Man City

[joew2005]

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Adebayor and Bellamy to leave City
August 7, 2011

ManC boss Roberto Mancini has warned Emmanuel Adebayor & Craig Bellamy they do not feature in his plans 4 the new Premier League season.

Adebayor spent the 2nd half of last season @ Real Madrid, while Bellamy was on a season-long loan 2 Cardiff, & although both players r free 2 leave Eastlands tis summer, they hv yet 2 find a new employer.

With record signing Sergio Aguero joining an already-bursting strikeforce including Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli & wantaway skipper Carlos Tevez, both Adebayor & Bellamy r surplus 2 requirements.

Bellamy has been linked with a return 2 Cardiff or Celtic, while Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has also expressed his interest. Former Arsenal striker Adebayor looked set 2 join Madrid on a permanent deal, but such a move appears 2 hv fallen thru. But even if either player fails 2 secure a move, they hv been told they r unlikely 2 feature 4 City tis season.

"These players [Adebayor & Bellamy] r not part of my plans," Mancini told The People.

[maestro7]

a real waste to let slip a 2-0 lead in the charity shield against man u.

hope mancity does better next time!

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323687&cc=4716

Nani at the double

Nani's injury-time goal settled a wonderful Community Shield as ManU roared back fr 2 goals down 2 beat ManC 3-2.

Nani had already netted a jaw-dropping leveller in wat turned out 2 be the highest-scoring of these encounters since 1992. He then capitalised on Vincent Kompany's blunder 2 win a game tat seemed City's 4 the taking aft Joleon Lescott & Edin Dzeko had taken advantage of David de Gea's hesitancy.

But SAF's introduction of 3 younger members of his squad @ the break triggered a comeback 4 which United r so famed, Chris Smalling setting the ball rolling 6 mins aft the restart, triggering a richly-deserved victory charge 4 the Premier League champions.

It had been some 24 hours 4 Danny Welbeck. Selected 4 England ahead of Jermain Defoe on Saturday, he started tis afternoon's showpiece whilst Dimitar Berbatov was on the bench & Michael Owen remained in his suit. The 20-year-old was part of a scintillating performance fr the Red Devils tat lacked only an opening goal.

Betw them, Welbeck, Wayne Rooney, Nani & new signing Ashley Young cut City's midfield apart. Had United's final ball been better, they surely would hv got their noses in front.

As it was, Lescott got in the way of efforts fr Young, Smalling & Welbeck. Rooney curled a free-kick narrowly wide.

City's tackling grew increasingly desperate & aft Mario Balotelli & Dzeko had got themselves embroiled with Nemanja Vidic & Anderson respectively, Micah Richards was fortunate 2 stay on the field 4 a studs-1st lunge on Young tat sent the former Aston Villa winger flying.

Referee Phil Dowd felt the need 2 issue some strict instructions 2 Blues skipper Kompany aft another shuddering lunge fr Nigel de Jong, tis time on Welbeck.

How quickly circumstances can change.

Ferguson has already admitted 2 taking a gamble on De Gea, who - @ just 20 - is being asked 2 fill the boots of a man with twice his age in Edwin van der Sar.

It had been accepted by Old Trafford's coaching staff tat some work was required in the weights room 4 De Gea 2 hv the best chance of dealing with the more physical nature of English football.

His lack of bulk may be the reason why he opted against coming 4 Silva's teasing free-kick 7 mins b4 the break. Neither Vidic nor Rio Ferdinand got themselves in position 2 make a challenge & Lescott calmly flicked it in2 the corner.

It got even worse 4 United, & De Gea, in stoppage time.

Dzeko was given far 2 much room in midfield 2 decide wat 2 do with James Milner's square pass & aft advancing 10 yards, lashed a fine shot in2 the United net.

It was 1 of those tat, on 1st viewing, appeared 2 be De Gea's fault. Replays showed there had been some movement as the ball flashed in, which made life harder 4 the Spain Under-21 international.

However, there was a degree of culpability & clearly, De Gea is on a steep learning curve, not just in his goalkeeping but also United's DNA.

