Man City

[joew2005]

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De Jong: Euro fatigue won't affect us

ManC did not arrive home aft their Europa League tie with Dynamo Kiev until 5am, but midfielder Nigel De Jong says the loss of a nite's sleep will not affect the team ahead of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Reading.

Manager Roberto Mancini has a policy of flying straight home aft European games but a delay, believed 2 hv been caused by issues over a gas bottle in City's medical equipment, means the players did not land in Manchester until Friday.

City lost their Europa League tie 2-0 in Kiev & aft struggling 2 beat the Premier League's bottom side Wigan just a few days b4 Mancini has voiced concerns over his players' fatigue.

However, the Italian stood by his decision not 2 stay overnight in Kiev. "If we left on Friday, we would hv lost another day," Mancini said. "Usually aft a game the players don't sleep, so we felt it was better 2 get them back & try 2 get them right 4 Sunday.

"Tis is 1 of the problems we hv playing every 3 days. We r playing on Sunday @ 5pm & I hope we k recover in time."

De Jong backed his manager's decision, saying: "I don't think it will affect us. We're not little kids any more. We've all got experience of how 2 handle tis schedule, & make sure we r rite & ready 4 them on Sunday. I'm sure I'll be okay."

City were back in training on Friday aftn, including striker Mario Balotelli who suffered a bizarre allergic reaction in Kiev & had 2 be substituted, De Jong believes the players r fully focused on their FA Cup challenge.

"The fans obviously really 1 2 win a trophy. So do we," the Dutchman said. "We know all abt the history of tis club so we know how long it's been (since a cup was secured). We r often reminded abt it. Every1 knows what's @ stake.

"You need tat spark 2 go on. 4 us, tat spark could be any cup. It doesn't matter which - the league, the FA Cup, the Europa League. It would be something 2 make the guys hungry 4 more success.

"We'd love it if it could be tis year &, yes, it looks like the quickest way could be the FA Cup."

City captain Carlos Tevez, who came off the bench 2 replace Balotelli in Kiev, is almost certain 2 return 2 the starting line up against Reading. However James Milner is expected 2 be ruled out with a hamstring injury.

[joew2005]

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Mancini defends January player sales

Roberto Mancini has defended his decision 2 allow a hat-trick of ManC players 2 leave the club in January aft an injury crisis left his 1st team squad flagging.

Emmanuel Adebayor, Wayne Bridge & Roque Santa Cruz all left the club in search of regular 1st team action, as well as 3 younger members of the squad.

A heavily congested fixture schedule has taken its toll on City's stars as a string of stuttering performances hv threatened to derail their run in, epitomised by their 2-0 defeat 2 Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League last-16 clash.

Mancini's men will try 2 overturn the deficit at Eastlands on Thursday with the same group of players who hv been struggling with playing twice a week since January but Mancini is adamant he is not the architect of his own downfall.

He said: "If there r some players who 1 2 leave becos they wish 2 play every game, it is difficult,'' he said.

"Should 2 or 3 players leave the club, you could buy 2 or 3 more. But we didn't think 4 or 5 important players would get injured in the space of 20 days.''

Shay Given, James Milner & Adam Johnson hv all been sidelined 4 extended periods, with a succession of minor injuries 2 be taken in2 account as well. In addition, Kolo Toure is suspended indefinitely pending an inquiry in2 his failed drugs test, robbing Mancini of another valuable option.

"When you become a top club you should hv 25 players available in every game,'' he said. "If you watched the game between ManU & Arsenal in the FA Cup, United changed 8 players.

"When you play every 3 days, you need 2 change 5 or 6 players, minimum.''

In fact, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson changed 6. It could also be argued tat if Mancini had made more use of his squad earlier in the season, when he kept using the same group of players, the disaffected ones might hv been encouraged 2 remain in the fold.

In addition, FA Cup draws against lower league opposition in the form of Leicester & Notts County helped fill wat should hv been a spare couple of midweeks with replays.

