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..::Football III::..
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IN FULL: Chelsea's official statement on Mourinho sacking
Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Chelsea just seven months after he won the Premier League title, although the club's official statement claims that both parties have agreed on the decision.
The 52-year-old had remained adamant that he would not quit the club, who currently sit 16th in the Premier League with only 15 points from 16 games.
But Chelsea now claim that Mourinho has accepted that "results have not been good enough this season" and that his exit was the best course of action.
"Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent.
"All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.
"His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history.
"But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.
"The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea. His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge."
Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Chelsea just seven months after he won the Premier League title, although the club's official statement claims that both parties have agreed on the decision.
The 52-year-old had remained adamant that he would not quit the club, who currently sit 16th in the Premier League with only 15 points from 16 games.
But Chelsea now claim that Mourinho has accepted that "results have not been good enough this season" and that his exit was the best course of action.
"Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent.
"All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.
"His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history.
"But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.
"The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea. His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge."
Axed Mourinho heading back to Real Madrid - Calderon
Jose Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid having left Chelsea, according to the club's former president Ramon Calderon.
The Portuguese coach parted company with the Premier League champions by mutual consent on Thursday after a dismal first half of a season that has left them just a point above the relegation zone after 16 games.
Following news of the former Madrid coach's departure, Calderon has suggested it is a matter of time until he replaces under-fire Rafael Benitez back at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Mou is closer to Madrid," he posted via his official Twitter account, before later adding: "Only a few things to sort out and he'll be here."Without a doubt the best news for [Florentino] Perez in the most difficult situation he has had as president. I couldn't find a better shield."
He later added: "Just for everyone to know. I've given my personal opinion in Mou's case. Not talking on behalf of anyone else."
It is not the first time Calderon has talked up the prospect of Mourinho returning to the 10-time European champions, who he steered to La Liga glory in 2011-12.
In an interview with talkSPORT in November, he said: "It's not a secret that the current Real Madrid president [Florentino Perez] has backed Mourinho many times."He likes him a lot and you can't rule out seeing him again on the bench at the Bernabeu.
"I know it seems strange, but if Benitez doesn't have a good season and Mourinho gets sacked by Chelsea, I insist you can't rule out seeing him here again."Guus Hiddink and Juande Ramos are two of the leading favourites to succeed Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
Jose Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid having left Chelsea, according to the club's former president Ramon Calderon.
The Portuguese coach parted company with the Premier League champions by mutual consent on Thursday after a dismal first half of a season that has left them just a point above the relegation zone after 16 games.
Following news of the former Madrid coach's departure, Calderon has suggested it is a matter of time until he replaces under-fire Rafael Benitez back at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Mou is closer to Madrid," he posted via his official Twitter account, before later adding: "Only a few things to sort out and he'll be here."Without a doubt the best news for [Florentino] Perez in the most difficult situation he has had as president. I couldn't find a better shield."
He later added: "Just for everyone to know. I've given my personal opinion in Mou's case. Not talking on behalf of anyone else."
It is not the first time Calderon has talked up the prospect of Mourinho returning to the 10-time European champions, who he steered to La Liga glory in 2011-12.
In an interview with talkSPORT in November, he said: "It's not a secret that the current Real Madrid president [Florentino Perez] has backed Mourinho many times."He likes him a lot and you can't rule out seeing him again on the bench at the Bernabeu.
"I know it seems strange, but if Benitez doesn't have a good season and Mourinho gets sacked by Chelsea, I insist you can't rule out seeing him here again."Guus Hiddink and Juande Ramos are two of the leading favourites to succeed Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
'Chelsea have lost a great character in Mourinho'
Thierry Henry insists Chelsea and the Premier League “have lost a great character” following Jose Mourinho’s sacking on Thursday.
The 52-year-old leaves Stamford Bridge having won the Premier League title last season, although the club currently sit 16th in the table, with just 15 points from 16 games.
But Henry believes Mourinho’s position was never safe despite winning seven trophies during his two stints at Stamford Bridge.
“He put Chelsea on the map, let’s not forget that,” Henry told Sky Sports News.
“[Roman] Abramovich did a lot and you have to give him the credit he deserves, too, but Mourinho, along with the players he had at the time, put Chelsea on the map and you can never take that away from him.
“Winning the double before, you would have had three or four years out of the double, now winning the double is not enough.
"Now you have to win the treble the year after the double, people want more and more, people want to invest more, fans want more, we live in an era of social media linked directly to the club and to the players, it’s not easy, people do not want to wait any more. It’s not easy.
“But we have lost a great character, not only for Chelsea but for the league.”