Ferguson's response was 2 replace 3 of his most senior players - Vidic, Ferdinand & Michael Carrick - @ the break & introduce a trio of youngsters in Phil Jones, Jonny Evans & Tom Cleverley.

Within 6 mins of the restart, Smalling had dragged the champions back in2 it, touching home Young's free-kick aft Dzeko had completely failed 2 track his run.

Then came the equaliser, with Rooney, Nani & Cleverley opening City up with a devastating series of short passes b4 Nani beat Joe Hart with a delicate chip.

De Gea showed his raw talent by beating away a ferocious goalbound effort fr Adam Johnson, then palming Richards' powerful header over.

The City duo were 2 of 14 Englishmen involved. The oldest member of United's 2nd-half side was Young, @ 26, during a spell following the departure of Patrice Evra & Dimitar Berbatov's introduction.

It was a taste of the future, with Cleverley in particular electrifying until he hooked an excellent chance over fr 8 yards.

The pity was it took a blunder 2 win it, Kompany failing 2 read Rooney's clearing punt, allowing Nani 2 rob him & charge 4ward, rounding Hart b4 tapping home.

[joew2005]

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Mancini denies Sneijder reports
August 7, 2011

Roberto Mancini has dismissed suggestions ManC r interested in signing Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claimed on Saturday tat Sneijder had agreed 2 join City in a €36 million deal with wages of €6 million. However, City sources subsequently rejected the report & Mancini has now officially denied holding any interest in the player.

"No," he said. "It is not true. He is an Inter Milan player. We never spoke abt him."

With ManU still persistently linked with a move 4 Sneijder, Inter appear 2 be making little attempt 2 reject speculation of a rival bid fr City.

Inter director Marco Branca, asked whether City had made contact over the player, had earlier told Gazzetta: "Being 1 of the best players in the world, it's clear there r going 2 be enquiries. However, we hv not yet worked out a price-tag.

"Wesley has Inter in his heart, so it seems tat both he & Eto'o said they 1 2 stay. Aft all, Inter won't keep any1 who doesn't 1 2 be here, nor do we 1 2 sell some1 unless they r happy with the situation."

Inter boss Gian Piero Gasperini had said on Saturday in the wake of the reports of City's bid tat they would "think abt it next week if there is tis development".

Meanwhile, Mancini said he expected Carlos Tevez 2 return 2 training on Monday. "Yes. I expect Carlos 2 be back 2morrow," he said.



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Sneijder speaks: I'm for sale
August 7, 2011

Wesley Sneijder has told Dutch media he is definitely 4 sale, & confirmed he will leave Inter Milan if a suitable offer comes in becos the club needs the money.

Sneijder told Voetball International: "All I know is tat Inter need money & tat I'm 4 sale if the right offer comes in. I hv 5 days off aft the international friendly against England on Wednesday. I expect clarity on my future by then.

"I can be very brief abt the interest fr ManU & City: I hvn't spoken with either of those 2 clubs, so I can't really say much abt my future @ the moment."

Netherlands international Sneijder has been subject 2 speculation throughout the summer, with ManU heavily linked 2 a player seen as an ideal replacement 4 the retired Paul Scholes.

On Saturday the saga took a dramatic twist when Gazzetta dello Sport claimed Sneijder had agreed 2 join City in a €36 million deal. City manager Roberto Mancini was quick 2 play down the rumours on Sunday, however. "No," he said. "It is not true. He is an Inter Milan player. We nvr spoke abt him."

Inter coach Gian Piero Gasperini responded 2 City's rumoured interest by saying: "Wesley Sneijder? We'll see. I don't know. We'll think abt it next week if there is tis development."

[Hori]

Carlos tevez will return to training today
Will he stay or go ?!

[joew2005]

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Mancini weighs up striking options
August 1, 2011

Roberto Mancini has intimated Carlos Tevez could stay @ ManC but fellow strikers Emmanuel Adebayor & Craig Bellamy r likely 2 leave the club.