City hv been left 2 play 7 midweek fixtures out of 9 since the middle of January & 1 of the others was reserved 4 international matches. Little wonder victory 2morrow could be regarded as something of a double-edged sword.

"If we win & reach the quarter-final, we r playing twice a week until the end of the season,'' he observed. "Tis could be a big problem.''

Not tat Mancini is prepared 2 countenance defeat @ tis stage, even if a Kiev side marshalled by a resurgent Andriy Shevchenko look set up perfectly 2 hit their hosts on the counter-attack @ Eastlands 2morrow.

All the more reason 2 lament the absence of Johnson, who has started training aft almost 2 months out with an ankle injury but will not be considered until aft the international break.

"We do not hv another player like Adam,'' said Mancini. "When he is on the pitch, he can change a game, just by the way he plays.''

The most obvious alternative is Shaun Wright-Phillips, although 4 much of the year he has been troubled by a back complaint tat has restricted his availability.

"Shaun only worked for 5 days last week becos his back was hurting,'' revealed Mancini. "Now I hope he can play & also change the games 4 us in the next 2 months."

[joew2005]

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Mancini worried about fatigue

Roberto Mancini has admitted ManC r struggling 2 maintain their energy levels, with the Italian citing a small squad as the reason players such as Carlos Tevez r exhausted.

After a fabulous 1st half of the current campaign, City's talisman Tevez has seen his season almost grind 2 a halt in recent weeks - the Argentine has only found the back of the net 1s in his last 9 appearances.

The 27-year-old plundered 20 in 26 matches prior 2 his lean spell but 11 club matches since February 2 appear 2 hv taken their toll on Tevez.

There will be no respite in the immediate future, however, as City look 2 overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Dynamo Kiev 2night in order 2 progress 2 the Europa League quarter-finals. And their Premier League exertions continue @ the weekend, with a tough away trip 2 Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Argentina hv decided 2 omit Tevez fr their squad 2 face USA & Costa Rica later tis month, & Mancini is hoping the break will give his star striker a chance 2 recharge his batteries.

"Carlos needs 2 work in the next week," he said. "In the last 45 days, it's been impossible. If we hv 20 or 23 players when we play 4 or 5 games in 2 weeks, we would be able 2 change 6 players every game. We don't hv tat option & when you can't train it's difficult 2 keep the same level for 1 month or 45 days. That's the same for all the players.

"It isn't only Carlos who has lost his sharpness, all the players hv. But if we don't hv problems against Kiev or Chelsea, then we can recover all our players aft the internationals. Then they can come back very well, like they were 4 or 5 weeks ago. But the next 2 games will be very hard."

With City still firing on 3 fronts - the Eastlands outfit hv an FA Cup semi-final tie with rivals Manchester United in April - Mancini is worried how his side will cope with the strain.

He said: "If we get in2 the quarters, we will play every 3 days until the end of the season. Tat will be a big issue because when you become a top club, you should hv 25 players available 4 each game. If not, it is a big problem.

"But I always 1 2 win & tat should always be our mentality."


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Ancelotti keeping Torres fresh for City

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insists he only benched £50 million striker Fernando Torres 4 Wednesday night's Champions League tie 2 keep him fresh 4 Sunday's Premier League clash @ Manchester City.

Former Liverpool striker Torres has failed 2 score in 6 games since moving 2 Stamford Bridge in January and with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka both starting in the 0-0 draw with FC Copenhagen the Spaniard's place in the team was in doubt.

However, Ancelotti was keen 2 stress tat Torres - like fellow substitutes Michael Essien and Florent Malouda - were only left out the starting line-up due 2 the importance of the upcoming match with City, who are 2 points ahead of Chelsea in 3rd place.

"The players not involved fr the beginning 2night will play on Sunday,'' Ancelotti said. "I wanted 2 maintain the players fresh and with good motivation. If we 1 2 achieve something, we'll need all the players with good motivation.''

