UK Back Pages: Samir Nasri Fires at Chelsea, Hodgson Backs Rooney as a Striker

For those who think the Premier League race has already been decided, don't tell that to Manchester City's Samir Nasri. 

The mercurial Frenchman gave an extremely candid interview in which he criticised Premier League-leading Chelsea by calling them "not special." 

It's worth noting he does applaud manager Jose Mourinho but thinks City still have a chance to usurp the Blues. Nasri added some fuel to the title chase, of which most have already deemed Chelsea the winners. 

"

Friday's Telegraph Sport front page: Chelsea are not special #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/ZvWytQyc8S

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 12, 2015"

"

Friday's Daily Express back page: You're not so special #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/H9H5Ac8eGq

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 12, 2015"

Elsewhere, in Star Sport, England boss Roy Hodgson says he won't play Wayne Rooney in the midfield and will keep him in his preferred forward position. 

"

Friday's Daily Star back page: Deep Freeze #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/F6ZqRscleJ

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 12, 2015"

In Mirror Sport, Branislav Ivanovic escapes punishment from the FA and former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood is the rumoured leader for the now-vacant Aston Villa job. 

"

Friday's Daily Mirror back page: ROOt One Football #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/KeYlarSWi4

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 12, 2015"

Sun Sport runs an exclusive in which a Villa executive taunts recently sacked boss Paul Lambert. 

"

Friday's Sun back page: Exclusive - Lamb's full of Bull #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/NMvbhrIZf1

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 12, 2015"

[Nick Sutton]