Sunday, September 24, 2006
Terry could miss Bulgarian trip
Chelsea fear captain John Terry will miss the Blues' Champions League trip to face Levski Sofia on Wednesday with a back injury
Khalid Boulahrouz also missed the Fulham game on Saturday with an illness and Blues boss Jose Mourinho may be forced to keep Portuguese duo Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho in central defence.
Mourinho said: "Paulo is not a central defender. He never plays central defender but we asked him to do it and his answer was unbelievable.
"Paulo and Ricardo are both very fast and we can press high and that means the team is very compact. I really don't feel big problems. He played very well.
"Michael Essien can also play there but I didn't want to play Essien as a central defender because he's playing so well in midfield."
Mourinho said: "Paulo is not a central defender. He never plays central defender but we asked him to do it and his answer was unbelievable.
"Paulo and Ricardo are both very fast and we can press high and that means the team is very compact. I really don't feel big problems. He played very well.
"Michael Essien can also play there but I didn't want to play Essien as a central defender because he's playing so well in midfield."
Queiroz - Ronaldo can be world's best
Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to become the best player in the world.
All eyes will be on the Portugal winger on Tuesday, when he heads back to his homeland to face Benfica, especially as his last appearance at the Stadium of Light ended in such disaster.
Totally ineffective as United crashed out of the Champions League group phase in December and baited throughout by home supporters acutely aware of his previous affiliation to Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo lost his rag as he made his way off the field.
Although allegations of spitting towards fans were ultimately rejected, the 21-year-old was found guilty by UEFA of offering a 'one-fingered gesture' to his hosts and was banned for the opening game of this season's competition.
Since then, Ronaldo landed himself in even more trouble during the World Cup.
Not only was he widely condemned for his part in getting Wayne Rooney sent off during England's quarter-final defeat to Portugal, he hardly endeared himself to United fans either with repeated statements of his desire to join Real Madrid.
Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed he was never worried that Ronaldo would leave Old Trafford.
Yet the Scot did treat the threats with enough seriousness to dispatch Queiroz to the Portugal World Cup camp, where his second-in-command was successful in getting Ronaldo to recognise he could achieve all his career goals with the Red Devils.
"When you deal with young players, it is not about telling them, or forcing them to do certain things," said Queiroz.
"It is about getting them to think about life, principles and values, teaching them to think for themselves and come up with the right answers.
"You want them to try to create the right balance between how they play, the things they say, the friends they have, everything around the game, on and off the pitch.
"With Cristiano I am always trying to create that special ambition and desire within him not to be one of the best players in the world but to be the best player in the world. He can do it, there is no doubt in my mind about that."
Given the maturity Ronaldo has shown in responding to the taunts of opposition crowds in the Premiership this season, Queiroz is not anticipating a repeat of the youngster's petulant behaviour on his previous visit to Lisbon.
On the contrary, he thinks the Madeira-born star can use Tuesday's game as an opportunity to correct a few things.
"In the few months since the World Cup, Cristiano has grown up and matured fantastically," he said.
"We won't speak about what happened against Benfica last season, we did that at the time.
"I think he realises this is a special opportunity for him to reverse what happened last season and leave the stadium in a correct manner.
"Cristiano has shown recently that he is not affected by mistakes, that he has a strong personality and can play with a lot of authority. I am sure he will do well."
United also expect Rooney to make a major impact after struggling for form during the early weeks of the campaign and has not scored in Europe since his debut-day hat-trick against Fenerbahce two years ago. Not that anyone around Old Trafford is too bothered.
"There is no reason why Wayne has struggled in Europe," said Queiroz. "It will come.
"When people talk about him, they treat him like someone who has been a professional for years, yet he has only been with us for a short period of time.
"He is so young, and it is so early in his career it is impossible to make a fair judgement about him."
Totally ineffective as United crashed out of the Champions League group phase in December and baited throughout by home supporters acutely aware of his previous affiliation to Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo lost his rag as he made his way off the field.
Although allegations of spitting towards fans were ultimately rejected, the 21-year-old was found guilty by UEFA of offering a 'one-fingered gesture' to his hosts and was banned for the opening game of this season's competition.
Since then, Ronaldo landed himself in even more trouble during the World Cup.
