Newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City will strengthen their squad in the close season as the club target European glory next year, manager Roberto Mancini said on Thursday.
For Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben, Saturday's Champions League final against Chelsea in the Bavarian capital is the game of a lifetime and a chance to make amends for 2010.
Former England forward Michael Owen said he hoped to continue playing top-level football after being told by Manchester United that his contract was not being renewed.
Source: Goal.com
The former Valencia forward believes his club colleague deserves a place at the continental competition and has hit out at Real Madrid's treatment of youth players
Source: BBC Sport
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre says the club had "plenty of contact" for the vacant managerial position following Kenny Dalglish's departure on Wednesday.Source: The Telegraph
Jermain Defoe thinks a gruelling pre-season training camp in France helped him break in to England's Euro 2012 squad.
Source: N.Y. Times by By ADAM ELDER
Santos Laguna and Monterrey open play Thursday night in the two-game Clausura final in Mexico.Source: The Guardian by Andy Hunter
Join the Guardian's football correspondent, Andy Hunter, to discuss the next steps for Liverpool following the departure of Kenny Dalglish
Following the sacking of the Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool's owners, John W Henry's Fenway Sports Group, have plenty to do to convince their fans that they have a coherent plan for the future of the club. As well as a search for a new manager, there are unanswered questions about a potential stadium move as the club strives to return to Premier League's top table.
Joining us to discuss where the club goes from here is our Liverpool based football correspondent Andy Hunter. He'll be online answering your questions from 1:15pm BST. Please post whatever queries you have for him in the comments section below.
We are posting the questions Andy responds to here to make the webchat easier to follow.
Is Rafa going to make a strong play for the job? Would he be seriously considered by FSG?
Benitez is on record as saying how much he wants to return to Liverpool and his reasons for rejecting other offers have always appeared a play for his old job back. In his eyes this would be perfect timing, with his record of Champions League qualification exactly what FSG need financially. But I don't he fits the bill of what FSG are looking for. It seems they want a fresh start with a younger man at the helm and would be reluctant to go back. So, in a word, no.
Who do you feel is the front runner? Fans/forums aren't supporting the Martinez push as the media seem to be. A lot of worry it could be another Roy Hodgson style reign of terror...
Villas-Boas is the early front runner, with early the operative word. The process of identifying Kenny Dalglish's replacement has only just begun and FSG will not focus on one immediate target. It will be a thorough, exhaustive process. I wouldn't say Martinez is a strong candidate for the Liverpool job at this stage.
Did Dalglish & Liverpool success in the Cup competitions mask the inevitable, that he would be sacked due to the Suarez incident?
We have seen the Director Of Football and Director Of Communications leaving in recent weeks, and this was obviously the next step.
Question is, will Suarez be the next to go, and it's no surprise he's already releasing statements through agent regardings playing in Spain.
There's no suggestion whatsoever that Dalglish lost his job over the Suarez affair. In fact the owners supported the then Liverpool manager's stance throughout most of the controversy.
Suarez has said that the support he received from Liverpool - led by Dalglish - is a major factor in him wanting to sign a contract extension this summer. Whether Dalglish's departure changes his perspective remains to be seen. Negotiations, as they say, are ongoing.
Surely the consistent clearing of desks at Anfield over the last number of weeks is paving the way for JW Henry to put in place the structures Fenway believe are required to start from scratch in rebuilding the club?
That's certainly how it appears from here, although they've had 19 months to start that process. It will have to be this summer. There is no reason why not now.
Considering the large sums frittered away last summer (and the January before), what funds would any new manager have to spend?
Any new manager of the calibre FSG want and Liverpool need will have to be given funds to bridge the 17-point gap between the club and fourth place this season. I'm sure the owners are well aware of that.
Liverpool's commercial revenues remain strong and they have the bank facility to borrow but seriously doubt they can match the outlay of 2011. £120m was spent, over £70m brought in, but - apart from Suarez - there are not too many players in this Liverpool squad that can be sold for a profit to generate extra.
