Tag Archives: grenade

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho vow to finish Manchester City"s Champions League hopes

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Portuguese men of AWE! Ronaldo and Mourinho are back in town to finish City's 'Euro failures'

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UPDATED:

23:26 GMT, 20 November 2012

Jose Mourinho had only been in England for an hour and only in his seat in the press room at the Etihad Stadium for three minutes when he tossed his first grenade into Manchester City territory.

Asked if he was surprised at City's struggles in Group D of the Champions League, the brutality of Mourinho's answer was clear.

'It's normal if one of the big teams does not win the competition because there are other teams with the same power and desire,' said the Real Madrid coach.

No chance: Jose Mourinho believes that Manchester City have little chance of progression

No chance: Jose Mourinho believes that Manchester City have little chance of progression

'Only one team can win. However I don't think it's normal when you are out of the competition at the very first stage.

'From my point of view, if Real Madrid lose the final or a semi-final or a quarter-final, then that's just football. But if you are out at the group stage then it's more difficult to accept or understand.

'Last season they were out. This season I think they will be out. They could win this game of course. They could win in Dortmund as well. But eight points is not enough and I think they are out for the second successive season. That must be very difficult for them.'

City coach Roberto Mancini will perhaps care little for Mourinho's opinions.

The two men have not got on since Mourinho followed Mancini into the manager's chair at Inter Milan.

The former Chelsea coach, however, had made his point and maybe he indeed has a point.

Victory here against the man who followed him into the manager's chair at Inter Milan would give Mancini some satisfaction. It is, however, unlikely to save a European campaign that began to fall apart when City turned a 2-1 lead into a 3-2 defeat in the final three minutes of their opening game, against Real at the Bernabeu in September.

'That game was crucial for sure,' Mourinho added. 'If they had won that match their history would be different.

'But our reaction in that match was fantastic and now we need three points and are in good condition to qualify.

'City have a team to compete against Real Madrid – and why not – but eight points is not enough.

Portuguese man of awe: Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to sink City's hopes

Portuguese man of awe: Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to sink City's hopes

Welcome back: Ronaldo features in Sportsmail's mocked up poster

Welcome back: Ronaldo features in Sportsmail's mocked up poster

WATCHING BRIEF

Kick-off: 7.45pm Etihad Stadium.
TV & Radio: LIVE Sky Sports 2 from 7pm and BB C 5 Live from 7.45pm.
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (Italy).

'I say again, City will be out of the competition.'

Certainly that balmy – and barmy – night in Madrid two months ago seems a while ago.

Back then, City believed themselves to be set for a fight with Real for first place in the group.

Subsequent struggles against Dortmund and Ajax have left them thinking differently.

They are bottom of Group D with two points and will go out if they fail to beat Real. Tonight marks, among other things, the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester.

The good news for City is that the former United forward is in his worst run of scoring form since September 2011.

Confident: Mourinho travelled into Manchester with his team on Tuesday

Confident: Mourinho travelled into Manchester with his team on Tuesday

WHAT RONALDO'S BEEN UP TO SINCE LEAVING UNITED IN 2009

165 The number of goals Ronaldo has scored in all competitions since joining Real Madrid in 2009 – in just 162 games

46 La Liga goals scored for Real in one season (2011-12) – a club record

60 Goals scored in 2011-12 for Real in all competitions – another club record

7 The Real record for the most hat-tricks in a season. Ronaldo has achieved the feat twice

38 Ronaldo has contributed 38 assists since joining Real

19 Ronaldo is the first player to score a goal against all other 19 La Liga teams in the same season (2011-12)

The bad news is that all things are relative. Ronaldo has scored one goal in his last four games for Real.

In the context of his remarkable career in Spain, that represents something of a drought.

With Ronaldo, however, dams tend to burst in spectacular fashion. In September last year, he returned to life with a hat-trick in a 6-2 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano.

Earlier this season the Portugal star declared himself unhappy with life at Real then scored a goal against City that sparked a run of 10 in five games, a sequence that included three hat-tricks.

It is little wonder that Ronaldo – a player who averages more than a goal a game for his club – views himself as the best player in the world, little wonder that Mancini said over the weekend that his team may need the help of the police to shackle him at the Etihad Stadium.

City forward Carlos Tevez, a former Old Trafford team-mate of Ronaldo, said: 'Cristiano is one of the best players in the world and he will play in this game the way he always has done.