Torres came off the bench midway through the 2nd half 2 replace Anelka.

Ancelotti added: "The only reason (he didn't start) is tat we will hv these players - Essien, Malouda and Torres - fresh 4 City.''

Chelsea fans will be hoping for a much-improved performance when the side travel to Eastlands, having seen the Blues fail to net with any of their 25 shots against the Danish champions.

Ramires and Anelka were rare shining lights in the tie, although Ancelotti insists no performances in the last-16 second leg changed his mind about who to start this weekend.

"No, absolutely not,'' he responded when asked. "I'd already decided the selection to play against City.

"The atmosphere now is really good. After Copenhagen, everything was okay. The results were good, the performances... the injured players are coming back in good condition.

"Maybe on Friday we'll have all the squad training. This is important for us to do 100% of our possibilities. If all these players give 100%, we have a lot of chances of arriving in the final stages.

"To maintain this we have to try to win every game. We have to pay attention. Sunday will be very important for us, for City - a very difficult game for both teams. We have to be ready to try to win.''

Copenhagen counterpart Stale Solbakken agrees with Ancelotti that the Blues have what it takes to secure Champions League glory at Wembley - even if it means beating Barcelona.

Having led Copenhagen into clashes with Barca and Chelsea in this year's Champions League, Solbakken is in a unique position to judge both teams' qualities.

And, while admitting Barca have superior skill, the Norwegian believes the Blues' physical qualities could work to their advantage.

"Barcelona, I think, are a little bit stronger at this moment,'' he said. "But Chelsea have that advantage of having that great physique in the team.

"They can out-power Barcelona in certain areas. That can be their advantage.

"They can compete at Camp Nou because they are strong, and they have strangled them here before, and were unlucky with [Andres] Iniesta's goal.

"If they can handle them in Camp Nou... they have a better chance than Arsenal because of the physique of the team.''

[joew2005]

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Ancelotti: Mancini a great tactician

Carlo Ancelotti has praised his compatriot Roberto Mancini ahead of Chelsea's crucial Premier League clash with ManC on Sunday.

"He's a very intelligent coach who prepares a tactical game very well,'' Ancelotti said. "Tat's the reason I hv difficulty against him. I hope 2 change tat on Sunday.''

Ancelotti & Mancini hv a friendship dating back 2 their playing careers. "We were team-mates in the national team - he's a friend,'' Ancelotti said. "Not such a friend because he's won 2 many times against me.

"He has 2 understand tat he is my friend, so sometimes he can give his friend something.''

Mancini also proved his fellow Italian's nemesis 2wards the end of the pair's time in charge of AC Milan & Inter Milan, respectively, & has now won 6 of the last 7 head-2-head clashes betw them.

With Chelsea & City boasting the biggest-spending owners in English football, Ancelotti & Mancini r arguably the most under-pressure managers in the country.

"Tis is normal, managing tat pressure, 4 the coach," said Ancelotti. "It's 1 of the skills a coach must hv in football.

"The 2nd thing is 2 be patient, not just with the players but with the club & the journalists. It's a good skill 2 hv, patience, a very good skill.''

Ancelotti is hoping 2 beat ManU in the Champions League 4 a 2nd time when the 2 sides meet in the quarter-finals. He knocked the Red Devils out 4 yrs ago when he was in charge of AC Milan.

"It was a fantastic evening 4 Milan & a bad 1 4 ManU," he said. "They were surprised by the way we started tat game but it was a tie tat was always in the balance.

"Winning the Champions League is not an obsession 4 Chelsea, it is a dream. At Milan the Champions League was the most important thing every year. We didn't focus on winning Serie A.

"Losing 2 Inter Milan last year was a bad moment 4 every1 @ Chelsea. Now we hv 2 see if we deserve 2 be in the semis again."

"I am always happy 2 play against United because you know it will be a fantastic game with fair play. Sir Alex is 1 of the greatest managers ever. What I like most abt him is tat even though he has won a lot of trophies he has always maintained his humility."

