IFFHS Claim La Liga Is The Best League In The World

According to IFFHS, the English Premier League is no longer the strongest league in the world. The Spanish Primera Division is the new number one in IFFHS' special ranking system.

Every July it is possible to make the first assessment of the relative strengths of the various leagues. The methodology for determining the current strength of the national leagues takes into consideration that, because of the national and international schedules, the South American and west Asian leagues are better placed in the first half of the year and those from northern and eastern Europe less so.




The rankings indicate that the English Premier League has shown a drop in performance not previously seen in the first decade of the 21st century. At the beginning of the year the English league had a lead of 110 points ahead of the Spaniards. In the month of July though, the Spanish Primera División was ahead of the Englishmen by 94 points.

The trend shows that the Spanish Primera Division is on the way to becoming the strongest league in the world. But the gaps to the next placed national leagues are small.

A similar drop in performance to the Englishmen took place also in the leagues of Ukraine and Romania. Negative trends have also been shown by the national leagues of the Netherlands, Turkey and Greece while the leagues of Portugal and Belgium remained constant.

1. Spain
2. Brazil
3. Argentina
4. Italy
5. England
6. Germany
7. France
8. Peru
9. Chile
10. Paraguay

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Bordeaux - Olympiacos - Preview

Les Girondins will have to shrug off their indifferent domestic form if they are to negotiate their way past their guests, who will have to overcome their demons playing away from home in Europe if they are to advance




Europe-wide recognition has come the way of Girondins de Bordeaux for their success in the Champions League to date, though Laurent Blanc’s troops can only really start to consider themselves amongst the continent’s elite if they can dismiss the challenge of Olympiacos to reach the quarter-finals of the illustrious competition.

With six successive wins in continental play, the form book would suggest that the Aquitaine side, who hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg thanks to a Michael Ciani header, should progress through with some degree of comfort. Les Girondins, however, have been given a wakeup call in Ligue 1, failing to win any of their last three games; a run that has thrown their title defence into question.

Over the course of the last ten days Bordeaux have been held by second placed Montpellier, defeated by in-form Auxerre and frustrated to a scoreless draw by a Monaco unit in mediocre form. The French coach would doubtless argue that those matches have largely been gearing up to Wednesday’s, which is clearly seen as the club’s greatest objective at present.

A heavy squad rotation policy was in place as les Girondins drew with Monaco on Saturday, with Yoann Gourcuff and Marouane Chamakh playing only 20 minutes at the end as the guests went for a late winner, while right-back Matthieu Chalme was not dispatched at all.

Additionally, Blanc has hinted at long-term optimism in the competition by stating that in a cup competition, there is always room for a shock or two. “The last four teams are often the same and you can name them in advance, but there could be a surprise,” he told UEFA's official website. “I'm not saying Bordeaux will provide that surprise, but it could be another club.”

Having paid the price for their Champions League exploits by losing valuable ground in Ligue 1, Bordeaux will want to ensure they get their money’s worth by moving through to the quarter-finals.

Domestic Disappointment

If Bordeaux feel that their league form is a little rough at the moment, they can take heart from the short-comings of their guests. Perennial Greek champions Olympiacos are presently enduring a season of relative hardship, as they lie a disappointing third in the Super League.

Rulers of their domestic game in every season since 1998-99, barring one, the Erythrolefki are almost in uncharted territory down the league standings in third place, with a spot at Europe’s top table next season looking improbable at the present time.

Panathinaikos are almost out of sight at the summit, leading second placed PAOK by five points, with Olympiacos a further two back. With only the top two sides securing a berth in the Champions League, the final four games of the domestic season are of paramount importance to Piraeus club.

This is a simply colossal week for coach Bozidar Bandovic, who takes his side to meet Pana on Sunday, and the great derby match could be perfectly set up for Olympiacos if they can somehow turn around their 1-0 deficit against Bordeaux. A club with a miserable record away from home in Europe’s top competition, the odds look stacked against the Τhrylos, especially when their poor domestic form is considered.





FORM GUIDE

Bordeaux

DREW 0-0 (a) Monaco (Ligue 1, March 13)

LOST 2-1 (h) Auxerre (Ligue 1, March 10)

DREW 1-1 (h) Montpellier (Ligue 1, March 7)

WON 1-0 (a) Olympiacos (Champions League, February 23)

WON 4-1 (a) Lorient (Coupe de la Ligue, February 17)

Olympiacos

DREW 2-2 (h) Giannina (Super League, March 13)

LOST 1-0 (a) Iraklis (Super League, March 7)

WON 2-0 (h) Atromitos (Super League, February 27)

LOST 1-0 (h) Girondins de Bordeaux (Champions League, February 23)

DREW 1-1 (a) Ergotelis (Super League, February 20)

TEAM NEWS

Bordeaux

Marc Planus picked up an injury in the recent defeat against Auxerre that will rule him out of this fixture. The centre-back is also expected to miss the weekend’s fixture against Lille too. Abdou Traore is the only other concern in les Girondins’ ranks, though he would not feature in the first team in any case.

