Wins FIFA 2010 Men's Soccer Coach of the Year : Jose Mourinho

Soccer Extreme : Jose Mourinho has been selected FIFA's 2010 men's soccer coach of the year after leading Inter Milan to the European Champions League title.

Mourinho, the self-dubbed "Special One,'' beat Vicente del Bosque of World Cup champion Spain and Pep Guardiola of Spanish champion Barcelona in the inaugural prize, announced during the FIFA player of the year ceremony.

The Portuguese coach also led Inter to the Italian league and cup double before leaving to join Real Madrid.

The award was voted on by national teams coaches and captains plus selected reporters.

Jose Mourinho vs Paparazzi Again

Soccer Extreme : Jose Mourinho was filmed getting involved in a fracas with a lone photographer in Barajas airport in Madrid on Tuesday after the Real Madrid coach landed after a short trip with his family to New York.

Mourinho, who was accompanied with his wife and children as he returned to Spain, was far from amused when he saw paparazzi aiming their lenses at him and his loved-ones at they tried to get out the airport.

And the Special One almost lost his cool with one snapper in particular as the Real coach marched over with a threatening clenched fist, only to regain his composure once the rogue picture-taker had got the message.

According to Spanish press, Mourinho hit the photographers bag and confronted him saying These are my children!

Footage of the incident can be seen here

Newcastle's Alan Pardew was upset Jose Enrique revealed an injury on Twitter

Soccer Extreme : The social network is proving a tangled web for one English soccer coach.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew had hoped that an injury sidelining defender Jose Enrique wouldn't be disclosed until right before Tuesday's Premier League game against Tottenham.

But more than four hours before kickoff, the Spanish defender wrote in broken English on Twitter: "Sorry lads i have a test this morning and we decide is better dont play. ... Im so hungry because this game is nice to play. ... My hamstring is so stiff today."

Pardew, whose team lost 2-0, now wants his his players to withhold such revelations from social networking accounts. He acknowledges, however, that "it's difficult to police" and he won't impose an outright ban.

"I got a text message that the press knew," Pardew said. "Did he tweet it, did he? It's something as a club we need to look at. Players can't be giving that sort of information out. ... We need to make it as a club policy that it has to stop."

Asked if Enrique would be ready for Sunday's match against West Ham, Pardew cracked: "I'll check his tweet."

He may have been a bit late. Enrique already provided an update for his more than 5,000 followers.

"Im sure is ok for sunday because is just stiff nothing worse," he tweeted. "Thanks everyone for your support."

Pardew's annoyance must have reached Enrique. The messages were subsequently deleted from his feed.

"Sorry i want to delete twetter just get me problems," he explained on his feed. (sportsillustrated)

Inter Milan sacked coach Rafael Benitez

Soccer Extreme : European champions Inter Milan sacked coach Rafael Benitez on Thursday just a few days after he guided them to the World Club Cup title and looks set to be replaced by former AC Milan coach Brazilian Leonardo.

The two parties reached a mutual agreement over terminating the Spaniard's contract ending days of speculation about the former Liverpool manager's future after he had used the World Club Cup win to launch a bizarre outburst against the club's board and their lack of support in the transfer market as well as an attack on the players.

Inter, who turned to Benitez when Jose Mourinho left for Real Madrid in the summer, issued a curt statement confirming that the Spaniard's short reign had been brought to a premature and inglorious end after holding talks with his agent.

"Inter Milan and Rafael Benitez can announce that they have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement for the early termination of his contract.

"Inter thank Rafael Benitez for his work in leading his team to success in the Italian Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup."

Club president Massimo Moratti, though, later told Italian agency Ansa that there had been no way they could continue working together after such an outburst.

"I am sorry that we have ended our relationship with Benitez, but the rupture had become inevitable," said the 66-year-old oil tycoon, whose father Angelo was president of the club from 1955-68 when they won three Serie A titles and two European Cups.

