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Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Chelsea v Napoli: we need to come out the blocks firing tonight, says John Terry
Chelsea's talismanic captain says the club will look to attack Napoli from the get go as they seek to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
If Chelsea needed any encouragement that their bid to book a quarter-final berth was not an impossible task, they only have look to London neighbours Arsenal who fell just short when faced with a much sterner challenge last week.
Arsenal trailed 4-0 from their first leg at AC Milan but only just fell short of an incredible recovery after beating the Italians 3-0 at the Emirates.
Chelsea's job is marginally less daunting than that even if Napoli are on a run of six successive wins in all competitions.
Returning captain John Terry emphasised the importance of a good start if Chelsea are going to remain in the competition.
"I think what could be important for us tomorrow night is the start which we had against Barcelona when we really needed to, I think we came out of the blocks firing which they didn't expect, and a good start to get the fans ready and make ourselves believe as well, to get off to a good start could be the key factor tomorrow if not, as I said before, we've got the experience and patience to know that it only takes a couple of minutes to score two goals," he said.
Interim manager Roberto Di Matteo admitted that along with a good performance his side would also need a little bit of luck.
"I think we will need a great performance tomorrow night and we need a little bit of luck as well, because in a cup competition you need to deserve a little bit of luck that makes you go through.
"Personally it would be a proud moment but more than anything we just want to do well for the club and our supporters and we want the team to show a very passionate performance and try to turn this leg around," he said.
News From Telegraph.co.uk
If Chelsea needed any encouragement that their bid to book a quarter-final berth was not an impossible task, they only have look to London neighbours Arsenal who fell just short when faced with a much sterner challenge last week.
Arsenal trailed 4-0 from their first leg at AC Milan but only just fell short of an incredible recovery after beating the Italians 3-0 at the Emirates.
Chelsea's job is marginally less daunting than that even if Napoli are on a run of six successive wins in all competitions.
Returning captain John Terry emphasised the importance of a good start if Chelsea are going to remain in the competition.
"I think what could be important for us tomorrow night is the start which we had against Barcelona when we really needed to, I think we came out of the blocks firing which they didn't expect, and a good start to get the fans ready and make ourselves believe as well, to get off to a good start could be the key factor tomorrow if not, as I said before, we've got the experience and patience to know that it only takes a couple of minutes to score two goals," he said.
Interim manager Roberto Di Matteo admitted that along with a good performance his side would also need a little bit of luck.
"I think we will need a great performance tomorrow night and we need a little bit of luck as well, because in a cup competition you need to deserve a little bit of luck that makes you go through.
"Personally it would be a proud moment but more than anything we just want to do well for the club and our supporters and we want the team to show a very passionate performance and try to turn this leg around," he said.
News From Telegraph.co.uk
Brazil boss - Luiz below par
Blues defender disappoints on international duty
Chelsea defender David Luiz has attracted criticism from Brazil manager Mano Menezes after producing a lacklustre display in Tuesday night's international friendly with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The World Cup 2014 hosts edged a 2-1 win thanks to a Bosnia own-goal in stoppage time but Menezes was less than satisfied by Luiz's performance.
The centre-back, who has come under fire for his inconsistent form with the Blues this season, was at fault for Vedad Ibisevic's equaliser and struggled to deal with the threat of Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.
"Individually, he was not up to his usual standards, and he knows that," Menezes said in the Daily Star.
"We had a chat after the game and half-time.
"He lost concentration because of a mistake, which is normal in the life of a footballer. He marked a player who is very difficult to mark.
"Dzeko likes a physical battle. David accepted this type of battle and lost out twice in individual tussles."
The World Cup 2014 hosts edged a 2-1 win thanks to a Bosnia own-goal in stoppage time but Menezes was less than satisfied by Luiz's performance.
The centre-back, who has come under fire for his inconsistent form with the Blues this season, was at fault for Vedad Ibisevic's equaliser and struggled to deal with the threat of Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.
"Individually, he was not up to his usual standards, and he knows that," Menezes said in the Daily Star.
"We had a chat after the game and half-time.
"He lost concentration because of a mistake, which is normal in the life of a footballer. He marked a player who is very difficult to mark.
"Dzeko likes a physical battle. David accepted this type of battle and lost out twice in individual tussles."
Sturridge grateful for Pearce
Striker would be happy for Pearce to lead England at Euros
Young England striker Daniel Sturridge paid tribute to coach Stuart Pearce after contributing an impressive display on just his second appearance for his country on Wednesday.
Sturridge was named England's man-of-the-match in the 3-2 defeat by Holland at Wembley on Wednesday after replacing the injured Steven Gerrard in the 33rd minute.
The Chelsea frontman says having Pearce in charge put him at ease after working with the coach at Manchester City and at Under-21 level.
Easy
"To have Stuart Pearce in charge made my job easy because I know him very well, I know (assistant coach) Steve Wigley very well, and they've helped me throughout my career," he told Sky Sports.