'He does not seem to feel pressure. We will have to keep a special eye on him. I think it is only right if Cristiano believes he is the best in the world.

'Any guy who gets 37 to 40 goals a season has a right to believe that. Having said that, if you push me on who is best I am always going to go on the side of Lionel Messi.'

The Ronaldo/Messi debate is a familiar one. Ronaldo has already made clear his displeasure about Messi's official status as the world's best player.

Danger man: Ronaldo has been prolific since leaving Manchester United in 2009

Danger man: Ronaldo has been prolific since leaving Manchester United in 2009

Are you having a laugh Carlos Tevez believes Lionel Messi is better than Ronaldo

Are you having a laugh Carlos Tevez believes Lionel Messi is better than Ronaldo

Enlarge

How they stand

That, however, is probably a conversation best left for another time.

Wednesday may yet transpire to be another episode of the Ronaldo show. Last night, though, was about his coach.

Asked to discuss his future, Mourinho left more than enough hints hanging in the air.

Unfortunately for him, City's new chief executive Feran Sorriano had already left the room.

'The beauty of my experience is I had the chance to leave my country, Portugal, to be in England, Italy and Spain and get the best and worst of these experiences to make me a better manager,' he said.

'I have done the lap. When you have those experiences, you evaluate, decide where you are happier and then make the choice for the future.'

MARTIN KEOWN: HOW TO STOP CRISTIANO
Insight: Martin Keown

1 Get close to him and try to win the ball straight away. Sergio Ramos did that very well in the Euro 2012 semi-final. He outmuscled him. You need a no-nonsense approach.

2 Whoever plays wide right for City must block the service to Ronaldo. When Real are in possession, that player must be in front of Ronaldo, screening the ball into his feet.

3 When he gets within 35 yards of goal, do not stand off because he will shoot. You have to close him down. Equally, don't give away stupid free-kicks in that area. His free-kick routine is like a pantomime and is very dangerous.

Probable teams: Man City v Real Madrid

Nevin Spence tribute planned by Aviva Premiership clubs

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Premiership sides to observe minute silence in tribute to tragic Ulster star Spence

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UPDATED:

15:54 GMT, 21 September 2012

Tributes will be paid throughout the Aviva Premiership this weekend to Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence.

The 22-year-old was killed, along with his father and brother, in an accident on the family farm in Northern Ireland last weekend.

A minute's silence will be observed before all six Premiership games, starting with Sale's match against London Welsh and followed by matches hosted by London Irish, Northampton, Gloucester, Leicester and Exeter.

Tribute: Aviva Premiership clubs will observe a minute silence in honour of tragic Ulster star Nevin Spence

Tribute: Aviva Premiership clubs will observe a minute silence in honour of tragic Ulster star Nevin Spence

Luke Benedict

Sale, meanwhile, will also remember Greater Manchester Police officers Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, who were killed in a gun and grenade attack earlier this week.

'After the devastating events of last weekend, it is entirely appropriate that the whole of the rugby world remembers Nevin and his family this weekend,' Premiership Rugby rugby director Phil Winstanley said.

'In times like these rugby as a sport pulls together, and Premiership Rugby and all the Aviva Premiership clubs want to remember Nevin and show support for his family and for Ulster Rugby at this extremely difficult time.'

Manchester United to wear black armbands in memory of murdered policewomen

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Man United to wear black armbands in memory of murdered policewomen

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UPDATED:

13:59 GMT, 19 September 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his sadness at the murder of the two policewomen killed in a grenade and gun attack.

His players will wear black armbands during Wednesday night's Champions League encounter with Galatasaray at Old Trafford in honour of Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes.

Pc Bone, 32, and Pc Hughes, 23, had been sent to investigate what appeared to be a routine burglary report in Hattersley, Greater Manchester, yesterday when they were attacked. Wanted fugitive Dale Cregan, 29, later handed himself into a nearby police station.

Tragedy: Tributes will be paid to the two policewomen on Wednesday night

Tragedy: Tributes will be paid to the two policewomen at Old Trafford on Wednesday night; below, flowers are left near the scene of the murders

Tragedy: Tributes will be paid to the two policewomen at Old Trafford on Wednesday night; below, flowers are left near the scene of the murders

Ferguson said: 'We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two young policewomen protecting our community.

