Man City

[joew2005]

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Mancini calls for further investment

Roberto Mancini has called on the ManC owners 2 open the chequebook again & confirmed he is an admirer of Udinese's Alexis Sanchez.

Mancini has already invested heavily in the squad, bringing in Yaya Toure, David Silva, Mario Balotelli, James Milner, Aleksandar Kolarov, Jerome Boateng & Edin Dzeko in the last 12 months, but he believes City lack the strength in depth of ManU & 1s 2 spend again tis summer.

"4 us 2 stay near the top 4 a long time was good but during a moment in the season, like February or March when we played Europa League, Premier League & FA Cup, we played every 3 days," he said. "It's very difficult if you don't hv a big list of players - it's impossible 2 go on 4 the final of 3 cups & play 4 the title.

"United will play 8 or 9 different players fr the side tat played Schalke 4 the match against Chelsea. They can make these changes & still win.

"I think we hv a good team. We should improve - if we buy other players - becos when you play in the Champions League every team is strong."

City r rumoured 2 be competing with United 4 the signature of Chile winger Sanchez &, asked abt the player, Mancini said: "Sanchez is a good player."

Mancini believes it is essential City claim the FA Cup when they meet Stoke @ Wembley on May 14 if they r 2 compete with the very best.

"It's crucial 4 us 2 win the FA Cup, then next year we can improve our squad & get other players," he said. "If we 1 2 play 4 the title next season, it's very important 2 start 2 win something. Then, in the future, ManC will be a strong team in Europe."

Asked if City could win the title next season, Mancini said: "It depends on the next 8 days but I think so."

[joew2005]

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City come unstuck against Toffees

Superb 2nd-half headers fr Sylvain Distin & Leon Osman frustrated ManC in their Champions League quest.

The FA Cup finalists looked on course 4 a potentially decisive win in their pursuit of a Premier League top-4 place as Yaya Toure put them ahead @ Everton.

The visitors squandered several chances 2 make victory safe @ Goodison Park & were stunned when former City defender Distin equalised & in-form Osman grabbed a winner.

With David Silva @ his influential best, City seemed in little trouble as they dictated play.

Yet Everton hv become their bogey side in recent years & the Merseysiders hit back 2 win 4 the 7th time in 8 meetings.

City now face their chief rivals for 4th, Tottenham, on Tuesday knowing they cannot ease up ahead of next week's trip 2 Wembley.

Much talk b4 the game centred on Joleon Lescott's 1st return 2 Goodison since his controversial £22million move 2 City 21 months ago.

Yet it was Distin, also facing his old club, who turned the match & Osman settled it with his 4th goal in 9 games.

City left Mario Balotelli, Gareth Barry & Adam Johnson out of their line-up & talisman Carlos Tevez, as expected, did not appear.

City soon asserted themselves, although Everton had the 1st chance when Osman fired over fr a cleverly-worked Leighton Baines free-kick.

The visitors looked composed in possession with Silva exhibiting some sublime touches.

The Spaniard went close aft brilliantly controlling a hopeful punt fr Vincent Kompany & beating Tony Hibbert 2 shoot across goal.

He showed more skill when he tapped a James Milner cross in2 the 6-yard box but Patrick Vieira volleyed over.

Milner found space in the area as Everton pushed up but he opted 2 pass instead of shooting & the hosts got back 2 clear.

The respite was shortlived 4 the hosts, however, as City claimed the lead moments later, in the 28th minute.

Silva was again the orchestrator, although he benefited fr a lucky ricochet as he took the ball past Distin.

He found Toure unmarked 2 his right & the Ivory Coast international powered 4ward 2 clip the ball over Tim Howard.

Edin Dzeko tested Howard with a fierce shot fr the edge of the area aft the restart but the American gathered well.

Silva created another good chance 4 Toure when he threaded a low ball in2 the area but the former Barcelona midfielder sidefooted over.

Kompany needed 2 be alert 2 deny Jack Rodwell a shooting chance early in the 2nd half.

The ball looked 2 be rolling 2 the midfielder in the box aft a powerful Baines free-kick struck Toffees substitute Jermaine Beckford but the Belgian defender got a foot in.

City replied with a quick breakaway as Silva freed Toure but Howard stood up well & denied the advancing midfielder with his feet.

Dzeko then headed wide fr an Aleksandar Kolarov free-kick as City built more pressure.

A scuffle broke out when Kompany responded 2 a Rodwell tackle on Nigel de Jong by pushing the Everton midfielder.

Rodwell's subsequent reaction led 2 both he & Kompany being booked.

City quickly got back in2 their stride & Dzeko, looking 4 his 2nd Premier League goal, struck a firm shot wide fr the edge of the area.

The visitors paid the price 4 their profligacy as Everton equalised in the 66th minute thru Distin.

Everton had sent on Tim Cahill - scorer of 5 goals against City - just moments earlier & the Australian went straight in2 the box 4 an Arteta free-kick.

But it was Distin who did the damage, rising @ the far post 2 power a header in2 the bottom corner which Joe Hart failed 2 keep out.

The goal infused Everton with confidence & Beckford went thru.

The striker was ruled marginally offside & chipped wide anyway, but nevertheless it was a warning 4 City.

It was 1 they failed 2 heed as the Toffees grabbed a 2nd in the 72nd minute.

Neville delivered an inviting cross in2 the area & Osman timed his leap superbly, beating Kompany in the air & glancing a looping header over Hart in2 the top corner.

It almost got worse 4 City as Beckford shot straight @ Hart fr close range.

City's frustrations were perhaps evident @ the final whistle as Cahill & Kolarov appeared 2 argue with each other while Neville exchanged words with the visitors' assistant boss Brian Kidd.

