Russian gangster brings strong arm tactics to the web; oh yea and Jose got sacked (w/ Euro power rankings)

I'm sure most everyone has heard about the sacking of the (former) Chelski boss, Jose Mourinho, and his two-headed replacement thats keeping the seat warm for Guus Hiddink (as Jose lines up for a potential job with his homelands national team) so I want to bring light to a story that might get lost in the media firestorm that has folllowed the shocking news.

Potential Arsenal suitor and convicted criminal, Alisher Usmanov, is resorting to astounding tactics on the day that Jose was sacked, thanks to his good friends at the Schillings law firm. David Warner can take it from here:

Yesterday, I suggested in this story that Craig Murray, the former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan, is badmouthing Alisher Usmanov, the billionaire Russian steel magnate attempting to take over Premier League club Arsenal, because he wants to sell you a book he wrote about his experience in that former Soviet republic. It has become clear today, however, that whatever Murray is attempting to sell, Usmanov and his lawyers do not want anyone to buy it.

According to Tom Dunmore at PitchInvasion.net, Craig Murray's web site was taken off line today after sustained pressure on Murray's web hosting provider from Schillings, the London law firm representing Usmanov. What's more, Schillings has also managed to put the kibosh on political site Bloggerheads three days after Tim Ireland wrote this piece on Schillings' cease & desist letters.

Web sites for English politicians Boris Johnson and Bob Piper were also taken down in part because they fell under Ireland's purview. In addition, Pitch Invasion and Arseblog have both received legal pressure from Schillings to remove any links and references to Murray and his accusations of Usmanov's criminal past.

The timing of this latest attack is quite interesting, as it all went down the same day that Chelsea sacked Jose Mourinho, all but guaranteeing that nobody in the mainstream media would be paying any attention to it. Unfortunately for Schillings, their success in taking down these web sites has resulted in this story being publicized all over the web.

Political blog Chicken Yoghurt has compiled a list of blogs that have publicized this story as a result of both Murray's site and Ireland's sites being taken down. Several dozen sites are now screaming censorship at Usmanov and Schillings for their actions, and it's hard to say they don't have a point.

It appears Schillings has fallen victim to something our pals at Techdirt like to call "The Streisand Effect." Back in 2003, Barbra Streisand sued a photographer in an attempt to remove an aerial photo of her California home from the Internet, despite the fact that the photo was part of a publicly funded coastline erosion study and wasn't even labeled as her home. As a result, photos of her house were published all over the web within days.

A similar situation happened last year to Diebold when internal memos discussing their easily hackable electronic voting machines were leaked to the web, and a group of students at Swarthmore College published the memos to the web. Diebold attempted to have the memos removed, claiming the students were committing copyright infringement. The company was successfully sued for issuing unlawful takedown notices under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and forced to pay $125,000 in damages.

Interestingly enough, a blogger called Sepisticle published a takedown notice from Schillings and then removed it after Schillings claimed it was a "copyrighted letter."

Much most interesting, though, is that for all their claims that Murray is libeling their client, Schillings has not actually sued Murray for libel. They have told anyone who will listen that Murray's book, Murder at Samarkand, is defamatory against Usmanov, but it's been out for more than a year, and they have never taken any legal action against Murray. Instead, they seem more focused on getting any mention of Murray and his allegations against Usmanov removed from the web -- and as the Streisand Effect teaches us, that's pretty much impossible.

If Murray's goal was to make Usmanov look like a thug, then mission accomplished, and it may be why the remaining Arsenal board members are redoubling their efforts to prevent Usmanov from taking over the club. If Murray ever finds his way back to the Internet, this story could get even nastier. Let's just hope nobody finds any polonium-210 in their soup because of this.

Pretty amazing stuff but who can be surprised when a country has such strong libel laws that can even protect a convicted criminal.

Euro Power Rankings: (modified slightly)
1) AC Milan
2) Real Madrid
3) Arsenal
4) AS Roma
5) Liverpool
6) Bayern Munich
7) Sevilla
8) FC Barcelona
9) Manchester United
10) FC Porto

Quick Hits:

• Some surprising UEFA cup results with Premier League sides struggling, with the exception of Spurs.
  
