Man City

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...greats?cc=4716

Souness: Tevez is a bad apple
September 28, 2011

Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness has branded Carlos Tevez "a disgrace 2 football" aft ManC boss Roberto Mancini claimed the Argentina striker refused 2 come on against Bayern Munich.

Tevez, who has frequently agitated 4 a move away fr Eastlands, ended up staying with the club tis summer when no suitable buyers came 4ward & he has been out of the 1st team since the start of the current campaign, with the likes of Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero & Mario Balotelli all ahead of him.

He was again on the bench 4 the trip 2 Germany & Mancini has said he declined 2 go on the pitch when asked. Tevez's actions drew a scathing response fr the television pundits, with Souness reacting furiously.

"He [Tevez] is 1 bad apple," he told Sky Sports 2.

"He can undo all the good work tat has been done [@ City]. He's a disgrace 2 football. He epitomises wat most people think is wrong with modern football.

"It is totally unacceptable. He's a football player & he is paid 2 play. He is refusing 2 help his team-mates. It's all abt him, him, him."

Souness also suggested the Argentina 4ward's attitude may hv contributed 2 his exit fr ManU, where he played prior 2 his Eastlands switch.

"Why didn't Fergie take him? Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson] is the oldest fox in the business & he must hv seen something he didn't like in him," said the Scot.

Mancini is now keen 2 see the back of Tevez 1s & 4 all & Souness believes tat is the right move 4 City, who he thinks could risk losing their manager if they fail 2 agree.

"He [Mancini] walked in2 a hornet's nest with him [Tevez] & several other players who were @ the club @ the time," continued Souness.

"Tat would cause u 2 walk away fr the job. How can you deal with players acting like tat?"

Mark Hughes was City manager when Tevez moved 2 Eastlands & believes the player's personal situation is @ the root of the issue.

"The problem with Carlos is he missed his family,'' said Hughes on Sky Sports 2.

"Tat's why he said if it was possible he wanted 2 leave the club, he had tis situation with his family. There is obviously no relationship whatsoever, or u would imagine given the events of tis evening, with the manager. Tat needs 2 be mended & if it can't then something else has 2 happen."

4mer United striker Dwight Yorke also believes Mancini has some work on his hands resolving an awkward situation with a player who is lavishly paid @ City & would be affordable 2 only a small number of top clubs.

"I don't condone wat he's done, in terms of refusing 2 go on the pitch. No-1 likes 2 see tat," said Yorke.

"We don't know the ins & outs but they need 2 sort tat out. You don't need tat around the place. The manager has got some work 2 do & he alone can make those decisions."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...anuary?cc=4716

City could ban Tevez until January
September 29, 2011

ManC's lawyers r examining the club's options but it now looks as though Carlos Tevez will not kick a ball again until January @ the earliest.

City's legal experts r examining the rule book 2 find a way of suspending Tevez the maximum of 2 weeks on a rolling basis until the transfer window opens aft manager Roberto Mancini claimed the striker refused 2 play against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.

Suspension is a preferable option 2 sacking the striker & pursuing him 4 compensation 4 gross misconduct & breach of contract, a sum which would effectively be paid by the club he signs 4 in January. However, tat option has not as yet been ruled out.

Imposing the initial 2-week suspension is only the 1st part of City's punishment 4 Tevez aft extensive talks betw chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Mancini, temporary chief executive John MacBeath & their lawyers, with the club backing the manager against 1 of the club's most prized players.

Tevez earns £200,000-a-week, so would lose around £3 million in wages if City can ban him 4 the 15 weeks until the transfer window is open again. The internal club suspension will also cost Tevez appearance money & other bonuses, potentially worth £500,000-a-week.

Tat is sure 2 be challenged by Tevez & his legal team & advisors, while Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor is anxious 4 round-table negotiations 2 mediate. Tis would enable Tevez 2 move on in January but continue 2 play in the meantime.

Tat might entail Tevez making an apology 2 Mancini, but tat so far is not forthcoming & ESPNsoccernet sources hv indicated tat the player feels he has done nothing wrong. With City taking a hardline approach, there seems little room 4 compromise, & they r now consulting with the FA 2 see if the suspension could be extended should tat be deemed necessary 1s the findings of the club's internal review has been completed.

