Depleted Barça scrape by Sporting

Depleted Barça scrape by Sporting


Barcelona climbed to the top of the La Liga standings after scraping past bottom club Sporting Gijon tonight to pick up a 1-0 win, their first victory away this season.

Pep Guardiola's side had drawn 2-2 at both Real Sociedad and Valencia in their previous two away matches in La Liga, but they returned from Asturias with all three points tonight thanks to Adriano's solitary early strike.

Barça are now level on 14 points with surprise package Levante at the summit, while Sporting continue to struggle at the foot of the table after suffering their fifth defeat in six games.

The Catalan side had netted 22 times in their opening five league games and also thrashed BATE Borisov 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, but the European and Spanish champions found it tough to create many chances against a battling Sporting side.

Another big-scoring night had initially looked on the cards when Adriano put the visitors ahead after just 12 minutes, the Brazilian slotting in after Xavi's 25-yard shot had come back off the inside of the post.

However, the expected goal deluge did not arrive as Sporting made it tough for their illustrious visitors, who were missing the attacking threats of Andres Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas and Ibrahim Afellay due to injuries.

Soon after Adriano had put Barça ahead, the Catalan side almost doubled their lead when Thiago found David Villa in the area, but the former Sporting striker saw his effort parried away by Juan Pablo Colinas.

Barcelona would not come any closer to increasing their lead in the remainder of the match, although they had few concerns at the back either. Sporting twice threatened before the break, but neither Oscar Trejo or Nacho Cases were able to beat Barça goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

The second half continued in similar fashion, with chances few and far between at either end, although Colinas was called on to deny Lionel Messi in the 76th minute as the Argentinian looked for his ninth league goal of the campaign.

Colinas was also tested ten minutes later by Messi's 25-yard thunderbolt and it looked as though Barça had grabbed their second goal when Seydou Keita tapped in the loose ball after Colinas had spilled the shot. However, Dani Alves, who had latched onto the rebound and played it inside for Keita to roll into an empty net, had been offside.

Wenger: Champions League now our aim

Wenger: Champions League now our aim
(
Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal cannot be regarded as title contenders after falling 12 points behind leaders Manchester United following their 2-1 defeat at north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday.

Wenger endured another frustrating day as his side crashed to their fourth loss in seven league games at White Hart Lane.

The Gunners' disappointment was compounded by a potentially serious injury to Bacary Sagna who was taken to hospital with an ankle problem that was later diagnosed as a broken leg.

Arsenal's dismal start to the season mean they sit just two points above the bottom three and Wenger accepts it is unrealistic to consider his side to be likely challengers for the championship while they are in their current plight. "I think at the moment we have to set realistic targets like to say today we want to get in the Champions League positions," Wenger said.
At the moment we are 12 points behind Man United and Man City, it's not realistic to say today we will win the league.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

"At the moment we are 12 points behind Man United and Man City, it's not realistic to say today we will win the league. We have to fight to come back into a better position, that is the reality."

Tottenham full-back Kyle Walker secured his side's victory with a 73rd minute goal after Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey cancelled out Rafael van der Vaart's first half opening goal.

Sagna was forced out of the game in the 68th minute of the game when he collided in mid-air with Spurs left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto and landed against the perimeter fencing. "We are very worried about his injury. He is in hospital at the moment but the first signs don't look good at all. It is fibula and ankle that has to be checked," Wenger said.

Wenger was clearly frustrated by the outcome and was involved in a confrontation with Clive Allen, one of the Tottenham coaching staff, as they made their way towards the tunnel after the final whistle.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said: "Arsene shook hands with me. I was pleased he shook hands with me. I think Clive went to shake hands with him and he missed Clive - he didn't see him."

And Wenger confirmed: "I shook the hand of the manager and the assistant manager. How many people do I have to shake hands with? Is there a prescription? There were no words exchanged."

The win was Tottenham's fourth successive league victory and takes Redknapp's side up to sixth having played a game less than most of their rivals.

PSG chief, keeper revel in win

PSG chief, keeper revel in win



Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser El-Khelaifi declared himself hugely satisfied after watching his team return to winning ways last night with a 2-0 triumph over fellow Ligue 1 title challengers Lyon.

Coach Antoine Kombouare had called for a positive reaction from his players after Thursday night's 2-0 UEFA Europa League loss at Athletic Bilbao ended their eight-match unbeaten run, and they duly delivered. Javier Pastore opened the scoring in the 64th minute and Christophe Jallet made sure of the points with a wonderful stoppage-time volley at the Parc des Princes.