Tevez's future is uncertain aft the Argentina international announced he is unsettled in Manchester. A move 2 Corinthians had been mooted but no deal was struck, & now Inter Milan appear his only suitors.

Mancini, though, claims Tevez could remain @ City, despite recently adding the 4ward's compatriot Sergio Aguero fr Atletico Madrid 4 a fee in the region of £38 million 2 his current crop which also includes Mario Balotelli & Edin Dzeko.

"When Carlos comes back 2 training on Thursday we will hv 4 strikers fighting 4 the shirts," Mancini said. "Tat's good 4 us. When you r playing in 4 competitions, we need tat competition, we need those players. Players fighting 4 the shirt is a good thing."

Bellamy, however, appears destined 4 a departure aft Mancini confirmed the rumours tat the Welshman could be heading 4 Celtic, aft spending last season on loan @ Cardiff.

He said: "It is possible tat there hv been conversations abt Craig Bellamy betw us & Celtic. I met Craig 2 days ago @ Carrington. I spoke with him for 10 mins. It was a friendly conversation - everything was normal.

"He told me something I 1 2 keep 2 myself. Wat I said 2 days ago was tat if Celtic 1 Craig, he is a good player & I think he can go. He is a good striker & needs 2 be playing. Celtic is a good team. I would let him go on loan, becos Craig deserves 2 play & he deserved 2 play 4 a good team. If they 1 him, sure."

Adebayor is another frontman expected 2 be moved on, with the Togo international making no secret of his desire 2 return 2 Real Madrid 4 the forthcoming season. And Mancini would welcome an agreement with the Spanish giants.

He said: "It is the same with Adebayor. Manu is in Carrington. He 1s 2 go 2 Real Madrid & if they 1 2 take him, they can. We hv 4 top strikers & it is really difficult.

"Manu is a good striker. We can't carry 6 strikers. He needs 2 play & I would be happy 4 him 2 go back 2 Real Madrid. I hope he can go back there. It is like with Craig. We hv alot of strikers, but I can't play 6 in the same strikers.

"It's important we find a good solution 4 them. I understand their situations."

[joew2005]

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Mancini frustrated by transfer delays
August 13, 2011

Roberto Mancini believes ManC will be capable of winning the title if they "complete" the squad but has been frustrated by the long wait 4 Samir Nasri.

Nasri, who has just 1 year remaining on his contract @ Arsenal, has long been tipped 2 complete a move 2 Eastlands & The Times even reported it as a done deal over a month ago.

With Arsenal yet 2 accept City's offer 4 Nasri, though, Mancini has been left frustrated @ the board's frustration 2 conclude their transfer business as he prepares 4 the opening game of the season against Swansea on Monday.

"Last year was the same 2," he said. "I don't understand tis. I thought we could get all the players we needed 3 or 4 weeks ago, but here we r & the deals aren't closed.

"We need tis player [Nasri]. I asked 4 tis player 2 months ago. I'm worried becos I don't hv tis player 2day & I probably won't hv him 2morrow. We play 3 games in August & I m worried.

"If we complete our squad, we can fight 4 the title tis year, but tat is a problem @ the moment becos we play our 1st match [on Monday]."

He added: "It is not important whether you r the richest club or not. The market is difficult - I understand tat - but when you hv your targets, it is important 2 go very hard.

"It was important 2 hv these players 4 pre-season becos it is there tat u prepare 4 the season. At the moment, we don't hv these players. I asked & I hope we can hv them tis week."

Fiorentina winger Alessio Cerci is among the other players Mancini is looking 2 sign & he said: "Cerci is a good player. He is young & he could be an option but there r other players."

City hv already signed Sergio Aguero, Gael Clichy, Stefan Savic & back-up goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon tis summer.

[joew2005]

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Noisy neighbours look to crash party
August 10, 2011

Having completed stage 1 of the ManC master plan last season - ensuring tat they broke their silverware drought by winning the FA Cup & clinching automatic qualification 2 the Champions League - City r a side on the up.

With the Abu Dhabi United Group's deep pockets 2 delve in2, the blue half of Manchester is finally in a position 2 pin their hopes on a realistic title challenge as opposed 2 the relegation concerns tat hv troubled them 4 so long.

