Man City

[joew2005]

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Mancini takes blame for exit
March 16, 2012

ManC boss Roberto Mancini has taken responsibility 4 the club's exit fr the Europa League, saying his players were 2 complacent in the 1st half which cost them a place in the quarter-finals.

City went in2 the 2nd leg @ Eastlands a goal behind, & by half-time tat was 3 as Sporting Lisbon took advantage of a poor foul by Mario Balotelli & slack defending.

A 2nd-half onslaught came up short as City won 3-2 but went out on the away goals rule.

Mancini said: "In the 1st half we didn't play, but I m the manager & it's not the players' fault, but mine - I probably made a mistake. The players did everything, & fought on the pitch. When a manager doesn't prepare well 4 the game, tis happens.

"When I lose a game I think abt why I lost & think abt where I made mistakes. I understand we hv big players but in football every game is difficult, & in the Europa League & Champions League it is more difficult, becos every team plays 2 win.

"Sometimes we make mistakes, but the manager is the person who always prepares the game, & I probably made some mistakes 4 these 2 games.

"I m proud 4 the 2nd half becos we had a fantastic 45 mins, but I m very sorry 4 the players & our supporters becos they were fantastic in tat 2nd half.

"But I m disappointed in myself, not the players. 4 the 2nd time tis year, I hope I don't make mistakes against Chelsea [on Wednesday].

"If we hv the same spirit as we had in the 2nd half we can win the next game against Chelsea. And I m confident 4 the Premier League becos we stayed on top for 7 months & now we r in 2nd position, 1 point behind. I m very confident we can win the title.

"I think tat now it will be a good fight until the end of the season becos we hv only the Premier League & we can put all of our strength in2 tis. I think it will be good.''

Mancini joked tat City followed United out of the competition 2 focus on their title bid. He said: "We were envious of United becos they lost, so we wanted 2 lose tis game!''

Mancini said of the Balotelli foul which put led 2 Sporting's opener: "I was disappointed with him when he conceded the free-kick, but it is not his fault we lost tis game.''

Sporting coach Ricardo Sa Pinto never doubted his team had the ability 2 follow up last week's 1st-leg success. The 4mer Portugal striker has overseen a transformation of fortunes since taking charge @ the Jose Alvalade Stadium last month, winning 6 of his 8 games in charge.

Sa Pinto said: "I m very proud 2 be the leader of tis team & 2 hv these players working with me. I said b4, in the 1st leg & yesterday, tat I believed in the team & the players.

"We knew ManC were a big team & 4 tat I m really pleased 2 get thru. It is great 4 the image of Sporting 2 knock out a team like ManC, who r 1 of the best teams in the world.''

[joew2005]

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City should freeze out Tevez - Marsh
March 17, 2012

4mer ManC striker Rodney Marsh has urged current manager Roberto Mancini not 2 allow Carlos Tevez back in2 the 1st-team fold.

Marsh has experience of being the controversial man @ the club, but believes bringing Tevez back aft a well-documented dispute with the club would hinder, not help, an already faltering Premier League title challenge.

Controversial 4ward Marsh arrived @ Maine Road as the superstar signing who would help deliver the title 4 favourites City back in 1972, but it did not work out & the striker was blamed 4 unsettling the team.

Tevez, who is poised 4 a comeback against Chelsea on Wednesday night aft Mancini admitted he is ready 2 use the 4ward, finds himself in a very similar position & Marsh thinks the Argentina international is just 2 "volatile" 2 return 4 the run-in.

Asked if City manager Mancini should take the risk with Tevez, Marsh told ESPNsoccernet: "No, not in my view. And tat is nothing 2 do with the comparisons tat r inevitably going 2 be made with my arrival @ City."

Marsh, who will be back playing 4 QPR @ Loftus Road in the Elite Legends Cup in May, explained: "When I joined City fr QPR, City already had a wonderful team & were really flying, I didn't know any1, so I came in cold.

"Tevez, of course, has been there b4, not only in Manchester with City, but in Manchester with United, he is not even a new player, he is known 2 the fans, 2 the players.

"So, u would think I would say 'yes' play him, but I say 'no' don't, but not becos of any fear of history repeating itself, the circumstances r similar but not the same, as I hv pointed out.

"I wouldn't bring him back becos he is so volatile, becos there r so many negatives around him which reflect on the football club & the team.

"Of course it is a tough call 4 Mancini, & he is the only person who can judge wat is best 4 the team."

