England’s international week was reasonably satisfactory. A comfortable 2-0 win against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in qualifying for Euro 2012 was followed up by a 1-1 draw with Ghana in an exciting friendly at Wembley. England manager Fabio Capello was once again making the headlines, this time the Italian responded to criticism aimed at him for his difficulty speaking English by saying “you speak about tactics, you don’t use a lot of words. I don’t have to speak about a lot of different things. Maximum 100 words.” Here is Capello at training talking to Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, Liverpool’s Andy Carroll, Manchester City’s Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott, and Everton pair Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines. None of them look particularly enthralled, Baines in particular, but which of his 100 words of English is Capello using and what are the England players thinking?

Leave your suggestions below…

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It wasn’t until this week’s revelation that Roy Hodgson received compensation in the region of £7.3 million for being sacked by Liverpool’s new owners, Fenway Sports Group, that I acknowledged the level of expense Premier League chairmen have recently been prepared to outlay in order to remove their club’s manager. The contemporary trend of managerial pay-offs has been offset with a few cases where managers have maintained their terms of employment for longer than warranted because the price of relieving them of their position has been too costly. The benefits, other than those reaped by the deposed mangers, of this culture are not immediately obvious and despite a lack of public clarity in terms of football clubs finances, it is clear that managerial reparations have cost several fans the opportunity to enjoy new signings.

The financial damage caused by Hodgson’s departure implies that he earned £45,833 on each of his 192 days at Anfield and the former Fulham boss inflicted further pain on his old club by guiding West Brom to a 2-1 victory over Liverpool this weekend. However, Hodgson’s recently burgeoning bank account doesn’t represent the largest sum received by an ousted Premier League manager in the last three years. Chelsea parted with £12.6 million in order to jettison Luiz Felipe Scolari and his assistants in 2009, which was sandwiched in between the £3 million Sam Allardyce was awarded for leaving Newcastle in 2008 and Mark Hughes earned the same amount for being discarded by Manchester City.

In Fact, ‘Big Sam’ negotiated another £3 million pay-off when Blackburn announced his sacking last December and his aptitude for inducing widespread initial confidence and then forcing the need for an abrupt change worth millions highlights the inescapable incompetence affecting several Premier League chairmen. The evidence suggests some of the most successful managers of the current century have built their reputations on short stints at clubs and countries and the rewards they have delivered have far outweighed any subsequent negative influence.

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Jose Mourinho is generally considered to be the world’s most skilled at this type of managing and has never preserved his responsibilities at any club he has managed for longer than three years. Mourinho’s longest spell as manager was at Stamford Bridge where he guided Chelsea to 2 Premier Leagues, 2 League Cups and an FA Cup having previously led Porto to 2 Primeira Ligas, a UEFA Cup and a Champions League trophy during his two years at the Estadio do Dragao. Internazionale were the next club side to benefit from the Portugese’s charmed touch and achieved an unprecedented Italian Treble last season. Guus Hiddink embodies Mourinho’s international counterpart, having transformed the footballing foundations in Holland, South Korea, Australia and Russia with a four-month term at Chelsea yielding an FA Cup in 2009.

In my view, no manager should merit a contract any longer than two years for an international team because the nature of international competition dictates two-year schedules. Steve McClaren’s £2.5 million remuneration for failing to qualify England for Euro 2008 should have encouraged the FA to reassess their approach to managerial contracts but were unable to relieve Fabio Capello of his duties after last summer’s World Cup due to a clause inserted in his terms before the tournament invoking an immediate £6 million recompense for dismissal. If a manager’s performance is evaluated after every tournament then surely they should only be offered terms for the duration of the qualification period and the resulting competition?

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Club football provides a different framework and work-load but no chairman should feel compelled to place extortionate ‘confidence’ in a manager by offering them contracts lasting three, four or five years. It is always difficult to equate traditional employment conventions to those exercised in football but managers of any team in any league shouldn’t require more than two or three years to achieve the targets negotiated at the time of their appointment. The money Blackburn, Chelsea and Newcastle could have saved might have been used to reinvest in the playing staff – something all fans would favour. The Premier League’s wealth continues to grow in parallel to its chairmen’s incompetence but future managerial axe-wielders would do well to consider the true cost of impulsive confidence.

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti hopes his team can move to within three points of Manchester United with a win at Tottenham on Saturday.During their disastrous dip in form over the winter months the West London club were 18 points behind United at one stage, but have clawed back the deficit and are in touching distances of the champions-elect.

However, Ancelotti is aware beating Harry Redknapp’s side will be no easy task, with the North London club battling for a Champions League place in an attempt to qualify for the competition for a second year in a row.