"For them to be involved made it easy for me to feel at home.
"He made my job easy because I felt like I was with the Under-21s."
The striker would be happy for Pearce to remain in charge of England for Euro 2012 but also believes Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would do a commendable job.
"I've known Pearce since I was 15, when I was at Man City, and to have him as a manager would be great," he said.
"I know Harry Redknapp is in the frame and if Harry Redknapp got the job I'd be very happy also. He's a great man manager, he gets the best out of all the players he has.
"If anyone else comes in from the outside and gets the job I'm sure they'll do a great job for their country also."
Sturridge bruised his toe during Wednesday's game but is hopeful of being fit for Chelsea's trip to West Brom on Saturday.
Target
The 22-year-old is determined to work hard with the Blues for the remainder of the season to secure a place in the England squad for this summer's Euros.
"To be with the full squad is a great achievement for myself," he added.
"It's my second game for the country. I've got three months now with the club to put my best foot forward and work very hard for my club to make sure I get on the plane."
Sturridge was named England's man-of-the-match in the 3-2 defeat by Holland at Wembley on Wednesday after replacing the injured Steven Gerrard in the 33rd minute.
The Chelsea frontman says having Pearce in charge put him at ease after working with the coach at Manchester City and at Under-21 level.
Easy
"To have Stuart Pearce in charge made my job easy because I know him very well, I know (assistant coach) Steve Wigley very well, and they've helped me throughout my career," he told Sky Sports.
"For them to be involved made it easy for me to feel at home.
"He made my job easy because I felt like I was with the Under-21s."
The striker would be happy for Pearce to remain in charge of England for Euro 2012 but also believes Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would do a commendable job.
"I've known Pearce since I was 15, when I was at Man City, and to have him as a manager would be great," he said.
"I know Harry Redknapp is in the frame and if Harry Redknapp got the job I'd be very happy also. He's a great man manager, he gets the best out of all the players he has.
"If anyone else comes in from the outside and gets the job I'm sure they'll do a great job for their country also."
Sturridge bruised his toe during Wednesday's game but is hopeful of being fit for Chelsea's trip to West Brom on Saturday.
Target
The 22-year-old is determined to work hard with the Blues for the remainder of the season to secure a place in the England squad for this summer's Euros.
"To be with the full squad is a great achievement for myself," he added.
"It's my second game for the country. I've got three months now with the club to put my best foot forward and work very hard for my club to make sure I get on the plane."
Sir Trevor Brooking, one of the four men in charge
A new era for England started with defeat on Wednesday as a side pieced together by Stuart Pearce and led by Scott Parker went down 3-2 to Holland.
Arjen Robben and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar did the damage for the 2010 World Cup finalists, who surrendered a two-goal lead before snatching a dramatic winner.
England had levelled through Gary Cahill and Ashley Young in the final five minutes, but they were unable to hold on for a draw.
The Three Lions more than held their own during the opening 45 minutes, with the only concern being the withdrawal of Steven Gerrard with just over half-an-hour on the clock.
Holland raised their game after the interval, though, and edged in front on 57 minutes when Robben was allowed to race through from halfway and drill low past Joe Hart.
The Dutch doubled their lead inside 60 seconds, with Huntelaar powering home a brave header that saw him clash heads with Chris Smalling and led to both men being forced from the field.
England lost their way for a period after the goals, but hit back through the unlikely source of Cahill on 85 minutes as he beat the offside trap and calmly slotted into the bottom corner.
Young then restored parity in the first minute of time added on, as he collected a pass from Phil Jones and dinked the ball over the onrushing Maarten Stekelenburg.
Pearce must have thought he would take something from the game at that point, but there was still time for Robben to net his second via the aid of a deflection off Cahill.
Madness
After the madness, now the Football Association must get to work and sort out who will lead England into the summer, and whether Parker gets to keep the captain's armband.
The stability Holland brought to Wembley, starting with nine of the team that began the World Cup final, under the same coach, Bert van Marwijk, contrasted sharply with the upheaval England have endured.
Coach and captain were making their debuts in the role - neither secure of the status beyond Wednesday night - while Leighton Baines was among the four players to keep their spots from the November win over Sweden, with Ashley Cole on the bench.
On his first England start since November 2007, Micah Richards tempered his normal attacking instincts, yet when he did get forward, the combination with Manchester City team-mate Adam Johnson was quite rewarding.
Johnson had a goal-bound shot deflected wide by John Heitinga, then released Richards, whose pass to Young led to calls for a penalty when the Manchester United man half went down under Heitinga's tackle.
Yet all too quickly, Pearce had to rip up his game plan as Gerrard ambled off, as a precaution it was claimed, after feeling a niggle in his hamstring. A worrying end to an unsatisfactory day all round for the man so many expected would get the job Parker was given.