'Fiona and Nicola were highly valued members of Greater Manchester Police and the local community.

'Our thoughts and prayers are now with their families and friends at this devastatingly sad time.'

Cregan has been arrested and is being questioned by police.

SPL plans to hammer newco Rangers grow fears of scuppered sale

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Blue fury! SPL plans to hammer newco Rangers grow fears move may scupper sale

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UPDATED:

22:13 GMT, 11 April 2012

Rangers' administrators have reacted with fury after the SPL revealed plans which would see any proposed Ibrox 'newco' face tough sporting sanctions.

One source described the timing of the SPL announcement as tantamount to throwing a 'hand grenade' into the takeover plans for the troubled Ibrox club.

It forced administrators Duff & Phelps to delay the naming of a preferred bidder from a shortlist of Paul Murray's Blue Knights, Bill Miller's Chicago group and Bill Ng's Singaporean consortium.

Unrest: Rangers fans take part in a anti-liquidation demo on Saturday

Unrest: Rangers fans take part in a anti-liquidation demo on Saturday

In a statement, joint administrator Paul Clark reacted to the announcement of plans to hammer 'newco' entrants to the SPL by describing the timing as 'disruptive and regrettable'.

The SPL revealed that the 12 top-tier clubs will meet on April 30 to consider new penalties for clubs enduring an 'insolvency transfer event'.

The proposal would see a 'newco' Rangers hit with a 10-point penalty for the next two campaigns, plus the slashing of SPL commercial revenue by 75 per cent for three seasons.

That would have savage implications for Ibrox budgets, with this season's likely television revenue of 2.4million for finishing second in the SPL slashed to just 600,000.

Crucially, however, it would appear to preserve their top-flight status. In rules regarding clubs going into administration, the SPL propose that in future a 15-point penalty be imposed or the loss of a third of a club's points tally from the previous season – whichever is greater.

If adopted, the new measures would take effect from May 14, but would not be imposed retrospectively. So Rangers would see no change to the existing penalty of 10 points if they are still in administration next season.

Wary of the time and complexity involved in completing a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) with creditors, however, Duff & Phelps have asked the SPL to clarify whether the club would face a 10-point penalty if a deal was agreed in principle, but not completed before the new season.

To be passed, the key proposals require an 8-4 majority and would also see a transfer embargo imposed on any club which fails to make PAYE and National Insurance Contributions to HMRC and new rules governing the payment of players' wages on time.

Duff & Phelps have consistently expressed confidence that a preferred bidder will be appointed and a CVA reached to take the club out of administration before next season.

Hold up: The naming of a preferred bidder for the club has been delayed

Hold up: The naming of a preferred bidder for the club has been delayed

And, in a strongly-worded statement, Clark said: 'We had hoped to announce today the acceptance in principle of an offer for the purchase of Rangers Football Club, which would be followed by a period of exclusivity while due diligence is undertaken.

'Regrettably, this is not now possible as we were informed over the Easter holiday period that the SPL is proposing to consider at a general meeting on April 30, significant rule changes in relation to clubs which find themselves in an insolvency situation.

'The effect of such revised measures being considered at this juncture is that we, as administrators, are duty bound to inform those parties who have submitted bids of the proposed resolutions the SPL intends to consider.

'Failure to do so would constitute material non-disclosure on our part.

'Inevitably, bidders are now considering this information and will have to take a view as to whether it will affect their bids. The result is a delay in the sale process.

'We fully respect the right of the SPL to review its own rules and regulations and will not comment on the detail of what is being proposed.

'However, the fact that such measures are being considered at such a sensitive point in the sale process at Rangers is disruptive and regrettable.'

Prospective owners Paul Murray and Bill Miller told Sportsmail they were digesting the SPL proposals before making any comment.

Unpaid bill: Rapid Vienna are still owed money for Nikica Jelavic (centre)

Unpaid bill: Rapid Vienna are still owed money for Nikica Jelavic (centre)

The decision by the SPL to reveal their proposals was also criticised by Rangers fans. Andy Kerr, president of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, said: 'I am appalled by the timing of this announcement.

'When the club entered administration, we fully expected to have the existing rules applied in a fair and proper manner. The proposed changes seek to move the goalposts at a critical time and seriously affect the plans of those seeking the buy the club.