“I remember when we were losing to Manchester United in the first half of the season – the gap between us and them was 18 points – so to be three points behind will be fantastic,” Ancelotti said.

“They (Tottenham) are involved in the fight for fourth place and they will do everything against us to close the gap on Manchester City.”

Ancelotti has a full strength squad to choose from ahead of the weekend’s game and his team seem to be firing on all cylinders once again with an unbeaten run that stretches back to February.

The Italian will also be relieved that 50 million pound striker Fernando Torres finally broke his duck with a goal against West Ham last Saturday, and has praised the Spaniard for his work with fellow front-man Didier Drogba in training this week.

“They trained well and make a good combination together – it won’t surprise me if they both start on Saturday,” Ancelotti said.

“Both players have great skill and ability and are able to play together. They may have to sacrifice something though to both play but they will help the team reach the right results.”

Manchester United must travel to The Emirates on Sunday to try and grab what could be a title winning three points, though Ancelotti hopes that Arsenal can do his side a favour by beating Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

“I think that Arsenal will do their best to win because they are a good team,” he said. “Manchester City are close behind them which will be a good motivation for them.”

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has moved to play down speculation linking him with a move to Italy at the end of the season.Guardiola, 40, has been the subject of reports in the Italian press suggesting he could be set to coach in Serie A with either Inter Milan or Roma in 2011/12.

He spent three seasons in Italy as a player with Brescia and Roma and is believed to be interested in a return to the country at some point in the future.

But the former Spain international has announced his intention to at least fulfil his contract at Camp Nou, which runs until the end of the next season.

“I still have an ongoing contract with Barcelona. Inter are a great club but I’ll stay with my current club for an additional season,” Guardiola was quoted as saying in La Gazzetta dello Sport .

“Either way I’d never do anything without speaking to Barcelona president Sandro Rosell first.”

Last week, Manchester City played Stoke City twice in a few days, in the FA Cup final and in the league. Everyone got on pretty well. City decided not to parade the FA Cup before or after the league game in respect to Stoke fans, we clapped their fans away and Delilah was played over the loudspeaker.All very nice, and message boards for both clubs contained many a thread praising the opposition fans, and mentioning a new-found respect after the carnage of our double relegation in 1998 when trouble after the final game (Manchester City won it 5-2, to no avail) was widespread.This new found respect and praise didn’t sit very well with some fans though. It just wasn’t football to be praising opposition fans, or to be getting on with them this much. Afterall, part of being a football supporter is to hate most other fans, and most of all, other clubs.It’s easy to hate. Obviously I am required by law as a City fan to hate everything about Manchester United. Older City fans hate Everton because of the commonplace violence in away games in the 80s.  And they always beat us. A (perceived) bad reputation of fans makes plenty of other teams easy to hate. Spurs and Arsenal fans are arrogant, Blackpool were fine until their manager’s tiresome press conferences and toadying up to Alex Ferguson (along with many other sycophants in the managerial game) began to hit home.Liverpool fans think their club is more important than anyone else’s, Newcastle fans think their fans are better.  I don’t like QPR now Warnock is their manager. Or West Ham now Gold and Sullivan are weaving their magic as owners. I hated Crystal Palace while Jordan was chairman.[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’right’]Don’t take all the above as my opinion – mere hyperbole to show how easy it is to take against clubs, as if it is almost frowned upon to like other clubs. Any little thing you can seize upon- one arrogant letter from an Arsenal fan on a website is enough for you to tar all Arsenal fans with the same brush.It’s a similar theme at matches. Ninety minutes of winding each other up and sneering (or more) outside. This seems to be a habit restricted to British clubs though – perhaps familiarity breeds contempt, but it’s a lot harder to really detest a foreign team. Though I am tempted to start hating Barcelona because everyone fawns over them so much. And because of Busquets of course.I hate Ipswich because their fans sneered when we got relegated once. I hate Luton because they relegated us in 1983 and David Pleat ran across the pitch. And because of those portakabins down the side of the pitch. God I hated them. I hate Portsmouth because they have a drummer and lots of bell ringing.And that’s the thing with irrational dislikes – football clubs are massive entities, with a large coaching and managerial staff, a large pool of players, a set of fans that can number millions and a proud history stretching back over a century, but it only takes one individual or one tiny detail at a club for me to take a dislike to them. Thus, whichever club Harry Redknapp is attached to I am duty-bound to hate. This is because of the spurious reasons of him having so many friends in the media he seems untouchable, and because he likes to talk about players in the press that he thinks are ‘triffic, perfectly illustrated when he unsettled Eyal Berkovic away from Manchester City many years ago. Time has not healed the wounds.Why do we take so easily to hating other teams? It doesn’t happen in other sports. Football is of course tribal, more now than it has ever been, and we mark our territory and stand our ground. We see everything through blinkers, and excuse our own team and fans whilst pouncing on the actions of others.  We can’t sit with opposition fans or we will kill each other. We can’t debate without prejudice, we can’t accept the opposition fans were louder, the opposition team were better, or that the penalty they got was a fair decision. And some rivalries are more deep-seated of course – splits caused by religious differences, historical rivalries between cities, but often nothing more than a fiery game three seasons previous.This is football, and part of what we love about it. It’s fine for me to hate Plymouth Argyle, because no one should play in green (ok, that’s pushing it a bit) . But my most irrational hatred of all concerns a tannoy system. A certain championship side, who shall remain nameless, once scored against City, and the PA system erupted to the sound of Tina Turner and “Simply The Best”.Surely a just reason to hate a whole club? I think so.

Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has enjoyed an indifferent time since his transfer from Newcastle nearly two and a half years ago. Given made an immediate impact following his signing for a reported £8 million and was a mainstay the following season until suffering a dislocated shoulder in April 2010. Then, Roberto Mancini surprised many when, at the start of this season, he picked young English keeper Joe Hart for the opening league fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. Hart has progressed at a phenomenal rate becoming a regular starter for both club and country and Given has been restricted to only four appearances for City; One in the Carling Cup and three in the Europa League.

Given was linked with numerous clubs in January but chose instead to stay put. But, with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both rumoured to be interested in signing the 35 year old this Summer, is it time for the Irishman to move on?

Given has undoubtedly been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premiership since he was first signed by Newcastle in 1997. He has gone on to make nearly 400 appearances in the Premier League alone and earned 110 caps for Ireland, seven of which came this season. But, the player himself has begun to admit that sitting on the bench is not helping his cause for club or country. At the age of 35 he should be at the peak of his powers and playing regular football.

But, Manchester City are able to offer Champions League football next year and will surely make some exciting signings this summer as they look to form a title challenge. Given himself will surely be tempted to stay at Eastlands and fight it out with Hart for the Number 1 jersey and get paid handsomely to do so.

But, displacing Hart will be no easy accomplishment. Mancini favours the Englishman over Given and he is fast becoming one of the best keepers in the league. Perhaps, therefore, he would be best moving on, but where would represent the best home?

Arsenal have been rumoured to be interested in Given for some time. Manuel Almunia is seemingly on his way out of the Emirates whilst Fabianski is either inconsistent of injured. Wojciech Szczęsny has had an impressive debut season but it still young and learning. Given could be just the man to aid Szczęsny’s development and bring some leadership to a back four that has appeared troubled since the departure of William Gallas. But, much of this will hinge on whether Wenger sticks to his rule regarding only offering one-year contracts to players over 32, particularly as Given signed a four and a half year deal at Manchester City.

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Fans of Tottenham appear to be losing patience with Heurelho Gomes and some of his errors have costs Spurts points. And, unlike Wenger,Harry Redknapp cannot resist a bargain and will sign a good player regardless of age. Spurs might not be able to offer the glamour of the Champions League next season but would provide Given with opportunity to be part of an exciting project at White Hart Lane under Redknapp.

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Admittedly both teams have performed under expectations this season and find themselves currently sitting in fourth and fifth place respectively. But, unlike at City, both would offer the opportunity of regular football in ambitious sides looking to make the next step up.

Arsenal have faltered in recent seasons but, with the right players and manager at the helm, most fans will agree another title challenge will come soon. And, whilst Spurs are yet to become Champions League regulars, their fantastic run to this year’s Quarter Finals shows the progress they have made under Redknapp and fans will hopefully get to see a resumption of their fine European performances in next year’s Europa League and beyond.

’s proposed transfer to Italian side Napoli has stalled, according to Sky Sports.

Napoli are only thought to be prepared to offer around £10 million for the midfielder who moved to White Hart Lane from Wigan in January 2009. However, Tottenham are insistent on recouping the full £12 million they paid for the 26-year old.

The Honduran made 30 appearances for Spurs last season and Harry Redknapp is reluctant to let the midfielder leave. However, with the emergence of Brazilian Sandro, Redknapp is willing to cash in for the right offer.

The Sun claims Napoli might even try and sign the player on loan with a view to a permanent switch but Spurs are thought to prefer a permanent deal.

The defensive midfielder has represented Honduras 71 times. He first played in England under Steve Bruce at both Birmingham and Wigan Athletic and has since made 85 appearances in 2 and a half seasons at Tottenham Hotspur.

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Liverpool have appointed Kevin Keen as their new first team coach, who ends a nine-year spell at West Ham. The 44-year-old takes over from Sammy Lee, and will renew his working relationship with Steve Clarke from their time together at the Hammers.