But the optimism tat has arrived @ Eastlands has been tinged with sadness @ the prospect of losing captain, talisman & idol, Carlos Tevez tis summer. The Argentine's love affair with the game seems over &, with more pressing family concerns on his plate, the start of the season could see him sent on loan, sold 2 a club which stumps up £45 million, or returning 2 Manchester 2 wait out another chance 2 move 2 Brazil in January.

The importance of Tevez is not evident simply fr his 20 Premier League goals last season, but also in his work ethic & ability 2 lead the side's defensive line fr the front. Few strikers in world football can boast the same attributes, but City hv worked hard 2 bring a man 2 replace him with the minimum of upheaval.

The arrival of Argentine Sergio Aguero in a £38 million deal fr Atletico Madrid is a welcome boost 2 the City 4ward line, which was starting 2 look decidedly thin with the exits of Jo & Felipe Caicedo & little chance of loan trio Craig Bellamy, Emmanuel Adebayor & Roque Santa Cruz returning 2 stake their claims 4 a 1st-team place. With the inconsistent Edin Dzeko keen 2 prove himself in his 1st full season in England, Aguero will not hv 2 do alot right 2 place himself @ the top of the pecking order - assuming of course tat Tevez is not around - & hopes r high 4 the son-in-law of the great Diego Maradona.

But Roberto Mancini's striking equation has another addition: Mario Balotelli. The unpredictable Italian failed 2 cover himself in glory again in pre-season aft being hauled off after half an hour following a piece of showboating in the friendly against LA Galaxy & has a fiery relationship with his boss. Love him, or loathe him, Balotelli is a precocious talent &, @ his best, is certainly a player 2 be feared. Whether or not Mancini is able 2 tame (or @ least channel) the wild streak in him tis season remains 2 be seen, but there will be more controversy expected in the coming year.

While City scored 18 goals less than champions United, they had the joint-best defensive record alongside Chelsea in 2010-11. With Kolo Toure's suspension, 4 taking 1 of his wife's diet pills, ending in Sept & Joleon Lescott showing more consistency as well as the versatility tat allows him 2 fill in @ left-back, the side r well set up & hv even more depth than they did, having added young centre-back Stefan Savic & experienced Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy.

The £12 million exit of Jerome Boateng causes little upheaval in the City line due 2 his injury problems last season &, 1s again, Mancini will turn 2 the rock tat is Vincent Kompany 2 provide the stability tat he needs. Making the Belgian captain tis season is just reward 4 his ability 2 lead fr the back &, ironically, the 1 player tat City hv signed on the cheap appears 2 be 1 of the best.

Another reason 4 their resolute defensive performances came in the shape of goalkeeper Joe Hart. Displacing Shay Given, Hart's elevation 2 1st-choice stopper 4 both club & country occurred quickly &, as a result, Given has now sought a new challenge @ Aston Villa. With Stuart Taylor, David Gonzalez & Gunnar Nielsen acting as backups, there is depth, but City fans may worry if something happens 2 the England No.1.

The 1 main area tat Mancini has not seen need 2 strengthen is the centre of midfield. With a trio of powerful, combative central players in Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry & Nigel de Jong, the core of the side is strong. Patrick Vieira has retired - moving 2 a position with the City backroom staff - but with 2 solid defensive midfielders shielding the defence & Toure given an unusually advanced role last season, power & stamina is in no short supply. However, as with their main title rivals, creativity is a little lacking.

David Silva bore the burden of leading City's attack in 2010-11 & was often forced 2 drift inside 2 direct the play. The Spaniard improved throughout the season & his touch & vision ensured tat City carried some threat in the final 3rd, but without him they struggled. Tis is certainly an important season 4 the midfielder as City could use more than the 4 goals in 30 starts he managed last season; if he adds a finishing touch 2 his repertoire, then there is every chance he could end the campaign as 1 of the best in the league.

