Man City

[joew2005]

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

Toure: City hold grudge against me
December 6, 2011

Kolo Toure claims African players plying their trade in England r "victims of discrimination", & says ManC still hold ill will 2ward him aft going away 2 the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

Toure will miss important Premier League action next month when he again heads 2 the continental showpiece 2 represent the Ivory Coast. The 4mer Arsenal & City skipper contends tis sort of absence is often held against African players away on international duty during the European season.

"It's going 2 get more & more difficult 4 us, the Africans," he told So Foot.

"2 compete in the ANC, it's catastrophic these days. Coaches no longer 1 2 sign players becos of it. I m convinced tat, if I m not playing [4 City], it's not only 4 football reasons. If it was only abt the game, I'd be playing every week. I m the victim of tat, & it has 2 be said."

The defender also states City hv never 4given him 4 competing in the 2010 tournament, resulting in diminished playing time & Toure losing the club captaincy.

"When I was in Angola 4 the ANC in 2010, the club hired a plane so tat I could get back asap 4 a match against ManU [the Carling Cup semi-final 2nd leg]. I couldn't get back in time & we lost. I believe tat the club hv not got past tat, & I'm paying 4 it now," said Toure.

Toure's tirade did not stop @ criticising his employers either, as he launched in2 the club's latest £6 million signing, saying: "When u look @ the performance of [Stefan] Savic [on his league debut] against QPR - excuse me, I'm relaxed.

"I know my qualities, I've got nothing 2 prove here in England, they know me here. Football's like tat. It goes 1 way, then the other. The clubs @ tis level always hv big squads. Look, I was the cpt here. So was [Carlos] Tevez & he is no longer. Who would hv thought tat would happen?"


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

Joorabchian: Tevez to stay in Europe
December 6, 2011

Carlos Tevez looks certain 2 head 2 Serie A in January aft Kia Joorabchian revealed he will sign 4 another club in Europe.

Tevez has been the target of newly-crowned Brazilian champions Corinthians since the summer, when a move collapsed as time ran out b4 the South American transfer window closed. There had been speculation tat Corinthians would renew their interest, but their hopes now appear 2 be slim.

Joorabchian, Tevez's advisor, says his player 1s 2 play 4 a "great club" & will stay in Europe.

"A return 2 Brazil? It's a possibility, but 4 the time being he 1s 2 play in Europe," Joorabchian was quoted as saying on www.milannews.it. "He (Tevez) is training intensely. In January he 1s 2 return 2 hv a starring role & play in a great club.

"Milan is a great club but there r other Italian clubs tat hv also requested information."

AC Milan president vice-president Adriano Galliani claimed in Monday tat the club hv been given permission by ManC 2 open talks with Tevez, who is currently AWOL aft his much-publicised troubled @ the Premier League club.

City manager Roberto Mancini has branded Tevez 'stupid' 4 the behaviour tis season tat has seen the striker move 2wards the exit door @ the club.

The Argentine has been out of favour with the club ever since appearing 2 refuse 2 come on as a substitute in City's Champions League game against Bayern Munich earlier in the season, a decision Mancini admits he was both shocked & hurt by.

"Tevez behaved stupidly in the way a player shouldn't - esp a great player," Mancini said. "I was really angry becos I was not expecting tat fr him. I always had excellent relations with him.

"That's the 1st time I've seen tat in such an important match when there was 40 mins still left 2 play."

Mancini was further angered by Tevez's subsequent refusal 2 apologise 4 his behaviour, aft being given the opportunity 2 return 2 the 1st-team fold even as the tide of public opinion was so heavily against him.

"10 days aft wat happened in Munich, I invited him 2 come 2 my place 2 talk," the Italian said. "I told him if he apologised 2 me, 2 the club, 2 the team, he could come back in2 the squad. I would hv forgiven him but he replied tat he didn't hv 2 apologise 2 any1."

City face Bayern Munich again on Wednesday night in the final game of the group stage, with the club knowing they must beat the German side & hope Villarreal do them a favour against Napoli if they r 2 progress 2 the last 16 of the competition.

Captain Vincent Kompany believes the club can emerge victorious, & should enjoy wat could prove a dramatic evening @ the Etihad Stadium.

"It will be a special night & with the players we hv, we r capable of anything," Kompany said. "It will be 1 of those nights when people will hv their eye on 2 different games.