Thierry Henry insists Chelsea and the Premier League “have lost a great character” following Jose Mourinho’s sacking on Thursday.
The 52-year-old leaves Stamford Bridge having won the Premier League title last season, although the club currently sit 16th in the table, with just 15 points from 16 games.
But Henry believes Mourinho’s position was never safe despite winning seven trophies during his two stints at Stamford Bridge.
“He put Chelsea on the map, let’s not forget that,” Henry told Sky Sports News.
“[Roman] Abramovich did a lot and you have to give him the credit he deserves, too, but Mourinho, along with the players he had at the time, put Chelsea on the map and you can never take that away from him.
“Winning the double before, you would have had three or four years out of the double, now winning the double is not enough.
"Now you have to win the treble the year after the double, people want more and more, people want to invest more, fans want more, we live in an era of social media linked directly to the club and to the players, it’s not easy, people do not want to wait any more. It’s not easy.
“But we have lost a great character, not only for Chelsea but for the league.”
Capello: Mourinho has not been able to understand Chelsea failure
Fabio Capello believes Jose Mourinho has not been able to comprehend Chelsea's downturn in form but sympathised with the difficulty of returning to a club for a second spell in charge.
Capello won four Serie A titles and the Champions League in five years at AC Milan but later returned for a single campaign in which they finished 10th in the table.
The Italian regards Mourinho as "one of the best coaches in the world" but says he has similarly found it difficult to replicate the consistency of both last season's Premier League title winners and the side he originally took charge of in 2004.
"I understand Mourinho [finding it difficult] because I passed the same period with AC Milan last time after I came back after being there for a long time," Capello told Omnisport."It is difficult when you need to play games and you can see the players are not the top and the same that you remember. This is really difficult.
"I think Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world but he needs to understand what really happened, why the players didn't play like last year."
Fabio Capello believes Jose Mourinho has not been able to comprehend Chelsea's downturn in form but sympathised with the difficulty of returning to a club for a second spell in charge.
Capello won four Serie A titles and the Champions League in five years at AC Milan but later returned for a single campaign in which they finished 10th in the table.
The Italian regards Mourinho as "one of the best coaches in the world" but says he has similarly found it difficult to replicate the consistency of both last season's Premier League title winners and the side he originally took charge of in 2004.
"I understand Mourinho [finding it difficult] because I passed the same period with AC Milan last time after I came back after being there for a long time," Capello told Omnisport."It is difficult when you need to play games and you can see the players are not the top and the same that you remember. This is really difficult.
"I think Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world but he needs to understand what really happened, why the players didn't play like last year."
Fabregas to Mourinho: I owe you a lot
Cesc Fabregas has thanked Jose Mourinho for all he has done for him at Chelsea after the Portuguese was sacked on Thursday.
Mourinho was relieved of his duties on Thursday after a nightmare start to the season was compounded with a ninth Premier League defeat to Leicester City on Monday.
Fabregas tweeted: "Thank you for all you have done for me. I owe you a lot and we will all miss you. Good luck in the future."
The Chelsea midfielder was quick to shift the blame away from Mourinho and on to the players following the loss to Leicester.
"We all have to take our responsibility, if you are a big player and are paid like a big player you have to perform and behave like a big player,” he said at a Q&A session for the New Horizons charity at Facebook in London.
"We all have bad games, but the attitude always has to be spot on and we have to be at the top of our games even when it’s not and not the behaviour that we are seeing right now from every Chelsea player."
Cesc Fabregas has thanked Jose Mourinho for all he has done for him at Chelsea after the Portuguese was sacked on Thursday.
Mourinho was relieved of his duties on Thursday after a nightmare start to the season was compounded with a ninth Premier League defeat to Leicester City on Monday.
Fabregas tweeted: "Thank you for all you have done for me. I owe you a lot and we will all miss you. Good luck in the future."
The Chelsea midfielder was quick to shift the blame away from Mourinho and on to the players following the loss to Leicester.
"We all have to take our responsibility, if you are a big player and are paid like a big player you have to perform and behave like a big player,” he said at a Q&A session for the New Horizons charity at Facebook in London.
"We all have bad games, but the attitude always has to be spot on and we have to be at the top of our games even when it’s not and not the behaviour that we are seeing right now from every Chelsea player."
Conte in frame for Chelsea job
Italy head coach Antonio Conte has emerged as a possible target for Chelsea as the Blues search for a replacement for Jose Mourinho who was sacked on Thursday after a dismal start to the season.
Reports suggest that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich may wish to appoint a temporary manager until the end of the season, with Guus Hiddink and Juande Ramos believed to be under consideration, while Conte could be available in the summer, after Euro 2016.