Winger Adam Johnson is an able deputy when given a chance, & Vladimir Weiss & Shaun Wright-Phillips will also be keen 2 press their claims 2 stay @ the club if they don't choose 2 try their luck elsewhere on loan. But there is still something of a creative hole.

Aft the successes of the last campaign, the City board's expectations 4 the season r high. The 1st-half of the Community Shield gave them hope, the 2nd took it away, but failure 2 mount a serious title challenge will not be tolerated - although when a club has been built on the millions of a wealthy owner there is always going 2 be pressure. Mancini is under no illusions as 2 wat is expected of him &, as City prepare 4 their 1st adventure in2 the Champions League, he would be well advised 2 enjoy the good times while they last.

[joew2005]

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Mancini prepared for slow start
August 14, 2011

Roberto Mancini is wary of ManC making another slow start in the Premier League as they prepare 2 kick-off their campaign against newly promoted Swansea.

Mancini complained last week tat his squad was not yet complete just days out fr the start of the season as City continue their pursuit of Arsenal star Samir Nasri. The Italian followed tis rant by suggesting the unfinished squad could get out of the blocks in shaky fashion, as they did last campaign, making their dream of a Premier League title tat much more difficult 2 attain.

"I think the 1st 10 games r very difficult - the squad is not 100% ready," Mancini told the Guardian. "It needs 4 or 5 games 2 find good form 4 the players. If we complete our squad, we can fight 4 the title tis year. But tat is a problem @ the moment.

"When u start the season & play against a team tat comes fr the Championship, it is really difficult. Last year, with all the teams tat came fr the Championship, it was very hard 2 play against them in the 1st 10 games & it will be the same tis year. But this is why the Premier League is difficult. Every game is hard."

"I hv watched many of their games. Swansea play good football. They don't play long ball & they hv good players. The manager [Brendan Rodgers] is good - last year, he played really good football & got promoted."

The club has strengthened its playing stocks over the summer by signing the likes of Sergio Aguero & Gael Clichy, but Mancini says the delays in signing Nasri & sorting out the future of Carlos Tevez could prevent City improving on last season's 3rd-placed finish & becoming genuine title contenders.

"It is not important whether you r the richest club or not," said Mancini."The market is difficult. I understand tat. But when you hv your targets, it is important 2 go very hard. It was important 2 hv these players 4 pre-season becos it is there tat you prepare 4 the season. At the moment, we don't hv these players. I asked & hope we can hv them tis week.

"But last year it was the same. In the 1st 3 games, we lost against Sunderland & drew @ Tottenham. Tat is why it is important 2 hv the players b4."

[joew2005]

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Mancini strips Tevez of City captaincy
September 9, 2011

ManC boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed tat Vincent Kompany has taken over the club captaincy fr Carlos Tevez on a permanent basis.

Tevez, 27, was inspirational as skipper last season, scoring 23 goals 4 City as they ended their 35-year trophy drought by lifting the FA Cup, as well as qualifying 4 the Champions League 4 the 1st time in their history.

But aft repeatedly stating his desire 2 leave City & move back 2 South America 2 be closer 2 his family, the Argentina striker has been stripped of the armband.

"The captain is Vinny Kompany," Mancini said. "The reason is simple. Carlos in the summer wanted 2 leave the club 4 family reasons. I respected his opinion 2 leave the club. But Carlos is here now, we didn't find any solution 4 him.

"He is a fantastic player 4 us becos he can score 20 goals in 1 year - but I decided in the summer Vinny was the captain.''

Tevez has been City's top scorer 4 the past 2 seasons but now appears 2 be behind Edin Dzeko & record signing Sergio Aguero in the pecking order.

Dzeko, who struggled 2 make an impact in the 2nd half of last season aft his £27 million arrival in January, has been in particularly good form. The Bosnian has scored 7 times in 4 appearances tis term, including 1 in the Community Shield & a hat-trick against Tottenham.

Mancini said: "Edin is a fantastic striker, he scores everywhere. I m sure tat tis year Edin k score alot of goals 4 us.''

[screamer]

I know its kinda early, but still, well done to Man City...

strong quad... this year could be special, keeping my finger cross.