'Our fans are extremely angry and we all seriously question the motives and timing of the proposed changes.

'We will be asking searching questions of the SPL and we will consider what other action may be appropriate before the SPL meet to consider the changes on 30 April.'

Sportsmail understands such action could include the boycotting of away grounds.

The SPL announcement came as Rapid Vienna, still owed money for the transfer of Nikica Jelavic in 2010, warned that they will vote against any pence in the pound offer from a CVA.

Threatening to take the matter to UEFA, the Austrian club released a statement yesterday saying: 'Rapid assumes that Rangers want to play in European competitions in the future.

'The quoted rate of 10-20 per cent may well apply to general creditors who are outside the boundaries of UEFA.

'Rapid Vienna continues to believe, however, that the outstanding amount of money will be transferred in full.

'This is necessary under the regulations outlined by UEFA'S Financial Fair Play rules.'

Bahrain Grand Prix: Bomb wounds seven policemen

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Further doubts over Bahrain GP as seven policemen are wounded by bomb

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UPDATED:

00:14 GMT, 10 April 2012

Events at this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix are in danger of being overshadowed by uncertainty over whether the following race in Bahrain will go ahead amidst continued political unrest in the Gulf state.

At present, Formula One teams are working on the principal that the Bahrain Grand Prix is still on despite concerns over the safety of their employees and misgivings about staging a race in a country whose human rights record has been brought into question.

Up in flames: A flash-bang grenade is thrown by police as they storm a march

Up in flames: A flash-bang grenade is thrown by police as they storm a march

Such concerns are sure to have been heightened by the news that seven Bahraini policemen were wounded on Monday, three of them seriously, by a home-made bomb during a protest near the capital Manama calling for the release of an activist on a two-month hunger strike.

'We consider this an act of terrorism,' a Interior Ministry spokesman said of the explosion.

Running battle: Protestors clash with the police on Sunday

Running battle: Protestors clash with the police on Sunday

One team principal, who did not wish to be named, admitted: 'I feel very uncomfortable about going to Bahrain. If I'm brutally frank, the only way they can pull this race off without incident is to have a complete military lock-down there.

'I think that would be unacceptable, both for Formula One and for Bahrain. But I don't see any other way they can do it.'

Violence: The Bahrain is due to go ahead next Sunday

Violence: The Bahrain race is due to go ahead next Sunday

With groups opposed to the ruling Bahrain royal family heavily critical of the decision to return the grand prix to the calendar following its cancellation last year, and with potentially violent protests expected to increase in intensity as the race on April 22 draws ever closer, teams have put in place contingency plans in the event it is called off yet again.

It is expected that most teams will fly their personnel to Middle East states such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman and Qatar rather than directly to Bahrain following Sunday's race in Shanghai.

On the Button: Bahrain hasn't hosted a grand prix since the season opener in 2010

On the Button: Bahrain hasn't hosted a grand prix since the season opener in 2010

Thus, if the race does indeed go ahead as planned teams face only a
short flight to Bahrain to carry out their normal grand prix
preparations.

But in the
event it is cancelled, the majority of Formula One personnel can fly
home to Europe without ever setting foot in Bahrain.

The worst case scenario for the teams is, of course, for the race to be
cancelled once they have installed themselves at the Sakhir circuit as a
consequence of the situation on the ground deteriorating to such an
extent that it is not deemed safe to proceed.

Trouble: There have been growing calls to scrap this year's Bahrain Grand Prix

Trouble: There have been growing calls to scrap this year's Bahrain Grand Prix

World motorsport governing body, the FIA, insist they are monitoring
events in Bahrain on a daily basis and remain in constant contact with
the government authorities who continue to assert it is safe to stage
the race.

Meanwhile, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone remains adamant the grand prix will go ahead.

Ecclestone is due in China this weekend as is FIA president Jean Todt
with the teams certain to seek a meeting with the Formula One power
brokers regarding the situation in Bahrain.

Jacob Mellis arrested over fight with girlfriend

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Axed Chelsea youngster Mellis arrested after 3am bust-up with girlfriend

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UPDATED:

10:05 GMT, 9 April 2012

Jacob Mellis has been arrested over a bloody fight with his girlfriend.

Mellis, who was axed by Chelsea after a prank with a smoke grenade, was nicked in hospital after being taken to A&E with the 19-year-old following a row at his Surrey apartment.