Probable Starting XI: Carrasso; Chalme, Ciani, Sane, Tremoulinas; Diarra, Fernando; Plasil, Gourcuff, Wendel; Chamakh

Olympiacos

There are numerous injury headaches for the Athens club to cope with ahead of the trip to France. Amongst those sidelined include Dudu (foot), Diogo (hamstring), Jesus Datolo (hamstring) and Didier Domi (foot).

Enzo Maresca should be free of injury to play, as should top scorer Kostas Mitroglou, who featured at the weekend after suffering a broken nose. Oscar Gonzalez and Michal Zewlakow overcame problems to make the bench on Saturday.

Probable Starting XI: Nikopolidis; Mellberg, Torosidis, A. Papadopoulos, Raul Bravo; Ledesma, Maresca, Zairi; LuaLua, Derbyshire, Mitroglou

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bordeaux

Cedric Carrasso hasn’t conceded a Champions League strike since Matchday 1 of the group stages, meaning he has gone more than 550 minutes without losing a goal at the very top level. Olympiacos have to score to progress, of course, and the custodian, who is aiming to be France’s third choice shot stopper in South Africa, will be confident of repelling them.

Olympiacos

The Erythrolefki have been poor goal scorers in Europe this season, managing just four strikes in their last seven encounters, and they need to find the net on Wednesday if they are to stand any chance of progression. Against the competition’s most robust rearguard to date, striker Kostas Mitroglou will have to be at his absolute best. He has 12 goals to his name this term and has built a reputation from striking late in games

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Real Madrid 1-1 Olympique Lyonnais

Los Blancos’ dream of claiming a tenth European title on home soil has been ended by les Gones as a second half strike from the Bosnian teenager has forced OL through...


Real Madrid’s now annual last 16 Champions League jinx struck again on Wednesday night, with French outfit Olympique Lyonnais the grateful benefactors of the Spaniard's inability to shine at the knockout stages.

Commanding a 1-0 lead from their home leg, Claude Puel’s well organised, disciplined side learned their lesson from last season’s second leg capitulation against Barcelona to squeeze through 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.

The match started in perfect fashion for los Blancos, with Cristiano Ronaldo striking home beautifully from an acute angle. Gonzalo Higuain then missed an open goal as the home side dominated but could not add to their advantage. After the interval, the Ligue 1 side were far more aggressive and got their reward as Miralem Pjanic battered home from close range.

Lyon boss Puel had warned his side to expect their hosts to whip up a tempest in the opening 20 minutes, but even he couldn’t have imagined the whirlwind start los Merengues made. Within 20 seconds of play Hugo Lloris had to advance smartly from his goal to block a fine opening for Kaka, who had made good space in the right channel.

This early gambit from the Spaniards was to set the tone for the first half, and los Blancos would soon have a goal to fuel their momentum. Back after injury, Guti showed all his quality on five minutes to clip a delicious pass over the top of the OL defence, pinpoint into the path of Ronaldo. The Portuguese burst away from Cris before firing the ball through Lloris’ legs from an unlikely angle.

Ronaldo was to prove central to many of Real’s best moments in the first half, injecting pace into their often patient build-up play. Nevertheless, he would not be at the cutting edge of the charge for the remainder of the period. Instead, Gonzalo Higuain would come to the fore, snapping a shot by Lloris’ left hand post soon after the opening goal.

Kaka wasn’t about to be upstaged either, making a number of direct first half runs, the pick of which carried him by three feeble French tackles before he sent a shot into the gloves of the visiting custodian from the edge of the penalty box.

Les Gones were offering precious little in an attacking sense, though they did break their hosts’ stranglehold on the game briefly just after a quarter of an hour of play to win a corner. From the flag kick, Real could only partially clear, allowing Jeremy Toulalan to bend an effort by Iker Casillas’ upright.

The Spain No.1 wouldn’t be called into shot-stopping action throughout the first half, though Lloris certainly would at the opposite end, producing a brilliant stop low to his left after Kaka had laid the ball into the path of Higuain near the periphery of the area.

Prior to that moment, the young French goalkeeper had a lucky escape. Having charged from his box to try and intercept a through ball from Kaka to Higuain, the goalkeeper was beaten in a foot race by the Argentine. Round the shot stopper and with much of the target to hit, the in-form striker found the inside of the post and watched the ball dribble along the goal line before dropping safe.
Los Blancos would also have a let off before the break, though. On a rare foray forward, Lyon unleashed Sidney Govou down the right hand side. The veteran turned inside Alvaro Arbeloa and sent a low cross into the box that dropped just behind Jean Makoun, who couldn’t make good contact on the ball just eight yards out.

Guti enjoyed bright moments, and his quick thinking over a set piece situation nearly set Higuain free. A combination of Jean-Alain Boumsong and Aly Cissokho just managed to squeeze the attacker out, while a headed flick from the same player flashed past Lloris' far post minutes before an interval that was much welcomed by an OL side who had been stretched to their limit in the opening period.

It was soon apparent after the break that Lyon were going to approach the second period with a good deal more attacking zest. Within three minutes of the restart a Cesar Delgado dink had picked out substitute Maxime Gonalons at the back post, though the young midfielder was stretching too much and couldn’t angle his header on target.

