Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish would prefer his team to play "rubbish" and get points in the final four games of the season.
The Reds face Swansea City, Chelsea and Fulham after travelling to Norwich on Saturday hoping to secure just their second win in 12 games.
The former Newcastle United boss, who has guided his side to a League Cup triumph and an FA Cup final this campaign, admitted points are the main aim for the Merseysiders now.
“We want to win games but it would be nice if we were rubbish and won a game, Dalglish told reporters on Friday.
“We want to finish with as many wins and points as we possibly can and the incentive we have is just representing the football club as much as anything else.
“We have always set ourselves high standards in terms of the level of performance and there are not too many times when we've let ourselves down on that front.
“But winning is what it is all about and points on the board is what it is all about.”
Liverpool have scored seven times less in the league than their opponents at Carrow Road this weekend, and the Canaries could go level on points with the Reds with a win.
Dalglish added: "There is no one happy with what has happened in games and we've said that in our post-match interviews.
“But nothing changes in the week to what we have said after the game.
“The less you have to change the easier it is and it is great credit to the players that they continue to get in there and try their best to win the matches.
“They show great resolve and determination, but I am repeating myself. We know that they are good players and that is not being arrogant or big-headed.
“There is not much more we can say and there are no answers coming up. Their performance level is very high so if they continue to play at that good level then eventually it is going to work for us.”
Saturday, April 28, 2012
'It would be nice if we were rubbish and won' - Dalglish demands results over performances from Liverpool
Drogba targets Champions League redemption after 2008 red card
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba believes that the Champions League final against German giants Bayern Munich will be a special occasion for the club, as well as a chance to seal a degree of personal redemption.
"I think everybody deserves a second chance," he told the Times of India.
"I don’t know if it’s mine, but I think I’ve paid what I had to, by not winning the final, and a lot of criticism after that
"But that’s football, and I understand that. It just helped me grow up a little bit more."
Chelsea have been hit by a spate of suspensions for the final on May 19, with John Terry, Ramires, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles all ruled out after Uefa rejected appeals for an amnesty in time for the final, and Drogba concedes that they will be missed.
He continued: "They are all big players to miss. I feel sorry for John, he is our captain and we will miss him badly.
"The same is true for the other players like Ramires, Ivanovic and Meireles. But others will come in and we will play as a team. We have come through a lot together."
Chelsea overcame Barcelona at the semi-final stage despite being reduced to 10 men after Terry saw red for a foul on Alexis Sanchez, and the striker feels that they deserved their place in the final due to the character that they displayed over the two games against the Catalans.
"That’s the spirit of this team," Drogba explained. "What Chelsea achieved is an example of what we’ve been doing for years and years.
"To defend is a culture, I would say it’s an Italian culture, but we have it. Also scoring goals, I think nobody can contest that we came here and we scored goals.
"In the first leg, we scored as well 1-0. Without being arrogant, I think we deserved to be there."
Turning his attention to the final itself, Drogba is keen to point out that the fixture is being played at Bayern's own home ground, the Allianz Arena, and that they are taking nothing for granted in the build-up to the match.
"It’s going to be a special final. I know people are saying we have beaten the best team in Europe, but we cannot underestimate Bayern," insisted the Ivorian.
"I said from the beginning they were contenders and, of course, we all know about Arjen Robben.
"The final is in their home stadium and that’s a big incentive. But we just want to go and do our best."
Guardiola dared to play a brand of football others were afraid to even attempt, claims Lillo
Juanma Lillo has paid tribute to Pep Guardiola for implementing a style of play during his time at Barcelona that others were too afraid to even attempt.
Guardiola announced on Friday that he will be stepping down as Blaugrana boss at the end of the current campaign, admitting that he needs a break from the game.
The 41-year-old will depart as the club's most successful coach, having already racked up 13 titles ahead of next month's Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao, and Lillo believes that the former Spain international must be lauded for wining trophies while playing the most sublime passing football.
"He dared to play the game that others would not, and this has also helped the Spanish national team," the former Almeria boss is quoted as saying by Sport.
"Pep and Barca are one and the same. Everything he felt when he played he has transmitted as a coach and on top of that, tremendous levels of passion and enthusiasm."
Lillo also dismissed those who have criticised Guardiola for allowing the uncertainty over his future with the club to drag on for months.
"He has thought a lot about things and has taken this decision because he thinks it is best for him," the 46-year-old argued.
Meanwhile, Lillo admitted that he has no idea if his friend will take a year off or make a swift return to the game.
"We should not say anything at this time," he argued. "He has to see how he feels, as in whether he wants to go back in four days or is fine with it; you never know."
Guardiola spent a year in charge of the Barca B team before succeeding Frank Rijkaard as first-team coach in 2008.
End yellow peril in Champions League - Di Matteo
Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has called on UEFA to change the rules which have led to several players from both teams being suspended from next month's Champions League final in Munich.
The Blues remarkable elimination of Barcelona on Tuesday came at a cost, with John Terry sent off and Ramires, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles picking up second yellows which rule them out of the May 19 showpiece.
Bayern Munich have also fallen foul of the rulebook, with three key players set to miss the final after being booked against Real Madrid.
Di Matteo said he believed UEFA should adopt the disciplinary code used at the European Championships, when yellow cards picked up in the first phase of the tournament are annulled after the quarter-final stage.
"That would be ideal. They might have to look at the laws for the future," said Di Matteo.
"I do feel disappointed that all these players are going to miss the final. It would be good that both teams would have the whole squad available for the final. That would be the best measure.
"I think everybody involved in football would have liked to have seen both teams have all the players available to play this game."
Di Matteo meanwhile applauded UEFA's confirmation that Terry -- sent off for a cynical off-the-ball foul on Alexis Sanchez -- would be able to lift the European Cup if Chelsea won the final.
"They used a bit of common sense. That's a good decision," he said.
Redknapp blames players for Tottenham slump
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has reacted indignantly to recent criticism of his management style, and has insisted that the players must accept responsibility for his side’s poor form.
However, the former West Ham boss says that he has no regrets over his actions and has hinted that the players should look a little closer to home when seeking to apportion blame.
“I’m very happy with what I’ve done this season,” Redknapp told reporters. “I’ve done what I’ve been allowed to do and I couldn’t do any more.
“At the end of the day, it’s down to the players. When things are going well, we give them all the credit.
“If we hadn’t had a bad run, we would have qualified for the Champions League.”
Redknapp also denied that his squad were suffering from fatigue, insisting that modern-day players can have little to complain about.
“Look at people like Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole,” he continued. “They play well over 40 games most seasons and they’re not rotated. It’s a load of nonsense and it’s an excuse.
“If people keep telling players they’re tired, they’ll believe it. The pitches they train and play on now are unbelievable. It’s not like days gone by when teams were playing ankle-deep in mud.
“Most of these players have had 30 games and I’ve rotated where I can in the Europa League and in the FA Cup. I don’t remember people like Bobby Moore or Dave Mackay complaining about how many games they’ve played.”
Another area of criticism has been the club’s January transfer activity, when squad members Steven Pienaar, Sebastien Bassong, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Corluka were allowed to leave with only the injury-prone Ryan Nelsen and Louis Saha coming in.
Redknapp remains stoic, however, and has insisted that his team are not down and out yet.
He added: “If we could have improved a bit in the window, we would, but the people we wanted weren’t available. We’ve had a bad run but I think our one bad performance in the league has been when we lost at home to Norwich.
“We’re not down or despondent. We have four games to finish in the top three or four and that’s what we’ll try to do.”
Henry eyeing future 'dream' managerial role at Arsenal
The New York Red Bulls forward played for the Gunners for eight years between 1999 and 2007 before leaving to sign for Barcelona. He made a dramatic return to the club this season on a short loan spell, scoring twice in the league in four appearances.
