are going to go on and win it.
'We had that belief all week that we could win the tie today, and that was the expectation once we went ahead with the way we have been playing.
'We played well in the second half and you think you are going to get there.
'We were obviously bitterly disappointed to concede, but we are still in there.
'We have got to remember they put their strongest side out today - that is a mark of the respect they have for us as a team.
'We have pushed them all the way again and we are still in there fighting.'

Boateng was furious with the penalty award, although Southgate took a more philosophical view. He said: 'I have had a look at it again. At the time, I felt it was very harsh.
'He did raise his hands, the only thing I feel is he was only a yard away from him when it was flicked and it is very difficult for anybody to adjust their body in that split-second of time.
'But there we go, we do not complain about referees' decisions here afterwards. He gave it honestly and we have to live with that.'

Dida Signs New Deal

Milan keeper Dida has signed a new contract at the club tying him down to the Rossoneri until 2010.

Dida's existing deal was set to expire in the summer and there had been some disparity between the club's offer and player's demands. Milan had also been linked with moves for Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon and Celtic's Artur Boruc.

However, the 33-year-old Brazil man has decided to stay at Milan, ostensibly until the end of his career, having spent the last six years at the club since joining from Corinthians in 2000.

Milan face runaway Serie A leaders and city rivals Internazionale on Sunday.

Cole Targets Comeback Against Valencia

Joe Cole has told Jose Mourinho that he will be ready to make his first-team return by the time they face Valencia in the Champions League next month.

Cole has been out for most of the season with a stress fracture of the foot and underwent surgery in a bid to cure the problem.

Mourinho was resigned to losing the England midfielder for the rest of the season but Cole now looks set to time his return perfectly as Chelsea face the Spanish side in the last eight of the Champions League. Mourinho said: 'Joe Cole told me that he will be ready for Valencia. The fact that he is saying that will push him. So if not for Valencia maybe for the next week after that. Now he has a target and for me that is good.

'Joe was a key player last season . It was the best season of his life and he was crucial from the first moment to the last. He had an unbelievable season. This season he has had five minutes here and there, and finally surgery and out for a long time.'

Meanwhile the club were not commenting on suggestions that contract talks with captain John Terry have stalled even though Mourinho said on Friday that Chelsea would do all they could to keep both the defender and his England colleague Frank Lampard. Chelsea will look to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup against Spurs today - knowing that it will only add to their growing fixture pile-up.

If Chelsea or Manchester United reach the last four, then their Premiership game scheduled for April 15 will be moved to the last week of the season.

But Mourinho took his mind off today's clash with Spurs with his usual Friday kick-about with son Jose and his schoolmates at home. The Chelsea coach revealed that he winds down every Friday by playing football in his back garden with stones for goalposts and Jose junior demanding to play against his dad.

While Spurs counterpart Martin Jol tours London art galleries looking at Dutch art, Mourinho takes his mind off the pressure with a carefree knockabout.

Mourinho explained: 'I don't know Martin but maybe he has older kids than I have. When they are older they like to spend more time with boyfriends and girlfriends than their parents. My time for that hasn't arrived yet. They are 10 and eight - they still want to spend time with me and my wife.

'For example, every Friday, every boy from my kid's class, goes to my house. There are not many, there are only seven. They go to my house and we have a game. I play too. My son does not want to play with me, he wants to be on the other side.

'It is four against four and it lasts until they are tired and go back to their playstations. My wife takes them to my house when school finishes and when the game is over around five or six pm, their families pick them up.

'On Mondays after school they have an extra activity and they choose football. I go to watch on Mondays and on Fridays they come to my house. I play for a draw. I want them all to be happy. It is fantastic.'

Who deserve to be in the Three Lions starting line-up?

JAMIE CARRAGHER'S talismanic performance against Barcelona has proved that he can cope with the world's best attackers.

Carra kept Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi at bay throughout Tuesday's Champions League tie.

The Kop hero also marshalled his defensive line superbly and was only undone when Barca piled on the pressure and Eidur Gudjohnson netted his 75th-minute winner.

After the match Liverpool and England ace Steven Gerrard hailed Carragher as the best centre-half in the world.

And with John Terry doubtful for England's qualifiers against Israel and Andorra, Carra is pushing for an England start.

But who do you think is the nation's best centre-half?

Is it Rio Ferdinand who has been at the heart of Manchester United's rise to the top of the Premiership?

Or England skipper Terry whose passion and commitment have never the country down?

Maybe you reckon Jonathan Woodgate should get the call for his displays at Middlesbrough this season?

Or is it Carragher, who has never really had the chance to shine for the Three Lions but has starred for Liverpool in recent seasons?

Shevchenko denies criticism of Mourinho

Chelsea's Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko has denied giving an interview to a German website in which he appeared to criticise coach Jose Mourinho.