The win lifted PSG top of the table, on 20 points from nine matches - three clear of Lyon, Montpellier and Toulouse - and left El-Khelaifi delighted. He told Canal Plus: "Obviously I'm very happy.
It's a match that has launched PSG on the road to the Champions League. A fantastic result for the club.
Nasser El-Khelaifi on his club's 2-0 reverse of Lyon

"I watched a great match of football. It's a match that has launched PSG on the road to the Champions League. A fantastic result for the club. The players are improving with each outing. It's hugely satisfying."

Goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu felt his team had produced the perfect performance. He told Le Parisien: "We had to be vigilant. Lyon did have some opportunities to get the draw, and it was a pretty complicated game for us.

"But the team put all put their hearts in to make sure of the success. We must continue like this. When you see the result, I want to say that the team played a perfect match because we showed talent and courage."

The summer signing from Palermo added, though, that he knew nothing had been achieved yet: "The championship will not be won against Lyon, but against all teams."

PSG confirmed after the game that midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who was substituted in the 56th minute, had suffered a strained left hamstring.

North Africans take lead in last four

North Africans take lead in last four
(
Esperance of Tunisia took a massive step toward reaching their second consecutive CAF Champions League final with a 1-0 away win over Al Hilal of Sudan on Sunday in the first leg of the semi-finals. The Blood and Gold, who were beaten in a lopsided final last year by TP Mazembe, made an early goal from Tunisian international Youssef Msakni hold up, while the other semi-final was settled at the other end of the contest through Pascal Angan’s dramatic late winner for Wydad Casablanca against Enyimba.

The Moroccans are the first side to beat the 2003 and 2004 champions in this year’s event after the Nigerians went through 11 matches unbeaten, but their advantage could have been better ahead of the return leg in Aba in a fortnight. Esperance’s away goal in Omdurman makes them clear favourites to return to the final for the fourth time since they won the event in 1994, while Al Hilal are trying to avoid being eliminated at the semi-final stage for the third time in five years.

Taming the Elephant
One of the most impressive teams in the tournament, Enyimba have proven themselves particularly stout on the defensive end, so it was little surprise that striker Uche Kalu found himself cutting a lonely figure up front for the People’s Elephant in a fantastic, crowded Stade Mohamed V on Saturday night. In contrast, Wydad were committed to find a goal to take with them in the second leg, and they had the overwhelming majority of chances on goal. But largely down to the heroics of Enyimba goalkeeper Paul Godwin, the Red and Whites had to wait until the final minute to find their breakthrough when second half substitute Angan headed the only goal of the match into the net.

It was the Benin international midfielder’s second goal of the campaign, and the 1992 champions could have had a handful more if not for Godwin, who is typically second choice behind the injured Chijioke Ejiogu but has filled in admirably over the last month. Ironically, the goalkeeper, whose mediocre clearance played a part in creating the goal in Enyimba’s 1-0 loss in the final of the Nigerian FA Cup last weekend, again held some blame for the goal. But while Godwin flapped at and missed a free-kick from the right side, Angan deserves credit for exploding forward to nod the ball in right at the back post amidst a thunderous noise from the home supporters.
We did not do well with them and could have regretted our misses.
Wydad Casablanca coach Michel Decastel on his side's many chances

Despite the late fireworks, the goal was no less than the hosts deserved. They had seemed to open the scoring much earlier in the contest when Wydad’s inspirational striker Fabrice Ondama bulged the net near the quarter-hour mark only for the Congolese international’s shot to be waved off for a foul. Enyimba defender Markson Ojobo also saved a shot off the line after some impressive work by another Wydad substitute, Youssef Kaddioui. And Godwin’s night could have been significantly worse shortly after Angan’s goal when the home crowd believed him to have handled outside of the box after a deft touch by Kaddioui set up a chance at goal.

Wydad’s Swiss coach Michel Decastel said he was pleased that goalkeeper Nadir Lemyaghri was seldom tested by the visitors, but he was worried his team came close to wasting their dominance. “We played very well in the first half and created several chances, but we did not do well with them and could have regretted our misses,” he said. “We stayed at it and we had some bad luck, but we kept pressing them and creating danger. Enyimba are a strong team, but we deserved to win and a 3-0 score would not have been unfair.”

Rising star lifts Esperance
If there were any doubts, Esperance proved they were no soft touch on the road by drawing all three away matches in the group stage, and they pulled off an impressive win in front of the frustrated Al Hilal Stadium crowd. The Blood and Gold went ahead in the fourth minute as Msakni finished calmly after a long run and pass that split the hosts’ defence. Just 20 years old, attacking midfielder Msakni stepped into the missing shoes of Oussama Darragi and reinforced his rising star reputation with his fourth goal of the event, although he had not tallied since April.

The match was an even affair, with Al Hilal growing into the contest as it went on. Their Zimbabwean striker Edward Sadomba, who leads the event in scoring with seven goals, was a consistent menace, and he hit the post in the dying moments. Also in the final seconds, Mohamed Tahir went close to equalising in front of the disbelieving home supporters. Esperance’s Yannick Ndjeng had two good chances in the second half, but in both cases he was denied by experienced Sudanese goalkeeper El Moiz Mahgoub.

The Tunisians will host the return leg in two weekends as favourites to be one of the teams in November's two-legged final. The winner of the final qualifies for the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan this December.

Boca unbeaten, Fla spoil Paulista party

Boca unbeaten, Fla spoil Paulista party
(
Boca Juniors maintained their stranglehold at the summit in Argentina, extending their unbeaten run to 20 matches, while Flamengo soured Sao Paulo striker Luis Fabiano's largely-anticipated debut. In Mexico, Pumas UNAM capitalised as Jaguares were held, while David Beckham showed his prowess in MLS action. FIFA.com has all this and more in the latest review of the leagues across the Americas.

Argentina: Boca unbeaten, Racing suffer derby defeat
Boca Juniors continued their impressive run of form in Argentina, securing a 1-0 victory over Tigre on Sunday to move on to 24 points and five points clear of Atletico Rafaela, who themselves were boosted by a 2-1 comeback win over a nine-man Lanus side. An own-goal from Tigres’ Diego Castano proved enough for Boca to maintain their lead atop the table and extend their unbeaten run to 20 games, making them favourites to clinch the title for the first time since 2008. In contrast, a chaotic eight-minute spell in the second half saw Lanus lose both Regueiro and Carlos Izquierdoz to red cards opening things up for Atletico to score twice and seal victory.

Racing Club, on the other hand, slumped down to third in the table, after they dropped a one-goal lead to draw 1-1 with Independiente in the derby of Avellaneda, making it their sixth draw in ten matches.

Brazil: Flamengo dampen Fabiano debut
It took nearly seven months for star-signing Luis Fabiano to make his debut for Sao Paulo FC. The Brazilian forward, making his first appearance since undergoing two surgeries, was greeted by 63,000 fans at the Morumbi, all ready to celebrate the striker’s return against Flamengo. However, Flamengo had other ideas in mind as they spoiled the party in Sao Paulo, Renato Abreu scoring late to clinch a 2-1 victory. “It’s amazing. It’s always great to play these big matches, especially when you spoil an occasion like this one – with all due respect to what the fans did to greet Luis Fabiano,” said Flamengo’s Ronaldinho. “And, besides, that’s the kind of match we must win if we want to keep hunting for the top spots," he added.

The triumph took Flamengo on to 44 points and six behind leaders Vasco da Gama, who missed their chance to widen the gap between them and nearest chasers Corinthians. After leading 2-1 in the first half against Corinthians, Vasco were pegged back by a second-half Danilo goal, levelling things at 2-2 and maintaining just a two point gap between the two. And finally, Botafogo dropped their opportunity to move up the table as they remained in fourth place after a 2-0 loss to Atletico Goianiense.

Mexico: Pumas roar again, Jaguares stumble
Pumas UNAM returned to the Mexican Apertura summit with a slender 1-0 success over America. Luis Fuentes was the solitary man on target as Pumas took advantage of a weekend of poor results for several other title-chasing clubs. Former leaders Jaguares were ousted from first place after a 1-1 draw with Atlas, while Cruz Azul lost 1-0 to Santos, Queretaro inflicted a 1-0 defeat upon Guadalajara, and Tigres were held to a 1-1 draw by Tijuana.

Meanwhile, the race to avoid the drop heated up. Under the guidance of new coach Jose Saturnino Cardozo, a recent run of good form has Queretaro focusing on the race for a place in the play-offs, while Estudiantes Tecos' survival hopes were revived by a 2-0 triumph over Morelia. Tijuana and Atlas’s fight to stay afloat, on the other hand, were not helped as they both came away with 1-1 draws at the weekend.