However, with the 34-year-old Frenchman now entering the twilight of his career, he has turned his attentions to life after football and the potential chance of managing his former club, when asked if he ever considered entering football management.
"You know what? I might. Now do you think I would be a good one? You can never tell," Henry told USA Today.
"I actually don't know if that would be an option. I know I will be in the game for sure. Why not? Sure."
"Everyone knows the love I have for Arsenal Football Club, so you know it goes without saying where. That's a dream."
Corluka blames Redknapp for Tottenham's stuttering Champions League push
Vedran Corluka believes Harry Redknapp has cost Tottenham the chance of playing Champions League football next season.
Spurs’ form has suffered since Fabio Capello resigned as England boss, with Redknapp constantly touted as the Italian’s most likely replacement.
But Corluka, who is currently on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, believes it is the small squad and Redknapp’s lack of rotation that has halted their bid for a place in the Premier League’s top four.
“He didn’t rotate his players enough and that’s why they are really tired.”
Spurs slipped out of the top four last weekend with the 1-0 defeat at struggling QPR, and with opponents Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle all showing good form, Corluka isn’t optimistic about their chances.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Spurs finish sixth,” added the Croatia international.
“Three months ago they were in the title race with Manchester City and Manchester United. Now they are three points behind fourth spot.
“Tottenham had one of the best teams in England and of course it will be an unsuccessful season if they don’t go to the Champions League.”
Redknapp, however, insisted that tiredness wasn’t an issue when speaking to reporters last weekend.
“Lionel Messi has played about 80 games this season,” the Spurs boss said. “You don’t hear him complaining.”
Chelsea boss Di Matteo hails Guardiola in wake of Barcelona resignation
Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo has praised Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard announced on Friday that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.
The Catalan club suffered two consecutive defeats - 1-0 at Chelsea and 2-1 at home to Real Madrid - before the Blues knocked them out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage on Tuesday.
The former Blaugrana midfielder will manage the Camp Nou side’s final few matches of the 2011 -12 campaign before handing over the reins to his assistant, Tito Vilanova, and Di Matteo believes that the pressure of managing Barca may have influenced Guardiola's decision.
“He knows what he does,” the Italian coach told reporters. “He’s a fantastic person.
“I would say the pressure [got to him]; you have that in every club because of different targets but you have the pressure in his position.
“What a coach, what a manager he is. If he’s decided to not want to continue at the end of the season, he’s a great guy and he’s a young man as well and he’s still got many years ahead of him.”
Guardiola’s 13 trophies in four years at Camp Nou is a phenomenal and unprecedented run of success, but the Italian doubts that the Spaniard will be able to replicate his achievements with Barcelona at another club.
Di Matteo said: “I think he’s a role model as a coach for every young manager.
“What he has achieved in such a short period of time I’m not sure anyone else can actually replicate that.
“History tells us that it’s difficult to replicate the culture of a club into a different club.
“So he might be the first to do it but if you look back at the history of football it’s proven very difficult to do it.”
Having stepped up from assistant manager when Andre Villas-Boas was fired at the start of March, Di Matteo has become a popular choice for the managerial job full-time.
The Italian remained focused on the task at hand when asked by reporters where he stands on the issue, saying: “Nothing has changed from my point of view.
“I’m still very happy to be able to get this club to the end of the season and then this club will make a decision on what is best for the club.
“Like six weeks ago, I’m very relaxed about that [his future]. It’s irrelevant at this point of the season.
“What is important is that the spirit of the players is good and we are feeling positive and we just have to try and keep this momentum going until the end of the season.
“It’s amazing that this group of players have responded so positively to the difficulties that we’ve been faced with this season.
“It’s proving a difficult season for us and we’re looking now at finishing fourth and we have to play two finals. So ultimately you have to try and finish the season successfully.”
Gary Cahill had to come off after 12 minutes at Camp Nou with a hamstring problem and Di Matteo confessed that the club are unsure when the centre-back will be fit again.
“At the moment we hope that he’s going to recover as quickly as possible,” he added.
“That’s our hope and that’s what our aim is with the medical department. When he’s going to be fit we cannot say at this moment in time.”
Mancini admits he could turn to Balotelli for Manchester derby
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has acknowledged that Mario Balotelli could still have a crucial part to play on his return from suspension in the potentially title-deciding clash against Manchester United.
"Despite some stupid things he has done, Mario has done some important things, like his double strike at Old Trafford this season," Mancini told France Football.
"With him anything anything is possible. It’s difficult to say today if I will recall Balotelli but everyone is available and I will make my choice on Sunday."
The pair are known to share a close bond despite his repeated misdemeanours and Mancini hopes that there is still a future at the club for the controversial forward next season.
"It’s like a family when a child does stupid things. The affection of the parents is still there," the manager continued.
"He’s young and he commits big mistakes that can put the team in difficulty.
"But I still think he has great talent and I hope he will be a City player next season. It’s all in his hands."
Ancelotti confirms Paris Saint-Germain interest in Suarez
Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed his interest in signing Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
It was reported in February that the Ligue 1 giants were open to offering the Uruguay international a route out of England following his eight-game ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
The link resurfaced earlier this week and when Ancelotti was asked during an interview with PA if he would like to acquire the services of the Reds forward, the Italian replied: "Suarez is a good striker, yes."
"We were interested in January, but I think in June we will have a different solution," the two-time Champions League winner claimed.
Addressing his departure from Stamford Bridge at the end of last season, just a year after he led the Blues to the double, Ancelotti insisted that he bore no ill will towards club owner Roman Abramovich for firing him on the back of a trophy-less campaign.
"When I signed a contract for Chelsea it was very clear: If I couldn't win, I had to leave," he explained. "So, it was not a surprise."
Ancelotti insisted that he is currently enjoying the challenge of trying to establish PSG as a major force in European football but did admit that he would one day like to lead his country.
"Yes, it's a different job to train the national team," the former AC Milan coach mused. "[It] could be another good experience."
Ancelotti's PSG are currently second in Ligue 1, two points behind leaders Montpellier with five games remaining.
Redknapp and Pardew backing Bayern Munich for Champions League final victory over Chelsea
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp and Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew have both admitted that they will be backing Bayern Munich in the Champions League final this season, despite it being against English club Chelsea.
If Roberto Di Matteo manages to stage yet another upset by emerging triumphant in the final on May 19, then only the top-three placed teams in the Premier League will qualify for the tournament next season alongside the holders.
For Redknapp, it's simply a case of putting club before family, with his nephew Frank Lampard likely to skipper the west London outfit on the night with John Terry out suspended.
"I'd be a liar if I said I want Chelsea to win the Champions League," Redknapp told reporters.
"I want Bayern to win it, and I hope they do, for all Spurs fans."
Alan Pardew's Newcastle side have performed well above expectations all season and go into the final four games of the season sitting above both Tottenham and Chelsea in the table and the club's boss believes it would be a bitter pill to swallow should it come to fruition.
"We don’t want Chelsea to win because we want that spot, along with Tottenham and Arsenal," Pardew told assembled journalists.
"It would be very harsh if we finished fourth and then missed out on the Champions League. It would be a kick in the teeth."
Heartbroken Messi unable to bring himself to attend press conference confirming Guardiola's departure
Guardiola informed his players that he would be quitting the club at the end of the season before then announcing his imminent departure to the media.
There was some surprise that the Blaugrana's star forward was not in attendance but Messi explained that the occasion would have been too much for him.
"I wholeheartedly want to thank Pep for everything he has given me in my professional career and personal life," the Argentina international wrote on his Facebook page.