In a statement released by Chelsea, Shevchenko insists the interview was a complete fabrication.

Shevchenko declared: 'This is complete rubbish. I have never spoken to this German website or to the journalist who claims to have interviewed me.'

The club statement continued: 'The only official comments from Andriy appear on the Chelsea website, his own website or in interviews organised by the club, his sponsors or official pre or post-match press conferences.

'Andriy and Chelsea FC will now be considering what further action to take.'

German tv website sport.ARD.de. claimed that Shevchenko had spoken of the tensions within the club.

'It's true I have complained about Mourinho, but there are a lot of things which drove me to that,' Shevchenko was quoted as saying.

'A few months ago I suddenly became his dartboard because he was having a spat with the president at the time.'

Failing to find his form since his high-profile move from AC Milan, Shevchenko showed his hand by allegedly saying: 'I'm an employee of the club so I do what the president says.'

'The manager never spoke to me or played me in the position where my strengths lie. '
'It's also no secret that I was more on Mr Abramovich's wish list than the manager's. '
'In the transfer talks, Mr Mourinho seemed positive and happy at first.'

Talks of a rift at Stamford Bridge have been reported in the media for the past few weeks, and Shevchenko is reported to have hinted that it was the root cause of his troubles: 'A manager should be objective and not take it out on a player. For the first time in my career a manager said in public that I did not completely fit in with his plan.

'That's not exactly great motivation. If he thinks that why am I here?

'One on one with me he cleared the matter up and said his opinion had been twisted. But inside it still bothers me. '

'I don't like arguing but I don't forget things either. If the club boss asks me again what I think of the manager then I'll speak for me personally. '

'Mourinho is a very good manager, but I don't fit into his system. In any event I know it can't carry on like that. '

'Our relationship is professional. Nothing more nothing less. He is a tactical fox and has strict beliefs, but I've had better managers.'

Gerrard Too Much For Juve

Juventus coach Didier Deschamps has revealed his admiration for Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, but claims the England international is too pricey for the Bianconeri.

Should Juventus, as is highly likely, claim promotion back into Serie A, Deschamps will want to strengthen his squad to deal with the rigours of the top flight and Gerrard was thought to be an ideal candidate for the Turin club.

But the Frenchan ruled out a possible move for the dynamic midfielder: "Gerrard is a really good player, but he costs too much for us," he said.

Deschamps also underlined his faith in World Cup winning goalkeeper Gigi Buffon, who has been linked with a move away from Turin ever since the start of the season.

"Buffon? I wouldn't swap him, not even for Steven Gerrard," he added.

Meanwhile Deschamps has claimed the rumours surrounding his future do not bother him. Former Italy coach Marcelo Lippi's has been mentioned in the same breath as the Bianconeri job, but the former Juventus player insists his job is safe.

Deschamps took over the reigns in Turin after Fabio Capello moved to Real Madrid in the wake of the club's relegation to Serie B last summer and has steered the Old Lady back to the brink of the top flight, where he expects to be come next season.

"Speculation about Lippi doesn't worry me," the Frenchman said. "I'm looking to be Juve coach in Serie A and I've never had any signals otherwise."

Juve are currently two points clear at the top of the table and odds-on to bounce straight back into Serie A after the Calciopoli sanctions hit the club hard.

Further Ban For Adebayor

Fellow striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been given an additional one-match ban and fined £7,500 after being found guilty of “reacting aggressively and failing to leave the field of play immediately” in the Carling Cup final.

Adebayor was sent off for his part in the fracas which marred Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium and was given a three-match ban.

He requested a personal hearing to contest the charge but was found guilty by the Football Association and had his ban extended to include the Barclays Premiership trip to Everton on Sunday March 18.

A statement from the FA read: “In sentencing, the commission stated that it had taken into account Adebayor's playing record and the mitigation offered.

“Adebayor is currently serving a three-match suspension following his sending-off during the match.

“This additional suspension will come into effect after those three games have been completed.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal have admitted a charge, also relating to the cup final, of failing to control their players and/or officials.

Chelsea admitted the same charge on March 2 and both clubs have requested personal hearings which have yet to be scheduled.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also responded to an FA request to explain comments made about one of the assistant referees in the Carling Cup final and about the FA's disciplinary procedures.

Wenger's response will now be considered by the FA.

Lille End Protest Against Giggs

Lille have ended their protest against Ryan Giggs' winning goal for Manchester United in the first leg of their Champions League tie. The French side lodged an appeal after they lost 1-0, thanks to a quickly-taken Giggs free-kick in Lens on February 20.

Lille claimed the referee had made a technical error in not blowing his whistle before the winger converted the set-piece.

But UEFA's control and disciplinary body vetoed the claim and that decision was last week ratified by the European governing body's appeals department.

The third placed Ligue 1 side were considering this week whether to take their protest to the Court of Arbitration of Sport, but have now decided not to take the appeal any further.

