1. Blabbers on about the French friendly against Romania. Doesn't think the forwards got much service and can't understand why Trezeguet doesn't start games given his form. If anyone is bothered, I'll do a full translation but it's nothing v.interesting.

2. You will by playing Manchester City of the first division on Sunday. Will Bobby Robson change things round?

I don't know. We've trained one day in two because, with the international matches, we haven't had a full squad. We go back to full training tomorrow and we'll see what Bobby Robson has in mind.

3. The Cup is a special competition in England?

Yes, it's a valued trophy. This weekend, we play against the old manager of Newcastle and we are expecting a big match. Since we are playing at home, we have no choice: we have to win.

4. You will see Ali Bernabia?

No, the idiot's been suspended. I called him at the beginning of the week and he told me he wasn't coming. Since he wasn't playing, his manager gave him a week off...

5. How is Jenas integrating?

We call him JJ. He's been away with the U21s all week but I trained with him last week and he isn't bad at all. He is a technical player who tackles well. We have to see him in a game, of course and he has things to learn.

6. Anything else?

Nothing special although Sylvain Distin and Olivier Bernard were photographed by the paparazzi leaving a nightclub (laughs). Since we are on course for the title, we are being closely watched and after the Bellamy affair, they couldn't find other than Sylvain and livier leaving a club. The manager has spoken to us, telling us we can go out to eat and take a quiet drink but we shouldn't get home too late and to watch what we are doing.

7. You haven't had any problems?

No, I'm well-behaved. When I go out, it's with my wife and if they want to take photos, they can, it's not a problem.

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2002

Answers

It's a good one today Dougal. I wish we could have such q and a sessions with all the players. I like what he says about JJ.

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2002

the idiot's been suspended

LOL! But how does Lolo really feel? ;-)

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2002

"... we are on course for the title ..."

:-)))))

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2002

Technically we are on course for the title as if we win all of our remaining games we are Champions. Obviously other teams can knock us off that course.

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2002

Lolo is just about the only one of our players who has been talking about finishing in one of the top places since August...

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2002

outwardly...or inwardly whichever way you look at it

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2002