Not only was he widely condemned for his part in getting Wayne Rooney sent off during England's quarter-final defeat to Portugal, he hardly endeared himself to United fans either with repeated statements of his desire to join Real Madrid.
Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed he was never worried that Ronaldo would leave Old Trafford.
Yet the Scot did treat the threats with enough seriousness to dispatch Queiroz to the Portugal World Cup camp, where his second-in-command was successful in getting Ronaldo to recognise he could achieve all his career goals with the Red Devils.
"When you deal with young players, it is not about telling them, or forcing them to do certain things," said Queiroz.
"It is about getting them to think about life, principles and values, teaching them to think for themselves and come up with the right answers.
"You want them to try to create the right balance between how they play, the things they say, the friends they have, everything around the game, on and off the pitch.
"With Cristiano I am always trying to create that special ambition and desire within him not to be one of the best players in the world but to be the best player in the world. He can do it, there is no doubt in my mind about that."
Given the maturity Ronaldo has shown in responding to the taunts of opposition crowds in the Premiership this season, Queiroz is not anticipating a repeat of the youngster's petulant behaviour on his previous visit to Lisbon.
On the contrary, he thinks the Madeira-born star can use Tuesday's game as an opportunity to correct a few things.
"In the few months since the World Cup, Cristiano has grown up and matured fantastically," he said.
"We won't speak about what happened against Benfica last season, we did that at the time.
"I think he realises this is a special opportunity for him to reverse what happened last season and leave the stadium in a correct manner.
"Cristiano has shown recently that he is not affected by mistakes, that he has a strong personality and can play with a lot of authority. I am sure he will do well."
United also expect Rooney to make a major impact after struggling for form during the early weeks of the campaign and has not scored in Europe since his debut-day hat-trick against Fenerbahce two years ago. Not that anyone around Old Trafford is too bothered.
"There is no reason why Wayne has struggled in Europe," said Queiroz. "It will come.
"When people talk about him, they treat him like someone who has been a professional for years, yet he has only been with us for a short period of time.
"He is so young, and it is so early in his career it is impossible to make a fair judgement about him."
Reds sweep aside Spurs at Anfield
Goals from Mark Gonzalez, Dirk Kuyt and John Arne Riise ensured Tottenham's poor start to the season continued with a 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.
Spurs spent heavily in the summer but have lost four of their first six league games and must wonder just what has gone wrong for a side who so nearly qualified for the Champions League last season.
Liverpool will not be bothered by the Londoners' woe, however. They go into their Champions League clash with Galatasaray in fine form.
They toiled somewhat in the first period as Benitez maintained his rotation policy - no doubt with Wednesday in mind - by leaving out Jamie Carragher, Luis Garcia and Fabio Aurelio from the side that beat Newcastle in midweek.
Riise returned after an ankle injury. Also recalled were Sami Hyypia and Mark Gonzalez. The Liverpool manager has now made 19 changes in six Premiership games this term.
Spurs, with their worst start to a league campaign in 14 years and 13 of those since they last won at Anfield, fielded an unchanged side from the one that drew with Fulham last time out in the league.
They found out that Hyypia does not like being left on the bench much, if his first two tackles were anything to go by. His first took out fellow Finn, Teemu Tainio and earned him a warning from referee Howard Webb, while the second was perfectly legal but pole-axed Jermain Defoe.
Liverpool attempted to take the initiative. Craig Bellamy with a 20-yard shot over the top, and then a bouncing effort from Xabi Alonso - who the crowd begged to shoot from any range after his midweek stunner - also just missing the target.
Spurs were intent on deep defence, at times all 10 outfield players were less than 30 yards from Paul Robinson, while trying to set Defoe free with long balls from the back.
Robbie Keane was almost put through by one pass from Danny Murphy, Hyypia getting a toe in the way, but the onus was on Liverpool to open up the Londoners.
Ledley King got a touch on a Murphy free-kick, the ball bouncing just wide before Liverpool felt they should have had a penalty when the ball hit King on the arm.
Then Pascal Chimbonda sliced a Gonzalez corner onto the upright before Mohamed Sissoko saw a shot blocked. The tempo was quicker but Spurs were getting more possession as well as extra men forward.
King and Michael Dawson worked to contain Bellamy and Kuyt, with Steven Gerrard belatedly getting into the game with surges from the right flank.