A statement on the club's official website www.losc.fr read: "In order not to sink into relentless legal proceedings with no end in sight, LOSC have taken the decision not to pursue its appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport."

There was nothing controversial about the second leg, as Manchester United won 1-0 and consequently knocked Lille out of the Champions League 2-0 on aggregrate.

Henry Out For The Season

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been ruled out for the remainder of the Barclays Premiership season.

The France striker damaged groin and stomach muscles in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven and will now miss the next three months of domestic and international football.

The Gunners hope to have their talismanic captain back to full fitness for the start of the 2007/08 campaign.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told official club website http://www.premierleague.com/forwardto.jsp?link=http://www.arsenal.com/: “Thierry Henry will be out for a minimum of three months.

“Unfortunately this means he will now miss the rest of this season both domestically and internationally, but we are confident that he will be ready for the start of next season.”

Italian Football: What a joke!

UEFA is becoming a laughing stock with its treatment of Italian football. Violence has been commonplace on the terraces of Italy for years, yet UEFA has done nothing about it. We all know that if English clubs had the same problems they would be banned again.

Then there was the Calciopoli scandal during the summer and the pathetic way the Italian FA backed down and cut the punishments meted out to the guilty parties. The original punishments were barely enough for the crimes committed, let alone the token punishments finally given. And now we have yet more fan violence, except this time it’s not English fans on the receiving end but the Italian police.

Years of the police standing by and watching while the Ultras cause trouble has turned round and bitten them back with a vengeance. The Ultras now believe they are above the law. Maybe they are right – after all the Italian FA certainly has no intention of standing up to them.

As per usual they buckle under the first sign of pressure. They shut down all football, stating that it will not be back until they have found a solution to the problems. A week later it is back, with no solution in sight, but only at certain stadiums, the ones that pass stringent new safety standards. This despite the fact the trouble did not occur in stadiums anyway so improving the stadiums is not the answer.

A day later the San Siro, despite being nowhere near meeting the new safety standards, is allowed to open its doors to 37,000 season ticket holders, among them the Ultras that are supposedly the root cause of the trouble.

They will never sort out their problems while the Italian FA continues to be so weak. If the FA is incapable of sorting out its problems then it is about time that UEFA stepped in and did something. A ban from European competition could well scare Italy into doing something to fix their problems.

Alex to return to Chelsea from PSV

PSV Eindhoven defender Alex has admitted he would relish a move to Chelsea. The Brazilian, who scored the goal that dumped Arsenal out of the UEFA Champions League, has been with PSV for the last two-and-a-half years.Well not return as he's never played for them but is owned by them and loaned back immediately to wait for work permit nonsense to be sorted, and whilst that's still up in the air his performance against Arsenal has persuaded the suits to have another go. Jose will stay this summer no matter what. All that prattling with the board is the same gas as the Special One announcement- getting the attention off his players and onto him. Chelsea are monitoring some of Europes top right backs to try and finish the hoodoo over that position with Rafinha and Daniel Alves strong possibilities, although there may be a bid for Richards it would be for the same reasons as buying sweepers.

Man Utd Transfer Rumours

With 20 mil left from this year, the additional 25 mil that kicks in this summer, as well as the 25 mil set aside for a "global marketing" player, Utd go into the transfer window looking for a world class player or two to help build the team around with Rooney, Ronaldo, Vidic, etc. Additionally, they will fund the purchase of a few squad players with potential to develop and some youth prospects to invigorate their reserves. Kaka will move this summer, and although early signs point to Real Madrid, Kaka has recently stated that he would prefer a move to the premiership. He is Fergie's top choice, but it is unclear if it could be negotiated. Eto'o is a similar case, a world class player who is growing bored at his current club. Hargreaves is a lock, but perhaps for as little as 15mil after the long season of injuries. Expect Bale, Nani, Torres, Van der vaart, Robben, Richards and others to get serious consideration. Fergie has been cautious with his funds recently, being unwilling to overpay for talent, but this summer he has the war chest to go after players whose price tags, while enormous, may indeed be worthwhile.

SPALLETTI DAUNTED BY UNITED DRAW

AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti cursed his luck after his side were paired with Manchester United FC in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final draw.

Having beaten French league leaders Olympique Lyonnais to reach this stage of the competition for the first time since 1984, Roma must now take on the English Premiership's top team in United. "We have not been lucky in the draws as Manchester United and Lyon are probably the most complete sides in Europe," said Spalletti. "At this stage of the competition every side is strong but United are probably the best of the eight teams left."

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti does not expect an easy ride against Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Champions League but is convinced his team can upset the odds.

The Italian giants will host the Premiership leaders on April 3/4 before travelling to Old Trafford one week later.

'At this point of the competition, all the teams are strong,' said Spalletti.

