Jurgen Klopp has indicated that he may have to enter the transfer market to buy a defender as Liverpool's injury crisis grows.

Klopp faces the prospect of having no fit center-backs for Friday's FA Cup third-round trip to Exeter.

Roberto Soriano struck twice as visitors Sampdoria edged Genoa 3-2 in a thrilling city derby on Tuesday that was delayed on two occasions due to fans throwing smoke flares.

Genoa had won only one of the previous six editions of the 'Derby della Lanterna' and Gian Piero Gasperini's men were again left second best at the clubs' shared Luigi Ferraris ground as Sampdoria held on amid an exciting finale.

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were "totally irresponsible" to agree a payment that has brought ignominy to world football, according to Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who hopes to take over FIFA next month.

The Jordanian crown prince said the global governing body would be heading for a new "catastrophe" if it doesn't elect the right candidate to succeed Blatter in the vote on February 26.

In a time of crisis, Real Madrid have looked for inspiration rather than experience as club legend Zinedine Zidane was handed his first senior managerial role as the club's coach.

Zidane replaces Rafael Benitez, who was sacked on Monday after just seven months and 25 games in charge.

Defending champion Maria Sharapova and top seed Simona Halep pulled out of the Brisbane International Tuesday citing injuries, depriving the contest of two of its main drawcards.

Sharapova withdrew from the season-opening event with a left forearm injury, saying it was a precautionary move ahead of the Australian Open later this month.

Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao said he would end his legendary career after fighting Timothy Bradley in April to concentrate on his political career, dousing hopes for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather.

The winner of an unprecedented eight world titles, who has flirted with the idea of running for president, said he was confident of winning a senate seat in the May elections.

Inter Milan will be looking over their shoulders at resurgent champions Juventus when they travel to Empoli on Wednesday.

Roberto Mancini's Serie A leaders spurned the chance to put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack when they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Lazio prior to the festive break, leaving them just one point ahead of Fiorentina and Napoli.

It is more than 20 years since Everton last won a trophy and Roberto Martinez says more silverware is long overdue as his side prepare for Wednesday's League Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City.

The FA Cup in 1995 was the last addition to the trophy cabinet at Goodison Park, which during the 1980s had also been home to two league titles and a further FA Cup success in 1984.

Real Madrid sacked coach Rafael Benitez after just seven months in charge on Monday with club legend Zinedine Zidane replacing the Spaniard.

"We have taken the difficult decision to rescind the contract of Rafael Benitez as coach," said Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Liverpool great Steven Gerrard could return to the club in a coaching capacity as early as this year, he revealed in a British newspaper interview published on Saturday.

Gerrard, 35, left Liverpool for the Los Angeles Galaxy last year, but he has been training on Merseyside during the Major League Soccer close season and is now eyeing a role on Jurgen Klopp's coaching staff.