He added: "Just imagine Tevez sitting on the bench, where he will inevitably start, there will be all eyes trained on him, every TV camera, every journo looking @ his reaction when his manager calls 4 him 2 warm up."

[kiko]

City Midfield to attack, their strong, defense central not so good, if they have Phil jones or Milan thiago , Barcelona puyol . They can challenge and go all the way in europe . I wonder why city boss don't invest in defense ,.

[joew2005]

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Hazard focused despite City interest
March 19, 2012

Lille star Eden Hazard says he is keeping his focus despite Roberto Mancini heading 2 France 2 watch him in action on Sunday night.

Hazard, 21, is expected 2 move 2 the Premier League in the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea, ManU & ManC all expected 2 be among the bidders.

City stepped up their interest on Sunday as Mancini, along with assistant David Platt & chief football administration officer Brian Marwood, travelled 2 Lille 2 watch Hazard score 1 & set up the other 3 in a 4-0 victory over Valenciennes.

Tat followed SAF's visit 2 watch Hazard in action against Lyon earlier in March, but the Belgium international says he will not allow the transfer talk 2 distract him as 3rd-placed Lille look 2 enjoy a strong conclusion 2 the season.

"Whether it's Alex Ferguson or Roberto Mancini there, I don't think abt it," he told Canal +. "I knew tat Roberto Mancini was there - the coach told me - but I wasn't thinking abt tat. I just try 2 play my game.

"We'll see wat happens, but 4 the rest of the season I'll be concentrating on Lille."

[joew2005]

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Chelsea's Terry to miss City clash
March 20, 2012

Chelsea's interim 1st-team coach Roberto Di Matteo will be w/o John Terry 4 his side's Premier League meeting with ManC.

Terry, 31, has recently returned fr a knee injury, making his comeback in the 1-0 Premier League win over Stoke b4 being named in the team 2 face Napoli in the Champions League.

The Blues skipper was replaced in extra-time versus Napoli, appearing in some discomfort, & subsequently missed Sunday's 5-2 FA Cup victory against Leicester.

Terry will now be absent 4 Chelsea's trip 2 the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, but could make his return 4 the home match versus Tottenham on Saturday.

Di Matteo said: "I expect JT 2 be ok 4 Saturday, it's only short term, we were lucky he came back so early.

"He's a crucial member of our team & good leader on the pitch. It's better when he's available but he'll be ok 4 Tottenham, I hv 2 manage everybody not just 1 player.'

Chelsea r currently 5th in the Premier League, trailing 4th-placed Arsenal by 3 points.



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Tevez like a new signing for City - Hart
March 20, 2012

Joe Hart believes the return of Carlos Tevez comes @ the ideal time 2 boost ManC's Premier League title bid.

Tevez has not played 4 City since September, but having reconciled his differences with the club hierarchy is expected 2 be on the bench 4 City's crunch clash against Chelsea on Wednesday.

And with the Argentina international set 2 return 2 the City side 4 the 1st time in 6 months, Hart believes it will be like having a new signing on the pitch.

"I haven't actually trained with him," Hart said in the Sun. "But those who hv assure me he's doing really well. It's down 2 the manager 2 assess it. But a fully fit & firing Carlos has got 2 be a positive 4 us.

"We've got energy in the team & we've got alot of firepower. But Carlos brings us more of tat. The strikers who r here now hv got us in a position where we could get a record points tally in the league. But having Carlos back will be like a new signing."

Defeat 2 Swansea 9 days ago saw City surrender their lead @ the top of the Premier League 4 the 1st time since October, but Hart believes his side r capable of gunning down leader ManU.

"It doesn't feel good," Hart said. "As soon as the whistle went @ Swansea, we knew. We didn't need 2 check the results, we knew wat would hv gone on elsewhere.

"We were hurt & we'll show how hurt we r with our performance on Wednesday against Chelsea. Now we hv 2 push on, we hv a big game against Chelsea. We need 2 focus on wat we're doing & we should be OK.

"1 result can literally change everything. It's madness but it's great. Being 4 points behind won't hv any bearing on how we play.

"I've never won [the league] so it's hard 2 know wat a title-winning side feels like. But we've got a good spirit, good attitude.

"And I'm sure any1 who has won a title will tell u tat's wat is required. We hv all the ingredients. All we're short of is the medal round our necks."