'It would have been perhaps easier to have met a team like PSV Eindhoven but the truth is that all the teams that have made it to the last eight have proved to have a lot of character and determination.'

Roma beat Lyon 2-0 on aggregate to reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time.

Spalletti is aware his team will face a mighty task as they take on Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

'Unlike us, Man Utd have a lot of experience in this competition and a lot of tradition,' said Spalletti.

'They are a very strong team, they have a young side that have individual quality, a big team spirit and is one of the most complete teams in the competition.

'But we have do what we did against Lyon, we have to be convinced for our worth and be optimistic about our chances.

'After all, our football is more technical and better tactically than English football.

'I have confidence in my team, we have every intention of going all the way. It will certainly be good practice for the game against Man Utd,' said Spalletti.

Roma will have little time to prepare for the encounter against the Red Devils as only three days before they will face AC Milan in Serie A.


For United, meanwhile, facing Roma for the first time will be "a new and exciting experience" according to Sir Alex. "That's the great thing about Europe, you play teams you've never played before," said the Scot, who explained that Roma's defeat of Lyon meant nobody at Old Trafford would be taking the Serie A side lightly. "We respect their last result. They have some great players like [Daniele] De Rossi and Mancini."

United will travel to Rome for the first leg on 4 April with the return in Manchester six days later. The winning team will encounter either AC Milan or FC Bayern München in the last four. Of a possible semi-final against Milan, Spalletti said: "We want to go all the way and I would have preferred to face Milan in Athens." Sir Alex was rather more circumspect as he said: "Obviously it's pointless looking beyond this game. We must concentrate on this game only. We're really looking forward to it."

KOEMAN PLOTS REDS REVENGE

For the second time this season PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool FC square off in the UEFA Champions League, with the Dutch champions hoping to avenge a defeat by the English side in the group stage when they meet in the quarter-finals.

PSV and Liverpool played out a 0-0 draw on Matchday 1 before goals from Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch ensured Liverpool finished top of Group C with a 2-0 win at Anfield in November. PSV coach Ronald Koeman admitted he would have preferred to avoid the 2005 champions, but insisted nothing should be read into those results. "We think it's a fair draw, but a very difficult one," he said. "It takes away a bit of the pleasure at getting so far because you want something else for a change, but I don't think they'll underestimate us. I think they saw us against Arsenal."

PSV drew 1-1 in London on Wednesday to advance 2-1 on aggregate. A superb defensive display held Arsenal at bay and has instilled belief that Liverpool too can be beaten. "They will be entirely different matches than the group stage," Koeman said. "The score in the first leg will be crucial, like it was against Arsenal. There's no doubt we have a chance, we proved that against Arsenal. It will be a hell of a job, but we'll enjoy this. It's something fantastic."

"I'm sure the supporters will be happy with the draw but we don't want to make the same mistake as last year when we went out against Benfica," Benítez said. "Then, everyone was saying we'd go through but, of course, Benfica beat us home and away. PSV are a very good team. We may have beaten them at home but they held us to a goalless draw at their ground. They have improved since we last met and showed their quality by beating Arsenal. There are no favourites in this tie." The first leg will be played in Eindhoven on 3 April with the return at Anfield eight days later. The winners will play either Chelsea FC or Valencia CF in the semi-final.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has vowed not to take PSV Eindhoven lightly when they face the Dutch league leaders in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Reds played Eindhoven in the group stages of the competition earlier this season, drawing in Holland and winning 2-0 at Anfield to top group C.

But Benitez is facing Ronald Koeman again; the Dutchman was manager of Benfica last season when the Portuguese side surprisingly beat Liverpool in the last 16 and who has also just masterminded Arsenal's exit from the competition.

'At this stage of the competition every team is going to be difficult,' Benitez said. 'We know all about PSV, having already played them twice this season, but that doesn't mean it will be easy.

'Sometimes knowing your opponents well can be an advantage but sometimes it can be a disadvantage because they'll also know all about us. We must be cautious.'

He added on the club's website: 'I'm sure the supporters will be happy with the draw but we don't want to make the same mistake as last year when went out against Benfica.

'Then, everyone was saying we'd go through but, of course, Benfica beat us home and away.

'PSV are a very good team. We may have beaten them at home but they held us to a goalless draw at their ground. They have improved since we last met and showed their quality by beating Arsenal in the last round. There are no favourites in this tie.

'Playing away from home first can be good as it means there'll be another special atmosphere at Anfield for the second leg. We are really close to the semi-final and need the support of everyone to help us make this next step.

'This is the most important game we'll play in the next month and I'm looking forward to it.'

Peter Crouch should be available for the first leg on April 3 after opting to have surgery on his broken nose.

CHELSEA CHALLENGE VEXES VALAENCIA

Valencia CF's hopes of going one better this season after two UEFA Champions League final disappointments in 2000 and 2001 were made more complicated today after their first-ever pairing with Chelsea FC.