• Of course after surprisingly drawing with Chelski in the Champions League, Rosenborg has Norwegians freaking out about potential hooligans when the Blues come to town.
• The Gunners are on fire, someone put out Cesc Fabregas.
• Brazilian footballer Kerlon might not want to try his patented seal dribble again:
  

Ouch!

The Champions League is here! Best XI and weekend wrap up

First off -- a breakdown of Saturday and Sunday's premier league action -- and shame on the Toons for losing to cellar-dwellar's Derby - Michael Owen might have injured himself in the embarrassing result.

Here's the Best XI:

TEAM OF THE WEEK

GK: Pepe Reina (Liverpool)

LCB: Stephen Kelly (Birmingham)
CB: Kolo Toure (Arsenal)
RCB: Nemanja Vidic (Man United)

LM: Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham)
CM: Michael Johnson (Man City)
CM: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
RM: Lee Bowyer (West Ham)

ST: Dean Ashton (West Ham)
ST: Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland)
ST: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal)

Manager: Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)

My star of the weekend was Cesc Fabregas, who was absolutley brilliant and is quickly making people forget about Thierry Henry. Here's what the Best XI article has to say about Cesc Fabregas:

Cesc Fabregas has struck an early claim for Player of the Year with his consistently superb performances for Arsenal this season. Five goals in eight games so far from midfield answers those doubts about his scoring abilities, and his thirty-yard screamer in the north London derby was as good as any of those. He also set up two for Adebayor and strolled away with another MOTM award.

Chelski is a broken egg says Jose.

A breakdown of today's beginning stage of the Champion's league:

The UEFA Champions League roars into action on Tuesday as the highly anticipated group stages begin.

Six of Tuesday's games are live on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports Xtra, whilst you can also now catch the action live on skysports.com on your PC with our brilliant broadband service.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Celtic all get their Champions League campaigns underway on Tuesday with the three sides all dreaming of reaching this season's final in Moscow.

Holders Milan also begin the defence of their trophy with a home clash against Benfica.

Group A is Liverpool's domain and last season's finalists kick-off their assault on a sixth European crown with a tricky trip to Porto.

In the other game in the group under-performing Marseille play host to Besiktas at Stade Velodrome.

Group B sees Chelsea entertain Rosenborg at Stamford Bridge looking to finally go further than the semi-finals.

In the other game in the group Valencia travel to Germany to take on Schalke.

Nine-times winners Real Madrid go in search of a record tenth success in Group C and they get underway with a home clash with Werder Bremen, live on Sky Sports Xtra, while Olympiakos play host to Lazio in the game.

Group D sees champions Milan looking to become the first team to retain the Champions League in its current format and they get the defence of their trophy underway against Benfica.

In the other group game Celtic face a daunting trip to Ukraine to take on Shakhatr Donetsk, live on Sky Sports 2Click below for detailed previews on each game.

Group A:

Marseille v Besiktas: Marseille have never faced a Turkish team in the CL before.

Porto v Liverpool : Porto have never lost a CL home game against English sides.

Group B:

Chelsea v Rosenborg: Chelsea have kept eight clean sheets in the last 11 home CL matches.

Schalke v Valencia: Valencia have lost only once in the last seven CL away games.

Group C:

Real Madrid v Werder Bremen: Real have lost just one match at the Bernabeu in the last 21 in the competition (v Arsenal), drawing four and winning 16.

Olympiakos v Lazio: The Greek team have won just once in the last 13 CL games, against Real Madrid.

Group D:

Milan v Benfica: In the last 20 CL home games at the San Siro, Milan have won 16, drawn two and lost two.

Shakhtar v Celtic: In 13 CL away games, Celtic have lost 12 and shared the points once, against Barcelona.

I got my eyes on the Porto v. Liverpool match-up -- should be a tough challenge for Rafa's boys, while tomorrow features the intriguing match-up of Arsenal v. Sevilla.

Here are some Champions league predictions.

