Claudio Ranieri believes he was at fault for Chelsea's defeat in the first-leg of the Champions League semi-final.

Chelsea lost 3-1 in Monaco on Tuesday night after the home side had Andreas Zikos sent off.

Chelsea manager Ranieri said: "I wanted to take advantage of our extra man so I sent on another forward. The problem was all the players suddenly wanted to do something extra.

"After 30 years in management I know it is the manager who is the guilty one and must always take the blame." (The Sun)

England captain David Beckham limped out of training for Real Madrid yesterday making him an injury doubt for Sunday's derbi match against Barcelona.

Beckham pulled out of training after just 15 minutes on Tuesday complaining of pain in his left leg.

But Real Madrid doctor Juan Carlos Hernandez said: "Beckham has minor tendinitis but he should be ok for Sunday." (The Sun)

Kieron Dyer still plans to help Newcastle reach the UEFA Cup Final, according to the Mirror.

Dyer has been sidelined with a hamstring injury but hopes to play a part in tomorrow night's European match against Marseille.

Dyer said: "The medical staff want me to have a proper rest but I just want to play. If the pain dies down I want to start.

"If I can patch myself up and play through the pain I will."

Alan Shearer has been singled out as Newcastle's biggest threat by Marseille ahead of tomorrow night's UEFA Cup semi-final.

The former England striker has been in sensational form again for Newcastle this season and Marseille coach Jose Anigo fears him ahead of the clash.

Anigo said: "Shearer is a striker like no other. He's an outstanding character and the soul of Newcastle." (Daily Star)

Liverpool will be given extra money to spend in the transfer market during the summer.

The Sun report that manager Gerard Houllier will be given an extra £16 million to spend.

Chief Executive Rick Parry said: "We will do everything we can to get to the top again. That's where we all want to be."