Park Ji-Sung Earns Korea A Point In Iran

In an intense and entertaining match, Javad Nekounam looked to have done enough to put Iran on top of Group Two at the halfway stage only for the Manchester United man to earn a deserved draw for the Taeguk Warriors.

The point keeps South Korea on top of Group Two with eight points. North Korea, who defeated Saudi Arabia earlier in the day, are second with seven while Iran now have six points and are third.

Iran started brightly and Nekounam should perhaps have given the hosts an early lead in the seventh minute but the Osasuna midfielder headed a left-sided corner over the bar.

Jung Sung-hoon returned the favour ten minutes later, failing to take the opportunity to open his account for the Korean national team.

Team Melli had a big penalty shout turned down in the 25th minute.

Vahid Hashemian worked hard in the right corner to send a ball into the box. nipped in front of Hossein Kazemi Cho Yong Hyong and looked to have been brought down by the Jeju defender but the Australian referee waved play on, much to the displeasure of the home fans.

After creating next to nothing in the early exchanges, Korea controlled the last 15 minutes of the first period and had a great chance to take the lead even minutes before the break.

Ki Sung-yung’s set pieces were causing problems and a left-sided corner kick found its way to Kang Min-soo at the far post but the lanky defender skied his shot over the bar.

The impressive Ki was in the thick of the action. His decision to go for goal from a free-kick 40 yards out surprised Seyed Rahmati and the Iranian goalkeeper could only parry a fierce shot out for a corner.

Rahmati was becoming busy and had to be alert and agile to block a fierce shot from Yeom Ki-hoon, introduced to replace the injured Jung, that looked destined for the far corner.

After a quite start to the second half, Iran broke the deadlock in fine style just before the hour. Nekounam curled a perfect free-kick over the Korean wall and into the top corner of the net to give Lee Woon-jae no chance.

The fans were still celebrating as Korea missed a glorious opportunity to go level. Oh Beom-seok got behind the Iranian backline to float over a perfect cross from the right only for Lee Keun-ho to send his powerful header onto the crossbar.

The equalizer came with nine minutes remaining. Ki tried to emulate Nekounam’s free-kick accuracy only for Mahmati to block the shot.

Fortunately for the visitors, Park was on hand to head the rebound home from close range to silence over 70,000 fans at the Azadi Stadium.

source : Goal.com

Park Ji Sung Seen as Well-rested for Iran Qualifier

Did Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson care for his midfielder Park Ji-sung, who will play in Korea’s World Cup qualifier against Iran tomorrow?

United played at West Ham yesterday, and Park played just four minutes late in the game that his team won 1-0.

This could be good news for the Korean soccer team, however, ahead of the qualifier.

Park left London immediately after the game for Heathrow Airport, and arrived in Teheran via Dubai. It took him 12 hours to get there, including almost seven hours in flight.

Had Park played for 90 minutes as usual, he would have been exhausted given the time difference of three and a half hours between Britain and Iran.

Park is considered Korea’s best player and the playmaker to lead younger players. To inject energy into the team, Korea coach Huh Jung-moo has designated Park captain since the second match of the qualifying round against the United Arab Emirates in Oct. 15 last year.

As captain, Park led Korea to two consecutive victories, including a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, the team’s first in 19 years against the Arab country.

Huh says he is glad Park joined the team without being exhausted.

Iran plans to make full use of its home-field advantage. If Park overcomes the time difference quickly and regains his condition, he could raise confidence among his teammates.

“The match against Iran in the qualifying round will be the most challenging and most important game. We always need three points, but no team can easily beat Iran in Iran. But I don’t want to lose,” he said.

Source : http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2009021004478

Beckham wants to stay at AC Milan, leave LA Galaxy

GLASGOW, Scotland – David Beckham wants to leave the Los Angeles Galaxy and stay with AC Milan after his loan to the Italian club is scheduled to end next month.

The 33-year-old English midfielder announced his intentions Wednesday after playing in Milan's 2-2 exhibition tie at Glasgow Rangers. Beckham has scored twice for Milan and been included in the team's 25-man roster for UEFA Cup games against Werder Bremen on Feb. 18 and 26.

His three-month loan is due to end March 8.

"At the moment my lawyers are not talking to the Galaxy," Beckham said. "But I have expressed my desire to stay at AC Milan now, and it's just down to Milan and Galaxy to come to an agreement."