Quick hits and a Weekend preview...

Some quick hits to start out:

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney will both be back in SAF's squad but SAF isn't sure yet if Rooney will be unleashed.

Chelski tells Real Madrid to back off of Michael Ballack.

Micah Richards named the Barclay's Premier League player of the month. Well done lad, your star is certainly on the rise. Sven was also named Manager of the Month -- a double for the Citizen's.

Shiva to start in place of the injured Drogba.

David Moyes really enjoyed his Scottish strikers crack against the Frenchies.

Tim Howard is most likely out of this weekend's match versus ManYoo.

Mark Lawrenson offers up his predicitions on this weekends fixtures:

THIS WEEK'S PREDICTIONS

SATURDAY

Birmingham v Bolton

Both of these teams look nervous, lack a little bit of confidence and are perhaps fearing a long, tough season.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce said that his team did not turn up for their previous fixture at Middlesbrough, which Blues lost 2-0, and will want a much improved showing.

Bolton need striker Kevin Davies fit again as soon as possible - I think that to a degree their season depends on the success of his partnership with Nicolas Anelka.

Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Blackburn

Blackburn are a very decent side and they will certainly compete against any team they take on.

Playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is not easy and to an extent this means that the pressure is off them.

However, although Chelsea had a hiccup at Aston Villa in their last game I still think that they are the team to beat.

Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Man Utd

Everton have had a very good start to the season, while Manchester United came back from 2-0 down to register a crucial 4-2 win at Goodison Park last April on their way to winning the Premier League title.

I think that this will be a tight game that will go the way of United because they have more match winners in their team, especially with the expected return of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Prediction: 1-2

Portsmouth v Liverpool

Liverpool have had an excellent start to the season and with the regular inclusion of Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres in the team they seem to have a lot more attacking edge and pace in their attack.

Portsmouth, I should imagine, will be pleased when this game is out of the way. It is only their sixth Premier League game of the season and they will have now met all of the 'big-four' teams.

Having said that, Fratton Park is a very difficult ground to visit and I think Pompey might take something from the game.

Prediction: 1-1

Sunderland v Reading

Sunderland's home games are of huge importance to them this season.

Roy Keane probably knows that his team are in for a long and difficult campaign and I imagine he would settle for finishing top of the 'mini-league' of numerous team's battling against relegation at the bottom end of the table.

I think that they will have a much-needed victory on Saturday over a Reading team that are starting to slip down the league.

Prediction: 2-0

Tottenham v Arsenal

I do not think that all that many Tottenham fans are getting on coach Martin Jol's back but the club have certainly put themselves in a tricky position following the business with Sevilla coach Juande Ramos.

Another couple of bad results and we know what could well happen - and that would be a complete travesty for Jol.

I hope for Jol's sake that Tottenham do not lose this high-pressure game against their local rivals.

Arsenal have made a good start to the season but I'm still not convinced about them away from home.

Prediction: 1-1

West Ham v Middlesbrough

There have been changes in personnel at Middlesbrough over the summer but I still think they are in for a tough season.

Home form will be crucial for them because their away record is not great.

I do not think West Ham will struggle this season, although I was talking to Alan Curbishley the other day and he pointed out that he is already without several key players.

The likes of Kieron Dyer, Julien Faubert and Freddie Ljungberg may all be first-team regulars if fit, though Scott Parker should return this weekend.

Prediction: 2-0

Wigan v Fulham

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings has been at the club for several years, initially working under Paul Jewell, and his team have made a good start to the season.

There seems to be a real durability about the Latics and I reckon Hutchings will see this sort of fixture as very much a bread and butter home win.

I do not think this match would be my pick of the week to watch.

Prediction: 1-0

SUNDAY

Man City v Aston Villa

Manchester City have lost their last two fixtures and I think they will end up defeated in this one as well.

The newness of Sven-Goran Eriksson's arrival has worn off and with so many players away on international duty he will not have had much opportunity to work on shape and systems.

Having said that, I will be at the game as I'm covering it for BBC Radio 5live so I should be careful what I say!

Aston Villa will be buoyed by their win over Chelsea last time out.

