29 NOVEMBER 2001

Aftermath of Fowler's Move To Leeds

Robbie Fowler is expected to officially complete his move from Liverpool
to Leeds later today. The 26 year old Liverpool idol has been forced out
of the first team since the emergence of Michael Owen and signing of
Emile Heskey last season. Fowler said :

"Leeds are a great club and the chance to be part of what is happening
at Elland Road was too good to miss, particularly under the current
circumstances. Like every footballer, I just want to play, and I want the
chance to be part of things."

Liverpool are expected to complete the transfer of 20 year old Czech
Republic striker Milan Baros from Banik Ostrava, signed at the beginning
of the season. They are also though to be interested in the hottest
property in French football - Auxerre striker Djibril Cisse.

Goal shy Leeds may sell off Mark Viduka or red card magnet Alan Smith.

Breakthrough In Nandrolone Controversy?

A doctor who works for the FIA (Italian Athletics Federation) found that
substances registered as safe by the Ministry of Health showed up as
positive for nandrolone in a urine test. The tests were conducted to clear
the name of athlete Andrea Longo who tested positive for nandrolone.
Dr. Fischetto said :

"Longo's problem is the same as the football players who failed doping
tests. These products are not guaranteed. The market is not secure and
I keep telling athletes of this danger."

Juve Sign £95 Million Deal With Nike

Juventus has signed a 12 year contract worth £95 million with Nike to
supply them with kit from 2003-2015.


27 NOVEMBER 2001

Van Gaal Quits

Mr Arrogance Luis Van Gaal who proclaimed he would win the 2002
World Cup has quit after failing to take Holland to next years finals.
Rangers Dick Advocat, who coached Holland during the 1994 World
Cup finals has emerged as an early favourite to replace Van Gaal.
Johan Cryuff has ruled himself out.

Shevchenko Happy At Milan

"If Mr Perez wants to buy me then he will have to talk to Milan about it.
Nobody has contacted me about the proposed move but I would like to
outline one more time that I have no intention of changing clubs."
Andriy Shevchenko

Asta In Line For Italy Call-up

"There are few players like Asta around at this moment in time. It's
obvious that I'm keeping my eye on him something that I've been
doing for some time." - Giovanni Trapattoni 

Festa Wants More Drug Testing

"I read at the weekend that Stam is the 10th Serie A player to test
positive for nandrolone in the past 12 months but I do not believe for
one moment that we have widespread doping problems in my home
country. If you look at the most prominent people to fail tests, they
are mostly from abroad. The other big factor we have to take into
account however is that Italian football has one of the strictest drug
testing regimes in the world. In my five years in England, I have been
tested just twice. Yet in Italy, players are tested in every Serie A
game." - Former Inter defender Gianluca Festa now at Middlesbrough

Bridge About To Make The Le Tissier Mistake?

Wayne Bridge, Southamptons talented England U21 defender has
pledged his future to the club despite interest from Liverpool and
Leeds. Matt Le Tissier, THE most technically complete English player
of the last decade has stayed at Southampton his entire career
despite interest from Englands leading clubs :

"I've heard all the rumours linking me with Liverpool but as far as
I'm concerned it's all paper talk. I'm Southampton through and
through. I grew up supporting the club, so did my family and I'm
not looking to leave at the moment." - 

Cassano Hype Grows - Like His Head

"I've been taught to always aim high and I think that it is fundamental for
all of us to do so. For this reason I don't see why Cassano can't aim for
the title of Europe's best player. He has outstanding quality and there
are very few players like him in Italy or the continent." - Fabio Capello

Lippi Goes Back To Basics

"I've decided to go back to the 4-4-2 system that we were using at the
start of the season. The changes I made to try to get some of my players
to get back to their optimal form have failed. I've tried in a number of
ways to get this side playing better but it is time to draw a conclusion.
We have a few certainties and we will try to get back to the team that
started the season." - Marcello Lippi

Official World Cup Song Named

American pop star Anastacia will sing the official theme song for next years
World Cup finals. The song will be entitled 'Boom' and not, unfortunately,
'Lariat-O'.

Petit Credits Foreigners For Premiership Improvement

"In the last four or five years the average level of The Premiership has
improved greatly. I put that down to the massive input of foreign
players. They have managed to make people forget the typical
English kick and rush style. Now they realise you can play with the
ball without losing the famous fighting spirit. There is a new generation
of English players who have been influenced by the foreign culture
overseas players brought with them. The next couple of years could
be very interesting." - Emmanuel Petit

Serie A Post Match Comments

Lazio V Juventus

"The side is now getting back to the highest levels. We've changed a lot
over the summer and therefore it was obvious that we needed a little time
to gel. It was great to see Nedved at the Olimpico again but he chose a
new road to go down and I don't think we will ever see him play for Lazio
again." - Sergio Cragnotti

"The performance on Saturday wasn't too bad in all honesty. I saw things
that I liked during parts of the game. Then unfortunately for us the match
hinged on a mistake and we just couldn't get back in it." - Marcello Lippi

"Statistically, the best Juventus is seen during December, January and
February. Fortunately we have a Champions' League game on Wednesday
that can help us re-find our feet." - Marcello Lippi

Inter V Fiorentina

"I finished a game at last but very soon I'll be able to start matches and
last the whole 90 minutes. We're getting there. My problems are behind
me now and I am working well to be ready for a fully fledged return to
football. I don't want to rush myself but with Vieri by my side we will
play and we will win. I am certain of it." - Ronaldo

Brescia V Udinese

"We weren't just missing Roberto Baggio and Josep Guardiola but also
Petruzzi, Bachini and Filippini. Despite all this we had a great performance
based on simple basics of football - pressure in midfield and hit them on
the break." - Carlo Mazzone

Parma V Milan

"We conceded the goal during our best period of the game. That was
our mistake and unfortunately it all fell apart from there. On the goal
that was ruled out for offside I don't think that Savo Milosevic was
disturbing the goalkeeper so it should have stood. We must nonetheless
stand by our strikers and be united as a squad. We need to lift our
morale which I admit is starting to flag." - Daniel Passarella

"We didn't lose our heads, not even when Umit Davala was sent off.
Everyone worked hard and suffered for the team. This is an important
sign for the whole squad. It's not easy to find a balance if the players
aren't up for it but the lads have been putting their minds to it lately
and it paid off." - Carlo Ancelotti

Torino V Verona

"I am very satisfied with my team's performance. This Torino fights for
each and every match without keeping an eye over its shoulder. We
had problems in the first half and Verona came here on the back of
some great results. The lads did well to get the most out of the fact
we had a man more on the field." - Giancarlo Camolese

Premiership Post Match Comments

Arsenal V Man United

"It was an absolute disaster. We were well beaten, out-played. Arsenal
played magnificently. That's the best Arsenal have ever played against
us in my time at United. Give them full credit for that. That was an
incredible performance by them. They were never off the bite all night
and the football was terrific. I think that first goal was a collective
thing, but the second and third goals  I cannot say anything about
them." - Alex Ferguson

Leeds V Aston Villa

"I'm disappointed in Alan because what he's doing is no good. He let
himself down and the team down and cost us two points on Sunday.
For a lad of his age to have been sent off five times at the age of 21
years old is a disgrace."

Newcastle V Derby

"We have the potential to maintain our position in the league but we
have to make sure we keep winning games. We cannot rely on the 
likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Leeds and Liverpool to slip up."
Laurent Robert


24 NOVEMBER 2001

Guardiola Will Fight To Clear His Name

"I'm upset with what has happened but I'm certain that I will win this battle.
A machine says that I've taken nandrolone but there is a man next to the
machine that says that is not true. I know that I have done nothing illegal
in all these years as a professional footballer. I've used the same vitamins
for over 10 years while I was at Barcelona and with the Spanish national side
with no problems whatsoever." - Josep Guardiola

Effenberg Slams Beckham

"Beckham was dreadful (against Bayern). He made so many bad passes. If
that had been me the crowd would never have stopped booing and he's
supposed to be a candidate for footballer of the year, give me a break!
There were 11 players on each side, it wasn't Effenberg versus Beckham.
If that had been the case we would have won 1-0."

Rexach - Tough In Spain, Easy In Europe

"Liverpool were not in a very good day but I have to admit it's easier to
win in Europe than in Spain it proves Liga teams are on top of the CL or
the UEFA cup" - Carles Rexach


23 NOVEMBER 2001

PFA Strike Averted But Where Does The Money Go?