Govou then wasted a fine opportunity from around the penalty spot after an intuitive pass from Kim Kallstrom, who had also been introduced at the break. This Lyon barrage was still not over, with Lisandro bulldozing his way into a shooting position 30 yards from goal, though Casillas got two strong fists behind the Argentine’s fearsome drive.

Ronaldo fashioned an opening for Kaka a blink of an eye later, though the Brazilian’s effort from the edge of the box flashed by the post when he perhaps should have found the target. Esteban Granero then scooped a good chance over as los Blancos replied.

After this lively opening, the two midfields started to get their teeth into the fixture, preventing the flow of clear openings. A dangerous Pjanic free kick was a toe away from Cris getting a decisive touch to flick the ball beyond Casillas, while at the other end Rafael van der Vaart came off the bench to crack a shot over the top from the edge of the area.

Lyon had wrestled the upper hand of this game away from their hosts and would stun the Bernabeu with 15 minutes remaining. Delgado, who had looked dangerous throughout the second half, spun a low pass into the box for Lisandro, whose touch from 12 yards was perfect for Pjanic to march onto, take a touch and smash into the net.

Immediately, Raul was brought off the bench to replace Kaka as the expected onslaught began. Crossed rained into Lloris box, but a combination of solid defending and poor delivery prevented los Blancos even threatening the visiting net.

As Real flooded forward in the dying seconds, Lisandro should have added to Lyon’s lead. Played in by Cissokho, the former Porto man had seconds to steady himself in front of goal but chocked his shot wide. Delgado had a similar opportunity, but smashed over in a ridiculously frantic close to the game.

That proved a mere footnote, as the big spending Galacticos would crumple out in the first knock-out stage for the sixth consecutive occasion.

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Champions League Preview: Real Madrid – Olympique Lyonnais

In a week of hotly anticipated European clashes, los Blancos’ home encounter against les Gones stands right amongst the most mouth-watering.


On A High

Incredibly, it’s been six years since Real Madrid last savoured the atmosphere that a Champions League quarter-final can bring, and los Blancos stand on the precipice of an early exit again this term, having lost their first leg encounter against Olympique Lyonnais 1-0 in France.

History is firmly against Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who have previously tackled les Gones on five occasions but have yet to record a solitary victory. Three times from three matches at Stade Gerland they have lost, while at the Bernabeu a couple of draws is all they have been able to muster. A tied encounter would be of little use to los Blancos on Wednesday night.

Destiny, on the other hand, is surely in favour of los Merengues. With nine Champions League titles already in the vault, the illusive tenth is considered by many to be close. With this season’s final being played at the Bernabeu, president Florentino Perez has channelled much of his energy to ensuring that it is a night to remember for those camped in the white half of Madrid.
If there were any doubts over the character of Pellegrini’s charges, these were surely dispelled over the weekend, when los Merengues staged a memorable comeback from 2-0 down against Sevilla to record a 3-2 success, vaulting over Barcelona to the summit of La Primera Division in the process.

With the wind in their sails, los Blancos will feel confident ahead of Wednesday’s encounter.

Resolute

While Real Madrid were mounting a thrilling comeback against fellow Champions League hopefuls Sevilla, Lyon were finding life somewhat more uncomfortable in the north of France, where they were held to a disappointing scoreless draw against relegation threatened Boulogne-Sur-Mer.

Worryingly for OL, they did not even look the better side against a unit who sit second from bottom of Le Championnat, and who have not record a league victory of any sort since 2009. Prior to the game, left-back Aly Cissokho told the press that it would be natural for les Gones to be distracted by their upcoming trip to Spain, and it certainly seemed that they were.

Lyon didn’t lose though, and they’ve been immensely difficult to break down since the turn of the year, defeated only twice in 13 fixtures. Indeed, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has kept six consecutive clean sheets, totalling an impressive 620 minutes without leaking a goal.

Claude Puel’s side have reason for optimism as they have not lost by more than one goal since a humiliating reverse away to Nice back in October, and it would take a defeat of such magnitude to eliminate them on Wednesday.

However, they went to Barcelona last season with a 1-1 draw in their back pockets from the first leg only to be hammered 5-2 in the return, so there will be no counting of chickens.
FORM GUIDE

Real Madrid

WON 3-2 (h) Sevilla (Liga, March 6)

WON 5-1 (a) Tenerife (Liga, February 27)

WON 6-2 (h) Villarreal (Liga, February 21)

LOST 1-0 (a) Olympique Lyonnais (Champions League, February 16)

WON 3-0 (a) Xerez (Liga, February 13)

Lyon

DREW 0-0 (a) Boulogne-Sur-Mer (Ligue 1, March 6)

WON 2-0 (h) Nice (Ligue 1, February 27)

WON 4-0 (a) Sochaux (Ligue 1, February 21)

WON 1-0 (h) Real Madrid (Champions League, February 16)

WON 1-0 (h) Racing Club de Lens (Ligue 1, February 13)

TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid

Karim Benzema has failed to overcome a hernia problem and will miss the midweek encounter, as well as Real’s weekend fixture against Valladolid. Royston Drenthe is fighting a muscle tear, while Pepe is a long-term absentee. In addition to these issues, Xabi Alonso and Marcelo are suspended.