"Aside from what Benitez said which were the final straw, I wasn't very happy with the manner in which things had gone up to the World Club Cup. Then, obviously, with the things he said put me in such a position that I had neither the will nor the patience to wait any longer."

Benitez, who is spending his now longer than expected Christmas break in Liverpool, bore no rancour in his initial reaction when he spoke to Ansa.

"I would like to thank everybody for the support I received in my spell at Inter," he said.

"I would like to thank both on my own behalf, and on behalf of my coaching staff, the players, the directors and the supporters who always had faith in us.

"The two titles we won (the Italian Super Cup being the other) was as a result of the commitment of all those who stayed at our sides, retaining the fundamental principles of professionalism, education, and respect for the decisions of the club.

"I am sad to leave such a big club and I wish the team all the success in the future.

"Finally I would like to thank wholeheartedly the president Massimo Moratti for having chosen me to be coach of Inter."

Benitez, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, had only been in the post since July after leaving Liverpool by mutual consent and had failed to convince the Inter fans that he could repeat the unique success of predecessor Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho, who never enjoyed close relations with Benitez when they coached Chelsea and Liverpool respectively, had secured the domestic double and the Champions League trophy last season.

Benitez had looked to have ensured he would stay in the post with Saturday's 3-0 World Club Cup final win over Tout Puissant Mazembe in Abu Dhabi and was warmly embraced by Moratti.

However, the 50-year-old - who made his name coaching Valencia - used the post match press conference to attack the board saying he deserved respect.

This was the same board who had stood by him even after they barely qualified for the second round of the Champions League, finishing second behind Spurs in their group.

In Serie A, Inter are seventh - 13 points adrift of bitter city rivals AC Milan, though, they have two games in hand.

"My relationship with the president is good - but I ask the club for help and respect - they did not come up with the goods after what they told me in the summer about (new) signings and so it's not easy," he said on Saturday.

"There are three possibilities. The first is that they help me and four or five new players come in and make the team even stronger," said Benitez, pointing out that several of his top stars have turned 30.

"The second is to carry on the same as now without a project or planning and get to May (season's end) that way. And the third is to speak with my agent," he said, implying that if the club were dissatisfied with him they should find someone else.

He insisted: "My relationship with the club is good - but I am a professional of 25 years standing in football and I want respect and assistance." (AFP)

I'm not being sacked by Inter, insists bullish Benitez

Soccer Extreme : Rafael Benitez has denied reports in the Italian press that he is soon to be sacked from his role as Internazionale manager. Yesterday's Gazzetta dello Sport said that he was soon to be dismissed by the president Massimo Moratti although Benitez rejected these suggestions in an interview with Spanish radio.

The front page headline of Gazzetta yesterday declared "Benitez is Out", despite the Spaniard leading Inter to the Club World Cup title last Saturday with a 3-0 win over Congolese side TP Mazembe. But Benitez said in an interview with Spanish radio yesterday that he had heard nothing of his dismissal.

"No, I have not been fired," he told Onda Cero while on a holiday in Liverpool. "I am surprised because I have seen a lot of headlines of newspapers and I have been phoned by a lot of people asking me if I have been fired, and that is not true at all. These are rumours that have been around for some time, but the only thing that I can say is that I am on holiday, and I want to rest so I can come back soon."

The manager went on to deny that there had been any falling out with Moratti. "We have a good relationship. We have never had a problem," Benitez said. "When we spoke on the phone, we spoke about the team, he told me that the players and former players told him that it was the best football that Inter had played in the last 15 to 20 years, that we were the Barcelona of Italy."

The speculation regarding Benitez's dismissal was further undermined by Moratti himself, who told reporters to "stay relaxed". The man who appointed Benitez in June said: "I'm not going to speak today, I don't want to create arguments with anyone."

