Dominant England claim Ashes series victory in Australia
By John Raedler, CNN January 7, 2011 -- Updated 0935 GMT (1735 HKT)
England's players celebrate a wicket as they close on their Ashes series triumph in Australia.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Australia lose to England at home for first time in 24 years
England win by innings after scoring their biggest ever total of 644 runs in Australia
England's Alastair Cook named man of the series
The Ashes cricket rivalry started in 1877, and they play for the trophy every two years
(CNN) -- England's cricketers have won a Test series in Australia for the first time in 24 years to complete an historic defense of the Ashes trophy. The rampaging visitors concluded their triumph Friday in Sydney, winning the fifth and final Test of the series by an innings and 83 runs after amassing 644 runs. It's the highest single-innings score ever by an English team in a Test match in Australia. England overwhelmed their arch-rivals in three Tests, winning each by an innings, the most decisive manner of victory in cricket. Australia won one Test, and the other was drawn. The hosts started the final day with only three wickets left and needing another 151 runs to make England bat again. It feels pretty special because not many sides have come out here and won
--Andrew Strauss
Steven Smith and Peter Siddle showed some resistance with an 86-run eighth-wicket partnership before Siddle was caught off the bowling of Graeme Swann for 43. Ben Hilfenhaus fell to James Anderson, caught behind for seven, giving the England paceman the last of his leading 24 wickets in the series. Debutant Michael Beer was the final Australian wicket to fall, bowled by Chris Tremlett for two to spark scenes of celebration in the England camp. Captain Andrew Strauss hailed their achievement after lifting a replica of the famous Ashes urn. "It feels pretty special," said Strauss. "Now we have done it, I think we can give a big sigh of relief and be very proud of what we have achieved, because not many sides have come out here and won -- and certainly not many as emphatically as we did in the end. It's a dressing room full of pride." British Prime Minister David Cameron was among those to pay tribute to Strauss' side. "Retaining the Ashes was a fantastic achievement, but winning the series really is the icing on the cake," Cameron said. "We've seen some great sporting moments over the series and the team have provided us with some brilliant memories that I'm sure fans will talk about for years to come. The whole country is incredibly proud of them." In a rivalry that started in 1877, England and Australia play for the Ashes every two years, alternating between the two countries. Because the English team had won the previous Ashes series in England in 2009, they retained the trophy once they had an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the current series with only the Sydney Test remaining. But the English players, on top with both bat and ball, hammered home their dominance to wrap up the series with a 3-1 victory. England batsman Alastair Cook was announced as the best player of the series. He scored 766 runs, including a double century in the drawn first Test in Brisbane and 189 runs in the first innings in Sydney. The Ashes date back to 1882, when Australia beat England on UK soil for the first time and a British newspaper ran a tongue-in-cheek "obituary" saying cricket had died and the body would be cremated and the ashes sent to Australia. The original urn is now displayed in the museum at Lord's cricket ground in London.
Updated Jan 7, 2011 9:00 AM ET Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is hoping to tie up a two-month loan for David Beckham by Sunday. Spurs and Beckham's parent club, the Los Angeles Galaxy, have been locked in talks all week and the former England captain is thought to be keen on a move to the north London club. TRANSFER SPECIAL
Redknapp says there is a "good chance" a deal will happen for Beckham and hopes the 35-year-old will come to watch the club's FA Cup third round match against Charlton on Sunday. "I think he could be here on Sunday possibly if what I'm being told on the grapevine is right," said the Spurs boss. "The clubs are talking and there is a good chance it will happen. "Hopefully he will come to the game, I'm sure. I'm not 100% sure but he could be here on Sunday. If Beckham's arrival is secured this weekend, he could go straight into the squad for Spurs' match against the midfielder's former club Manchester United the following Sunday.