Probable Starting XI: Casillas; Ramos, Albiol, Garay, Arbeloa; Lass, Guti, Granero; Kaka; Ronaldo, Higuain

Lyon

Claude Puel doesn’t have any massive selection issues, though there has been a little concern voiced over the fitness of Aly Cissokho. The left-back picked up a slight problem against Boulogne at the weekend but should be fit to play from the outset.

Francois Clerc and Cleber Anderson are still injured, and Dejan Lovren is ineligible. Brazil international Michel Bastos pulled out of this tie on Monday night.

Puel will reinstate Lisandro Lopez, Cesar Delgado and Jeremy Toulalan to the side after all three were allowed a breather on the bench at the weekend.

Probable Starting XI: Lloris; Reveillere, Cris, Boumsong, Cissokho; Toulalan, Makoun; Govou, Pjanic, Delgado; Lisandro

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Real Madrid

There are countless big game players at the Bernabeu, but Lassana Diarra will have a vital role to play. One of Gonzalo Higuain, Kaka or Cristiano Ronaldo is almost sure to fire, which means that the only worry will be shutting OL out. Diarra’s dogged presence in the heart of the midfield was missed in the first game, and his ball-winning abilities on Wednesday should aid his side massively.

Lyon

Visiting goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been favourably compared in style to opposing number Iker Casillas and will need to be in the same ballpark as the great Spaniard if OL are to progress. An onslaught is expected for los Blancos, and it is the former Nice shot stopper who is sure to feel the brunt of it. In big matches against Liverpool and the Republic of Ireland, for club and country respectively, he has shone, but this is arguably the biggest night of his career to date.

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Timothee Atouba Offers Himself To Marseille

As soon as the season was over in France and Didier Deschamps took over from Erik Gerets at Olympique Marseille, the legendary France international declared that he would be looking for two top central defenders, two midfielders and a striker for next season's Champions League campaign. And as soon as that happened, propositions from candidate footballers came pouring in.



After Werder Bremen's refusal to even negotiate with the French vice-champions about their Brazilian defender Naldo, Villareal's Pascal Cygan offered his services.

And in an interview with Skysports, Cameroonian veteran Timothee Atouba said that he would be very interested in playing for Marseille.

"Playing in France would be great for my career, although of course nothing is done.

Marseille is a big club of Champions League level, and although I have not had real contact, I do not hide the fact that I would love to play there."

The 28-year-old has had a series of injuries recently and is not a starter in the national team anymore. If he wants to be reconsidered by new Cameroon coach, Thomas N'kono, he needs to earn a lot of playing time with whatever club he plays for next season.

It's not sure how Marseille will react since the club has vowed not to have a majority of African players in a year with an African Cup of Nations in the winter.

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Kombouare to take over from Le Guen at PSG

Antoine Kombouare will be Paris St Germain's coach next season, the Ligue 1 club said on Friday.

The 45-year-old, currently coaching Ligue 1 rivals Valenciennes, will take over from his former team PSG mate Paul Le Guen, whose contract ends at the end of the season.



"Paris Saint-Germain, Valenciennes and Antoine Kombouare have reached an agreement meaning that Antoine Kombouare will join PSG next season as first team coach," PSG said in a statement on their website (www.psg.fr).

Kombouare has signed a three-year deal, said PSG, who will make sure of a place in next season's Europa League if they beat Monaco in the French championship's last round of matches on Saturday (1900 GMT kickoff)

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France roundup-Bordeaux near full strength in title bid

Brief news from Ligue 1 ahead of this weekend's last round of matches (all games at 1900 GMT on Saturday):

* Girondins Bordeaux will be almost at full strength when they visit strugglers Caen with the Ligue 1 title within their grasp. Coach Laurent Blanc will only be missing suspended wing back Matthieu Chalme.



Brazilian midfielder Wendel was back in training earlier than expected this week. The club had said he would miss the rest of the season when he injured a knee in late April.

Bordeaux top the table with a three-point lead over Olympique Marseille. They will be crowned champions if they win or draw at Caen, who humbled them 5-0 last season in Normandy.

* Caen had to find another hotel on Thursday night as a swine flu case was detected in the one they had chosen to prepare for the game against Bordeaux.

A U.S. official who is in France preparing President Barack Obama's visit next week has been hospitalised with swine flu, French officials said. She is part of an official delegation preparing the D-Day ceremonies in Normandy.

Caen are in the lowest position above the safety line on goal difference before they take on the leaders.

* Besides Caen, four other clubs will be trying to escape relegation on the last day.

Only a win against mid-table AJ Auxerre could help second-from-bottom Nantes stay in the top flight on goal difference, while St Etienne's fate also depends on rivals' results.

Le Mans, who visit Lorient, and Sochaux, who play at Grenoble, are certain to play in Ligue 1 again next season if they win.

* Olympique Marseille will have to make do without captain Lorik Cana, playmaker Mathieu Valbuena and Brazilian striker Brandao, who are all suspended, when they take on Stade Rennes at home.

Second-placed Marseille will snatch the title on goal difference only if they win and Bordeaux lose.

"Whatever happens, we will be happy with our season," Senegalese forward Mamadou Niang told reporters.