Police are believed to have kicked in the security door at Mellis' 400,000 home in Cobham as the bust-up in the early hours of Sunday stunned neighbours.

Arrested: Jacob Mellis was held after a row with his girlfriend

Arrested: Jacob Mellis was held after a row with his girlfriend

One told The Sun: 'All hell broke loose. There was screaming, swearing and the sound of furniture being smashed. It sounded like a full-on war. No one dared go out.'

Another neighbour said: 'I heard things being smashed and both of them screaming at each other.'

Mellis, 21, and his girlfriend were arrested at St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey on suspicion of ABH after being treated for scratches and bruises.

The pair spent most of the day at Staines police station and accepted cautions for common assault.

Mellis, who is on trial at QPR, also agreed to a caution for criminal damage.

Mellis signed for Chelsea from Sheffield United five years ago and was tipped for a bright future at the club but he was shown the door after a bizarre incident last month.

Bruised: The couple were treated at St Peter's Hospital

Bruised: The couple were treated at St Peter's Hospital

The England Under 19 midfielder set off a smoke grenade at the training ground and caused a full-scale evacuation.

Team-mate Billy Clifford escaped with a fine after admitting he brought the grenade to the training centre.

The grenade was set off in the reserve team dressing room and trained fire marshals had to be brought in.

Players, officials and other staff from Chelsea's reserve, youth and academy teams ran from the building at Cobham with hands covering their faces because of the thick smoke.

Owner Roman Abramovich was briefed about the shocking incident.

Fire marshals employed by Chelsea were sent into the building, but it was more than an hour before anyone else could go back into the dressing rooms.

QPR take former Chelsea man Jacob Mellis on trial

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QPR take Chelsea reject Mellis on trial after smoke-grenade shame

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UPDATED:

08:09 GMT, 4 April 2012

QPR have handed a trial to Jacob Mellis, who recently parted company with Chelsea after setting off a smoke grenade at their training ground.

The midfielder, 21, played and scored in Rangers’ 2-1 reserve defeat against West Ham on Tuesday.

Mellis, who spent last week training with npower Championship side Burnley, left Chelsea 'by mutual consent' last month after admitting to the smoke-grenade prank.

Feeling Blue: Jacob Mellis was sacked by Chelsea last month over an incident involving a smoke bomb at the club's training ground in Cobham

Feeling Blue: Jacob Mellis was sacked by Chelsea last month over an incident involving a smoke bomb at the club's training ground in Cobham

The prank, which was revealled by Sportsmail, caused a full-scale evacuation at the club’s Cobham training ground.

Players, officials and other staff from Chelsea's reserve, youth and academy teams ran from the building at Cobham with hands covering their faces because of the thick smoke.

Mellis made his first-team debut in the Champions League last season, but was told he had no future at the club during a disciplinary hearing.

Team-mate Billy Clifford has escaped with a fine after admitting he brought the grenade into the training centre.

Clifford, 19, is a regular in the reserves and signed a new four-year deal last summer, while Mellis, 21, joined Chelsea from Sheffield United five years ago and has been tipped to be a first team regular.

The pair were suspended after the incident on March 2.

Tuesday's friendly also witnessed the return of QPR strikers Heidar Helguson and DJ Campbell from injuries that have sidelined them for more than two months.

Chelsea sack Jacob Mellis over smoke bomb prank

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Chelsea sack starlet Mellis and fine team-mate Clifford over smoke bomb prank

Chelsea have kicked out midfielder Jacob Mellis after he admitted setting off a smoke grenade and causing a full-scale evacuation at the club’s Cobham training ground.

Mellis made his first-team debut in the Champions League last season, but was told he had no future at the club during a disciplinary hearing.

Team-mate Billy Clifford has escaped with a fine after admitting he brought the grenade into the training centre.

In trouble: Jacob Mellis

Youth player: Billy Clifford

Punished: Jacob Mellis (left) and Billy Clifford (right)

Clifford, 19, is a regular in the reserves and signed a new four-year deal last
summer.

Mellis, 21, joined Chelsea from Sheffield United five years ago
and has been tipped to be a first team regular.

The pair were suspended after the incident on March 2.

The smoke grenade was set off in the
reserve team dressing room and trained fire marshals
had to be brought in.