[joew2005]

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Mancini praises Tevez for attitude
March 21, 2012

ManC manager Roberto Mancini insists controversial striker Carlos Tevez has been "perfect" in behaviour & attitude since returning 2 training.

Tevez is poised 2 make his 1st appearance 4 the club 4 6 months on Wednesday, with Mancini expected 2 name him on the bench 4 the Premier League visit of Chelsea. The Argentinian has not played 4 City since falling in2 dispute with the club following the infamous Champions League defeat @ Bayern Munich.

Aft an unauthorised 3-month absence in Argentina, the 28-year-old returned 2 training 5 weeks ago & apologised 4 his conduct, clearing the way 4 a return.

Tevez was inspirational as City won the FA Cup last season but Mancini believes his efforts r even eclipsing those of 12 months ago.

"Wat happened with Carlo 6 months ago is in the past," Mancini said. "Carlo is part of our plans 4 the last 2 months, he is a City player. I think Carlo in tis moment 1s 2 play football. He needs 2 play football, 4 him & 4 his future. He 1s 2 play.

"I can see in training he is perfect, better than last year. He 1s 2 play & deserves 2 play & help the team. I hv always thought Carlo is a top player, even when we had the problem."

City trail rivals ManU by 4 points @ the top of the table but r looking 2 cut the deficit by winning their game in hand against Chelsea. Mancini expects Tevez 2 be ready 2 start next month as the title race heats up.

"He is getting better but I don't think Carlo can hv more than 25-30 mins," said Mancini. "A player like Carlo needs 2 play but for 90 minutes, @ tis moment, it is impossible.

"If he can play 30 minutes, aft tat 45 in 3 or 4 games, then he could hv 90 mins, easily."

Mancini, though, says City may hv a "big problem" ahead of the Chelsea game with 1st-choice centre-backs Vincent Kompany & Joleon Lescott injured. Lescott is ruled out with a groin problem while captain Kompany is unlikely 2 return fr a calf injury.



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Vieira: Scholes return shows weakness
March 21, 2012

ManC football development executive Patrick Vieira believes ManU's decision 2 recall Paul Scholes 2 the 1st-team picture in January is a sign tat there is "a little bit of weakness" in the Premier League leaders' squad.

Scholes, 37, announced his retirement @ the end of last season aft United claimed their 19th league title, but made a dramatic U-turn in January - returning 2 the 1st-team & playing in 13 of the Red Devils' past 15 games.

The veteran midfielder has plugged the midfield gap left by long-term absentees Darren Fletcher & Anderson, & United hv won all 7 Premier League games he has started.

Vieira, who played against Scholes 4 Arsenal & City b4 retiring himself @ the end of last season, admitted he has been impressed with the 4mer England international's impact, but insists the need 2 call on a 37-year-old is proof tat United lack strength in depth.

"Paul Scholes is a player tat I really love & admire, 1 of the best English players of the last few years, & seeing him come back is good 4 him & 4 United," Vieira said.

"But 4 him 2 come back just shows alittle bit of weakness in United, becos they had 2 bring a player back who was 37.

"I think it shows tat, in the next few years, it will be really difficult 4 United 2 cope with other teams becos, with all the respect I hv 4 Scholes, him coming back shows tat they don't hv talent in there 2 replace him.

"When u see United losing young players like Ravel Morrison & maybe Paul Pogba, they should be really worried becos tat wouldn't hv happened in the past."

[joew2005]

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City battle back to beat Blues
March 21, 2012

A sublime finish fr Samir Nasri 5 mins fr time saw ManC complete a 2nd-half comeback 2 defeat Chelsea 2-1 @ the Etihad Stadium.

Nasri chipped the ball over the onrushing Petr Cech having completed a 1-2 with substitute Carlos Tevez 2 win the Premier League encounter & maintain City's title push, aft Sergio Aguero had earlier cancelled out Gary Cahill's opener fr the penalty spot.

Chelsea were lively 4 much of the contest but scored slightly against the run of play b4 Tevez's introduction - 2 a warm reception fr the home crowd - sowed the seeds of a remarkable turnaround tat kept Roberto Mancini's side within a point of leaders ManU @ the top of the table.

Liverpool suffered a shock 3-2 defeat 2 relegation-threatened QPR despite having held a 2-goal lead @ Loftus Road.

2nd-half strikes from Sebastian Coates & Dirk Kuyt appeared 2 hv given Kenny Dalglish's side the 3 points, but Mark Hughes' side embarked on a remarkable revival.

