Figo rules out coaching role with Mourinho

Veteran Internazionale midfielder Luis Figo has ruled out the possibility of joining coach Jose Mourinho's backroom staff next season.

The 36-year-old former Portugal international performed a U-turn last summer and decided to postpone his retirement after learning that Mourinho was to coach the Nerazzurri.

However, Figo has dismissed suggestions that a coaching role under his compatriot beckons if he finally decides to hang up his boots at the end of this season.

"I don't know where people hear these things," he said.

"For the next few years, I'm not thinking of a career on the bench as it has many more pressures than being a player."

AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has shouldered the blame for his team's disappointing performances this season.

The side from the Eternal City are currently sixth in the Serie A standings and have no chance of securing a Champions League spot next season.

Spalletti admitted: "Last year we fought for second spot and we qualified for the Champions League.

"But I cannot guarantee that this time. As the coach, I am responsible.

"But no-one can doubt that I have not given all that I have. I have been professional, I have done my job and I have given everything."

Juventus have been forced to deny a fresh wave of reports suggesting they will replace coach Claudio Ranieri at the end of the season.

Fiorentina's Cesare Prandelli has emerged as the latest candidate to replace the under-fire coach at the Juve helm according to several stories in the Italian media.

Last week it was reported that Roma's Luciano Spalletti was likely to replace Ranieri in the summer.

However, Juve have reiterated their stance that they expect Ranieri to stay despite Sunday's 2-2 draw with struggling Lecce extending their winless run to five games.

Regarding a meeting which took place between Ranieri and club officials on Tuesday, Juve released a statement saying: "It has been a normal meeting.

"There has been no talk whatsoever of a dismissal at the end of the season."