14 October - 31 October 2001

13 OCTOBER 2001

Bayern Fork Out £23 Million For Deisler

What has been an open secret for the past year became reality yesterday:
21-year-old German international playmaker Sebastian Deisler will join
European Champions Bayern Munich next season! Hertha BSC will receive
a transfer fee of £6 million while Deisler signed a 4-year £2.75 million
deal with a one-time payment of £6.45 million up front.

Tim Leidecker
tim@milanmania.com

Passport Scandal - When A Ban Is Not A Ban

Alvaro Recoba is the latest Serie A player to have his one year ban imposed
for a faked passport lifted by the Italian Sport Arbitration and Conciliatory
Commission. Whether it's a fake passport, substance abuse or racism it seems
the Italian authorities have no control over the game.

Recoba will be free to play at the end of the month but will have to participate
in community service until June 2002 as 'punishment'.

Lippi Stars Making Excuses

"We (Juventus) changed a lot this term. New players have arrived and the side
is playing in a different way than in the past. It was obvious that we would
find it difficult even if we started the new campaign so well. Problems only
arose when I had to change the side because of suspensions, injuries or due
to the rotation system." Marcello Lippi

Veron Hype Starts Early

After being named Premiership player of the month the Barclaycard panel
have made Veron a candidate for player of the season :

"He has slotted into the Manchester United midfield and, more often than not,
has been the player that is making things happen. The fact he has also scored
three goals only goes to reiterate what a key player he is for United. He must
surely be an early favourite for the player of the year accolade."

Veron has consistently flattered to deceive in the past two seasons for Lazio.
Giving off the charts performances for a couple of months before disappearing
during the rest of the season.

Aston Villa's John Gregory was named coach of the month.


11 OCTOBER 2001

Racism Problems Continue At Lazio

Racist graffiti directed at new signing Fabio Liverani was found at the teams
training ground today. President Sergio Cragnotti condemned those responsible :

"Whoever wrote these offensive and racist things against Liverani or indeed
anyone else is certainly not a fan of Lazio." 

Lassissi's Agent Slams Roma

"A team can't abandon a player who just went through a severe operation like
Roma are doing. Saliou (Lassissi) is in deep pain and no one is listening to him or
guiding him - in other words they have left him at his own mercy. However if
Totti needs a bottle of water they bring it to his doorstep. Obviously to have a
doctor one must call the AS Roma skipper. Now I will complain to the AS Roma
management and if I will need to I will use the courts to defend my player."
Antonio Caliendo, Agent of Saliou Lassissi

Transfer Market Closed For Real

"We do not feel the need to add any players to the team at this stage. Neither
now nor in December when the mercado re-opens."
Real Madrid Chief Executive Jorge Valdano

Bergkamp Being Forced Out Of Highbury?

"Dennis knows he has to be on the bench every now and again but he is
seriously starting to wonder if Arsenal are trying to force him into a mood
where he has to leave." Dennis Bergkamp's Agent Rob Jansen


10 OCTOBER 2001

Stam - Lazio As Good As Man United

"I'm not surprised that Veron has fitted in well at Manchester but Lazio
are just as strong as the English side and let's not forget that it is a lot
more difficult to win in Italy than it is in England." - Jaap Stam

Villa Turn Down Bid For Barry

Aston Villa have rejected a reported £8 million bid for defender Gareth
Barry despite the fact that the defender has recently been frozen out
of the first team squad. Coach John Gregory said :

"We have no intentions of wanting to try to move him on either and in Gareth
I've got a player with an enormous amount of talent and I'm looking for him
to force his way back in. The simple reason he is not starting games is that
the boys in front of him are in possession of the shirts and are keeping him
out of the team."

Leicester Appoint Harry Basset

"My reputation is as such that I'm good at keeping clubs up. I've been in this
situation before and I've got clubs out of these situations before. I am
delighted to be joining Leicester as this is a good opportunity and a real
challenge. I know it will be difficult but that's why I'm here."
Dave 'Harry' Basset

Adams Out For Six Weeks

Arsenal captain Tony Adams will be out of action for six week with a stress
fracture in his right foot.