"But due to the emotion I feel, I preferred not to be present at Pep's press conference, especially because I knew that they would have been focusing on the faces of the grieving players and this is something that I did not want to show."
Guardiola, who will be replaced at the helm by current assistant coach Tito Vilanova, has led Barca to 13 titles since taking charge of the club in 2008.
Guardiola denies contact with Chelsea after announcing decision to leave Barcelona
Pep Guardiola has distanced himself from the vacant Chelsea job after confirming he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.
Guardiola’s recent decision to announce his resignation as Barcelona boss has increased speculation that he will take over as manager of the Premier League club next season.
"I never met with Roman Abramovich nor any Chelsea representative. I'm not interesting in coaching now," he told reporters.
"My desire is to make other things, maybe sometime in the future I will go back to a bench, but I don't know at the moment.
"I don't have anything to prove, I'm not interested in proving myself abroad and will go away from football at the moment."
Guardiola's apparent non-interest in the job at Stamford Bridge may strengthen current interim boss, Roberto Di Matteo's own claim to the Chelsea hot seat.
Di Matteo has turned Chelsea’s season around as they knocking out Barcelona to reach the Champions League final and also securing a spot in the FA Cup final.
Di Matteo was reportedly only seen as high as third choice in the mind of Abramovich, however, with the Spaniard's recent comments, he may now become one fo the clear favourites.
Vilanova to replace Guardiola at Barcelona
Barcelona have announced that Tito Vilanova will succeed Pep Guardiola as coach in the summer.
"When Pep said that he would not stay, at first we couldn't believe it," sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta admitted to reporters at a press conference to announce the former Spain international's imminent departure.
"But he always told me that the most important thing is to continue with the game. Who to replace him with was a difficult decision.
"One day I asked: Tito has been working here with us, so why not Tito? He represents the game and is analytical.
"He puts in all the hours until he sleeps and he has the personality that we need to lift us. He's different to Pep, but Tito's the one.
"We've always looked in house. We have Tito - it's simple. We needn't go out on the market."
"You can expect the best from Tito," he enthused. "He's more than skilled and the players know him. I think the club made a great choice.
"The decision to appoint Tito was made by Zubizarreta. He just asked my opinion and I said he could do the job.
"When Tito asked me my opinion, I said he should see what he felt about it and that if he felt strong enough, he should get in there."
Guardiola also humbly claimed that the remarkable success that the Catalans have enjoyed over the past four seasons was as much down to his assistant as it was him.
"I was just the voice of the ideas Tito and I developed together," the former Blaugrana midfielder claimed.
The 42-year-old Vilanova, who had a tumour removed on his parotid gland earlier this season, is a product of the Barca youth team, though he never represented the senior side.
Guardiola confirms Barcelona exit at the end of the season
Pep Guardiola has announced that he will leave his position as Barcelona coach at the end of the 2011-12 campaign.
The 41-year-old already informed his squad of his decision to move on earlier on Friday, and the successful trainer has now publicly confirmed that he will not extend his expiring contract with Barcelona.
The former Spain international has won three La Liga and two Champions League titles during his time as Barcelona coach, a post which he inherited from Frank Rijkaard in 2008 after previously leading the club's 'B' team.
"I want you to understand this isn't a simple decision. but I'll try to explain what I feel and I hope that people understand. I'm deeply sorry for the confusion over the last few weeks," Guardiola stated at a press conference.
"I've always wanted short contracts because the demand at Barca is so big. I lived that as a player, and I know exactly how it works. I always thought that four years is an eternity for a club. I didn't want to have a contract that will bind me to decisions I didn't want.
"In the autumn, I announced to the president and director of football that it was the end of my era at Barca, but I couldn't say that to the players, because it would have been too complex then. Now that we're out of the two main competitions, it's a good time to announce."
The successful coach then went on to stress that the main reason for his departure is the exhaustive nature of the job.
"Four years get everyone tired. I told the chairman that my era was nearing its end around September-October. The new coach will be able to give things I'm not able to give any more.
"Talking to the press and players for four years is very demanding. Perhaps we wouldn't have gone wrong, but I had a feeling that we would. I know what I'm leaving - that it's the best place, but it's the right time."
Guardiola went on to thank his players, and stressed that he needs time to recharge his battery.
"I want to thanks my players who have been responsible for everything I have had here - it's been a privilege to train them. I did it all with a lot of passion,, but I want to thank the players. Day by day, for so many years, they made it all possible"
"I don't have any energy left, I need to recharge. I need to recover the feeling that I had when I first started - time has taken its toll. I just don't feel the same - Barca don't deserve that. That's all I'm going to say.
"I'm going with the understanding that I've done my duty, and I'm proud of everything I did. This club is an unstoppable force. My replacement will be very able, and will do his job marvellously."
Ciro Ferrara: Pirlo is one of the best players ever
The 32-year-old left the Rossoneri for the Turin giants on a free transfer at the start of the 2011-12 campaign, and has since developed into a key player at the current Serie A leaders.
"Pirlo is the secret behind Juventus' success. In a sense, he has made the difference not only for Juventus, but also for AC Milan who decided to let him go," Ferrara stated to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"He has made the difference in a positive way for Juventus, and in a negative way for Milan.
"He is one of the best players in the world in my opinion. I see him as one the best midfielders in the history of the game. You don't read about him a lot, because of his quiet character. Pirlo is Juve's secret, though. He's one of the best ever."
Pirlo has made 33 Serie A appearances for Juventus, scoring three goals, while setting up 11 more.
Sergio Canales faces lengthy injury layoff
Unai Emery has received some disturbing news from the treatment table in the aftermath of Valencia's 1-0 Europa League loss against Atletico Madrid on Thursday as Sergio Canales has suffered an injury.
The 21-year-old featured from the start in the second leg of the semi-final tie, but was stretchered off the pitch around the hour mark after twisting his knee.
Canales underwent further examination on Friday, and Valencia have now confirmed that the attacking midfielder has damaged ligaments, and will consequently be unavailable for about six months.
Canales had only just returned to full match fitness after spending several months on the sidelines due to another knee problem.
The Spain Under-21 starlet joined Valencia from Real Madrid on a two-year loan deal at the start of the season, but his ongoing injury problems have prevented him from making an impact at Los Che so far.
Mancini believes Hazard would be 'perfect' for Manchester City
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has confessed that the club are interested in signing Lille starlet Eden Hazard in the summer.
The 21-year-old winger has attracted the attention of a host of Europe's elite clubs, including the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and city rivals Manchester United, but Mancini is adamant that City are the right club for him.
"I like Hazard a lot," the Italian told France Football.
"He's a good player, he's young and he would do great things in our team."
Mancini watched Lille take on Valenciennes last month in order to run the rule over the winger and believes that his style would flourish in the current City set-up.
However, he also admits he may face stiff competition for his signature, given the interest of other clubs.
"Given his technical qualities, City would be the perfect destination for him," he added.
"I know him and have been following him for a long time. He's a player a lot of teams want."
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Redknapp backs Spurs to stick together
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is adamant there will be no rush of players wanting to leave White Hart Lane should the London club fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Spurs have won just one of their last nine Premier League games and dropped to fifth in the table.
And should capital rivals Chelsea, who will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the final, win this season's tournament, a top four finish may not be good enough to gain a place in European club football's premier competition.
But Redknapp does not expect the duo to leave at the end of the season, come what may.
"No, I don't," he said on Sky Sports News. "When they came to the club, Tottenham weren't in the Champions League, and were nowhere near getting in the Champions League.
"They play for Tottenham. They're at a great club. There's no reason they should want to leave. If we don't make it this year we'll try again next year. There's not too many clubs they could go to better than Tottenham.
