Eighth in the table as they entered Russia's long winter break, on paper not much has changed for FC Lokomotiv Moskva, who finished in the same position last season.However, if results have not been revelatory, the arrival of coach Slaven Bilić – fresh from leading Croatia at UEFA EURO 2012 – has brought vitality back to a club who have had some lean years since winning the second of their Russian titles in 2004. A positive, clever side with a good team ethic, they are just one point off fourth place in a busy chasing pack in this term's Premier League."When I arrived, we wrote a plan for the future, and the main aim was to win the league," said Bilić, who
Football Update
Chelsea’s talks with Ba hit snag, reports say
By ESPN.com news services Demba Ba deal on hold as transfer window nears The January transfer window is about to open, but one player who could be staying put is Newcastle striker Demba Ba. Demba Ba deal on hold as transfer window nears NEXT VIDEO Demba Ba deal on hold as transfer window nears Demba Ba deal on hold as transfer window nears The January transfer window is about to open, but one player who could be staying put is Newcastle striker Demba Ba. Benitez wary of QPR Benitez wary of QPR Rafael Benitez says QPR's position at the bottom of the Premier League makes them dangerous opponents when they visit Chelsea on Wednesday. Chelsea's hopes of signing Newcastle striker Demba Ba have suffered an early blow after unproductive discussions
Mandžukić beats Modrić to Croatian gong
FC Bayern München forward Mario Mandžukić reflected on his "most successful season yet" after he was elected Croatian player of the year.The 26-year-old collected 104 points in the 41st edition of the poll run by newspaper Večernji list, finishing just ahead of Real Madrid CF midfielder Luka Modrić on 93. "This award means a lot to me and will motivate me to do even better – my best is still to come," he said. "My moment of the year was EURO 2012, I think about it a lot. That atmosphere and emotion was something special."Indeed, Mandžukić illuminated Croatia's campaign in Poland and Ukraine, even if his three goals were not enough for them to advance from the group stage. By
The Score – UEFA EURO 2012 official film
UEFA.com presents The Score, a musical exploration of UEFA EURO 2012 scored by UNKLE.More than simply chronicling UEFA EURO 2012, this film is a unique, immersive experience, a cinematic exploration of the tournament through the eyes of both players and fans.Different thematic elements are explored in a suite of bespoke musical movements scored by UNKLE, the pioneering musical outfit behind albums including Psyence Fiction and Never, Never, Land and film soundtracks such as Sexy Beast.A variety of tournament imagery, on the pitch and behind the scenes, inside and outside the stadiums, with players and fans is combined with both the moving score and an intricate, detailed soundscape – bringing a unique and fresh perspective on the tournament.Fans chanting, players shouting
OFFS highlight Ukraine grassroots drive
Following its success as a co-host of UEFA EURO 2012, the Football Federation of Ukraine (FFU) has also been active at grassroots level with a number of activities taking place as part of the Open Fun Football Schools (OFFS) initiative.The programme, founded in 1998, is run by the Cross Cultures Project Association (CCPA), a core partner within UEFA's social responsibility strategy. It uses football as a tool to stimulate peaceful co-existence, gender equality, tolerance and social cohesion in countries and communities affected by war and ethnic conflicts.Played under the philosophy of 'sports for all', a series of 20 five-day festivals were held all over Ukraine involving over 3,800 children of over 30 nationalities including orphans, those with special needs and
Coaches react to Brazil 2013 draw
© Getty ImagesThe build-up to the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 began in earnest on Saturday, when the draw for the group phase took place in Sao Paulo. Hosts Brazil line up in Group A with Japan, Mexico and Italy, while Spain, Uruguay and Tahiti will be joined in Group B by the champions of Africa, whose identity will be revealed after next February’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations final. Speaking to the press afterwards, the coaches of the seven national teams to have already secured their places looked ahead to what they can expect when next June’s Festival of Champions gets under way:Group ALuiz Felipe Scolari (Brazil): We Brazilians think we’ve got a competitive, quality team, and this tournament
Man accused of Lukaku abuse ‘was doing chicken dance’
A Sunderland fan who has been accused of making a monkey gesture towards West Brom striker Romelu Lukaku has claimed he was doing a chicken dance. PA PhotosLukaku scored from the penalty spot during the 4-2 win at the Stadium of Light Liam Jones, 21, from Hendon, Sunderland, was arrested by police after pictures surfaced of what appeared to be him making a racist gesture towards Lukaku, following his goal during the Black Cat's 4-2 defeat to West Brom. Jones, who is currently unemployed, has proclaimed his innocence however, and feels his actions have been misunderstood. "People have got it all wrong," he said. "I wasn't doing a monkey chant. I was doing a chicken dance. "I'm devastated people think I'm racist. I have black