Benitez's hold on his job had been threatened by a poor start to Inter's Serie A season. Inter had won the last five consecutive Scudetti, and last year, under the management of Jose Mourinho, they won the treble, including their first European Cup since the consecutive triumphs of Helenio Herrera's side in 1964 and 1965. As such, the Nerazzurri's form so far this term, leaving them seventh in Serie A and 13 points behind leaders and rivals Milan, has undermined Benitez's position.

Benitez's decision to demand more "respect" and more transfer spending from Moratti was unpopular with the club president. The Spaniard said in the aftermath of the victory in the Club World Cup: "If Inter want me as their coach, then they must allow me to control everything that happens within the squad.

"Support has to be from start to finish, 100 per cent. Otherwise, you don't win. With support, I mean above all intervention in the transfer market."

He went on to suggest that the board had reneged on promises. "I deserve respect. I am shouldering all the blame and all the responsibility, but the club promised me in August three players. None arrived." (independent)

Hot actress from Indonesia gets cozy with Azkals coach

Soccer Extreme : Philippines – Who is Rahma Azhari?

Google her name and head to the images section. Satisfied?

Now imagine her in the arms of the Philippine Azkals’ British coach Simon McMenemy.

Wait, don’t imagine anymore.

Azhari has already uploaded a photo of her and McMenemy together during a party in Jakarta.

“Hhhmm goodbye simon, have a nice trip back to manila xoxo,” the Indonesian actress said in her Twitter account.

Indonesian actress gets cozy with Azkals coach

The Jakarta Post believes that the pictures were taken at a nightclub in Jakarta after the Azkals’ AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal match against Indonesia on Sunday.

“He's just a friend... What a lovely person... Glad to actually met him! Had a great time!” Azhari tweeted.

“Yes that’s him... McMenemy feverrr... :))," she added.

The 29-year-old Azhari, who is also a model for men’s magazines, is a magnet for controversy, according to Indonesian media.

She made the headlines in the world’s most populous Muslim country in November 2008 after naked pictures of her and her sister, Sarah Azhari, made rounds on the Internet.

Other photographs of her with men in compromising positions are also shown online in various Indonesian blogs.

The 32-year-old McMenemy was unavailable for comment.

Two Azkals players, brothers James and Phil Younghusband, earlier set female Indonesian Twitter users on fire.

While their national team was busy playing against the Philippines, Indonesian girls were swooning on the Internet over the Younghusbands.

“I fall in love with nomer 10 philpin #younghusband,” said @flegong.

Even Indonesian men were bitten by the Younghusband bug.

“#TimnasIndonesia #TimnasIndonesia #TimnasIndonesia Bonus #Younghusband,” said Agus Siswoyo. (abs-cbnnews)



Sexy Photos : Rahma Syahidah Azhari

Fergie : Stop sick Wenger chants

Soccer Extreme : Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will urge Old Trafford fans to end their sick chants against Arsenal's Arsene Wenger.

United are so embarrassed by the nature of the songs Ferguson has decided to take the matter into his own hands to back the man he used to regard as a sworn enemy, says the Guardian.

The two managers share a cordial relationship these days and Ferguson believes the abuse the Frenchman has suffered at Old Trafford over the years goes beyond any legitimate form of terrace humour.

Ferguson will write about the subject in his programme notes for Arsenal's visit on Monday night, imploring fans not to let down the club and pointing out that they should be backing their own team rather than abusing the opposition manager. He will also appeal for an end to the offensive chants during television and radio interviews before the game between the Premier League's top two teams. (tribal)

Maradona could be the coach of the Iranian team

Soccer Extreme : It takes little to fuel speculation about the career of Argentine football great Diego Maradona but one nod from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was enough for a newspaper to report he is line to coach Iran.

“President Ahmadinejad: Maradona might be head coach of the national team,” read the headline splashed across the front page of Iranian daily Ebtekar on Monday, along with a large photograph of the World Cup winner.

Rumours have swirled in recent months of Maradona, who took Argentina to the quarter finals of this year’s World Cup, taking charge of an Iran side which last qualified for the tournament in 2006.

