Roberto Mancini Will Be At Manchester City For Another 5 Years, Says Patrick Vieira
Patrick Vieira has backed Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini to be at the club for a further five years as speculation regarding his position continues.
The Italian has come in for criticism over the terrible Champions League form and it was also revealed that he held discussions to join French side Monaco after last seasons 1-0 defeat to Arsenal leaving them eight points adrift of Manchester United.
However football development executive Vieira believes that there will always be questions raised regarding his future as a consequence of the success he has managed to bring since his time at the club.
“People are like that and you people, journalists, try to find the little things that will sell more papers and will get more people listening to the news,” said Vieira. “But this is a part of our game and we accept it, no problem at all.”
Vieira who had the benefit of playing under Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists that for a football club to have continual success they need to have a manager at the helm for the long term.
He said, “I hope (he is here in five years) because I believe that stability will bring success to the football club, to any football club. When you look Man United is a perfect example to follow, so why not?
“I think Mancini, since he's been at this football club his record has been fantastic. So credit to him - you're not winning the cup and winning the league as an average manager. You have to be good.
“He's a winner. He's working hard all week in training, trying to make the team focused and is really aware of the tactical aspect of awareness of the game.
“He is looking for the perfect game and he's really demanding. I think this is why he's so successful.”
Promise kept! Aguero presents Messi with iconic No 10 Argentina kit... for his two-week-old son Thiago
Lionel Messi received this tiny Argentina kit from international team-mate Sergio Aguero as the pair met up in Riyadh ahead of their country's friendly against Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona striker Messi, who broke Pele’s record of 75 goals in a calendar year on Sunday, looks grateful as he holds up the miniature iconic Blue and White-striped Argentina shirt for his two-week-old son, Thiago.
Aguero opted to give Thiago a No 10 shirt – the same number his father wears for both club and country.
Despite not being able to walk yet – let alone run – baby Thiago has already been made a member of Newell’s Old Boys’ supporters club, after an agreement was reached between the Argentina club and the infant’s grandfather, Jorge.
Messi played at Newell’s at youth level before making the trip to Barcelona, aged 13. Thiago, who was born on November 2, was issued with an official club membership card last week.
Lionel Messi was born in the Argentine city of Rosario, located 200 miles north west of Buenos Aires and remains a fan of Newell’s, his hometown team.
Newell’s is in the midst of one of its best seasons in memory, sitting on top of the Argentine first division under new coach Gerardo Martino.
Martino coached Paraguay to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
If Messi’s talent is anything to go by, Thiago could grow into an exceptionally talented footballer too, but Aguero also has a son from the best possible football stock.
Benjamin Aguero isn’t just fathered by the prolific Aguero, but the two-year-old’s grandfather is legendary Argentina striker Diego Maradona, who happens to have been another iconic No 10 for his country.
'Unfortunately we won' - Roberto Mancini pokes fun at Manchester City critics
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has hit back at the critics of his 3-5-2 formation.
With the Blues trailing against Tottenham on Sunday, Mancini put Brazilian defender Maicon on, changed to 3-5-2 and City went on to win the game.
"We went three at the back. Unfortunately we won," said Mancini, with more than a hint of irony.
Mancini also played down Mario Balotelli's absence from the squad. The Italian striker has been linked with a move back to Italy but Mancini said: "Mario was a technical choice. There was no fall-out, just rest and recovery."
Mancini, meanwhile has urged his players to keep their nerve and not be deflected by the flak that has been heading in their direction recently.
"There are some moments during any season when you don't play well, you might concede goals you didn't concede last year or maybe you are missing three or four important players," he said.
"At these moments it is important to stay calm and work hard. In football things can change quickly."
Defender Pablo Zabaleta added: "We have come a long way in the last four years and the expectations have changed.
"It's normal that when you win the title, people will knock you at the first opportunity.
"You are up there to be shot at and we take it all on the chin.
"It happens at other clubs. It's just the way things are."
Balo on his bike
MARIO BALOTELLI is on his way out of Manchester City after partying 12 HOURS before Sunday’s game.
Balotelli was seen entering the Panacea Restaurant and Bar in Alderley Edge at 1am — with City kicking off at 1.30pm against Spurs that afternoon. The Italian, 22, watched the match from the stands.
It means Roberto Mancini will now get the OK to make a club-record £45million bid for Atletico Madrid’s Radamel Falcao once he gets rid of Balotelli. This is just the latest controversial incident involving the City bad-boy.
On eye witness said: “He arrived at Panacea with a big entourage and certainly hadn’t dressed down for the occasion.
“I was astonished that he would be so brazen being seen out partying so close to a match, whether he was playing or not.”
Balotelli had been axed from the City squad the previous day and told he was not required at the team hotel that night.
But he could still have been needed had one of the other three strikers been taken ill.