Daniel Sturridge's introduction meant Johnson had to swap sides, which rather curtailed his involvement.
Target
The new boy did well, though. Sturridge was the source of England's first shot on target after the break, when his strike flew through a packed area and was beaten away by Maarten Stekelenburg.
Holland had managed one in the opening period, from the boot of Robben, which Hart was equal to.
There was also the rare sight of Robin van Persie failing to snaffle a decent chance, the Arsenal man - who shrugged off worries about a groin injury to play - scooping over from 12 yards.
Amidst it all, Parker scurried and cajoled, making his tackles, putting his body on the line and leading from the front, just as Pearce wanted.
At one point the Tottenham midfielder was the meat in a touchline sandwich with Nigel de Jong and Dirk Kuyt, and then landed on a camera stand.
England had reason to be quite pleased with themselves, but that changed in the space of two minutes just before the hour.
Sturridge conceded possession to Robben inside his own half, failed to track back properly, then watched as the former Chelsea winger scorched to the other end of the field and exploited a momentary misunderstanding between Smalling and Cahill before drilling a precise shot past Hart.
Attack
Holland scored again on their next attack as Huntelaar got the better of Smalling to nod home Kuyt's cross.
The awful consequence of that goal was a sickening clash of heads between Huntelaar and Smalling, which ended the involvement of both in the game.
Huntelaar was so groggy that initially he still had the clump of grass in his mouth that got lodged there when he landed.
At least he was able to walk off, though. Smalling departed on a stretcher, although he was conscious.
Sturridge wasted England's best chance when he anticipated Baines' misdirected shot but then tamely turned the ball to Stekelenburg.
Cahill showed him how it should be done five minutes from time when he collected Baines' through ball and finished neatly.
It was the prelude to a mad finish as England seemed to have secured a draw in stoppage time when Phil Jones rolled a brilliant through ball to Young, who clipped home, only for Robben's second moment of class to give the visitors victory.
More News On www.Skysports.com
Arjen Robben and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar did the damage for the 2010 World Cup finalists, who surrendered a two-goal lead before snatching a dramatic winner.
England had levelled through Gary Cahill and Ashley Young in the final five minutes, but they were unable to hold on for a draw.
The Three Lions more than held their own during the opening 45 minutes, with the only concern being the withdrawal of Steven Gerrard with just over half-an-hour on the clock.
Holland raised their game after the interval, though, and edged in front on 57 minutes when Robben was allowed to race through from halfway and drill low past Joe Hart.
The Dutch doubled their lead inside 60 seconds, with Huntelaar powering home a brave header that saw him clash heads with Chris Smalling and led to both men being forced from the field.
England lost their way for a period after the goals, but hit back through the unlikely source of Cahill on 85 minutes as he beat the offside trap and calmly slotted into the bottom corner.
Young then restored parity in the first minute of time added on, as he collected a pass from Phil Jones and dinked the ball over the onrushing Maarten Stekelenburg.
Pearce must have thought he would take something from the game at that point, but there was still time for Robben to net his second via the aid of a deflection off Cahill.
Madness
After the madness, now the Football Association must get to work and sort out who will lead England into the summer, and whether Parker gets to keep the captain's armband.
The stability Holland brought to Wembley, starting with nine of the team that began the World Cup final, under the same coach, Bert van Marwijk, contrasted sharply with the upheaval England have endured.
Coach and captain were making their debuts in the role - neither secure of the status beyond Wednesday night - while Leighton Baines was among the four players to keep their spots from the November win over Sweden, with Ashley Cole on the bench.
On his first England start since November 2007, Micah Richards tempered his normal attacking instincts, yet when he did get forward, the combination with Manchester City team-mate Adam Johnson was quite rewarding.
Johnson had a goal-bound shot deflected wide by John Heitinga, then released Richards, whose pass to Young led to calls for a penalty when the Manchester United man half went down under Heitinga's tackle.
Yet all too quickly, Pearce had to rip up his game plan as Gerrard ambled off, as a precaution it was claimed, after feeling a niggle in his hamstring. A worrying end to an unsatisfactory day all round for the man so many expected would get the job Parker was given.
Daniel Sturridge's introduction meant Johnson had to swap sides, which rather curtailed his involvement.
Target
The new boy did well, though. Sturridge was the source of England's first shot on target after the break, when his strike flew through a packed area and was beaten away by Maarten Stekelenburg.
Holland had managed one in the opening period, from the boot of Robben, which Hart was equal to.
There was also the rare sight of Robin van Persie failing to snaffle a decent chance, the Arsenal man - who shrugged off worries about a groin injury to play - scooping over from 12 yards.
Amidst it all, Parker scurried and cajoled, making his tackles, putting his body on the line and leading from the front, just as Pearce wanted.
At one point the Tottenham midfielder was the meat in a touchline sandwich with Nigel de Jong and Dirk Kuyt, and then landed on a camera stand.
