Beckham hopes for another year at Galaxy
DAVID BECKHAM’S chances of returning to the Barclays Premier League in January were hit after he admitted he wants to play one more year in Major League Soccer.Beckham’s four-year deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy ends in November. Spurs and Queens Park Rangers are keen to offer the former England captain a chance to return to English football this winter while the midfielder is keen to play for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics.
If Beckham, 36, plays a fifth MLS season, which begins in March, he would almost certainly rest during December and January.
He said: ‘I’d like one more year with the Galaxy. I feel fit and want to help the Galaxy win the championship.’
The Galaxy became the first team to clinch a play-off berth with their 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids.
Robbie Keane was only a substitute after totting up 13,000 air miles on Republic of Ireland duty.
‘It’s tough,’ said Beckham. ‘I did it for a few years and it is difficult coming back and going straight into a game.’
While Barclays Premier League clubs are often critical of the heavy schedule of English football the Galaxy are focused on trying to get through the next three weeks without injuries or undue fatigue. Between the MLS schedule and CONCACAF Champions League matches, the Galaxy won't have anything longer than a three-day break in mid-October, two weeks before the playoffs begin.
‘THEY’RE OUT TO GET ME’ CLAIMS MOURINHO
JOSE MOURINHO believes there is a campaign against him and accused UEFA of giving Arsene Wenger preferential treatment over his touchline ban.
The Real Madrid coach, currently serving a two-game Champions League touchline ban, is no stranger to controversy, having totted up more than £200,000 in fines during his career plus several suspensions.
He said: ‘What is a serious offence for one person is not serious for another. There are certain regulations for one and the rest.
‘UEFA did not accept my appeal so I was not able to go to the bench for the Champions League semi-final [against Barcelona] last season. Yet they accepted the appeal of another coach [Wenger] punishing him two days after a crucial game for his team.
‘I have to live with this.
‘There is a campaign against me and it is well organised. I almost enjoy it, though, because it motivates me. I like new motivations.’
Mourinho was delighted that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson spoke positively of him last week.
The former Chelsea boss said: ‘He is the most historic coach in world football in my opinion. To hear what he said was humbling.’
NFL HARD LINE ON DRINK-DRIVING WOULD NOT BE WELCOME HERE
ENGLISH football will no doubt be hoping the Football Association do not adopt the policy of the National Football League in relation to drink-driving.
The NFL suspended Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Andy Moeller for two games for violating the league's personal conduct policy, also fining him £30,000..
The suspension stems from Moeller being found guilty of driving while impaired by alcohol. In the NFL, personnel are not paid while under suspension so Moeller’s ban would have also cost him around £100,00 in wages.
Imagine the reaction of managers, coaches and players found guilty of drink-driving if they also received an unpaid sporting ban. Yet anything that helps to reduce the offence should be welcomed.
Christopher Davies
Tags: Christopher Davies, david beckham
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