Shaun Derry got the 1st goal in the 77th minute, b4 Djibril Cisse punished his former club with a finish 4 mins fr time tat looked 2 hv salvaged a point 4 the relegation-threatened Hoops. Things got even better 4 the home side shortly afterwards as Jamie Mackie moved onto Luke Young's headed pass deep in2 injury time 2 fire a beautiful effort beyond Pepe Reina & send the crowd in2 raptures.

The result moved QPR out of the relegation zone @ the expense of Bolton, while Liverpool remain 7th.

Tottenham Hotspur stumbled 1s again in the battle 4 Champions League qualification despite salvaging a 1-1 draw against Stoke City @ White Hart Lane.

Cameron Jerome had put the Potters ahead 15 mins fr time, winning a free-kick b4 finding himself in the right position 2 turn the ball home past Brad Friedel aft Ryan Shawcross had got on the end of the ball in2 the box.

However, Rafael van der Vaart ensured the home side did not go away empty handed, meeting Gareth Bale's injury time corner 2 head beyond Asmir Begovic & prevent a home defeat.

Tat result allowed Arsenal 2 move up 2 3rd aft they defeated Everton 1-0 @ Goodison Park.

Thomas Vermaelen's goal in the 8th minute of the game proved decisive @ Goodison Park, the Belgian rising 2 head home fr Robin van Persie's cross following the breakdown of a corner.

It was no less than Arsenal deserved fr a game where they created the best openings but were unable 2 add 2 their advantage. Everton meanwhile, could manage just a single shot on target during the entire game - Nikica Jelavic's attempt fr 6 yards just aft half-time forcing Wojciech Szczesny into action.

[woainvren]

welcome back, TEVEZ.

[joew2005]

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Mancini pleased with Tevez
March 21, 2012

Following his side's 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League, ManC boss Roberto Mancini told reporters tat he was pleased with Tevez's cameo & paid tribute 2 his side's determination 2 win the game.

Tevez came on in the 66th minute & made an important contribution 2 the game, supplying a neat reverse-pass 2 set-up Samir Nasri 4 his late winner.

Tevez had not played 4 the ManC 1st-team since his much-publicised dispute with Mancini in September last year.

"Carlos is not 100% but tat is normal,'' said Mancini. "But he knows the football. That was important becos he did an incredible assist 4 Samir. Wat happened with him finished 1 month ago when Carlos came back & everything was finished.

"I hv spoken 2 Carlos every day in the last month. He knew he would be on the bench 2day & would probably play for 20 mins. If he can find good form in 10 days tat would be important 4 us. Now it is important 4 him 2 play some games, 4 us, him & his future.

"Samir did well but he can do better. He can improve. He is a top player. If he plays like tis he can be like David Silva or Xavi if he plays.

"I don't think we hv played well in the last 3 or 4 weeks. Until then we hv played fantastic football. Afterwards it has been so-so. Maybe aft tonight something can change.''

Samir Nasri also paid tribute 2 Tevez.

"I m really happy 4 him (Tevez),'' Nasri said. "He has showed great spirit & 2day showed he can be really important until the end of the season. It's good tat it was him who gave him the assist."

City defender Micah Richards admitted the victory was a huge result in their battle with city rivals United 4 the title.

He said: "It's a massive result 4 us. Aft we went 1-0 down heads could hv dropped, but we kept on going & managed 2 get 3 points.

"We did hv 2 win tonight, we gave everything & showed good character. The lads will be delighted with tat.''

Chelsea's 1st defeat under Roberto Di Matteo is a blow 2 their hopes of securing a top-4 finish 2 squeeze into next season's Champions League.

"It is a setback 4 us but we look 4ward 2 the future,'' said Di Matteo. "2 weeks ago we were 7 points behind 3rd place, now we r 6.

"We need 2 look @ these things becos we r going in the right direction. We showed we can match the best teams in tis league.''

Di Matteo had no complaints abt the handball decision tat went against Michael Essien tat allowed Aguero 2 equalise.

And he defended his decision 2 select Fernando Torres ahead of Didier Drogba, even though the £50 million Spain striker did not look 2 impressed 2 be replaced by the Ivorian in the latter stages.

"I just thought tat 4 the dynamic of the team it was going 2 be the right decision,'' said Di Matteo. "No player is happy 2 be taken off but there is absolutely no problem with tat.''

Di Matteo confirmed full-back Branislav Ivanovic had been replaced in the 1st half becos of a "tight muscle'' & would be assessed in the morning.