(CNN) -- Sierra Leone international Rodney Strasser scored a vital goal five minutes from time to send AC Milan five points clear as Serie A resumed Thursday after its short mid-winter break. Strasser first goal in the Italian top-flight gave Milan a 1-0 win over Cagliari in Sardinia to increase their lead in the title race as Lazio were held to a 0-0 draw at Genoa. In the evening kickoff, Inter Milan gave new coach Leonardo a superb start with a 3-1 win at home to Napoli, who would have cut the gap on Milan at the top to three points with victory at the San Siro. Brazilian Leonardo, who replaced Rafael Benitez, saw Thiago Motta score twice with Esteban Cambiasso also on target. Napoli replied through Michele Pazienza, as the win takes reigning champions Inter to within 13 points of their city rivals, but they have two games in hand. Juventus' championship challenge hit the buffers after a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to mid-table Parma. Juve's chances were hardly helped by the 17th minute dismissal of Felipe Melo for violent conduct. But they were also undone by one of the own players, striker Sebastian Giovinco, who is out on loan to Parma this season. He scored a double before defender Nicola Legrottaglie pulled a goal back for the Turin giants. But Hernan Crespo's penalty sealed the three points before substitute Raffaele Palladino scored a fourth in added time. The defeat leaves Juventus eight points adrift of Milan, who made their breakthrough late as new signing Antonio Cassano played in fellow substitute Strasser to net. In other action, Roma leapfrogged Juventus into fourth after winning 4-2 against Catania, with Marco Borriello and Mirko Vucinic scoring two apiece.
Updated Jan 7, 2011 8:38 AM ET Edin Dzeko has vowed to lead Manchester City into the Champions League once he completes his move to Eastlands. City are on the verge of unveiling the £27million striker as manager Roberto Mancini confirmed on Tuesday that a fee had been agreed with Wolfsburg and Sky Sports News understands Dzeko has now completed his medical with the Blues. TRANSFER SPECIAL
The 24-year-old fired unfancied Wolfsburg to the Bundesliga title in 2009 before scoring four goals in six Champions League group games for the German outfit, including two against City's title rivals Manchester United. And the Bosnia international has set his sights on returning to Europe's top club competition with his new club. "After reaching the Champions League with Wolfsburg a couple of seasons ago, I don't want to go back to a lower standard," he said. "I want to keep testing myself against the best, and I hope I can help make that happen with City." Dzeko nearly joined AC Milan in July 2009 but signed a new contract with Wolfsburg which had an escape clause which only City currently have the financial resources to meet. Given his potential to keep improving, some believe the Blues may even make a profit on Dzeko by selling him on to one of Europe's top clubs, such as Barcelona, Real Madrid or Milan. And Dzeko has revealed he was a big fan of the Italian giants while growing up in war-torn Sarajevo. "I want to keep improving, and playing at the highest level possible, but as a small boy, all I could think of was playing for Milan," he added. "They were my team, the great side under Fabio Capello when I was growing up in the 90s, and they have always been special to me. "I still have a home in Sarajevo, and there is a room where the walls are covered with football jerseys. One is the red and black stripes of Milan, with Shevchenko's name and number on the back. It has pride of place."
Updated Jan 7, 2011 8:45 AM ET Steve Kean has insisted Blackburn's chase for Ronaldinho is not over despite reports in Brazil suggesting he is set to sign for Gremio. Kean has however accepted defeat in his efforts to attract David Beckham on loan. TRANSFER SPECIAL
Ronaldinho, 30, is back in Brazil and ready to complete a move from AC Milan. But Kean said on Friday: "No it's not over, as far as I'm aware that hasn't happened. It seems to have gone back on, and gone a little bit more positive in the last 24 hours rather than negative which is encouraging. "I'm trying to get the player to commit to come over and speak to us and then to deal with his club. We are trying to get a formula that first of all satisfies his current club and then see if the player is actually fully committed to coming here." On Beckham, Kean added: "That one has gone quiet. I don't think he's going to be coming to the north west so that rules us out." Reports in Brazil suggest Ronaldinho is on the brink of signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with Gremio, and Kean confirmed that Blackburn have not yet made a formal offer to AC Milan. He said: "A bid has not gone in yet but something might happen in the next 24 hours where a bid might go in. "We first have to figure out what they are happy to receive and if it's over our value then it will obviously die but if it's not hopefully it will progress." Kean said he had not targeted any other "marquee-type signings" but hopes to bring in three or four players during the transfer window.
Updated Jan 7, 2011 9:29 AM ET Manchester City defender Micah Richards has confirmed he wants to leave the club unless he can secure regular football at Eastlands. The 22-year-old burst onto the scene as a teenager and had been a regular for England, but a loss of form saw him lose his place in both sides.
