Barcelona get the booby prize, will Martinez take the poison chalice ?

 

Pep goes out on a high

Barcelona gave Pep Guardiola a triumphant send-off after lifting the Copa Del Rey with a 3-0 final victory over Athletic Bilbao. Pedro netted a double at the Vicente Calderon, scoring either side of a 20th-minute Lionel Messi strike to seal the comprehensive win in what was Guardiola’s last match in charge…

Whelan: Martinez offered Liverpool job

Roberto Martinez has been offered the opportunity to manage Liverpool, according to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan.

“He had a meeting on Thursday with the owner of Liverpool in Miami,” Whelan told BBC Sport. “I think they have made some kind of offer.

“They will speak again on Tuesday. I’ve said I want a decision by Thursday…

Hulk in talks over move from Porto to Chelsea

Porto and Brazil forward Hulk is in discussions with Chelsea regarding a move to the European champions.

The 25-year-old can also play on the wing and will be seen as a direct replacement for veteran striker Didier Drogba, who is leaving Stamford Bridge…

 

 

International friendly wrap: Croatia win, Russia held

Croatia began their preparations for Euro 2012 in earnest with a 3-1 friendly win over Estonia on Friday, while Russia drew with Uruguay…

 

 

Blatter defiant at FIFA congress
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has defended the integrity of his organisation at the governing body’s congress in Budapest on Friday…

 

 

 

 

Guardiola bows out praising Messi

Outgoing Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says Lionel Messi is likely to be the best player he will ever see.

“It has been an honour to be the coach of the best player I have ever seen and probably the best I will see,” Guardiola said…

Suarez hits out at FA conspiracy

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has criticised the eight-match ban he recieved for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra…

Hertha lose relegation appeal

Hertha Berlin have lost their latest appeal against the outcome of their Bundesliga relegation play-off against Fortuna Dusseldorf…

Puel vows to revive Nice

New coach Claude Puel has set his sights on bringing European football back to Nice as he embarks on a long-term project with the club…

Zidane: CL next for Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has hailed Real Madrid for achieving 100 points in La Liga this season, but admits European success remains their top priority…

No concrete bid for Lavezzi, insists Leonardo

It has been claimed that the French side have offered the Partenopei €26 million for the player, but the Brazilian insists that the proposed deal is very much in its infancy…