England had reason to be quite pleased with themselves, but that changed in the space of two minutes just before the hour.
Sturridge conceded possession to Robben inside his own half, failed to track back properly, then watched as the former Chelsea winger scorched to the other end of the field and exploited a momentary misunderstanding between Smalling and Cahill before drilling a precise shot past Hart.
Attack
Holland scored again on their next attack as Huntelaar got the better of Smalling to nod home Kuyt's cross.
The awful consequence of that goal was a sickening clash of heads between Huntelaar and Smalling, which ended the involvement of both in the game.
Huntelaar was so groggy that initially he still had the clump of grass in his mouth that got lodged there when he landed.
At least he was able to walk off, though. Smalling departed on a stretcher, although he was conscious.
Sturridge wasted England's best chance when he anticipated Baines' misdirected shot but then tamely turned the ball to Stekelenburg.
Cahill showed him how it should be done five minutes from time when he collected Baines' through ball and finished neatly.
It was the prelude to a mad finish as England seemed to have secured a draw in stoppage time when Phil Jones rolled a brilliant through ball to Young, who clipped home, only for Robben's second moment of class to give the visitors victory.
More News On www.Skysports.com
FA director says coach could take over just days before Euro 2012
Sir Trevor Brooking, one of the four men in charge of finding England's next coach, insists there is 'no rush' over the appointment.
Caretaker boss Stuart Pearce oversaw a 3-2 friendly defeat to Holland in the Three Lions' first game since former manager Fabio Capello resigned.
Pearce has made it clear he would be happy to stay in charge for the European Championship this summer, but admits he is not the man 'long-term'.
But, with Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp favourite for the position as Spurs battle for a UEFA Champions League place, it seems likely the Three Lions will not know who will be at the helm for some time.
Brooking, one of four Football Association officials in charge of making the appointment, does not envisage that being a problem though, because of the thorough preparations being made for the tournament.
"Everything will be in place," he is quoted by The Independent.
"The backroom staff is very good. Whoever comes in will be really happy with that.
"The issue is the timing, that is why we don't think we are in any rush.
"I think you could get somebody parachuted in a few days before it, though I'm sure there are some people in our group who don't want that."
Back-burner
Brooking added that discussions about the new man had been on the back-burner ahead of the Dutch game.
"We've been concentrating on the Holland game," he said.
"Now we'll sit down in the next few days and see what the timeframe is.
"We will take our time. I don't see anything happening soon. We obviously want to be aware of all the sensitivities before taking it forward. There are sensitivities."
Caretaker boss Stuart Pearce oversaw a 3-2 friendly defeat to Holland in the Three Lions' first game since former manager Fabio Capello resigned.
Pearce has made it clear he would be happy to stay in charge for the European Championship this summer, but admits he is not the man 'long-term'.
But, with Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp favourite for the position as Spurs battle for a UEFA Champions League place, it seems likely the Three Lions will not know who will be at the helm for some time.
Brooking, one of four Football Association officials in charge of making the appointment, does not envisage that being a problem though, because of the thorough preparations being made for the tournament.
"Everything will be in place," he is quoted by The Independent.
"The backroom staff is very good. Whoever comes in will be really happy with that.
"The issue is the timing, that is why we don't think we are in any rush.
"I think you could get somebody parachuted in a few days before it, though I'm sure there are some people in our group who don't want that."
Back-burner
Brooking added that discussions about the new man had been on the back-burner ahead of the Dutch game.
"We've been concentrating on the Holland game," he said.
"Now we'll sit down in the next few days and see what the timeframe is.
"We will take our time. I don't see anything happening soon. We obviously want to be aware of all the sensitivities before taking it forward. There are sensitivities."
Serie A round-up
Milan return to the summit; Palermo hammer Lazio
AC Milan followed up their hammering of Arsenal with a victory over Cesena that lifts them back to the top of the Serie A table, while Palermo hit five past Lazio and Udinese drew with Cagliari.
Having beaten title rivals Udinese 2-1 and then thrashed the Gunners 4-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie, AC Milan capped a superb week by defeating Cesena 3-1 away from home to go a point above Juventus at the summit.
The Rossoneri were full of confidence from the start and stormed into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 31 minutes thanks to goals from debutant Sulley Muntari and Urby Emanuelson.
Robinho then added a third 10 minutes after half-time before struggling Cesena netted a consolation goal through Daniel Pudil midway through the second half.
Palermo annihilated a weakened Lazio team 5-1 at the Renzo Barbera stadium to mean the visitors dropped to fourth.
Edgar Barreto, Massimo Donati and Matias Silvestre all scored as Palermo claimed a 3-0 half-time lead against the Roman team, who were without eight players through injuries or suspension.
Igor Budan made it 4-0 early in the second half before Palermo captain Fabrizio Miccoli capped a great evening for the hosts with the team's fifth after 51 minutes played.