Mancini has already stated tat Tevez refused 2 come on as a substitute @ Bayern Munich while the Argentine striker has insisted it was a misunderstanding, so the player, his representatives & his legal team will be given every opportunity 2 put their side of the events as part of the investigation.

ESPNsoccernet has established tat Tevez believes the row happened aft he refused 2 warm up a 2nd time & tat he did not refuse 2 play.

An official club statement on Wednesday night read: "ManC can confirm tat striker Carlos Tevez has been suspended until further notice 4 a maximum period of 2 weeks. The player's suspension is pending a full review in2 his alleged conduct during Tuesday evening's 2-0 defeat 2 Bayern Munich.

"The player will not be considered 4 selection or take part in training whilst the review is under way."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ancini?cc=4716

Ferguson praises 'strong' Mancini
September 30, 2011

SAF has praised ManC manager Roberto Mancini 4 his ''strong management'' in dealing with Carlos Tevez' apparent refusal 2 play in midweek.

Ferguson would not speak directly abt Tevez, a former player @ the club, but said Mancini had handled the incident well.

Ferguson told a news conference: ''I think tat Roberto Mancini has come out & shown his strength of character, his strength of mgmt & I think tat is important.

''We hv all experienced our own difficulties in mgmt & u cope with it as best as u can. In my own experience strong management is important & there is nobody more important than the manager @ a football club.''


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-tevez?cc=4716

Scholes sympathetic toward Tevez
September 30, 2011

Former ManU midfielder Paul Scholes says he sympathises with 1-time team-mate Carlos Tevez over his apparent refusal 2 warm-up during the Champions League defeat @ Bayern Munich.

Tevez has been embroiled in controversy & speculation since the midweek trip 2 Germany, & earned the wrath of manager Roberto Mancini, among others, in the aftermath of the incident. But Scholes has expressed a level of understanding 4 Tevez's situation aft revealing he went thru a similar experience @ United.

"I know Carlos quite well. He's a player who 1s 2 be playing,'' Scholes told BBC Radio 5 live. "When he's a sub, it will be killing him.

"It's totally up 2 the manager but Carlos wouldn't hv been thinking tat. He'll be thinking, 'The manager is against me, why is he not bringing me on? I'm City's best player & he's not playing me'.

"I'm not saying he [Tevez] is rite - it's totally up 2 the manager."

Scholes, who retired fr playing in the summer 2 take up a coaching role @ United, refused 2 play in a League Cup tie in 2001 having been dropped 4 the previous game against Liverpool.

He explained: "You think you should be playing & my head was all over the place. I thought he [SAF] was messing me abt, wrongly really. It's up 2 him wat he does with his team.

"I realise it was stupid. I let the manager down & it was something I regretted. It's probably similar 2 Carlos Tevez's state of mind if it is true he refused 2 come on."


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-tevez?cc=4716

West Ham make move for Tevez
September 30, 2011

West Ham r ready 2 offer Carlos Tevez an escape route fr ManC by taking him back 2 Upton Park on loan.

Tevez's move 2 West Ham in 2006 caused considerable controversy becos of the 3rd-party ownership scandal tat eventually saw them forced 2 pay compensation 2 relegated Sheffield United.

However, he remains a popular figure @ the club & the Hammers hv sounded out City 2 bring him back - albeit 4 just 3 months until he can be sold in January - as Championship teams can loan players outside of the summer transfer window.

Unless there is interest fr the Middle East, it looks like Tevez's most realistic move if he 1s 2 continue 2 play, as Roberto Mancini has made it abundantly clear he won't pick the Argentine again aft he allegedly refused 2 come on as a sub against Bayern Munich tis week.

No 1 will officially comment @ West Ham becos of the sensitivity of the situation & City r not going 2 make an instant decision while they take legal advice over the extent 2 which they can punish Tevez.

However, a source confirmed 2 ESPNsoccernet tat West Ham hv made a move 2 bring Tevez 2 the club, saying: "Yes, I can confirm it is true. He's an ex-player tat the fans love. They might hate him in Manchester, but he'd get a huge reception @ Upton Park.''

Having handed Tevez a 2-week suspension, with fines close to £500,000, City r seeking advice fr the FA & PFA whether the suspension can be extended to 6 weeks.

The situation has put City in2 a difficult position, with Mancini gaining the full backing of the owners 2 'ban' Tevez fr the team. But as tat serves no useful purpose 2 the club, they might see the benefit of allowing him 2 go 2 West Ham, who would pay a percentage of the player's £200,000-a-week basic wages for a 3-month spell.

