Guus Hiddink admits Chelsea are likely to fall short in their bid to catch Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Hiddink’s side are seven points behind United and have played a game more than the reigning champions.

The Blues can close the gap to four points with a win at Portsmouth on Tuesday, but United will reestablish the advantage if they beat Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday.

United’s ability to grind out narrow wins this season continued on Sunday as they won the League Cup final against Tottenham on penalties and Hiddink concedes it would be extremely surprising if they squandered such a big advantage.

“I am not naive. They have a very good squad, but as long as there is a possibility, you never know. However, realistically, it will be difficult,” Hiddink, speaking at a press conference on Monday, said.

“I like a team that does not give up. I liked the way the team reacted against Wigan after we conceded the goal, and that is just like I see the championship as well. We have to go as long as it is possible.

“We have the ambition to go and be at the top in the end of the May, so we have to stop them.

“They have always been classical clashes between two powerhouses, but let’s make a few steps first.”

Hiddink Admits ´We Will Struggle To Catch United´ … read more »

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo insists referee Chris Foy was wrong to book him for diving during Sunday’s League Cup final victory against Tottenham.

Ronaldo is no stranger to controversy over his theatrical tumbles but the Portugal star appeared to be harshly treated by Foy at Wembley.

Television replays showed Tottenham defender Ledley King clearly made contact with Ronaldo before the United player fell to the turf in the penalty area.

Foy was quick to flash a yellow card at Ronaldo after the incident, much the bemusement of the World and European Footballer of the Year.

“If you see the replay you will see that their player kicked me in the foot,” Ronaldo said.

“The referee did not make the right decision then and he didn’t give me a lot, all match, I don’t know why. But in every game, the referee’s decision has to be respected.”

Ronaldo Baffled By Dive Booking … read more »

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has put the block on giving the players new contracts until he signs a new deal at the club. According to the Daily Mail, the Anfield boss will meet American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett this week to discuss an £18million, four-year deal. Despite the departure of Rick Parry at the end of the season, there are no guarantees that Benitez will sign a new contract with the club.

Kuyt told the Mail: “The manager told me he wants to give me a new contract but because of his own contract he wanted to sort that out first. I’m not too worried about it at this stage, I am focusing on important games coming up. I have never thought the manager would be leaving. It is very important who the manager is”, he added.

The Daily Mirror reported West Ham are set to be taken over by a group of Asian investors in a £90million deal. The group from the Far East are close to replacing the current Icelandic owners. Talks are advanced and might even be concluded this week.

The prospective owners, believed to be a wealthy industrial group, have the funds in place to buy the club from Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. His Icelandic company arrived at Upton Park in November 2006 after clinching the £85m deal that paved the way for the departure of chairman Terry Brown.

Eggert Magnusson was named chairman and splashed out vast transfer fees while agreeing inflated contracts that are now millstones around the club’s neck.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito is very happy after his team obtained another three points by beating Bologna. “Zarate unblocked himself and now I’m convinced that also the team will start again with the same rhythm of the start of the season,” explained the Biancocelesti president.

“We dominated, this team has great quality and I saw a nice flow in our game. A coherent environment has been created inside the dressing room.”