Players, officials and other staff
from Chelsea's reserve, youth and academy teams ran from the building
at Cobham with hands covering their faces because of the thick smoke.

Owner Roman Abramovich was briefed about the shocking incident.

The grenade, which was set off in one of
the reserve-team dressing rooms shortly before training at 10.30am, set
off fire alarms and triggered a full evacuation procedure.

Fire
marshals employed by Chelsea were sent into the building, but it was
more than an hour before anyone else could go back into the dressing
rooms.

Furious: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich

Furious: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich

It is the latest in a string of
incidents at the training ground.

Some of the more responsible reserve
and youth-team players are becoming worried about their safety at one
of the most expensively-assembled academy systems in world football.

Last
December a knife described as 'something out of a Rambo film' was
discovered in the youth-team dressing room. It was later claimed to have
been a workman's tool which had been inadvertently left behind.

Last
January, Ashley Cole was forced to apologise to an intern after the England
left back brought an air rifle to training and shot him in the leg in
the first-team dressing room.

Chelsea eyeing Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp for manager"s job

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EXCLUSIVE: Dortmund boss Klopp is on Roman's radar for Chelsea hotseat

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UPDATED:

00:31 GMT, 20 March 2012

Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp is emerging as a serious contender to become Chelsea’s next manager.

Sportsmail has learned the 44-year-old features prominently on Roman Abramovich’s list of high-profile candidates to become the ninth manager of his reign, should top choices Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho fail to answer the call.

Klopp led Dortmund to their first Bundesliga title since 2002 last season and has put together one of Europe’s most exciting sides, nurturing young talents such Mario Gotze, Mats Hummels and Sven Bender, and impressing Abramovich in the process.

On Roman's wish list: Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp

On Roman's wish list: Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp

Viewed in his homeland as the man to replace Jupp Heynckes at Bayern Munich, Klopp recently signed a new contract to stay at Dortmund until 2016. But given Abramovich’s millions, that is unlikely to cause a problem for the Blues this summer.

Chelsea’s current caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo insists he did not stab Andre Villas-Boas in the back after his sacking. Di Matteo, Villas-Boas’s assistant, was swiftly installed as interim boss after the ex-Porto coach was axed.

But the Italian told Eurosport: ‘I will always respect him a lot, but I did not hesitate when I was offered this chance. How can you hesitate when you have the opportunity to manage one of the most important football clubs in the world

Caretaker: Roberto Di Matteo (centre) insists he did not stab AVB in the back

Caretaker: Roberto Di Matteo (centre) insists he did not stab AVB in the back

'I did my best and Andre knows it. I did not conspire against him and decisions we took, we took together.’

Meanwhile, Chelsea have kicked out midfielder Jacob Mellis after he admitted setting off a smoke grenade and causing a full-scale evacuation at the club’s Cobham training ground.

Let go: Jacob Mellis (right) has been released over the smoke bomb incident

Let go: Jacob Mellis (right) has been released over the smoke bomb incident

Mellis made his first-team debut in the Champions League last season, but was told he had no future at the club during a disciplinary hearing.

Team-mate Billy Clifford has escaped with a fine after admitting he brought the grenade into the training centre.

Chelsea youngsters" future up in smoke

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Chelsea duo face uncertain future following smoke bomb prank

Chelsea have suspended two of their most promising young players after a smoke grenade caused a full scale evacuation at the club’s training ground.

Jacob Mellis, who made his Chelsea debut last season in the Champions League, and Billy Clifford both face disciplinary proceedings.

The smoke grenade was set off in the reserve team dressing room on Friday morning and trained fire marshals had to be brought in. Both players will miss Monday’s reserve team game with Arsenal and are no longer certain if they have a future at the club after being told to stay away from the training ground.

No place for that here: A smoke bomb forced a full evacuation of the Chelsea training ground in Cobham, Surrey

No place for that here: A smoke bomb forced a full evacuation of the Chelsea training ground in Cobham, Surrey

Clifford, 19, is a regular in the reserves and signed a new four year deal last summer. Mellis, 21, joined Chelsea from Sheffield United five years ago and has been tipped to be a first team regular.

Chief executive Ron Gourlay witnessed the remarkable incident and on Friday was threatening to sack the pair.

This is the latest incident to reflect badly on the club’s academy and parents of some young players are now considering whether to pull their children out.