How likely is it that Liverpool could attract Jürgen Klopp as their next manager? a fine manager who's working wonders at Dortmund. A manager like him could attract some superb young German talent to Anfield next season who would take the premier league by storm
Klopp would be one to captivate Liverpool and would show the ambition, and the attraction of the club, remains what its supporters expect. His philosophy and age, and of course the ability to mould a fine team on a relatively modest budget, surely appeals to FSG. Getting him out of Dortmund and out of the Champions League, however, would be very difficult. Liverpool would not be the only suitors if he became available and, as they found even when trying to sign Phil Jones from Blackburn or Ashley Young from Aston Villa last summer, the absence of Champions League football is a serious disadvantage.
Why would anybody want the Liverpool job?
It remains one of the most attractive jobs in the world game, has huge potential - despite being out of the Champions League for three years now - and, of course, it pays well.
Do you think the owners are planning to hire for all these positions needing to be filled at Liverpool individually or do you think there might be linked in some way? - i.e. a manager and DoF thats worked together in the past.
I think they want to put a structure in place that will serve the club for the long-term and they have no choice but to fill all the positions they have made vacant in recent weeks. They will want to put a team together, but doubt they would limit their choices on the next manager by stipulating he has to come as part of a package. My view would be, get the best man available and work around him.
As Andy Hunter is up on Merseyside has he got any inkling of what the Americans may have learned about the game since arriving? They said that they would've put a young manager in, but the fans wanted Dalglish. Presumably they will start from scratch now and try and do as they did with Boston, but have you heard much about what observations they have on the game and what is different to their expectations?
Not sure they know a lot about football or, if they do, it won't be from watching a game in person. But they do take a lot of advice, soundings from people connected to the game. The next manager won't be appointed on a whim in Boston.
Andy, is this part of an FSG 'plan' or are they winging it?
I think the next few weeks will demonstrate whether FSG have the plan Liverpool need or are "winging it" as you say.
There have been many comments from non-Liverpool fans deriding Kenny's record but in your opinion was Kenny's reign a complete failure?
Considering the fact Liverpool won the Carling cup, got to the final of the FA cup and actually played quite well in the league (without of course getting the results) should he have been given more time?
Alec Fergusson won nothing at United in his first 5 years. Did Kennny show enough to persevere with him at least one more season?
I think Dalglish should have been given another year, yes. Not condoning the league results or final position, in the second half of the season they were inexcusable, but he won a cup, came close in a second cup final and oversaw a style of play that was considerably better to anything Liverpool have produced for several years. He was also charged with bringing in younger talent to overhaul the squad. Of course Liverpool paid massively over the odds but those players - and therefore their manager - need time. It's not as though he was building a team from a position of strength.
Any idea on the reaction of the players to KD's sacking? I'd like to think one or two in particular are having a look at their performances last season but wouldn't count on it. A major problem the next manager faces is the amout of substandard - either technically or mentality - players sat on generous contracts who won't be going anywhere fast.
I'm sure some are disappointed and worried about their futures while others will be delighted. As it is when any manager goes. Developments on the contract negotiations with Suarez, Skrtel and others may tell us more as the summer progresses.
FSG have decided a clean slate is the only approach hence the multitude sackings. The next manager will be appointed with a 4/5 year view, probably someone who is tactically 4-3-3 who can dovetail with Rodolfo Borrell & Jose Segura but not Pep! A new DoF will be appointed, probably Txiki Begiristain.
At this very early stage in a possibly long and complicated process, I think you've got it spot on.
NotANinja asks:Since they're American and baseball owners, is it possible that FSG will implement the American model. i.e. find the replacement for Comolli and have him conduct the search for the right manager for him to work alongside.
Seems to me if you're going to go the DoF & manager rather than old-fashioned all-powerful manager route that this is a much better approach.
Comolli was sacked 48 hours before the FA Cup semi-final with Everton as there was no time to waste in finding his replacement, according to the owners. That process has been going on for five weeks now so they must have got somewhere. Think whoever or however they replace Comolli will be independent of the manager, albeit the manager will have to be someone content to work within FSG's framework.