The 46-year-old has begun to study English, and has shown improvement in recent interviews and also possesses European experience, having coached Juventus in the Champions League.
The Italian coach admitted recently that he misses the Champions League and is keen to return to management with a club side.
He is also believed to be unhappy with the way the Italian national team is developing and if an offer from Chelsea arrived, it is unlikely he would turn it down.
Conte is seen as one of the best coaches in Europe, having guided Juve to three Serie A title and is currently hoping for further success with Italy at Euro 2016 in France.
The Italy coach is believed to be looking for a new challenge and may not renew his contract with the Italian Football Federation, which is due to expire at the end of Euro 2016.
However, Chelsea may face competition for Conte's signature, Roma are also interested in the 46-year-old as are AC Milan, and Abramovich may need to move swiftly if he wants to secure the Italian's signature.
Italy head coach Antonio Conte has emerged as a possible target for Chelsea as the Blues search for a replacement for Jose Mourinho who was sacked on Thursday after a dismal start to the season.
Reports suggest that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich may wish to appoint a temporary manager until the end of the season, with Guus Hiddink and Juande Ramos believed to be under consideration, while Conte could be available in the summer, after Euro 2016.
The 46-year-old has begun to study English, and has shown improvement in recent interviews and also possesses European experience, having coached Juventus in the Champions League.
The Italian coach admitted recently that he misses the Champions League and is keen to return to management with a club side.
He is also believed to be unhappy with the way the Italian national team is developing and if an offer from Chelsea arrived, it is unlikely he would turn it down.
Conte is seen as one of the best coaches in Europe, having guided Juve to three Serie A title and is currently hoping for further success with Italy at Euro 2016 in France.
The Italy coach is believed to be looking for a new challenge and may not renew his contract with the Italian Football Federation, which is due to expire at the end of Euro 2016.
However, Chelsea may face competition for Conte's signature, Roma are also interested in the 46-year-old as are AC Milan, and Abramovich may need to move swiftly if he wants to secure the Italian's signature.
'I'm better than I thought' - Mourinho defiant in final interview before Chelsea departure
Jose Mourinho described the worst period of his career in management as "an amazing learning process" in a television interview given days before his departure from Chelsea.
Mourinho's second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge came to an end on Thursday, with the Portuguese leaving "by mutual consent" just eight months after securing his third and Chelsea's fourth Premier League title.
Before learning of his dismissal, the 52-year-old gave an in-depth interview to BT Sport - scheduled to be broadcast on Thursday - in which he insisted Chelsea's horror run of form was proving to be a valuable learning curve.
"I have to say it's a good experience," he said. "An experience that probably came too late, [it has] come after 15 years.
"I was ready to live with it, to cope with it because [of my] maturity and experience... but I can imagine that if this happened in the beginning probably my career would have been even better.
"This is an amazing learning process. About myself. About the players, I think I know everything. About myself, I still have some things to discover. And this period was important for me. I'm better than I thought."
Asked if he wanted to be measured on his response to the first major period of adversity in his time as a manager, the two-time Champions League winner said: "I prefer to be judged on my career."
Jose Mourinho described the worst period of his career in management as "an amazing learning process" in a television interview given days before his departure from Chelsea.
Mourinho's second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge came to an end on Thursday, with the Portuguese leaving "by mutual consent" just eight months after securing his third and Chelsea's fourth Premier League title.
Before learning of his dismissal, the 52-year-old gave an in-depth interview to BT Sport - scheduled to be broadcast on Thursday - in which he insisted Chelsea's horror run of form was proving to be a valuable learning curve.
"I have to say it's a good experience," he said. "An experience that probably came too late, [it has] come after 15 years.
"I was ready to live with it, to cope with it because [of my] maturity and experience... but I can imagine that if this happened in the beginning probably my career would have been even better.
"This is an amazing learning process. About myself. About the players, I think I know everything. About myself, I still have some things to discover. And this period was important for me. I'm better than I thought."
Asked if he wanted to be measured on his response to the first major period of adversity in his time as a manager, the two-time Champions League winner said: "I prefer to be judged on my career."
Manchester United need more strikers - Forlan
Manchester United need to have more striking options to succeed, especially with captain Wayne Rooney getting older, according to Diego Forlan.
The 36-year-old Penarol forward, who played at Old Trafford between 2002 and 2004, feels Louis van Gaal needs to have more players at his disposal in the attacking positions if he is to manage the demands of challenging in multiple competitions.
