Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?

(A) Fairly confident as we were playing the bottom team in the league, not always a marker I know but I felt if we were at the races we would take the 3 points, I was worried about fitness though and have taken steps over the next couple of weeks to back up any players I am worried about.



(Q) Were you pleased with the performance of your team?

(A) We didnt play as well as we have done in the last 3 weeks but we took the points and when you win whislt not necassarily playing too well its a good sign, the lads dug in in a tricky game and did well.



(Q) Where do you feel the weakness is in your team at present?

(A)  I would like to find another right midfielder and another stirker to strengthen the squad otherwise I am very happy with the lads I have



(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?

(A) We have singed John Ruddy this week from Recreativo on loan, John will probably play from next week as our keepers are struggling with fitness, we are also brining in a striker and a left midfielder on loan over the next few weeks. We also have a lot of close season plans but will wait before I give you more on that, nobody is leaving us at this moment in time.



(Q) How are you coping with the fitness this season of your squad when some are really struggling?

(A) To be honest its been a real shocker for me and something I will have to address next season, I obviously need a better base training as the base I chose this year has caused issues, we have some of our top players sitting on 6 or 7 fitness and I have therefore had to work hard to bring in some loans just to make sure we are not losing games because of our fitness levels, for me its brought a new dimension to the game but we are goign to have to consider a larger squad and squad rotation next year.



(Q) What formation do you think best suits the players you have at your disposal?

(A) Actually I dont want to give this away but I have three formations I use depending on player availability, how they did the last few weeks and who we are playing, we can be flexible and we always like to take the game to the opposition, we have the players to do this.



(Q) How do you feel about changes to the Italian league system?

(A) I welcome the Italian FA's interest to try and develop the Italian Leagues, however with some good managers this year I think the leagues are lookign healthier, therefore I would welcome some dialogue and discussions and perhaps some voting from the chairman and managers before any decisions are made, this is a historical time so we need to get it right. I also think the teams should be given notice that this would happen from the following season so we can half a half year to prepare and sell / buy etc.





-- Edited by Fletch on Monday 31st of January 2011 11:00:03 AM

Q&A with Cardiff City manager Luke Coakley

Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?

(A)I always feel confident going into games because I have faith complete in the lads I have.They havent let me down to date and while our form has been a little erratic I think we are learning every game.

Q) Some pundits have suggested disappointment at the clubs form this season, many believing you would storm this league, that hasnt really happened has it?

A) Well thats why pundits aint managers.We are undefeated in the league all season and seven points off third so I would say we are doing pretty well.I think some people are a little short sighted, it was important to go up and as champions and we are still working very hard at that but it was just important we have a squad capable of doing well next season.We have Danny and Jones out on loan and thats a hell of a lot of moneys worth not in our team and lets not forget we have upgraded the stadium greatly so everything is progressing well.If we win the league by two points or twenty it makes little difference as long as we win the league, that of course is the aim.

(Q) Were you pleased with the performance of your team?

(A) It was a very good solid performance, we still arent creating as many chances as I would like but that will come with time and we are getting goals from all over the field which is encouraging and when we are keeping clean sheets we are always in with a chance.

(Q) Where do you feel the weakness is in your team at present?

(A)I wouldnt like to say the word weakness but we have players out on loan who would be useful to the squad.I would like another few players who could maybe pass the ball a little better but im pleased with what I have and we will keep working on those players to help them improve.

(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?

(A) No deals to confirm, we have a squad player coming in but no one that will be pushing the first team.That may change in the coming days but I dont predict any other movement at this point.

(Q) How are you coping with the fitness this season of your squad when some are really struggling?

(A)I find it really interesting and we have been rotating but it will be an interesting few weeks for all clubs as players are now getting tired.I think we have enough depth to cover injuries but we have to be careful, it is something we are keeping a close eye on.

(Q) What formation do you think best suits the players you have at your disposal?

(A) At the moment I dont think I can pick out a formation, we have mostly played 3-5-2 although used variations of that.We have also played 4-4-2 often and done very well, I really think it depends who you are playing against.We even played 2-5-3 at one point this season and played really well so always expect the unexpected but really it depends on what players I have available and who Im playing against.

(Q) How do you feel about changes to the Italian league system?

(A) I believe the three tier system in Italy would work, for me the gaps between the clubs is just to big at the moment.I do however think chairman need to stand up and be counted, bring in better quality managers, invest and tell managers to invest wisely in younger players.The reason Italy has fallen behind is that squads grew old together and Italy became an old league.

Q) Finally do you mind if we throw a few rumours at you for comment

A) Go ahead

Q) Genoa are reportedly interested in bringing you in?

A) I have had no approach.

Q) Udinese are after Snodgrass?

A) No approach on that one either but we have had interest in him but nothing that matches our valuation.

Q) Simon Jenkins is watching the progress of Phil Jones and considering a 7million pound offer?

A) Well I cant say if that is true or not but if it is then Simon can stop wasting his time as seven million wouldnt buy him. 

Jonny Sinclair admitted he was deeply disappointed that Parma didn't win the right to host FA Youth Tournament however was glad it was decided to be hosted in Italy at Napoli

'It's a shame we had a really good bid It was between us Napoli and Real Valladolid and the other teams who had appiled had put as much into youth development as us three and I felt that the FA were going to give it to an Italian team to see if Italian football has a future which I believe it does. Sadly Napoli I think won it thanks to Lavezzi and the fact they could produce that kind of quality player because our youth players and policy is very similar and there isn't much to choose from either. I am deeply disappointed but I have to congraulate Andy Fletcher and Charimen Stuart Price who I'm sure will do a great job in hosting the tournament they can win that as long as we get automatic promotion.'

Jonny Sinclair also had time to talk to skysports quickly about the past week:

Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?

(A) Well it was always going to be tough with it being Chievo but I decided to go for it and put three upfront but I have to commend Chievo's defence we just just couldn't get through we needed a little bit more luck

(Q) Were you pleased with the performance of your team?

(A) I thought we did well we contained Chievo well we got a clean sheet and it's another point on the board and it'll give us confidence for this week's game against Ascoli.

(Q) Where do you feel the weakness is in your team at present?

(A) II believe our defence has struggled this season but against Chievo we were solid which was good to see.

(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?

(A) Nope we haven't got any plans to buy/sell anyone at the minute.


(Q) How are you coping with the fitness this season of your squad when some are really struggling?

(A) We have done reasonably well as we now have a big squad however 3 of my players are out for the next game so i'll have to be more careful.


(Q) What formation do you think best suits the players you have at your disposal?

(A) I use different ones for different teams I do like 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 they seem to work to well however I'm not heavily realient on any one formation.

(Q) How do you feel about changes to the Italian league system?

(A) I think it's a good idea it just depends when they plan on introducing if they do, that was really the only query I had, I think it's a good idea

Chelsea boss John Brady has turned down a "tempting" offer from Genoa to see out the rest of the season in England but has refused to rule out a future move.

Davies-Evans leaves Blackburn???

There is much confusion around Ewood Park tonight as to whether manager Steve Davies-Evans has left the Lancashire club. Reports earlier on Friday stated that Davies-Evans had become dis-illusioned with life at Rovers after still not being offered a new contract. However, no official statement has been made by either Blackburn Rovers or Davies-Evans tonight which has left supporters confused. There have been some reports suggesting that Davies-Evans may be set for a move abroad but again these reports haven't been quashed or confirmed by either party.

Davies-Evans's Twitter page stated that the Welshman was visiting family in South Wales before heading to Rovers fixture this evening but as yet, the manager has yet to attend although he's not due for another hour. Many Rovers fans will be waiting to see if Davies-Evans takes charge of the team this evening and puts to bed any rumours of him leaving.

More to follow........

PALERMO AQUILE ANSWER CRITICS

Pamero have been at odds in a public argument with Catania this week taking attention away from the big game in Italy with AC Milan coming to town.
"Our left winger was rested this week so our new right winger didn't get his debut today but Morais was given his first start even though Catania complained he wasn't good enough to play for us. To score on his debut inside 3 minutes after all that build up and in such a big match is really pleasing. We talked at the start of the game about proving we were no push over and shutting up some of our critics. It was a great start but we knew AC Milan would throw everything at us soon."

Palermo have relied on their strikers this season and manager Callum Ward praised his two strikers today.
"Young Abel Hernandez was causing them lots of problems early on. He missed some easy chances to finish off very good attacks but I hope he develops this side of his game as he matures. He did settle later in the game but their goalkeeper pulled off some very impressive saves to keep them in it for a while. The referee refused to allow his goal just before half time for a foul but I didn't see anything wrong and Hernandez asked why but the referee wouldn't explain the decision. We want referees to be accountable for decisions that on another day could cost us because it was only 1-0 at that time. Daniel Parejo came with me from Getafe and continues to impress every player fan and coach who sees him. He tapped in an easy second for us on 60 minutes but you can't take anything away from him he still gets in the positions to finish off the move no matter how easy the last touch might be and that is a sign of a top striker. They didn't have a single attack for over half an hour. We showed we can do more than just spring a shock on these historic teams but we can out play them."