Corinthians were ready 2 pay £40 million 4 Tevez just 2 months ago, but it is felt tat the player's value is now halved, which would encourage other clubs 2 join the bidding 2 sign him in January.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-tevez?cc=4716

City turn down Tevez offer
September 30, 2011

ManC hv turned down West Ham's approach 2 sign suspended striker Carlos Tevez on loan, with the club intent on concluding disciplinary matters b4 addressing the player's future.

ESPNsoccernet understands a sense of "outrage" permeates the City hierarchy over the Tevez affair, which was sparked by his apparent refusal 2 come on as a substitute in their Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich. City hv not ruled out pursuing Tevez's outright dismissal on the grounds of gross misconduct.

1 option is 4 City 2 sack Tevez now, but hold his registration in a bid 2 sell him in January, or claim compensation. With tis in mind, it appears loaning Tevez 2 a Championship team, such as his former club West Ham, is simply not on the agenda.

In conducting their internal investigation, City r taking statements fr the players who sat beside Tevez on the bench in Munich 2 establish the facts.

ESPNsoccernet has found nothing 2 substantiate claims fr the Tevez camp tat his team-mates will confirm he refused 2 warm-up, but not 2 play. Tat rumour is being put down 2 Tevez's change of PR company, & their attempts 2 clear his name.

Returning 2 West Ham's approach, it appears the Championship club wanted 2 take Tevez on a 3-month deal 2 Upton Park, but 2 no avail. An insider told ESPNsoccernet: "Tat shows West Ham's ambitions, but it was nothing more than an informal enquiry, but it is not going 2 happen."

[joew2005]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/footba...article/45199/

Greedy City deserve Tevez treatment
Fri Sep 30

Carlos Tevez's conduct against Bayern Munich was utterly reprehensible, but ManC deserve such treatment 4 the greedy & egotistical manner in which they dealt with the Argentine's transfer saga over the summer.

Tevez made it very clear tat he was desperate 2 leave the club 4 a variety of diff reasons, but City were hell-bent on securing an astronomical fee 4 the 4ward. In so doing, the club put $ over the values of team spirit & unity.

The club r now paying the price 4 the arrogant way in which they behaved over the transfer window, slapping absurd fees on the head of the Argentine with $ absolutely no object, effectively mocking him in the process.

Tis should not sound like a conspiracy theory, but City hv been desperate 2 come out of tis whole episode looking the more mature of the parties involved, & they will not be 2 disappointed tat Tevez has now done tis.

There is never any justifiable excuse 4 a professional footballer not being willing 2 come off the bench & put in a shift 4 the club, 4 his colleagues & 4 the manager, but Tevez will be feeling incredibly aggrieved himself.

All the sympathy is with Roberto Mancini & Tevez's City team-mates, while it could be argued that the way in which the 4ward himself has been treated is pretty shabby.

Mancini has humiliated the striker by keeping him confined 2 the substitutes' bench 4 the most part of the season thus far, despite his staggeringly prolific exploits in the last campaign.

It is never easy 4 any player 2 be on the sidelines, particularly when the individual involved knows full well tat he is a real star & deserves his place in the side on merit.

Tevez is a real gem of a player, & there is nothing more upsetting or demoralising 4 a footballer of his calibre 2 find themselves shunted down the pecking order 4 reasons outside of wat happens on the pitch.

At ManU, there is complete unity: fr the cleaner all the way up 2 the manager. The players accept the way the club is run fr the moment they walk in, & tat continues 2 keep SAF's squad in place.

The simple fact is tat City hv allowed themselves 2 become embroiled in tis ongoing saga with Tevez, & only hv themselves 2 blame. The suits @ the club hv constantly been @ loggerheads with the Argentine, & the whole matter has been treated pretty distastefully.

The trouble with a club like City buying their way 2 a powerful position such as tis, is tat egos r rife & there r many individuals who simply overstep the mark.

City r much better off without Garry Cook, & they will be much better off without Tevez, but there r ways of dealing with such situations with class & respect.