The Spanish club have reached the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2002/03 campaign while Chelsea have got to at least the last eight in three of the past four seasons. With Chelsea having won the English title for the last two years and fighting for four trophies this term, Valencia, third in Spain, know they have a tough task if they are to earn a semi-final against either PSV Eindhoven or Liverpool FC. Chelsea are at home in the first leg on 4 April, before Valencia stage the return six days later.

Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores believes playing the second leg at the Mestalla could be an 'important and even decisive' factor in his side's Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea.

The only Spanish side left in the competition, following the exits of Barcelona and Real Madrid at the last-16 stage, were handed the unenviable task of facing the Premiership champions in today's draw in Athens. But Flores was being positive, and reckons home advantage in the return meeting could be vital.

He told club the club's official website: 'It will be a difficult tie but, next to Liverpool, they are the opponents most similar to us.

'The best news is that we are playing away (in the first leg), which was a priority for us before the draw. That can be important, and even decisive.'

A 0-0 draw at the Mestalla was enough for Sanchez Flores' men to go through against Inter Milan in midweek on away goals following a 2-2 draw in Milan a fortnight ago, although both clubs have been charged by UEFA following a brawl which marred the end of the second leg.

Sanchez Flores added: 'We do not use tags such as favourites, the important thing is to have concentration and to work like we have done in the previous rounds.

'Another important factor will be how we arrive at the quarter-finals because they are a month away, during which time we have four league games, where the confidence levels can go up or down, and there is the possibility of recovering some (injured) players.'

Valencia sporting director Amedeo Carboni was a proud man to be the only sporting director of a Spanish club still standing.

He said on Sky Sports News: 'It's the first time Valencia are the only Spanish team in the quarter-final. I am very happy about this. We have many possibilities to reach the final.'

The winners of the two-legged affair will face PSV Eindhoven or Liverpool in the last four, throwing up the possibility of a semi-final reunion with former coach Rafael Benitez.

But Carboni played down that prospect, adding: 'The present is more important. Winning against Chelsea is very difficult but if we win, it is possible to beat Liverpool.'

Valencia fullback Asier del Horno has said he hopes the inside knowledge of his former club Chelsea will help his side.

'It will be great to return and see the people there, but this is a quarter-final and I have to put that to one side and make the most of what I know about the team,' Del Horno told a news conference on Friday.

'They were a team to avoid, but it is in our favour that we play the second leg in the Mestalla. They will be favourites so we will be out of the limelight.

'If we remain humble we have a chance to spring a surprise.' The Spain defender only just made his debut in Valencia's 1-0 home win over Celta Vigo last weekend, eight months after moving from Chelsea.

MILAN AND BAYERN TO MEET AGAIN

AC Milan have been paired with fellow European heavyweights FC Bayern München in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after today's draw in Athens, the host city of this season's final.

Milan and Bayern, who have ten European crowns between them, met most recently in the first knockout round of last season's competition where the Italian side won 5-2 on aggregate.

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was delighted to avoid Manchester United in the draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Ancelotti had feared a last-eight meeting with United or Roma after eliminating Celtic in the last 16, but his prayers were answered with the six-time European champions being drawn against Bayern Munich.

'Bayern Munich have a great tradition and a lot of value,' admitted Ancelotti. 'We know them well, having faced them in the past.

'I would have been more disappointed to have met Roma or Manchester United at this point of the tournament. Manchester United is the team that plays the best football in Europe right now.'

Milan will host Bayern, who ousted Real Madrid on away goals in the previous round, on April 3/4 before travelling to Munich a week later.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admits his players will be looking for revenge when they face Milan.

The German giants were knocked out of the tournament after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Milan in the second round last season.

'Last year we lost convincingly 4-1 and so we have something to make up for,' he said. 'We know them well and have the advantage of playing the first leg away.

'We will have to see if our dreams are still alive after that game.'

Bayern will travel to Italy for the first leg this term, before the return at the Allianz Arena. The winner of the tie will face Roma or United in the semi-finals

FERGUSON CONFIRMS RONALDO TALKS

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United have opened contract negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal winger’s future has been the subject of intense speculation over the past few months, with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona linked with the talented 22-year-old.

However, United are determined to keep their prize asset and are ready to offer Ronaldo an extension to his current deal which runs until 2010 following assurances the former Sporting Lisbon player wishes to remain at Old Trafford.

“Cristiano is at the right club,” said Ferguson.
“He wants to stay. Why should he want to go anywhere else?
“We have been negotiating for a few weeks now and hopefully we can come to an agreement where he will stay with us for the next few years.”

ROBERTO CARLOS TO LEAVE REAL MADRID

Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos has said he will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season after 11 years at the club.