There was more urgency about Liverpool after the break but anxiety crept in when Bellamy got in the way of Kuyt as the Dutchman sent a header over the bar, with the Welshman also just failing to get on the end of a low cross from his strike partner.
Gonzalez, too, was more involved and the supply of crosses from both flanks increased.
On 55 minutes, a Gonzalez corner found Alonso racing in on the edge of the box but this time his effort sailed high into the Kop.
Spurs sent on Edgar Davids for Tainio on the hour as it seemed the visitors might get something from the game so frequently were Liverpool conceding possession in midfield, Alonso frequently at fault.
The turning point came on 61 minutes. Davids got away on the left and set up Jenas two yards out, the midfielder somehow missing the far post.
And as he lay in the six-yard box in sheer disbelief, Liverpool broke away and took the lead.
Gerrard crossed from the right and Bellamy hit the post from close range, the ball breaking for Gonzalez to fire his first league goal for the club into the bottom corner.
Hyypia was booked for a foul on Didier Zokora, with Luis Garcia coming on for Bellamy.
Then Kuyt struck a classic strikers' goal on 73 minutes. Garcia's pass threaded into the box and Kuyt latched on to it, cracking a fine shot high into the net.
Gerrard was in an offside position to his right, but as Spurs momentarily stopped, the Dutchman had eyes only for the back of the net.
Four minutes later, Liverpool sent on Aurelio for Gonzalez, with Spurs replacing Murphy with Mido on 79 minutes, but surely now the extra striker was too late to save the Londoners.
Liverpool sent on Carragher for Alonso with six minutes left, Benitez not a man to take even the slightest risk with points seemingly in the bag.
But that did not stop Riise from rubbing salt in Spurs' wounds with a stunning drive from 30 yards in the 89th minute.
Liverpool will not be bothered by the Londoners' woe, however. They go into their Champions League clash with Galatasaray in fine form.
They toiled somewhat in the first period as Benitez maintained his rotation policy - no doubt with Wednesday in mind - by leaving out Jamie Carragher, Luis Garcia and Fabio Aurelio from the side that beat Newcastle in midweek.
Riise returned after an ankle injury. Also recalled were Sami Hyypia and Mark Gonzalez. The Liverpool manager has now made 19 changes in six Premiership games this term.
Spurs, with their worst start to a league campaign in 14 years and 13 of those since they last won at Anfield, fielded an unchanged side from the one that drew with Fulham last time out in the league.
They found out that Hyypia does not like being left on the bench much, if his first two tackles were anything to go by. His first took out fellow Finn, Teemu Tainio and earned him a warning from referee Howard Webb, while the second was perfectly legal but pole-axed Jermain Defoe.
Liverpool attempted to take the initiative. Craig Bellamy with a 20-yard shot over the top, and then a bouncing effort from Xabi Alonso - who the crowd begged to shoot from any range after his midweek stunner - also just missing the target.
Spurs were intent on deep defence, at times all 10 outfield players were less than 30 yards from Paul Robinson, while trying to set Defoe free with long balls from the back.
Robbie Keane was almost put through by one pass from Danny Murphy, Hyypia getting a toe in the way, but the onus was on Liverpool to open up the Londoners.
Ledley King got a touch on a Murphy free-kick, the ball bouncing just wide before Liverpool felt they should have had a penalty when the ball hit King on the arm.
Then Pascal Chimbonda sliced a Gonzalez corner onto the upright before Mohamed Sissoko saw a shot blocked. The tempo was quicker but Spurs were getting more possession as well as extra men forward.
King and Michael Dawson worked to contain Bellamy and Kuyt, with Steven Gerrard belatedly getting into the game with surges from the right flank.
There was more urgency about Liverpool after the break but anxiety crept in when Bellamy got in the way of Kuyt as the Dutchman sent a header over the bar, with the Welshman also just failing to get on the end of a low cross from his strike partner.
Gonzalez, too, was more involved and the supply of crosses from both flanks increased.
On 55 minutes, a Gonzalez corner found Alonso racing in on the edge of the box but this time his effort sailed high into the Kop.
Spurs sent on Edgar Davids for Tainio on the hour as it seemed the visitors might get something from the game so frequently were Liverpool conceding possession in midfield, Alonso frequently at fault.