The club should hv got rid of the 4ward over the summer, & they will wish tat they did not let pride & matters of principle interfere with the best interests of the squad as a whole.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-tevez?cc=4716

City to interview Tevez
October 1, 2011

ESPNsoccernet has learned Carlos Tevez will be interviewed by ManC next week over his apparent refusal 2 come on as a substitute during the club's 2-0 Champions League loss @ Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

City 1 2 ascertain Tevez's version of events, having spoken 2 a number of his team-mates over the last 48 hours 2 determine whether the Argentina striker did indeed refuse 2 be brought on by manager Roberto Mancini or, as Tevez has suggested, there was instead a disagreement over his warm-up.

Tevez, 27, has been handed a max suspension of 2 weeks following the incident, although the club r considering speaking with the PFA over having the ban extended 2 as long as 6 weeks, with Mancini keen 2 see the 4ward excluded fr 1st-team affairs 4 the longer term following their disagreement.

Amid suggestions City could go as far as 2 outright dismiss Tevez - who was linked with a loan move 2 West Ham on Friday - on the grounds of gross misconduct, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has urged 4 calm while the club conduct their investigation.

Taylor said: "Let's wait & see wat emerges fr the club's internal enquiries. Until then I would ask 4 a cool it period. We need 2 find out exactly wat occurred in the cold light of day b4 passing any judgments. The club intend 2 speak with the manager, the coaches & the players 2 find out the facts of wat occurred & we r keeping a watching brief."

A report in Saturday's press tat Mancini's son, Filippo, refused 2 come off the substitutes' bench in a City reserve game has been played down by the club as irrelevant.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...im-L2m?cc=4716

Tevez sub snub may cost him £2m
October 1, 2011

Troubled ManC striker Carlos Tevez could lose out on £2 million of wages shld the club prove tat he was guilty of gross misconduct when he refused 2 come on as a substitute, ESPNsoccernet understands.

City suspended Tevez aft his controversial behaviour in Munich on Tuesday, though he is still taking home the entirety of his staggering £250,000-a-week wages.

The Argentinian star's reputation has taken a pounding since he refused 2 take 2 the field during the 2-0 Champions League defeat 2 Bayern Munich, but he could now also be hit financially.

ESPNsoccernet can disclose tat Tevez wanted 2 leave the country with his family 2 escape the furore caused by events @ the Allianz Arena, but his plans were scuppered when City demanded he attend an internal inquiry on Monday.

"We hv not placed any restrictions on Carlos Tevez's travel plans nor hv we vetoed them," a City insider told ESPNsoccernet. "He is required 2 take part in the clubs internal examination of wat occurred."

The former club captain will hv the opportunity 2 persuade his employers tat he was not @ fault in Munich, though City r believed 2 be building a case tat will prove Tevez's actions constituted gross misconduct.

Should he be found guilty, the club will seek 2 punish him with a retrospective fine 4 the initial 2-week suspension, & would then apply 2 players' union, the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), 2 hv the suspension & fine extended for 6 further weeks, which would see fines totalling £2 million.

Tat would leave just over a month left b4 the opening of the January transfer window, & the best Tevez can hope 4 is a run out in the reserves.

Whatever the outcome of next week's hearing, there is no chance of Tevez ever playing 4 Roberto Mancini's 1st team again.

ESPNsoccernet has been informed tat the "collective indignation" tat greeted Tevez's actions still persists & tat point of view shows no sign of subsiding.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-wrong?cc=4716

Richards: Tevez in the wrong
October 2, 2011

ManC defender Micah Richards feels team-mate Carlos Tevez's actions against Bayern Munich in the Champions League tis week were "wrong".

Tevez is alleged 2 hv refused 2 come on as a substitute as City trailed 2-0 @ the Allianz Arena, leaving manager Roberto Mancini furious post the final whistle, the Italian stating the striker will not play 4 the club again under his stewardship.

The Argentina international, who was linked with a move away fr the Etihad Stadium in the summer, has subsequently been banned by City 4 a max of 2 weeks, while there hv even been suggestions his side could terminate his contract, pending an investigation in2 the affair.

Richards told The People: "Carlos' reaction in Munich was wrong. It was something he shouldn't hv done. There was always going 2 be a bit of tension becos Carlos is a top player & hasn't been getting in the team. But there was no sign tat he was going 2 do wat he did.

"I like Carlos. He's probably still the best player tat I hv played with & I'll always be grateful he came 2 City & helped us achieve wat we did last season. He's been our best player 4 the last couple of years & won't be happy the manager has been picking other strikers ahead of him.