'I'm not going to renew my contract. I think the moment has come for me to put an end to my time at the club and leave them to start a new project,' the 33-year-old told sports daily Marca on Friday.

'I'm sure about it. My time at Real Madrid has ended. After three years without winning anything I had to take a decision.'

The former Brazil international said he had not yet decided where he would continue his career.

'I don't know whether I will continue in Europe or maybe I need to be back in Brazil close to my family.'

With Real due to play arch-rivals Barcelona in the Nou Camp on Saturday, coach Fabio Capello was annoyed the player had chosen this moment to make public his decision.

'It wasn't news to me. Obviously it wasn't a good moment to say this but everyone has the right to say what they want, when they like,' the Italian told a news conference on Friday.

'My departure will help the youngsters like Marcelo and Miguel Torres,' he said. 'They are the future and have to be given a chance to develop. I have to look for motivation in another team, another country, another place.'

CROUCH RULED OUT OF ENGLAND DUTY

Liverpool have confirmed Peter Crouch will have nose surgery which will put him out of England's next two matches.

Earlier in the week the striker said he was considering waiting until the end of the season for the operation, caused by an accidental kick in the head from Sheffield United’s Rob Hulse on February 24.

Crouch not only wanted to be available for Liverpool’s matches but also the England squad with Steve McClaren's men due to play Israel and Andorra in Euro 2008 qualifiers on March 24 and 28 respectively.

But now Crouch will be looking at Liverpool’s trip to Reading on April 7, with him missing only two club matches against Aston Villa and Arsenal.

He would also be fit for Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against PSV Eindhoven on April 3 or 4.

A Liverpool spokesman said: “Peter Crouch will have the operation today (Friday).”

LIVERPOOL v BARCELONA PREVIEW

Liverpool host Barcelona in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Tuesday with a 2-1 advantage over the European champions.

Goals from Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise in the first leg at the Camp Nou capped a stirring defensive showing after Portugal playmaker Deco had headed the Blaugrana into an early lead.

The Reds, champions in 2005, look set to stick with the same back four that largely kept Frank Rijkaard's team at bay in Barcelona. Alvaro Arbeloa will continue at left back and Steve Finnan on the right, with Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger in the middle.

Indeed, the only injury worries for Rafael Benitez' plans are long-term absentees Luis Garcia and Harry Kewell. England striker Peter Crouch is fit to play despite suffering a broken nose during the Premiership defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.

Craig Bellamy is likely to start up front as his pace was crucial to hitting Barca on the counter-attack in the first leg - and the Spanish champions have also displayed susceptibility against such tactics in recent defeats to Valencia and Sevilla in La Liga. Benitez will have to decide between the industry of Dirk Kuyt and the goal-scoring prowess of Crouch alongside him.

Deco and France defender Lilian Thuram return fresh for the visitors after being rested for the massive clash with Sevilla on Saturday. However Rijkaard has opted to drop Santiago Ezquerro, Juliano Belletti, Thiago Motta and - most surprisingly - Giovanni van Bronckhorst from his squad.

Motta came in for criticism for his role in the first leg defeat and seems to have paid the price. Brazilian Edmilson is in pole position to step into the holding role in midfield while two of Gianluca Zambrotta - sent off stupidly at the weekend - Thuram, Sylvinho and Oleguer Presas will occupy the full back slots in Belletti's absence.

Star striker Samuel Eto'o has demanded a place in the starting line-up after his recovery from a knee injury, yet will have to compete with Javier Saviola and Eidur Gudjohnsen. Ronaldinho, who began in Seville in Eto'o's accustomed place at the point of attack, will play on the left and Lionel Messi is likely to feature on the right side.

Anfield will prove an electric setting for the last two Champions League victors - and both seem confident that they will run out winners by the final whistle.

LYON v ROMA PREVIEW

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is relying on captain Francesco Totti to provide the inspiration needed to overcome Lyon and send his side into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.


The Rossoneri could manage no more than a goalless draw in the first leg two weeks ago, meaning that a failure to find the net would see them exit the competition, and Spalletti has insisted Totti, top scorer in Serie A this season with 16 goals, is the man to fire them through.

“Totti is an extraordinary talent,” admitted coach Luciano Spalletti. “I hope he will make the difference against Lyon.”

“This is a crucial game for our future and for the history of Roma. It will mean so much to the fans and we must remember this. On Tuesday we will be ready.”

Totti will continue in a lone striking role, with Mancini, Rodrigo Taddei and Simone Perrotta just behind, and Daniele de Rossi protecting the back four alongside David Pizarro.

Lyon will once again look to their midfield maestro Juninho Pernambucano to provide their creative spark, and feed the front trio of Florent Malouda, Fred, and Sydney Govou.

Lyon are without the suspended Jeremie Toulalan, who is likely to be replaced by Alou Diarra in midfield.