"I hv learned tat these can be the most horrible nights, but also the best nights. Why not? Having Bayern Munich @ the Etihad is something tat hasn't happened 4 a long time so we should respect the moment. We must make a special night of it & believe 100% we can do it."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...t'?cc=4716

Mancini backs Toure over 'rant'
December 6, 2011

Roberto Mancini has given his support 2 Kolo Toure aft the defender was quoted criticising City & the attitude 2wards African players in the Premier League.

Quotes attributed 2 Toure in So Foot also included a damning assessment of fellow defender Stefan Savic, who signed 4 City in the summer, & suggested he was ready 2 leave the club.

Mancini said ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Bayern Munich in the Champions League: "I spoke abt tis with Kolo yesterday. He said he did not say anything abt tis. He doesn't hv any problems @ tis moment - he explained [tis] 2 me.

"Yesterday b4 training he said 2 me: 'Sorry boss but in the newspaper it will come out tat I said tis, tis, tis - but I did say nothing abt tis.' 4 me tis is okay."

Toure will miss important Premier League action next month when he again heads 2 the African Nations Cup 2 represent the Ivory Coast & he feels tis sort of absence is often held against African players away on international duty during the European season.

"It's going 2 get more & more difficult 4 us, the Africans," So Foot quoted Toure as saying. "2 compete in the ANC, it's catastrophic these days. Coaches no longer 1 2 sign players becos of it. I m convinced tat, if I m not playing [4 City], it's not only 4 football reasons. If it was only abt the game, I'd be playing every week. I m the victim of tat, & it has 2 be said."

The defender also stated City hv never forgiven him 4 competing in the 2010 tournament, resulting in diminished playing time & Toure losing the club captaincy.

"When I was in Angola 4 the ANC in 2010, the club hired a plane so tat I could get back asap 4 a match against ManU [the Carling Cup semi-final second leg]. I couldn't get back in time & we lost. I believe tat the club hv not got past tat, & I'm paying 4 it now," said Toure.

Toure's alleged tirade did not stop @ criticising his employers either, as he launched in2 the club's latest £6 million signing, saying: "When u look @ the performance of [Stefan] Savic [on his league debut] against QPR - excuse me, I'm relaxed.

"I know my qualities, I've got nothing 2 prove here in England, they know me here. Football's like tat. It goes 1 way, then the other. The clubs @ tis level always hv big squads. Look, I was the captain here. So was [Carlos] Tevez & he is no longer. Who would hv thought tat would happen?"

In October 2010, Lily Allen accepted undisclosed damages fr So Foot over an interview which quoted her as making offensive remarks abt Cheryl Cole & Victoria Beckham. The magazine admitted no interview ever took place.

[joew2005]

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

Mancini to confront Bayern chief
December 6, 2011

Roberto Mancini intends 2 confront Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge over his persistent sniping of ManC.

Rummenigge has been outspoken in his criticism of City & their swift rise which has been fuelled by the spending power of their affluent owner, Sheikh Mansour.

City recently announced annual losses of £194.9 million, & Rummenigge feels the Premier League club should be excluded fr European competition if they do not conform 2 UEFA's new Financial Fair Play rules.

Mancini has been left bemused by Rummenigge's comments & will raise the issue if he sees him @ the Etihad Stadium, where City meet Bayern in their final Champions League Group A match on Wednesday.

He said: "I don't understand Rummenigge's behaviour against ManC. For 6 months he talks against us every time 4 Financial Fair Play & he continues 2 say he hopes Napoli go thru 2 the 2nd stage.

"I don't know what's different with us. I think ManC r working 4 tis FFP 4 the next 2 years. But I don't understand wat happening with Rummenigge. 2morrow I will ask him."

City, who r 3rd in the group, need 2 beat already-qualified Bayern 2 hv any hope of progressing 2 the knockout stage. Even if they do win, they need Villarreal 2 claim their 1st point of the competition against Napoli 2 reach the last-16.

Mancini believes it is unfair 2 single out City, even though their progress in the 3 years since Mansour bought the club has been remarkable.

Although they hv struggled in Europe this season, City currently lead the Premier League by 5 points having won 12 of 14 games & scored 48 goals in the process.

Mancini said: "I think every team is worried abt ManC becos ManC in the future could become 1 of the top clubs in the world.

"But you don't 1 2 see tat every time an important man like Rummenigge who is the Bayern Munich chief executive & a representative of a top club in the world, every time he says things against us.

"Becos there r other teams in Europe tat hv a problem with Financial Fair Play, not only ManC."


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

Galliani announces Tevez agreement
December 6, 2011

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has revealed an agreement has now been reached with Carlos Tevez 4 a January loan move, although ManC hv yet 2 accept the offer.

Roberto Mancini has made clear tat Tevez is not part of his plans & Milan hv been in talks with the player's representatives over a January move.

"Betw yesterday & 2day I laid a few bricks 2 reinforce an already formidable squad," Galliani said. "I've been in my office with Tevez's agent & the situation is clear: Milan hv an agreement with the player & just now we sent a proposal 2 ManC - a free loan with right 2 buy @ certain conditions."

However, tat move is by no means certain of success - indeed, ESPNsoccernet has been informed by City sources tat they would not welcome a loan arrangement.

Asked why City should accept the bid, though, Galliani told Milan Channel: "He is not playing, he's a great player & if he does well with us then we'll buy him.

"The player is giving up a mountain of money. He had enormous bonuses with City 4 the Premiership & Champions League. I spoke 2 Carlitos & he 1s 2 join us. Half the agreement is complete; now we await City's response.

"If Tevez arrives, it'd be a new champion 4 all of Italian football 2 enjoy. We r close. The player was fantastic 4 the economic sacrifices he made & his great desire 2 come 2 Milan. I hope City say yes, as I managed 2 beat away some threats fr Italy & Europe, but I cannot tell you who. We r in pole position."

[Bebertov]

Tonight Game will be tough against Bayern ... Mancini need to win to ensure progress ... Hence my prediction below..

Half / Full-Time Double : D-H @$4.20 .

Total Goals : 3goals @$3.90

Pick The Score : 2-1 or 3-2 to Man City... 2-1 @$7.50 , 3-2 @$19

Bayern away form is not that good..

HUAT !!!!!

[joew2005]

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

Kompany primed for Bayern test
December 7, 2011

ManC captain Vincent Kompany insists there is "enough experience" of the Champions League in Roberto Mancini's side so as not 2 be overawed by the need 2 beat Bayern Munich 2 progress 2 the knockout stages.

City require a victory over the German giants in order 2 qualify fr Group A, though even tat will not be enough shld Napoli beat Villarreal in Spain.

Despite dominating domestically tis season - they r currently 5 points clear @ the top of the Premier League table & still unbeaten - City hv struggled 2 translate tat success on2 the continental stage in their inaugural Champions League season.

Away defeats against Bayern & Napoli hv put their qualification hopes in the balance, with Kompany & co's fate out of their own hands.

But despite failing 2 assert themselves thus far, Kompany believes there is enough individual experience of the Champions League 4 City 2 be able 2 step up 2 the plate in big games like the 1 @ Eastlands on Wednesday night.

"We hv experience in the competition," Kompany said. "Maybe not as a club but, individually, we hv enough experience in tis competition.

"4 me the only reason we hv not qualified yet is becos we r in the toughest group. I m convinced whatever happens we still hv alot 2 play 4 in Europe & I just hope it will be in the Champions League.''

City r currently 3rd in the group & will finish in tat position & drop in2 the Europa League if the results do not go in their favour.

It has been suggested Bayern, having already qualified 4 the last 16 as pool winners, could do City a favour by fielding a below-strength team but Kompany does not accept tat.

"I expect Bayern 2 put out a strong team," Kompany said. "Tat is 1 of the characteristics of such teams - they always 1 2 win. I can't imagine they would come here & 1 2 get beaten.

"If they did, we would be happy abt it but I would be surprised. But do we need a weaker team fr Bayern 2 win? I don't think so. I think they r a great team but I definitely think we hv still got alot 2 show in tis competition.''

[joew2005]

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

Kompany wants Europa success
December 7, 2011

ManC captain Vincent Kompany insisted winning the Europa League is a realistic target as his side's maiden Champions League campaign came 2 an end despite a convincing 2-0 win over an under-strength Bayern Munich.

David Silva & Yaya Toure scored as City produced a fine attacking display 2 secure the win they required but Napoli's defeat of Villarreal undid them & sent them tumbling out. The result means City will now be competing in the Europa League in the new year, with Bayern & Napoli progressing 2 the Champions League knockout stages.

"We hv 10 points [in the Champions League] but obviously we're disappointed,'' Kompany told Sky Sports. "Well done 2 Napoli. I think they've had a good season.

"The Champions League has finished 4 us but there's still so much 2 achieve tis season & the Europa League is a realistic competition 4 us now. We'll celebrate any cup.

"On the pitch we had absolutely no idea [tat we had not qualified]. I thought @ 2-0 up the fans would hv been more enthusiastic if we had qualified. We kind of had tis feeling but we didn't know.

"We've got 10 points out of it & the main [positive] was the draw @ home 2 Napoli. I don't think there's any shame of losing over there or against Bayern Munich.''

City manager Roberto Mancini believes winning the Europa League would still be a big achievement, saying: "We go in2 the Europa league. It's another trophy & it's an important trophy 4 ManC. It's a disappointment becos we wanted 2 play in the Champions League. 10 points is very difficult 2 go out.

"If u r in the final [of the Europa League] it will be very important becos I've never won the Europa League. We r a good team. We played well, we're very sorry 4 our supporters & I'm sorry 4 our players.

"I think we need 2 improve as a team becos we got a tough group [in the Champions League] tis year. Congratulations 2 Napoli, they got 1 point more than us. Now we r the top of the Premier League & the season will be long but we 1 2 improve on last year in the Premier League.''

[joew2005]

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

Lehmann: Boring, boring City
December 8, 2011

Former Arsenal & Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has claimed the Champions League is better off without ManC aft they were eliminated fr the competition despite beating Bayern Munich 2-0 on Wednesday night.

Lehmann, working as a pundit 4 Germany's Sky television, could not hide his pleasure @ seeing City drop in2 the Europa League as Napoli joined Bayern in qualification fr Group A of the competition.

"ManC play very, very boring football," he said. "They just make their opponents fall asleep with lots of possession.

"But 2 be honest, tat is not tactically very demanding. The way they play here is the way any amateur team plays, only not on such good grass.

"They just pack men behind the ball, hv 5 against 2 & just move the ball around. The goal then just comes fr a fortunate circumstance."

Lehmann, who played in the Champions League final 4 Arsenal against Barcelona in 2006, albeit 4 only 18 mins b4 being sent off, was also unimpressed by the atmosphere @ the Etihad Stadium.

"There was no life in the stadium," he said. "It was dead. The fans r so quiet. You have got to say, though, tat they hv not got anything really 2 get excited abt here. They had possession all of the time, albeit in their own half where nothing was happening.

"It is a shame becos it is not typical English football. Napoli hv heart & passion & I liked them. It is good tat they hv gone thru. We don't 1 2 see ManC in the Champions League."

City hv been in sparkling form in the Premier League, with Roberto Mancini's men currently top of the table having scored 48 goals in 14 matches.

[joew2005]

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

Milan VP rules out Tevez swap
December 9, 2011

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has brushed aside rumours Alexandre Pato or any other Rossonero player would be included in the deal 2 bring ManC 4ward Carlos Tevez 2 the San Siro in January.

Speculation in England claimed Milan would be ready 2 offer Brazilian striker Pato 2 City as part of a swap deal tat would see Tevez join the Italian champions.

"There is an offer sent 2 Manchester 4 Tevez,'' Galliani said. "However, we hv not spoken abt any of our players going 2 City or any other club. Our fans can be calm becos tis is the truth.''

AC Milan claimed tis week they had reached an agreement with Tevez & had sent an offer 2 City 2 acquire the player on loan in the winter transfer market.

"We know tat City's desire is 2 sell the player but our offer is 2 get the player on loan with an option 2 make that deal permanent,'' Galliani had said. "We hope tat City says yes becos our offer will not be modified.

"I m neither optimistic nor pessimistic. Wat I can certainly say is tat the player would like 2 come 2 Milan, it would his preferred destination. But we must convince City 2 loan the player out & tat is not easy.''


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

De Jong: Title was always main target
December 9, 2011

ManC midfielder Nigel de Jong claims the club must quickly shrug off their disappointing exit fr the Champions League 2 focus on their number 1 target - the Premier League title.

City's debut campaign in Europe's flagship competition came 2 an end on Wednesday night when they failed 2 progress fr Group A, finishing in 3rd place behind Bayern Munich & Napoli 2 drop in2 the Europa League.

But Dutch midfielder De Jong insists lifting the Premier League trophy was always City's top target 4 tis season & the club r on course 2 do just tat as they hold a 5-point lead over 2nd place ManU.

Reflecting on City's Champions League exit, De Jong said: "We won't be affected by tis setback. Winning the league will make up 4 tis. We didn't go thru in the Champions League but we can't let tat distract us fr our main target - & tat's winning the Premier League.

"We r still in with a chance of 4 cups. We r not despairing abt the season becos it's still early.

"It's the 1st year City were in the Champions League & expectations were high. But in the group expectations weren't so high becos our main target was still the Premier League title."

City return 2 domestic action on Monday night in a high-profile clash with a resurgent Chelsea @ Stamford Bridge & De Jong thinks the match will provide a good indicator of City's title-winning potential.

"You hv 2 beat them 2 become Premier League winners," De Jong said. "They r still title contenders & still up there."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview...318226?cc=4716

City to test Blues' credentials

"I just think the reaction has been over the top. There's only 1 team in the country @ the moment, & tat's ManC. I hope they qualify, sincerely, but the attitude has been 'If they qualify they qualify & if they don't they don't'. That's not the same as with us. I will never criticise your editorial choices, but it's the reality."

When Andre Villas-Boas launched in2 his attack on the media in the aftermath of Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Valencia & subsequent progression 2 the knockout rounds of the Champions League, he did not merely request tat the press refrain fr criticising his team but also questioned why they had not applied equal criticism 2 ManC.

The explanation, of course, owes 2 the fact tat ManC r top of the Premier League table, unbeaten, with a goal difference of +35, & hv struggled only in the Champions League - struggles mitigated by the fact they were drawn in2 a group of death in their debut season in the competition.

However, with City's demotion 2 the Europa League on Wednesday, Villas-Boas has planted a seed of doubt ahead of Monday's meeting @ Stamford Bridge as 2 whether Roberto Mancini's men might in fact be failing 2 meet expectations.

Tis is still a team in transition - inevitable aft the years of reliance on so strong & established a spine of players - & it remains 2 be seen whether Roman Abramovich has now discovered the patience 2 resist his itchy trigger finger. The suspicion is tat he will give Villas-Boas, who was so expensive an acquisition, the time 2 see thru the mission so long as it remains feasible 2 do so, & the signs of recovery r now clearly in evidence. Even so, it is important the momentum is maintained. The Blues hv won 3 of their last 4 games 3-0, but all could be considered flattering 2 various degrees &, while the results ease the pressure & offer them room 2 find their very best form, finding it is a must if they r 2 deliver against the league leaders.

City look 2 hv shaken off a dip in form of their own - in November, they laboured 2 victory over QPR, lost 2 Napoli & were fortunate 2 take a 1-1 draw with Liverpool - &, though they r no longer in the Champions League, they seem 2 be the season's standard-bearers in the Premier League. Tis is a real test 4 Chelsea, & a chance 2 banish the negative headlines 4 some time 2 come: by putting pressure on his opponents while simultaneously fostering a siege mentality, Villas-Boas is doing all he can 2 find an advantage.

Chelsea player 2 watch:
Daniel Sturridge. Didier Drogba showed signs he was back 2 his best in midweek, & if he can maintain tat form then Chelsea's concerns shld all but fade away, yet the livewire Sturridge may be the man 2 watch on Monday. At 22, his development looks 2 be slightly behind track as a result of limited 1st-team experience prior 2 his loan move 2 Bolton in January, & as a result he still looks wasteful & prone 2 bad decision-making. Even so, tis is a 4ward bursting with natural ability & the desire 2 win matches &, against his former club, it would be foolish 2 dismiss his potential impact.

ManC player 2 watch:
Mario Balotelli. Though still endlessly making headlines, Balotelli has tis season found tat good form on the field significantly lessens the impact of the bad publicity. With 7 goals in his last 9 league games, & having been rested 4 all but the final 9 mins of Wednesday's victory over Bayern Munich, Roberto Mancini is likely 2 rely on his fellow Italian 2 lead the charge.

Key Battle: Juan Mata v David Silva.
These former Valencia stars hv adapted superbly well 2 life in the Premier League & may even be considered the key men 4 their respective clubs. With Mata having contributed 7 assists in his last 9 league games & Silva leading the assist charts with 8 for the season, their ability 2 supply the 4wards will hv a major effect on Monday night. Mata has already heaped misery on his former Valencia colleagues tis week & will hope his friend @ City suffers the same fate on Monday.

Trivia:
During Jose Mourinho's 1st season - when Andre Villas-Boas was part of the backroom team - Chelsea's only defeat came in a 1-0 defeat 2 ManC. The scorer of tat penalty on October 16, 2004, was Nicolas Anelka, then of City & now in exile @ Chelsea.

Stats:
Although ManC hv scored 24 goals in their 7 away games in the league tis season, Chelsea can take heart fr the fact City hv scored in only 1 of their last 9 games @ Stamford Bridge.

Odds:
Chelsea (2.40), ManC (2.75) & the draw (3.40) r on offer with bet365 while Mario Balotelli is available @ 8.00 as 1st goal-scorer.

Prediction:
While Villas-Boas' men hv not yet matched the standards of the Chelsea of old, there r encouraging signs tat his new side r starting 2 find some cohesion. They r installed as favourites with bet365, but a draw is perhaps the more likely option.

[joew2005]

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

Nasri: United a bigger threat than Blues
December 11, 2011

Samir Nasri says ManC hv nothing 2 fear when they visit Stamford Bridge on Monday, claiming it is ManU & not Chelsea who represent the main title threat 2 Roberto Mancini's side.

City currently hold a 2-point advantage over United @ the top of the Premier League, but could reassert a 5-point lead should they beat the Blues on their own turf.

A defeat 4 Andre Villas-Boas' charges, already 10 points adrift in 5th place, would be catastrophic & likely signal a premature end 2 their title aspirations tis season.

Chelsea do go in2 the game in buoyant mood aft qualifying 4 the knockout stages of the Champions League in midweek, while City & United were knocked out of the competition, but Nasri feels tat, domestically, it will be the 2 Manchester clubs fighting it out 4 the title come the end of the campaign.

"ManU r still the threat 2 us," Nasri was quoted as saying in the Sunday Mirror. "I say tat becos they hv more experience than any other team.

"It will be difficult when we play Chelsea, of course, but we knew it would also be difficult going 2 places like Spurs, ManU & Liverpool - & we had great results against those teams. So I don't know wat we hv 2 fear abt Chelsea.

"We r confident abt our quality & we will try 2 play the same game tat Liverpool did when they beat Chelsea in the league @ Stamford Bridge. We know tat if we press them high & play our football, then they will be in difficulty."

While City will look 2 follow Liverpool's tactical blueprint against Chelsea, Nasri insists it is European champions Barcelona tat he & his team-mates r looking 2 emulate.

"Our model is Barcelona," he said. "As a team we defend very high up the pitch & I believe that's why we r scoring so many goals.

"When u win the ball in the other team's half it will always be easier 2 score becos u r closer 2 goal. You hv less distance 2 run & u r fresher running just 30 metres.

"We cannot win the Champions League now, but our objective @ the start of the season was the [Premier] League."

[joew2005]

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

Tevez won't join Milan - Seedorf
December 13, 2011

Clarence Seedorf does not think Carlos Tevez will join AC Milan becos he expects the striker 2 join the club which can "promise him the most money".

ManC r looking 2 offload the out-of-favour Tevez in the January transfer window, with AC Milan & PSG among the sides chasing his signature.

City hv already rejected the prospect of a loan deal 4 their former skipper, & with French side PSG expected 2 offer Tevez a better salary than the Serie A side, Milan midfielder Seedorf admits he is not expecting the Argentine 2 arrive @ the San Siro in January.

"Looking back @ his career, his agents & every move he has ever made, I think Tevez will go where they can promise him the most money," Seedorf told Sky Sport Italia.

"Milan would be the 1st time in his life tat he has chosen a club 4 his career rather than the money. We'll see wat happens."

[joew2005]

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

No Tevez approach from Spurs, PSG
December 14, 2011

ManC striker Carlos Tevez is no closer 2 leaving the club, despite heightened media speculation abt interest fr PSG & Tottenham.

Reports on Wednesday in The Sun - 4 whom Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is a regular columnist - suggested tat Spurs r keen 2 take Tevez off City's hands, while a French radio station claimed tat the Argentina striker's representatives had met with PSG earlier tis week.

But ESPNsoccernet has been informed tat there has been no approach fr Tottenham & tat PSG only made a tentative enquiry in the initial aftermath of Tevez's refusal 2 warm-up against Bayern Munich in October, & hv not been back with an official offer since.

"French radio were reporting a meeting betw the player's advisors & PSG on Monday night when nothing of the sort was going on," a City insider told ESPNsoccernet. "There has been media speculation tat City hv agreed a fee with PSG - again, there is nothing going on."

AC Milan hv been the only club 2 make an actual offer 4 Tevez, though their bid 2 take him on loan with a view 2 signing him permanently for £21 million in the summer was rejected by City, who are rigidly standing by their principles of not loaning out Tevez under any circumstances.

City r demanding a "fair market price" 4 Tevez - thought 2 be around €35 million - & maintain tat he will remain on the Premier League club's books 4 the rest of the season, even if he never kicks a ball again 4 them.

[joew2005]

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

City return 2 summit
December 18, 2011

ManC returned 2 winning ways - & went back 2 the top of the Premier League - with a 1-0 victory in a pulsating clash against Arsenal @ the Etihad Stadium.

City had taken 4 out a possible 9 points heading in2 the fixture, & lost their unbeaten record against Chelsea on Monday. But they looked back 2 somewhere near their best as a goal fr David Silva saw off a spirited challenge fr the Gunners, & took City 2 points abv ManU, who had gone top with a win over QPR earlier in the day.

City were rampant aft the goal & should hv put the game out of Arsenal's reach on 2 occasions just aft the hour, most glaringly when Samir Nasri somehow fluffed wat should hv been an easy square ball in2 the path of Mario Balotelli 6 yards out. Sergio Aguero was less guilty, drilling narrowly wide fr inside the area.

The Gunners weathered the storm - although there was another huge scare when Pablo Zabaleta drilled a shot against the post - & nearly fashioned an equaliser in the 90th minute when Thomas Vermaelen's long-range strike forced Joe Hart in2 a flying save. But City held on 4 a win tat proves their mettle as title challengers.

ManU had spent a couple of hours on top of the table aft recording a 2-0 win over QPR earlier in the day.

SAF's men hv responded superbly 2 crashing out of the Champions League, thumping Wolves last week b4 becoming only the 3rd side 2 beat Rangers @ Loftus Road tis season. Crucial 2 both results has been Wayne Rooney, who scored 2 against Wolves & added another in London, breaking the deadlock b4 Michael Carrick added a 2nd.

Rooney required less than 60 seconds 2 nod United ahead in the lunchtime kick-off, arriving @ the back post 2 glance a diving header past Radek Cerny fr Antonio Valencia's cross. Cerny was woefully exposed 4 tat early strike & he was made 2 work overtime again later in the half when, having already dived, he lifted up an arm 2 miraculously deny Valencia's goalbound effort.

QPR had their chances 2 level, not least thru Jay Bothroyd, who lazily swept over when well-placed on the edge of the box & then later drilled right across the face of goal with no takers @ the back post.

United looked the slicker, more clinical outfit, yet when their 2nd came it was in extremely soft circumstances. Joey Barton played a poor pass 2 Carrick, & even though the England midfielder had 2 run fr the halfway line 2 score, he progressed unchallenged b4 sending a relatively tame effort past Cerny. Jonny Evans almost extended the champions' lead when heading against an upright, but Ferguson's men were well worth the 3 points.

Liverpool moved within 3 points of 3rd-placed Chelsea with a hugely comfortable 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa. The Reds arrived @ Villa Park with the best defence in the top flight, & they added another clean sheet 2 support first-half goals fr Craig Bellamy & Martin Skrtel.

Villa were always going 2 be up against it with Darren Bent sidelined by a thigh injury & Gabriel Agbonlahor suspended, & things became even more difficult when Bellamy tapped home an 11th-minute corner fr Stewart Downing, aft flicks by Jonjo Shelvey & Luis Suarez.

Alex McLeish's side hv been vulnerable @ set-pieces all season & the 2nd also came fr a corner in the 17th minute, Skrtel rising with authority @ the near post 2 glance high in2 the top corner with Bellamy tis time the provider.

Liverpool deserved 2 win by a larger scoreline & they almost had a 3rd early in the 2nd period when Suarez beat 2 defenders 2 slam the ball against the bar, & the brilliant Uruguayan went close again just b4 the hour, sending an audacious chip against Guzan's right post.

Tottenham remain 5 ahead of Liverpool aft they defeated Sunderland 1-0 @ White Hart Lane. Spurs were without Gareth Bale & Jermain Defoe 4 the visit of Martin O'Neill's side, & they also lost Aaron Lennon 2 a hamstring injury midway thru the 1st half.

However, they still managed 2 claim 3 points thanks 2 a 2nd-half strike fr Roman Pavlyuchenko, who slotted past Keiren Westwood aft a sublime reverse pass by Rafael van der Vaart.

[joew2005]

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

Galliani moves to complete Tevez deal
December 19, 2011

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani is set 2 fly 2 Manchester tis week with the hope of finalising a deal 4 wantaway City striker Carlos Tevez.

Tevez is still AWOL in Argentina, having left 4 his homeland without the permission of his club, while City look 2 find a club willing 2 purchase the player.

Milan, meanwhile, hv stated their desire 2 bring Tevez 2 the San Siro on loan 2 replace the injured Antonio Cassano, & hope 2 hv the 27-year-old available 4 their training camp in Dubai in 2 weeks.

"On Thursday we hv an appointment with ManC 4 Tevez but it will probably not be the decisive 1 2 conclude negotiations," Galliani said, according 2 Italian Eurosport.

Galliani also told Radio 1 Rai: "We're not going 2 take him outright: we're offering a free loan with the right 2 buy in June. The player 1s 2 come 2 us & not PSG (Paris St Germain) & we hope City accept the offer.''

Galliani also said signing Maxi Lopez, currently @ Catania, was a "standby'' option if Milan r unable 2 agree terms with City 4 Tevez.

[joew2005]

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

Mancini rules out Tevez loan
December 20, 2011

ManC manager Roberto Mancini has cast fresh doubt on Carlos Tevez's proposed move 2 AC Milan, insisting the rebel striker will not be allowed 2 leave Eastlands on loan.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani is set 2 fly 2 Manchester on Thursday 2 negotiate a deal, but the Italian club hv already stated tat they do not hv the cash 2 buy Tevez outright.

The Rossoneri 1 2 take Tevez on a temporary basis, 2 replace injured 4ward Antonio Cassano, & will only consider purchasing the Argentina international @ the end of the season.

However, it seems unless they r willing 2 agree 2 a permanent switch in the January transfer window, Tevez will not be heading 2 the San Siro.

"I hope we can find a good solution 4 us & Carlos,'' said Mancini. "We 1 Carlos 2 come back & play football & the best solution 4 us is 2 sell him. We can't let him leave on loan.''

Meanwhile, Galliani told Radio 1 Rai: "We're not going 2 take him outright: we're offering a free loan with the right 2 buy in June. The player 1s 2 come 2 us & not PSG (Paris St Germain) & we hope City accept the offer.''

With Tevez currently still in Argentina, City's stance runs the risk of extending the present impasse beyond the January transfer deadline. However, as Mancini outlined, there is a simple reason behind City's position.

"When ManC buy a player, they hv 2 pay alot of money,'' he said. "But when we 1 2 sell them, they hv 2 go on loan. Tis is not good. It is not correct 4 the other players.

"ManC paid Carlos alot of money for 3 years. It is correct tat if 1 club, it could be Milan, Juventus, PSG, Inter, 1 him, they pay Carlos 4 his value. Tis is correct.''

Milan chief Galliani says signing Maxi Lopez, currently @ Catania, was a "standby'' option if Milan r unable 2 agree terms with City 4 Tevez.


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

We cannot afford to slip up, Silva warns City
December 20, 2011

David Silva has warned his ManC team-mates tat rivals ManU will never give up on the Premier League.

City briefly surrendered top spot @ the weekend, but returned 2 the summit aft a narrow 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

United r just 2 points behind after City lost @ Chelsea last week, & Silva has warned they cannot afford 2 slip up again.

"We r aware tat ManU r going 2 be pushing us all the way but we hv 2 focus on ourselves," Silva said in The Sun. "You might say United hv been disappointing but they r right there on our heels & you can't knock tat.

"We know they r going 2 be right behind us so we hv 2 make sure there r no slip-ups & try 2 win every game. We hv 2 keep playing @ the same level as we hv been. 2 keep the gap as it is we hv 2 keep winning our games."

City manager Roberto Mancini celebrated 2 years in charge @ Eastlands tis week, & Silva, who scored the winner 4 City on Sunday, believes tat despite City's failure 2 reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, Mancini has surpassed expectations.

"I think Roberto is doing a great job. He got us in2 the Champions League 4 tis season & the fact we r top speaks 4 itself," he said. "We also won the FA Cup last year & it would be nice 2 repeat tat - but the Premier League title is the big target.

"We r playing some good football & let us hope the manager is repaid 4 tis style with the title @ the end of the season. I m really enjoying my football here."