"But we r a top team now. We can't just be abt 1 or 2 players becos if u 1 2 challenge 4 the big trophies it has 2 be abt the strength of your squad. There's a lesson 4 us 2 learn here. If we 1 2 be a top team then as individuals we hv 2 sacrifice ourselves.

"I went thru it myself. I might not be a big name like Carlos Tevez but I m an England international & I thought I should be playing in every game. You do get emotional. Your pride does hurt. I found it hard when I wasn't in the team & @ times I did struggle 2 just keep my head down & say nothing.

"I've been rotating with Pablo Zabaleta. At left-back it's been Kolarov & Clichy. It's the same with the midfielders & the 4wards. Aguero & Dzeko hv been on fire tis season & when Balotelli came on last week against Everton he scored an important goal.

"I thought Carlos was just waiting 4 his chance 2 show wat he could do. You're never happy if you aren't playing, but we've got a big squad & we've all just got 2 use it."

Meanwhile, City captain Vincent Kompany has insisted the squad's harmony has been unaffected by the dispute. He said: "No doubt ppl will be expecting ManC 2 fall apart aft wat happened in Munich, but tat isn't going 2 happen," said Kompany.

"Every team will lose games & hv setbacks, but there won't be many games more difficult than Bayern away. Okay, so some things hv happened tat aren't good, but ppl should just calm down a little bit.

"We will bounce back very quickly. I can't give any answer abt Carlos Tevez becos I don't know wat was going thru his mind & I don't know wat happened becos I was on the pitch.

"I hv been here 3 years & I know there r people out there who 1 us 2 fail. But I don't care. All the other players don't care. Wat outsiders think abt our club means nothing 2 us.

"The negative things ppl say abt us bring us closer 2gether as a team. The only ppl we care abt r the fans, players & ppl of ManC. As captain I can tell u there is no problems betw the players.

"We hv a great group, a strong group. The atmosphere has been good tis season. We will hv our disappointments along the way, but we will learn fr them & we will get stronger."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-shock?cc=4716

Ferguson: City start no shock
October 4, 2011

ManU manager SAF has been unsurprised by ManC's strong start 2 the 2011-12 Premier League campaign.

The 2 clubs r locked on 19 points @ the top of the table, both sides having won 6 & drawn 1 of their opening 7 matches of the season.

City finished in 3rd last term, 9 points behind champions United, but, with the likes of Sergio Aguero arriving in the summer, Ferguson anticipated a fiercer test fr their rivals tis time around.

"I've said all along tat would happen," Ferguson told Inside United. "They r a good team & they were always going 2 be there or thereabouts.

"Sergio Aguero was bound 2 do well, coming in2 the Premier League, becos he is such a goal threat around the penalty box. David Silva is also a very good player. We just hv 2 make sure we r ready 4 City when we meet them."

United & City lock horns @ Old Trafford on October 23, & Ferguson says the vast spending power @ Roberto Mancini's disposal has shifted the way the derby is perceived.

"All derbies r big now, tat is the nature of the landscape," Ferguson said. "The impetus City now hv - they hv a huge squad of players & the financial power 2 attract some of the best footballers in the world - actually changes the focus of the derby these days.

"The talking point isn't so much the actual game but the dynamics of how ManC hv changed football & wat we do 2 compete with tat."

Ferguson also outlined his hopes tat United will perform when they face rivals Liverpool @ Anfield when the international break is over, having suffered a 3-1 defeat in the corresponding fixture last term.

"We hv been poor there of late," Ferguson said. "On a couple of occasions we hv been out-fought by them, which is disappointing. The atmosphere plays a part. Every time we go there it is as if it's the biggest game of the century."


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...munich?cc=4716

Tevez: I did not refuse to play
October 4, 2011

Carlos Tevez continues 2 insist tat he refused 2 warm up but didn't refuse 2 play when ordered 2 by his manager Roberto Mancini during ManC's Champions League match @ Bayern Munich.

Tevez has been quizzed by the club over the controversial incident & ESPNsoccernet understands tat his distinction regarding his indiscipline might not be enough 2 save the striker fr a charge of gross misconduct by the club.

City's lawyers r studying the terms of Tevez's contract aft the £50 million striker was interviewed @ his Cheshire home on Monday.