"I have enjoyed my time here," he added. "I knew I would enjoy it but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I have and do as well as I have."

Beckham is about two years into a $32.5 million, five-year contract with Major League Soccer. The Galaxy had no immediate comment.

"At this point it's out of my hands," the 33-year-old star said. "I've said what my feelings are to both clubs."

Since coming to Italy, Beckham has scored twice and helped to lift Milan to second place in the Serie A standings.

"At the moment I'm still a Galaxy player," he said. "I respect the Galaxy and everything they have done for me. They have always been great to me."

Beckham needs one appearance to tie defender Bobby Moore at 108 for the second-most international games in English history, trailing only goalkeeper Peter Shilton's 125, and wants to play for England at next year's World Cup in South Africa.

"To be given the chance again to play at this level at my age is pretty incredible and I've enjoyed it so much I would like to continue it," he said. "I think people have seen the way I've been since playing at this level again."

"It's nothing against the MLS and the football over there because it's a game that will grow, but it will take quite a few years," he added. "I'm still confident that will happen eventually, but I want to have a chance of being involved in 2010 and I believe my best chance of doing so is to remain here."

Beckham included on AC Milan's UEFA Cup list

MILAN – David Beckham's impressive play for AC Milan has been rewarded with him being included on the team's 25-man roster for the UEFA Cup, with coach Carlo Ancelotti calling the player "indispensable" to his team.

With Beckham set to return to the Los Angeles Galaxy when his loan period finishes on March 8, he will only be eligible for two games against Werder Bremen on Feb. 18 and Feb. 26.

"We have included Beckham in the UEFA Cup list because he is doing very well. We want to take advantage of his form for the two games against Werder Bremen," Ancelotti said.

"Beckham is becoming an indispensable player for this team and he has earned it through his talent," Ancelotti added.

Since joining Milan, Beckham has scored two goals and set up two of Milan's scores in their 3-1 win over Lazio on Sunday night.

He has started all five matches since his arrival.

Sir Alex Ferguson Named As Manchester United's 'Greatest Icon'

A special poll in Manchester United club magazine Inside United, has named Sir Alex Ferguson as the greatest of the club's icons in the period since the inception of the Premier League in 1992.

Ferguson topped a list, voted for by United fans, that included the likes of French striking great Eric Cantona and midfield dynamo Roy Keane.

Ferguson has a winning record at Old Trafford that is difficult to match in the British game, with the the Scotsman having collected ten Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, amongst numerous other cups, during his 22 year tenure in England.

Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford in 1987, after making his name in Scottish football with unfancied Aberdeen, who broke the duopoly that Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic maintained on Scottish honours in the early 1980s.

He arrived at a club in a some state of dishevelment, with United having survived on a fairly meagre diet of a one or two FA Cups since their glory days ended in the early 1970s.

Ferguson changed that round, despite some teething problems that actually saw fans demonstrating for him to be sacked in the late 1980s, and helped turn the club into the global powerhouse it is today.

Celebrity Manchester United fan, television presenter Eamonn Holmes, spoke for all United fans when talking to The Manchester Evening News about Ferguson topping the poll earlier.

"Sir Alex is the master when it come to responding to adversity," said Holmes.

"He has always talked about the importance of bouncing back positively to either a shock defeat or elimination from a competition.

"And not only is he a great tactician and motivator, he is one of the game's great characters.

"You can say what you want about him but he is certainly not dull."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

Park praises squad

02/02/2009 09:04, Report by Nick Coppack

Ji-sung Park says United’s strength in depth has been the key to the side’s record-breaking run of clean sheets.


The Reds have now gone 12 games without conceding a goal in the league, a feat made all the more impressive when you consider the injuries that have plagued Sir Alex’s regular back four.



“We’ve had a few injuries in the defence so it’s a great achievement,” Park told ManUtd.kr.



“Everybody played their part and the young players who were called on [Rafael, Richard Eckersley] showed great ability on the pitch.



“We started the season with a strong squad and that’s how we’ve been able to set this record. When someone is injured we have another player who can fill the gaps.”



Park also reserved special praise for goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who now holds the English league record for most minutes without conceding.



“Playing for one of the greatest teams in the world at his age [38] is really difficult. He’s a great player, one of the best on the pitch. It’s a great record for him to have. He deserves it.”