"Gareth Bale and Luka Modric have both signed long-term contracts. Gareth has had a fantastic time for young player at Tottenham. He needs to stay at Tottenham a few more years yet and keep developing.
"We've progressed so much in the last four years, we've got to keep that going and push on even more in the table and look to win a Premier League. It's not impossible."
Chelsea knocked out reigning champions Barcelona with a remarkable rally at the Nou Camp where, despite seeing captain John Terry sent off in the first half, they secured a 2-2 draw and a 3-2 aggregate win.
Redknapp believes interim manager Roberto di Matteo is now set to get the job on a full-time basis.
"It's an unbelievable achievement," said Redknapp, the favourite to become the next permanent England manager.
"You just can't put it into words, how good it was. To play against 10 men, 2-0 down, and come back shows fantastic quality. And in the end they deserved it. They rode their luck but when you've got 10 men playing against Barcelona you need all the luck you can get.
"Great credit to the manager. Robbie's done a great job there.
"He must have a very good chance of getting permanent job, a great chance. He's done a fantastic job since he took over.
"That's up to the chairman of Chelsea, but he couldn't have done any more than what he's done.
He's had a fantastic run and he's a nice guy as well. I hope he gets the job."
Meanwhile Redknapp insisted Tottenham could yet end the season as one of the top four clubs in England.
"We've got to make sure we finish fourth or third, make sure we're in a position to qualify," he said. "If we don't, it doesn't matter what happens.
"It's still wide open - Arsenal, Chelsea, ourselves, Newcastle - it's still any two from four."
"We've got to go on a good run now.
"If we pull off good results in these last four games we'll be in the Champions League and I'm very confident we'll do that."
Sergio Ramos: Champions League exit will not tarnish Real Madrid's great season
Sergio Ramos has insisted that Real Madrid's Champions League elimination won't tarnish the Santiago Bernabeu side's 'great season'.
Jose Mourinho's side beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in regulation time in the return of their semi-final tie after losing the first leg with an identical score, but the Bundesliga giants eventually prevailed 3-1 on penalties, much to the disappointment of Sergio Ramos.
"We would have liked to reach the final, but this will not tarnish the great season the team have had and that we want to seal with the league title. Bayern were a great side. I'm proud of the team and of the season we're having," the defender stated to the official Madrid website.
"We tried everything but we knew we faced the likes of Robben, Ribery and Gomez. The match went through many different phases after our second goal. We can't attack all the time.
The 26-year-old was one of three Madrid players to miss from 12 yards, but he stressed that he would take a penalty again if asked to do so.
"Penalty shoot-outs are unpredictable. I wasn't lucky to score my penalty, but I was confident and I would try it again tomorrow for the team. You feel great pressure, but I've always withstood it well."
Madrid resume La Liga action on Sunday when they host Sevilla. They hold a seven point lead over second-place Barcelona with four rounds to go.
Bayern defeat 'a big blow' but now Real Madrid must focus on La Liga, declares captain Casillas
Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas admitted that Wednesday night's Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich has come as a "big blow" to Jose Mourinho's men, but he called on his team-mates to put their disappointment behind them by winning La Liga.
Los Blancos defeated the Bavarians 2-1 in their second-leg clash at the Santiago Bernabeu but ultimately bowed out after losing 3-1 on penalties.
Consequently, Casillas is now hoping that Madrid, who moved seven points clear of Barcelona at the summit of La Liga with their 2-1 Clasico success at Camp Nou on Saturday, will now finish the season on a high by ending the Blaugrana's three-year reign as champions of Spain.
"It's a big blow for us," the goalkeeper confessed. "It was a very exciting game, but penalties are always a lottery.
"We played well, but Bayern are a great team. We now have to concentrate on the league."
Meanwhile, midfielder Xabi Alonso also insisted that Madrid can quickly recover from their European heartbreak.
"Of course we are quite disappointed, but we are coping - it's part of football," the Spain international mused. "Today we are experiencing the other side of football but we knew that could happen.
"We wish Bayern the best of luck and congratulations to them."
Madrid return to La Liga action against Sevilla in the Spanish capital on Sunday afternoon.
Mourinho keen to remain at Real Madrid: If the club want me, I will stay
Jose Mourinho claims he will stay at Real Madrid - providing the Spanish side wish him to remain at the club next season.
But after that disappointment, the Portuguese boosted fans of the Spanish side with a positive message on Wednesday.
"I will stay," he told reporters after the game. "If there is still empathy and if this club can continue to grow."
The 49-year-old also claimed winning La Liga would represent a successful season for his side.
"We need six more points and there are four more games left to do it," he explained. "We are ahead on our own and we have earned that. If we win the championship, it will have been a good season."
He also added that he was proud of his players following their semi-final exit on penalties.
"It hurts me because they have worked so hard to get here," he continued. "The players should go home tonight, kiss their wives and their children and hold their heads up high.
Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Messi, says Mourinho after Bayern loss
Los Blancos soared into a two-goal lead with a double from the Portuguese forward but Arjen Robben pulled one back for the visitors to make it 2-1, thus ensuring the tie would be settled from the spot.
Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos all missed their kicks for Madrid, which enabled Bastian Schweinsteiger to secure Bayern's place in the final with a 3-1 shootout win. The 49-year-old trainer however remained supportive of his players, especially his highest scorer.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is fantastic. I will not compare him with [Lionel] Messi, we're talking about two great players. I will say this year Cristiano Ronaldo has been better," Mourinho declared in his post-match press conference.
He went on to praise the character of all of his players who stepped up to take a penalty, reminding those present that even the best can fail at times.
"The ones that miss the shot are the ones that have the balls to shoot. Fearless, not selfish, they go and try. I'm proud of my men.
"They're super men but Superman is a film. Messi missed yesterday against Chelsea, and today three men missed because this is football, and these things happen."
"People criticise and question why these errors happen, people that if they climb two floors on ladders are exhausted.
"These guys worked like animals for two hours, they gave it all, then they go there and miss the shot."
Mourinho was also critical of the fact that while his team were forced to play a potentially title-deciding fixture against Barcelona on Saturday, Jupp Heynckes was able to rest eight key players for their visit to Werder Bremen with the Bundesliga title out of reach.
"Both of them Bayern and Chelsea used their second squads this weekend, and they played versus Barca and Real, who played the most important match of the domestic season last weekend.
"It's our fault. If we were not playing for La Liga we would have not lined up our best men last Saturday.
"It is very difficult to stay in more than one competition. The final of the Champions League will be played between the fifth team of the Premier League and the secnd of the Bundesliga, who are 10 points behind the league leaders."
Neuer the hero as Bayern beat Real on penalties
Manuel Neuer was the hero for Bayern Munich on Wednesday as his side went through to the Champions League final after beating Real Madrid 3-1 on penalties in the Santiago Bernabeu.
They will face Chelsea in their own Allianz Arena in Munich on May 19th after losing their return leg 2-1 after extra-time, to send the tie into penalties with the Germans having won by the same score in the first game.
The keeper stopped Madrid's two initial spot-kicks from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, and Sergio Ramos blazed one over the bar before Bastian Schweinsteiger held his nerve to put the four-times European Champions through to the final.
They last appeared in a final two years ago losing 2-0 on this same stage to Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan.
Earlier Ronaldo had scored twice for Real before Arjen Robben grabbed one back in a frantic first half-hour to level the tie.
As the players gradually tired penalties loomed ever larger for only the third time in a semi-final in the Champions League era.
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes was delighted on the final whistle.
"We played a great game against an extraordinary opponent who went 2-0 ahead tonight but we have managed to get a goal back, our goalkeeper has been great at the end and we've had a bit of luck.
