The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 28 October 2014

Chelsea “in trouble” for trip to Shrews

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has claimed the club are lacking in numbers for tonight’s League Cup trip to Shrewsbury Town. “We are in trouble,” the Portuguese, who has allowed 26 players to go on loan this season, said. “We have so many injured players. It is even more difficult for us because they are doing very well in their league and against superior teams. We are in a difficult situation.”

Djokovic aiming to remain the daddy

Novak Djokovic is determined to maintain his form and No 1 status, despite becoming a father. The Serb’s position is under threat from a resurgent Roger Federer – a father of four. “There is a lot of travelling, hotels, planes,” he said. “Of course, it’s not the healthiest option for a baby, because you would like your child to be in one place and have a certain routine, but we’ll try to manage this situation.”

United’s best is yet to come, says Shaw

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw believes the spirit shown in coming back to draw with leaders Chelsea on Sunday is a sign of things to come for the club. “It has been a fight but we know we have still got the best to come,” the England international said. “I don’t think we are playing our best. It will take time but when we are all on form, we are going to be a scary team to face.”

Milanic: Leeds will pay me until 2016

Darko Milanic may have left Leeds United after just 32 days, but says he will be paid by the Championship club through to 2016 and is available to the club should they want him back.

The Slovene became Leeds owner Massimo Cellino’s latest managerial victim after Saturday’s defeat to Wolves, his sixth game in charge and sixth without a win. Leeds are set to replace the 46-year-old with Neil Redfearn, the caretaker who accrued 10 points from 12 in the gap between the sacking of David Hockaday - whom the club started the season with – and Milanic’s appointment.

“I still have a contract on paid leave,” Milanic said. “During this time, I must be ready to take over the team if requested.”

Yet any return looks unlikely. Milanic said: “In six games I made a big step forward. It is true we had bad results, but the day before the game we had praise from all sides on how the situation was improving. Cellino said I’m a loser? He should look at my CV.”

Khan impressed with board honesty

Leicestershire chief executive Wasim Khan is looking forward to his new challenge: “What has happened is unacceptable, but I have been impressed with the honesty of the board,” he said. “I knew I was coming into an environment where they wanted change.”