Sometimes it takes a decent victory like that early in a season to remind people at a club that they really do have a decent team.

Prediction: 0-2

MONDAY

Derby v Newcastle

Newcastle are undefeated so far with two draws and two wins in the Premier League this season.

Michael Owen also seems to be very much back in form following his goal-scoring exploits for England.

I reckon that Owen will fancy himself to score against a defence for whom the word porous is a definite understatement.

Rams boss Billy Davies must work out how his team are going to win their share of home games.

There have also been lots of stories about his future as manager.

I don't know where they have come from but surely the board at the club should let him get on with the job.

He has a very difficult task at Derby, not helped by the fact that the team winning promotion through the play-offs has less time than the others clubs to recruit over the summer.

Prediction: 1-2

Abramovich has nothing better to do with his fortune...

Chelski owner Roman Abramovich is denying that he has offered Russian footballers a bonus for beating England -- color me skeptical since he spends money like its burning and is known to fund his homeland's national team:

The two nations meet in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

And reports claimed the Russian players would receive £40,000 if they were to defeat Steve McClaren's men.

But a Chelsea statement said: "Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England."

The billionaire Chelsea owner has close links with football back in his homeland and is reported to bankroll the salary of coach Guus Hiddink.

But the Chelsea statement added: "The financial backing Mr Abramovich gives to Russian football, via his National Academy of Football foundation, is for the development of the game as a whole and is not focused on specific matches.

"Mr Abramovich supports grass-roots football initiatives through such efforts as building football pitches, helping to organise youth sports academies and providing training for coaches."

Chelsea are likely to have four of their players lining up against the Russians, with Ashley Cole, John Terry, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips probable starters.

Quick hits:
Everton skipper Tim Cahill is getting ready to return to the pitch.

Everton boss David Moye is already preparing to lose players to the African Cup.

Fernando Torres is enjoying his time with Liverpool thus far.

Arsenal doesn't need dirty Russian money.

The Argentine Bulldog can't wait to pair with Wayne Rooney.

Monday quick hits...

Apologies for the delayed posting -- American football has diverted my attention during the PL off-week -- a las, here are some quick hits:

US loses to Brazil 4-2 but Ives says there are positives to take away from the match but Gooch needs to be replaced according to just about everyone (good analysis in the link therein).

Arsenal chairman says the club isn't up for sale, especially to Russian gangsters.

Glazers dispute more rumors about ManYoo's business operations.

Michael Ballack doesn't understand why he wasn't included on Chelski's Euro roster and Franz Beckenbauer doesn't understand why he made the move in the first place.

Tim Howard is doubtful vs. ManYoo after dislocating his finger against Brazil.

David Bentley defends his decision to back out of a previous U-21 England fixture, which has kept him out of McLaren's line-up.

Euro 2008:
Lampard and Hargreaves won't play but Stevie G will.

Iceland surprisingly draws with Spain after Spain went down to 10 men after a boneheaded kick by Xabi Alonso on an Icelandic defender.

Recap of the weekend; Best XI

David Warner at AOL Sportshouse with another entertaining break down of Saturday and Sunday's fixtures.

The best XI from ESPN:

GK: Robert Green (West Ham)

LCB: Joleon Lescott (Everton)
CB: Zat Knight (Aston Villa)
RCB: David Wheater (Boro)

LM: Matt Etherington (West Ham)
CM: Xabi Alonso (Liverpool)
CM: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
RM: Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

ST: Craig Bellamy (West Ham)
ST: Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
ST: Michael Owen (Newcastle)
Manager: Martin O'Neill (Villa)

Don't have too many problems with that line-up but I would have to offer up Clint Dempsey who was all over the pitch over the weekend, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists allowing Fulham to salvage a point. In any event he was certainly the top Yank from the weekend.

Another worth noting - the FA chief is concerned about the recent influx of foreign players into the Premier League.

Oh yea -- Chelski lost to Villa thanks to Zat Knight, narrowing the lead they enjoyed over ManYoo.