"I told them before we may have to play for 120 minutes but I did not expect the penalties. My players are tired, the tension was high, but we've achieved our main objective of the season, it was almost an obsession for us to play the final in our stadium," he said.
Counterpart Mourinho was philosophical about the defeat.
"You have to be level-headed about it when you win and lose, football is like that.
"My team had a huge game in our league against Barcelona at the weekend while they were able to rest players and it was noticeable towards the end.
"At 2-1 any mistake would have lost the game but I'm proud of my players and we have to be strong. If we win our league it's a big step forward for us and we need six points for that," he said.
He went on to analyse the final between Bayern and Chelsea.
"I hope it's a good game but I obviously want Chelsea to win, they were heroes to beat Barcelona with ten men," he continued.
The game started at a furious pace and German international Sami Khedira had the first chance of the game on three minutes for Real forcing a save from Neuer in the Bayern goal.
Two minutes later and Madrid were ahead thanks to Ronaldo from the penalty spot after Angel Di Maria's shot had fortuitously hit the outstretched arm of David Alaba.
Alaba was booked for that and will miss the final - later bookings for Luiz Gustavo and Holger Badstuber means they will also miss the big game.
Bayern's response was immediate and Robben should have levelled the game when he met Alaba's cross in the six-yard box.
Iker Casillas in the Madrid goal did enough to hurry the Dutchman, whose shot spun over the bar when it seemed certain he would score.
On 12 minutes Casillas blocked a shot from Toni Kroos and just when it seemed Bayern would quickly get back into the game Ronaldo struck again.
Khedira was quick in the tackle deep in Bayern's half to allow Mesut Ozil time to supply the Portuguese with a perfect pass that he converted with a well placed left footed shot.
Bayern fought back and their reward came from the penalty spot after Pepe pushed Gomez, Robben levelling the tie at 3-3 on aggregate.
Ronaldo had a shot that fizzed past the post and then Karim Benzema curled a right footed shot wide for Madrid.
Then Gomez should have done better for Bayern when put clear by Kroos, his shot easily blocked by Casillas.
Gomez glanced a header wide for Bayern on the re-start as the Germans seemed to have halted the home team's early dominance.
Mourinho was the first to shuffle his pack, replacing Di Maria with Kaka, but as full-time approached players began to tire and passes went astray.
Gomez could have sealed it for Bayern with four minutes of normal time remaining if he'd reacted quicker to Robben's pass.
Bayern continued to look the fresher side in extra-time but the game had slowed to a walking pace as the shootout loomed.
Real president Perez told me Neuer is the best goalkeeper in the world, reveals Bayern's Rummenigge
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez described Manuel Neuer the "best goalkeeper in the world" after the Germany international's heroics in Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final shoot-out success at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Bavarians went into the game in the Spanish capital leading 2-1 up after last week's first leg at the Allianz Arena but they were left reeling after conceding two goals to Cristiano Ronaldo inside the opening 15 minutes.
"Real president Florentino Perez was sitting next to me and said, 'Manuel Neuer is the best keeper of the world'," Rummenigge told reporters after the game.
"We had a very bad start to the game. But it was the most emotional game of my career - and my career has been going for 40 years now.
"We are very proud and happy to be in the final. This is fantastic!"
Bayern president Uli Hoeness was also full of praise for Neuer's contribution but revealed that the shoot-out had almost been too much for him, admitting that he thought Jupp Heynckes' men had blown it when Philipp Lahm missed from the spot to allow Madrid right back into it.
"Manuel Neuer was great," he enthused. "I thought I would die after Lahm missed the second penalty! It was hard because we had been two goals ahead.
"Today it was the game of all games: Bayern Munich against Real Madrid. Something like this is only every few years. The favorites, Barcelona, are also out so we´re probably slight favourites for the final against Chelsea.
"The greatest experience you can have in football is to play in a World Cup final or the final of the Champions League. And it´s great to play the final in your own stadium."
Bayern Munich are bidding for the fifth European Cup success, two years after being beaten by Inter in the 2010 final.
Bayern Munich now 2/5 favourites to beat Chelsea in Champions League final
After the drama of Tuesday evening's semi-final which saw an upset when a defensively solid Chelsea side saw off the challenge of tournament favourites Barcelona at Camp Nou, Wednesday was just as dramatic as Bayern Munich sealed their place in the final and they are now 2/5 to lift the trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and, unlike his La Liga top scorer rival, Lionel Messi, cooly slotted home to put his side ahead. Ronaldo added a second goal minutes later, latching onto a through ball from Mesut Ozil.
The controversy didn't stop there though, a cross from Toni Kroos saw Pepe haul down Mario Gomez and former Real Madrid Arjen Robben beat Iker Casillas to level the tie on aggregate inside the half hour.
Both sides had chances before the break, Karim Benzema smashed a shot just wide and Mario Gomez continued to cause problems for the hosts, forcing a good save from Casillas to keep the scores level.
The second half settled into a more tactical battle as both teams attempted to find the crucial goal that would see the tie tip in their favour. Bayern Munich looked the more comfortable in possession but neither side could find the breakthrough.
Mario Gomez had a golden opportunity in the dying moment but his hesitation when presented with the chance by Arjen Robben gave the Madrid defence chance to block his tame effort. A goalless second half saw extra time and though there were half chances throughout, the tie was destined to be settled from 12 yards.
David Alaba converted the first attempt for the Germans and Cristiano Ronaldo, having already scored a penalty in the game, saw his kick saved by Manuel Neuer, that gave Bayern a huge advantage.
In a carbon copy, Kaka saw his penalty saved by Neuer but Casillas struck back, saving a tame effort from Kroos. Xavi Alonso got Real on the board at the third attempt and Philip Lahm's effort was stopped to keep Madrid in with a chance but Sergio Rames ballooned his penalty way over the bar.
Bayern's progression was confirmed when Bastian Schweinsteiger kept his head to book the Bavarians a final berth. The Germans are now 2/5 favourites and while Chelsea are at 7/4 with Sportingbet.
Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern Munich (Agg 3-3, 1-3 on penalties): Neuer denies Ronaldo and Kaka in shoot-out as Bavarians set up Chelsea showdown in Champions League final
Bayern Munich overcame an early setback at the Santiago Bernabeu to earn the right to play in the Champions League final thanks to a 3-1 penalty shoot-out win over Real Madrid.
The Bavarians found themselves under the cosh straight away as Los Blancos tried to overturn the 2-1 deficit from the first leg. An early Cristiano Ronaldo double set them on their way but Arjen Robben levelled the tie from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark.
The affair turned cagey in the second half as neither side wanted to over-commit and with extra time unable to separate the pair, the match went all the way to penalties.
Manuel Neuer saved from both Ronaldo and Kaka before Sergio Ramos skied his kick from 12 yards, allowing Bastian Schweinsteiger the chance to net the winning penalty.
Jose Mourinho made only one change from the side that defeated Barcelona at Camp Nou at the weekend with Marcelo replacing Fabio Coentrao at left-back. Jupp Heynckes recalled eight first-team players to the starting XI who were rested for their 2-1 win over Werder Bremen last Saturday.
Real Madrid came bursting out of the blocks and after Sami Khedira failed to beat Neuer from Angel Di Maria's cutback in the third minute, the hosts were awarded a penalty when the Argentine's thunderous volley hit David Alaba's arm inside the area.
Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot kick and coolly slotted into the bottom-right corner, sending Neuer the wrong way.
Bayern were unfazed and had two great opportunities to restore parity on the night. Firstly, Robben failed to tuck Alaba's cross away from inside the six-yard box and then Khedira stopped Franck Ribery from tapping in off a rebound from Mario Gomez's 20-yard strike with just 12 minutes played.