[joew2005]

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De Jong: It's "do or die" for City

ManC midfielder Nigel De Jong is gearing up 4 a "do or die" week as the club prepare 4 a crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur & the FA Cup final against Stoke City.

4th place City face 5th placed Tottenham on Tuesday night with a place in next season's UEFA Champions League @ stake. Victory 4 Roberto Mancini's side would guarantee their participation in Europe's show-piece tournament next term.

Then on Saturday, City k end a 35-year long wait 4 a trophy when they take on Stoke in the FA Cup final @ Wembley.

And De Jong admits City need to put everything into the next seven days to make sure their season is a successful one.

"This is a very important week for the club, the players and the fans. This is do or die for Manchester City," said De Jong. "Fourth place is in reach and everything is in our hands. We just have to win that game. We then have a chance to be FA Cup winners"

Mancini will make a late call on whether 2 choose skipper Carlos Tevez 4 Tuesday's pivotal encounter with Tottenham.

The South American striker was absent 4 the 4th game since injuring his hamstring @ Liverpool when he missed Saturday's defeat @ Everton but Mancini 1s Tevez 2 prove his fitness ahead of next weekend's FA Cup final.

Gareth Barry is expected 2 be available aft recovering fr wat Mancini described as "a minor problem" @ the weekend.

[joew2005]

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Mancini reveals Tevez's Italy desire

ManC manager Roberto Mancini has revealed tat Carlos Tevez wanted 2 quit the club 2 join an Italian side in December.

Tevez handed in a transfer request aft becoming disillusioned with his time @ Eastlands, but reports suggested tat he wanted 2 return 2 Argentina, or quit the game altogether.

The City captain came close 2 leaving the club, but opted 2 stay & Mancini has now revealed where his preferred destination lay.

''Carlos told us back in December tat he 1s 2 go 2 Italy,'' Mancini said. ''But if he changes his mind, I would be happy.''

Tevez was said 2 1 2 be closer 2 his family & has spent time in Milan recovering fr his latest injury getting treatment fr Argentina's team doctor.

Mancini also took time 2 quash talk tat he is ready 2 leave Eastlands, aft he was suggested as a possible candidate 2 replace Luigi Del Neri @ Juventus tis summer.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: ''I hv not received any offers & in any case my priority is 2 achieve our stated aims with City in order 2 stay here & fight 4 the league title next season. I hv a good team already but we will bring reinforcements.''


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Redknapp predicts huge City deals

Harry Redknapp is fearful ManC's rise is an inexorable 1, with the Tottenham chief claiming he knows the club hv already lined up mind blowing signings.

Redknapp's Spurs r likely 2 miss out on the 4th Champions League qualification place 2 City & he feels tat will enable the Manchester club 2 press ahead with their plans 4 domestic & European domination.

City hv spent big bringing in the likes of Carlos Tevez, Yaya Toure & David Silva - but were unable 2 lure even bigger names on account of not being in the Champions League. But with tat set 2 change, Redknapp fears a huge spending spree.

"I know people in the right positions there (@ City) hv said, 'well, the 1 thing we couldn't offer was Champions League football'," Redknapp said. "But they tell me they've got 1 or 2 players signed already who'll blow your brains out.

"They aren't going 2 stop until they win the championship & even then the Champions League, r they?

"The man fr Abu Dhabi has got so much money. They're going 2 spend another £200 million probably tis summer."

[joew2005]

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City secure Champions League place

Aft an overall investment in excess of £1 billion & over £350 million spent on players, the team tat Sheikh Mansour built qualified 4 the Champions League.

And just 2 make the night even more sweet 4 the City owner & manager Roberto Mancini, the goal tat sent them there was scored by the same man who denied them last year, Peter Crouch.

The Tottenham 4ward's own goal aft half an hour was enough 2 take City 9 points clear of the Londoners, & out of Liverpool's reach as well with 2 games 2 spare.

And, though City fans were watching thru splayed fingers @ times as their team sat back on their lead & allowed their visitors 2 attack, they can now look 4ward 2 Saturday's FA Cup final with Stoke knowing an end 2 their 35-year wait 4 a trophy will complete a perfect season.

A lot can change in a year.

Both sides retained only 4 members of their starting line-ups fr 12 months previous.

In Tottenham's case, tat was exclusively down 2 injury & poor form.

City were calling on 5 men who were not even @ the club 4 tat fateful occasion, including goalkeeper Joe Hart, who they had tried 2 get back fr a loan spell @ Birmingham.

Given Harry Redknapp had already declared a belief tat City hv made 1 or 2 signings tat will "blow your brains out" in the summer, it was clear where the momentum lay.

Even without Carlos Tevez, who was back on the bench ahead of Saturday's Wembley showpiece, Roberto Mancini was still able 2 call upon the dynamic services of David Silva, who threatened danger @ every turn.

The irony in Crouch scoring the goal 2 put City ahead was inescapable.

At the very same end last term, the England 4ward sent Tottenham on a rollercoaster journey tat has taken them 2 Milan twice tis season, & Madrid. Meetings with Europe's elite tat will live forever.

As Mancini has noted though, there has been a physical toll taken & Tottenham r now a shadow of the side tat lit up the Champions League stage.

So, once Luka Modric had gone 4 accuracy instead of power as he connected with Aaron Lennon's square ball, yet still failed 2 find the net as his shot rolled agonisingly wide, the fear 4 Tottenham was obvious.

Crouch wasn't the only man 2 blame.

There was no effort 2 track Milner's run aft he had taken a short corner with Adam Johnson, allowing him 2 stride down the by-line & deliver a powerful, low cross 2 the near post.

Under pressure fr Joleon Lescott, Crouch stuck out a boot instinctively.

Aft scoring only 4 Premier League goals tis season, Crouch could only reflect on the fact tat tis time, the target was found with ease, & in much the same way as his effort last season.