Since the PL seems to be blocking anyone from showing their highlights - I would have love to have show Kamara's equalizer for Fulham - here are some brilliant goals from their competition instead:

Wesley Sneijder's unstoppable free kick
Ditto from Ron
Alberto Aquilani with a nice free kick
Apologies in advance for the foreign languages.

Fat Frank tears thigh; transfer market weak so far...

Steve McLaren was not greeted with good news today as Frank Lampard tore a thigh tendon and will miss a few weeks of action, which will likely rule him out of England's first two Euro 2008 qualifiers:

The Chelsea midfielder suffered the injury at the end of Friday's training session and was sent to hospital where a scan revealed the full extent of the problem.

The 29-year-old is certain to miss Sunday's Premier League trip to Aston Villa and a major question mark hangs over whether he will be fit for England's crucial Euro 2008 double-header.

McClaren's men are up against Israel at Wembley on 8th September before taking on Russia four days later.

So far there hasn't been any splash moves in the transfer market with only spare parts and youngsters getting moved today -- to stay up with the latest, click here.

Anelka re-ups with Trotters; Shiva says no

Anelka has signed a 4 year contract extension to stay on Sammy Lee's side:

Bolton chalked up their first win of the season at the weekend by beating Reading with Anelka making it three goals in four games.

He said: "I seem to have been linked with every club in the country of late but my heart is with Bolton.

"I am very happy with my form, the club and the manager so signing a new contract was not a difficult decision.

"Hopefully we will prosper together because I would not have remained at Bolton if I had thought we could not win trophies."

Anelka's decision is a marvellous boost for manager Sammy Lee ahead of the home game against Everton on Saturday.

Lee said: "We have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get him to commit his long-term future to us.

"Nicolas is one of the world's best strikers and I am immensely proud and happy that he has shown such commitment to the club.

"It is also a boost for the dressing room because a team never wants to lose anybody of Nicolas's stature and presence."

Lee added: "This shows our ambition to be among the top clubs, not just in this country but across the world.

"Nicolas is one of the most sought after strikers in the world and I am delighted that he will continue to wear the Bolton shirt.

Don't know if Anelka's presence in the dressing room is as positive as Sammy Lee implies as he's known for being somewhat of a malcontent but Bolton surely needed his talents if they are to stay out of the relegation zone.

In other news:
Shiva won't go back to Dynamo Kiev and wants to return to first team action with Chelski

Most of the other transfer rumors, including the Defoe/SWP swap, were bull.

Zat Knight gets nicked with crack cocaine and heroin just hours before being trumpeted as Villa's new signing.

Reading are offended by West Ham's "derisory" offer for Nick Shorey.

Pompey is still looking for a striker.

Another Russian billionaire is getting into the Premier League.

Freddy Adu is getting settled at Benfica.

Dane, Thomas Graveson, has joined Everton on loan for the rest of the season.

Sam Eto'o is out two months for Barca with a partial tear of his right thigh tendon.

Before the window closes...

The latest rumors leading up to the closing of the transfer window:

England international forwards Jermain Defoe and Shaun Wright-Phillips could swap clubs while Nicolas Anelka could leave Bolton Wanderers for either Manchester United or Manchester City.

Defoe has yet to commit himself to a new deal at Tottenham Hotspur while Wright-Phillips has failed to fully establish himself at Chelsea since moving there from Manchester City two years ago.

Manchester United could move for Frenchman Anelka to ease their striking problems, while City would be keen to boost their vibrant new squad.

Chelsea's interest in Barcelona's Brazilian Ronaldinho was still being widely reported even though Barcelona president Joan Laporta says he will not be leaving the Nou Camp.

More on the possible moves by Man U:

As well as Saha being on the verge of a comeback, Brazilian new-boy Anderson could also feature for the first time after overcoming a niggling hamstring complaint picked up during pre-season combat in Doncaster.

The potential availability of that duo is likely to mean there will be no late deadline-day arrivals at Old Trafford, even though the names of Dimitar Berbatov and Nicolas Anelka continue to be linked with a move to the champions

Chelski defender backs move for Ron (and some transfer rumors)...