Forlan believes that Rooney, 30, now needs more support if United are to be successful, with Anthony Martial the only other recognised frontman currently in the senior squad.
"In my opinion I think they need to have more strikers," he told Omnisport."Rooney is a great player but he is getting older and is playing in every position. He can't play every game.
"In England, with all the competitions, you play more or less 60 or 65 games per year. So it is a lot of games. You travel a lot so you need more players. Maybe sometimes you will get more players injured so you won't have this player [available] for a couple of months.
"So a team where you play so many competitions and you have so many games, you need more strikers."
United are struggling for form and have failed to win any of their last five matches in all competitions, but Forlan feels the players can have no excuses despite the competitiveness of the Premier League this season.The former Uruguay international added: "It is like every other big club. When you are big clubs you need to know how to play under pressure.
"These are the kind of things where you see how this player can adapt to this kind of situation. So I know that they are not scoring goals, but maybe it is the moment, or maybe they are not playing the way they want to play.
"The other teams are improving as well so they need to improve. I think - if you are at Manchester United - you need to play under pressure. There is no excuse."
Clubs will wonder if Mourinho is worth it, says Minto
Major clubs will be wondering whether Jose Mourinho is worth the hassle following his latest tumultuous season, according to former Chelsea player Scott Minto.The Portuguese manager left Stamford Bridge on Thursday after a run of nine defeats from 16 Premier League matches in defence of their 2014-15 title.
The former Porto and Inter boss also departed Real Madrid in acrimonious circumstances in 2013, reportedly having alienated some players and staff at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Minto, who played for Chelsea between 1994 and 1997, feels Mourinho's issues off the pitch have been just as influential in his demise as the team's struggles on it.
"It seems to me that his comments about the players, that they overachieved, you cannot do that," he told Sky Sports.
"It is not just about the results, it is as much about the comments. Clearly they were not going to go down but I think it is with a heavy heart that [club owner Roman] Abramovich felt he had to act.
"They are part of the reason that made Jose Mourinho so successful, so bloody minded, it is fine for the first couple of years but you can't keep doing that and managers have to evolve themselves.
"For me, as a player, I never really played for a manager. It's about personal pride. But they have gone from champions to almost relegation candidates with these world-class players. "The Chelsea board have thought 'where do we go from here?' It is much easier to get rid of your manager than a bunch of players.
"It is not just about winning trophies, it is about having a manager who fits the philosophies of the club. He will win you trophies for the first couple of years but he won't sustain it and clubs will wonder if it is all worth it."
Major clubs will be wondering whether Jose Mourinho is worth the hassle following his latest tumultuous season, according to former Chelsea player Scott Minto.The Portuguese manager left Stamford Bridge on Thursday after a run of nine defeats from 16 Premier League matches in defence of their 2014-15 title.
The former Porto and Inter boss also departed Real Madrid in acrimonious circumstances in 2013, reportedly having alienated some players and staff at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Minto, who played for Chelsea between 1994 and 1997, feels Mourinho's issues off the pitch have been just as influential in his demise as the team's struggles on it.
"It seems to me that his comments about the players, that they overachieved, you cannot do that," he told Sky Sports.
"It is not just about the results, it is as much about the comments. Clearly they were not going to go down but I think it is with a heavy heart that [club owner Roman] Abramovich felt he had to act.
"They are part of the reason that made Jose Mourinho so successful, so bloody minded, it is fine for the first couple of years but you can't keep doing that and managers have to evolve themselves.
"For me, as a player, I never really played for a manager. It's about personal pride. But they have gone from champions to almost relegation candidates with these world-class players. "The Chelsea board have thought 'where do we go from here?' It is much easier to get rid of your manager than a bunch of players.
"It is not just about winning trophies, it is about having a manager who fits the philosophies of the club. He will win you trophies for the first couple of years but he won't sustain it and clubs will wonder if it is all worth it."
'Van Gaal should be wary after Mourinho sacking!'
Louis van Gaal should be looking over his shoulder following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, according to Paul Merson.
The former Arsenal midfielder says he would not be surprised if Manchester United part ways with the Dutchman and turn to Mourinho if results do not improve at Old Trafford.
"LVG [Louis van Gaal] will be looking behind him I think if it doesn't go well for Man United in the next week or two," he told Sky Sports. "I think they might look and think 'one of the best managers in the world of football is available, lets get him.'
"I wouldn't put all my money on it but, if the results don't pick up, I wouldn't be surprised."
Merson also said the players, not Mourinho, were to blame for Chelsea's disastrous start to the season just months after winning the Premier League title.