With the Bernabeu rocking, Los Blancos showed just how deadly they can be. In the 14th minute a deflected pass fell to Mesut Ozil and he had enough time to pick out an unmarked Ronaldo on the edge of the box. The Portuguese was clinical as he slid the ball past the keeper at the near post.
Bayern were seeing plenty of the ball and continued to look dangerous as Madrid relied on the counterattack and they were offered a chance to level the tie in the 27th minute.
Pepe recklessly dragged Gomez to the ground inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Robben took on the responsibility and exorcised his Bernabeu demons despite Iker Casillas' best efforts to keep his penalty out.
The unrelenting action continued as shortly after the hour mark as Karim Benzema almost curled a majestic effort past Neuer while Casillas was forced into saves from both Gomez and Robben before the break.
The momentum continued early in the second half as Gomez nodded just wide in the 48th minute and Benzema pulled a sprawling save from Neuer.
It soon fizzled out with the game so delicately poised as neither side dared commit too many men forward, making for a second period that starkly contrasted the first.
Chances were at a premium and the only clear-cut opportunity came in the 86th minute. Robben's pass found Gomez in space in the area but rather than shoot first time, he opted to control the ball which allowed white shirts to get back and swarm over him and the chance went begging.
It ensured the game would go to extra time and after nine minutes of the first period Pepe fed Ronaldo at the top of the box but the former Manchester United man failed to pull the trigger and test Neuer in the only chance of the half.
Esteban Granero was booked for diving as he tried to win his team a penalty in the dying moments of extra time but his side would have plenty as the game went on to a shoot-out.
Alaba netted the opening penalty but Ronaldo failed to match the Austrian as Neuer got a strong hand to the ball. Gomez converted Bayern's second and then Neuer saved Madrid's with an almost identical spot kick from Kaka.
Los Blancos pulled one back as Kroos and Philipp Lahm missed while Xabi Alonso scored but Ramos failed to draw level as he blasted over from 12 yards.
That offered Schweinsteiger the chance to put Heynckes' side into the final and deny Jose Mourinho the chance to face his former club, and he did so, dispatching the penalty with ease.
Bayern can now become the first team to win the Champions League at their home ground when they face Chelsea in the final on May 19.
Benfica reportedly on verge of landing Jese Rodriguez
Record claims that negotiations between the two clubs are at an advanced stage after Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira flew to the Spanish capital last week.
Jese, an Under-19 international for Spain, made his debut for Los Blancos' first team in the 5-1 victory against Real Sociedad in April.
His contract with Madrid expires at the end of the season, but Benfica have decided to negotiate with the Primera Division leaders anyway, given the good relationship between the two clubs.
In recent years, Ezequiel Garay, Javi Garcia, Rodrigo and Javier Saviola have all joined Benfica from Madrid, while Fabio Coentrao and Angel Di Maria have moved in the opposite direction.
Stramaccioni: Inter are now in the race for a Champions League place
Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni has indicated that his side are in the race for a Champions League spot following Wednesday's 3-1 victory at Udinese.
Inter are now only three points behind third-placed Lazio, who lost to Novara 2-1, and Stramaccioni thinks that his side can finish in the top three.
"Winning at Udinese is never easy," he told Sky Sport Italia. They were in a good moment, but we had a great display.
"We have collected 11 points in the last five matches, so we are there in the Champions League race. But we have to think about our next match against Cesena.
"Our players have been working really hard, what they showed today was a great response.
"I would like to tell those who have criticised Wesley Sneijder, Dejan Stankovic and Esteban Cambiasso through the media that they should count to 100 first."
Di Maria and Benzema start for Real Madrid in Bayern Munich clash
Angel Di Maria and Karim Benzema have retained their spots in Real Madrid's starting XI for tonight's must-win Champions League clash versus Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Marcelo returns at left-back after Fabio Coentrao started both the first leg in Munich and the Clasico win at Barcelona on Saturday.
Bayern, meanwhile, name a strong side with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, involved in a well-publicised spat last week, both included.
The Bavarians lead 2-1 from the first leg after Mario Gomez struck a late winner at the Allianz Arena.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, Khedira; Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo; Benzema
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Badstuber, Alaba; Luiz Gustavo, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Kroos, Ribery; Gomez
Mikel: Suspended Chelsea stars shouldn't have to miss Champions League final
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has sympathised with John Terry, Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic, claiming that players should not be allowed to miss the Champions League final through suspension.
Mikel feels that semi-final yellow cards should be rescinded, a similar rule to that introduced to the World Cup two years ago.
"Yes, the yellow cards should be cancelled going into a final and Uefa should look into that," he told the London Evening Standard.
"When you get to the final everyone wants to see the best players and it’s a shame that Terry, Ivanovic, Meireles and Ramires won’t play.
"The four players were devastated in the dressing room. They’re happy for the team but are very disappointed to not be in the final. We will go out to win the trophy for them."
Mikel also believes that Terry's red card was unfounded, believing that Alexis Sanchez "made the most" of the contact between him and the Chelsea captain.
"The JT one was soft from what I saw and it was a yellow card. I think Sanchez made the most of it," the midfielder observed.
"Alexis did the same to me as well. He got me yellow-carded. There was a little touch and he rolled on the ground 10 times. He definitely made the most of it."
Ivanovic also bemoaned the referee's decision to caution him, adding that he feels that something has been taken away from his career as a result.
"We can’t talk about the referee’s decisions but, to be honest, it feels like someone has taken something from your career," he stated.
"My booking? I got it for kicking the penalty spot before the penalty which Lionel Messi missed. It was strange. But I have to be positive.
"Nobody believed we'd get through and we did. Yes, Chelsea can win it without us if we go into the game with the mentality we showed here."
Ramires: Chelsea have made history against Barcelona
Chelsea midfielder Ramires was over the moon to see his side defeat Barcelona in their Champions League semi-final tie.
The Brazil international scored Chelsea's first goal of the night as the Blues secured an impressive 2-2 draw at Camp Nou after they had won the first leg in London 1-0.
"In one or two years, people will say: 'Chelsea eliminated Barca at Camp Nou'. Our season has not been very good, but we proved we wanted to reach the finals.
"We already had a great game in London and I said we deserved to be respected, which had not been in the case.
"From now on, we will be more respected."
Ramires was thrilled to have paved the way for his side's recovery after Barca had taken a 2-0 lead, but disputed the notion that he was Chelsea's hero.
"My goal at the end of the first half was very important," he explained. "It was my first match at Camp Nou, and to score a goal like this was wonderful.
"It is certainly a very special moment of my career, and it only confirms the great season that I am having.
"I do not think I am a hero. On the field, I just try to give my best to help the team. Thanks to God, I assisted Didier Drogba for the goal at Stamford Bridge, and now I scored the goal which put us back in the game.
"God knows what he is doing, and one needs to be humble."
Inter keep Champions League dream alive
A rejuvenated Inter Milan are right back in the running for a place in next season's Champions League after winning 3-1 at Udinese on Wednesday thanks to an inspired performance by Wesley Sneijder.
Inter capitalised fully on a slip-up by Lazio, whose grip on third place the final Champions League qualifying position was weakened by a 2-1 defeat at struggling Novara earlier in the day.
Lazio are a point clear of Napoli, who won 2-0 at Lecce, while Inter and Udinese are a further two points behind in fifth and sixth place respectively.
Meanwhile, Roma lost 2-1 at home to Fiorentina and slip to seventh.
With the sides around them all dropping points, Inter are suddenly looking well-placed to salvage a top-three finish from a season overshadowed by coaching changes and a failure to impress in Europe.