City had only created 1 other 1st-half chance of note.

It was hardly a surprise Silva was the architect, squaring 4 Edin Dzeko in much the same manner as Lennon was 2 do a bit later.

The Bosnian's effort was on target but Carlo Cudicini, in 4 injured 1st-choice Heurelho Gomes, turned it away.

There have been a number of decent performers 4 City tis season but few hv been as consistent as Hart.

And, aft being relatively unemployed during the opening period, he made a telling contribution right @ the start of the 2nd half as Steven Pienaar met Lennon's far-post cross with a firm header.

Hart's movement was 2 his right. He quickly adjusted his feet 2 make an excellent save 2 his left, denying Tottenham an equaliser & saving a few fingernails, tat ended up getting chewed anyway.

If City & their supporters had taken a backward step & thought abt the situation, they would hv realised they were actually in a position of complete comfort in terms of their top 4 aspirations.

But a sense of panic swept round the ground, which only grew as Rafael van der Vaart & Lennon threatened fr decent positions.

Yet it was City who came closest 2 grabbing a 2nd, only 4 William Gallas 2 brilliantly turn away Patrick Vieira's goalbound header.

Tottenham tried 2 respond but could muster nothing worthwhile & they r now outsiders 2 even finish 5th, with Stoke guaranteed a place in the Europa League, no matter wat happens on Saturday.

Carlos Tevez will be fit 4 tat aft a late substitute appearance, having done as much as anyone 2 ensure City r back amongst Europe's elite 4 the 1st time in 43 years.

[joew2005]

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City scout Belgian trio

ManC boss Roberto Mancini was present @ the KNVB Beker final 2 scout Ajax star Jan Vertonghen, according 2 reports in Belgium & the Netherlands.

City r believed 2 hv seen a bid 4 Belgium international Vertonghen, 24, turned down in January but r now reportedly prepared 2 spend £15 million on the player, who recently revealed he was dreaming of a move 2 England.

Meanwhile, City scout Attilio Lombardo was @ Sclessin on Saturday 2 check out Standard Liege midfielder Axel Witsel. Witsel, 22, has been a key figure 4 Standard tis season & will hv impressed Lombardo with an excellent goal 2 beat Club Brugge & keep Standard in with a chance 2 win the Belgian League.

Witsel - a former winner of the Golden Shoe, Belgium's highest individual accolade - has stated his desire 2 move on, saying he has "nothing left 2 win in Belgium".

City also sent scouts 2 watch Kevin De Bruyne, 19, who has also attracted interest fr Chelsea. His club, Racing Genk, r currently top of the league in Belgium & clear fav 2 win. The attacking midfielder, yet another of Belgium's young talents, has attracted headlines recently 4 his dribbling, passing ability & a vision belying his young age. Zenit St Petersburg r also in the market 4 him.

[joew2005]

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City open door for Cesc and Zlatan

ManC manager Roberto Mancini has named Cesc Fabregas & Zlatan Ibrahimovic as potential transfer targets aft securing a place in the Champions League qualifying rounds next season.

City sealed 4th place in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night & Mancini still has hopes of catching Arsenal in 3rd, which would bring with it automatic qualification 4 the Champions League group stage.

When asked which players he wanted 2 recruit 2 strengthen City as they head in2 Europe's elite competition, Mancini replied: "Cesc Fabregas". The Italian also told The Sun tat there is a place @ Eastlands 4 AC Milan striker Ibrahimovic.

Arsenal resisted efforts fr Barca 2 prise Fabregas away fr Emirates Stadium last summer, but aft another season without silverware the focus may be on the Gunners captain 1s again.

How serious Mancini was is not clear, but he certainly has the financial might 2 test Arsenal's resolve & will likely spend big.

Ibrahimovic worked under the Italian @ Inter Milan & he may be available, having spent tis season on loan @ AC Milan fr Barca.

"If Zlatan 1s 2 come 2 City, I would immediately find a place 4 him," Mancini said.

"Our target @ the start of the season was 2 qualify 4 the Champions League & reach a big final - so we hv managed 2 do tat.

"As I said when I arrived, in 2 or 3 years, ManC can become 1 of the top clubs in Europe. We hv everything you need 2 do tis."

City can cap their season with victory in the FA Cup on Saturday, live on ESPN, & the Italian has urged his players 2 turn their attentions 2 Stoke.

He said: "Now we must think of the weekend. Tis latest win will give us a lift 4 Saturday."

[joew2005]

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Richards predicting big things for City

Micah Richards believes ManC will improve further next season - & predicted they will match Tottenham Hotspur's achievement in reaching the last 8 of the Champions League.

Tuesday night's 1-0 win over Spurs @ Eastlands secured a 1st-ever season in the Champions League 4 Roberto Mancini's men. And now Richards 1s the club 2 challenge 4 the title next season.

Richards, who is likely 2 be on international duty with England Under-21s @ the European Championships, said: "I've watched a lot of Champions League football. I watched Spurs & they did well getting 2 the quarter-finals. There is no reason why we shouldn't do tat.

"I m sure we will invest & make ourselves even stronger again. Every club needs new players & we always look 2 strengthen in every position. We're not the City of old, always making silly mistakes, any more.

"Every year we hv had a progression. Last year 5th & tis year 4th. Next season we will try & build on tat again. It's just amazing, unbelievable. I've always dreamt of playing in the Champions League - now I'm going 2 hv 2 pinch myself 2 realise it has really happened.

"2 hv the chance of playing against the world's best players is incredible & I can't wait."

Richards believes the players hv now proved the doubters, who claimed they had only joined City 4 the money & not 4 any sense of achievement, incorrect.

He said: "We hv proved them wrong. We r not stupid. We hear wat ppl say. They r always having a go @ us 4 spending money. But look @ us, it's worked. People r always saying the team spirit is not good but it's unbelievable.

"A lot of ppl were putting us down & saying we were not good enough 2 reach the Champions League, but we hv proved them wrong. We hv proved how good we r by staying in the top 4 thru the entire season.

"I don't know if people appreciate how far we've come. It takes a lot 2 catch up on the teams who hv been in the top 4 for a long time. We can build on tis & challenge 4 the title.

"We r relieved tat gaining a top-4 place is done & dusted. We rode our luck @ times against Tottenham on Tuesday night, but we dug deep in the 2nd half & tat shows how far we hv come. A couple of years ago we probably would hv lost tat game. But we r not the City of old, the team who always made silly mistakes.

"Now it is important 2 keep our feet on the ground & win the FA Cup. Stoke r no mugs. I watched them play against Arsenal last Sunday & they were unbelievable. They worked 4 each other. They hv quality on the wings in Jermaine Pennant & Matthew Etherington - who may come back fr his hamstring injury 2 play in the final.

"So if we r not on our game then Stoke will find us out. They will be up 4 it, like we will. And if we play as well as we can & David Silva continues 2 play like a magician, we've every chance of being able 2 celebrate again on Saturday."

Richards also says he has no intentions of leaving City even though his current contract expires @ the end of next season, when he will be eligible 2 move on a free transfer having turned 24 in June 2012.

"There hv been talks abt a new contract but @ the moment I m just trying 2 do well in each game," he added. "I m always happy 2 be at ManC. It is my 1st & only club. It is the club 4 me. Yes, there hv been some difficult moments & I hv been linked with a move 2 different teams. But when times r hard it makes you work harder.

"I m still young. I hv played more than 150 games & therefore I hv a bit of experience now. My focus is here. As long as the club 1 me, I 1 2 be here & doing well 4 the team."

[joew2005]

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A chance to be heroes - By Kevin Keegan

Securing Champions League football with a win against Tottenham in midweek was important 4 ManC, but tat was only the prelude 2 the main act tis week. It is my belief tat winning the FA Cup is more important than finishing in 4th place & 4 1 reason: ManC need 2 finally win some silverware.

If you win 1 trophy then often others will follow. It can spark a domino effect. City haven't won something 4 so long - 35 years, since the 1976 League Cup final - so they really need 2 hv their name up in lights 1s again 2 get tat winning feeling back. Yes, the Champions League is lucrative & prestigious, but if you could pick either 4th place or the cup, I would hv said the cup. City hv a trophy drought hanging over their heads, & ending it is paramount.

The club's long wait 4 success has been well publicised. When I was there fr 2001 to 2005, we were Division 1 champions, but tat isn't a trophy tat a club of City's size should be winning. It has been a tough, tough time 4 the club's supporter over the years, particularly given ManU's success across the city, & some of them r understandably still a bit sceptical. Some of them say 2 me, "I much preferred it when we were struggling & we didn't hv any $!"

I think there is an element among supporters of any club tat quite like it when they feel the world is against them, & being the richest club in football is an unfamiliar position 4 City supporters 2 be in, but the boot is on the other foot now & they hv 2 get used 2 increased expectation. They r favs 4 tis cup final, & if they turn up on the day, then they should win it, but they must be wary of complacency. If there is a club tat can take advantage of tat, it is Stoke City. Many neutrals will be supporting Tony Pulis & his side becos they r the underdogs, which is of course a position tat ManC hv been more accustomed 2 finding themselves in down the years.

The last ManC side 2 be on top of the national game, winning the cup in 1969, was a fantastic collection of players. I played with Franny Lee & Colin Bell with England, Mike Summerbee was in that team, Neil Young as well. I got 2 know their manager, Joe Mercer, & their captain, Tony Book, was in defence. I played against them all, & they were an excellent side. They were the best team tat club has had & the current crop, in the eyes of City fans, will not overtake them yet, becos their predecessors won the league title in 1968 & the Cup Winners' Cup & League Cup in 1970 as well. They won things consistently & established a legacy. You can hv great players in any era, but teams r only great if they win things.

The class of '69 has set the benchmark 4 ManC, in terms of both trophies & style. I think the current team has got 2 move more 2wards providing entertainment, but tat comes with time, & @ tis moment perhaps the best way is 2 be careful. City fans say 2 me, "The football's not as good as when you were there", but tat doesn't matter. The football was good but we didn't win anything.

If City do rectify tat tis weekend then, believe me, those players will never 4get it. Wat is so special abt the FA Cup final is tat it holds a unique place in ppls' hearts. It is not just the goals tat you score, or the final result, but all the ceremony surrounding the day tat is burned in2 the memory. Sometimes supporters can remember more than the players even. Ppl sometimes ask me abt when distance runner Brendan Foster ran @ Wembley prior 2 the 1974 FA Cup final when I scored twice 4 Liverpool against Newcastle, but I don't remember it @ all.

When you r watching as a fan, & particularly as a kid, it is a magical day. I remember watching my 1st cup final, in 1958, as a guy in a white suit sung on top of a piece of scaffolding & a big band played. When you r 5 or 6, it is not always the match you remember but the pomp & circumstance of the occasion.

4 Roberto Mancini, winning the FA Cup & finishing 4th in his 1st full season would be a wonderful achievement. While some may say he should hv won the league with all the $ he has had @ his disposal, most recognise tat overnight success of tat kind is not realistic, particularly given the high turnover among the playing staff. Now, aft securing tat 4th place, he has the chance 2 make permanent history @ a club tat desires it so much.

[joew2005]

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Mancini: Unhappy players should leave

ManC manager Roberto Mancini only 1s players @ the club who "believe in the project'' & insists Carlos Tevez & others r welcome 2 leave if they don't share the common aim.

Mancini, 46, has had 2 deal with claims of dressing-room dissent & in-fighting 4 most of tis season but has managed 2 guide City in2 the Champions League 4 the 1st time in the club's history.

City r expected 2 spend big in the summer as Mancini assembles a squad he believes can compete @ Europe's top table, though there remains a big question mark over Tevez & whether he will still be around 2 lead the team.

The Argentina striker's future has been in doubt ever since he handed in a transfer request last December, a request which he later withdrew. But while Mancini acknowledges his captain's role in City's success tis season, the Italian boss says tat if Tevez or any of his team-mates r unhapppy @ Eastlands, they should leave.

"He's got a 5-year contract but I always say tat a player should stay here becos he believes in the project & he's happy 2 stay @ the club,'' Mancini said. "But if I'm not happy 2 stay @ City I will leave. It's the same 4 the players.

"If they aren't happy 2 stay @ the club it's better they leave. But tis is not just 4 Carlos, it's 4 the players in general. When you start your job u should be happy becos the season is long & there could be a thousand problems.

"I never said tat Carlos 1s 2 leave. I said it would be his decision. He has scored 22 goals & that's very important. We always say he's an important player 4 us. But we've got tis far becos all the players hv contributed.''


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Silva urges City to sign Fabregas

David Silva says he would love 2 see Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas join him @ Eastlands.

Silva, who alongside Fabregas won the 2010 World Cup with Spain, believes the Gunners midfielder would make a fine addition 2 Roberto Mancini's side, & would boost their chances of contending regularly 4 major trophies.

However, the 25-year-old is realistic enough 2 accept tat a blockbuster Premier League transfer does not look imminent.

"If only he could come, it would be great, marvellous," Silva said in The Sun. "We know wat he's achieved as a player & he has a lot of experience of playing in England.

"He likes 2 keep the ball & tat's how we like 2 play. He treats the ball as his friend & I get on with him well. I know him fr the national side, so it would be great."

Silva also won the 2008 European Championships with his national side, but believes winning the FA Cup with City would still be a very special achievement.

"It would be just as meaningful 4 me in the sense tat it's been a good while since City won a trophy or even got in2 a final, so I know how important it is 4 the people who follow tis club," he said.

"Becos I've had such a good time here & been treated so well by the fans, it's important I can give something 2 them. Give them a victory."

[joew2005]

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City end 35 years of hurt by winning FA Cup

ManC's spending spree finally delivered some silverware as they won the FA Cup - courtesy of a 1-0 win over Stoke - 2 end their 35-year wait 4 a major trophy.

Almost 3 years aft Sheik Mansour's takeover transformed City in2 1 of the richest clubs in the world, his £300million investment has now produced Champions League qualification & an FA Cup triumph in the space of a week.

It was somehow fitting tat semi-final hero Yaya Toure - reportedly the highest paid player in the Barclays Premier League on £185,000 a week - was the match-winner again against Stoke, whose 148-year wait 4 FA Cup glory goes on.

City had not won the cup themselves since 1969 but the Potters had not even been 2 a final & were the only surviving founder members of the Football League never 2 lift the trophy.

The 1-0 defeat was also a double-whammy 4 manager Tony Pulis, whose last Wembley final saw his Gillingham side lose the 1999 2nd Division play-offs 2 City.

The build-up 2 cup final day had been dominated by talk of the competition being further devalued by the scheduling of the game.

ManU clinching the Barclays Premier League title mins b4 kick-off did not help matters, & neither therefore did a rather unfortunate pre-match rendition of 'We r the Champions'.

But try telling tat 2 the tens of thousands of City & Stoke fans crammed in2 Wembley tis afternoon 4 wat was the 1st cup final 4 both clubs 4 more than a generation.

And try telling it 2 the managers, who each gambled on the fitness of key players as Carlos Tevez, Matthew Etherington & Robert Huth all started.

City captain Tevez soon set abt proving manager Roberto Mancini right, forcing a fine parry fr Thomas Sorensen fr 25 yards.

It was a sign of things 2 come as Mancini's men belied their reputation 4 caution in a utterly dominant 1st-half display.

Ryan Shawcross almost put in2 his own net & Toure drilled just wide fr long range.

And City would hv been ahead midway thru the half but 4 a world-class save fr Sorensen, who somehow clawed behind Mario Balotelli's top-corner-bound curler.

It was looking like Sorensen's lucky day aft he kept his place as Stoke's FA Cup goalkeeper ahead of Asmir Begovic.

He survived being beaten 2 a long ball by Tevez & got away with spilling Vincent Kompany's tame long-ranger.

His luck continued when Tevez brilliantly played in Balotelli & Sorensen beat the ball down straight 2 David Silva, who rifled a shot in2 the ground & over the crossbar.

Stoke had gone some way 2 shattering their own reputation in their free-flowing semi-final demolition of Bolton.

But when Huth's forearm connected with Balotelli's jaw, it was an early indication they had reverted 2 type.

Long throws & set-pieces were once again the order of the day, although they did fashion a chance in open play when Vincent Kompany threw his body @ Kenwyne Jones' close-range shot.

Emerging fr wat can only hv been harsh words @ half-time, Stoke tore in2 City early in the 2nd half, Jermaine Pennant playing thru the pain of a 1st-half ankle injury 2 lead the charge.

But they were unable 2 produce the finishing touch & were almost caught on the break when Tevez squared 4 Silva, who hesitated just long enough 4 Shawcross 2 nick the ball away.

Joe Hart had been a spectator all afternoon but he came 2 City's rescue just past the hour mark when Jones beat Joleon Lescott 2 a long ball b4 poking his finish 2 close 2 the keeper.

Etherington, who had looked less than fully fit, was immediately withdrawn 4 Dean Whitehead.

Mancini responded 2 City's 2nd-half slump by throwing on Adam Johnson 4 Gareth Barry & it immediately paid off.

City won the ball on the edge of the area & Balotelli exchanged passes via Huth, with the Italian's shot blocked by Marc Wilson straight 2 Toure 2 blast home.

Desperate defending & a fine save twice prevented Silva wrapping up victory, with Stoke throwing on John Carew in a bid 2 keep their dream alive.

Mancini finally went defensive when he withdrew Tevez 4 Pablo Zabaleta but despite late Stoke pressure, City deservedly hung on.

Man of the Match: Nigel de Jong.
Yaya Toure scored the winning goal but he could hv been sent off 4 raking the back of Andy Wilkinson's leg. David Silva & Mario Balotelli also impressed but the man who provided the base 4 Man City's attack was the Dutchman, who performed with typical tenacity & bossed midfield.

ManC verdict:
A richly-deserved victory 2 end 35 years of hurt. ManC were the better side fr the off & played the more ambitious, flowing football. They coped well with Stoke's height & should hv won by a greater margin, but 1-0 will suit Roberto Mancini just fine. Goalscorer Yaya Toure was fortunate 2 escape punishment 4 a horrible challenge though.

Stoke verdict:
Tony Pulis' men suffered fr having a clearly unfit Matthew Etherington on the pitch, while Jermaine Pennant also struggled with an ankle injury. They retreated in2 their shell aft tat 5-0 win over Bolton in the semi-final & lacked invention or imagination. Robert Huth was also lucky 2 escape an early red card.

Could do better:
Kenwyne Jones. The striker was presented with a glorious chance in the 2nd half but was denied by a fine save fr Joe Hart. It was Stoke's best chance of the match & could hv changed the course of the game.

Stat attack:
Roberto Mancini has now won a domestic cup with 4 different clubs - Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter & ManC.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...-glory?cc=4716

City here to stay after cup glory

Manchester, so much 2 celebrate. Aft their Old Trafford rivals had sealed 19 titles over a Lancashire lunchtime, ManC r now able 2 open their trophy cabinet aft a wait of 35 years, 18 managers & countless false starts. Try telling their fans tat tis achievement has been overshadowed. "We're not really here," they may sing, but they hv now arrived as a force in English football.

Yaya Toure, with his left foot, drilled home a goal 2 end the barren years, & end a week where City's 'project' delivered on its 1st set of objectives. The Champions League beckons, & Carlos Tevez emulated the likes of Tony Book and Mike Doyle 2 hold aloft the FA Cup 2 complete a full set of English honours b4 he takes his expected leave of these shores. His customary 2-year cycle may be complete but his current club expect 2 begin a spell where they will compete 4 the big honours on a regular basis. A curse has been broken, & though Toure is no local hero in the fashion of Neil Young in 1969, the Ivorian is now etched in2 club history. His goal was the type of big-match clutch play tat half-a-billion of Abu Dhabian oil riches is supposed 2 deliver.

It was tough on Stoke City. Their own trophy drought will now reach 40 years. A manful effort was denied by a lack of quality, & the inability of their gameplan 2 get started. Their physicality could not overpower their opponents, who r even more possessive of height & physique. It was clear fr early on tat a single act would most likely win tis occasion, & the team in blue possessed the more likely personnel 2 deliver it. Indeed, they should hv been out of sight by half-time.

Stoke's sing-song accents, opposed 2 the guttural whine of Mancunian voices, were much the louder until tension took hold, & their team crawled 2 half-time lucky 2 be intact both in terms of the scoreline & personnel. Robert Huth's elbow on Balotelli was uncalled 4, an inexplicable act but 1 tat went unpunished by referee Martin Atkinson, whose display here was often of the type tat has won him few friends in the other half of Manchester.

David Silva's touch, so sure all season, deserted him just past the half-hour with goal gaping aft Balotelli's shot had squirted in2 his path, yet he somehow managed 2 direct the ball over the bar off the turf, a move he may struggle 2 replicate. As ever, he gleamed brightest of ManC's millionaires but Roberto Mancini turned & headed 4 the sanctity of his seat in open disgust.

The other side of half-time saw Silva similarly wasteful as Tevez played him in with the goal beckoning. City hv spent big 2 sign stars 2 deliver on the big occasion but their Spanish schemer looked grasped by the 'City-itis' tat has affected many a lesser talent. However, the other City bore the more obvious signs of the occasion getting 2 them. They just did not get going. Rory Delap's long throws were meat & drink 2 Vincent Kompany & Joleon Lescott, the Irishman never getting his optimum trajectory. Wembley did not offer the towelling service he is used 2 @ the Brittania Stadium.

Potters boss Tony Pulis was crestfallen in defeat but offered hearty praise 2 the victors. "We were beaten very convincingly," he said. "I hv nothing but full congratulations, the better team fully deserved 2 win & it's difficult 4 me 2 stand here & say tat."

Positives were soon offered by Pulis aft wat has been a fine season 4 a club still re-establishing themselves. "The big picture is very good," he reflected. "It was just a desperately disappointing day."

Having abandoned his pre-match Wembley suit, Pulis had prowled the touchline in requisite cap & tracksuit, choosing as ever 2 dress like a Sunday afternoon drinker in a council estate boozer as compared 2 the exquisitely tailored number tat Roberto Mancini would not be seen dead without. The Italian later donned the scarf which was 1s his trademark in celebration, as he hailed Toure, Mario Balotelli & the outstanding Vincent Kompany 4 their leading roles b4 setting sights on next season & a possible challenge 2 tat team in red's primacy.

"We 1 2 try," Mancini said. "The Champions League was our 1st target & then we 1 the FA Cup. In England, there r 3 competitions & we won the FA Cup & it's an important trophy. We went thru alot tis season, we need 2 improve more. Then we start 2 win."

His players had shown off a banner with a ticker set to '0-0' in riposte 2 the infamous mockery tat has been on display on the Stretford End 4 many a year & must now be taken down. "It was time," Mancini said. It was perhaps a shame tat City saw fit 2 define themselves thru the jibes of supporters fr another club, but aiming 4 United's perch is the end game of 'the project'.

"All the people in Manchester r happy," said Mancini the diplomat. "Next year we will see. We can play 4 the top with the other teams." Manchester, 4 the 1st time since 1968, has 2 teams able 2 boast of silverware. Mancunian red & blue looks a rivalry tat can only intensify.

MANCHESTER CITY VERDICT:
Tis was a highly professional & powerful display. As ever, it lacked stardust but getting the job done was the focus here. Understandable nerves seemed 2 hv gripped Silva in particular but the strength of their performance is best represented by the fact tat Stoke never looked likely 2 equalise 1s they had gone behind.

STOKE CITY VERDICT:
They gave much, but came away with only disappointment. Matthew Etherington's rush 2 play with a clearly still-damaged hamstring was a severe handicap, & he never got in2 the game. Kenwyne Jones blew their best chance but Stoke were never able 2 create enough 2 go in front, or later equalise.

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Mario Balotelli was the official choice, but the plaudits here go 2 the goalscorer, a hard-running threat throughout, & a man whose fitness levels hv lifted 2 allow him 2 become a 90-minute box-2-box man on Wembley's draining turf. His will be the name remembered fr tis game.

CIVIC PRIDE:
ManU's title win could not dim the spirits of City's fans, & they celebrated glory with backs 2 their heroes via the famed 'Poznan' dance. Tis should be a day 4 Manchester 2 remember but it is difficult 2 see 2 much grace extended in either direction. 'Purples' - those who follow both blue & red - r in very short supply these days.

[joew2005]

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

Mancini eyes beginning of dynasty

ManC manager Roberto Mancini believes the club's FA Cup success is just the start, with Yaya Toure's goal ending a 35-year wait 4 silverware with a 1-0 win over Stoke City.

Mancini said: "I can say only tat I'm very happy 4 all the supporters. Aft many years they deserve 2 win tis trophy. I didn't feel we dominated tis game. We need 2 improve but we r very happy. We did a small piece of history of ManC. We start now.''

When asked if the cup victory felt devalued by rivals ManU winning the title just b4 kick-off, Mancini said: "Absolutely not. In England there r 3 competitions, the Premier League, Carling Cup & FA Cup. We won the FA Cup. It is an important trophy. We need 2 improve more 2 do another step (win the title) but it was important 2 start 2 win becos when you start 2 win, afterwards everything will be easier.

"We 1 2 try (2 match United). We hv got 2 the Champions League, tat was our 1st target & we won the FA Cup. It is very important 4 tis club.''

On whether the drinks would be flowing Mancini, whose side play Stoke again in the Premier League on Tuesday, also said: "No, they know tat we should play in 3 days. We hv another 2 games & we 1 2 try if possible 2 get 3rd position.

"Tis night all the people in Manchester r happy. Next year we will see. It is important we finish well tis season. We can try 2 play 4 the top with the other teams but tis Premier League is very difficult becos Liverpool & Tottenham r also very strong teams.''

Mancini singled out goalscorer Toure, whose basic pay packet is reported 2 be the biggest in the Premier League, 4 special praise. Mancini said: "We bought him 4 tis. He is a fantastic player. He scored in the semi-final & the final. All season he has played very well.''

Mancini also expressed his belief tat captain Carlos Tevez would be remaining with the club, despite suggestions he will leave tis summer. He said: "Carlos has a 5-year contract with us. I think tat he will stay. I don't think he 1s 2 leave."

Controversial striker Mario Balotelli, who shrugged off a physical collision with Robert Huth in the 1st half & was then named as man of the match, also impressed Mancini. Mancini said: "Balotelli played very well. Tis trophy 4 him could be important. It can help him 2 improve like a man & as a player.''

Toure was ecstatic aft his goal won the FA Cup. Toure blasted home the only goal of the game in the 75th minute.

He told ITV1: "The dream is now ... It's fantastic 2 win. It's fantastic 4 the history of the club. We wanted 2 win something & get thru 2 the Champions League. It's amazing.''

Striker Mario Balotelli was named man of the match and said: "I'm happy. I said 2 the guys b4 the game 'we're better than them, we hv 2 respect them & give everything & if we do we're going 2 win'.''

Asked if it was his best performance of the season, he said: "All my season was s*** - can I say tat? I've played not very well, but 2day maybe I played more 4 the team.''

Goalkeeper Joe Hart declared ManC had "shut up'' all of their critics aft winning the FA Cup & ending their 35-year wait 4 a major trophy.

Hart said: "It feels amazing. Tuesday night was an amazing feeling &, obviously, 2day's an amazing feeling. Great season, great people & great fans. Buzzing. Champions League's important 4 the club. Getting a trophy tat shut every1 up is important 4 the fans & 4 us.

"It was wat we wanted 2 do but it's easier said than done & we've gone out & done it. I'm pretty sure there r a few ppl who didn't 1 us 2 do it & we've done it - so who cares?

"I couldn't care less wat they do @ Old Trafford. I'm annoyed even 2 say their name 2day becos it's got nothing 2 do with them. It's abt us, it's abt ManC winning the FA Cup, ManC getting in the Champions League. So 'bothered' wat they do.''