"I'm not really surprised because of the position they're in but the players have got to look at themselves," he added."They've had no injuries - this is the same team that one it last year. He's got to be bang unlucky.
Ranieri plays down Chelsea links
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has played down reports of a return to Stamford Bridge following the departure of Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho was axed at Stamford Bridge on Thursday following a disastrous run of nine defeats from 16 Premier League games to open the season after winning last year's title.
Ranieri, whose Leicester side beat Chelsea 2-1 on Monday, has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, where he spent four years as manager.However, the 64-year-old insists all such reports are pure speculation and he has no desire to leave the King Power Stadium.
"I think only about Leicester now," he said. "That is speculation. I am an old man and I have read a lot of speculation.
"But of course it's much better this kind of speculation than Greece speculation of course."Ranieri's side currently top the Premier League with 35 points from 16 games and take on Everton on Saturday.
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has played down reports of a return to Stamford Bridge following the departure of Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho was axed at Stamford Bridge on Thursday following a disastrous run of nine defeats from 16 Premier League games to open the season after winning last year's title.
Ranieri, whose Leicester side beat Chelsea 2-1 on Monday, has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, where he spent four years as manager.However, the 64-year-old insists all such reports are pure speculation and he has no desire to leave the King Power Stadium.
"I think only about Leicester now," he said. "That is speculation. I am an old man and I have read a lot of speculation.
"But of course it's much better this kind of speculation than Greece speculation of course."Ranieri's side currently top the Premier League with 35 points from 16 games and take on Everton on Saturday.
'Player power forced Mourinho out'
Jose Mourinho's public criticism of Chelsea's players following their defeat to Leicester City could have been the "final straw" that led to his dismissal, according to ex-Blues star Clive Walker.
Mourinho said he felt "betrayed" after the 2-1 defeat at the King Power Stadium and Walker suspects members of the squad may have voiced their unhappiness over his comments to the Blues hierarchy.
"I suspect that he might have lost the players after Monday," Walker told Goal. "He had tried everything – leaving players out, changing training methods, changing the style and tactics.
"The last [move] was to criticise the players and he would have known that was a big gamble on Monday. He would have hoped they would knuckle down after that, but it might have gone the other way.
"There are some big personalities in that changing room and a few of them might not have liked his remarks after the defeat at Leicester and voiced their complaints to the hierarchy.
"That might have been a defining moment and for Jose the final straw.
"Chelsea have been the exception to the rule that a successful club has a settled manager. That is because Roman Abramovich puts his managers under constant pressure.
"If they don’t succeed, they are replaced. Jose would have known the score and accepted that, hence the decision to leave was a mutual one."
Walker was nevertheless surprised, however, to see Abramovich finally pull the trigger after the worst start to a title defence in Premier League history.
"It is a shock," he admitted. "I didn’t see it coming and thought he would get more time.
"There are a couple of games coming up that I would still expect Chelsea to win [at home to Sunderland and Watford] and then I thought he might have been given the January transfer window to sort it out.
"But on the other side football is now big business and especially a club like Chelsea.
"I don’t think I heard one ex-Chelsea player say he thought Jose would go anytime soon.
"We all have two things in common: We want the best for the club and we all know that no one person is bigger than the club, but Jose is the ‘Special One’ and if one person was to get more slack, you would think it would have been him.
"He has been a big part of the club and it was interesting that the club pointed out in their statement today that he has been the club’s most successful manager in its history.
"I think there are a few heavy hearts deep in that club today."
Jose Mourinho's public criticism of Chelsea's players following their defeat to Leicester City could have been the "final straw" that led to his dismissal, according to ex-Blues star Clive Walker.
Mourinho said he felt "betrayed" after the 2-1 defeat at the King Power Stadium and Walker suspects members of the squad may have voiced their unhappiness over his comments to the Blues hierarchy.
"I suspect that he might have lost the players after Monday," Walker told Goal. "He had tried everything – leaving players out, changing training methods, changing the style and tactics.
"The last [move] was to criticise the players and he would have known that was a big gamble on Monday. He would have hoped they would knuckle down after that, but it might have gone the other way.
"There are some big personalities in that changing room and a few of them might not have liked his remarks after the defeat at Leicester and voiced their complaints to the hierarchy.
"That might have been a defining moment and for Jose the final straw.
"Chelsea have been the exception to the rule that a successful club has a settled manager. That is because Roman Abramovich puts his managers under constant pressure.
"If they don’t succeed, they are replaced. Jose would have known the score and accepted that, hence the decision to leave was a mutual one."
Walker was nevertheless surprised, however, to see Abramovich finally pull the trigger after the worst start to a title defence in Premier League history.