They went behind after just six minutes in Udine when Danilo netted for the home side, but Samir Handanovic allowed a weak Sneijder shot through his grasp for the equaliser in the tenth minute.
Sneijder then put Inter in front after excellent build-up play from Diego Milito and the 3-1 victory was complete before half time as Argentine midfielder Ricardo Alvarez turned the home defence inside out before slotting home.
Lazio are now three games without a win after substitute Giuseppe Mascara scored a delightful free-kick 11 minutes from time to give Novara a win that is likely to only delay their return to the second tier.
Lazio now face a crunch clash with Udinese on Sunday.
Marek Hamsik and the prolific Edinson Cavani with his 100th goal in Italian football netted for Napoli at Lecce, and Walter Mazzarri's side will now face Roma this weekend in a strong position.
Having lost 4-0 to Juventus on Sunday, Luis Enrique's Roma looked set for a draw against Fiorentina when Francesco Totti cancelled out Stevan Jovetic's opener.
However, Andrea Lazzari struck two minutes into injury time to inflict another damaging defeat on the giallorossi.
Elsewhere, Parma won 2-1 at Palermo while Siena and Bologna drew 1-1.
League leaders Juventus go to Cesena later, while defending champions AC Milan entertain Genoa.
Wednesday's matches are those rescheduled from April 14, when the entire Italian football league programme was cancelled after Livorno's Piermario Morosini collapsed and died during a second division game at Pescara.
Di Matteo deserves full-time Chelsea job - Grant
Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant has said interim boss Roberto di Matteo should be given the job on a full-time basis after overseeing the team's run to the Champions League final.
Di Matteo, himself a former Chelsea midfielder, saw Chelsea upset the odds in dramatic fashion as a 2-2 draw away to reigning champions Barcelona on Tuesday gave the London club a 3-2 aggregate victory.
The Italian has presided over an impressive turnaround in Chelsea's fortunes since replacing the sacked Andre Villas-Boas just over a month ago.
Grant, sacked by owner Roman Abramovich after Chelsea lost the 2008 Champions League final to Manchester United in a Moscow penalty shoot-out the closest the Blues have come to winning the European Cup said di Matteo should remain in charge at Stamford Bridge.
"Roberto deserves one more year, at least, because he has done a good job with this team. To come to the final with this team is unbelievable," Grant told BBC Radio Five Live.
However, the Israeli now in charge of Serbian club Partizan Belgrade said there was no telling what Russian billionaire Abramovich would do next.
"Abramovich sometimes thinks different," Grant said.
"In my time we came to the first final in the history of the club. We also played unbelievable football in the (Premier) League, in my opinion, beating all the big teams. But then he decided that I would not continue."
Nevertheless Grant, also in charge of Portsmouth and West Ham during his time in English football, added: "In this case, Abramovich has seen that the team was on the way up and I think di Matteo will have a chance to continue.
"For a manager, against Barcelona is the most difficult game you can play. Especially as Chelsea are not great this season.
"But over the two games di Matteo did a very good job. What is the weakness of Chelsea? Chelsea are not playing great football this season so he went for the strengths of his team, the old players in combination with good tactics, to stop Barcelona."
Chelsea will play the winners of Wednesday's second semi-final between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, with Bayern travelling to Spain 2-1 up from the first leg, and Grant is hoping Abramovich can at last fulfil his European dream.
"It is not a secret, his dream is the Champions League," he said. "It is okay to be champions of England, but the most important thing is he wants recognition of the team in Europe.
"The big trophy in Europe is the Champions League, and it is not good that in all the years Abramovich has been here, and all the money he has spent, he was only one time in the final.
"So now it is the second time, and I hope he will win it."
Zabaleta: Manchester City deserve to be back in Premier League title race
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta believes his club deserve to be back in the title race with Manchester United because he and his team-mates have "never stopped believing" that they can win the Premier League.
United had been eight points clear at one stage but have since seen that lead reduced to just three after a loss to Wigan and a 4-4 draw with Everton, and City could go top on goal difference with a win in Monday's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.
And Zabaleta feels that their determination in coming back, as well as their form in leading the league for a long time earlier in the season, has merited results.
“We’ve never stopped believing in ourselves, but to be honest, after the Arsenal defeat I thought our chance had probably gone,” he told the club's official website.
"We've been five points clear before so we know how it feels, but United losing against Wigan and dropping points at home to Everton shows that in football you have to believe, because you just never know.
"If we have another chance for the title it's because we deserve it. We’ve kept going and we will continue to do that and see what happens."
Zabaleta expects the derby on April 30 to be one of the most important of the clubs' histories.
“We know how important this game is. United are the team we want to beat, especially because it gives us the chance to get back to the top,” he explained.
“For the race for the title it's very important, that's why it's probably one of the biggest derbies ever.
“We have to play the same as we play every game. We need to be strong mentally, focus on what we have to do and give it our all.
“We've got the talent and we've got quality - we've got everything. But behind this the mentality and the attitude for that game has to be more than 100 per cent. I'm sure if we put everything into this game, with the quality we've got it can make the difference.”
As well as calling on the players to give their all, Zabaleta also outlined just how much of a lift the home fans can give to their side.
He added: “We need the support of the fans as always, but now more than ever.
“The role of our incredible fans cannot be understated for this game. This is the one we’ve all been waiting for and we all need to be together, both the players and the fans."
Andre Ayew ruled out for rest of season
Marseille forward Andre Ayew will miss the remainder of the season after going under the knife to correct a shoulder problem on Tuesday.
The Ghana international picked up the injury while playing for his country in the African Cup of Nations in January, but decided to have surgery now in order to be fit for the start of next season.
"The operation on the left shoulder of Andre Ayew, conducted on Tuesday in Lyon by Dr Walsch, went smoothly," a club statement said.
"The Ghanaian's comeback is expected in about three months."
Marseille are 10th in the Ligue 1 standings following a run of 12 games without a win. Their next league assignment sees them visit Lorient on Friday.
Redknapp: Tottenham won't sell star players
Harry Redknapp has insisted that Tottenham will not part company with any of their star players, should the White Hart Lane outfit fail to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Spurs' recent downturn has seen them slide to fifth in the table, having only won one of their last nine league games, and with the possibility that Chelsea may win Europe's top competition, fourth may not even be good enough for Redknapp's stuttering side.
Many of Tottenham's star players are linked with moves away from the club, with Barcelona reportedly in for Gareth Bale and Croatian magician Luka Modric an ever-present in the rumour mill.
But the 65-year-old does not believe they will leave in the summer, whatever comes of Tottenham's Champions League mission.
"When they came to the club, Tottenham weren't in the Champions League, and were nowhere near getting in the Champions League," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.
"They play for Tottenham. They're at a great club. There's no reason they should want to leave. If we don't make it this year, we'll try again next year. There's not too many clubs they could go to better than Tottenham.
"Gareth Bale and Luka Modric have both signed long-term contracts. Gareth has had a fantastic time for a young player at Tottenham. He needs to stay at Tottenham a few more years yet and keep developing."
"We've progressed so much in the last four years, we've got to keep that going and push on even more in the table and look to win a Premier League. It's not impossible."
And Redknapp bade his team follow the example set by Chelsea's senior players last night in the 3-2 aggregate win over Barcelona.
"A club is only as strong as the mentality of its senior players. You look at what Chelsea achieved last night and it is remarkable. It is down to players. When things go well, they take all the credit."
"Great credit to the manager.
Di Matteo has done a great job there. He must have a very good chance of getting a permanent job, a great chance. He's done a fantastic job since he took over."
The former Portsmouth boss highlighted the importance of stringing together an impressive set of closing performances if his Spurs side are to acquire Champions League football next term.