Source

Faubert promises to bring speed to Real Madrid

MADRID (AFP) – French midfielder Julien Faubert said Monday he will contribute speed to Real Madrid as he was officially presented as the spanish club's new player after he completed his six-month loan from West Ham.

"I think I can bring something extra to the team, my speed, my versatility, if I did not believe it I would not be here," the 25-year-old, who scored on his only appearance for France, told a news conference.

Faubert, who saw a move to AS Rome fall apart in 2007 when he played for Bordeaux, added the move was a giant leap forward as he received his new number 18 jersey from Real legend Alfredo di Stefano at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

"At Bordeaux I was supposed to sign for Rome but it didn't happen. It is a good comeback for me to be at Real Madrid. I am very happy to be here and it is an honour to receive the jersey from Stefano," he said.

Faubert, who is under contract with West Ham through 2012, will stay at Real until June. The defending Spanish champions will then have the option to sign him for a further three years.

He played for Cannes and then Bordeaux before heading to East London in 2007 - but an Achilles tendon rupture kept him sidelined shortly afterwards and he has not featured this season.

We're desperate to keep Beckham, admit Milan

by Barnaby Chesterman Barnaby Chesterman – Sun Feb 1, 9:27 pm ET

ROME (AFP) – AC Milan admitted that they're desperate to keep David Beckham at the San Siro, giving the former England skipper a resounding endorsement by adding him to their UEFA Cup squad.

Beckham played another starring role for Milan by setting up two of the three goals in a 3-0 victory over Lazio at the Olympic Stadium.

The win meant Milan remain unbeaten in the five matches since the 33-year-old joined on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder has also scored twice and such has been his influence that he has been included in the 25-man squad for the UEFA Cup knockout stages, even though he will only be able to play in the next round if he does return to the USA on March 9 as anticipated.

"We've put him on the UEFA list because we have a contract and he's doing very well," said Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"I want to pick him for the two matches against Werder Bremen."

Vice-president Adriano Galliani has also been singing Beckham's praises.

"We're desperate to sign him and I will keep hoping until the last possible moment," said Galliani.

"When he first came to us I thought he would do well but I never thought to such a degree.

"It would be terrible to lose him so we'll make little overtures to try to keep hold of him and then our fans can have a great party when Beckham stays."

It's not just the club hierarchy who have been impressed with the former England captain's contribution, his team-mates have too.

Midfield playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who has had to give up much of the deadball duties to the new arrival, has only positive things to say about Beckham.

"He's an intelligent guy, he plays football on instinct, has fitted in well and is helping us out," said Pirlo.

Beckham has refused to discuss his long-term future, preferring to concentrate on helping his new team cut Inter Milan's six-point lead at the top.

"I love coming to Rome," said Beckham about his man-of-the-match performance in the capital.

"We needed to win this match so I'm very happy with that. It's important to keep the pressure on Inter because they're the leaders and they're playing good football."

With the Milan derby only two weeks away, that match could take on even greater significance if Milan can keep close to their city rivals, although Beckham said he and his team won't get ahead of themselves.

"It's important not to worry too much about other teams. If we win our games then we have a chance of catching the leaders," he added.

"It (the derby) is a big game and I'm looking forward to it but the most important game is next week's and when we've played that game we'll think about the derby."

Shay Given completes move to Manchester City

From The Times

February 1, 2009

Manchester City have signed goalkeeper Shay Given from Newcastle on a four-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee, the club have confirmed.

The departure of the Ireland goalkeeper, one of most highly-rated in the Barclays Premier League, had been expected when Newcastle gave him permission to talk to the Eastlands club on Friday.

The news will be a blow to Joe Kinnear, the Newcastle manager, who made no secret of the fact that he was bitterly disappointed to lose Given with what appears to be a relegation battle looming.

"I've bent over backwards to keep Shay, and I have told the powers-that-be that he has got to stay," he had said. "But I understand it from Shay's point of view.

"He's done 11 years here at Newcastle, and I think he wants a new challenge. I would be heartbroken to see him go, because he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”

City had two bids of £3m and £5m rejected, it is likely their ultimately successful third bid was in the region of £7m.

Steve Harper, Given’s deputy for many years, played in goal against Sunderland in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby which finished 1-1.

Rio Ferdinand Hails 'Businesslike' Manchester United

Manchester United skipper Rio Ferdinand is delighted with his team's current form, and wants them to continue with their brisk momentum right up until the end of the season.