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Mancini angered by Balotelli display
March 22, 2012

ManC boss Roberto Mancini has revealed his decision 2 haul off striker Mario Balotelli against Chelsea was a tactical 1.

Balotelli was substituted @ half-time with the score @ 0-0, having wasted a glorious chance 2 break the deadlock in the opening period when an error fr Frank Lampard sent him clean thru on Petr Cech. The Italian took his shot 2 early, & Cech was able 2 palm it round the post.

Tat miss was the low point in a lethargic showing fr the notoriously unpredictable Balotelli, & Mancini said: "I didn't like how he played, so I made a tactical sub."

City fell behind in the 2nd period aft Gary Cahill's deflected strike, but recovered 2 win 2-1 following a penalty fr Sergio Aguero & a winner fr Samir Nasri, who scored aft running onto a pass fr returning striker Carlos Tevez.

Mancini's side r now 1 point behind rivals & league leaders ManU; the 2 teams r scheduled 2 face each other @ the Etihad b4 the end of the season.

[joew2005]

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Tevez return shows City's desperation, says Ferguson

(Reuters) - ManU manager Alex Ferguson cranked up the mind games with Premier League title rivals ManC on Friday by suggesting their recall of Carlos Tevez smacked of desperation.

The Scot used a news conference 2 fire back @ City's former player Patrick Vieira 4 saying earlier in the week tat United had shown their weakness in bringing Paul Scholes out of retirement.

"If it's desperation bringing the best midfielder in Britain 4 the last 20 years back then I think we can accept tat," said Ferguson.

"(City manager) Roberto (Mancini) had a wee dig a couple of weeks back. We're all going 2 play our hand tat way. There will be plenty of ammunition 4 tat," he added.

"If u talk abt desperation, they played a player the other night who refused 2 go on the pitch & the manager said he'd never play again & he takes a 5-month holiday in Argentina.

"Wat is tat? Could tat come under the description of desperation? There will be plenty of ammunition don't worry," smiled Ferguson.

4mer United striker Tevez is back in favour @ City aft being absent since September when he refused 2 come off the bench in a Champions League match in Munich.

Mancini had said the Argentine would never play 4 City again but sent Tevez on 4 the final 20 minutes against Chelsea on Wednesday & was rewarded by the player setting up the winning goal in the 85th minute.

City r now 1 point behind champions United with the 2 rivals meeting 4 a potentially decisive clash @ the Etihad stadium on April 30.

Tevez scored 24 goals last season but had hardly been missed while City were riding high in the league until patchy away form whittled away their lead & allowed United 2 steal back in front.

Vieira, now City's football development executive aft a long career with Arsenal, had said Scholes' return "shows a little bit of weakness in United, becos they had 2 bring a player back who was 37.

"With all the respect I hv 4 Scholes, him coming back shows tat they don't hv talent in there 2 replace him," added the Frenchman.

Vieira had also said tat the departure of young United players such as Ravel Morrison & possibly Paul Pogba was worrying 4 the champions who would previously hv had no problem retaining talent.

Ferguson also rejected tat accusation & hoped Pogba would be staying.

"We 1 him 2 stay becos we think he's going 2 be a fantastic Manchester United player. We hope that's the case," said the Scot.

[joew2005]

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Football: Tevez ready to tip title race, says Toure

Yaya Toure says Carlos Tevez 1s 2 say sorry 2 ManC fans 4 his behaviour earlier in the season by helping the club secure the title.

Manager Roberto Mancini is considering handing Tevez his 1st league start 4 almost 7 months when Sunderland visit Eastlands on Saturday.

Having spent most of the season @ the top of the table, City trail leaders ManU by 3 points with 8 games remaining, & hv had a week 2 forget.

Aft being held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke last Saturday, United piled on the pressure by defeating Fulham on Monday b4 Mancini was pictured giving controversial striker Mario Balotelli a dressing down in training on Wednesday.

Yet Mancini is now set 2 turn 2 another unpredictable member of his squad 2 ensure City's title race does not fade in the closing stages.

Tevez has made 2 substitute appearances totalling 40 mins since returning 2 the side earlier in the month following his infamous touchline row with Mancini during a Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich in Germany in September.

But the Argentina striker may start against Sunderland aft scoring in a 71 minute run-out 4 the reserves @ Morecambe on Wednesday.

