Football news

Udinese sacked coach Gianni De Biasi and reappointed Pasquale Marino yesterday after a 3-0 loss at Genoa left the Italian Serie A club a point above the relegation zone.

Former Torino boss De Biasi only replaced Marino in December but results did not improve and Saturday's defeat was the last straw for club directors.

"Udinese announce that Pasquale Marino and his staff have been reappointed as coaches of the first team," a club statement said.

Italian clubs regularly recall sacked managers because they are still on the payroll if their contracts were not resolved and so are cheaper to employ than other coaches.

Nakamura agrees to Yokohama return

Japan's Shunsuke Nakamura has agreed a multi-year deal with his former club Yokohama F-Marinos after failing to make his mark at Spanish side Espanyol.

Japanese media reported yesterday that the unsettled 31-year-old midfielder could sign this week, in time for Yokohama's J-League season opener at FC Tokyo on March 6.

"Another failure (to sign Nakamura) will be unforgivable," Yokohama president Akira Kaetsu told the Nikkan Sports. "We may fly directly to Spain for talks."

Yokohama will reportedly pay just over $2 million for the Japan playmaker, who still has over a year left on his contract at Espanyol.

Barca hope goal lifts Henry spirits

Thierry Henry's goal in Barcelona's La Liga win over Racing Santander on Saturday could be the spark which helps the France striker rediscover his best form, coach Pep Guardiola said.

The former Arsenal player netted only his third goal of the campaign in the 4-0 home victory at the Nou Camp with a free-kick in the 29th minute.

"We hope the goal lifts his spirits. His team-mates and myself expect a lot from him," Guardiola said.

"I have never lost confidence in him because we desperately need him but we need him playing to a slightly higher standard than that which he has been doing. I demand more from him."

Van Gaal applauds Bayern display

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal was delighted with his side's performance at Nuremberg on Saturday, even though the 1-1 draw ended their 13-game winning streak.

"I am very happy with the performance of my team," Van Gaal said. "Our opponents had a strategy which made it difficult for us.

"They were very aggressive, but we still had lots of chances, only we didn't score a second goal. I am sorry about that since it was one of our best games this year."

His opposite number Dieter Hecking appeared to side with Van Gaal's view of the match.

"Thank God we were able to take advantage of Bayern's first error and win a lucky point," the Nuremberg boss said.

Van der Sar set for United stay

Veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar looks set to sign a new one-year contract with Manchester United.

Quoted in the News of the World, he said: "I would like to keep on playing so I have decided to sign another contract. The club want me to stay and I'm happy here. My fitness is good and I feel I can carry on playing for United."

Van der Sar returned to the Red Devils' first team last month after a spell out through injury and compassionate leave following his wife's suspected brain haemorrhage.

"It's been a hard time for all the family and when something like this happens it's a tough situation," he said.

"Luckily I was back in Holland when it happened because I was injured and it meant that I could be with her in hospital. I'm happy things are improving at home."

Cech tips Drogba to score more

Goalkeeper Petr Cech is backing Chelsea striker Didier Drogba to beat his personal best tally of 33 goals in a season. Drogba's latest double strike earned a 2-0 win at Wolves and helped Carlo Ancelotti's side move four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

"Didier has been brilliant all season," Cech said. "He can beat that 33-goal record. You can see he is in form. He is fit and he is confident.

"If he stays fit, I am sure he will get more goals. It's always difficult to say if anyone is in the best form of their career. But Didier has been brilliant for us for many years. He has always been on top.

"He is one of the best strikers in the world and he just keeps doing the same things."

Levein warns trio to expect boos

Scotland boss Craig Levein has warned Kris Boyd, Allan McGregor and Lee McCulloch to expect a hostile reception from members of the Tartan Army if their international exiles end in next week's friendly against the Czech Republic.

"Everybody who has been out in the past - for whatever reason - shouldn't let that hamper Scotland's chances," Levein said.

"Now if those lads have indicated they do want to come back then they've got to have broad shoulders. They're not stupid. They know there will be an element of our support who don't think they should be there.

"But my job is to pick the team that has the best chance of getting us to the finals."