"It is a shock," he admitted. "I didn’t see it coming and thought he would get more time.
"There are a couple of games coming up that I would still expect Chelsea to win [at home to Sunderland and Watford] and then I thought he might have been given the January transfer window to sort it out.
"But on the other side football is now big business and especially a club like Chelsea.
"I don’t think I heard one ex-Chelsea player say he thought Jose would go anytime soon.
"We all have two things in common: We want the best for the club and we all know that no one person is bigger than the club, but Jose is the ‘Special One’ and if one person was to get more slack, you would think it would have been him.
"He has been a big part of the club and it was interesting that the club pointed out in their statement today that he has been the club’s most successful manager in its history.
"I think there are a few heavy hearts deep in that club today."
Sampdoria 0-2 AC Milan: Niang & Bacca give visitors Coppa Italia win
M'Baye Niang and Carlos Bacca fired AC Milan into the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia at the expense of Sampdoria in Thursday's 2-0 win at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Niang found the net early in the second half with a cool finish after being set up by Bacca, before the Colombia international added a second well into stoppage time.
Vincenzo Montella's Sampdoria were the more dangerous side of the two before the break, but failed to really trouble Christian Abbiati.
The first big chance of the game fell to Niang after the interval and the former Caen starlet showed his class with a fine finish.
Sampdoria were unable to really threaten in the remainder of the game, with Ervin Zukanovic's dismissal for dissent not helping their cause, and Bacca eventually put the match to bed in the 94th minute after being set up by Keisuke Honda. Milan will now face Carpi in the final eight.
Sampdoria got a good chance to open the scoring after just four minutes when the referee awarded them a free-kick in a dangerous position, but Zukanovic only hit the wall from 20 yards out.
The away side looked dangerous twice within the space of just two minutes midway through the first half.
Giacomo Bonaventura was denied by Emiliano Viviano after a good individual action down the left, while Niang saw his opportunistic volley from inside the area sail wide at the far post.
The hosts caused Milan all kinds of trouble on the counter-attack in the closing stages of the first half, but Luis Muriel's left-footed shot from the edge of the area lacked the power to trouble Abbiati.
Carlos Carbonero was next to try his luck after cutting inside onto his right foot, but the Colombian's attempt went harmlessly wide.
Milan started the second half in fine fashion and broke the deadlock in the 50th minute via Niang.
Bacca opened up the Sampdoria defence with a mazy dribble through the middle before setting up the Frenchman with a clever through ball and Niang coolly slotted home to make it 1-0.
Sampdoria were dealt another major blow around the hour-mark when Zukanovic received his marching orders.
The full-back reacted furiously after going into the referee's book for a light foul and Domenico Celi responded by showing him a second yellow card for his verbal outburst right away.
Bonaventura could have put the match to bed in the 70th minute after a sublime cross from the right from Niang, but the attacking midfielder mistimed his header and the chance went begging.
Substitute Antonio Cassano tested Abbiati with a low show shot at the near post just minutes after coming off the bench, but the Milan goalkeeper comfortably gathered.
Bacca eventually ended Sampdoria's dream of getting back into it with a sublime finish in the dying seconds of the game after an assist from Honda.
M'Baye Niang and Carlos Bacca fired AC Milan into the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia at the expense of Sampdoria in Thursday's 2-0 win at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Niang found the net early in the second half with a cool finish after being set up by Bacca, before the Colombia international added a second well into stoppage time.
Vincenzo Montella's Sampdoria were the more dangerous side of the two before the break, but failed to really trouble Christian Abbiati.
The first big chance of the game fell to Niang after the interval and the former Caen starlet showed his class with a fine finish.
Sampdoria were unable to really threaten in the remainder of the game, with Ervin Zukanovic's dismissal for dissent not helping their cause, and Bacca eventually put the match to bed in the 94th minute after being set up by Keisuke Honda. Milan will now face Carpi in the final eight.
Sampdoria got a good chance to open the scoring after just four minutes when the referee awarded them a free-kick in a dangerous position, but Zukanovic only hit the wall from 20 yards out.
The away side looked dangerous twice within the space of just two minutes midway through the first half.
Giacomo Bonaventura was denied by Emiliano Viviano after a good individual action down the left, while Niang saw his opportunistic volley from inside the area sail wide at the far post.
The hosts caused Milan all kinds of trouble on the counter-attack in the closing stages of the first half, but Luis Muriel's left-footed shot from the edge of the area lacked the power to trouble Abbiati.
Carlos Carbonero was next to try his luck after cutting inside onto his right foot, but the Colombian's attempt went harmlessly wide.