Venables Interested In Scotland Job

"If Scotland were to approach me then I would certainly be more than willing
to discuss the matter. I am quite happy with my television work but you can
never say never." - Terry Venables


9 OCTOBER 2001

Italy To Use Video Evidence For 'Simulation'

In a historic move the FIGC (Italian FA) are expected to approve the use of
video evidence for players who 'simulate fouls' i.e. dive and play-act starting
from January 2002.

Venezia Sack Prandelli

Venezia, bottom of Serie A, have sacked coach Cesare Prandelli. (Assistant
coach?) Sergio Buso will take over until a permanent replacement is found.

Crespo & Nesta Make Rapid Recovery

Lazio captain Alessandro Nesta and top scorer Hernan Crespo will return to
action next week. Both players picked up muscle injuries during the clubs
defeat Milan in September and were expected to miss five weeks of action.

Dein - Vieira For Sale

"No discussions have taken place with Juventus or anyone else about Patrick.
He is not for sale." - Arsenal chairman David Dein

Milan and Torino Linked With Chinese Defender

"I can confirm that a few scouts have been taking a look at Sun (Jihai) and Milan
and Torino have been in touch. However, Everton and Crystal Palace are also
expressing an interest." - Dalian Shide Vice President Lin Lefend

Mazzone Accepts Five Match Ban

Brescia coach Carlo Mazzone have been given a five match ban by the Italian
disciplinary commission for insulting Atalanta supporters at the end of Brescia's
3-3 draw with Atalanta. Mazzone gave a dignified response to the decision :

"I hoped in a two match day ban but I should pay as I made a mistake.
I am not going to appeal the decision, I deserve it."

Graham Ruled Out Of Scotland Job

"He wishes to be ruled out of contention for the Scotland job as he intends to
continue in club football." - George Graham's Agent


8 OCTOBER 2001

Clock Ticking For Ronaldo

Despite being called-up for Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Chile (before
being sent back to Italy due to a thigh injury) Brazil coach Luis Felipie Scolari
has stated that his star player will only earn a recall when he returns to top
form :

"Ronaldo for the time being is a bit of an unknown quantity. All we can
do is hope that he gets back to his best with Inter. Only after that can
we see him in the national side."

Vieira - Chase Me

"Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United are chasing me but I can't
deny the Juve offer is the really interesting one. I'm a professional and as
a professional my mind is open to all kinds of options for the future."
Patrick Vieira 

Bald Eagle Leaves Derby

Derby Chairman Lionel Pickering has appointed assistant coach Colin Todd as
successor to 'The Bald Eagle' Jim Smith, who resigned earlier today :

"Jim has done a wonderful job for this club, but we have to look at the table
and we're second bottom. The times has come for a change now rather than
later."


7 OCTOBER 2001

Van Gaal - Man United Interested

"I knew I was first on the list last year. I don't have any contact with
them now because I am coach of the (Dutch) national team but I can
imagine that a club like Manchester United are still interested in
Louis van Gaal."

Trap Will Not Commit On Baggio

"I have a squad of 30 players and will choose the 23 for the trip to Japan
and Korea from there. To be truthful 18 are already certain as they make
up the foundations. There are another five spots to fill. As for Baggio
we'll talk about this again in July." - Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni

Totti Like Van Gogh

"He is like Van Gogh. He has innate creativity and you can't teach a painter
that. You either have it or you don't. Totti really reminds me of Gianni
Rivera. He is the player I feel is mostly mine in this group. I watched him
in the European Championships and he was improving day after day
without suffering at the continual changes of position. I made it clear
to him that he was to be the focal point of this Nazionale"
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni

Ferguson Rules Out Scotland Role

Alex Ferguson has stated he has no interest in taking over from Craig
Brown as Scotland coach. Brown resigned yesterday after Scotland failed
to earn a play-off sport for the 2002 World Cup.

"I have said I am going to retire and I mean to do just that. I'm not 
interested in the job. I took Scotland to the World Cup in 1986 and
it was a great experience."