Insult
To add insult, Lazio had defender Andre Dias sent off after being shown a second yellow card with 17 minutes remaining.
Lazio found the back of the net through substitute Libor Kozak five minutes from time.
Palermo's fourth successive victory at home has lifted the Sicilian club to eighth in the standings while Lazio have dropped to fourth.
The Roman outfit are level on 42 points with Udinese, who are third and now hold the last UEFA Champions League qualifying spot.
Udinese failed to score for the second successive match as they were held to yet another 0-0 draw at the Stadio Friuli by Cagliari.
Just days after a goalless draw with PAOK Saloniki in the Europa League, the first game in which the club's top goalscorer Antonio Di Natale was missing due to injury, Francesco Guidolin's side failed to find the back of the net again.
The home side had the best chances, but poor finishing prevented them from getting a win, although they still moved above Lazio.
Roma ended Parma's five-game unbeaten run to climb to fifth in the Serie A table after a narrow 1-0 success.
Scrutiny
Fabio Borini's 26th minute goal handed the Eternal City giants all three points at the Stadio Olimpico.
Genoa fell to their third defeat in a row, dropping their first points at home in 2012 as they were edged out 1-0 by Chievo.
Cyril Thereau scored the winner in the 30th minute to lift the Flying Donkeys away from danger and level on points with their hosts, whose coach Pasquale Marino's job will now come under fresh scrutiny.
Lecce boosted their hopes of avoiding the drop by coming from behind to narrow the deficit on fellow strugglers Siena with a 4-1 win at the Stadio Via del Mare.
Cristiano Del Grosso put Siena in front in the 25th minute, but Luis Muriel levelled shortly after.
A 68th-minute penalty from Davide Di Michele and Juan Cuadrado's individual effort then put the home side in command at 3-1.
Lecce lost Manuele Blasi to a red card in the final minute, but it proved no setback for the hosts as they still managed to add a fourth goal through Davide Brivio with the last kick of the game.
Novara moved above Cesena at the bottom of the table but remain in trouble after playing out a goalless draw with Atalanta.
Both sides had plenty of chances, the best coming early in the second half when Novara's Andrea Caracciolo hit the post.
Bundesliga round-up
Dortmund and Gladbach win again in title race
Borussia Dortmund maintained their position at the top of the Bundesliga with victory at Hertha Berlin, but Borussia Monchengladbach are hot on their heels after Bayern Munich dropped to third.
Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen both secured wins in their quest to qualify for Europe, while Nurnberg claimed an important three points at the bottom end of the table.
Kevin Grosskreutz's goal midway through the second half was enough to hand leaders Dortmund a 1-0 win away to troubled Hertha.
Borussia Monchengladbach's goal led something of a charmed life en route to a 2-1 success away to struggling Kaiserslautern.
Patrick Herrmann provided Gladbach with a ninth minute lead, but the hosts came close to an equaliser three minutes later when Pierre de Wit hit the bar.
Just two minutes later, Gladbach increased their lead through Juan Arango before Kaiserslautern were denied by the woodwork again before half-time when Sandro Wagner struck the post.
Leon Jessen pulled a goal back for Kaiserslautern on 63 minutes, but Gladbach held on for an important three points.
Bayern Munich now trail Dortmund by four points after being held to a 0-0 draw away by bottom club Freiburg.
Tomas Pekhart scored an 85th minute winner as Nurnberg beat Cologne 2-1 at home to move above their opponents in the table.
Alexander Esswein put Nurnberg ahead on 28 minutes before Milivoje Novakovic levelled for Cologneon 66 minutes.
Pekhart grabbed the winner with five minutes to go and was then denied a second goal by the crossbar in the final minute.
Bayer Leverkusen delivered a three-goal blitz in the space of 10 second-half minutes to run out 4-1 winners over second-bottom Augsburg.
Stefan Kiessling gave Leverkusen a 25th minute lead before Augsburg levelled five minutes after half-time through Koo Ja-Cheoul.
However, Gonzalo Castro restored the hosts' lead on the hour mark and further goals from Kiessling and Andre Schurrle made certain of the points.
Werder Bremen remain in fifth position in the standings following a 3-1 win away to mid-table Hamburg.
Marko Marin netted after just nine minutes for Bremen and the lead was doubled on the stroke of half-time by Tom Trybull.
Mladen Petric's goal 14 minutes from time gave Hamburg hope, but that was snuffed out by Bremen substitute Marko Arnautovic with four minutes left.
Quinn quits Sunderland
Short & O'Neill lead praise for Black Cats legend
Former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has left the club with immediate effect.
Quinn stepped down as chairman last October to be replaced by Ellis Short and had been working in an international development role in trying to raise the club's profile abroad.
The 45-year-old headed the Drumaville Consortium in June 2006 to buy the Black Cats with the former Sunderland striker then becoming chairman.