Keen has penned a three-year deal and will report to Reds pre-season, which starts on Monday. Manager Kenny Dalglish feels the addition will be of benefit to the Anfield club’s chances in 2011/12.

“I’m delighted that Kevin is joining us to work alongside Steve Clarke coaching the first team. He has previously worked with Steve at West Ham and has a good reputation and a good manner about him. He is highly respected in the game and will be a great addition to our staff,” the Scot said in The Guardian.

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The Amersham born man made over 600 first team appearances as midfielder for West Ham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City, Macclesfield and Wycombe in his playing career.

Barcelona continued their build-up to the new season with victory over Brazilian side Internacional at the Audi Cup.The match was part of a four-team tournament also featuring Milan and hosts Bayern Munich.

Barcelona were largely under strength, but did include the likes of Victor Valdes, Seydou Keita, Maxwell and Andres Iniesta.

They took the lead after 15 minutes when Thiago Alcantara finished off a swift passing move.

Internacional, the 2010 Copa Libertadores winners, levelled 10 minutes after the break.

Nei finished well after Leandro Damiao’s effort was deflected into his path.

Barcelona were ahead again seven minutes later though, Jonathan Dos Santos took advantage of some poor defending.

Damiao, who has been linked with both Barcelona and Spurs, did find the net five minutes before full-time, heading in after poor goalkeeping from Jose Manuel Pinto.

The match went to penalties, Barcelona prevailing 4-2 after Damiao ballooned his effort.

Pep Guardiola’s side will now play the winner of Bayern Munich’s match with Milan.

Roberto Mancini is building a Manchester City squad capable of challenging for honours next season. The arrival of Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid only increases the competition for places in City’s attack but what is their ideal strike partnership?

City currently have seven Premier League standard strikers within their squad but for the sake of convenience and probability I am going to consider how first choice strikers (and those most likely to stay for now) Mario Balotelli, Aguero and Edin Dzeko could work together. The likes of Craig Bellamy, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz are out of favour and look to be close to an exit whilst Carlos Tevez’s transfer saga continues to role on.

Who starts City’s first game of the season may depend a lot on Mancini’s choice of formation. He has been criticised in the past for being too defensive with the Italian often liking to employ just one lone striker. The more defensive option would be a 4-2-3-1 with the more attacking choice a 4-3-3.

Whatever formation Mancini employs, new boy Aguero must be at the heart of City’s tactics. Despite the comparisons to Tevez with his eye for goal, skill and reasonable strength, I am not sure whether Aguero could lead the line on his own for City. It may leave the Argentine isolated and constricted to one position. Mancini will get the best out of Aguero when he allows him the freedom to drop deep and run at defenders. One of Tevez’s best qualities was also his work rate and Aguero doesn’t have the same industrious style of play that is needed to lead the line. Another possibility would then be to play Aguero off a target man, most likely Balotelli or Dzeko. This would give Aguero the freedom to pick off loose balls and terrorise defenders from deep.

The more natural choice for a lone striker would be Dzeko. He is a more natural target man and possesses the height and presence to cause defenders problems when the ball is whipped into the box. But the Bosnian’s dreadful run of form since his arrival in Manchester would mean Mancini was taking a huge risk is putting his faith in a striker lacking confidence. However if Mancini can get the best out of Dzeko and help him recreate his Bundesliga form then he could be the perfect foil for Aguero.

Apart from convincing him about the advantages of living in Manchester, Mancini will also have to work out how to get the best out of unpredictable Italian Balotelli on the pitch. The young striker’s talent is undoubted and at times he is unplayable. But Balotelli doesn’t possess the awareness or team ethic to lead the line and Mancini would be best suited to keep Balotelli out wide (like he often has before) where he can cut inside and run at defenders. On paper Aguero and Balotelli sound like the best strike partnership in the Premier League but in reality Mancini may have trouble playing the two together.

As he is still at the club it is also worth quickly noting Carlos Tevez’s role at City if he were to stay. Despite looking like he was signed as a replacement, Aguero and Tevez could play together. Despite possessing similar styles of play, their familiarity with each other’s game at international level could be a great advantage and Tevez’s work rate combined with Aguero’s skill would make a deadly partnership.

Although having a strong and large squad is a fantastic advantage during a long Premier League season, Mancini faces a headache in choosing his strike partnership. I don’t think the often cautious Italian would completely change his style and play all three so one will unfortunately miss out but whatever tactics Mancini employs, new boy Aguero should be at the heart of City’s style next season.

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Who do you think Mancini should start in attack? If you want to read more of my bite size, 140 character views and thoughts follow me on Twitter @jennyk5

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