"But if we fail to win against Rennes and Bordeaux lose, it would be terrible. That is the situation we absolutely want to avoid," he added.

* Paris St Germain coach Paul Le Guen said he knew from the start of the season his contract would not be extended because of his dreadful relationship with sporting director and former PSG team mate Alain Roche.

"I knew him and I knew he would not help me defend the club's best interests. He is always trying to swear allegiance to the powerful but I had no idea how much I would be handicapped by his incompetence and mediocrity," the usually quiet-spoken Le Guen told daily L'Equipe on Friday.

Le Guen is set to be replaced by another former PSG team mate, Antoine Kombouare, currently coach of Valenciennes.

Fifth-placed PSG host Monaco looking to end the season in fourth or fifth, the two Europa League qualifying spots.

Striker Guillaume Hoarau should be back up front after missing the last four games with a groin injury.

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Cisse to return to Marseille

Sunderland have confirmed they will not be signing striker Djibril Cisse on a permanent basis.



The 27-year-old France international spent the season on loan at the Stadium of Light, and the Black Cats negotiated the terms of a prospective transfer then.

However, chairman Niall Quinn today revealed that they would not be taking up that option.

He told the club's official website: "We wish Djibril well and thank him for his contribution to the club this season."

It is understood the fee Sunderland agreed was around £10 million, although because it was set in Euros, the weakness of the pound since meant it could have amounted to nearer £13m.

Cisse made 38 appearances for the club and scored 11 goals, one fewer than strike-partner Kenwyne Jones, but he found the back of the net only once in his last 12, four of which came from the bench as it became clear that he was unlikely to remain on Wearside.

He was an unused substitute for the 3-2 home defeat by Chelsea, and Monday's announcement came as no surprise.

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Esperance Keeper Hamdi Kasraoui Joins Lens

The Esperance goalkeeper concluded a successful medical test yesterday to sign a three-year contract with his new French Ligue 1 side.



Tunisian international goalkeeper Hamdi Kasraoui was in France yesterday to complete a medical test with Racing Club de Lens. According to Mosaique FM, the player passed the examinations without any difficulty and has signed a contract which will keep him at the freshly-promoted club for three years.

The news couldn’t come at a better time for the glovesman who captained his Tunisian team, Esperance Sportive de Tunis, to three titles this season during which they narrowly missed out on an unprecedented quadruple.

Kasraoui should not struggle to adjust to his new environment given that he is joining fellow Tunisians Alaeddine Yahia and Issam Jemaa at the side which secured their return to the French top-flight after being relegated last year.

The 26-year-old is expected to rival Croatian shot-stopper Vedran Runje to become the team’s number one choice in the position. Meanwhile, he has also been included in Humberto Coelho’s roster for Tunisia’s May 27 friendly versus Sudan to prepare for the Carthage Eagles’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Nigeria.

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Nice appoint Olle-Nicole

Nice have chosen Didier Olle-Nicole to replace Frederic Antonetti as manager for next season.



"We have decided to choose Didier Olle-Nicole, who is still young in the job," Nice president Maurice Cohen told the club's website.

Olle-Nicole, 47, is currently coaching Ligue 2 side Clermont.

Antonetti said earlier this month he would leave Nice at the end of the season.

They stand ninth in the table with one game remaining - and that is where they will finish.

Clermont are 12th in Ligue 2.

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Makelele to play one more year for Paris St Germain

Claude Makelele will play one more year with Paris St Germain, the former France midfielder said.



"I'm staying because chairman Sebastien Bazin assured me the future coach was relying on me," the 36-year-old said in an interview to be published on Saturday by the weekly L'Equipe Magazine.

"I shall probably stay on the pitch for one more year. Afterwards, I would like to work for the club, at the disposal of the chairman, the manager and the coach", the former Chelsea player added.

"I'm interested in recruiting and I think my network, my charisma and my credit as a player could help the club."

Makelele joined Paris St Germain last July on a free transfer from Chelsea. The French club will have a new coach next season as Bazin decided against renewing the contract of Paul Le Guen.

French media have tipped Antoine Kombouare, a former PSG player who is now coaching Valenciennes, to take over.

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€100m for Cristiano Ronaldo would be 'madness', claims Real candidate

Buying Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for a figure of up to €100m (£88m) would be "madness", according to Real Madrid presidential candidate Juan Onieva. However, the former vice-president, who has said he will stand in next month's election for the Real presidency, said he was aware of a pre-agreement with the Portugal winger that was set up by former president Ramón Calderón.

He claimed there was an obligation on both parties to come up with an indemnity payment if either changed their mind by 30 June.



"I wouldn't go through with it. If I had to take a decision I would contest the deal. I think it's madness," Onieva said. "I only know the terms in general; I haven't seen the document."

Asked whether the mooted fee for the Manchester United player was €100m, Onieva replied: "I think it is a little less than this, because the deal was made in pounds.

"In terms of the figures, as far as I am aware, it is not right to pay that amount of money especially in times like these. It's almost offensive. Also, I don't think he is the solution for Real Madrid."

Onieva, former president Florentino Pérez and the little-known Eduardo Garcia have said they will stand in the election which is due to take place on 14 June.