The turning point came on 61 minutes. Davids got away on the left and set up Jenas two yards out, the midfielder somehow missing the far post.
And as he lay in the six-yard box in sheer disbelief, Liverpool broke away and took the lead.
Gerrard crossed from the right and Bellamy hit the post from close range, the ball breaking for Gonzalez to fire his first league goal for the club into the bottom corner.
Hyypia was booked for a foul on Didier Zokora, with Luis Garcia coming on for Bellamy.
Then Kuyt struck a classic strikers' goal on 73 minutes. Garcia's pass threaded into the box and Kuyt latched on to it, cracking a fine shot high into the net.
Gerrard was in an offside position to his right, but as Spurs momentarily stopped, the Dutchman had eyes only for the back of the net.
Four minutes later, Liverpool sent on Aurelio for Gonzalez, with Spurs replacing Murphy with Mido on 79 minutes, but surely now the extra striker was too late to save the Londoners.
Liverpool sent on Carragher for Alonso with six minutes left, Benitez not a man to take even the slightest risk with points seemingly in the bag.
But that did not stop Riise from rubbing salt in Spurs' wounds with a stunning drive from 30 yards in the 89th minute.
Gallas a believer in Gunners style
William Gallas is convinced Arsenal are still capable of playing the "best football" anywhere in the Premiership.
The French defender scored his first goal for the Gunners since a deadline day move from Chelsea in Saturday's 3-0 win over bottom club Sheffield United.
It helped set Arsenal on the way to a maiden victory at their new Emirates Stadium home, as Arsene Wenger's men made it seven points out of a possible nine in their last three games.
Belief within the squad is growing with each match following a stuttering start to the campaign.
Gallas, 29, is confident his new side are going places fast.
He declared: "When I joined the club, I said to my girlfriend that we were going to do something good this season.
"Then before the Manchester United game, I told her we were going to win, I also told some others and they laughed - but I see what the team is like every day in training.
"It's all very quick, top quality. Now I can say we have the opportunity to be champions. I came here to be a champion.
"Sometimes we play the best football in England, but more important is to win as well.
"Now we know what we can do, we have to be able to play good, but we have to play to win as well.
"Sometimes we have to play really quick football, but sometimes we have to slow the ball down a little more.
"You cannot go out and attack all the time.
"When you play against teams who sit back, you attack with 10 players because they might break and we concede a goal."
Gallas already feels more than settled in new surroundings, although the former Blues defender admits the daily commute from his west-London home can be something of a grind.
He said: "I have not moved house yet, so at the moment I have to tackle the M25 every morning to get to training.
"One-and-a-half hours it takes just to drive there - it's very difficult and I have to get up early every morning just so I can be ready to leave by 8am.
"If it's not the M25, then I have to drive across London, through Chelsea and Hampstead and so on.
"I have to move, but probably will not be able to until January."
Gallas invited his parents, who are visiting from Guadeloupe, to the match on Saturday - and would like them to sit in the stands on a regular basis.
The defender said: "Every time they come to see me, I score. I should get them a season ticket, but they do not come here often because they live so far away."
Arsenal manager Wenger, who celebrates 10 years at the club next week, is more than happy with the way Gallas has fitted into his squad.
"William has the mentality of a winner, to produce it when it's needed, no more than that," said Wenger, whose team will be in Champions League action against Porto on Tuesday.
"I read an interesting article talking about what is in common between winners, about every sport, both men and women, and it said it was competitiveness and composure at the right moment.
"They found that common denominator, refusing not to win and as well mixing that with composure.
"That means not being terrified when you have a chance and I think that makes a winner.
"I have seen many fail because they have inhibition and in top competition you cannot have inhibition when you are under pressure and that takes composure and we saw that."
It helped set Arsenal on the way to a maiden victory at their new Emirates Stadium home, as Arsene Wenger's men made it seven points out of a possible nine in their last three games.
Belief within the squad is growing with each match following a stuttering start to the campaign.
Gallas, 29, is confident his new side are going places fast.
He declared: "When I joined the club, I said to my girlfriend that we were going to do something good this season.
"Then before the Manchester United game, I told her we were going to win, I also told some others and they laughed - but I see what the team is like every day in training.