The Red Devils are chasing an unprecedented 'quadruple' of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, a feat never matched in England, although Celtic, of Scotland, managed such a feat in 1967, the year before United won their first European Cup.

Ferdinand has highighted the efficiency and professionalism in the current United squad, as they have overcome the adversity of a crowded fixture schedule and a long injury list to overhaul Liverpool at the top of the table in the last week.

"It is just about continuing what we have been doing. I think we have been very tight of late. We have got players who are very businesslike at the moment," Ferdiand explained to The Manchester Evening News today.

"The players want to get the job done, score goals, want to defend - and defend for our lives - and keep clean sheets.

"With that form, you are onto a good thing, but medals haven't been handed out yet so we are not going to get ahead of ourselves. We set ourselves a target, we have got to where we wanted to be at this stage, and we need to continue that now."

The commanding centre-back has missed 11 games this season due to a niggling back injury, allowing youngsters such as Jonny Evans to step into the breach and excel, but Rio remains confident that the injury can be managed effectively as he looks to help drive the side on to yet another successful season.

"I could have played a little bit longer at West Brom but the manager brought me off. I am fine. There are no problems," he added.

"I've just got to keep on top of it, keep working hard and keep doing my training, and continue to be injury free hopefully."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

Atlético Madrid President: Sergio Agüero Is Staying

Enrique Cerezo left no doubts today about the future of Sergio Agüero after he declared that the Argentine striker is not going anywhere.

When asked about the future of the player, the Atlético Madrid president confirmed that he is absolutely sure that he will not leave the club.

"The truth is that I do not even know the cancellation clause on the contract of Agüero, but is not something that worries me at this time", he told Marca.

"I am very clear, very clear, that he is going to continue with Atlético Madrid, you [the press] are the ones that do not see clearly.

" A clearly frustrated Cerezo then went on to discuss the rumours concerning Real Madrid’s rumoured move for Agüero, saying that at the moment everyone is calm, and he doesn't care what their arch-rivals are doing.

"Atlético Madrid are very relaxed about the matter; at this moment we only have the problem of results," he began. "It does not matter to me who is going to be the president of the Real Madrid, nor if they speak about signing Agüero.

I do ask that you do not ask this question every 24 hours though." Despite the strong words from the president there is no doubt that things are not great at the club right now and, should they finish outside of the top four, they will find it hard to hold onto Agüero.

However, Cerezo insisted that there is no crisis at the club, and that he is fully behind coach Javier Aguirre. "I am absolutely behind the coach,” he assured. “I have not listened to the statements of Forlán, but what the players say is true.

I believe that they are the ones who need to show what they are really worth. This is a very strong team and the last results have been because of everyone, however, there is no crisis.

" The president also spoke briefly about the upcoming Champions League match with Porto and, whilst he declared he is not thinking about it, he says he is confident his side will progress.

"For the time being, I am not concerned with the game against Porto, as we have the match on Sunday against Valladolid. I know that the team is mentally prepared though and will get through," he concluded.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com

Cudicini makes Tottenham switch

Tottenham have completed the signing of goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini on a free transfer from Chelsea.

The 35-year-old joined the Blues on loan in 1999 from Italian side Castel Di Sangro and signed a permanent deal a year later, costing the club £130,000.

Cudicini will provide competition for Heurelho Gomes who has been the subject of much criticism this season.

"Chelsea can confirm Carlo Cudicini has signed for Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer," read a Chelsea statement.

"The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Carlo for his years of service and wish him well."

Tottenham paid PSV Eindhoven £7m for Brazilian Gomes in the summer and he struggled with his form initially before a string of improved displays.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, who also signed defender Pascal Chimbonda from Sunderland on Monday, has been looking for a goalkeeper after releasing reserve team keeper Cesar Sanchez earlier this month.

Voted Chelsea Player of the Year in 2002, Cudicini has found his chances limited since Petr Cech's arrival in 2004.

"I'm really happy to be here to take on this new challenge and I'm really looking forward to being part of this great team and great club," said Cudicini.

In total, he made 208 starts for Chelsea and he featured four times this season, most recently in the 1-1 FA Cup draw with Southend on 3 January.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have agreed the transfer of Hossam Ghaly to Saudi Arabian side Nassr Saudi Club.

The 27-year-old Egyptian midfielder joined Spurs in January 2006 from Dutch side Feyenoord and made 34 appearances, scoring three times.