And, many thank for the 2-0 last night!! I got a big ang-Bao in Actual-score, TG Under, and jalan.

[joew2005]

agree tat manc has done pretty well so far tis season.
played 6 games & collected 16 points fr a possible 18.(88.9%)
scored 19 goals in 6 games & only let in 5.

but the owners has spent alot of $ in the past few seasons.
tis season the owners & of course the fans deserve more than jz a FA cup.

mancini's honeymoon period is over ..... time 2 justify the amount of $ he spent.

[omnia]

mancini already feeling the pressure going by his stupid claim that he still needs to buy more last wk when man city drew at fulham...

it wld not be unreasonable to expect man city to win at least either of the big 2 EPL r CL this season...if not i think mancini shall probably hv to say ciao to manchester...

problem mancini appears to hv is to ensure that his team keeps a killer instinct to finish off all league games...especially the away games straight after a mid week CL game...

Originally Posted by joew2005

mancini's honeymoon period is over ..... time 2 justify the amount of $ he spent.

[joew2005]

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Tevez 'refused' to play for City
September 27, 2011

Roberto Mancini has claimed striker Carlos Tevez refused 2 come on as a substitute 4 ManC in their 2-0 loss 2 Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Mancini turned 2 Tevez in the 2nd half of City's European match @ the Allianz Arena as his side trailed 2-0 following a 1st-half brace fr Bayern 4ward Mario Gomez.

But, speaking aft the defeat, the Italian coach has said Tevez, who was linked with a move away fr the club in the summer although a transfer failed 2 materialise, would not enter the fray when Mancini looked 2 alter City's fortunes.

Mancini told Sky Sports: "He refused 2 come on. 1 player refused 2 go on - I can't accept tis."

When asked if he had any explanation 4 Tevez's behaviour, Mancini said: "It is impossible. I asked him 2 go in & help with the team. We hv 11 players. Maybe he was disappointed becoshe didn't play (fr the start)."

City boss Mancini went as far as 2 suggest Tevez, who left ManU 4 City in 2009, will not play 4 the club again. Mancini said: "If I hv my way he will be out of the club.''

Pressed further on if Tevez was finished @ City, Mancini said: "I don't decide tis, but if I did, then yes. I helped Carlos for 2 years but I cannot accept tis behaviour.''

Tevez, speaking thru an interpreter, gave little away. In an interview with Sky Sports News he said: "I hv been professional during all my time here. Last season I was the top scorer & I wanted 2 leave 4 family reasons - but I keep trying 2 do my best.''

[joew2005]

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Warm-up sparked Tevez row
September 28, 2011

ESPNsoccernet understands tat confusion over Carlos Tevez's warm-up was @ the crux of the issue tat sparked manager Roberto Mancini 2 claim the striker will nvr play 4 ManC again under his stewardship.

On Tuesday night, Mancini said Tevez "refused" 2 come on as a 2nd-half substitute against Bayern Munich as City trailed 2-0 in their Champions League Group A match @ the Allianz Arena.

The Argentina international has since issued a statement denying tat he refused 2 enter the fray, while saying a misunderstanding was @ the root of the dispute with Mancini, who indicated tat Tevez's time @ City may now be over.

A source close 2 the incident has now told ESPNsoccernet tat the bust-up came abt aft Tevez felt aggrieved @ having spent time warming up only 2 see midfielder Nigel de Jong introduced in place of 4ward Edin Dzeko.

Upon returning 2 the bench aft seeing the change, Tevez was then told 2 warm-up 1s more, 2 which the Argentine replied "por qué [why]?". Tis response led 2 a feisty verbal exchange betw Tevez & Mancini, the Italian angered by his player's questioning of the instruction.

It is understood tat Tevez, who has made no secret of his desire 2 leave City, has been growing increasingly frustrated @ being overlooked by Mancini having made just 2 starts in all competitions so far tis season.

Tevez, signed by City in 2009 aft he left rivals ManU, is reluctant 2 apologise 2 Mancini 4 the bust-up, but is sorry 2 the City fans over the incident.