Deschamps reveals why he rejected Liverpool; Toni Kroos set to sign new Bayern deal

Deschamps reveals why he rejected Liverpool

Marseille boss Didier Deschamps revealed that he had rejected the offer to become Liverpool boss last summer.

Didier Deschamps says the Liverpool bench was offered to him before Roy Hodgson agreed to take over at Anfield.

“I was immensely flattered to receive Liverpool’s offer but there are two principal reasons that made me stay at Marseille.

“I thought about it for more than two seconds, I won’t lie to you. Believe me. It’s not every day Liverpool come knocking on your door.

“It was not an easy decision, I tell you, not easy. But I had given my word here.

“I had a year left on my contract and committed myself to staying, giving my promise to the president, the fans and the players.

“There were players who came here for me. Then Liverpool’s offer came two days before we started pre-season at the end of June. As I am a man of my word, I couldn’t do it.

“At the same time we also had the controversy of the French team at the World Cup in South Africa and I couldn’t see myself adding to that by dropping Marseille in it two days before pre-season and saying ‘That’s it, I’m going to Liverpool’.”

The talented boss is doing pretty well with Marseille this season as the OM are still fighting for the title in Ligue 1, while they are about to face Manchester United in the Champions League last 16 stage, although Deschamps is still wondering what could have been if he had agreed to join Liverpool.

[Source: The Sun]

Toni Kroos set to sign new Bayern deal

Bayern Munchen midfielder Toni Kroos is set to sign a new long-term contract at Alianz Arena, according to Kicker.

The Germany international’s current contract is due to expire in June 2012, but Bayern chiefs are eager to keep hold of the highly rated youngster.

The Bavarians have offered Kroos an improved contract until 2015 as they see the young midfielder as an integral part of the team and one of the future leaders in the side.

Kroos, who returned to the side following the two-month spell on the sidelines, is expected to accept the contract offer and put pen to paper in the next few days.

This clearly shows Bayern are keen on keeping hold of their best players as they plan to build a side capable of restoring domestic domination, with Toni Kroos integral to the plans.

Despite his fragile age, the 21-year-old is already considered a very important part of both Bayern and Germany national team, so there is no doubt he is in for a very bright future.

Liverpool join race for Celtic full-back

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish yesterday attended the Old Firm derby at Parkhead as he wanted to see Celtic full-back Emilio Izaguirre in action.

The Honduras international was in fine form as he set up Celtic’s second goal with Dalglish leaving more than happy with what he had seen.

The Reds are now set to join Manchester United in the race for the highly rated defender as they look to find a solution for the problematic left-back spot.

Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Newcastle defender Jose Enrique, but the Reds are likely to opt for the cheaper option that is Izaguirre.

After Paul Konchesky left for Nottingham Forest, Dalglish has been using Glen Johnson on the left hand side and he is desperate to buy a genuine left-back in June so that the England international could switch back to his favourite position.

Izaguirre has earned rave reviews for his showings this season and he would have no problems adapting to the Premier League after the season in SPL.

[Source: Daily Mail]

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