The former ManU player, who has not started a league game since September, capped an energetic display by finding the net with an ambitious chip fr the edge of the box.

Toure says Tevez is desperate 2 make amends 4 his behaviour earlier in the season by ensuring City pip his former club 2 the title.

"Carlos is our player - every1 can make mistakes, but he is really a good man," said Ivory Coast international Toure.

"When you meet him, he is always good fun & a nice guy, even if people may hv a different image of him.

"It was unbelievable when Carlos came back & the fans gave him big applause, & tried 2 support him when he got the ball.

"He knew when he came back 2 the club tat he had made a very big mistake, but now everything is over & he is focused on winning the Premier League.

"He 1s 2 help the team, & the club, & do as much as possible 2 say sorry 2 the fans.

"I think he will be an important player 4 us, as he 1s 2 prove 2 every1 he is a top player. I m sure he will be fantastic 4 the rest of the season.

"In my 1st year here he was my captain, & was always focused, always wanting 2 win - he was unbelievable.

"When people love u, u 1 2 give them something back. The fans come 2 enjoy football & see our best players, like Carlos, & we hv 2 deliver."

Sunderland hope 2 take their out their FA Cup frustration on City as they look 2 bounce back fr the bitterly disappointing 6th round replay loss @ home 2 Everton.

The Wearside club slumped 2 a 2-0 defeat 2 miss out on their 1st semi-final in 8 years, & skipper Lee Cattermole is adamant they can help atone 4 tat by matching their best-ever Premier League finish - back-2-back 7th-places in 2000 & 2001.

City haven't dropped points in front of their own fans for 13 months since a 1-1 draw with Fulham, with 20 consecutive victories since then.

But Mancini's men slid to a 1-0 defeat @ the Stadium of Light in January, & Cattermole said: "We beat them @ our place & played out of our skin, so if we can go there & be the 1st team 2 get something off them 4 the 1st time in ages it'd be brilliant."

Sunderland sit 8th aft a remarkable turn-around in fortunes under manager Martin O'Neill, who took charge b4 Christmas with the Wearsiders in the bottom 3.

Cattermole added: "Going 2 Wembley would hv been great, but u never know, we might hv taken our eye off the league had tat happened.

"We can focus on tat now. When Martin took over if you'd hv given us 8th place @ tis stage, we'd hv grabbed it."

Defenders John O'Shea (hamstring) & Kieran Richardson (calf) remain doubts.

[joew2005]

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Premier League - Paper Round: City to 'review' Mancini position

ManU's win @ Blackburn on Monday night has increased the heat on Roberto Mancini.

A number of papers, both quality & tabloid, state tat the Italian's position @ ManC is 2 be reviewed in the summer if the club end the season without a trophy with Mancini having spent £240m on players since taking over in December 2009.

The Daily Star has the most apocalyptic backpage 4 Mancini as under the headline "Out of a job" – they say tat Mancini is "7 games fr the sack."

The paper says: "Unless the Blues can somehow produce a miracle comeback 2 beat United or @ least produce a positive end 2 the campaign, Mancini will be shown the door."

The Independent & the Times also devote their backpages 2 Mancini's uncertain future with the Times headline saying "Mancini's job is price of title failure."

However, the Times makes the point tat a key factor in whether Mancini loses his job will come down 2 who else is available & 1 name in particular looms largest.

"The decision (on Mancini) will also be influenced by whether an outstanding candidate, such as Jose Mourinho, becomes available," explains the paper.

"Mourinho is thought 2 be giving serious consideration 2 leaving Real Madrid @ the end of the season & would favour a return 2 the Premier League if he left the Spanish club who r 6 points clear of Barcelona @ the top of La Liga.

"With Chelsea, Mourinho's 4mer club, in the hunt 4 a new manager & spur requiring a replacement 4 Harry Redknapp should he succeed Fabio Capello as England manager, there could be a 3-way tussle 4 the Portuguese's services if Mancini is removed."

Another manager who has been getting some heat recently is Liverpool's Kenny Dalglish & while his position does not appear 2 be immediately under threat, a number of papers say that he will be required 2 provide a full written report 2 the club's American owners @ the end of the season to explain an unacceptable league slump.

