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On Monday and Tuesday, the English press wrote about David Beckham's nostalgia for the USA, Wayne Rooney's gambling debts, the "tension" at Chelsea, Sven-Goran Eriksson's specific preparation for the World Cup, the foggy future of Robbie Fowler at Liverpool, and the gilded ball at the World Cup. We also present the most notable quotes from last week.
On Monday, Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren met for the second time with FA representatives to discuss the England national team coach's job. (Daily Mirror)
David Beckham hinted that he would like to finish his career in the USA. (Daily Mirror)
Wayne Rooney's representatives plan to seek a compromise on the English star's gambling debts, which could amount to 700,000 pounds. (Various)
Chelsea player Didier Drogba mentioned that some of the newcomers at the club are psychologically weaker than last year's team. (The Sun)
It is likely that Tottenham wants to attract Charlton forward Darren Bent and has made a 6 million pound offer. (Daily Mail)
Instead of watching Premier League matches, England national team coach Sven-Goran Eriksson visited China over the weekend and promoted a real estate company. (The Times)
Blackburn wants to attract Birmingham's player Emile Heskey. (Daily Mirror)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hinted that he may reject Robbie Fowler's services and try to find a younger striker. (Daily Mirror)
At the end of the season, Wolves manager Glenn Hoddle may leave the team. (Daily Express)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho urged his players to play relaxed in the remaining Premier League matches. (The Times)
A special gilded ball will be used in the final of the World Cup, which the winning team's players can kick in all matches for the next four years. (The Times)
The average Premier League player's salary is 676,000 pounds. (The Independent)
Graham Rix, who was forced to leave his position as Hearts manager in March, cannot wait to return to top-level football. (Daily Record)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho warned Man Utd that the battle for the title is over. (The Sun, Daily Express, The Star)
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren expressed concerns that a congested fixture list could ruin their hopes of winning two trophies this season. (Daily Mirror)
Celtic captain Neil Lennon will begin negotiations about his future after the champions' tribute at Celtic Park on Sunday. (Daily Record)
Charlton manager Alan Curbishley hinted that the delay in announcing a new England coach by the FA is greatly annoying him. (The Sun)
Rumors circulated that Wayne Rooney was involved in a fight with other English players over betting. (Daily Mirror, Daily Star, Daily Mail, The Times, The Independent)
Charlton defender Luke Young strained his hamstring, so he will miss the World Cup. (The Star)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson stated that the battle for the title is not over. (Daily Express, The Sun, Daily Mirror, Daily Star)
Hearts striker Roman Bednar assured that Rangers have no chance of rising to second place in the Scottish football league. (Daily Record)
If Wolves manager Glenn Hoddle decides to leave the team, his place could be taken by Rob Kelly, who is temporarily coaching Leicester City. (The Times)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez continues to worry Sunday's match hero Robbie Fowler about a new contract. (Daily Star)
Notable quotes from last week:
He certainly doesn't annoy the crowd – but we intend to complain to the 4,500 spectators who called him a fat *****. (Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock defending goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, who raised his arms in front of opposing fans after a win)
My nine-year-old son feels more Scottish than anything else at the moment, so we must return to Sweden. (Former Celtic striker Henrik Larsson on the reasons that forced him to leave Barcelona and return to his native Helsingborg)
We will visit the magnificent city of London, which my wife and I love more than Turin. (Villarreal president upon learning that his proteges will face Arsenal in the Champions League semifinal, he began to inquire about tourist spots in London rather than football)
It is now 10 minutes past 11. It's funny when someone asks how long Saturday can last. I just wanted to remind you how cruel football can be when you try to surpass yourself. (Celtic manager Gordon Strachan still wears the watch that stopped in July during the Champions League match, when his players suffered a shameful 5-0 defeat to Artmedia Bratislava)
We missed two blitz goals, but we can successfully repeat the same at home. (Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren before the second leg of the UEFA Cup quarterfinal)
So the result remains 0-0, just as it was at the start of the match. (Mike Ingham about 10 minutes after the second leg between Arsenal and Juventus began)
If Arsenal scores a goal, they will have an advantage in this match. (Graham Taylor was even more insightful commenting on the second match between Arsenal and Juventus)
Fabregas' foot "exploded" after the match, and that is certainly not a good sign, but by the time you read this, we will have his test results. (Arsene Wenger about Fabregas' "exploding" foot)
He should have put him on a plate, with sausages, chicken wings, and a garnish of eggs, but he couldn't take it. (Chris Kamara got a bit carried away commenting on a missed opportunity in the Fulham vs. Portsmouth match)