Vieira Waiting For Juventus

"Contrary to what has been said I have not closed the door on Serie A.
I am now waiting for the Juventus executives to contact me personally."
Patrick Vieira

Silvestre Blames Midfield For Leaking Goals

"We've (Man United( let in a lot of goals already this season which I have
been blamed for but I believe they've been coming through the middle of
the field. It is me who has paid the price and I am very bitter. I'm going
through some very hard times at the moment and I don't think it's fair. I
want to let it all out and say what I really think but I have to hold myself
back a lot because it will only make things worse."
Mikael Silvestre


5 OCTOBER 2001

Aldair To Quit Serie A

"This will be my final year in Italy and the last with Roma. For this reason
I will give my all this term. In June I will decide whether to continue
playing or quit. At this moment in time my agent and I are considering
finishing my career in Brazilian football." Aldair

Loudmouth Cassano At It Again

Roma's hugely overpriced and overrated young forward Antonio Cassano
is already looking forward to a national team call-up despite the fact
that he has yet to establish himself at Roma.

"Should I do well here then there is a chance that I can get a call from Trap
for the full side."

Baggio Sets Sights On World Cup

"The World Cup is my objective. I know that I must be judged on the entire
season so I can't keep discussing the same thing with you every week. I
know I must do well consistently and in May we'll see what happens." 

"At this moment in time I am thinking that I'll recapture a spot in the squad
and then close my career with that achievement. That's the plan now."
Roberto Baggio


4 OCTOBER 2001

Totti Wary of Baggio

"It remains to be seen if Baggio would accept a place on the bench. Should
he be selected then it would be important to outline what his role is so that
there are no problems while we are over there." Francesco Totti

Coco In Demand

"There was contact with Lazio some weeks ago but I feel good at Barcelona. 
It was Zaccheroni who came looking for me and I would go anywhere for
him on foot because he changed my life, I will be grateful for ever." 

"At the end of the season I will reconsider my future." Francesco Coco

Gerard Houllier - England No Chance

"If you ask me whether they (England) can win the World Cup in the summer
my answer would be no, they don't have a chance. Sven has a vision and is
taking the team somewhere, I can feel that. You need experience and that
group need another two years to get to the top but wait until 2004 and 2006
then you will see the height of this generation."
Liverpool Coach Gerard Houllier

Lippi - Zidane "Don't Mention His Name"

"If we will win two games in a row, nobody will nominate Zidane anymore.
Now that we lost the only thing we hear about is how we need Zidane.
We need to learn to live with these critical extremes that have accompanied
Juve throughout history because we are a great team. The most important
thing is that the players don't mention his name because despite all of them
still have Zizou in their hearts everyone believes in this new project."
Juventus Coach Marcello Lippi
 
Physiotherapist - Ronaldo Won't Be The Same

"He won't be as strong as he was before. He will play with a knee and a half,
the other half was lost due to the two operations he suffered. This does not
mean he will be a great player as Ronaldo with a knee and a half is worth
much more than any player with four legs."
Brazilian physiotherapist Nivaldo Baldo


3 OCTOBER 2001

Montella V Capello - Season II

"Every time that I've been picked I've been playing further away from goal and
I have to sacrifice myself more. There are still a few problems and there is no
use in hiding that fact but I'm not regretting the decision to stay at Roma.
I liked the idea of being able to play in the Champions League and wear a shirt
with the Scudetto shield on it because I think I played my part in our success
(MAJOR UNDERSTATEMENT)."

"The substitution against Lokomotiv Moscow a week ago did upset me because
I believed that I was doing quite well. To tell you the truth I did well against
Fiorentina too. I don't like being replaced even if I did expect to be dropped
from the game against Juventus which in the end I was."

Albertini Confident Of World Cup Success

"This is the most competitive national side that I've ever played in. It's been
tough to have been missing from the international team for so long. Everyone
has been waiting for me to return but the side is strong without me too.
I believe that along with Argentina and France we have a great chance of
winning." Demetrio Albertini

Marsh - Same Crap For More Money

"All we have now is the same crap referees but we are paying them more
money. I spoke to Graham Poll and my understanding is that refs will get
individual scores for games and if they don't do well they will get dumped."

Marsh, a former England international and now TV pundit, also suggested
using foreign referees, an idea I strongly agree with given what I believe
is a much higher standard of refereeing in Italy. 

Gronkjaer Out For Four Months

Chelsea's Danish winger Jesper Gronkjaer will miss the next four months of the
season following knee surgery.