Milan started the second half in fine fashion and broke the deadlock in the 50th minute via Niang.
Bacca opened up the Sampdoria defence with a mazy dribble through the middle before setting up the Frenchman with a clever through ball and Niang coolly slotted home to make it 1-0.
Sampdoria were dealt another major blow around the hour-mark when Zukanovic received his marching orders.
The full-back reacted furiously after going into the referee's book for a light foul and Domenico Celi responded by showing him a second yellow card for his verbal outburst right away.
Bonaventura could have put the match to bed in the 70th minute after a sublime cross from the right from Niang, but the attacking midfielder mistimed his header and the chance went begging.
Substitute Antonio Cassano tested Abbiati with a low show shot at the near post just minutes after coming off the bench, but the Milan goalkeeper comfortably gathered.
Bacca eventually ended Sampdoria's dream of getting back into it with a sublime finish in the dying seconds of the game after an assist from Honda.
Messi could come to PSG, says Di Maria
Paris Saint-Germain attacker Angel di Maria believes the Ligue 1 champions have the financial resources to lure Lionel Messi away from Barcelona at some stage in the future.
Messi has a contract with Barcelona until June 2018 and seems unlikely to leave the Camp Nou side anytime soon at this stage, but Di Maria refuses to rule out a reunion with his compatriot at the Parc des Princes.
"I hope that PSG can bring Messi to Paris one day," Di Maria told RMC ."Everything is possible. It is all about money. It would take a lot of money to sign a player like him.
"It would be great for Ligue 1 and French football in general if Messi joined PSG.
"PSG have the resources to sign him. Messi could come to Paris."
Messi enjoyed a fine 2015 as he guided Barcelona to the treble and Di Maria has backed his compatriot to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar."Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar all scored a lot of goals and had spectacular years," Di Maria added.
"But the Champions League often plays a big role in who wins it and Barcelona won that competition. That's why I think Messi has the best chance. He won the treble and has a good chance."Ronaldo also had a good season, but is not the favourite like before."
Paris Saint-Germain attacker Angel di Maria believes the Ligue 1 champions have the financial resources to lure Lionel Messi away from Barcelona at some stage in the future.
Messi has a contract with Barcelona until June 2018 and seems unlikely to leave the Camp Nou side anytime soon at this stage, but Di Maria refuses to rule out a reunion with his compatriot at the Parc des Princes.
"I hope that PSG can bring Messi to Paris one day," Di Maria told RMC ."Everything is possible. It is all about money. It would take a lot of money to sign a player like him.
"It would be great for Ligue 1 and French football in general if Messi joined PSG.
"PSG have the resources to sign him. Messi could come to Paris."
Messi enjoyed a fine 2015 as he guided Barcelona to the treble and Di Maria has backed his compatriot to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar."Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar all scored a lot of goals and had spectacular years," Di Maria added.
"But the Champions League often plays a big role in who wins it and Barcelona won that competition. That's why I think Messi has the best chance. He won the treble and has a good chance."Ronaldo also had a good season, but is not the favourite like before."
Hiddink told me he is replacing Mourinho at Chelsea - Kezman
Former striker Mateja Kezman claims Guus Hiddink will take over as interim Chelsea manager for the second time following Jose Mourinho's departure.
Chelsea parted with Mourinho by mutual consent on Thursday after the embattled Premier League champions slumped to nine defeats in 16 matches this season.
Hiddink, who previously managed Chelsea to FA Cup glory in 2009, has been linked with a short-term switch to Stamford Bridge and Kezman said the Dutchman is set to return.
"I don't know if it's confirmed, if the club has announced it, but Guus told me earlier," Kezman, who played for Chelsea between 2004 and 2005, is quoted as telling Croatian tabloid Index .
"He is a top coach who knows what to do every time. He knows when to tighten the belt, but also when to loosen. He is a good coach and even better psychologist.
"I'm convinced that with him Chelsea will recover and rise in the table, and I'd also say they are one of the favourites for the Champions League."
Kezman added he is "not surprised" Mourinho left Chelsea, who are just a point above the Premier League's relegation zone."Jose is a top coach, but the results and table position are catastrophic and unbecoming for a club with Chelsea's reputation," said Kezman.
"It's incredible that a team that were champions last year are now fighting for survival."That's why I think Roman's decision is right and Guus Hiddink is a great choice."
Klopp has Liverpool players buzzing, says Gerrard
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard says the club's new manager Jurgen Klopp has lifted the atmosphere at Anfield since his arrival in October.
