Football story by Vinnie Mitchell, Mon, 05 Dec 2005 20:44:00 GMT


MADRID - Real Madrid have done what was expected of them. No they have not yet won any championship, but have sacked their sixth coach in 30 months. Wanderley Luxemburgo was the latest casualty of a job that is turning out to be more demanding than any other in the football world.

And in desperation, Real bosses have turned to the English Premiership to see if they can poach some of the top names including Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho and his nemesis this season, at least in the verbal stakes, Arsene Wenger.

All three men denied that they were interested in the job, but knowing Real it will not be a surprise if either of these three chooses to tango in Spain. Rafa Benitez is the most likely prospect according to reports. But the Reds' boss said that he was happy in England and had a job to finish, "I have said this in the past and now I have an important game in the Champions League against Chelsea on Tuesday to think about - and that is all that is on my mind. I certainly will not allow this speculation to disrupt my preparation for the game, but as I say, I am happy here at this club," he said.

Similar statements were issued by Mourinho and Wenger. The Chelsea boss said, "I would not go if they called me. I have four more years at Chelsea and I hope to win enough trophies in that time to see out my contract and maybe longer." It is unlikely that Mourinho has tired of the Russian romance just yet, but the former Porto man is highly unpredictable.

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger also said that he is busy until 2008 when his contract runs out. "That is very nice of him but until 2008 I have glue on my seat here. My desire is to stay here," he said when asked about the fact that Real boss Perez had named him a top manager. the next couple of weeks leading to the holiday matches in the Premiership would make it clear if each man is standing by his words or not.

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