"It's all very quick, top quality. Now I can say we have the opportunity to be champions. I came here to be a champion.
"Sometimes we play the best football in England, but more important is to win as well.
"Now we know what we can do, we have to be able to play good, but we have to play to win as well.
"Sometimes we have to play really quick football, but sometimes we have to slow the ball down a little more.
"You cannot go out and attack all the time.
"When you play against teams who sit back, you attack with 10 players because they might break and we concede a goal."
Gallas already feels more than settled in new surroundings, although the former Blues defender admits the daily commute from his west-London home can be something of a grind.
He said: "I have not moved house yet, so at the moment I have to tackle the M25 every morning to get to training.
"One-and-a-half hours it takes just to drive there - it's very difficult and I have to get up early every morning just so I can be ready to leave by 8am.
"If it's not the M25, then I have to drive across London, through Chelsea and Hampstead and so on.
"I have to move, but probably will not be able to until January."
Gallas invited his parents, who are visiting from Guadeloupe, to the match on Saturday - and would like them to sit in the stands on a regular basis.
The defender said: "Every time they come to see me, I score. I should get them a season ticket, but they do not come here often because they live so far away."
Arsenal manager Wenger, who celebrates 10 years at the club next week, is more than happy with the way Gallas has fitted into his squad.
"William has the mentality of a winner, to produce it when it's needed, no more than that," said Wenger, whose team will be in Champions League action against Porto on Tuesday.
"I read an interesting article talking about what is in common between winners, about every sport, both men and women, and it said it was competitiveness and composure at the right moment.
"They found that common denominator, refusing not to win and as well mixing that with composure.
"That means not being terrified when you have a chance and I think that makes a winner.
"I have seen many fail because they have inhibition and in top competition you cannot have inhibition when you are under pressure and that takes composure and we saw that."
Real Madrid prepare for the match against Dynamo Kiev after defeating Betis in Seville
The match timetable allows no rest. Hours after winning 1-0 against Betis in Seville, Real Madrid trained to prepare for Tuesday's match against Dynamo Kiev. The encounter will be held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium at 8:45 pm CET. Yesterday's starters and substitute players started training separately in this morning's closed-doors session. Cicinho and Beckham didn't train.
The Champions League is back this week, so Real Madrid players haven't been able to take the day off today. The squad met at 12:00 at Real Madrid City in order to work out behind closed doors. This morning's was the first of two sessions they will attend prior to the match against Dynamo Kiev, which will be the Whites' second match in the Champions League group stages. Real Madrid want to improve on the image they gave in the previous match against Olympique Lyonnais, and will fight to win in front of their fans at the Bernabéu.
Fabio Capello started the session by dividing his men into two groups. On the one hand were yesterday's starters against Betis -Casillas, Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos, Guti, Emerson, Diarra, Reyes, Cassano and Van Nistelrroy- and on the other the rest. The only player missing from yesterday's initial line-up was Cicinho, who went down in the 28th minute last night. He was in severe pain and had to be taken off the pitch. A preliminary medical report diagnosed a torn anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee. This was confirmed this morning after Real Madrid's medical staff made more tests at Valdebebas. Cicinho's operation has been scheduled on Monday.Pavón, Robinho, Raúl Bravo, Helguera, Mejía, Raúl, Ronaldo and Salgado joined last night's starters in a mild jog. Ronaldo and Salgado spent the first 15 minutes of the session doing stretching exercises supervised by physical trainer Santiago Lozano. After this, Fabio Capello took the reins of the session and started to teach his players what weapons to use against Dynamo Kiev.
Fabio Capello started the session by dividing his men into two groups. On the one hand were yesterday's starters against Betis -Casillas, Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos, Guti, Emerson, Diarra, Reyes, Cassano and Van Nistelrroy- and on the other the rest. The only player missing from yesterday's initial line-up was Cicinho, who went down in the 28th minute last night. He was in severe pain and had to be taken off the pitch. A preliminary medical report diagnosed a torn anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee. This was confirmed this morning after Real Madrid's medical staff made more tests at Valdebebas. Cicinho's operation has been scheduled on Monday.Pavón, Robinho, Raúl Bravo, Helguera, Mejía, Raúl, Ronaldo and Salgado joined last night's starters in a mild jog. Ronaldo and Salgado spent the first 15 minutes of the session doing stretching exercises supervised by physical trainer Santiago Lozano. After this, Fabio Capello took the reins of the session and started to teach his players what weapons to use against Dynamo Kiev.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
The Real Madrid attacker adds the Golden Foot to a long list of individual accomplishments
The Golden Foot award that was presented to Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima on 28 August was just another accolade to add to the Brazilian forward's long list of honours. In fact, Real Madrid's number “9” is one of the football world's most decorated players, and this latest achievement is yet another to add to the neverending list of individual and team trophies.