VALENCIA v INTERNAZIONALE PREVIEW

Internazionale are up against it in their UEFA Champions League second round second leg match in Valencia, having drawn the first match 2-2.

Youngster David Silva secured the draw in the Giuseppe Meazza with a late drive from the edge of the penalty area and put Los Che in pole position to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Spain striker Fernando Morientes - who scored a clinical winner against Celta in La Liga last Saturday to remain in third place - is fit to play despite suffering a thigh injury. He will partner the electric David Villa, scorer of perhaps the goal of the round so far in Milan.

Former Athletic and Chelsea full back Asier del Horno made his belated Valencia debut at the weekend and should start again in the Mestalla on Tuesday, while Ruben Baraja and Vicente made successful comebacks and will also feature.

Captain David Albelda is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the first leg.

Brazil striker Adriano has a muscle problem and is unavailable for Inter, leaving the likely pairing of Hernan Crespo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front as they go looking for the goal - or goals - they need to progress.

Midfield duo Patrick Vieira and Esteban Cambiasso are also definitely missing from Roberto Mancini's side.

CHELSEA v PORTO PREVIEW

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been boosted by the return of centre back Khalid Boulahrouz for the crucial Champions League second leg clash against Porto at Stamford Bridge.

Captain John Terry remains out with the head injury sustained in the Carling Cup final against Arsenal, though Boulahrouz’s return from a dislocated shoulder will allow Michael Essien to push forward into his more accustomed position in midfield as the Blues look to build upon the 1-1 draw they recorded in the first leg at the Estadio do Dragao.

Didier Drogba, the club's top scorer in the Champions League with 5 goals, picked up a minor knock in the Premiership win over Portsmouth on Saturday, though should be fit for the tie.

Porto warmed up for the match with a 1-0 victory over Braga on Saturday, with striker Adriano on the scoresheet for the third game in succession.

His recent good form gives manager Jesualdo Ferreira a selection headache in attack, with the club's usual first choice striker, Helder Postiga, currently in the midst of a barren spell.

Lisandro Lopez and the mercurial Ricardo Quaresma will line up either side of whichever of the two strikers is selected, with Lucho Gonzalez likely to anchor a three man midfield, along with Raul Meireles and Assuncao.

JUAN MORE TO LEAVE LEVERKUSEN

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voeller has admitted centre back Juan is almost certain to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Brazil international is contracted to the club until 2009, though is keen to leave the BayArena, with Roma rumoured as a likely destination.

"In all probability we will lose Juan," Voeller admitted. "It is not yet decided whether he will go to AS Roma or another southern European club."

"It will be difficult to make up for this loss, but we will get a few euros for him, and will have to look for replacements in defence."

Juan is likely to be the second player to leave Leverkusen in the summer, with striker Andriy Voronin having already agreed a move to Liverpool.

LIVERPOOL TO SIGN WONDERKID BOUZANIS

Teenage Aussie goalkeeping prospect Dean Bouzanis has been offered a three-year deal by Liverpool after impressing Rafa Benitez in a trial.

The 16-year-old student is regarded as being one of the best young keepers around and the Reds have moved swiftly to secure his services - once he finishes high school.

Bouzanis is set to join in January 2008, once he has completed his studies and becomes eligible to move from a non-EU country, and will join the senior squad as opposed to the youth academy. He is of Greek origin although it is not understood if he holds an EU passport.

"It is unbelievable," the Australian Academy of Sport star told The Age. "I am a bit overwhelmed but I have to keep working hard because I have a big challenge ahead of me."

Bouzanis - who spent three weeks on trial at Liverpool's Melwood training complex this January - will finish his schooling and play for Sydney FC before moving to Anfield in the winter transfer window of next season.

"I got to train with the first-grade players and mingle with them and see what life is like for a professional footballer," he added of the experience which convinced Liverpool boss Benitez to sign the youngster.

The player's agent Terry Palapanis described the deal as groundbreaking:

"For a 16-year-old goalkeeper who will effectively not play for the first team yet, this is a deal that is worth a lot of money," Palapanis told The Age. "The money is really good - Dean's father is a solicitor and even he is amazed at what we negotiated."

"Dean is a freak of a prospect," Palapanis continued. "There were 22 clubs from Europe chasing him… but we chose Liverpool. It was too hard to refuse."

SYDNEY IN TALKS WITH SHERINGHAM

Australian A-League side Sydney FC have offered a contract to former Manchester United and England striker Teddy Sheringham, local media reported on Monday.

Sheringham, who will be 41 next month, is out of favour with Premier League club West Ham United and has been offered a one-season contract with the option of a second year, Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported.

The paper said Sheringham has spoken about the move with former Old Trafford team mate Dwight Yorke, who guided Sydney to the inaugural A-League title last year before returning to England with Sunderland.