He was booed by Spurs fans as he warmed up among the substitutes in the FA Cup win over Wigan on 2 January.

Ghaly has not played for the first team since May 2007 when he threw down his shirt in anger when he was replaced after coming on as a substitute.

source

Tottenham Re-Sign Pascal Chimbonda

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has made his fourth signing of the January transfer window after acquiring Pascal Chimbonda from Sunderland, according to Sky Sports.

It will be the second time that Chimbonda will be unveiled as a Spurs player, as he was initially brought to White Hart Lane in 2006, only to leave for Sunderland last summer.

He has re-joined the lilywhites after only six months at the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee, expected to be in the region of £3 million.

Chimbonda is the fourth right back that Tottenham have signed in the past 12 months.

Alan Hutton (£8 million), Chris Gunter (£4 million), and Vedran Corluka (£8 million) have all failed to make the full back berth their own. With the purchase of Chimbonda, Tottenham will have spent over £23 million on right backs alone in the last year.

The 29-year old has received one international cap, and signs for Spurs on the same day that Redknapp has secured the free transfer of Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.

The club are yet to comment on the Chimbonda swoop, but regarding the Cudicini transfer, a statement on tottenhamhotspur.com said: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Chelsea for the transfer of Carlo Cudicini to the Club."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

Ibrahimovic: Inter Milan not Ibra-dependent

26.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is pleased with Inter Milan's victory over Sampdoria.

Watching from the stands, the super Swede declared: "It shows that Inter are not 'Ibra-dependent'.

"Whoever plays, you always expect them to do their very best. Even the players not in the team.

"Now I am rested and looking forward to our next game on Wednesday."

Search: Inter's Adriano banned for three matches for punch

MILAN - Inter Milan striker Adriano has been banned for three matches after throwing a punch in Sunday's 1-0 win over Sampdoria, the Italian league said on Monday.

The incident involving Samp's Daniele Gastaldello in the penalty area was missed by the referee but a league statement said the decision had been reached using television evidence.

Adriano scored the winner on the stroke of halftime to re-establish Inter's three-point lead at the top of Serie A despite a nervous display.

The big Brazilian has been in and out of the Inter side this season after irritating coach Jose Mourinho with a perceived lack of commitment.

Mourinho has also been banned for Wednesday's game at Catania after being sent from the dugout just before Adriano's goal for arguing with the officials.

Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed the Samp game through suspension but is available again for the trip to Sicily.

AC Milan's Ronaldinho was suspended for three Italian Cup games earlier this month after television replays showed him throwing an elbow in the 2-1 defeat by Lazio in the last 16.

source

Barcelona's Messi: I could leave like Ronaldinho

26.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

Lionel Messi cannot guarantee he will spend his career with Barcelona.

The Argentine whiz saw good friend Ronaldinho forced to leave Barca last summer for AC Milan and said: "It is not impossible (I could leave). Look what happened to Ronnie.

"In the last year, he was not happy, and that's not because he wanted to leave."

For now, however, Messi is adamant: "I came here at 13 years of age and this club gave everything to me and my family. The affection of the fans is most important and I do not intend to go anywhere."

Real Madrid star Javier Saviola to join Portsmouth on loan

By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 6:01 PM on 26th January 2009

Argentine international Javier Saviola is set to join Portsmouth on loan.

Saviola has snubbed offers from Newcastle and Everton after being persuaded by boss Tony Adams to help out the south coast club in their relegation fight.

The 27-year-old will watch Portsmouth's Premier League home game with Aston Villa from the Fratton Park stands before sealing a six-month deal.

Saviola becomes Portsmouth's sixth signing of the January window and follows the captures of West Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins and Porto youngster Pele.

Manager Adams, who admits looking at 150 players, said: 'I would still like a midfielder and a striker and hopefully we can get them in this week. We need some bodies.

'We have a budget here. I do not have £40 million pounds to spend and most of my work will be done in the summer.'

Mullins, 29, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract after Portsmouth agreed a £1 million pounds fee with West Ham.

Attacking midfielder Pele, 19, joins on a six-month loan.

Former Barcelona and River Plate striker Saviola, nicknamed the little Rabbit, has scored 12 goals in 44 games for Argentina but has made only 16 appearances since joining Madrid in 2007.