USA: Galaxy resilient, Crew bounce back
“I honestly enjoy the assists more than scoring,” said David Beckham, who recorded a league-best 15th assist in the LA Galaxy’s 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Galaxy were in unfamiliar territory, down a goal at the break, but Beckham, in trademark fashion, served a pass into the area and Chad Barrett somehow managed to get a toe to it and score his second goal in as many matches. The win maintained Galaxy’s status as the only MLS team still to be unbeaten at home this season, and put the Californians well within reach of nabbing the Supporters’ Shield – an annual award given to the club with the best regular season record.

Seattle Sounders, meanwhile, were the ones to spoil Galaxy's hopes of clinching that piece of silverware, as they stayed within seven points of the Western Conference leaders after a 2-1 win over New England Revolution. Eastern leaders Sporting Kansas City salvaged a draw with San Jose Earthquakes just four minutes from time through Teal Bunbury. However, with just a single point collected, Sporting saw their lead atop the Eastern Conference reduced to just one point as Columbus Crew bounced back from a six-game winless run to defeat DC United 2-1 on Sunday. Eddie Gaven, returning from a two-month absence through injury, lifted Crew to victory with a dramatic diving header in the second half.

Elsewhere
Universidad de Chile maintained their unbeaten status, drawing 2-2 with Deportes Iquique in the Chilean Clausura, while Colo Colo remained in second place despite losing 4-0 to Deportes La Serena. And still searching for answers were Universidad Catolica after a 2-0 defeat by Cobreloa, who, as a result of the win, climbed up to fourth place and level on 18 points with Audax Italiano.

In Ecuador, Liga de Quito leapfrogged Deportivo Quito into second place, LDU with a one-point advantage after the two sides finished all square with a goal apiece in their match on Sunday. Emelec, meanwhile, beat Independiente del Valle 2-0 and are four points clear at the top.

Finally, Penarol ran out convincing winners in a 3-0 victory over Rentistas, stamping their place atop the Apertura in Uruguay. Nacional also secured a resounding 3-0 win at the weekend, defeating Cerrito, while Cerro moved up to second place with a 2-0 success over River Plate.

The five-point European review

The five-point European review


The leading teams in Spain and England signed off for the international break with wins, but German giants Bayern Munich and the Milan clubs dropped points. In France, front-runners Paris St. Germain beat second-placed Olympique Lyon and now lead Ligue 1 by three points.

In its new-look five-point review, FIFA.com rounds up the latest events in Europe’s major leagues.

1. Match
Juventus 2-0 AC Milan, Matchday 5 in Italy

Though many years have passed since Juventus won the Scudetto, the clash between the Old Lady of Turin and champions AC Milan remains one of the most prestigious and attractive in the Italian programme.

Sunday evening’s encounter failed to live up to its billing for fully 80 minutes, but that was forgotten in a frantic finish packed with incident and action. Italy international Claudio Marchisio struck a last-gasp brace on 87 and 90 minutes to win it for Juve, and there was salt added to Rossoneri wounds when Kevin-Prince Boateng received his marching orders a minute from time.

The win sends Juventus back to the top of the standings, but the champions are languishing in a lowly 15th with only five points from as many matches.

2. Teams
The city of Manchester is the ‘in’ place in the Premier League, with no let up from either United, who beat Norwich 2-0, or City, 4-0 winners away to Blackburn. Seven games into the campaign, the pair remain unbeaten and are level on points at the top, three clear of a pack headed by Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool.

Back in Italy, meanwhile, the boost provided by the arrival of a new coach at Inter Milan proved short-lived. In a clash between UEFA Champions League hopefuls, Claudio Ranieri’s men crashed 3-0 at home to high-flying Napoli and slipped to 17th in the table.

3. Players
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas left Frank Lampard on the bench last weekend, but the England international has bounced back in style. Lampard found the net in the midweek UEFA Champions League draw with Valencia, and blasted a hat-trick in the Blues’ thumping 5-1 win away to Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.

Barcelona, the holders of Europe’s elite club trophy, suffered another injury setback at the weekend when Cesc Fabregas ruptured a hamstring in training. The midfielder, who had only just returned form a spell on the sidelines, will be out for at least three weeks. The problem is compounded by the continuing absence of fellow schemer Andres Iniesta with a similar injury. Fabregas is out of Spain’s UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Scotland, although the world and European champions are already safely through to the continental finals.