Richards has been pleased with his displays this term, but the arrival of Germany international Jerome Boateng and the form of Pablo Zabaleta means he remains on the outside looking in. The Birmingham-born defender has made 10 Premier League starts this term under Roberto Mancini and he has no problem with the Italian, but he now wants to play week-in, week-out. Richards insists the time has now come for him to play regular first-team football as he is no longer content with warming the bench without kicking a ball in anger. "I know people will be reading this wondering why I don't just shut up," he told The Sun. "City are second and they will say what the manager is doing is working and keeping us fresh but I know my ability and I want to show it. "I'm not the sort of player who can just sit around and bank his wages. I've got no problem with the club or Roberto Mancini as a manager but he knows how I feel. I went to see the boss and told him how frustrated I was. "He said I was part of his plans but I went three Premier League games without even getting on, started against Aston Villa, then didn't play against Blackpool. "Sometimes I'm in, then Jerome Boateng comes in instead, or Pablo Zabaleta, or two of us play. It's in, out, in, out, mix and match. "I could understand being left out when Mark Hughes was in charge because I wasn't playing that well and was going through a bad time. We didn't have so many good players but I wasn't at my best. "I wasn't in the team at the end of last season under Mancini either but I worked really hard in pre-season and was determined to become an important part of the team. I feel I've been playing well. I'm confident in my ability and know when my game is in good shape, which right now it is. "When I first got into the team as a teenager everything was going great but I hadn't really learned the game properly and I sort of crashed for a while. "But I'm a different person now, I've learned, and I'm happy with my game again. Mancini says I've improved a lot but it's not getting me regular starts. "I've never really been used to sitting on the bench and not playing and I hate it. I don't feel it's acceptable to me if I'm honest. TRANSFER SPECIAL
"We've got a ridiculous amount of players, so many in every position who are all top quality and there are plenty of good players who don't get in at all. "We travel with 21 and three don't even get to be sub. You hope the club understands that they have to let people go and not leave them to rot. "Players like Shaun Wright-Phillips have been frustrated at not playing as has Adam Johnson. Shaun was told the same thing by Mr Capello that I was, that he needs to get regular football. "I feel more for Adam, particularly, because he could find himself in the same situation as me and Shaun. He's a young man who wants to be playing too and he has said that a few times this season. "I love City. I've been there since I was 15 and I got capped by England while playing for this club. But having reached that level I want to keep myself up there. "This is not me telling the boss, 'you must pick me for every game', I'm just telling it as I feel it. I want to be somewhere where I'm kicking a ball every week."
Updated Jan 7, 2011 5:31 AM ET Aston Villa are understood to have held talks with Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller. Gerard Houllier has already confirmed he is considering his options in the goalkeeping department and Weidenfeller appears high on his list. TRANSFER SPECIAL
German sources claim that Houllier has already spoken with the 30-year-old, who is out-of-contract in the summer. Because his deal is due to expire at the end of the season, there is nothing preventing any club from outside the Bundesliga holding talks with Weidenfeller. Now the keeper admits he is considering his options because his next deal will be the 'most important' of his career. "This is going to be the most important deal in my whole career, this is why I am definitely sorting out all my options," he told Kicker-Sportmagazin. "I will just sign after I have thought things over. Of course, I do not want to delay a decision for weeks or months. "But if I am staying on, I will not sign for one or two more years. I want to be a part of Borussia (Dortmund) for longer than that. "I am not the kind of guy that joins a club where he is to be cut off from the outside world. This would not be me playing then." Weidenfeller has been with Dortmund since 2002 and became first-choice the following year when Jens Lehmann departed for Arsenal.