Speaking of Ronaldo means speaking of success. The Brazilian forward has been given a gift, and everything he does is done well, translating into awards and honours. The latest achievement was the Golden Foot award in recognition of his career in sports. However, it wasn't the only award won by the Brazilian superstar, one of the best footballers in the world.
Ronaldo is one of the most heralded footballer players in the history of the sport, and he has won all kinds of awards. Two Golden Balls, three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, and one Golden Boot are just a few honours the Fenomenon has achieved throughout his career. He has been the top scorer in the Spanish League on two occasions, and was also the top scorer of the 2002 World Cup in Korea afte recovering from a serious knee injury and scoring eight goals. Those eight goals, plus the four he scored in the 2002 French World Cup and the three in the recent German World Cup, make Ronaldo the all-time top scorer in World Cup competition with 15 goals, passing Germany's Gerd Müller, who had held the record with 14.
Ronaldo is one of the most heralded footballer players in the history of the sport, and he has won all kinds of awards. Two Golden Balls, three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, and one Golden Boot are just a few honours the Fenomenon has achieved throughout his career. He has been the top scorer in the Spanish League on two occasions, and was also the top scorer of the 2002 World Cup in Korea afte recovering from a serious knee injury and scoring eight goals. Those eight goals, plus the four he scored in the 2002 French World Cup and the three in the recent German World Cup, make Ronaldo the all-time top scorer in World Cup competition with 15 goals, passing Germany's Gerd Müller, who had held the record with 14.
Gunners splash out for Brazil starlet
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Brazil under-19 midfielder Denilson, and could pay an eventual £3million according to his club Sao Paulo.
The Brazilian side are confident they struck a good deal after receiving an initial £1.9million for the under-19 skipper, with the Gunners due to pay a further £1.1million due depending on his future performances.
Sao Paulo claimed in a statement on their website that Arsenal will send Denilson on loan to another European club to gain experience.
Director of football Marco Aurelio Cunha said: "We have sold an 18-year-old for the same price as an experienced player.
"The deal is highly profitable for a player of his age."
"The deal is very satisfactory as we could receive profits in the future. There are some clauses which benefit Sao Paulo as we are the team where Denilson was born as a player."
Sao Paulo claimed in a statement on their website that Arsenal will send Denilson on loan to another European club to gain experience.
Director of football Marco Aurelio Cunha said: "We have sold an 18-year-old for the same price as an experienced player.
"The deal is highly profitable for a player of his age."
"The deal is very satisfactory as we could receive profits in the future. There are some clauses which benefit Sao Paulo as we are the team where Denilson was born as a player."
Chelsea furious at talk of major rift
Chelsea have consulted lawyers after allegations of a bust-up involving Jose Mourinho and Peter Kenyon over the sale of William Gallas.
Reports have suggested the Blues manager and chief executive fell out over the decision to off-load the unhappy France international defender as part of the deal to bring England left-back Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge from Arsenal.
The transfer was concluded just minutes before the midnight deadline on transfer-deadline day, with Chelsea paying Arsenal £5million plus Gallas in exchange for Cole.
The Blues maintain Mourinho's relationship with Kenyon is strong and the pair were in constant contact throughout Thursday as efforts to bring Cole to Chelsea gathered pace.
Gallas, who irked the Chelsea coach by failing to join up with the squad on their pre-season tour of America, had been omitted from the first team this season.
Mourinho, with Kenyon's agreement, was prepared to let the defender play solely reserve-team football for the final year of his contract if they could not engineer a sale which suited the Blues - however disruptive that might have been for the squad.