Staying @ Anfield & the Liverpool keeper charged with filling Pepe Reina's boots may not be @ Anfield beyond tis season. Brazilian Alexander Doni arrived on a free transfer fr Roma last summer but has already said he is unsure of where he will be next year. (The Sun)

Roy Hodgson will be offered the biggest managerial contract in West Bromwich's history 2 keep him @ the Hawthorns. Hodgson's current deal expires @ the end of the season & the Baggies 1 him 2 commit 2 a deal worth £3 million a year. (Daily Mail)

Arsene Wenger is furious with Marouane Chamakh aft the striker was pictured holding a shisha pipe hours aft Arsenal's defeat at QPR. The Morocco forward was snapped with fellow countryman Adel Taarabt, who had earlier scored against the Gunners, with pipes on Saturday. (Daily Mail)

Finally 2 Scotland & Turkish side Trabzonspor r set 2 take flop Pawel Brozek back fr Celtic but a deal 2 sell Morten Rasmussen 2 Norwegian side Aalesund last weekend was scuppered by the striker's agent (Daily Record).

[joew2005]

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Arsenal - Manchester City Preview:
Gunners could get 7th win in 8 matches with Mancini's side struggling away fr home

Sergio Aguero (ankle) believes tat he will be fit enough 2 be @ Roberto Mancini’s disposal on Sunday. Joleon Lescott (groin) has recovered fr his spell on the sidelines but it would be surprising 2 see him thrust back in2 the ManC mix 4 such an important clash.

Micah Richards (head) was forced off @ half-time in City's 3-3 draw with Sunderland last weekend & he could be replaced by Pablo Zabaleta @ right-back. Samir Nasri (fatigue) is a likely candidate 4 a starting role against his former club having missed the last match.

Arsenal hv a mostly-full-strength squad 2 choose fr ahead of tis weekend’s Premier League clash, with their injury list gradually shortening as the climax 2 the campaign approaches. Jack Wilshere (ankle) remains sidelined, as do fellow midfielders Emmanuel Frimpong (knee), Abou Diaby (hamstring) & Francis Coquelin (hamstring). Defender Per Mertesacker (ankle) will also not feature @ the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Arsenal won 6 successive games b4 their 2-1 defeat 2 QPR last weekend, including victories over Tottenham, Liverpool & AC Milan.
ManC hv been poor away fr home 4 a few months now - only 5 of their last 36 Premier League goals came away fr the Etihad Stadium.
Both matches betw these Champions League-chasing teams tis campaign hv ended 1-0 to Roberto Mancini’s men.

The Blues hv lost all 4 matches tis season when Mario Balotelli & Edin Dzeko hv featured in the same starting line-up.
Although City beat the Gunners in the League Cup @ the Emirates Stadium in November, the last time tat the club conquered them in the league @ Arsenal was October 4 1975.

Balotelli has scored a goal every 94 minutes tis season, the best rate in the Premier League 4 all players who hv played @ least 1000 minutes. Mario Balotelli is 7/1 with Bet365 to score 2 or more goals in tis game.
Theo Walcott gets some stick fr Arsenal fans, but the winger has scored or assisted 15 goals in the top flight since the 2011-12 campaign began. Wayne Rooney is the only Englishman with a better record.

If ManC win tis weekend then they will close the gap on top-of-the-table ManU. The gap in points will depend on the result in ManU’s match with QPR, which takes place b4 the Arsenal-City clash. The current gap is 5 points.
Aleksandar Kolarov made 16 crosses in open play last weekend - on only 1 occasion has a player made more in an English top flight fixture tis campaign (Wolves winger Matt Jarvis produced 17 versus Newcastle last October).

[joew2005]

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

Mancini fears Man City axe
April 7, 2012

Roberto Mancini admits his future could be in doubt if he fails 2 break ManC's league title drought tis season.

Mancini's men previously held a 5-point lead over ManU b4 a month-long slump saw City slip 5 points behind their fierce rivals with 7 games remaining. The Italian knows fr his experience @ Inter Milan tat the security of his position may be scrutinised by club hierachy if he fails 2 deliver tis term.

"I know football very well," he said. "I left Inter aft winning 7 trophies & I still had a 4-year contract. So in football anything can happen in any moment. Like the title race, things can change in 1 week.

"It's the same regarding my future. When u choose tis job u know anything can happen. I don't hv a problem with tis becos when u work hard 4 your job & improve your team, tat's the important thing."

Mancini says he is focused on the team's goals rather than his own issues & tat chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak remains fully supportive as the club aims 2 win its 1st league crown in 44 years.

"I hv 1 year left on my contract," said Mancini. "I started tis job 2-&-a-half years ago & since then we hv improved alot as a team, as players & as a club.