At a ceremony held to honour medal winners from the recent Asian Games in China, Ahmadinejad confirmed that Maradona was due to visit the Islamic Republic at some time in the future.

“When asked about reports of Maradona becoming Iran’s new head coach, he nodded his head,” the newspaper reported.

Maradona, 50, is an admirer of Cuban leader Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez, the fiery left-wing president of Venezuela who is a close ally of Iran, and has expressed his admiration of Ahmadinejad. All three are foes of the United States.

“I’ve already met Fidel and Chavez… now I need to meet your president. I’d like to meet Ahmadinejad,” he said in 2007 when he sent a signed soccer shirt as a gift to Iran. (reuters)

Future looks bright for Irfan Bachdim

Soccer Extreme : The year may not have started well for Irfan Bachdim but the Dutch-born striker looks set to end it on a high.

In January, Irfan suddenly found himself without a job after his club in the Netherlands went bankrupt and were kicked out of the league.

But the 22-year-old now finds himself the footballing idol of an adoring nation after playing a big role in Indonesia's 5-1 thumping of Malaysia in their Suzuki Cup Group A opener on Wednesday.

It may have been his first experience of playing in front of Indonesia's raucous fans at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium but Irfan showed the poise of a veteran with an energetic performance that saw him create his side's opening goal and round off a memorable evening with his first international strike.

For a player facing an uncertain future just 12 months ago, it was the stuff of dreams.

"It has been a dream of mine to play for the national team. Standing on the pitch, seeing the crowd and then the national anthem starts, it really gave me goosebumps and it felt electric," he told www.affsuzukicup.com.

"I knew it would be something like that because I knew about the Indonesian crowd. I have played in front of a big crowd before in the first division in Holland. But what I saw yesterday was more amazing than what I had experienced before.

"Scoring the goal at the end really made me happy. At 5-1 it was not a very important goal but it was a nice way to finish off a memorable evening.

Born in Amsterdam to an Indonesian father and Dutch mother, Irfan has spent almost his entire life in the Netherlands, developing his football skills at the famous Ajax academy and top flight club FC Utrecht.

He made his professional debut at Utrecht in 2008 but after being released by the club last year, he dropped a division to sign for HFC Haarlem, where he got a chance to play regular first team football.

He played in more than a dozen games during the first half of the season but things turned sour when the club went bankrupt at the start of this year and were expelled from the league.

Irfan joined a third division side after Haarlem's demise but his fortunes took a significant turn when he was invited to play in benefit games in Indonesia for Arema founder "Lucky" Acub Zaenal and former Persebaya coach Rusdy Bahalwan.

Having had the opportunity to play for Indonesia's Under-23 side during a training camp in the Netherlands in 2007, he jumped at the opportunity and caught the attention of Indonesian Super League side Persema Malang with his performances in the two games.

"I was invited to Indonesia to play in a couple of benefit games in Malang and Surabaya," explained Irfan. "I really wanted to be there and after those two games, I was approached by Persema Malang who offered me an opportunity to play there.

"I said yes and after that, everything went very quickly. After just three months, I was in the national team!

"It's all gone very fast but I'm very happy now that I'm in Indonesia because it has always been my dream to play for the national team," added Irfan, who opted to keep his Indonesian passport instead of his Dutch one when he turned 21.

"I'm not concerned about going back to Holland. I'm focussed on trying to help Indonesia to win this tournament and I'm focussed on my club Persema."

Despite reaching the final three times, Indonesia have yet to win the AFF Suzuki Cup. But Irfan is confident that this could finally be their year.

"I think that we have a very talented team now. We have players with a lot of experience like Bambang (Pamungkas) and (Christian) Gonzales and we also have great players for the future like Yongky (Aribowo) and Johan (Juansyah).

"It's football so you never know what is going to happen. We won last night and we had a great game but the other teams like Thailand, Laos and Vietnam have seen what we can do and they can prepare well for us.