A club car carrying a legal representative & a member of City's human resources staff arrived @ the player's house in Alderley Edge @ abt 16.00 BST & left 80 mins later. City were anxious 2 hold it away fr the Etihad Stadium & the Carrington training complex 4 fear of a media scrum, & it is possible tat he could be interviewed 4 a 2nd time b4 a final decision is reached.

Tevez continues 2 deny Mancini's claim tat he refused 2 come on as a substitute. He claims tat he told Mancini tat, having already warmed up, there was no need 4 him 2 warm up again.

Tevez does not believe he needs 2 apologise 2 Mancini as he still insists he has done nothing wrong. But it was pointed out 2 Tevez & his camp tat immediately aft the game he gave a televised interview in which he stated he was not in the right mind 2 play.

Tat footage forms part of City's internal inquiry, while Mancini has submitted an official complaint 2 his employers. Members of the coaching & fitness staff who were in the dug-out back up Mancini's version of events.

City hv interviewed most of Tevez's team-mates who were on the substitutes' bench but not all of them as yet.

The outcome of the internal enquiry is due by the end of tis week, & it doesn't look promising 4 Tevez.

ESPNsoccernet has learned tat the club's owners & hierarchy r backing Mancini's stance tat Tevez will not play 4 City again.

A 2-week suspension with full pay is currently in place but if gross misconduct is established, then Tevez will be fined 2 weeks' wages.

The next step is 2 take the issue 2 the Professional Footballers' Association 2 hv a further 6-week ban & fine imposed a total of 2 months' wages will cost the player around £2 million.

With the transfer window opening in January, Tevez will then play reserve team football 4 a month. If he refuses he will be suspended & fined all over again. Tat could take the cost of his actions abv the £3 million mark.

City r concerned tat Tevez has hired a PR representative since Munich & there has been, according 2 club sources, a great deal of mischief making - 2 the extent of a smear campaign against Mancini.

City hv not ordered Tevez 2 call off a holiday with his family, as he is not in Argentina's squad 4 their 1st 2 WC qualifiers, but merely 2 stay 4 the interviews, & Tevez will be permitted 2 leave the country as soon as the hearing is concluded.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...slated?cc=4716

Joorabchian: Tevez was mistranslated
October 5, 2011

Carlos Tevez's adviser, Kia Joorabchian, has reiterated his claim the Argentine did not refuse 2 play 4 ManC in their Champions League defeat @ Bayern Munich.

Tevez, 27, is serving a 2-week suspension aft allegedly disobeying the instructions of City manager Roberto Mancini during last week's 2-0 loss @ the Allianz Arena.

The 4ward, whose future looks set 2 lie away fr the Etihad Stadium, appears 2 hv acknowledged tat he refused 2 warm up but denies declining 2 take 2 the field, a view backed by Joorabchian.

Tevez said in a post-match television interview: "I did not feel right 2 play, so I did not." But Joorabchian claimed the translation of the questions put 2 Tevez was not accurate.

Joorabchian said @ the Leaders in Football conference: "1 of the biggest problems is tat aft a game questions r asked & if the interpreter is not professional you hv a problem. He has been unfairly judged & condemned b4 the case has been looked in2.

"You can criticise Carlos 4 many things but not his commitment on the pitch. Sometimes he has played 4 City aft having injections & with swollen ankles. He plays when doctors tell him not 2 play. It is my opinion he is a player who fights 2 play.

"ManC & Carlos r in a very difficult position. Carlos has stated it was a misunderstanding & apologised 2 the City fans 4 tat misunderstanding.

"I cannot predict wat he 1s 2 do. We should wait until the investigation has run its course, & then both parties can sit down & decide wat they will do."

Joorabchian claimed several Premier League stars had refused 2 play 4 clubs during the summer but their managers handled the situation differently.

"Tis is a personal relationship betw 2 ppl. We hv seen tis happen all thru the summer," Joorabchian said. "We hv seen [Cesc] Fabregas, [Samir] Nasri & [Luka] Modric - the list goes on - but they r the high-profile names who hv handed in transfer requests, refused 2 travel, refused 2 play. Tat is a problem in general.

"My opinion is they refused 2 play in a diff way & those managers & the clubs handled them very differently. Roberto has his style of management & it is very direct & very different 2 SAF, Arsene Wenger or Carlo Ancelotti.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...fected?cc=4716

City's Tevez stance unaffected
October 7, 2011

ManC hv been unaffected by Kia Joorabchian's claims tat Carlos Tevez was mistranslated during his post-match interview @ Bayern Munich.