Chelsea were not prepared to sell Gallas outright to Arsenal, or any other club for that matter, as the club would have perceived that outcome to be a victory for the 29-year-old.
Clearly the best solution for the Blues was to be rid of the player, in a deal they were happy with and their player-plus cash agreement with Arsenal for Cole brought about an ideal conclusion to one of the longest running transfer sagas of the summer.
But the Chelsea coach has since been left fuming by suggestions that Kenyon went behind his back to dispose of Gallas and - as a result - it is understood the club have held lengthy discussions with their lawyers over possible legal action.
Cole returned to training with England on Friday ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier with Andorra on Saturday and is delighted to have finally made the switch across the capital.
But while Cole celebrated his move, the club's midfielder Claude Makelele confessed he had been forced to join up with France.
The 33-year-old retired from international football after the World Cup final and underlined his decision with a letter to the French Federation on August 22.
But France coach Raymond Domenech selected Makelele for France's Euro 2008 qualifiers and threatened him with domestic suspension under FIFA's rules.
Mourinho hit back by accusing France of treating Makelele like a "slave" and Chelsea confirmed the player had sent a retirement note to the French FA two days prior to his controversial call-up.
Now Makelele still insists he wants to quit the international scene and hinted that the next two qualifiers will be his last for the country.
Makelele said: "I said after the World Cup that I would take international retirement, on television and with a note sent to the federation.
"I truly wanted to retire. The fact that he has put me in the squad has turned things upside down. From a legal point of view, I had to be here. Chelsea authorised me to play so that they do not incur any sanctions.
"The coach wanted me to make a comeback when I had told him I didn't wish to return.
"I will be there to win these two very important matches and I hope that afterwards the situation will be resolved so that there is no ambiguity.
"It is necessary now to let the squad get on with work and that the soap opera ends this week."
The transfer was concluded just minutes before the midnight deadline on transfer-deadline day, with Chelsea paying Arsenal £5million plus Gallas in exchange for Cole.
The Blues maintain Mourinho's relationship with Kenyon is strong and the pair were in constant contact throughout Thursday as efforts to bring Cole to Chelsea gathered pace.
Gallas, who irked the Chelsea coach by failing to join up with the squad on their pre-season tour of America, had been omitted from the first team this season.
Mourinho, with Kenyon's agreement, was prepared to let the defender play solely reserve-team football for the final year of his contract if they could not engineer a sale which suited the Blues - however disruptive that might have been for the squad.
Chelsea were not prepared to sell Gallas outright to Arsenal, or any other club for that matter, as the club would have perceived that outcome to be a victory for the 29-year-old.
Clearly the best solution for the Blues was to be rid of the player, in a deal they were happy with and their player-plus cash agreement with Arsenal for Cole brought about an ideal conclusion to one of the longest running transfer sagas of the summer.
But the Chelsea coach has since been left fuming by suggestions that Kenyon went behind his back to dispose of Gallas and - as a result - it is understood the club have held lengthy discussions with their lawyers over possible legal action.
Cole returned to training with England on Friday ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier with Andorra on Saturday and is delighted to have finally made the switch across the capital.
But while Cole celebrated his move, the club's midfielder Claude Makelele confessed he had been forced to join up with France.
The 33-year-old retired from international football after the World Cup final and underlined his decision with a letter to the French Federation on August 22.
But France coach Raymond Domenech selected Makelele for France's Euro 2008 qualifiers and threatened him with domestic suspension under FIFA's rules.
Mourinho hit back by accusing France of treating Makelele like a "slave" and Chelsea confirmed the player had sent a retirement note to the French FA two days prior to his controversial call-up.
Now Makelele still insists he wants to quit the international scene and hinted that the next two qualifiers will be his last for the country.
Makelele said: "I said after the World Cup that I would take international retirement, on television and with a note sent to the federation.
"I truly wanted to retire. The fact that he has put me in the squad has turned things upside down. From a legal point of view, I had to be here. Chelsea authorised me to play so that they do not incur any sanctions.
"The coach wanted me to make a comeback when I had told him I didn't wish to return.
"I will be there to win these two very important matches and I hope that afterwards the situation will be resolved so that there is no ambiguity.
"It is necessary now to let the squad get on with work and that the soap opera ends this week."