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Real Madrid no longer as interesting to Arsène Wenger

The Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has again reaffirmed his commitment to the club after being linked with a move to Real Madrid, however he has left question marks hanging over the future of striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Wenger sparked speculation that he could be prepared to leave the club this summer after admitting that working with in Spain would be an "interesting project". But today the Frenchman said there could be little doubt about his dedication to the Arsenal cause.



"I have shown my commitment always to this club, in good and in bad times and in the worst times, but I don't think that people can question my commitment" said Wenger.

Asked whether that meant he would still be at the Emirates Stadium next season, he added: "I do not have to repeat every week exactly the same thing."

Wenger said he still felt the club were on the up and even made a point of mocking Real's recent record in Europe. "I believe we had recent disappointment but overall since eight months [ago] I'm very proud of the way the team has improved" he said. "You speak about Real Madrid - they waste a lot of money and they have gone out in the last 16 of the Champions League for five consecutive years."

Arsenal's Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been linked with a move to Italy and Wenger admitted the situation was complicated, refusing to rule out the player's departure. "It's very difficult to go into any individual assessment with that," said the manager. "The only things I can say is that Adebayor is under contract and he's with Arsenal, and that's it."

Reports have suggested that the striker has become disillusioned after another trophyless campaign for the Gunners, but Wenger was keen to defend his team's development over the last few seasons.

"We are very sorry that we haven't won a trophy, but many clubs would be proud of the record we have in the last four years" he said. "With such a young team, if you consider the value of the team, the quality of the team and the investment we have made in the last four years, we do not have to be ashamed of the quality of the football we have shown.

"That is the most frustrating thing - the club is going in the right direction and we have to be strong enough to continue to do that."

Despite claims that Arsenal are willing to fund a summer of transfers, Wenger highlighted the development of players like Niclas Bendtner as reasons why he would not have to drastically add to the squad this summer.

"We have one or two targets, we are analysing every position very well and the potential of the players we have, the improvement the players are capable of making for next season. We have a team that is on the way up, so we have to take that into account as well.

"We talk about the numbers for Bendtner, but if we had taken them from between July and December they would not have been as good - that means the player has moved forward. He will move again, and you have to analyse that before you make decisions which could stop the player developing."

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Monaco coach Ricardo to leave at end of season

Monaco's Brazilian coach Ricardo will leave at the end of the season, the Ligue 1 club said on its website (www.asm-fc.com) on Wednesday.



"(Club) president Etienne Franzi and Ricardo Gomes Raymundo met after (Saturday's) Monaco v Valenciennes game.

"They have decided to part company by mutual consent (and) not continue their collaboration beyond this season," Monaco said in a statement.

Monaco are 11th in Ligue 1 with two matches left following their 1-1 draw at home to Valenciennes.

Former Brazil and Paris St Germain defender Ricardo joined Monaco from Girondins Bordeaux two years ago.

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Keeping Taiwo And Niang Is New Marseille Coach's Priority

It was widely believed that Marseille veterans Taye Taiwo and Mamadou Niang would be leaving for the Premiership and Spanish La Liga, respectively; but Olympique de Marseille's future coach wants them to remain in France.



Nigerian left-back Taye Ismaila Taiwo and Senegalese Forward Mamadou Niang have been mainstays for Olympique de Marseille, the white and blues, in the past few seasons. So much so that the club had in mind to let them leave if an appropriate offer came at the end of the season from foreign clubs.

But as Marseille are still in the heat of their two-team confrontation with Girondins de Bordeaux at the top of Ligue 1 for the French title, their future coach, Didier Deschamps, has been nominated early so that he can pick the players he wants in his squad for next season. And the legendary France midfielder singled out both the Nigerian and the Senegalese as his top priorities.

Taiwo has expressed his admiration for the Premier League many times in the past, and had been linked with many English clubs by his team-mate Modeste M'bami (the Cameroon international is his best friend, room-mate and will himself be a free-agent at the end of the season, hoping to be recruited by a Premier League side). But now Taiwo seems particularly eager to declare his love of the club and his willingness to stay one more season, with the World Cup in mind.

After five seasons with Marseille, Taiwo is still their longest-serving player, and at only 23, he still has a lot of room to better himself there.

As for Niang, the Senegalese striker is very discreet about his future but many insiders have witnessed and confessed his new found love for the club with the new status he has gained during his rivalry with French international Djibril Cisse (Cisse was the star of the team but Niang dethroned him and was the main reason for Marseille's incredible second half last year) and he wouldn't be as inclined to leave the club now that Didier Deschamps has claimed that he is the best player in Ligue 1.

Both players are still in contracts with the club until 2012 at least, so Marseille are still in a position of power if they want to keep them on the Canebiere.

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Kombouare in talks with PSG

Antoine Kombouare has begun negotiations with Paris St Germain over succeeding Paul Le Guen as the club's head coach.



The 45-year-old, who is currently in charge of Valenciennes, has been earmarked as the likely replacement for Le Gune, who is leaving the club a the end of the season.

Kombouare has denied that a deal has been concluded, but admitted that contact has been made with PSG president Sebastien Bazin.

"Yes, I have spoken once with Sebastien Bazin," he told Aujourd'hui Sport.