"Tis is important when u hv a new team. I've been in tis world a long time & I knw tat u can lose tis title (job). But wat's important 2 me is tat the squad has improved alot over the last 2 years.

"I think we're progressing, but I don't decide (my future). I do the best in my job & aft I don't decide the situation.

"My relationship with Khaldoon is fantastic. Even if he sacked me @ the end of the season or next year, I would say tat any manager who works with him is very lucky. He's a really good man. Tis doesn't change my opinion abt him or the club. But I don't hv tis problem becos I will continue in my job.

"I'm sure tat tis club has arrived @ the top. With 2 or 3 more players aft tis year, the club will start 2 win, & then it will win 2 or 3 trophies every year."



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

Mancini: I would punch Balotelli
April 6, 2012

ManC boss Roberto Mancini has claimed he would "punch" Mario Balotelli if he were a team-mate with the temperamental striker.

Balotelli, 21, has again made headlines tis week aft Mancini revealed he considered substituting the Italian aft just 5 mins of City's 3-3 draw with Sunderland last weekend.

The forward also engaged in a public row with Aleksandar Kolarov over who should take a free-kick, sparking further criticism of the 4mer Inter Milan player despite his brace helping City 2 claim a point.

Speaking ahead of a vital Premier League clash 4 City @ Arsenal on Sunday, Mancini has accepted why others some might be weary of him. He said: "I can understand it. I told him, 'If you played with me, 10 years ago, I give 2 u every day 1 punch in your head!'

"I think in every big game he played very well. I think his problem is his concentration but I work with him every day.

"I speak with him - not every day becos if not I need a psychologist - but every 2 days I speak with him. He doesn't lose his quality. Mario, as a player, can be 1 of the top in Europe. I don't 1 him 2 lose his talent."

[joew2005]

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

Mancini to address City mentality
April 8, 2012

Roberto Mancini believes he needs 2 sign "3 or 4" more players 2 give his ManC squad the winning mentality they require.

ManU r in pole position 2 clinch the title 1s more despite having spent less than their local rivals in recent years, but Mancini feels tat he can complete the project @ City if he is able 2 sign quality players with the right mental approach.

"We lost Yaya & Kolo Toure 4 the African Nations Cup, had some injuries & lost Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott & Sergio Aguero in the last 2 games," he said. "Maybe next year if we lose 2 important players, we can hv another 2 good players & we can change."

He added: "Up 2 now, we hv plugged away @ building a strong team, so now I think 3 or 4 more players with a strong mentality will be enough 2 finish it. We maybe need time - but we hv already arrived as 1 of the best teams in Europe.

"The difference with United is in their squad, not their starting 11. Becos they r used 2 always being @ the top, they can play without problems & they don't hv the pressure we hv, becos they hv won everything. When u play against a team like United, tat is the difference - not the players."

The mentality of the City players - Mario Balotelli in particular - has come under the microscope in recent times, with the on-field dissent shown in the 3-3 draw @ home 2 Sunderland fuelling suggestions of feuds within the camp.

SAF has said he "wouldn't allow it" @ his club & added: "If u don't hv unity, u r not playing as a team. The demeanour of a team is important."

Mancini accepts tat City hv something 2 learn fr United in tat respect.

"It is true tat they keep any problems behind closed doors," Mancini said. "I think we need 2 improve in tis way, beos the problems should always stay inside & u should resolve them. We hv tis problem with photographers @ our training ground & we talked abt tis 2 years ago & didn't do anything abt it.

"We need 2 improve tis - we need 2 improve in different situations. We need people around the team who understand tis. We need people 2 understand tat 2 be @ a top club like ManC, u should work hard. You can't give people a chance 2 talk abt you.

"I think United r a strong team. They hv a strong mentality. If we played our best 11 players against their best 11, they would not be better, but they r better as a club in their mentality, only becos they hv won so much.

"They play without problems - tat is the only difference betw them & us. I m happy tat we hv improved as a team in the last year & the title race is not finished.

"With 7 games until the end, nothing is finished. We r a long way ahead of Arsenal in 3rd & 4 tat reason, we hv had a good season until now.

"Maybe we made mistakes @ Swansea & @ home 2 Sunderland last week but after winning all your home matches u can hv a bad game.

"It is impossible 2 win all of your home games. United, in their last 12 games, hv won 11 with 1 draw. They hv done very well in the last 2 months, but football can change in 1 week."