Panacea advertises itself as the ‘Social Hub’ of Alderley Edge where a bottle of Krug Collection Champagne costs £1,000.
Balotelli has not officially broken any rules by being out as he was not in the squad, but eyebrows have been raised at City.
Mancini will be ready to listen to offers from both Milan clubs.
Colombian Falcao will cost City £45m — dwarfing the £38m they paid Atletico for Sergio Aguero.
But club chiefs are willing to fund a January move if they can get back the £24m they paid Inter for Balo in August 2010.
Chelsea are also eyeing Falcao, who has hit 49 goals in 60 Atletico
appearances. Falcao will demand £200,000-a-week wages and Mancini is understood to have already met his agent Jorge Mendes.SUN
OR
Agent scotches fresh Mario talk
The agent of Mario Balotelli has revealed that he plans to stay put at Manchester City and see out the remainder of his current deal.
The 22-year-old Italy international striker has been linked with a move back to his homeland in the January transfer window amid speculation that he was seen on a night out less than 12 hours before City's Premier League clash against Tottenham on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium.
Balotelli did not feature in the squad as Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko grabbed the goals in City's 2-1 win and it was claimed afterwards that former club Inter and rivals AC Milan will go head-to-head for his signature in the New Year.
But Mino Raiola has quickly spoken out to deny such reports and he is adamant that Balotelli will stay and fight for his place in Roberto Mancini's plans at City at least until his contract expires in summer 2015.
"There's no Italy and no plans to go there," Raiola said. "He'll work until the end of his contract. He doesn't want to leave.
"There's no player happy with not playing in a game, but he accepts it. It's all part of the game. It doesn't mean he wants to leave Manchester."
United and City are the Comeback Kings... but they have many rivals to their crown
The two Manchester clubs may have pulled off thrilling comeback wins at the weekend, but they’re not the only ones – almost a THIRD of Premier League points have been won from losing positions this season.
And that is 10 per cent more than the average points won from losing positions in the previous 20 seasons.
Manchester United produced three goals in 30 minutes to come from two behind against Aston Villa on Saturday. While City left it until an 88th-minute Edin Dzeko goal to win after going a goal behind against Tottenham. But everyone is getting in on it.
United are leading the way this season and have won 15 points after going behind – five times the amount the won in the entirety of last season. They went behind against Fulham, Southampton, Liverpool, Stoke and Villa but turned the games around to win maximum points.
And City are right behind them having won 14 points from losing positions with wins against Southampton, Fulham, West Brom and Tottenham and draws against Liverpool and Stoke.
Newcastle United will take some beating to win the most points from losing positions in a single season. They set the record in 2001/2002 with an incredible 34 points of their total 71 won from going behind in matches.
The highest percentage of Premier League points won from losing positions over a whole season came in 2010/11 when when it occurred in 22.6pc of the games. But that is being eclipsed by the results so far this campaign. The lowest is in the 2005/06 campaign when only 15.4pc of points were won from losing positions.
Fulham may be ninth in the table but they have actually lost the most points from winning positions, having dropped 14 points when they’ve been ahead in games. Less surprisingly Southampton, in 19th, are just behind them and have dropped 13 points.
JUNGLE BOLLOX
Man City attacker Scott Sinclair hasn't made many appearances since joining the Premier Leage champions from Swansea City, but his girlfriend is getting plenty of exposure.
Sinclair's missus is Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan and she has been entertaining viewers of I'm A Celebrity with her efforts - or lack of - in the reality TV show's jungle trials, including Rio Ferdinand, who tweeted: "Helen been good TV so far".
The 22-year-old's character in the Manchester based TV programme, Rosie Webster, is known as a man-eater who always gets her way with the gents. Perhaps she could have a word with Roberto Mancini on her fella's behalf.
BINGO BOLLOX
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Bolton Wanderers debt figure rises to £136.5m
Bolton Wanderers recorded a loss of £22.1m in the last financial year, taking their total debt to £136.5m.
However, £125m of the debt is owed to owner Eddie Davies, which has been refinanced into a long-term loan.
"It is a huge vote of confidence and underlines the on-going support and commitment he has for our club," said chairman Phil Gartside.
The club's parent company, Burnden Leisure, revealed losses were down from the previous figure of £26.1m in 2011.
The figures take in the 12 months up to 30 June, 2012 and were helped by Bolton being able to recoup about £10m from player sales, including the departure of England defender Gary Cahill to Chelsea in January.
Wanderers were relegated from the Premier League in May, ending their 11-year stay in the top flight.
Gartside told the club website: "We continue to face a tough economic climate, but we have continued to invest across the business, and for the second year we have reduced our losses.
"Key to this set of figures is the fact Eddie Davies has converted his investment in our club from short-term to long-term debt.
"To lose our place in the Barclays Premier League was hugely disappointing for all of us - fans, staff and players, and our aim is to return at the first opportunity."