Tevez, 27, has been suspended by City for 2 wks aft allegedly refusing 2 come on as substitute 4 the club in their 2-0 Champions League loss @ the Allianz Arena last month.

Aft the match, Tevez said: "I did not feel right 2 play, so I did not." But tis week the Argentine's adviser, Joorabchian, suggested the translation of the questions put 2 Tevez was not accurate.

Tevez, who has suggested the mix-up was over his warm-up & not him refusing 2 play, is currently waiting 2 discover his long-term fate, with a lengthening of his ban mooted followed by a possible sale in January.

A City insider told ESPNsoccernet: "All the public comments & the media inferences don't really amount 2 much, & can be irrelevant, as an internal enquiry is on-going.

"What is happening in the media is not going 2 deflect the club form coming to the right conclusions."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-tevez?cc=4716

Corinthians not keen on Tevez
October 7, 2011

Corinthians currently hv no plans 2 renew their interest in ManC striker Carlos Tevez, according 2 general manager Edu.

Tevez's future @ the Etihad Stadium is uncertain aft he was handed a 2-week suspension by City 4 allegedly refusing 2 come on as a substitute in September's 2-0 Champions League loss @ Bayern Munich.

Brazilian club Corinthians were strongly linked with Tevez, 27, in the summer but a move failed 2 materialise, & ultimately he remained in the Premier League despite expressing his wishes 2 play nearer his Argentina-based family.

Former Arsenal & Brazil midfielder Edu told BBC Sport: "At the moment there r no plans 2 try & sign him again.

"I'm starting 2 think abt our new squad for 2012 & I've talked 2 our coach [Tite] abt wat we need - but Tevez was not mentioned.

"We r always interested in world-class players like Carlos but you need 2 analyse if it's right 4 u @ tat time 2 try 2 sign him or not. We hv not spoken 2 him or his agent.

"As things stand, we hv not considered going 4 Tevez. On Wednesday I spoke to our club president [Andres Sanchez] 2 see if he wanted me 2 make contact & start negotiations while I'm over in Europe but he said no, it's up 2 u 2 decide.

"Of course, tat could change. It's nice 2 be over here 2 see the real situation of Tevez & speak 2 ppl abt him. Then we can start 2 decide if it's right 4 us 2 try again."

Edu felt the time constraints surrounding their attempts 2 land Tevez in the summer were the cause 4 the deal failing 2 be rubber-stamped, as the Brazilian transfer window closed on July 21.

He said: "I was talking 2 ManC in July & we tried 2 buy him 4 €40million but the negotiations were not easy. We needed 2 arrange bank guarantees & other things. 2 organise all of tat in 2 or 3 days was very difficult. That's why we lost him."

Edu also commented on Tevez's apparent refusal 2 play 4 City, adding: "It is very strange 4 me 2 hear tat he refused 2 come on. Every player knows tat sometimes u hv 2 be on bench, u work 4 the team whether you're playing or not.

"They pay him 2 work 4 the team whether he plays or not. I was a player & I can understand tat sometimes it doesn't feel good 2 be on the bench, but if he decided not 2 play tat was a very bad decision."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...l-wasl?cc=4716

Maradona: Tevez too expensive
October 9, 2011

Al-Wasl coach Diego Maradona has ruled out a move 4 wantaway ManC striker Carlos Tevez becos he is 2 expensive.

Maradona, who was dismissed as Argentine national coach aft last year's WC, joined the Dubai-based club tis summer & has rich backers who hv already spent over £10 million 2 bring in new players.

He has guided the side 2 two wins aft an opening run of 3 defeats, but was humbled 5-0 in the Etisalat Cup by Dubai on Saturday & was asked if the capture of Tevez would help turn the club around.

However, he told Sport 360: "Tevez is very expensive. He will cost alot of $ & right now we hv a budget 4 around 5% of the fee he commands."

Tevez, 27, has indicated tat he 1s 2 leave City & came under fire 4 allegedly refusing 2 come on fr the bench against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. He has currently been suspended for 2 weeks as the club undertake an investigation in2 events tat the Argentine has described as a 'misunderstanding'.