Moyes could sue Rooney over book
Everton boss David Moyes is likely to sue Wayne Rooney over claims he made in his recent book, although proceedings have not yet been issued.
Moyes' solicitors have already started proceedings against the Daily Mail, which published extracts of "Wayne Rooney: My Story So Far'.
And while no action has been taken against Rooney or publishers HarperSport yet, it could be imminent.
Moyes' lawyer Mel Goldberg said: "Proceedings have been issued against the Daily Mail. Separate action will be taken against the publishers and presumably Wayne Rooney as well because he is the cause of the publication.
"But at this minute legal proceedings against Wayne Rooney have not been issued."
Moyes is particularly upset by Rooney's claims that the Scot broke his confidence by leaking details of a personal nature.
"There were several comments," said Goldberg. "The main headline (in the Daily Mail) was Rooney claiming that David Moyes forced him out (of Everton) which is not true, and another comment that 'David Moyes was jealous of me' - that was not true.
"And there was a comment which we regard as very serious which is that David Moyes broke professional confidence by leaking stories which he had been told. That's not true either.
"Moyes went out of his way to cover up, over a long period of time, about that and other matters as well.
"What a player tells a manager in confidence is something which is special and if other players feel a manager is going to blow the whistle on him to other people, no player would ever speak to his manager in confidence and that has greatly upset him," said Goldberg.
Regarding possible outcomes, Goldberg said: "An apology has not been forthcoming. We've been corresponding with the Daily Mail and nothing's been forthcoming.
"As far as the paper is concerned proceedings have already been issued. So far as the book publishers are concerned that will happen shortly, I've no doubt.
"Matters are always begun by a writ but often they are settled before they get to court so it's possible that this matter will be settled. But there's no settlement been discussed."
And while no action has been taken against Rooney or publishers HarperSport yet, it could be imminent.
Moyes' lawyer Mel Goldberg said: "Proceedings have been issued against the Daily Mail. Separate action will be taken against the publishers and presumably Wayne Rooney as well because he is the cause of the publication.
"But at this minute legal proceedings against Wayne Rooney have not been issued."
Moyes is particularly upset by Rooney's claims that the Scot broke his confidence by leaking details of a personal nature.
"There were several comments," said Goldberg. "The main headline (in the Daily Mail) was Rooney claiming that David Moyes forced him out (of Everton) which is not true, and another comment that 'David Moyes was jealous of me' - that was not true.
"And there was a comment which we regard as very serious which is that David Moyes broke professional confidence by leaking stories which he had been told. That's not true either.
"Moyes went out of his way to cover up, over a long period of time, about that and other matters as well.
"What a player tells a manager in confidence is something which is special and if other players feel a manager is going to blow the whistle on him to other people, no player would ever speak to his manager in confidence and that has greatly upset him," said Goldberg.
Regarding possible outcomes, Goldberg said: "An apology has not been forthcoming. We've been corresponding with the Daily Mail and nothing's been forthcoming.
"As far as the paper is concerned proceedings have already been issued. So far as the book publishers are concerned that will happen shortly, I've no doubt.
"Matters are always begun by a writ but often they are settled before they get to court so it's possible that this matter will be settled. But there's no settlement been discussed."
Reds let Kromkamp return to Holland
Liverpool have allowed defender Jan Kromkamp to join PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee after he agreed a five-year deal with the club.
The full-back, who can also play in midfield, was signed from Villarreal in January but failed to make a first-team place his own at Anfield.
He was, however, used as a substitute in the FA Cup final and helped Liverpool to their victory over West Ham on penalties.
He made 18 first-team appearances for Rafael Benitez's side and was a member of Holland's World Cup squad.
Kromkamp, 26, had joined Villarreal from AZ Alkmaar in 2005 but failed to settle in Spain.
He joins PSV on the same day as the Dutch club signed former Newcastle and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert following his release from Valencia.
He was, however, used as a substitute in the FA Cup final and helped Liverpool to their victory over West Ham on penalties.
He made 18 first-team appearances for Rafael Benitez's side and was a member of Holland's World Cup squad.
Kromkamp, 26, had joined Villarreal from AZ Alkmaar in 2005 but failed to settle in Spain.
He joins PSV on the same day as the Dutch club signed former Newcastle and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert following his release from Valencia.