Updated Jan 7, 2011 4:25 AM ET Birmingham have revealed they are lining up a move for Manchester City striker Jo if their bid to sign Tottenham's Robbie Keane falls through. Blues are keen to know sooner or later whether they can sign Keane to give them time to pursue other targets. TRANSFER SPECIAL
First-team coach Peter Grant expects City to know "in the next few days" about their chances of landing Keane rather than see the deal drag on towards the end of the transfer window. Blues have been in negotiations with Spurs over a possible £7million deal for the Republic of Ireland international. But, with manager Alex McLeish keen to sign a proven striker this month, they will look elsewhere if they fail to secure Keane, with Jo another option. Grant said: "What is the timescale with Keane? I think you will see something in the next few days. "It can go to the last day in January but I don't think it will go as long as that because you always want answers. "If it's not Robbie Keane then hopefully it will be the next one, somebody else. "We know he's a top, top player. We know he's not playing at this moment in time. "Harry (Redknapp) has made it clear that he would like to sell him as they don't want him any more." Grant added: "That's a situation the gaffer is looking at but I don't think it will drag. "Obviously if it's not going to be Robbie, he will want it to be someone else, that's for sure. "I think that's no different to any clubs at this moment in time. They have targets and, if doesn't happen, they move on and go elsewhere." Grant worked with Keane as first team coach at Celtic last season when the player was on loan to the Bhoys and believes he still has the hunger to succeed. But he concedes that the length of contract will have to be finalised should any deal be struck.
Grant said: "I worked with Robbie personally last year and I know what he's like. He's a guy that wants to play football but these guys want as good a deal as anybody does. "We're all working men. If you're a plumber and somebody says 'we're going to give you a three-year contract or a one- year contract' you're going to look at the one that's going to give you a three-year contract. "That doesn't change but I know Robbie is hungry to play football and still have that desire." When asked about being linked with signing Jo, Grant admitted: "He's another one because you look at top quality players that are out the side although he played last night (Wednesday). "Sometimes you think these guys are out the team and all of a sudden you enquire about them and they say 'no, he's part of the squad.' "Some guys want to hold on to them because they're involved in Europe and they would rather he was involved in the squad or they want permanent deals. "But, at this moment in time, the sort of money you're asked for by the likes of Manchester City and everywhere else it's massive money."
British customs officials have seized cannabis worth almost 3,000 pounds ($4,600) found inside a painting of Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor posted from his native Togo. The UK Border Agency says the wooden-framed picture of the west African nation's most famous player was intercepted at an international postal hub in Coventry. The painting was addressed to a home in Tottenham. Adebayor used to play nearby for Tottenham's fierce north London rival Arsenal. Agency head Brodie Clark says the unusual package showed "the lengths that organized criminals will go to in a bid to get drugs into the UK."
Updated Jan 6, 2011 6:09 AM ET Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal should believe in their Premier League title challenge despite Wednesday's goalless draw with Manchester City.
The Gunners remain in third place, two points behind City, on whom they still hold a match in hand, and four off leaders Manchester United, who have played a game less. City - who are expected to shortly complete the £27million signing of striker Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg - failed to muster a single shot on target, missing injured frontline duo David Silva and Mario Balotelli. Arsenal, but for some better fortune, could have been celebrating a second successive home victory over one of their title rivals. The Gunners twice hit the woodwork in the first half through Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, with England goalkeeper Joe Hart then saving superbly from the Dutchman's 25-yard drive on the hour. Both sides finished with 10 men after full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna were shown straight red cards by referee Mike Jones for a needless clash on the far touchline. City drew plenty of criticism both from the television pundits for the live match and also the Emirates Stadium faithful. While Blues boss Roberto Mancini was not concerned by the chants of 'boring, boring City', Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his youngsters can take plenty of positives.
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"Overall there is no way we should lose courage or belief in our team. It is the opposite," he said. "We should even come out with even more belief in our quality and be more resolute in the coming games because we have shown we have what it takes to be a serious contender in this league." Wenger continued: "The regret I have is that we did not take our early chances because that would have changed the game. They came here to have a 0-0 and they got what they wanted. "We played for long periods against 10 men, even Carlos Tevez, I have never seen him so deep. "We always try to win our games, but maybe it was their way to try to win, to defend deep and to catch us on the break and make something special. "But we have to respect that and sort out the problems we face. "Even if a team defends deep, we have to find a way to score and you cannot reproach Manchester City for that. "Maybe it was not the most spectacular way but still they were efficient in what they wanted and they got it."
Carlo Ancelotti today laughed off the fan protest against his Chelsea reign and joked: "It's much worse in Italy." Ancelotti and the Chelsea players arrived at the club's Cobham headquarters this morning to find banners erected opposite the entrance signalling their dissent. One sheet read: "None of you are fit to wear the shirt", with the other stating, baldly: "Ancelotti and Abramovich out". But the Chelsea boss, whose side have dropped to fifth after a run of just 10 points from 11 games, said: "I didn't see nothing. What happened?