2 OCTOBER 2001

Red Star Defender Dies In Training

20 year old Red Star Belgrade defender Vladimir Dimitrijevic died of a heart
attack during a training session on Monday.

Gattuso - Milan Rely on Rui Costa & Serginho

"We are an offensive side so it's normal that we struggle when Rui Costa and
Serginho don't play well. I don't mean that they should be blamed for the
defeat but as I said we rely on them" - Gennaro Gattuso

Hoddle Claims Rebrov Has Future At Spurs

"I am sure Sergei (Rebrov) will be playing a big part in this club and I have
told him that." - Tottenham Coach Glenn Hoddle

Keane Criticises Team Defending

"The foundation for any good team has to be keeping clean sheets but you
attack as a team and defend in the same way. It is a shared responsibility
and we gave the ball away far too easily against Deportivo last week."
Roy Keane

Serie A 2000-2001 Season Oscars

Based on the results of votes by players in Serie A (which is why they suck).

Player of the Year
1. Zinedine Zidane

Manager of the Year
1. Carlo Ancelotti (Juventus)
2. Fabio Capello (Roma)
3. Giovanni Vavassori (Atalanta)

Best Italian Player
1. Francesco Totti (Roma)
2. Alessandro Nesta (Lazio)
3. Damiano Tommasi (Roma)

Best Foreign Player
1. Zinedine Zidane
2. Manuel Rui Costa (Fiorentina)
3. Hernan Crespo (Lazio)

Best Young Player
1. Antonio Cassano (Bari)
2. Massimo Donati (Atalanta)
3. Ivan Pelizzoli (Atalanta)

Best Goalkeeper
1. Gianluigi Buffon (Parma)
2. Francesco Toldo (Fiorentina)
3. Ivan Pelizzoli (Atalanta)

Best Defender
1. Alessandro Nesta (Lazio)
2. Fabio Cannavaro (Parma)
3. Lilian Thuram (Parma)

Best Referee
1. Stefano Braschi
2. Pierluigi Collina
3. Roberto Rosetti

Phone Vote for Most Popular Player 

1. Alex Del Piero 56%
2. Francesco Totti 44%


1 OCTOBER 2001

Leicester Sack Peter Taylor

"My argument is that if I could have put out my best team for even half of the
games then I could have lived with it the sacking. But to have had the injuries
we have had, the worst I have known in all my time in football, has made it
very difficult, and I even signed off with two more at Charlton. "
Peter Taylor

"It is a decision we have taken with a great deal of regret but has been taken
to maximise our ability to safeguard our Premiership future."
Leicester chairman John Elsom

Former West Ham coach Harry Redknapp has emerged as one of the early
candidates to replace Taylor but I wouldn't be surprised if Leicester make a
play for former Arsenal, Leeds and Tottenham coach George Graham.
Graham would be perfect for Leicester who achieved great success under
the similarly defensive minded Martin O'Neill.

Tacchinardi - Too Many Games

"It's is extremely tough to always be at your best and to maintain a certain level
of play with so many games for us to get through. Let's not forget that the
Champions' League of today is slightly different to that of a few years back.
Now you have to break sweat to just defeat the team bottom of your group."
Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi following Saturday's defeat at home
to Roma

Chiesa Out For Season, Out For World Cup

Fiorentina striker Enrico Chiesa faces a long injury lay-off after tearing tendons
in his left knee. Fiorentina medical chief Marcello Manzuoli said :

"He'll have to have surgery to reconstruct his tendons and he will fully recover
even if it may be some time before we see Chiesa on the field again. It's a
similar injury to the Ronaldo one. The six-month estimation is far too
optimistic. We're looking at 10. His season is over that's for sure."

Rui Costa - No Excuses

"It was a bad loss. It was a result that we were definitely not expecting.
I congratulate Perugia who played better than us in a game that we just
couldn't get to grips with." Milan playmaker Rui Costa

Trap - Baggio On My Shortlist

"I can say that Baggio is one of the players that is in my current short list of
around 35 (for the 2002 World Cup) and he could win a place."
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni 

Record Profits For Man United

Man United have announced a 12% increase in turnover from the previous
year - £129.6 million. Profits rose from £16.8 million in 2000 to £21.8 million
in July 2001. Income from sponsorship is up to £22.5 million and income from
television is up to £31.2 million.