[joew2005]

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Mancini fears for Balotelli

Roberto Mancini believes his reputation as a manager could be harmed by Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli was already seen as an enfant terrible @ Inter Milan b4 Mancini managed 2 sign him 4 ManC last summer in a deal worth a reputed £23 million. And a series of injury setbacks, disciplinary problems & off-field indiscretions hv not done anything 2 change tat perception.

The striker was singled out 4 criticism by Mancini aft Thursday night's Europa League exit 2 Dynamo Kiev, with Balotelli missing a gilt-edged chance b4 being sent off 4 a high tackle on Goran Popov. It was the 20-year-old's 2nd red card of the season, 2 add to the 8 yellows he has also been shown.

Balotelli escaped being dropped 4 Sunday's game @ Chelsea by publically apologising 4 tat sending off, but Mancini says his antics must stop.

And the News of the World claimed on Sunday tat Mancini was so incensed aft the Dynamo match tat he picked up a suitcase in the dressing room & threw it @ the striker, shouting: "I don't 1 2 see your face again."

Asked if his reputation was being harmed, Mancini told the Sunday Mirror: "Yes, tis is true. I trusted him 100% but aft tis latest incident it's very difficult 2 trust him. If he continues like tis it is very difficult. I think it's time 4 him 2 stop losing control. I don't like tis.

"I think tat he's a young player but it's time he started 2 think with his head. Time 2 use his brain because if not it is very difficult. He's a fantastic player but I don't deserve tis situation & neither does the club or the rest of the squad.

"Balotelli is not repaying my trust @ the moment. He should work more 2 repay me. I work every day with him. And I hope tat every day he can improve like a player, improve like a man.

"Our big players r not important just because they play well. They r important because they hv 2 help their team-mates when we hv a difficult game. Every day I speak with him. I know him very well. I know tat he can become a strong player, 1 of the best players in Europe.

"He is very lucky because he plays football. When you play football it is a fantastic sport. You can play & enjoy every game, every training session. It's not difficult. I would like him 2 understand better abt his ­behaviour."

Meanwhile, ManC were on Sunday linked with a £24 million move 4 Chile winger Alexis Sanchez, who plays 4 Udinese.

[joew2005]

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Balotelli caught throwing darts

ManC r 2 hold a meeting on Monday 2 discuss Mario Balotelli's disciplinary issues aft he was caught throwing darts fr a 1st-floor window.

Balotelli said in The People tat he threw the darts in the direction of youth players becos he was "bored". Nobody was hurt during the incident & ESPNsoccernet has been informed tat the club view the incident as a misguided prank rather than a serious transgression.

However, Balotelli has continued 2 attract negative press since leaving Inter in the summer & was fined 2 weeks' wages 4 his dismissal in the Europa League game against Dynamo Kiev. Roberto Mancini held the 4ward responsible 4 City's failure 2 overturn the 2-0 deficit fr the 1st leg & described his actions as "stupid".

ESPNsoccernet understands tat Mancini was not aware of tis latest incident on Sunday morning as he had been away fr the club, but there was due 2 be a conversation betw the board & the manager on Monday 2 bring him up 2 speed.

A club spokesman said: "The matter will be dealt with internally."


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Balotelli asks Prandelli for help

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has claimed tat ManC's Mario Balotelli has asked 4 his help 2 keep him out of trouble, while the striker's agent has pointed the finger @ the English media 4 creating 'drama'.

Balotelli, 20, has made headlines since arriving in the Premier League 4 his behaviour & was sent off in a Europa League tie against Dynamo Kiev last wk.

The striker was not called up by Prandelli 4 the Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia aft the Italian FA implemented a code of ethics outlawing unsporting conduct, but the manager admitted he has been impressed by the youngster's attitude.

"I hv heard fr Balotelli," said Prandelli. "He understands tat he made a fool of himself. He said 2 me: 'I need help. I always ruin everything but I care alot abt the national team'.''