Veteran midfielder Giggs promised new Manchester United contract

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The Associated Press – Sun Jan 25, 12:02 pm ET

MANCHESTER, England - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson pledged to extend the contract of 35-year-old midfielder Ryan Giggs, the club's most decorated player.

The former Wales international's contract ends in June, and he is still a key member of a team in contention for the Premier League, Champions League and two domestic cups.

"Ryan will be offered a new contract, of course," Ferguson said. "He has been fantastic for us this season - he seems to be getting even better with age.

"He could win the Footballer of the Year award and it would be fitting if he did after the career he has had. He seems to be one of those rare people who find that age and injuries don't catch up with them."

While lacking the pace to burst down the left wing as he once did, Giggs has created a new role for himself at the heart of the midfield to prolong his career with the Premier League leaders.

"I am enjoying the role," Giggs said earlier this month. "I am not able to run up and down the wing like I used to so I just use my experience, either playing off the front or in central midfield.

"I have the legs of the younger lads around me to rely on and I feel quite happy in there."

Giggs has won 10 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups in a career stretching back to 1991.

He made a club record 759th appearance in the Champions League final win over Chelsea, surpassing Bobby Charlton.

Beckham hints at staying with AC Milan

ROME, Italy (AFP) – David Beckham left the door open to a possible long-term stay at AC Milan after scoring his first goal in Italian football in a 4-1 win at Bologna.

The victory kept Milan in the title hunt, trailing leaders and city rivals Inter Milan by six points.

Playing only his third match for Milan, Beckham wrapped things up on the hour mark with Milan's fourth, a rocket that beat Francesco Antonioli at his near post.

"I feel very good here. I arrived in a team that wanted me for years and I play for exceptional fans," said the former England captain.

"I'll stay here until March and then we'll see. Right now I'm focussed only on my football."

Beckham linked up with his Milan team-mates at the end of December before joining them on a mid-season warm weather training camp in Dubai.

He joined on loan from LA Galaxy and his deal is due to run out on March 8, after which he is expected back in Los Angeles for the start of the new Major League Soccer season.

However, he has been an instant hit in Milan for his industrious play on the right side of a three-man midfield and now the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player seems to be considering a longer stay in the Italian financial capital.

On Sunday, he struck from about 15 yards out to the right of goal to net his first successful strike for Milan.

"It was a truly special goal, just as it is special for me to be playing here," he told RAI TV.

"The important thing was to win so now we are even more confident ahead of Wednesday's game (against Genoa)."

Milan have been a more balanced and effective outfit since Beckham joined, something they had lost since Gennaro Gattuso was injured.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is keen to keep him at the club but admits that it is out of his hands.

"It's up to him what happens. Our hands are tied because he is locked into a very precise contract," said Ancelotti.

"But as long as we have him at our disposal I see no reason not to take advantage of that because he's giving us a lot."

It's not just Beckham's presence on the right side of a three man midfield that is working well for Ancelotti, but another switch also seems to have paid dividends.

Rather than playing Kaka behind Pato and Ronaldinho, Ancelotti has pushed Kaka further forward, dropped Ronaldinho to the bench and is playing veteran Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf in the hole behind the front two.

Massimo Ambrossini is bringing some steel to the midfield.

"Right now we're playing with great effectiveness because we're making the most of Kaka and Pato's pace," said Ancelotti.

"Seedorf gives us more cover (than Ronaldinho) but we haven't forgetten when the Brazilian was playing well over the first half of the season."

However, it seems the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain player is paying for poor discipline.

"He was the one who did the least work in Dubai but in the future he can once again play with and Pato Kaka," said the coach.

He may have to wait a while, though.

If things continue in this vein, Ancelotti, who celebrated 400 games in charge of Milan against Bologna, believes his side has what it takes to be champions for the first time since 2004.

"If we carry on along this path we can win the championship," he said. "The problem right now is finding consistency."

Juande Ramos Chooses Diarra For Champions League

Juande Ramos, the Real Madrid coach, has decided that Lassana Diarra will take up Los Blancos' sole remaining Champions League squad place.

According to Marca, Ramos is convinced that Diarra is more important to the side's European fortunes than Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Diarra has impressed in his first few games in the Spanish capital, while Huntelaar is yet to open his goal-scoring account.

The report states that the Dutchman has already accepted the decision, and only a miracle or an injury to Diarra will make Ramos change his mind.

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com