N'Golo Kante gets the hang of new Blues roleLONDON • N'Golo Kante insists that he is finally growing into his new role in Chelsea's midfield as the France star prepares for today's English Premier League home clash with Southampton.He earned a reputation as the world's best defensive midfielder after playing a key role...

United's massive 'rebuilding job'BARCELONA • After their remote hopes of another improbable Champions League revival were stopped dead by Lionel Messi and a rampant Barcelona, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his Manchester United side have to undergo a huge overhaul to return to Europe's elite.United tried in vain to summon...

Football: Sarri eyes win streak to avoid Chelsea axeLONDON • Maurizio Sarri insists he expects to avoid being sacked as Chelsea manager if his side can put together a sustained winning run.Reports yesterday claimed Sarri will be axed if the Blues lose any of their next three matches.Sarri faces a crucial seven days as...

Football: Albirex Niigata still aim to win trophies despite squad overhaulSINGAPORE - Keiji Shigetomi knows the magnitude of his task in his first senior appointment as head coach of reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions Albirex Niigata.After two seasons of sweeping all competitive silverware, anything less...

Football: Struggling Fulham sign Dutch forward Babel from BesiktasLONDON (REUTERS) - Fulham have signed Dutch international forward Ryan Babel from Turkish club Besiktas on a permanent deal running until the end of the season, the Premier League club said on Tuesday (Jan 15).Babel makes a return to the English game, having...

'We love you Emi': Nantes tribute to tragic SalaNANTES, France (AFP) - Nantes paid an emotional tribute to Emiliano Sala at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Wednesday (Jan 30) before their first match since their former striker's plane disappeared over the Channel last week.The 28-year-old had been travelling from Nantes to...

Football: Man United game is 'like a final', says Chelsea's PedroLONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea's crucial Premier League clash at Manchester United on Sunday (April 28) is "like a final" for the London club as both sides seek a top-four Premier League finish, winger Pedro has said.Chelsea are currently fourth in the standings...