Prandelli maintained tat he could call up Balotelli 4 the friendly against Ukraine on March 29, while the player's agent Mino Raiola played down reports tat he has fallen out with City boss Roberto Mancini.

"It's an unfortunate time 4 Mario," Raiola told Sky Sport 24. "It's not a happy spell, but he'll come out of it stronger than b4.

"Nevertheless, there r no problems with his club or with coach Roberto Mancini. A part of the English media, the part I don't respect tat much, does everything it can 2 create drama.

"Prandelli & Mario hv spoken, it was a positive conversation & their relationship is an excellent 1. The boy is disappointed with his dismissal & the fact tat he's not been selected 4 Italy as a result."

[joew2005]

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Silva: I joined City to help Valencia

ManC midfielder David Silva says tat he only decided 2 leave Valencia last summer in order 2 help ease the club's financial problems.

Silva left the Mestalla for €27 million along with star striker David Villa, who was sold 2 Barcelona 4 a fee of €40 million, in order 2 pay off some of the club's reported €550 million debt.

Now the Spain winger maintains tat he would never hv left the club if they had not needed 2 cash in on his talent.

''Why did I leave Valencia? Because the club needed me 2,'' he said. ''I was happy there & wouldn't hv left, but the situation the club was in demanded it.

"It was a big injection of money & it was good 4 them. My life has always gone step by step. It was time 2 take the next 1. City showed a great interest & I wanted 2 settle it quickly. It was a very interesting offer, a good club, & I didn't hv 2 think too much."

Having made the move 2 Eastlands, he admits he has struggled a little with the English climate but is enjoying his life in the country.

"The tranquillity is incredible, & the passion with which they live football," he said. "It's wonderful. British people r very fun. In the beginning, I only spoke with the Latin players & with Yaya Toure, who spoke Spanish, but now I'm better with the language & I get along really well with the English, with every1."

Silva lost his place in the 1st XI of the national team as Spain won the 2010 World Cup but says that he is perfectly happy 2 just be a part of the squad.

"I don't ask when I play & I don't do it when I don't play," he said. "I'm happy with being able 2 come 2 the national team, which I do with the greatest joy. It's a reward & I always hope 2 play, but there is a lot of competition & I understand if the coach prefers some1 else.

"I've played in 45 games & I started many times. I'm content. I've felt important since I was called up. I feel tat I participated in the successes of the team & I've scored many goals.

"I'm content because I hv the feeling tat when I've had the opportunity 2 play, I've contributed things. And I hope 2 continue like this."

[joew2005]

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Balotelli looking to repay City faith

Mario Balotelli insists he is enjoying his time @ ManC & believes the club can win the Premier League title tis season.

Balotelli, 20, joined City fr Inter in the summer, but there hv been regular reports tat he has struggled 2 adapt 2 England & he has come under fire 4 his continued lack of discipline.

He has been persistently linked with AC Milan & tis week the club's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, refused 2 rule out a move 4 the 4ward. "There is time," Galliani said. "We'll see in the future."

Balotelli, though, says he is enjoying his time @ Eastlands & tat he is working 2 repay Roberto Mancini 4 the faith he has shown in him.

"I hope the fans know tat I like it here & I m really proud 2 write the history of tis club," he told Goal.com. "It is a great experience.

"All the people @ ManC r fantastic & you can see the club growing every day. I try every day 2 repay the trust the manager & the club showed in me by signing me.

"It is quite different fr Italian football but I like it. The stadiums in the Premier League r fantastic & the way the supporters experience the game is extraordinary."

City r currently 4th in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders ManU with 8 games remaining, but Balotelli insists they r capable of winning the title.

Asked abt his ambitions 4 the current season, he said: "Win win win. [Qualifying for] the Champions League next season. Winning the Premier League title. We 1, & we can win, the title."


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Toure hopes 2 be 'back soon'

ManC defender Kolo Toure says he hopes 2 be "back soon" fr suspension aft failing a drugs test.