"But we've down well so far and I have faith that we can go far." (affsuzukicup)

Sneijder: I will die for Mourinho

Soccer Extreme : Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder has amazingly claimed that he is "ready to kill and die" for ex Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho.

Despite Mourinho's absolutely embarrassing 5-0 crushing at the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona which marked his maiden defeat as Real gaffer, Inter schemer Sneijder holds the Portuguese tactician in the highest regard.

"Once Mourinho said 'Wesley go and take a break with your family, you seem tired'," Sneijder told France Football.

"Many other coaches just used to speak of training, but he sent me to the beach. And so I went to Ibiza for a few days. When I came back I was ready to kill and die for him.

"The most important thing was not training, but the recovery. When we used to play only on Sundays we used to work like crazy during the week."

Under Mourinho, the Dutch midfielder played a pivotal role as the chief creative architect, leading Inter to their glorious Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League treble last season. (espn)

Alex Ferguson : I'm a Phenomenon

Soccer Extreme : Ferguson (left pic) was speaking of his longevity at United while in Qatar yesterday.

He said: "We are in a very competitive world because of the media and supporters. Very often you get kneejerk reactions.

"Brian Clough and Arsene Wenger are great examples of what can happen if you don't change a manager. Changing doesn't guarantee success.

"Longevity has proved in my case, in Brian Clough's and Arsene Wenger's, that it can bring success.

"You wonder when directors are sitting round the table in the boardroom with their cheese and all that whether they actually consider Alex Ferguson, Brian Clough or Arsene Wenger.

"I don't think anyone else will manage for 24 years. I'm a phenomenon." (tribal)

Chelsea boss Ancelotti backing AC Milan for derby victory

Soccer Extreme : Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is backing AC Milan to beat Inter Milan tonight.

Ancelotti spent eight years at the helm and was also a star midfielder in Il Grande Milan of the 1980s.

“I remain a Milanista in my soul, so I hope they win,” he told RAI Sport.

However, Ancelotti also rushed to the defence of Inter boss Rafa Benitez following a string of disappointing results.

“Some say he is hanging by a thread and in these cases the Coach is always the first to pay.

“I believe he hasn’t much blame in this situation, as he has had to deal with a large number of injuries and that put him at a disadvantage.

“Having said that, replacing Jose Mourinho will not be at all easy, especially as he won everything while at Inter.” (tribalfootball)

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(Hot Pics) Sonia Tatar : Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger’s ‘Secret’ Lover

Soccer Extreme : Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger released a statement yesterday in response to a claim published by the Sun that he has been having a secret affair with Sonia Tatar (all picture), a 39-year-old former waitress and singer he met in a Paris restaurant two years ago.

Wenger, 61, who lives in London with his wife Annie and teenage daughter Leah, said: “This is a very serious matter. I do not intend to make any comment and wish to deal with the matter privately.”

Hours before hosting Newcastle in the Premier League today, his club released a separate statement saying: “Arsenal FC considers the allegations concerning our manager Arsene Wenger strictly a private matter and we ask that the privacy of Arsene and his family be respected.”

The Sun claimed on Saturday that Wenger had stopped in Paris on the way back from Arsenal’s midweek defeat to Shaktar Donetsk in Ukraine to see Tatar. They allegedly met at Charles de Gaulle airport where Wenger, who often acts a pundit on French TV, was apparently recognised by several members of the public.

• Wow... 20s Ronaldo's Girlfriend

Today the News of the World , the Sun’s sister paper, claims Tatar has been desperate for Wenger to leave London – where he has managed Arsenal since 1996 – and find a job in Paris so that they can be together. The paper reports that “intriguingly” Wenger’s name was linked last month with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The News of the World also reports that Wenger was so “flustered” when he left his north London home yesterday following publication of the Sun story that he “pranged” a van in his Lexus LS600, knocking off his front number-plate.

Sonia is described as having recorded a number of hip-hop records but having made very little money out of them. At 39, she is said to be “desperate to be famous”. (First Post)