According to Gordon Strachan, it is the players who decide for their own future with the club. They are open to deals as long as their players are willing, although they also encourage them to stay if they deem it possible. If Bobo Balde decides to stay with the Celtic, then he can do so and the club will be more than supportive with his decision.

The 32-year-old signed a contract with the club until 2009. Many thought that he has played his last game with his team this season, but decided to stay before the last transfer window closed.

Balde fail to spot the start of the 06-07 season subsequent to finding out that he had to undergo surgery because of a unrelenting stomach muscle problem. He returned to the team in the month of November but suffered a broken leg during a match. The Guinea international was sent-off during the first half of the 2-2 draw against Dundee United. He was then ruled out again for several months.

Strachan doesn’t have any regrets about leave-taking Balde on the sidelines pending this week. Balde made his first appearance this season on December 26, 2007 precisely a year after his last, in a 2-0 triumph to Dundee United. His attendance aided Celtic to their first away win in roughly 15 months. He was then awarded “Man Of The Match” for his remarkable performance.

Strachan again emphasized that Balde, who is scheduled to leave for the African Nations Cup after his next two games against Gretna today and against Rangers on January 2, still holds his future in his own hands.

Being ten points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is still confident about winning the title this season. After four goalless draws this season putting them ten points behind the leaders and nine points behind Manchester United, Benitez is still bright with assurance. The Reds boss rejects being downcast.

As the January transfer window approaches, he is ready to push into the January transfer market and spend some to overcome the “player crisis” in his club. He has not named names, but he has hinted that he will be ready to spend for noteworthy players for his club. However, unless it is not put on paper, he will still keep on trying to get the right players at the right “restricted price”. According to him, he will do whatever it takes to put things back at their right places.

Indeed, there is no doubting about his credentials. After steering Valencia to a league and UEFA Cup double matching up the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the 03-04 season has been an achievement. Under Benitez’ supervision, it was Valencia’s second La Liga title-win in three years.

Benitez is a perfectionist of some sort and is a very technical coach, which may have resulted to his having a degree in Physical Education. He uses computer technology to keep an eye on his players’ diets and physical progress. His coaching made him the man that he is today. The club is hopeful that he does even better to help out on the team’s way to the top.