The FA suspended Toure aft he tested positive 4 a "specified substance" tat his former manager @ Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, said was 1 of the defender's wife's diet pills.

Neither his club nor the FA have revealed wat Toure has tested positive 4, & the player, 30, is now awaiting the results of his B sample.

When asked @ the Soccerex conference in Manchester if he had a message 4 City fans, he said: "I will be back soon - I hope so."

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Mancini: It's time for Balotelli to grow up

ManC manager Roberto Mancini has told troubled striker Mario Balotelli 2 cut the "crap" & concentrate on expressing his talents.

Balotelli has been involved in a series of controversial incidents since his summer move fr Inter Milan & was recently splashed across the papers aft throwing a dart in the direction of some of the club's youth players.

On the pitch, he has been booked 9 times & sent off twice in his debut season in England & his needless red card against Dynamo Kiev was blamed 4 City's early exit fr the Europa League.

"He is 20 & @ tat age people do crap things," Mancini said in The Sun, "but maybe now the time has come 4 him 2 help himself & 2 understand the mistakes he is making. Otherwise he risks throwing away his abilities which r immense. He has scored some beautiful goals tis season.

"He should think only abt expressing his talents on the pitch & leaving 2 1 side the other matters which hv nothing 2 do with football. If he does not, then everybody in England will begin 2 make him a target - starting off with the referees.

"I understand him & everybody has infinite patience with Mario. Every1 @ ManC has always helped him & wish him the best."

Balotelli was fined 2 weeks' wages following his kick-out @ Dynamo's Goran Popov last month & faces disciplinary action over the dart-throwing incident.

[joew2005]

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Mancini feels secure at City

Roberto Mancini believes his job as ManC manager is safe regardless of whether the Premier League's big spenders reach their goal of a top 4 finish.

City's ambitious owners laid down a top-4 spot as the target 4 tis season, in addition 2 an end 2 the club's 35-year trophy drought. Although there hv been a number of setbacks along the way, City remain on course 2 achieve both objectives.

Mancini's men head in2 the weekend fixtures in 4th, 4 points ahead of Tottenham, who hv a game in hand & r still 2 visit Eastlands in wat looks like a crucial encounter on May 10.

In addition, City hv a mouth-watering FA Cup semi-final with ManU @ Wembley on April 16 ahead of them. So, despite his enormous £150 million outlay on new players, Mancini feels his contract will be honoured.

"It is very important tat we reach our targets but I don't know whether my future is dependent on me finishing in the top 4,'' he said. "I don't think so. I hv a 3-year contract. In any case, we don't 1 2 finish 4th. We 1 2 finish 3rd.''

Tat aspiration took a massive hit when City lost @ Chelsea immediately b4 the international break. Since then they hv lost defensive duo Jerome Boateng & Micah Richards 2 injury, leaving Mancini in a quandary abt who 2 select @ right back 4 Sunday's Eastlands showdown with Sunderland as normal choice, Pablo Zabaleta, is visiting his ill father in Argentina.

However, as City's Europa League exit 2 Dynamo Kiev leaves them 2 tackle only 1 game a week 4 the remainder of the season, Mancini views the current picture as being far healthier than the 1 his players were slogging thru during the depths of winter.

"For 2 months we played every 3 days with 14 players,'' said Mancini. Tat is very hard 4 every team, not just us.''

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Rafa targets Premier League return

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says his "priority" is 2 return 2 the Premier League when he ends his coaching hiatus.

The Spaniard has been unemployed since losing his job @ Italian champions Inter in December, & claims 2 hv had offers fr both club & international sides.

However, Benitez is keen 2 return 2 England aft spending 5 years @ Liverpool, where he won the Champions League & FA Cup b4 being sacked last summer.

Asked abt his future on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, Benitez said: "The priority is the Premier League, becos the style is better 4 me.