"Was it only one banner? If only one, there's no problem! "For a manager it's important to have support of club, the players and the fans - all apart from one of them - it's the right way to move on quickly. "The pressure here is the same as Italy. Outside training it's different because in Italy there is alot of pressure from the fans. "You saw outside just one person who is not happy with what has happened. In Italy it would be different. "There you can find 1000 people outside the training ground not happy. It's difficult to fight with 1000 people. With one we can manage." Ancelotti added: "The most important thing to stay compact and together and I can see everybody doing their best to move on quickly from this moment. "The problem is not my relationship with the club, the owner, or the players. The problem is that the team is not doing well. "We have stayed a long time in the difficult moment and lost confidence. This is the problem and we have to stay focused on that. "I've spoken with the staff to try to find solution. The solution is on the pitch, not outside the pitch. The support of the fans is important but the most important thing is to find solution on the pitch and we're trying to do something different." Chelsea are the FA Cup holders and Ancelotti is set to be forced into changes for Sunday's third round tie with Ipswich, with Ashley Cole, Michael Essien and Didier Drogba having joined the lengthy injury list. But Ancelotti said he was unhappy that Roy Keane's sacking by the Suffolk side has denied him the chance to meet up again with one of the ghosts of his managerial past. "I was excited to meet Roy after a long time," said Ancelotti. "I was the manager at Juventus in 1999 when he gave me such disappointment when he scored in the semi-final of the Champions League. "Now I haven't got poss to meet him and I am sorry for this. "But this is the life of a manager. A manager has to be able to manage these bad moments. He can look forward quickly."
Updated Jan 6, 2011 11:57 AM ET Carlo Ancelotti admits Chelsea are "not good enough" at the moment, but believes they have the 'character' to recover from defeat at Wolves. The Blues went down 1-0 to Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday night, Jose Bosingwa's own goal after five minutes deciding the contest, as their faint Premier League title hopes all but disappeared.
The defeat made it one win from their last nine league games for Chelsea, who are nine points behind leaders Manchester United having played a game more. The Londoners missed several decent chances and hit the post, through Didier Drogba, but stubborn Wolves were good value for their hard-fought win. Chelsea are in their worst run of form since the 1995-96 season and Ancelotti, who maintains he does not fear for his job, is aware better is expected and demanded. "I think it's obvious we are not good enough in this moment," he said. "But the team has the skill, the ability, the character, the personality to move on. It's important to stay compact, to stay together and to work hard for each other." Asked if he was confident he was the right man for the job, the Italian added: "Yes, I know this team very well and I'm sure than this moment will change and we will be able to fight for everything this season." The former AC Milan boss admitted the decision over his future could be taken out of his hands, although he does not have a meeting planned with owner Roman Abramovich.
"It's not my decision I hope I can continue this job, because I would like to stay here and I have a good relationship with the players and with the club," he said. Wolves boss Mick McCarthy praised the effort of his players as they recorded a win which took them out of the bottom three. "For effort and endeavour they never leave a drop on the pitch," he said. "They give me everything, for which I'm hugely thankful and proud of. "We sometimes lack a bit of quality and sometimes make mistakes - and that's me included - but as a unit they're fabulous in terms of what they give me. "We played 4-4-2 against the much-lauded 4-4-3 and I asked them to do certain things. You can ask them, but it's the players who deserve the credit and the plaudits for doing it. They have to work blooming hard to play that way and they did."
Updated Jan 6, 2011 3:59 AM ET Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson refused to answer questions about his future after the Reds slipped to an embarrassing 3-1 defeat at Blackburn. Two goals from Benjani Mwaruwari, who had not started since November 6 and scored once in 12 previous appearances, and Martin Olsson condemned the Reds to a ninth Premier League defeat of the season despite an 80th-minute consolation from Steven Gerrard, who missed a late penalty.