Klopp replaced former boss Brendan Rodgers at Anfield after the Northern Irishman paid the price for an indifferent start to the campaign, a 1-1 draw with rivals Everton that left them 10th proving the final straw.
Liverpool have shown signs of improvement under former Borussia Dortmund coach Klopp, though, with a 3-1 Premier League win at Chelsea and a 6-1 drubbing of Southampton in the League Cup quarter-finals among the highlights.
And Gerrard, who has been training with Liverpool to stay fit during the Major League Soccer off-season before returning to LA Galaxy next month, is relishing the experience.
"If I was a player at Liverpool - either a young player or one at my peak - and Jurgen Klopp walked through the door, I would be licking my lips," Gerrard told the London Evening Standard ."The players should be excited. I think to myself, imagine being 25 or 26 and how happy and excited I would be to be working with him.
"So the players should be sitting themselves down and realising what an opportunity they have to achieve success in the next two, three, four or however many years he is here. "If the players are not feeling it then there is something wrong."
Gerrard has confirmed he will not sign a short-term deal to return to Liverpool, although he admits playing for Klopp is a tempting prospect.
"I had coffee with him and when I came out of the room I just felt happy. I felt taller. And I am not one of the players so I can only imagine what he has done to those players in the dressing room," the LA Galaxy star said.
"The atmosphere at the club is brilliant. The players are buzzing around the training ground and there are smiles all over the place. I think he has lifted the whole place.
"He wants to be around players who are enjoying it. He does not want players to be tense, worried or concerned. He wants to take all that pressure on his shoulders."I love the way he handles players individually, I love the way he handles his team and I am all over his tactics.
"I am watching him on the outside but I also get to work with him so it is a brilliant experience for me - as a Liverpool supporter, an ex-player, a pundit and also for my future as well."
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard says the club's new manager Jurgen Klopp has lifted the atmosphere at Anfield since his arrival in October.
Klopp replaced former boss Brendan Rodgers at Anfield after the Northern Irishman paid the price for an indifferent start to the campaign, a 1-1 draw with rivals Everton that left them 10th proving the final straw.
Liverpool have shown signs of improvement under former Borussia Dortmund coach Klopp, though, with a 3-1 Premier League win at Chelsea and a 6-1 drubbing of Southampton in the League Cup quarter-finals among the highlights.
And Gerrard, who has been training with Liverpool to stay fit during the Major League Soccer off-season before returning to LA Galaxy next month, is relishing the experience.
"If I was a player at Liverpool - either a young player or one at my peak - and Jurgen Klopp walked through the door, I would be licking my lips," Gerrard told the London Evening Standard ."The players should be excited. I think to myself, imagine being 25 or 26 and how happy and excited I would be to be working with him.
"So the players should be sitting themselves down and realising what an opportunity they have to achieve success in the next two, three, four or however many years he is here. "If the players are not feeling it then there is something wrong."
Gerrard has confirmed he will not sign a short-term deal to return to Liverpool, although he admits playing for Klopp is a tempting prospect.
"I had coffee with him and when I came out of the room I just felt happy. I felt taller. And I am not one of the players so I can only imagine what he has done to those players in the dressing room," the LA Galaxy star said.
"The atmosphere at the club is brilliant. The players are buzzing around the training ground and there are smiles all over the place. I think he has lifted the whole place.
"He wants to be around players who are enjoying it. He does not want players to be tense, worried or concerned. He wants to take all that pressure on his shoulders."I love the way he handles players individually, I love the way he handles his team and I am all over his tactics.
"I am watching him on the outside but I also get to work with him so it is a brilliant experience for me - as a Liverpool supporter, an ex-player, a pundit and also for my future as well."
Australia national team congratulate Hiddink on Chelsea appointment
Australia's national football team website has congratulated former coach Guus Hiddink on his appointment as Jose Mourinho's successor at Chelsea, though no official confirmation has yet been released by the Premier League club.
Mourinho was sacked by the Blues on Thursday after a string of poor results, bad press and in-house bust-ups, leaving fans speculating as to who would take over.
Former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman claimed that the Dutchman had revealed to him he would take over, but the Socceroos website took the speculation to a new level after publishing their own announcement and sharing their congratulations on Twitter.
Should Hiddink be appointed, the 69-year-old will have unenviable task of lifting the Premier League champions - currently only a single point above the relegation zone - back up the table.
As things stand, however, neither Chelsea nor the coach have commented since Mourinho's dismissal on Thursday.
Hiddink has already had one stint in charge of the Blues, having taken over at Stamford Bridge after Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked in 2009; he enjoyed a 73 per cent win rate and lifted the FA Cup.
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