"You can't say we will build something & spend 3, 4 or 5 years waiting 4 trophies. You hv to find the right balance, a club tat can win or try 2 win right now but @ the same time prepare 4 the future.

"At tis moment in time I don't hv any offer. B4 I did, but now I don't hv any offers. I hv had some offers abroad & some national teams, but I needed 2 stay with the family ... relax a little bit & be ready 4 the next challenge."

ManC, is he on your radar ??

[joew2005]

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Adebayor keeping options open

Emmanuel Adebayor says he would be happy 2 continue his career in the Premier League if Real Madrid do not make his loan deal permanent.

Adebayor joined Madrid on loan fr ManC in January aft failing 2 make his mark under Roberto Mancini, & he has expressed his desire 2 remain @ the Bernabeu.

However, it remains unclear whether Madrid intend 2 make an approach in the summer & Adebayor says he is keeping his options option.

"I hv been playing in England for 5 years, I had the chance 2 play in France 4 a couple of years, so it is a good time 4 me 2 play in Spain," he said. "If I hv the chance 2 go back 2 England 1 day, why not?

"I will never throw England away. I love the football, I love the atmosphere, but don't get me wrong - I'm very happy where I m.

"The future will show where I go but, 4 now, I m just happy 2 be on the football pitch again, playing football. Tat's all tat matters now. We will talk in the summer abt wat I m going 2 do abt my career."

Adebayor again stressed tat he feels he is loved @ Madrid & said he felt the same fr the Arsenal fans.

"When I 1st joined ManC, I was very happy. At the beginning, everything started very well. I was pleased, I was playing & I was scoring goals.

"Suddenly we had a game against Arsenal & you all know wat happened. Fr then it went downhill 4 me. It was a difficult moment 4 me. We changed the bosses: Mark Hughes left, Roberto Mancini came along & it was even more difficult.

"But 2day the difference betw leaving Arsenal & going 2 Manchester is tat @ Arsenal the fans loved me. I think even 2day they love me.

"When I come 2 Madrid, I feel the same atmosphere. I feel the fans love me here as well."

Despite his feeling tat he was never able 2 win over the City fans, Adebayor insists he has no regrets over the move but stressed tat he found it difficult 2 accept tat Arsene Wenger had agreed 2 sell him.

"It was a tough moment when the club asked me 2 leave," he said. "It was the most difficult moment in my life because when I grew up my dream was 1 day 2 play 4 & stay @ Arsenal & all my dreams stopped there.

"I did not go beyond Arsenal. I know there r a lot of bigger clubs than Arsenal, but it was my dream because my hero played there, Nwankwo Kanu, so my dream was 2 play 4 them as long as possible.

"But when I came back fr holidays & they told me tat I had 2 leave the club, it was very difficult 4 me. Aft that, there was interest fr ManC in me, so I went there. I was very happy."

[joew2005]

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Berlusconi not keen on Balotelli

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has said tat he is not keen 2 sign Mario Balotelli due 2 the 4ward's behaviour.

Balotelli, a Milan supporter, has been strongly linked with a move 2 the Rossoneri since leaving Inter 4 ManC in the summer.

However, Balotelli has continued 2 attract negative headlines 4 his antics on & off the field & he was recently dropped fr the Italy squad 4 breaking Cesare Prandelli's code of conduct.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani refused 2 rule out a move 4 the 4ward last week - "We'll see in the future," he said - but Berlusconi has now indicated tat there will be no approach.

"There is a Milan style of behaviour tat I don't think is very close 2 tat of Balotelli," he said. "He's a lovely lad who every now & then has a bit of a distraction, let's put it tat way. I don't think his style suits us."

Meanwhile, Galliani believes Gennaro Gattuso will still be @ the club next season.

Russian side Anzhi r said 2 be interested in the 33-year-old, but Galliani told Corriere dello Sport: "I don't think he will leave. He has a contract with us 4 another season, & hence, he is not a free agent.

"Should a big offer arrive fr the Russians, we will listen 2 it. However, I don't think he will go there. I think he will remain with us."