Andy Hunter
Source: Yahoo! Eurosport
For Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben, Saturday's Champions League final against Chelsea in the Bavarian capital is the game of a lifetime and a chance to make amends for 2010.
Source: Sky Sports
Alex McLeish has expressed his regret at letting down Aston Villa supporters after a disappointing Premier League campaign.Source: Sky Sports
St Mirren have confirmed that Dutch duo Jeroen Tesselaar and Nigel Hasselbaink have left the club after turning down new deals.Source: BBC Sport
Lincoln fans are invited to enter a fund-raising prize draw with the winner having the right to rename Sincil Bank.Source: Yahoo! Sports
LONDON (AP) Manchester United's cash reserves have been halved in three months, the cost of exiting Europe early, wage increases and Old Trafford's redevelopment.Source: Yahoo! Sports
The Netherlands international has stressed that the Bavarians are determined to win Saturday's showpiece, but admitted their DFB Pokal final loss to Dortmund was a big blow.
Source: Yahoo! Sports
The Germany international has insisted that Saturday's showpiece is far too crucial for Jupp Heynckes's men, and insisted that the defeat against BVB should be put behind.
Source: Yahoo! Sports
The England international will need to undergo further treatment for a new problem that has flared up during his rehabilitation as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
Source: Yahoo! Sports
The Chelsea forward, who was sent off in the club’s last Champions League final four years ago, wants redemption against Bayern Munich.
Source: Major League Soccer
Whoever said history doesn’t repeat itself never played soccer with Eric Hassli.
The Vancouver Whitecaps forward — whose incredible volley against Seattle last season made headlines around world — has done it again. This time, he smashed a stoppage-time volley to earn the Whitecaps a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC in the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship final.
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Source: ESPNsoccernet by ESPN staff
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger failed to come to a resolution with striker Robin van Persie about his future after face-to-face talks on Wednesday, according to widespread reports in the English media.Source: Sky Sports
Hartlepool manager Neale Cooper has completed his first summer signing with the capture of former Middlesbrough winger Jonathan Franks.Source: Mail Online
Wayne Rooney has offered an insight into his unique match preparation as he counts down to Euro 2012. Despite being banned for England's first two group matches, Rooney hopes to return for their final clash against Ukraine to help them into the quarter-finals.Source: Mail Online
Craig Gordon has issued a come and get me plea to potential new employers after conceding his career at Sunderland is over and hasn't ruled out a move back to Scotland.Source: Mail Online
There are fresh fears for Jack Wilshere and his battle with injury as Arsenal have announced their midfielder will travel to Sweden for a knee operation.Source: Mail Online
Newcastle are busy lining up replacements for Demba Ba and have FC Twente striker Luuk de Jong at the top of their shopping list.Source: The Guardian by Henry McDonald
Players will wear black armbands for match on 18th anniversary of fatal shooting of six men who were watching World Cup
The Republic of Ireland team will wear black armbands for their group match against Italy at Euro 2012 to commemorate a massacre committed during the Troubles.
The fixture in Poland on 18 June falls 18 years to the day after six Catholic men were shot dead while watching a World Cup match between Ireland and Italy, at the Heights bar in the Co Down village of Loughinisland.
Uefa has given the Football Association of Ireland permission for its players to wear black armbands to mark the anniverary. The FAI chief, John Delaney, said: "What happened in Loughinisland in 1994 was an awful tragedy and deeply moving for all football fans. I would like to thank Uefa for assisting us in commemorating this atrocity and take the opportunity to remember all those who lost their lives in the Troubles."
No one has been convicted of the Loughinisland killings. Ulster Volunteer Force gunmen opened fire while the crowd were cheering on Ireland in their opening World Cup match, which Jack Charlton's team won 1-0 at Giants Stadium in New York.
Among the dead was the oldest victim of the Troubles, 87-year-old Barney Green. Five other men were seriously injured in the attack.