In theory the Players Football Association, a union for footballers past
and present, is a good idea. They provide financial help for players who
have fallen on hard times and kids who didn't make the grade. Hardly
surprising then that 99% of member were in favour of strike action over
the PFA's claims that they were entitled to 5% of the TV revenue from
the Premier League which I believe works out to £120 million.

Yesterday David James, goalkeeper of West Ham, said after doing some
research he wasn't in favour of strike action. Davids James, unlike most
footballers, always comes across in interviews as being reasonably
intelligent. Yesterday evening on a football discussion show a fan quoted
Leeds Chairman Peter Ridsdale as saying that last year the PFA gave out
around £1 million and the previous year only £700,000 which leads me to
ask where does the rest of the money go? Why do the PFA need over
£100 million? How does the PFA Chairman Gordon Taylor justify his annual
wages of £400,000? And IF the PFA were doing such a great job of looking
after players why did Gordon Banks and Geoff Hurst sell off World Cup winners
medals and other memorabilia? Just for the money or more likely out of
necessity? Ray Kennedy, a former European Cup winner with Liverpool also
had to sell off memorabilia after struggling to cope with Parkinson's Disease,
where were the PFA then?

In light of the PFA and the FA Premier League reaching an agreement
(£52.5 million over three years) and, as expected, avoiding strike action,
the PFA should be accountable for how they spend their money.


22 NOVEMBER 2001

Guardiola Tests Positive For Nandrolone

Josep Guardiola has become the second Serie A player to test positive for
Nandrolone over the past week. Guardiola will be suspended pending the
results of a second test.

Cassano Tips Himself For Ballon D'or

Roma forward Antonio Cassano has once again proclaimed his brilliance
to the press following his excellent display against Galatasaray in
Tuesday's Champions league match :

"I hope to be the favourite for the European Player of the Year award within
the next two years, or maybe even sooner. I don't need to prove anything to
anyone. I can live without the U-21 jersey but not without the senior Italy
team." 

Cassano has been dropped for the U-21 team largely because of his attitude.
He hasn't got a prayer of making the full squad anytime soon for the same
reasons.

Lazio Want Owen

Lazio Chairman Sergio Cragnotti has set his sights on the King of England,
Michael Owen : "I want to buy Owen. I wanted him a couple of years ago.
He is a talent, a real champion and a player I have always admired. It won't
be easy to buy him from Liverpool but we will try."

Keane In Moment Of Self Criticism

"I've not been training properly and I've not been playing well and by not
performing well I feel I've let down myself, the manager, the fans and most
of all my team-mates. I think the lads have been carrying me. In games I
need to play on the edge and if I missed training it would take its toll.
Eventually I would get found out against the good players but I'm looking
forward to every game now. My knee is fine and, please God, it will be okay
to play Arsenal on Sunday." - Roy Keane

Del Bosque - European Propaganda

"Real and Sparta have played a great match and they're the best propaganda
for European football you could think of. We proved we were going through
a moment of great form. I am also delighted with the way we were able to
create goalscoring chances" - Vicente Del Bosque

Massive Blow For Bayern

Bayern Munich midfielder Hasan Salihamidzic, in my opinion the best player in
the Champions League this season, could be out of action for up to 5 months
after damaging cruciate ligaments following a clash with Man United midfielder
Quinton Fortune during yesterday's Champions League match.

Champions League Post Match Comments

Panathinaikos V Porto

"I have to congratulate my players. The final score leaves us a bit bitter
because we had many goalscoring opportunities but I am very pleased with
my team's performance, in particular their effort and the dynamic way they
played." - Panathinaikos coach Ioannis Kirastas

Bayern Munich V Man United

"We started the second half terribly. United had no chances until the 74th
minute and used the first one they had to make it 1-0. In the last 15 minutes
we tried everything but it is hard to stay focused against such a great team.
The match was played at the very highest level and both teams are very
strong." - Bixente Lizarazu

"For Bayern, the first half was very good then we finally started attacking well
but I am still very disappointed with the draw especially because Roy Keane
could have scored to make it 2-0." - Alex Ferguson

Galatasaray V Roma

"It was a very difficult match for both teams and I think we played very well.
The important thing was to score the goal." - Fabio Capello

"We did very well in the first half but they were better in the second half so
the score is about right." - Mircea Lucescu 

Liverpool V Barcelona

"We had a plan to move the ball quickly and it worked very well. The team
carried out my instructions perfectly. The result showed that we can live
with the likes of Liverpool and that can only give us confidence for the
future." - Carles Rexach

"Barcelona are a high quality side and they were up for it tonight. They
played some great stuff and passed the ball very well. This has been a
learning process for our players but I thought we did very well indeed.
If Heskey had scored, it could have changed the game for us but Barcelona
were a much stronger team than last season." - Phil Thompson


20 NOVEMBER 2001

Riquelme Heading To Serie A?

