Platini’s poor timing brings UEFA downfall Paris (AFP) – Making the right pass at a crucial moment made Michel Platini one of the world’s greatest footballers, but poor timing cost him his place as one of the most powerful men in sport. The 60-year-old Frenchman, who quit as UEFA president Monday after failing to overturn a ban from world football, regularly battled back from injury and other … [Read more...]

Man United out to ruin West Ham’s Boleyn farewell London (AFP) – Manchester United have the glinting incentive of a Champions League place in their sights as they prepare for an emotion-charged Premier League contest at West Ham United on Tuesday. Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the weekend means that United can pip their cross-town rivals to a top-four spot if they beat West Ham and … [Read more...]

Liverpool boss Klopp satisfied with Sunday stroll Liverpool (AFP) – Jurgen Klopp was happy enough with Liverpool’s low-key 2-0 victory over Watford at Anfield after goals from Joe Allen and Roberto Firmino sank the Hornets. This contest failed to capture the imagination as both teams have virtually finished caring about the Premier League this season. Watford are mathematically safe after a … [Read more...]

‘Panenka’ and win over Juventus on teary Toni’s farewell Milan (AFP) – Verona striker Luca Toni says he will cherish memories of his final Serie A game “forever” after a fairytale swansong saw him score a cheeky ‘Panenka’ spot-kick in 2-1 win over champions Juventus on Sunday. “It will be a match I remember forever. It was my last, but it came at the right time,” Toni told Mediaset after being … [Read more...]

Deschamps sets sights on more host nation Euro 2016 glory Paris (AFP) – Having scaled the international football heights as a player, Didier Deschamps now has his sights set on leading France to European Championship glory on home soil as coach.  Deschamps was captain of the French team that won the World Cup at home in 1998 and also led Les Bleus to glory at Euro 2000, so could hardly be better … [Read more...]

Higuain hits 33rd goal, Toni scores in farewell win over Juve Milan (AFP) – Gonzalo Higuain’s 33rd strike of the season maintained Napoli’s bid to secure Champions League football as evergreen striker Luca Toni bid farewell to the game with a cheeky ‘Panenka’ in Verona’s shock 2-1 win over 10-man Juventus. Roma, looking for a third consecutive runners-up spot after Juventus clinched a … [Read more...]

Tottenham manager Pochettino urges team to ignore Arsenal squabble London (AFP) – Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham must start dreaming about bigger goals than finishing above Arsenal if they want to win the Premier League next season. Despite losing 2-1 against Southampton on Sunday, Pochettino’s side are still on course to end the season ahead of hated neighbours Arsenal for the first time in … [Read more...]

Newcastle’s Premier League fate rests in Sunderland’s hands Newcastle United will be helpless this week to control their own destiny in the scramble for Premier League survival and could be down before they kick another ball. Yet manager Rafa Benitez insists his side have not given up hope despite a huge change in momentum in the relegation scrap on Saturday. Newcastle’s goalless draw at … [Read more...]

Lacazette hat-trick as Lyon thrash Monaco to book Champions League spot French international Alexandre Lacazette hit a hat-trick as Lyon sealed a place in next season’s Champions League by thrashing 10-man Monaco 6-1 at Parc OL on Saturday. Second-placed Lyon went into the game ahead of Monaco in the Ligue 1 table on goal difference, and they pulled clear quickly with goals from Rachid Ghezzal … [Read more...]

Guus Hiddink unhappy at lack of John Terry ‘farewell’ Guus Hiddink has expressed his sadness that John Terry is set to be denied a proper Chelsea send-off after his red card at Sunderland. The former England defender, who has been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, will serve a two-match suspension after collecting two late yellow cards in the dramatic 3-2 Premier League defeat at … [Read more...]