[joew2005]

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SWP wants to finish career at City

Shaun Wright-Phillips says he would be happy 2 end his career @ ManC.

The winger joined the Blues as a 16-year-old & has remained with them ever since, with the exception of 3 difficult seasons @ Chelsea.

Now 29, it has appeared Wright-Phillips would be looking 4 another club in the summer, aft failing 2 totally convince manager Roberto Mancini tat he can make an impact on the very highest stage.

Indeed, he attracted interest fr both Bolton Wanderers & Fulham during the January transfer window b4 eventually staying @ Eastlands aft Adam Johnson suffered an injury.

Wright-Phillips, though, is refusing 2 accept a departure is inevitable. Knowing how popular he is amongst the Eastlands faithful, he has vowed 2 put everything in2 his fight 2 remain at the club.

"It feels like I am part of the furniture here,'' he told the club's official website. "I would love 2 retire a City player & I hv my fingers crossed it is something tat can still happen.

"When I did leave in 2005, I broke down crying on the way 2 sign 4 Chelsea, but back then, we needed the money my sale brought in. The fans didn't even turn their back on me then. They always give me a brilliant reception & I can't explain how good tat feels.''

Wright-Phillips has endured European campaigns, promotions & relegations with the Blues. However, he has never played 4 them in the Champions League & he has never won any meaningful silverware either.

Both r distinct possibilities over the next few months, with a tricky trip 2 Liverpool due 2 be negotiated on Monday b4 tat momentous FA Cup semi-final with ManU @ Wembley.

Given the number of times they hv lost out 2 the Red Devils in close contests recently, there is a feeling amongst the Blues faithful tat this could be their turn. But Wright-Phillips is not looking on tat single game as a possible triumph in itself.

He realises a 1st cup final appearance since 1981 would mean nothing if City failed 2 overcome either Stoke or Bolton in the final.

"I 1 2 fulfil a lifelong dream & help win a trophy 4 our fans,'' he said. "I wouldn't just 1 2 beat United & then lose in the final - we need 2 get 2 the final & win it. If I could play even a small part of making tat happen, I would be a happy man.''


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

Adebayor seeks permanent Real deal

On-loan Real Madrid striker Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed he 1s 2 make a permanent switch 2 the Bernabeu tis summer.

Adebayor boosted his chances of earning a full-time deal by scoring twice in Real's 4-0 Champions League demolition of Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, having previously netted just 1s in La Liga 4 Jose Mourinho's side.

The 27-year-old, who joined City for £25 million fr Arsenal in 2009, moved 2 Spain in January aft finding his 1st-team opportunities limited at Eastlands, making 2 starts tis season under Roberto Mancini.

"At the the moment I m enjoying myself & @ the end of the season I will see wat happens," Adebayor said. "I'm not under pressure @ all, & @ the end of the day I still hv a contract with ManC.

"My main aim is 2 play football, & I'm here, I'm playing, I'm very happy. Yes, I would love 2 stay here, but you never know in football wat will happen next."

[joew2005]

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

Wilshere committed to Arsenal

Jack Wilshere has scotched suggestions tat he is willing 2 leave Arsenal 4 a big-money move 2 Premier League rivals ManC.

Wilshere, 19, has recently been linked with a lucrative transfer 2 the Eastlands outfit. Reports @ the weekend suggested big-spending City were willing 2 splash £40 million on the talented playmaker & double his wages in their pursuit of major silverware.

Wilshere, who has graduated 2 the Arsenal 1st team fr the club's academy ranks, has rubbished such claims, however, on his Twitter page.

"People asking if im going city? I dont kiss the Arsenal badge then leave tis club in my heart!'' Wilshere wrote while also attaching a picture of him kissing the Gunners badge during a game.

Wilshere signed a long-term deal 2 remain @ the Emirates Stadium in November. He has established himself as 1 of the most talented young English players in recent times & made his international debut against Hungary last summer.