"We've got to make sure we finish fourth or third, make sure we're in a position to qualify," he said.
"If we don't, it doesn't matter what happens. It's still wide open - Arsenal, Chelsea, ourselves, Newcastle - it's still any two from four.
"We've got to go on a good run now."
Lazio will buy three world-class players in the summer, says Lotito
Lazio president Claudio Lotito has said that he plans to make a number of high-profile acquisitions in the summer transfer window.
The Italian capital club's hopes of finishing in the top three and securing a Champions League place have taken a serious blow after they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Novara early on Wednesday.
"Reja's stay has never been a problem for us, we want to continue with our project," he told Sky Sport Italia.
"We hope to sign two or three champions so that we can also compete in Europe.
"Miroslav Klose? From what we know, he could feature in the last two matches, but it is still not a guarantee."
Lazio will visit Udinese in a key Serie A fixture on Sunday.
Nkoulou pledges to stay at Marseille
Nicolas Nkoulou has declared that he is happy at Marseille and is not looking to move elsewhere.
The Cameroon international has been linked in recent weeks with Barcelona, but was keen to stress that he wants to focus on turning around OM's miserable run of results since the turn of the year.
"I'll look at what will be good for me but what concerns me the most is the situation at OM," he insisted.
Didier Deschamps' side have endured a terrible run of form that has seen them go winless in the league since January.
Despite success in the Coupe de la Ligue, the club have fallen out of the running for Champions League qualification next season.
Nkoulou joined Marseille from Monaco on a four-year contract last summer and has since become a mainstay in the first team.
Bayern will not be afraid of Real Madrid, says Demichelis
Former Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis believes that the Bavarians have a good chance of reaching the Champions League final.
Bayern beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of their semi-final tie, and the current Malaga centre-back feels they can cause an upset at the Santiago Bernabeu if they play their own game on Wednesday.
"The Real Madrid forwards aren't so keen on defending, so the FCB defenders and midfielders will get time on the ball. That's the platform for them to try their luck up front. In my opinion, Bayern have a good chance of making the final," Demichelis said to the official Bayern website.
"I'm expecting Bayern to be confident and unafraid, even though Real are very good at home. But they've generally conceded a goal in most of their home games, so FCB should try and get forward.
"Ribery, Robben, Muller and Gomez are players who can unsettle any defence. If Bayern only defend and try and protect their lead to the end, they will lose."
Manchester United's Fabio keen on Benfica move
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to farm the 21-year-old out on loan to allow him to gain first-team experience, with Benfica supposedly prepared to offer him guaranteed regular playing time.
"I know Benfica very well. We watch a lot of their games in Brazil. Everybody back home follows them. They're a great team and a move there would be good for me, no doubt about that," Fabio stated to Maisfutebol.
"I do not think that I would have any problems to adapt to Lisbon. I have a Portuguese passport and speak the language. I believe the Portuguese league would be a good step for me. They almost always do well in European competitions."
Despite his promising assessment, Fabio admitted that there is no certainty at this stage that he will leave Old Trafford.
"I have not been in touch with Benfica yet, though. Nothing has been decided about my future. I will know more by the end of the season."
Fabio has made just five Premier League appearances for United in 2011-12.
Valbuena wants to stay at Marseille
Mathieu Valbuena has signalled his intention to stay at Marseille next term and help turn the team's fortunes around.
Les Phoceens are currently on their worst run of form in almost half a century, having gone 12 games without a victory in Ligue 1.
Despite the prospect of Champions League football disappearing next season, Valbuena, who has scored 20 goals in 158 appearances for the club, has no intention of leaving Marseille.
"I'm still under contract. When all is well here, we can do what we want. But when all is not good, nothing happens. That's what makes the charm of this club," the 27-year-old was quoted as saying by RMC.
Deschamps' men will resume their search for a first league victory since January when they visit Lorient on Friday.
Guardiola rallies Messi after spot-kick misery
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola rallied to the support of Lionel Messi after the Argentinian star's penalty miss that almost certainly cost his team a place in the Champions League final.
Messi cut a disconsolate figure on Tuesday following his side's agonising semi-final exit to Chelsea, who fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 on the night and claim a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Arguably the turning point in the contest came early in the second half when Messi smashed a penalty against the crossbar after Didier Drogba was adjudged to have brought down Cesc Fabregas.
Had Messi converted his spot-kick Barcelona would have been 3-1 up and effectively assured of a place in the final against a Chelsea side reduced to 10 men following the first-half dismissal of John Terry.
Fernando Torres' last-gasp equaliser, which came as Barcelona swarmed forward desperately in search of the goal that would seal the tie, shattered the Catalans' hopes of reaching a third final in four seasons.
Guardiola however issued a vociferous defence of Messi, who has now failed to score in eight games against Chelsea.
"We've gotten to where we are today thanks to this kid," Guardiola said. "More than ever I want to thank him for what he's done for us.
"My admiration for him knows no limits. He's daring, he's brave, he plays fantastic in different conditions.
"We played in Pamplona and it was 10 below zero very cold and he wanted to play and win the game. He's an example for all of us.
"His competitiveness, how he pushes us all to be better. I've got no doubt that he's going to experience a few difficult hours now because he's a competitive guy but this is what is beautiful about football.
"Sometimes you smile and sometimes it's your turn to be sad."
Guardiola said Barcelona's concession of a goal from Ramires on the stroke of half-time had proved crucial. Prior to that Barcelona had led 2-0 and appeared to be sauntering to a routine victory.
"I think that at 2-0 at half-time we would have believed we would do it, but at 2-1 it was bad for us psychologically," Guardiola said.
"Even so, we went out in the second half, we had a penalty but we didn't score and then they they got stronger and it was difficult for us to score with the minutes we had left.
"It's not easy to score. We were not a team that can play in lots of different ways. We have a peculiar way of playing and this is why the opposition adapts themselves to us.
"Anyway, we will go away and look at it and decide what is best for the institution."
Guardiola admitted however he was struggling to pinpoint weaknesses in his side who once again dominated possession -- by a margin of 72 percent to Chelsea's 28 percent -- but were unable to land the decisive blow.
"You look at the team and try to tell them what they did wrong, why they're not in the final," Guardiola said. "And I don't know what to tell them.
"At the end of the day you're out of the final and that's all that matters. Sincerely I think it wasn't our turn.
"We did everything we could -- absolutely everything -- but we got to a semi-final and lost.
"No matter what we did it wasn't enough. And this is what counts. Probably we did something wrong and we need to see what that was and try to fix it in the future," he said.
"You have to praise Chelsea for their defensive display -- for their courage, for their bravery, for their mental strength in knowing that they had to play this game."
Cole wage demands may see him return to Liverpool, admits Lille chairman
Lille chairman Michel Seydoux has conceded the club may not be able to prevent Joe Cole’s return to Liverpool due to the player’s wage demands.
Cole is currently on a season-long loan with the Ligue 1 club, having failed to impress on Merseyside after being signed by former Reds boss Roy Hodgson.
The England international is now said to be keen to stay with Lille, though Seydoux admits the club may not be in the financial position to keep Cole.
“A discussion was held today. I do not make money. You must be reasonable. We'll see when we will do the main choices.”
Lille are the in-form team in Ligue 1 at the moment, notching five wins from their last six games as they push for Champions League football next year.
The club currently sit third in the league, five points off big-spenders Paris Saint-Germain and a place in Europe’s premier club competition.
The two clubs come face-to-face this weekend in a potentially pivotal clash and Seydoux admits the team’s position in the league may have an effect on the outcome of Cole’s future.
He continued: “The final ranking will be important in the transfer window."