Qatari-backed PSG & Russian side Anzhi r currently the favs 2 land Tevez as Brazilian side Corinthians, who reportedly made a £40 million bid 4 him a few months ago, hv revealed tat they r not prepared 2 return 4 him in January.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-tevez?cc=4716

West Ham to make formal approach
October 10, 2011

West Ham plan a make an official bid 2 take Carlos Tevez on loan fr ManC 4 3 months tis week.

The Hammers will say they can put Tevez in the shop window pending a permanent transfer in January, & take the £50 million-rated striker out of manager Roberto Mancini's sight.

City need 2 keep Tevez match fit & sharp 2 persuade clubs 2 take Tevez off their hands without having 2 accept a cut-price deal, & a 3-month loan would suit both clubs.

There has been interest in the £250,000-a-week striker, but so far suitors hv been put off as the total cost of any deal means the player is just 2 expensive 2 buy.

Wealthy Middle East club Al-Wasl, now managed by Diego Maradona, hv denied they hv an interest.

But Corinthians, who desperately wanted him in the summer, could be back in the race despite declaring last week tat they were out of the reckoning.

Corinthians director of football Edu told Sky Sports News "It was quite difficult 2 sign him becos @ the time it was shortly b4 our transfer window. Now we r here [in England] & we will talk & see wat the situation is & we will look 2 sign him in the summer.

"I will talk 2 the president - we offered ¬40 million & now the $ we had we hv spent some of as tat is football. We 1 2 see how Tevez is & wat his situation is, we will see if we can do a deal - he is very famous in Brazil & every1 loves him, & the fans 1 him.

"I spoke 2 him [Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian] @ the [Leaders in Football ] congress, but very formal not really abt Tevez yet - we r quite friendly & hv a good relationship but not abt Tevez yet.

"It is alot of things 2 think abt. Carlos Tevez has alot of things around him."

In the meantime, the Championship side fr East London r serious abt bringing Tevez back 2 Upon Park until he is sold by City.

Aft an initial telephone call immediately aft Tevez was suspended for 2 weeks 4 his alleged refusal 2 come off the bench during the 2-0 defeat in Munich in the Champions League, the Hammers r preparing 2 make a more official bid 1s City hv announced the outcome of their internal enquiry - expected on Monday or Tuesday.

A City insider told ESPNsoccernet: "We did receive a call fr West Ham, but there was no formal offer."

And a Hammers source confirmed: "We r serious abt Tevez, but there is nothing more 4 us 2 say @ the moment."

Tevez saved West Ham fr relegation in 2007 & now they see the Argentine as the man 2 inspire their bid 2 reclaim a spot in the Premier League.

However, there is only a remote chance tat the Hammers can succeed as they 1 City 2 continue 2 pay the bulk of the player's salary. West Ham concede their chances r slim, but they plan 2 give it a go.



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-spurs?cc=4716

Wages problematic for Ade move
October 10, 2011

Emmanuel Adebayor's impressive start 2 his loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur has already led 2 talk of a permanent move fr ManC, but the player would hv 2 accept a drop in wages 2 make the move happen.

Adebayor is Spurs' top scorer with 3 Premier League goals in 4 appearances, & he also has 2 assists 2 his name. But boss Harry Redknapp played down the chances of buying the striker.

Redknapp said: "If Emmanuel maintains his current form I would love 2 keep him but his wages r going 2 be a major stumbling block, that's 4 sure.

"I hv no idea how much we r paying 2wards his wages @ the moment as the chairman [Daniel Levy] deals with those issues but I suspect they r massively subsidised by City.

"The only way we can realistically get a deal done is if Emmanuel is prepared 2 take a substantial pay-cut & put his football b4 $."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...avezzi?cc=4716

City keeping tabs on Napoli pair
October 12, 2011

ManC 1st-team coach Fausto Salsano has claimed the club r keeping a close eye on Napoli pair Marek Hamsik & Ezequiel Lavezzi.

City hv locked horns with Napoli tis season, the clubs playing out a 1-1 draw @ the Ethiad Stadium in their opening match of Champions League Group A.

Both midfielder Hamsik & 4ward Lavezzi featured in tat game, & Salsano concedes City would be interested in adding the duo 2 their ranks.

"They r 2 players who we like becos our objective @ City is 2 do great things & win," Salsano told Radio Crc.

"Hamsik has become an important player with the right experience, while Lavezzi is devastating & can hurt people in 1 on 1 situations."