Sydney chief executive George Perry said the club had opened negotiations with the striker who started his professional career with Millwall in 1984.

'He's still playing at the top level and is by any standards an excellent player,' Perry was quoted as saying.

'He obviously has a wealth of experience and his presence would put bums on seats. He comes highly recommended and I think he would create a buzz around the club.'

The Telegraph said Sydney moved for Sheringham after a bid for Charlton Athletic's Dutch international striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink fell through over the player's salary demands.

LUCARELLI READY TO LEAVE

Livorno striker Cristiano Lucarelli believes the time is right to make a move away from the Tuscan outfit. The Amaranto captain was close to leaving the Stadio Armando Picchi last summer, but decided to stay for another season with club with whom he has been since 2004.

But the 31-year-old told the Gazzetta Dello Sport he is ready to move on to pastures new at the end of this season: "It's probably the right moment to jump ship," he said. "I've never felt so strong in the past, even if in this particular period I'm suffering from a little tiredness. Seven matches in 18 days aren't an easy thing."

But Lucarelli is determined to focus on Livorno for the time being as they look to make a late push for a European spot.

"But firstly let me concentrate on Livorno and scoring more than 20 goals this season. And anyway, certain offers must come," he added.

Lucarelli was on target on Saturday as he opened the scoring with a delicious free kick against Milan - his 11th of the season - only for his side to lose their lead and the game, to leave them occupying 12th place in Serie A.

ALBELDA REJECTS OFFER

Valencia captain David Albelda has rejected his club's latest contract offer, with Barcelona poised to swoop for the Spain midfielder.

Albelda, 29, has worn the armband at Valencia since the departure of Gaizka Mendieta in 2001 and is reported to have been tabled a 100,000 euro/week offer by the club where he has spent his entire professional career.

But his agent Alberto Toldra confirmed that the initial offer has been rejected on the basis that is insufficient for the man who captained Los Che to UEFA Cup and La Liga glory in 2004.

"Today the option to sign is impossible because the money offered is insufficient," he claimed. "However, we are still ready to talk and have time on our side."

The player's current deal expires in June 2009 and with reigning Liga champions Barcelona reportedly keen Valencia could cash-in on Albelda this summer, should he reject their next proposal.

Albelda has 40 caps for the Spanish national team.

BOULAHROUZ BACK TO FACE PORTO

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho is boosted by the return of defender Khalid Boulahrouz for Tuesday night's clash with Porto.

Captain John Terry's head injury rules him out but Boulahrouz - who has been out of action for the last three weeks since dislocating his shoulder - will step into the breach.

His return will allow Mourinho to push Michael Essien into his more orthodox midfield position.

NOLAN PENS NEW BOLTON DEAL

Nolan’s decision to commit his future to the club is a boost for Sam Allardyce in the wake of

Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers.

Nolan’s decision to stay will come as a relief to manager Sam Allardyce, who feared the Liverpool-born player might want to leave to improve his chances of making the England squad.

Ever since I’ve been at Bolton I’ve never thought that I would have to leave to get international recognition,” he told the club’s official website, http://www.bwfc.co.uk/.

“Even though we are not a big city club, we have done fantastically well over the last four or five years. We are continuing to grow and getting better and better and I am glad that I will be a part of it.”

David Beckham Career Highlights

DAVID BECKHAM CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Fifth most capped England player of all time


2. Only Englishman to have scored in three successive World Cup Finals


3. As of December 2005, one of only four players (and the only Englishman) to have appeared in over 100 Champions League matches


4. Finished runner up European Footballer of the Year 1999 and FIFA World Player of The Year in 1999 and 2001


5. BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2001


6. Opened Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002


7. Awarded OBE for services to football in 2003


8. Appointed as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2005


9. Played prominent role in London's successful bid for 2012 Olympics


10. PFA Young Player of the year (97)


11. UEFA Champions League Footballer of the Year (99)

Beckhammania hits Major League Soccer

World-renowned soccer player David Beckham will become a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer (MLS) during the 2007 MLS season, it was announced by AEG. The 31-year-old midfielder will join the Galaxy after his contract with Real Madrid expires on June 30.

The most recognizable athlete in the world, Beckham has agreed to a five-year deal to play for the Galaxy, whose season opens April 8 in Houston. The deal to bring Beckham to America is thought to be the biggest in sporting history, with industry experts estimating the worth to the player in excess of $250 million.

Beckham is celebrated around the world for his match winning skills as a player in addition to his overall contributions to clubs Real Madrid, Manchester United and England.

"This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons," said David Beckham. After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.

I am proud to have played for two of the biggest clubs in football and I look forward to the new challenge of growing the world's most popular game in a country that is as passionate about its sport as my own.

For the rest of this season I will continue to give 100% to my coach, team mates and fans as I believe Fabio Capello will bring this club and its supporters the success they truly deserve."