'Abramovich knows Mourinho is the right man for Chelsea'

Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo insists Jose Mourinho has the full backing from Roman Abramovich.

The Premier League champions currently sit 16th in the Premier League having suffered seven defeats in their opening 12 games.

Mourinho has already been given the public support by Chelsea but Emenalo, who is one of Abramovich’s closest allies at Stamford Bridge, insists the Russian billionaire “has the whole picture” of the current situation at the club.

“When it comes to decisions, we feel confident we have an owner who has a very good track record, who is astute at making decisions of this kind at the right time to get us to where we want to be,” Emenalo said in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

Real Madrid's problems are exaggerated - Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique believes Real Madrid's problems have been exaggerated and insists Saturday's Clasico will not prove decisive in the race for the league title.

Barcelona head to the Santiago Bernabeu with a three-point advantage at the top of the table and with Madrid reportedly in disarray amid speculation senior players are disgruntled with the tactics employed by new boss Rafa Benitez.

But Luis Enrique, who played for both clubs, says suggestions Barcelona can move in to an unassailable lead by beating their rivals are over the top.

Luis Enrique: Messi won't be 100% for Clasico

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique has confirmed Lionel Messi is available for Saturday’s Clasico, but stressed he will not be “100 per cent fit” for the trip to Real Madrid.

Enrique wouldn’t be drawn on whether or not Messi will start the match at the Bernabeu, though, saying he will make a decision on his line-up as close to kick off as possible.

The Argentina international has been missing since the end of September when he injured ligaments in his knee against Las Palmas.

However, he has returned to training this week and could feature in this weekend’s top of La Liga clash.

“With respect to Leo, he’s back with the squad and the feelings are positive,” the Barca boss told a press conference.

Raul ponders coaching and Madrid as 'new path begins'

A legendary career littered with milestones, records and trophies finished with another piece of silverware.

Spanish legend Raul helped the New York Cosmos win the 2015 NASL Championship on Sunday night, as they defeated a 10-man Ottawa Fury FC, 3-2, at James M. Shuart Stadium.

It was Raul's final game as a professional footballer. What the 38-year-old does next is unknown. The striker plans to stay involved in the game, but has not yet decided how. He will take the next few weeks and months to figure it all out while living in New York and enjoying his new life with his family.

Eventually returning Real Madrid would make sense, but it is still to be determined whether he goes back there whenever he is ready to embark on the next phase of his career.

Mata backs Costa to start scoring for Chelsea

The former Blues playmaker says he wants his compatriot to refind his form, while Atletico Madrid's Koke has also leant his support to his struggling former teammate

Manchester United star Juan Mata has backed international teammate Diego Costa to regain top form for club and country ahead of Spain's friendly against England on Friday.

Costa has struggled to replicate the form of his first season at Chelsea, with just three goals in 17 appearances in all competitions this term.

His struggles mirror those of his club, currently 16th in the Premier League table.

Breaking News: Cristiano Ronaldo 'buys Gulfstream private jet for €19million

 

The 30-year-old is Real Madrid star reportedly paid €19million (£13.5million) on a new Gulfstream G200 business jet, to help him jet around the world on his marketing missions. The aircraft can carry between eight and ten passengers, depending on its specification. It features separate bathrooms for the crew and passengers, plus also wardrobes, internet access, telephone, fax, microwave, electric oven, fridge for drinks and entertainment systems.

Argentina doctor - Messi shouldn't risk himself in the Clasico

Argentina team doctor Homero de Agostino says the 28-year-old should sit out Barcelona's clash against Real Madrid next weekend

Barcelona star Lionel Messi risks another spell on the sidelines if he plays in the Clasico against Real Madrid, Argentina's team doctor has warned.

The Argentina international has been sidelined since sustaining knee ligament damage in the La Liga match against Las Palmas on September 26.

There were hopes Messi would be fit for the November 21 clash against fierce rivals Real at Santiago Bernabeu - but Argentina's team doctor, Homero de Agostino, says there's a chance Messi could face an even longer spell out if he plays.