"He simply said to me that I was interesting him."

"There is absolutely nothing sorted, no agreement reached with the Parisian club," Kombouare added.

"I know the presidents of the clubs have officially been in contact. I think they are talking and trying to find an agreement on an eventual compensation fee.

"But there is no certainty I will quit Valenciennes, where I am happy."

A win for Valenciennes next weekend would secure their top-flight status which is generally regarded as a fine achievement for Kombouare, and could pave the way for an agreement between the coach and PSG.

Kombouare is a former PSG player who coached their reserve team from 1999 to 2003.

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Bordeaux win 3-2 to go three points clear

Girondins Bordeaux struggled to a 3-2 victory at home against Le Mans to move three points clear at the top of Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Bordeaux's ninth successive win in the league put them on 74 points, three ahead of Olympique Marseille, who host Olympique Lyon on Sunday.



Marseille will go back to the top on goal difference if they beat the outgoing champions.

Third-place Lyon are now 10 points behind Bordeaux and cannot be crowned champions for an eighth year in a row.

Paris St Germain stayed fourth, one point behind Lyon, after a 2-1 home defeat to Auxerre reduced their chances of Champions League qualification.

Bordeaux had to wait until the last 15 minutes to prevail over Le Mans, who opened the scoring and then made it 2-2 with an Anthony Le Tallec double.

"The really good thing tonight is that we are certain to play in the Champions League next season," Bordeaux's coach Laurent Blanc told reporters.

"We still have two games left to try to end the season in first spot and if another team do better than us despite our outstanding run then they will deserve the title," he added.

After Le Mans had opened the scoring against the run of play midway through the first half, Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh headed home the equaliser from a Yoann Gourcuff cross.

The France playmaker then put Bordeaux in front with a powerful volley in a packed goalmouth from a corner just before the interval.

Le Tallec equalised in the 54th minute with his second goal but a Gourcuff volley from a Benoit Tremoulinas corner bounced off the post to defender Marc Planus who tapped into an empty net for Bordeaux's winner.

Ligue 1's top scorer Andre-Pierre Gignac netted his 22nd goal of the season to help fifth-placed Toulouse salvage a 2-2 draw at strugglers St Etienne.

Toulouse are fifth on 60 points while St Etienne are in 17th place, the last above the relegation zone, with 37 points, one ahead of Sochaux, who lost 2-0 at Caen.

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Marseille fall to second after home loss to Lyon

A Karim Benzema double helped Olympique Lyon earn a 3-1 win at Olympique Marseille that gave Girondins Bordeaux a three-point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table on Sunday.

The France forward struck twice in the first half for the visiting side, once from the penalty spot



Marseille pushed after the interval but they could only reduce the gap to one goal through substitute Sylvain Wiltord 10 minutes from time before a Juninho free kick sealed Lyon's victory in stoppage time.

Bordeaux, who were last crowned champions 10 years ago, are on 74 points with two games left after they extended their winning streak in the league to nine games with a 3-2 home victory against Le Mans on Saturday.

Marseille trail the leaders by three points while Lyon are four points further behind and cannot win the Ligue 1 title for an eighth year in a row.

The outgoing champions tightened their grip on the last Champions League qualifying spot though as fourth-placed Paris St Germain, on 63 points, were defeated 2-1 at home by Auxerre on Saturday.

"We had a great performance tonight and it was important as we really want to qualify for the Champions League," Benzema told Canal Plus television.

NANTES SLIDE

The Lyon striker converted from the spot at the half hour after Ederson was brought down in the area by fellow Brazilian Brandao.

He then made it 2-0 just before the break after collecting a defence-splitting pass from Jeremy Toulalan.

Marseille dominated throughout the first half but wasted many chances.

Senegalese striker Mamadou Niang hit the post with a powerful right-footed shot from just outside the area in the 16th minute before Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made two saves in a few seconds two minutes later.

Lloris first deflected a Mathieu Valbuena attempt and then stopped a feeble Brandao header.

A Benoit Cheyrou's shot also bounced off the post before the interval.

Marseille complained the referee was wrong not to whistle two penalties early in the second half when Niang twice fell down in the area after charges from Lyon defender Anthony Reveillere.

The Provence side kept on pushing but could only score once when Wiltord tapped in a Niang cross.

Juninho then put the result beyond doubt with a trademark freekick.

Nantes' hopes of escaping relegation from Ligue 1 suffered another blow when they were held 1-1 at home by Stade Rennes earlier on Sunday.

The promoted side, who have won only one of their last 14 games, remained second from bottom on 34 points, three points from safety.

Rennes are seventh on 58 points, behind Lille on goal difference after the northern side also drew 1-1 at home to ninth-placed Nice.

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European Leagues review

The champagne corks popped for the new champions in England, Italy and Spain, where Manchester United, Inter Milan and Barcelona all sealed the domestic crown with matches in hand. By contrast, the French and German title races will not be decided for at least another week. Football news prediction and bets reviews the weekend's action from around Europe’s leading leagues.



Premier League: United make it record-equalling 18
A goalless draw at home to Arsenal proved enough for Manchester United to secure a third consecutive title. Moreover, it took the Red Devils level with Liverpool as the record 18-time English champions.