John Terry has bought into bringing Ron to Chelski - so long as he buys into what Jose preaches.

John Terry said yesterday that Ronaldinho would be the perfect signing for Chelsea – just as long as he obeyed Jose Mourinho's orders and tracked back. The Brazilian's future is the transfer saga that refuses to go away with three days left until the transfer window closes on Friday.

The Chelsea captain is a close confidante of Roman Abramovich, but even he could not offer an insight into whether the 27-year-old is a serious prospect for his club or just using them to negotiate a better deal with Barcelona. Instead he said that the man twice voted Fifa world player of the year would be suited to Chelsea's new more attacking style – but that even Ronaldinho would be expected to do his share of defending too.

The tantalising prospect of Chelsea pulling off one of the greatest transfer coups of all time is balanced by the possibility that Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis Moreira is using the club's interest as a bargaining chip in contracts talks with Barcelona. Nevertheless, the reports of meetings between Moreira and Abramovich had reached the Chelsea players. "It was exciting. I've seen the coverage," Terry said. "To get a player of that ability would be a great acquisition. I've seen him, seen what he's all about and he's a very difficult player to mark.

"If he did come he would give us that option up front and it'd be great for the Premiership to get the likes of Ronaldinho. For me personally, Chelsea and everyone at the club it would be great."

There was still a surreal element to discussing with Terry how one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time would potentially fit into Mourinho's team – but this being Chelsea, even their club captain was not about to dismiss the possibility out of hand. Having witnessed the Mourinho-effect first hand, Terry said that even Ronaldinho, who has faced Chelsea in the Champions League each season for the last three years, would have to stick to the core principles of the team.

Don't think Ron is a very good fit at Chelski but he is the two time FIFA player of the year and absolutely brilliant. Such class should theoretically be able to adapt to any system but as Shiva and Ballack have proven, this isn't always the case.

(Other transfer rumors - some featuring Adriano - there should be plenty more before the transfer window closes on Friday)

Ronaldinho to Chelski?? Weekend wrap-up

A short update due as I am travelling but a couple things that have caught my eye...

- Chelski looks to spend some ridiculous money on the Brazilian phenom.

- Barca denies

- David Warner wrap-ups Saturday & Sundays premier league action

- Berbatov to remain a Spur

- Fergie says injury woes are coming to an end

Who will Fabio Capello manage next?

Could he replace Steve McLaren as the Three Lions' manager or perhaps take the over the USMNT duties from Bob Bradley. Or maybe even take over at Chelsea should Jose not bring home the Champions League hardware this year. Sportingo examines the possibilities:

But I want to dig even deeper into the possibilities here. What about England? What if trophies fail to arrive at Chelsea and Liverpool this season? If Liverpool do not win the Premier League it is not out of the question that Rafael Benitez will be fired. Jose Mourinho is not guaranteed to be at Chelsea next season if multiple trophies (and I don't mean of the FA Cup and Carling Cup variety) make their way to Stamford Bridge.

Thus, two big clubs with big budgets and lots of talent could have manager openings. Thinking even bigger for a second, England national team manager Steve McClaren will be gone either before Euro 2008 because England fail to qualify or immediately after the competition when they crash out in dismal fashion again. Managing England is one of the highest profile jobs in the world. Signore Capello - your ego is landing.

And let me throw this out: Would Capello consider managing in the United States?

Consider the total lack of pressure on the US national team manager, and I would have to believe Capello could balance managing an MLS club with the national team job. He could settle in at LA Galaxy, Chivas USA or Chicago Fire all while guiding the Americans to respectability at the international level. If we've learned anything over the summer it is that current manager Bob Bradley hasn't done much to raise the competitiveness of the US national team. They look pretty ordinary outside of CONCACAF and if David Beckham is getting MLS on front pages and prime-time television shouldn't the national team strive for the same?

Capello, of course, would be a great hire for the USMNT and coincidentally was in the UK yesterday and met with Bob Bradley to share technical advice:

Capello met with U.S. coach Bob Bradley and U.S. soccer federation president Sunil Gulati in London on Thursday.