Not so many months ago, Inigo Martinez was plying his trade at the third tier of the Spanish game, but he is now a La Liga regular in the Real Sociedad defence. He crowned his rapid ascent at the weekend against Athletic Bilbao, scoring a wonder goal with a shot from his own half. Former Sociedad player Xabi Alonso, now of Real Madrid, expressed admiration on Twitter: "The greatest goal in the history of [Sociedad’s home ground] the Anoeta. A perfect shot!"

4. Stats
3 – Three local rivalries dominated the Premier League programme this weekend. Liverpool crossed Stanley Park to face Everton and won the Merseyside derby 2-0. Fulham earned the bragging rights in West London in spectacular style, handing Queens Park Rangers a 6-0 hiding. And Tottenham Hotspur added to the crisis at Arsenal with a 2-1 success in the North London derby.

18 – For the first time in 18 years, Trenkwalder Admira are top of the Austrian Bundesliga. Dietmar Kuehbauer’s side beat Rapid Vienna 4-3 to move ahead of Red Bull Salzburg, who fell 3-2 to Austria Vienna.

301 - Victor Valdes made his 301st appearance for Barcelona in a 1-0 win away to Sporting Gijon, drawing level with the legendary Andoni Zubizarreta, currently director of sport in Catalonia.

658 – Manuel Neuer of Bayern maintained his seemingly relentless pursuit of an eight-year-old Bundesliga record. The Germany keeper has now gone 658 minutes of league play without conceding, leaving him fourth in the all-time roll of honour behind only two other goalkeepers. The record is held by Timo Hildebrand with an 884-minute streak spanning two seasons with VfB Stuttgart in 2003. Places two and three are both held by former Bayern stalwart Oliver Kahn, who went 802 minutes without conceding in 2002/03, and 736 minutes in 1998/99.

5. Memorable moments
When darkness falls: There were only two minutes remaining in Caen, and the home team were on course for a 1-0 victory over Nice, but the scene was suddenly thrown into darkness by a floodlight failure at Stade Michel-d’Ornano. The power was restored a quarter of an hour later, but the hosts might have preferred to leave the lights off, as they conceded an equaliser in stoppage time.

One to savour: Swiss international Eren Derdiyok of Bayer Leverkusen scored an early goal-of-the-season contender in the Bundesliga meeting with Wolfsburg. The striker, stationed on the edge of Die Wölfe's box, controlled a lofted pass from the centre-circle with his left foot and allowed the ball to bounce. He then flipped the ball away from goal and over his marker, took a couple of paces and executed a perfect scissors kick, his shot sailing into the top corner of the net. "That was the best goal of my career," Derdiyok beamed afterwards.

Fortress Vetch Field: Swansea City, the first Welsh club to achieve Premier League status, are building up a formidable reputation at home. The promoted outfit have won two and drawn two of their four home fixtures so far, scoring five goals and conceding none. Manchester City are the only other club yet to let in a goal at home.

Capital quartet in hot pursuit: In the Russian Premier League, last term’s double winners Zenit St. Petersburg are being hunted down by an exclusively Moscow-based foursome. With four games to go, CSKA, Dynamo, Locomotive and Spartak are all poised to take advantage of any slip-up by the leaders.

A very special comeback: Schalke’s 2-1 win away to Hamburg in Huub Stevens’ first Bundesliga game back in charge was an emotional affair for many reasons. The Dutch supremo boasts successful spells with both clubs in the past – and Hamburg, currently without a head coach, were also interested in bringing back their former boss until learning of his contact with Die Königsblauen last week.

Pellegrini: I'd like to coach Chile one day

Pellegrini: I'd like to coach Chile one day
(

Honest, stylish and well-educated, to the point of boasting a degree in Civil Engineering, Manuel Pellegrini certainly cuts an intriguing figure in the often ruthless world of professional football. “That´s just the way I was brought up and the way I am,” said the experienced Chilean supremo, currently at the helm of La Liga big-spenders Malaga.

Now in his eighth year in Spanish football, having enjoyed an impressive five-season spell at Villarreal and a solitary campaign at Real Madrid, Pellegrini joined the Malaga revolution in November 2010 following the dismissal of Jesualdo Ferreira. And though his mission during his first term was to keep the Andalusian club in the top flight, expectations are significantly higher following this summer´s spending spree on a host of established names.

In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the respected strategist discussed a range of issues including his club´s ambitious project, Barcelona and Real Madrid´s La Liga dominance and his dream of one day coaching the Chilean national team.