Niall Murphy, a solicitor for the families of those killed, said they were deeply moved by the gesture. "We would like to thank the FAI and Uefa for their assistance in providing a forum to recall the awful event that took place on that fateful day when Ireland played Italy," Murphy said.
Henry McDonaldSource: ESPNsoccernet by ESPN staff
Hamburg have announced the signing of goalkeeper Rene Adler from Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year deal.Source: Goal.com
The Netherlands international has stressed that the Bavarians are determined to win Saturday's showpiece, but admitted their DFB Pokal final loss to Dortmund was a big blow.
Source: Yahoo! Eurosport
Greece coach Fernando Santos leaned on experience in announcing his provisional 25-man Euro 2012 squad on Thursday.
Source: Yahoo! Eurosport
Relegated Sporting Gijon have parted company with former Spain coach Javier Clemente after three months and appointed Manolo Sanchez in his place for next season.
Source: Sky Sports
Michael Owen insists he has no intentions of retiring following his release by Manchester United.Source: Sky Sports
Former Germany star Michael Ballack insists Chelsea can upset the odds and win the UEFA Champions League this weekend.Source: BBC Sport
Michael Owen says he does not plan to retire, despite Manchester United confirming he will not be offered a new contract.Source: The Sun
PEDRO PROENCA will referee Saturday's Champions League final between Chelsea and Bayern MunichSource: The Sun
MAN CITY striker tells his former United boss: “You think you’re president of England”Source: The Sun
THE Railwaymen of Crewe stayed on track for League One by derailing SouthendSource: The Telegraph
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre says Kenny Dalglish's results simply did not match expectations.
Source: The Telegraph
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is to undergo a minor procedure on his knee in the next few days, the club have confirmed.
Source: The Telegraph
Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca will take charge of this weekend's final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Uefa have announced.
Source: N.Y. Times by By REUTERS
Montpellier must stay fully focused as they still need one point to secure their first Ligue 1 football title, coach Rene Girard warned ahead of their final game at Auxerre, even though fans are already planning a welcome parade.Source: N.Y. Times by By REUTERS
Ireland will wear black armbands when they play Italy at June's European Championship to honour the victims of a pub shooting in Northern Ireland that occurred as fans watched the same two sides at the 1994 World Cup.Source: BBC Sport
Kenny Dalglish did not get the chance he deserved at Liverpool, says former Anfield team-mate and close friend Alan HansenSource: BBC Sport
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is to undergo minor knee surgery in Sweden over the next few days.Source: Goal.com
The Germany international has insisted that Saturday's showpiece is far too crucial for Jupp Heynckes's men, and insisted that the defeat against BVB should be put behind.
Source: Sky Sports
Leicester City have agreed a deal worth £1million for Fleetwood Town striker Jamie Vardy.Source: BBC Sport
Alan Hansen believes Kenny Dalglish will be "shocked and distraught" by his sacking as Liverpool manager.Source: The Guardian by Andy Hunter
Join the Guardian's football correspondent, Andy Hunter, to discuss the next steps for Liverpool following the departure of Kenny Dalglish
Following the sacking of the Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool's owners, John W Henry's Fenway Sports Group, have plenty to do to convince their fans that they have a coherent plan for the future of the club. As well as a search for a new manager, there are unanswered questions about a potential stadium move as the club strives to return to Premier League's top table.
Joining us to discuss where the club goes from here is our Liverpool based football correspondent Andy Hunter. He'll be online answering your questions from 1:15pm BST. Please post whatever queries you have for him in the comments section below.
Andy HunterSource: Goal.com
The England international will need to undergo further treatment for a new problem that has flared up during his rehabilitation as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
Source: Goal.com
The Chelsea forward, who was sent off in the club’s last Champions League final four years ago, wants redemption against Bayern Munich.
Source: Yahoo! Sports
The South Korean international has backed the Japanese star to do well should he join the Red Devils, and has stated that he would like to see out his career with at Old Trafford.
Source: Yahoo! Sports
The Liverpool striker hit the headlines for some of his off field activities last season which led the England manager to seek reassurances that he is a serious professional.
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