Marco Franchi, agent of Juan Roman Riquelme, flew into Italy on Monday
night and is expected to hold talks with several clubs interested in signing
the outstanding Boca Juniors playmaker.

Doping Commission Lay Blame On Stam

Anti-Doping Commissions scientific consultant, Dr Pino Capua, has
absolved Lazio of blame for Jap Staam's positive drugs test :

"Lazio adhered to the regulations and kept a record of every product
they gave to the player. We do not know what the player took of his
own volition. We were also surprised by this result because Lazio are
one of the clubs that are doing the most to work within these new
rules. Having said this there can be only two options for Stam. Either
the player took a substance not monitored by Lazio, perhaps putting
his trust in a doctor on his recent trip home to Holland, or he purposely
took nandrolone."

Referees Defend Red Cards

Serie A refereeing designator Paolo Bergamo has defended the near
record eight red cards handed out during the course of this week's
matches :

"The decisions were 100% correct. This was a significant day for us
as there were no mistakes, although some of the second bookings were
a little severe."

I have commented on the high standard of refereeing in Serie A on
numerous occasions and agree with Bergamo's comments. The eight
red cards were as follows :

Marasco (Venezia) & Saudati 83 (Atalanta) during Atalanta's home
victory over Venezia. Both players were sent off for a girly slap
fight. 100% justified

Almeyda (Parma) for a foul on Edgar Davids. There didn't appear
to be much contact but in my opinion the intent was there. As
Almeyda went in with both feet and got nowhere near the ball he
had to go.

Conticchio (Lecce). I haven't seen the incident so cannot comment

Costacurta 58 (Milan) & Cristante 66 (Piacenza) during Milan's 0-0
draw with Piacenza. Costacurta was sent off for a reckless challenge
on Volpi. Cristante second yellow card for shirt pulling was harsh.

Bertotto 56 (Udinese) & Gargo 79 (Udinese) during Lazio's 4-1 victory
away to Udinese. Again I haven't seen the incidents so cannot comment.

Chievo - True Soccer

"If there is a team in Italy that plays the English way it is Chievo.
 It is true soccer, the total game, it amuses without thinking of the
result at all costs." - Paolo Di Canio

Quote Of The Week

Here's the best quote ahead of this weeks European ties from Ipswich striker
Marcus Stewart :

"They (Inter) obviously have big names but we have beaten big teams
in the Premiership and if they were that good they'd be in the Champions
League"


19 NOVEMBER 2001

Ajax - Famous Last Words

"Rafael (Van Der Vaart) has a contract till 2006 and we are 100% sure he will
stay with us. He is one of the strongest players in Europe and we won't sell him.
He is regular with the national team and he is only 18 years old. We see a clear
future for him at Ajax." - Ajax statement

More Whinging From Wenger

"At the moment we should be six points ahead of everybody. That's how much
quality we have." - Arsene Wenger

Jardel - I Am The Best In The World

"If I score more than the others it is because I have certain characteristics which
nobody else has. In the box, I am the best in the world."

"I still don't know why I haven't played yet for a top European team. I always
dreamed of playing in the Spanish or Italian league."

"Maybe because I have scored so many goals they have become a little bit
suspicious of my ability but now I have scored against some of Europe's top
teams and still the doubt exists. So, if the doubt remains, why not buy out my
clause and watch me score for them?"

"I always said that my dream come true would be playing in the World Cup for
my country but it's a pity they don't like goals so much. If they liked more, they
would have called me more often!" 

Valdano - Raul Only Rival To Owen

Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano believes that politics and not the fact that
Owen is a far better player than wimp Raul will decide who wins the European
player of the year award :

"Raul is likely to be the only rival to Owen. Politically it is always good that an
English player takes it."


17 NOVEMBER 2001

Stam Pleads His Innocence

Lazio defender Jaap Stam has spoken to the press following a test
for banned steroid nandrolone :

"This has turned my world upside down. I am absolutely gutted by these
allegations. I simply cannot believe this has happened to me. I feel sick
at the suggestion I would take drugs. I do not know why the test should
come out positive and I am in a state of shock and confusion."

