The Malaysian Insider :: Sports
The Malaysian Insider :: Sports |
| Cortese on verge of quitting Southampton, say reports Posted: 15 Jan 2014 05:25 AM PST The 45-year-old Italian banker, who became the Saints' executive chairman in 2009, has suffered an "irretrievable breakdown" in relations with club owners the Liebherr estate, the Southern Daily Echo said today. Sky Sports reported that Cortese had already submitted his resignation amid persistent reports in the British and Italian media saying AC Milan want to lure him to the San Siro. "Sources close to the top of the club have today indicated that Cortese's departure could come within a matter of days rather than at the end of the season," the Echo added. Cortese's future was the subject of speculation last summer before an interim agreement between him and Liebherr estate over the direction of the club as well as his contract. But, the Echo reported, discussions since then to agree a long-term strategy have not produced a solution, and Cortese is considering his position at St Mary's Stadium. His departure would be a major blow to Southampton, not least because Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino, 41, suggested last May that he would also quit if Cortese left. Bookmaker William Hill said today they had seen a surge of bets on Pochettino to leave the Saints, and had installed him the 7/4 favourite – in from 14/1 – to be the next Premier League manager to part ways with his club. "The odds suggest that Mauro Pochettino could be leaving his role imminently," William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said. Cortese persuaded German-born industrialist Markus Liebherr to buy the club in 2009, when Saints were in administration and playing in the third tier. Liebherr died in August 2010, when ownership of the south-coast club passed to his family estate. Cortese ran the club's day-to-day affairs as Southampton climbed from League One to the Premier League in three years. His most controversial act was to sack manager Nigel Adkins in January 2013 and replace him with Pochettino. Fans were highly critical of the change and the treatment of Adkins but former defender Pochettino has won them round, ensuring Southampton retained their top flight status last term with wins over Manchester City and Chelsea along the way. Cortese has also been a shrewd operator in the transfer market, backing his managers to bring in now-established players such as Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez, Victor Wanyama, Dejan Lovren and Dani Osvaldo, who arrived from AS Roma in August 2013 for a club-record fee of 15 million pounds (RM80.9 million). When rumours of Milan's interest first surfaced in 2010, Cortese told Southampton's website: "I am obviously flattered about the interest, and flattered that it has come from a top, top team because I think this is a success, not just for me, but for Southampton Football Club, the supporters, my management team and our first team. "My answer at the time when I had this approach was a simple one and I didn't have to think for even a second about it. The club (Milan), despite where they are and the success that they have had in the past in the Italian league, cannot offer me anything that Southampton cannot achieve." - Reuters, January 15, 2014. |
| Obama honours champion Miami Heat at White House Posted: 15 Jan 2014 04:26 AM PST LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and their teammates attended the ceremony in the White House's East Room, where Obama – an avid recreational basketball player – hailed their efforts. "I want to congratulate coach (Erik) Spoelstra for the outstanding work that he does; legendary team president Pat Riley for his outstanding leadership; and all the coaches and players, members of the staff and crew to make a championship season," Obama said. "This group has won twice now, but it's gone to the finals three times. "And sometimes it feels like they're still fighting for a little respect. I can relate to that," the president said, earning a few laughs. Miami won their second straight NBA title last year to go with a championship in 2006. Obama said the charitable work the players do year round deserved praise as well. "So bottom line is: outstanding athletes, outstanding organisation, outstanding team but also outstanding members of their community," Obama said. Before their White House visit, the players spent time with wounded American service members recovering at a nearby military hospital. The Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs in a championship series that went the full seven games. - AFP, January 15, 2014. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from The Malaysian Insider : Sports To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan