Barthez is simply Fab

Barthez, who has served a six month ban for his part is a not-so-friendly encounter with Casablanca of Morocco in February, made a successful comeback for Marseille at the weekend, as they won 1-0.

He continued his return with an outstanding display on Wednesday, saving a penalty against CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Cup, in a match that finished 2-1 to the Côte d'Azur club.

Marseille coach Jean Fernandez made it clear that as soon as the ban had been served, Barthez would be straight back in the starting line-up, despite the good form of stand-in Cedric Carrasso.

Whilst Barthez has done his chances of regaining his place in les Bleus starting eleven no harm with his good form this week, he may find it slightly more difficult to dislodge Gregory Coupet between the French sticks.

Poor old Jürgen Klinsmann. The Germany coach has been under fire from all angles this week for his decision to live in California whilst trying to guide the three time World Cup winners to a further success in next summers Finals.

"He should stop his dancing around in California while leaving us to deal with all the crap here," was some of the more colourful criticism the former German international received, coming from Bayern Munich's sporting director Uli Hoeness.

The German public have taken exception to Klinsmann's choice of lifestyle, and believe that his setting up home on the West Coast of America is having a detrimental effect of their nation's preparations for the Weltmeisterschaft.

It's also not been the best week for Inter Milan's Brazilian striker Adriano. He had to suffer the double humiliation of having to apologise to his team-mates following his late return from international duty, and being dropped to the bench for his tardiness.

Adriano was the only Inter player to return late, many of his team-mates also having to head back to the San Siro from all corners of the globe, but managing to do so on time.

Juan Sebastian Veron demanded an apology to the rest of the squad, and Adriano was subsequently dropped to the bench for Wednesday's Champions League tie against Porto.

Things have got plain ugly over in the Italian capital, as Antonio's Cassano's relationship with his club Roma plummeted to new depths with a public slanging match breaking out during the week.

Cassano is currently languishing on the bench at the Stadio Olympico, having fallen out with the powers that be, supposedly because he refused to sign a new contract. The striker broke his silence on the issue this week, claiming that he had been willing to sign a new deal, but it was the club who were standing in the way.

Roma's general manager, Rosella Sensi, hit back and branded the young talent a liar. "He is a liar and our lawyers are evaluating his comments," she said.

"I've said before that the Cassano issue is closed. I am not speaking anymore with someone who is incoherent....he is the one who is making fools of the club and the fans," she added.

Cassano needs to sort the sticky situation out soon, as Italy coach Marcelo Lippi is unlikely to select a player for next summer's Azurri squad who is not featuring regularly for his club side.