FIFA.com: What do you enjoy most about working in football?
Manuel Pellegrini: That feeling of tension you get on a Sunday. As a coach I´ve always enjoyed Sunday matches. It´s the adrenaline rush you get, the tightrope you walk every week between winning and losing. I think that´s the best thing (about working in football), at least for someone like me who´s very competitive.

And the worst thing?
There are several things but, for me personally, the worst feeling is the one you get when we wake up on a Monday after a defeat. That feeling of loss, of being responsible... Whenever you get a rush of adrenaline that´s inevitably followed by a low which, when you throw in a defeat and everything that entails, I think it´s the worst feeling in the game.

How do you manage to keep it together in the face of such extreme highs and lows?
You have to have a sense of balance and a firm conviction in your own ability. You also need to be selective about what you take on board. For example I read a lot of information in the press but I don´t read many people´s opinions – only those which I know I simply have to read. You have to be able to filter out the criticism you get after every match.

You usually cut a very calm and thoughtful figure, but is there anything that makes you lose your cool?
A lack of respect and a lack of commitment. Those are two things that I can´t abide in football or anywhere else.

What´s your verdict so far on your third club post in Spanish football?
I´m grateful for the maturity I´ve gained as a coach and the fact I´ve managed to establish myself here, as there aren´t many South American coaches that are successful in Spain. Of course, my time at Villarreal felt different because it was my first job in this country. The level of responsibility here with Malaga is different, because I´ve now got eight years in Spanish football behind me and I´ve made a name and a reputation for myself. Our aim is to qualify for European competition, and I feel there´s a lot of responsibility on my shoulders to achieve that.

Europe is the aim for Malaga but, despite the big-name summer signings, is it a realistic objective given last season´s relegation battle?
The only realistic objective is to always try and win your next game. You have to be careful when it comes to setting goals. I always want to take my teams to the top, but if you´re over-optimistic you can leave yourself open to a lot of frustration. You have to put yourself to the test every Sunday, with everyone pulling in the same direction.
I thrive on challenges and I´m pleased there´s so much expectation surrounding us.
Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini

How do you handle the extra pressure generated by bringing in so many new players?
I thrive on challenges and I´m pleased there´s so much expectation surrounding us. I think that we´ve gone about our business pretty well, but for this project to come together on the pitch in every game we´re going to need time. Also, Malaga´s signings have caught the eye much more than those of teams like Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla and Villarreal simply because they´ve got potentially much stronger squads than we have and so haven't needed to sign as many players. That said, I think we´re going to try and match those teams, who are already strong and accustomed to playing in Europe and challenging for trophies.

In spite of the efforts made by the chasing pack, do you agree that the La Liga title remains a two-horse race between Barcelona and Real Madrid?
There´s no room for speculation in football. There´s no doubt those two teams have moved very far ahead of everyone else, because the championship race used to be more open. That said, all the other teams still dream about closing the gap again. Here in Malaga we´re starting a new project this year and it´d be great if we could be successful from the off. But the aim of this project is to improve year on year and close the gap as much as possible within a reasonable time frame.

Turning to your homeland, how do you rate Chile´s chances of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™?
Provided Chile are able to secure their place (in Brazil), I´m confident they´ll have a good tournament because we´ve got a generation of youngsters playing their football abroad for big clubs. Some of these lads are truly outstanding, so there´s quality to spare. The national team has made great progress in recent years under Marcelo Bielsa and it´s now [Claudio] Borghi´s job to strengthen the squad and build on that progress.

One of those foreign-based players is Alexis Sanchez. What´s your view on his move to Barça?
He´s a very good signing for Barcelona. He´s a young player who´s come on leaps and bounds and has three years experience in Italy under his belt. He´ll be a great addition to Barça´s squad, while the move will also benefit the Chilean national side. He´ll be able to pass on the experience he gains when playing for such a big club.

In the absence of Brazil, how do you see South American Zone qualifying panning out?
The way the qualifying competition pans out will have more to do with whether the teams involved can keep improving their standard of play, regardless of Brazil´s involvement or not. That said, the fact that Brazil´s place is guaranteed gives the other nations a better chance, but if they can´t step up to the challenge that won´t make much difference. What´s really needed is an improvement in the quality of the domestic game (in South America).

When it comes to the job of Chile coach, your name is often mentioned. Is it a role you´d ever be tempted to take on?
Yes, of course. It´s the kind of role that as a coach you´d like to take on at some point. I´m at Malaga at the moment, I´m happy here and I´ve got a four-year contract. It´s very likely this´ll be my last job in European football and let´s see if when it comes to an end the timings coincide with an opening with the Chilean national team.