Quinn, who retired from playing in 2003 at the Stadium of Light, believes he has left the club in good hands under Short and Martin O'Neill as he plans to return to his native Republic of Ireland to explore other business opportunities away from football.
"I've had the most amazing six years and it gives me a huge sense of pride to see where Sunderland is today," Quinn told the club's official website.
"Sunderland is in an incredibly fortunate position to have a hugely talented team of people leading the football club right now.
"There is a tremendous amount of energy about the place and the Board and the executive management team are a dynamic and committed group, who hold the best interests of the club at the core of all they do.
"Everything is in place for Sunderland to really make a statement, which was always my aim.
"From a football perspective, securing the services of Martin O'Neill has been an absolute highlight. In Martin we have a man that understands the region, the club and the unique place it holds in the lives of its supporters and I am confident that he will harness the immense passion that exists here and take us to new heights.
"As for the great Sunderland fans, I would like to thank them for the trust they placed in me."
Thanks
Chairman Short paid tribute to Quinn and has vowed to carry on the work done by the Irishman on Wearside.
"Niall Quinn is and always will be a Sunderland legend," said Short. "His vision brought me into the club and that vision still inspires what we do.
"He has been a trusted friend and advisor to me throughout our time together at Sunderland and whilst I'm sad about his departure, I respect his view that his 'work is done'. My job is to carry on that work.
"He has been a wonderful servant to Sunderland and his determination to see the club grow has been inspirational."
Praise
Martin O'Neill also praised Quinn's impact at Sunderland and admitted he played a big part in his decision to join Sunderland
"Niall has been a truly iconic figure at Sunderland, both as a player and in his time leading the club from the top," noted O'Neill.
"His vision and drive, alongside that of Ellis, played a significant part in me coming here."
"Like everyone, I couldn't be more disappointed that he has decided to step down but of course I respect and understand his decision."
"He has been the heartbeat of the football club for so long and his legacy is immeasurable. To me he is 'Mr Sunderland' - and always will be."
Gerrard praise for Carroll
Reds captain delighted with performance of £35m striker
Steven Gerrard believes he is continuously developing a better understanding with Andy Carroll after the pair starred in Liverpool's 6-1 thrashing of Brighton in the FA Cup.
Brighton scored three own goals, but Carroll was among the Liverpool players who also got on the scoresheet, along with strike partner Luis Suarez, who missed a penalty, but responded with a late header.
With the Carling Cup final on the horizon next Sunday, Liverpool could have been forgiven for having their attentions elsewhere.
But Gerrard believes their performance shows they can get better for the rest of the season with all of their top players available.
"It's always nice to first of all get the win and then to win convincingly," he told ESPN. "In the end we went through the gears and got better and better as the 90 minutes went on and we deserved our goals.
Pressure:
"The important thing was to focus on this game. The Carling Cup final was in our minds, because we have a massive game at Wembley next week, but we want to go to Wembley again in the FA Cup so today was just as important."
There was the first sight of Gerrard, Suarez and Carroll all starting a game together for Liverpool, and the former hopes the end result is a sign of things to come.
"(Carroll) has been getting better and better in training and he was our man of the match today," said Gerrard.
"We believe that the more we play together, the more we'll click. We're all good players and good players like playing with other good players. We're all on the same wavelength now."
Carroll put the visiting defence under pressure all afternoon and the £35million striker said: "Every goal feels good, but it couldn't get any better today with the result as well and now we're through to the next round.
"We haven't played many games all together, but we've been playing well in training and we put it into the game today."
Bayern keeping tabs on Guidetti
Bayern Munich are monitoring the availability of Manchester City's young striker John Guidetti after his impressive form on loan at Feyenoord this season.
The German giants sent a delegation to watch the Swede score his third hat-trick in five games against Vitesse Arnhem on Sunday, taking his goal tally for the season to 17 in 15 appearances.
The 19-year-old nevertheless faces a tough task to establish himself at the Etihad Stadium given the presence of Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko and possibly even the return of Carlos Tevez to manager Roberto Mancini's attacking ranks.
And Bayern's youth coach and scout Bjorn Andersson, quoted in De Telegraaf, said: "We are looking at him and a striker at Montpellier, (Olivier) Giroud, very closely."
Giroud has scored 21 goals in 27 appearances this season for Montpellier who sit second in Ligue 1, just a point behind big-spending leaders Paris St Germain.
Dortmund chose Reus over Lamela
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has revealed the club passed on the chance to sign Argentinean youngster Erik Lamela last season.
Instead, Dortmund chose to wait for Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marco Reus to become available, a move which was finalised in January and will be completed at the end of the season.
Lamela, one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Argentina in recent years, was linked to many European clubs last season while he was still playing for River Plate.
La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid were said to be extremely keen on him, but in the end it was Roma who secured his services in a €12million deal.