The result seems likely to hasten the end of his six-month reign at Anfield, with owners New England Sports Ventures having already begun their search for a replacement. Hodgson answered just three questions in his post-match press conference, which uncharacteristically for him lasted just over two minutes, and as soon as the subject of his position was broached proceedings were brought to an abrupt halt. "I am not prepared to talk about that because obviously I am depressed enough with the performance and the result," said the 63-year-old. "I have no comments to make and I have no intention to answer any questions on the subject." Asked about his feelings after the defeat Hodgson said: "Dejection, bitter disappointment, frustration. "I am very disappointed for the fans who gave us good support and saw the team concede the goals we did. "I thought in the second half we did well to retrieve a seemingly hopeless situation and get back on track and had Steven's penalty gone in who knows, we may have made the last five minutes more exciting.
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"Unfortunately when you are Liverpool and you lose away to Blackburn there is nothing that can be said which will put a positive slant or make the situation look any brighter. "As far as I am concerned it is a really bad day and there is not much more I can say other than, to the fans, that anything they are feeling tonight I can assure them the feeling is equally as bad and equally as depressed in the dressing room. "It was a performance anything other than the performance we wanted to give." Rovers boss Steve Kean, who marked his first home victory since taking over from the sacked Sam Allardyce last month in some style, felt he could not really offer Hodgson any sympathy. "Roy is a great coach and manager but we can only look after what we can do, which is winning games to try to move us up the league," he said. Kean, who was missing eight first-team members, paid tribute to the players he had available. "I thought we were tremendous," he added. "We let them back into the game and it was a bit nervy when we gave them the penalty but overall, on the balance of play, we were worthy of the three points. "It was all about the togetherness; there is a tight group and we were down to the bare bones and that is how you show team spirit. "I don't think it is anything about me, it is about the team and showing what we are as a club and I am really proud of the lads."
Updated Jan 7, 2011 7:15 AM ET 07/01/2011 08:44 +0100
The Serbian was Sir Alex Ferguson's surprise choice as skipper at the start of the season, handed the job ahead of Rio Ferdinand once the United boss had decided to remove the honour from Gary Neville due to the fact he was no longer a regular starter. Whilst the job itself is not new to Vidic, now the captain of his country and formerly Red Star Belgrade, he does feel the need to set an example for the rest of his team-mates to follow. "I feel very proud," he told Inside United. "It came as a bit of a surprise. The manager said he wanted someone who would play regularly but I know it is a big honour. "I haven't changed anything in particular. But you do have to think about your responsibilities; your behaviour, the way you play, the way you train. "I know that I need to set a good example, on and off the pitch." There have been few problems for Vidic on that score this season as, by common consent, he has been one of United's better performers in a campaign which, despite not seeing them at their best, looks increasingly likely to end with them being crowned champions for a record 19th time. The side they would depose - and the one that seems to have caused Vidic most problems down the years - are their next opponents. However, Liverpool will head down the East Lancs Road in a shambolic state, their season imploding, their manager apparently about to be sacked, and no obvious way of them reclaiming that coveted top-four berth that was theirs for so long. All this is greeted with mirth on the Stretford End, who will be eager that United do not suffer the kind of aberration that saw them dumped out of the FA Cup third round last season for the first time since 1984. Even Ferguson learned valuable lessons from that defeat to Leeds, which is why he has stated Liverpool can expect to be facing a strong home line-up, which both Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand might return to as the quest for more silverware begins. "I want the next few years to be as successful as the last few," said Vidic, who knows the FA Cup remains strangely absent from his mantelpiece. "I am still hungry to do well."
Carlo Ancelotti has laughed off a fan protest calling for him to be sacked as Chelsea manager, insisting such demonstrations were much worse in Italy. Ancelotti and his players arrived at their Cobham base this morning to find a pair of banners draped opposite the entrance which read: "Ancelotti + Abramovich out!!!" and "None of you are fit to wear the shirt". The signs, presumably the handiwork of a Chelsea supporter disgruntled at the club's worst Barclays Premier League slump for almost 15 years, were later removed. And they are unlikely to be representative of the majority of fans' views, allowing Ancelotti to make light of the protest.