"I can say without hesitation or doubt that I have knowingly never taken
nandrolone or any other illegal substance. Nor have I had even a vague
indication of any risks concerning doping."

"I am concerned that this is the third person from the Dutch squad that this
has happened to. Frank (De Boer) and Edgar (Davids) know what it is like
to go through a nightmare like this and I hope I can learn from them."

Liedholm On Scudetto And Ballon D'or

Former Milan and Roma legend Nils Liedholm believes both Milan clubs have
a chance of winning this season's Scudetto :

"Milan play good football and they've started on the right foot with Ancelotti
following the good display in the Coppa Italia during the week but I think
Inter could be a surprise too, especially once they fully recover Ronaldo
and Vieri."

Liedholm wasn't as confident over reigning champions Roma's chances and
dismissed pre-season favourites Juventus :

"It will be a lot tougher for Roma. The Champions League takes too much
out of a side and sooner or later Capello is going to have to decide on
which competition to concentrate on. I think it will be too tiresome to
concentrate on both objectives. Juve play some excellent games and
then put in some shocking performances. Lippi's side are too inconsistent
and it makes me believe that they are not to be considered as favourites
for the title."

Surprisingly Liedholm named Rivaldo as one of the favourites for this years
Ballon D'or :

"My favourites are Figo, Rivaldo and Owen but I think Beckham has a
chance too. Italian hopes rest with Totti and Del Piero. The first has been
playing at the highest levels for some time whereas the latter has only
recently started to shine through."


16 NOVEMBER 2001

Stam Fails Drugs Test

Jaap Stam has tested positive for nandrolone. A sample was taken during
Lazio's home victory over Atalanta on October 13. Stam has been banned
with immediate effect pending the results of a second test.

Shevchenko To Real - Not Impossible

"There are no negotiations in progress but one thing is for sure, in this
footballing climate anything is possible. Figo left Barcelona for Real Madrid,
Zidane joined from Juventus and Batistuta signed for Roma. It would be
difficult for Real to get Shevchenko but I repeat nothing is impossible.
I really don't think it is a question of money. Shevchenko is priceless even
if that may not count for a lot. Obviously if Madrid want him then they
are going to have pay a hefty price." - Milan Director Ariedo Braida

Braida also confirmed that Man United are interested in their 19 year old
Argentinean defender Fabricio Coloccini, currently on loan to Alaves :

"We haven't had any offers for him. However it would be fair to say that
Manchester United are the most interested in him."

Baggio Blasts Lippi

Robert Baggio has hit out at his former Inter and Juventus coach, Marcello
Lippi in his autobiography :

"At Inter I was classed as a reserve behind everybody including teenagers
Adrian Mutu and Salvatore Russo. I only played for that team if there was
an epidemic. I even scored in training and Lippi prevented my team-mates
Christian Vieri and Christian Panucci from applauding. He thought I would
ruin the squad so he secretly did the deal to sell me. Vice-President Roberto
Bettega spoke with the leaders of the Tifosi groups so that the crowd would
turn against me."

Baggio was surprisingly forgiving of Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi who froze
him out of the national side after the 1994 World Cup :

"Sacchi hurt me a great deal during that tournament (USA 94) but I think
he did so unintentionally. He meant well."

Not so surprisingly however were Baggio's remarks on current Italy coach
Giovanni Trapattoni :

"Giovanni Trapattoni is a real man. If it means going to Japan and Korea
with him in charge I will play in goal if I have to."

Houllier Sets Date For Comeback

Liverpool's Gerard Houllier plans to return to coaching early in the new
year :

"I believe mid-January will be a sensible target. Before then I intend to take
a 10-15 day break".

Houllier visited his team's training ground and spoke to the players.
Houllier also thanked Manchester United's David Beckham for wishing
him a speedy recovery :

"I have had many people in football visiting me and wishing me well. A
lot of people in the game have sent me faxes. The first one I received
was from David Beckham. It was hand written and David said that I was
in the thoughts of all of his family. It was signed by David on behalf of his
wife Victoria and Brooklyn and the note wished me a quick recovery. He is
a nice guy. I met David when he did an Adidas commercial At the time I
was in a rush and asked if I could step in and interrupt. He was absolutely
brilliant."