However, Zorc has since revealed BVB were very much in the running for Lamela as well, but ultimately opted against signing him as they were unsure how well he would adapt to the Bundesliga.
"There were too many uncertainties [with Lamela]," Zorc told Kicker. "With Marco Reus, we knew what we would get."
Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp echoed Zorc's opinion that Reus represented a safer investment.
"In Marco, we had a character we could 100% evaluate," Klopp said. "That is very important.
"With Lamela, we could not do that."
Lamela has established himself as a key player for Roma despite still being only 19, already making 17 appearances in Serie A this season, while Reus has starred for Gladbach this term, scoring 13 goals in 19 league games.
Nuremberg confirm Kiyotake interest
Nuremberg chairman Martin Bader has confirmed his club are looking to reignite their interest in Cerezo Osaka star Hiroshi Kiyotake.
The Bundesliga outfit reportedly failed in an earlier bid to sign 22-year-old Kiyotake, who scored four goals in nine appearances for Cerezo in last year's AFC Champions League.
Nonethless, Nuremberg are said to be undeterred by their rejected bid for the attacking midfielder, and are ready to test Cerezo's resolve once again.
"We will cooperate and have talks with both Kiyotake and his club," Bader said, according to Kicker.
Nuremberg will reportedly have to shell out €1million for the Japan international, a fee they are said to be willing to pay considering Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart have also been linked with the player.
German football has seen an influx of Japanese players in recent years, with Shinji Kagawa, originally from Cerezo, currently starring for defending league champions Borussia Dortmund.
Hajime Hosogai has also established himself as a key member for Augsburg, where he is currently on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, although 19-year-old Takashi Usami has struggled to establish himself at Bayern Munich and is said to be seriously considering his future at the Allianz Arena.
Agent: Barca not an option for Silva
Agent of AC Milan defender Thiago Silva has declared that the 27-year-old Brazilian is happy with life at San Siro and not thinking of a transfer.
Silva joined Milan from Fluminense in the summer of 2009, and has since developed into a key player at the Rossoneri, helping the club to the Scudetto last season.
His performances for the Milan haven't gone unnoticed as Barcelona have been reported to make a bid for Silva at the end of the season.
Silva's agent Paulo Fernando Tonietto made it clear that the player is happy with life in Italy and will only leave Milan only if the club decides so.
Tonietto told calciomercato.com: "Thiago is happy at Milan. He is a calm person and realises that he is playing for a great club.
"If he does not stay at Milan, it will be because the club decides otherwise.
''He is the best player in the world in his position, so it's easy to link his name to Barcelona. But neither Barcelona, nor Milan or Thiago has called to discuss this option. It is just speculation.
"Could he end his career with Milan? He is 27 years old and has a four-year contract, so that could happen," the agent stated.
Silva was named Best Defender in the Serie A for 2011 after his excellent performances for AC Milan last year.
Boateng back for Arsenal game
Kevin Prince-Boateng returned to training on Monday alongside Alessandro Nesta, Alexandre Pato and Christian Abbiati as they seek to overcome their British jinx.
The Rossoneri have failed to beat English sides at this stage of the competition in the past four years.
The Italian side meet Arsenal at the San Siro on Wednesday with painful memories of the corresponding fixture in 2008. Former Arsenal players Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor had scored then in the last 12 minutes of the 2nd leg knocking out AC Milan, who were also the reigning champions at the time.
The club website reports that Kevin Prince-Boateng has returned to light training after recovering from a thigh strain and he carried out tactical training alongside the rest of the squad.
Alexandre Pato also returned to training but it is uncertain if he will be ready for the Champions League encounter. La Gazetto delo Sport reported that Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri may not wish to risk the fitness of the Brazilian striker and would instead prefer to keep him in reserve for the title clash against Juventus on 25 February.
Pato was the subject of a bid by Paris St Germain in January but he refused to agree personal terms opting instead to stay with Milan.
AC Milan lead Juventus by two points in the Serie A but the latter have two games in hand. AC Milan, seeking to win back-to-back championships for the first time since 1994, have 15 games remaining till the end of the season.
Siena 1-0 Roma
Siena climbed five points clear of the Serie A relegation zone with a narrow home win over Roma.
Emanuele Calaio converted a penalty early in the second half after Simon Kjaer brought down Mattia Destro to settle the game.
The win at the Artemio Franchi stadium was Siena's first since January 4 and lifted the Tuscan outfit into 16th place.
For Roma it was a seventh defeat of the campaign and saw them miss the chance to leapfrog Inter Milan into fifth in the standings.
The visitors dominated possession, but Siena looked more dangerous and almost went in front in the ninth minute.
Luca Rossetini fed Destro in the box and his right-footed shot went over the bar.
Siena missed another good chance when Franco Brienza found Calaio in the heart of the area and his effort went wide.