"There was only one?" joked the Italian, who masterminded Chelsea's first ever league and FA Cup double last season. "If it's only one, there's no problem!" He added: "Here, you saw outside just one person who is not happy. "In Italy, it's different. You can find outside the training ground 1,000 people not happy. "It's difficult to fight with 1,000. With one, you can manage." Of course, any disquiet is likely to grow the longer Chelsea's current crisis continues. But for the moment, Ancelotti appears to have the bulk of the fans on side, including the most important of them all, owner Roman Abramovich. The billionaire Russian is continuing to back his manager, despite the Italian overseeing by far the poorest run of results since he bought the club. Wednesday night's shock 1-0 defeat at then rock-bottom Wolves made it one win in nine league games, leaving Chelsea marooned in fifth place. "For a manager, it is important at this moment to have the support of the club, of the players, and obviously of the fans - minus one," said Ancelotti, referring again to the solitary protest. "It is the right way to move on quickly. "The problem now here is not the relationship with the club, or with the owner, or with the players. "The problem is the team is not doing well. We've stayed a long time in a difficult moment, we've lost confidence. "We spoke today with the staff to try to find the solution. "The solution is on the pitch - it is not outside the pitch." Ancelotti acknowledged that solution needed to be found "now", starting with Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie with Ipswich. "We obviously have to do quickly this change," he said. "And not because the club will not give the support to me, but because we want to stay involved in every competition. "I think it's a good thing to play the FA Cup, because we have a good memory of this competition. "We won last year and maybe we can have help from this competition. "The good thing is in the FA Cup and Champions League, we don't have a gap to close. "We have the same possibility as the other teams and maybe this could give us more motivation." He added: "We are trying to do something different on the pitch. "But it doesn't mean that we want to change the shape." It also does not mean panic buys, according to the former AC Milan boss, who is keen to strengthen his squad but to supplement, rather than supplant his struggling stars. "We started very well this season, with this squad," said Ancelotti, whose side led the table by five points back in October. "Everyone was excited to watch our games, was excited to speak about our players, and how we played. "I think that these players are able to move on with their quality, with their character, with their personality. "We don't need to have the support from any (new) players." New players or not, Ancelotti is acutely aware the buck will eventually stop with him. "In football, you usually say when everything is okay, the players are fantastic," he said. "When everything is wrong, it is the manager who is not so good. "When the moment is not good, we have to take responsibility. "I feel in this moment more responsibility than my players. This is normal, this is not a worry for me."
Updated Jan 7, 2011 7:15 AM ET 07/01/2011 08:45 +0100
Wednesday night's shock defeat at Wolves meant Ancelotti has now overseen the Blues' worst run of Premier League results for 15 years. But billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is continuing to resist any urge he might have to axe Ancelotti, with the club still confident the Italian is the right man to turn things around. That might change should they suffer an FA Cup giant-killing on Sunday when Ipswich arrive at Stamford Bridge in the third round. Ancelotti may be tempted to give some of his big names a break this weekend but it would be a huge risk under the circumstances. Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull will be hoping his manager does gamble and hand him a rare appearance. Turnbull, who turned 26 on Tuesday, has had to bide his time this season, his only two appearances coming in the Carling Cup and Champions League. There had been talk he might play at Marseille in the middle of the club's current slump last month but Ancelotti stuck with the experience of Petr Cech. Turnbull fears it may be the same on Sunday, telling his club's official website: "Some of the lads who don't play as much thought they might play the away Marseille game but I remember saying at the time that I thought the manager would put an experienced team out to get some momentum going, so he might do it again for Ipswich. "He has to pick what he thinks is best for the club and I respect his decisions." Ancelotti's hopes of keeping his job have been boosted by the fact that despite Chelsea's dramatic slump from top spot to fifth place following one win in nine, most of their rivals have been unable to pull clear. The feeling at Stamford Bridge is that a top-four finish is very much within reach, with Tottenham just a point clear of Ancelotti's men. The big test of Abramovich's confidence will therefore come should that gap to widen significantly, with the Russian having sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari two years ago when he began to fear Chelsea would not qualify for the Champions League. The Blues are refusing to completely concede their Premier League title, despite slipping nine points behind unbeaten leaders Manchester United having played a game more. The strong bond Ancelotti enjoys with his squad is thought to be one reason why the Italian remains in charge. He was mobbed by his players after John Terry scored what he thought was a winner in Sunday's 3-3 draw with Aston Villa. However, there was a similar public display of affection towards Scolari before he was sacked - and it subsequently became apparent that he was not as popular as advertised.