"They wanted my views for a series of technical questions," Capello was quoted as saying in Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

The meeting lasted three hours, according to the Gazzetta.

The United States was beaten 1-0 by Sweden in a friendly Wednesday to extend its losing streak to four games — the worst such stretch for the Americans in a decade.

Capello met with U.S. coach Bob Bradley and U.S. soccer federation president Sunil Gulati in London on Thursday.

"They wanted my views for a series of technical questions," Capello was quoted as saying in Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

The meeting lasted three hours, according to the Gazzetta.

The United States was beaten 1-0 by Sweden in a friendly Wednesday to extend its losing streak to four games — the worst such stretch for the Americans in a decade.

If Bradley needs advice from Capello he should just switch the interim manager tag to assistant manager or former Manager - especially considering the aforementioned four game losing streak.

Fulham add 4th Yank in Keller; Belletti to Chelski...

After another soft performance from Tony Warner, Fulham have added their fourth Yank in GK Kasey Keller to compete for first-choice duties while Antii Niemmi is injured:

Fulham have added yet another American to their ranks, snapping up free agent goalkeeper Kasey Keller whose contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach was not renewed following last season's relegation campaign.

Keller, 37, is expected to slot into the starting lineup immediately with first choice keeper Antti Niemi currently injured and backup Tony Warner having three inconsistent performances to open the season.

"It was important that we added some strength and depth," Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez said in a press release. "Kasey is a proven professional with impeccable international credentials.

After striking out on acquiring Alves, Chelsea have acquired Brazilian right back Juliano Belletti:

However, the arrival of World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta squeezed Belletti out of the Barca first team.

"I know a bit about what the Premier League is like," added Belletti. "I know it's a tough league but I'm coming here with plenty of ambition and desire. I want to win trophies.

"I am a typical Brazilian full-back. I like to get forward up the wing."

Chelsea are believed to have turned their attention to Belletti after their attempt to sign Dani Alves stalled again.

Sevilla turned down two improved offers for the full-back this week, with Chelsea and Real Madrid both in the hunt.

The Spanish club were understood to want £27m for Alves but Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said the club would not be forced into spending above the market price.

"When we are buying players there is no doubt about it there is one price for Chelsea and one price for everyone else," Buck told 5live.

"We have to do our best to fight that."

Great quote from Bruce Buck - perhaps if Chelski didn't buy players at exorbitant prices every year then teams wouldn't expect to get more than fair value when you want one of their players.

Robben completes move to Real Madrid...

Arjen Robben finally appears to be headed to the Bernabeu, who must have been awfully busy today in England. Funny that Robben joins Real Madrid the same day as Gabriel Heinze with Man U and Chelsea being rivals and all.

Rob Styles is a tosser...

From the AOL Sporthouse. I hadn't seen this replay yet (as I was travelling Sunday) but it was such a crap call as Malouda was clearly either dummying the ball back to Drogba or flopping like a salmon. Styles looks like a Chelski supporter to me:

If there's one thing on which Chelsea fans and Liverpool fans can agree after Sunday's big match in Anfield, it's this -- referee Rob Styles was a world-class tosser. Not only did he award Chelsea a bogus penalty, as the video above shows, but he handed out, oh, about 38 yellow cards because of player protests. I think Michael Essien got yellow-carded five times for dissent, yet still managed to stay in the game.

The Premier League? It, too, thought that penalty was bogus, and it has acted accordingly.

Referee Rob Styles will not officiate in the next Premier League round after mistakenly awarding Chelsea a penalty kick in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield. ...

Referees chief Keith Hackett said Monday that Styles will be suspended for the next round.

"It is just like with players - if they miss an open goal, they are likely to be dropped," Hackett said. "Having looked at a video and seen a better angle and a better view, clearly (Styles) now recognizes that he got it wrong and he's deeply apologetic for that. I think, in fact, he will be making contact with Liverpool in order to offer his apologies."

It's actually kind of refreshing to see a sports league not only hold a ref accountable for a bad call, but force him to write a letter of apology to the team he wronged.