Roma almost made Siena pay for their misses in the 20th minute when Erik Lamela's goal-bound volley from outside the area forced Siena goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo into a diving save.
Midway through the first half Destro sent his right-footed attempt over the bar as another opportunity went begging for the hosts.
Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg then came off his line to clear a dangerous ball with an unmarked Calaio in pursuit and early in the second half denied Destro from 10 yards.
The referee then pointed to the spot after Destro went down under Kjaer's challenge.
Calaio sent his penalty towards the left corner and, even though Stekelenburg guessed correctly he could not get a touch to keep the ball out.
Roma coach Luis Enrique brought on his team's leading scorer Daniel Osvaldo on the hour mark for his first appearance of the year after injury.
However, Siena defended deeply and the closest the visitors got to equalising was eight minutes from time when Fabio Borini's volley from 12 yards was kept out by Pegolo.
Di Natale, Isla injured in Milan game
Udinese have suffered a double blow ahead of Thursday's Europa League last 32 encounter against PAOK Salonika with midfielder Mauricio Isla and striker Antonio Di Natale out injured.
Both players got hurt during Saturday's 2-1 league loss to AC Milan.
Tests done today revealed Isla has ligament damage in his right knee, while Di Natale, who is Serie A's top scorer with 17 goals netted so far, has fractured a toe in his right foot.
The club has not confirmed how long the two players will be absent but they are likely to be sidelined for at least three weeks.
The Udine-based club are one point behind Lazio in fourth place with both clubs in the hunt for a Champions League position.
Napoli 2-0 Chievo
Napoli won their first Serie A game since January 8 by defeating Chievo at the Stadio San Paolo.
Miguel Britos and Edinson Cavani scored the goals for Walter Mazzarri's men in the first half and Chievo were unable to respond.
The result takes Napoli up to within a point of sixth-placed Roma, giving them a three-point cushion over Palermo, while Chievo missed the chance to pull 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
Napoli took the lead after quarter of an hour with Britos meeting a corner with a powerful header which left Stefano Sorrentino no chance in the Chievo goal.
Chievo's best chance of the first half arrived after half an hour when Sergio Pellissier's shot was saved well by Morgan de Sanctis.
Salvatore Aronica was lucky that the referee did not see him lash out with his elbow and strike Alberto Paloschi in the face as the pair jostled for the ball near the sideline in the 33rd minute.
Five minutes later, Napoli were given a penalty when Sorrentino resorted to desperate measures to prevent Cavani from scoring in open play.
The Chievo custodian had no chance of preventing Cavani from scoring from the spot either as the Uruguayan doubled Napoli's advantage.
Napoli appeared to take the foot off the accelerator in the second half and they were almost punished when Cyril Thereau went close to bringing Chievo back into the game in the 66th minute.
The miss seemed to demoralise the visitors, though, and they appeared more and more resigned to defeat as the minutes passed.
Napoli played down the clock without wasting too much energy to pick up all three points at the San Paolo for the first time since they demolished Genoa before Christmas.
Enrique: We couldn't control the ball
Roma manager Luis Enrique says his team's failure to control the ball resulted in their 1-0 defeat at Siena on Monday.
Siena climbed five points clear of the Serie A relegation zone with the narrow win over a Roma side which set out to take the game to the home team.
However, the visitors struggled at times to break down the home defence and then fell behind to a goal after Emanuele Calaio converted a penalty early in the second half.
Calaio's spot kick turned out to be the match winner in the end as Roma were held scoreless by Siena.
"This was not our night, we made too many mistakes," Enrique told Sky Sport Italia.
"Many of our players were below their usual level.
"We always tried to attack, but if we do not control the ball it leaves us in trouble. It is clear we are still far from having the consistency that we are looking for.
"Siena were great in defence and they closed down very well."
The defeat was Roma's seventh of the campaign and leaves them in sixth position and one point behind Inter Milan who also lost 1-0 in their game with Novara at the weekend.
Ranieri calm on Sneijder future
Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri claims Wesley Sneijder has given no indication that he is planning to leave the club.
The Holland international was strongly linked with a move to England last summer, with Manchester United reported to be keen on him.
And speculation now suggests that ambitious Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala are readying a big-money raid for the Dutchman.
Their transfer window does not close until the end of February and club officials are said to have been sent to Italy in an effort to thrash out a deal.
They were successful in their efforts to lure Samuel Eto'o away from Inter in August 2011, but Ranieri says there is little chance of Sneijder making a similar switch.
"Could he be on his way to Anzhi? As far as I'm concerned, and I hope the player too, no," Ranieri told Inter's official website.
"I asked him: 'Do you feel you are important for this team? Because you are important for us,' and he replied 'Yes, I'm happy here'.
"He's a champion, he just has to find his rhythm again and we have to work out again how to keep him supplied with the ball, just as he has to work out how to feed our strikers.
"He has told me he is happy here at Inter, so I'm pretty calm."