Hart also hailed matchwinner Yaya Toure, who was also the semi-final hero having previously taken flak 4 his performances on a salary reported 2 be the highest in the country. He said: "Huge goals, huge player. He cost alot & I imagine he's paid a lot.

"He's come up with the goods so no-1 can question tat guy. He done great 4 us & we're happy 4 him.''

City were well worth their win their victory tis afternoon & Hart said: "We've absolutely hammered them 2day & I think there's only 1 result. But, fair play 2 Stoke, they were totally resilient & they made a great game of it. It was a great spectacle but the better team won.''

And Hart believes City r only heading in 1 direction.

"I'd like 2 think so,'' he said. "It was really hard 2 get 4th spot, really hard 2 get the trophy 2day. But we've done it & long may it continue.''

Defender Micah Richards was lost 4 words aft City's triumph. He said: "It's unbelievable. Words can't describe it. We've worked hard all season. Now it's happened, it's unbelievable. Tis is the 1st 1 & tis is the most important. We've got 2 build on tis.''

Midfielder Adam Johnson added: "Take a little look @ wat it means 2 the fans - 35 years of wait & we did it.''

ManC will hold a victory parade around the city on May 23 to celebrate winning the FA Cup. The event will start @ 1800 BST on the day aft the end of the current Premier League season & will give City supporters the chance 2 celebrate their 1st major trophy since their League Cup success in 1976.

Garry Cook, City's chief executive officer, hailed the achievements of the team & thanked ManC Council 4 their invitation 2 parade the trophy.

"Saturday was a truly historic occasion 4 ManC Football Club & we r delighted 2 be bringing the FA Cup trophy back 2 Manchester,'' he said. "We r extremely grateful 2 ManC Council 4 their invitation 2 parade the trophy, & we r looking 4ward 2 seeing as many of our wonderful supporters as possible lining the streets of the city next Monday.''

The council's invitation follows their earlier announcement tat they would also organise a parade 4 Premier League winners ManU & Sir Richard Leese, the leader of ManC Council, said it was 'fitting' 2 allow Roberto Mancini's side the chance 2 honour their triumph along with their fans.

"City winning the FA Cup is a joyous occasion 4 many people in Manchester, myself included. It's only fitting tat we host a public celebration of tat achievement so fans can share the moment & enjoy the success,'' he said. "Manchester's football clubs r a huge source of pride, helping 2 project the city's name around the world, & we expect some unforgettable scenes on 23 May as thousands of City fans gather 2 acclaim their team.''

[joew2005]

http://forums.soccernet.com/will-uni...e-t123127.html

Will United be the best team in Manchester next season?

There was good news 4 both halves of Manchester @ the weekend as City lifted the FA Cup & United secured the league title. The red devils r on top now, but could ManC's spending upset the balance next season?

City r now a Champions League side & will command the cash & reverence of a club @ the top of football's food chain. Any players who weren't already tempted by the huge wages on offer @ City could now hv their heads turned by the ability 2 play in the UCL.

Summer signings seem inevitable, so is it time 4 United fans 2 start worrying abt their supremacy in the city? Tis time next season which club do you think will be having the better time?


With Alex Ferguson still in charge @ ManU,I don't see how Mancini k lead the blue half of Manchester 2 finish abv the red half next season.

[joew2005]

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

Platt: City can be haven 4 world's best

On the back of 1 of the most successful weeks in ManC's history, 1st-team coach David Platt sees no reason why the club shouldn't now be on the radar of the world's best players.

City celebrated winning the FA Cup on Saturday, ending their 35-year wait 4a major trophy, & also secured qualification 4 next season's Champions League by beating Spurs last Tuesday.

Roberto Mancini's side could leapfrog Arsenal & go 3rd in the Premier League table if they beat Stoke on Tuesday night & should they finish abv the Gunners they will avoid going thru the Champions League play-offs & go straight in2 the group stage.

City's wealthy Abu Dhabi owners hv already invested almost £300 million on new personnel since taking ownership of the club in 2008 & the likes of Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko & Yaya Toure certainly represent players of significant calibre.

And Platt feels tat the club should be able 2 attract even bigger names now tat they will be sitting @ European football's top table next season, meaning there will be no repeat of the farcical £100 million offer 4 Kaka in January 2009, which was accepted by AC Milan b4 the Brazilian opted 2 stay becos he was not convinced of City's quality.

"By winning something but perhaps more importantly by securing Champions League qualification, we will hopefully become more attractive 2 players," Platt said. "These r the kind of players tat give us tat next step up in quality.

"Hopefully, we'll manage 2 hv a successful summer in terms of attracting some targets tat we've got. We've got 2 make sure tat we go 4 people tat we feel can add quality & depth 2 the squad.''

City aim 2 kick on next season & challenge city rivals ManU 4 the title. But Platt insists winning silverware year-on-year is more important than occasionally getting the better of their neighbours.

"Progression is 2 go & compete 4 the title but nobody's turning around & bragging abt tat @ all. City hv had 2 suffer in the shadow of a club tat's been magnificent. They won the league on Saturday so you can't take anything away fr them.

"We won't be on a level with them until we start winning trophies on a regular basis. But 2 be in & around United, 2 compete with them, is tremendous 4 us. But the end result isn't necessarily 2 outdo ManU. The end result is 2 win trophies.''

Yaya Toure, who scored the winning goal against Stoke @ Wembley, is determined 2 finish the season with a swagger. City close their campaign by facing Bolton on Sunday @ the Reebok Stadium & the midfielder is eager 2 take maximum points fr both games.

"We r already in the Champions League but 2 finish ahead of Arsenal in 3rd place would be fantastic. I m so happy @ the moment with the way things r going & seeing how much winning a trophy means 2 our supporters.

"Our dressing room is a great place 2 be. We r all together, we all fight 4 the team & tat is so important.''