The Reds stayed second with a 2-0 win at West Bromwich Albion, who became the first side to be relegated, while Chelsea beat Blackburn Rovers by the same score to remain in third.

Top three: Manchester United (87 points), Liverpool (83), Chelsea (80)
Bottom three: Newcastle United (34), Middlesbrough (32), West Bromwich Albion (31)
Leading scorers: Nicolas Anelka, Cristiano Ronaldo (both 18 goals), Steven Gerrard (16)
Weekend stat: 18 - Manchester United’s 18th domestic title, their seventh in the last 11 seasons, takes them level with Liverpool at the head of the English league’s roll of honour.

La Liga: Barça complete domestic double
Barcelona's title party started late on Saturday evening, without them kicking a ball. Real Madrid’s 3-2 defeat away to Villarreal meant the Catalan giants could no longer be denied their 19th La Liga triumph. Secure in that knowledge, a weakened Barça fell 2-1 to Mallorca yesterday. The weekend's results meant Pep Guardiola’s side collected a second trophy in just a matter of days, following victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey.

Elsewhere, Diego Forlan struck the only goal as Atletico Madrid leapfrogged Valencia to go fourth in a direct confrontation for the final UEFA Champions League qualifying berth. In a relegation six-pointer between the clubs in the bottom two positions, Numancia beat Recreativo Huelva 1-0 to send their opponents down.

Top three: Barcelona (86 points), Real Madrid (78), Sevilla (64)
Bottom three: Osasuna (37), Numancia (35), Recreativo Huelva (33)
Leading scorers: Samuel Eto'o (29 goals), Diego Forlan (28), David Villa (25)
Weekend stat: 104 – new Spanish champions Barcelona have netted 104 league goals so far this term. Barça require another four goals from their last two fixtures to set a new record.

Serie A: Four on the bounce for Inter
Inter Milan rose to the top of the Serie A standings after 11 matches, and will now remain there until the end of the campaign. As in the case of Barcelona, Jose Mourinho’s men were confirmed as champions courtesy of a slip-up elsewhere. Chief pursuers AC Milan fell 2-1 away to Udinese on Saturday, kick-starting the party for I Nerazzurri, whose celebrations continued with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Siena yesterday.

With the title race done and dusted, attention in Italy has turned to the tense battle for Champions League qualifying spots. Both Milan and third-placed Juventus, who were held 2-2 by Atalanta, dropped valuable points. Fourth-placed Fiorentina beat Sampdoria 1-0 and are now just a point off Juve.

Top three: Inter (81 points), AC Milan (71), Juventus (68)
Bottom three: Bologna (33), Reggina (30), Lecce (29)
Leading scorers: Marco di Vaio (23 goals), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (22), Diego Milito (20)
Weekend stat: 4 - Inter Milan become the first club in more than 60 years to claim the Scudetto four times in a row.

Bundesliga: Wolves get set to party
Wolfsburg are poised for the first Bundesliga triumph in their history. The Wolves won 5-0 away to neighbours Hannover, courtesy of an Edin Dzeko hat-trick and a Grafite double, and now go into the final match of the season two points clear at the top. Bayern were level with Wolfsburg at the start of play but drew 2-2 in Hoffenheim, while Hertha Berlin’s title dream effectively ended in a goalless stalemate at home to Schalke. Stuttgart beat Energie Cottbus 2-0 to draw level on points with Bayern. The sides meet in Munich next week.

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund signed off in front of their home crowds in style, with a 5-0 win over Monchengladbach and a 6-0 defeat of Arminia Bielefeld respectively. A tired Hamburg side lost 1-0 at home to Cologne, allowing Dortmund to go fifth and nose in front in the race to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Top three: Wolfsburg (66 points), Bayern Munich, Stuttgart (both 64)
Bottom three: Arminia Bielefeld, Energie Cottbus (both 27), Karlsruhe (26)
Leading scorers: Grafite (26 goals), Edin Dzeko (25), Mario Gomez (23)
Weekend stat: 51 – the number of goals netted by Wolfsburg strike pair Grafite and Dzeko so far. Only the Gerd Muller-Uli Hoeness pairing (53 goals) have ever struck more often, some four decades ago.

Ligue 1: Bordeaux go top at OM’s expense
Bordeaux recorded a ninth win on the bounce to go top of the standings for the first time this term. The new leaders came back from a goal down to beat Le Mans 3-2. A sixth domestic title beckons for the Girondins, who are now three points clear of the pack with two to play.

Dethroned champions Lyon did the men from Bordeaux a mighty favour with a 3-1 win away to second-placed Marseille in the biggest match of the weekend. Karim Benzema fired a brace for Lyon as Marseille suffered a bitter setback in their quest for gold.

Top three: Bordeaux (74), Marseille (71), Lyon (67)
Bottom three: Sochaux (36), Nantes (34), Le Havre (25)
Leading scorers: Andre-Pierre Gignac (22 goals), Guillaume Hoarau (17), Karim Benzema (16)
Weekend stat: 13 - Marseille lost for the first time in 13 matches. The defeat saw OM slide from top spot to second, three points off the lead.

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