Updated Jan 7, 2011 7:15 AM ET 07/01/2011 09:08 +0100
Switzerland international Behrami spent most of his career in Serie A prior to his move to Upton Park in 2008. Now the former Lazio and Genoa man is set to get his wish of moving back to Italy. Behrami has suffered a number of injuries during his two-and-a-half years in England which have limited him to just over 50 Premier League appearances. Now the Hammers are understood to have agreed terms with Fiorentina for his move. Reports in Italy suggest the 25-year-old will pen a four-year deal in Florence.
Updated Jan 7, 2011 7:15 AM ET 07/01/2011 09:10 +0100
West Ham and then Wolves made approaches to Aston Villa and were given permission to talk with the former Chelsea man. The Hammers thought they had got Sidwell after he passed a medical and agreed terms, only for the midfielder to return to Villa and open talks with Wolves. Now Fulham are hoping to persuade Sidwell to come back to London with a switch to Craven Cottage. The 28-year-old is now set to talk terms with Fulham, before deciding where his future lies in the coming days.
Updated Jan 7, 2011 7:15 AM ET 07/01/2011 08:59 +0100
The 30-year-old made 172 appearances for Leeds between 1998 and 2004 before joining arch-rivals Manchester United during the club's financial meltdown. Smith had been a huge fans' favourite but left Elland Road following relegation for a £6million transfer fee that went some way to helping the club stay afloat. A possible return for Smith has Leeds fans divided, although manager Grayson does not believe the Red Devils factor comes into the equation and that he will sign good players regardless. However, he has confirmed that he has not asked Newcastle manager Alan Pardew about Smith and that he has not yet decided whether he will be approaching the Magpies. "He's a good player and forget any affinity he has with the club in the past," Grayson said. "If you get a player of Alan Smith's ability then obviously you would have to be interested. We are in the market to make us better. "We've been linked with many players. Smith, Woodgate, Kaka, Messi! Smith is a good player, Woodgate is a good player and we want good players at this club. "They have fantastic footballing ability, experience and know-how. "No one knows if Alan Smith is available. Alan Pardew is the only one. I have not asked that question. "Whether I intend to, we will have to wait and see where we go with it."
FIFA president Sepp Blatter believes "resentment" of Britain's special privileges on football's world governing body may have harmed England's 2018 World Cup bid. Last month England gained just two of the 22 FIFA votes as Russia triumphed in the contest to host the tournament. Blatter, who also gave the clearest indication yet that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be played during the winter, pointed to the fact that some FIFA members resent Britain having their own FIFA vice-president and the home nations having separate status. For historic reasons, the four home associations also represent half of the International FA Board (IFAB), the game's law-making body, with FIFA making up the half.
FIFA members such as Argentina's Julio Grondona and Trinidad's Jack Warner have made little secret of their opposition to such special status. Blatter, speaking to reporters in Doha, Qatar, said: "I cannot judge why England was so badly disappointed. They did a good job, a good presentation. "There must be inside FIFA some reticence to England, perhaps these four associations. Maybe some resentment because of the privileges. "Great Britain has a great importance inside FIFA since 1946. They have four national associations inside FIFA and one vice-presidency. They are also 50% of IFAB. There are no more privileges you can give to someone. "If you have all these privileges you must handle these in a very intelligent way." Blatter also suggested that the BBC Panorama investigation into FIFA members, screened three days before the vote, may also have had an effect. He added: "Maybe the last-minute press and television about matters that have already been dealt with could have played a part." Blatter was in Doha ahead of the opening match of the Asian Cup, and he said he expected the 2022 World Cup to be in January instead of June - something that would have a huge impact on domestic football in Europe. He said: "I expect it will be held in the winter. We have time to look at this question, it is still 11 years away but we must decide the most adequate period for a successful World Cup which means January or the end of the year. "When you play football you must protect the main people, the players." Summer temperatures in Qatar can soar to more than 50 degrees Celsius while those in the winter months are far more comfortable. Blatter also responded to criticism of FIFA for a lack of transparency by saying the International Olympic Committee is dominated by royalty and handles its finances "like a housewife". Blatter, himself an IOC member, said: "Our accounts are open to everyone. The IOC does it like a housewife. She receives some money and she spends some money. "The IOC is a club. In the 115 members of the IOC, only 45 are directly linked to sport. If you need to know where in the world you still have princes, princesses and kings, then you go to the list of members of the IOC. You will find a lot of them."
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