GREEDY DISRUPTIVE BIG HEADED BOLLOX
Daniel Sturridge urges Wilfried Zaha to stay at Crystal Palace
For England new-boy Wilfried Zaha, who is desired by the best clubs in the country, temptation may be difficult to resist. He may find it difficult to select the best career choices.
It is likely that Zaha will be one of the most coveted players in Britain when the transfer window opens in January. Zaha’s first call-up to the full England squad, for tomorrow’s friendly in Sweden, illustrates the impact he has made this season for Crystal Palace, where his performances have attracted the attention of Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Palace are determined to keep Zaha at least until the summer but should he join a top-flight club in January, he might not play as often as he does for his present employers.
His new England squad colleague, Daniel Sturridge, left Manchester City — before Sheikh Mansour’s billions had helped the club end a 35-year trophy drought — for Chelsea as a 19-year-old in July 2009 but has made only 48 first-team starts for the Blues. He now believes all young players must think carefully before turning their backs on regular first-team football.
Palace’s former manager Dougie Freedman, who has since joined Bolton, also offered the view last month that Zaha was not yet ready to make the move to the Premier League and Sturridge knows that acting hastily can have damaging consequences.
“It’s hugely important,” said Sturridge, who hopes to win his fourth full cap in Stockholm.
“If people are considering leaving a club at a very young age, I’d suggest to them not to do that and to play as much football as they can.
“It’s key to your development and playing under those circumstances helps you to become a better footballer. The more first-team games you play, the better you’re equipped to play every week when you do go to a bigger club.
“You do get offers, and the best kids have a lot of money offered to them, but the only thing that matters is to play football. The money will come at some stage, whether that is earlier or later. You need to focus on football and not worry about anything else.”
Sturridge was, nevertheless, hugely impressed with Zaha during his first training session with the senior squad yesterday. His reputation is growing so quickly that both England and Ivory Coast, where he was born, are fighting for his services.
Even if Zaha plays tomorrow, he could still switch allegiance as this is not a competitive fixture. Sturridge is keen for the 20-year-old to stick to his adopted country as England try to develop a playing style capable of threatening the world’s best teams.
Roy Hodgson’s side have been solid rather than spectacular during his six-month tenure but, at Chelsea, Sturridge has witnessed a quick transformation from defensive to attacking football and knows it can be achieved.
Although the 23-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game this season, he has still enjoyed the switch to a more positive approach.
“For the sides who win games in modern football, it’s more about being an attacking team than a defensive one nowadays,” he told Standard Sport.
“There are only a few teams who you could say have been successful from being defensive.
“It’s about playing good football, exciting the fans and giving them what they want, which are goals, skills, enjoyment. When fans leave the ground, you want them to think they have got their money’s worth. It’s expensive to watch football these days, so they want to see something.
“I’ve enjoyed adapting to the new methods at Chelsea. It’s great to have players roaming free and to be able to go out there and express ourselves.
“The way we’re playing now is a lot more attack minded and it’s great to be a part of it. The important thing is to make the supporters happy and for them to leave the stadium with a smile on their faces.
“Whichever system the manager chooses, we will fit into it. If it’s one up front, two or three, he sets the criteria but we have players in this squad who can adapt.”
Sturridge is one of only three forwards remaining in Hodgson’s squad for the Sweden game following withdrawals through injury and he is keen to stake a claim for the position.
He added: “The manager has made it clear players don’t have to start all the time for their clubs to play for England, so I believe I can still be a regular even if I’m not always playing for Chelsea.”
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, 20, who has been called up to the England squad. Daily Mirror
Fulham are interested in Molde defender Vegard Forren, 24, who has been linked with Manchester United and Everton. DSSC
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has scouted Porto winger James Rodriguez, 21, for the seventh time as he eyes him up as a possible replacement for Nani. Daily Mirror
Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are among the clubs considering bidding for highly-rated Derby midfielder Will Hughes, 17. Daily Telegraph
Espanyol and Valencia want to take Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu, 21, back to Spain. DSSC
Internacional's Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao, 23, a long-term Tottenham target, has delivered a blow to Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas by admitting he wants to play for Real Madrid when he eventually makes the move to Europe. talkSHIT
Newcastle are set to renew their interest in Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy, 27, in the January transfer window after failing with a long summer pursuit. Daily Telegraph
Arsenal are reportedly ready to sell Emmanuel Frimpong in the January transfer window, with the 20-year-old midfielder's contract due to expire next summer. Metro
Defender Rio Ferdinand, 34, has told Manchester United there is no guarantee he will sign a new contract to continue playing next season. DSSC
Former Derby, Hull and Preston boss Phil Brown, 53, is set to be installed as the new manager of Hartlepool. Hartlepool Mail
John Terry has told friends of his relief after a scan confirmed no serious damage to the knee he injured against Liverpool, and the Chelsea captain hopes he could be fit in time to lead the Blues into their first Fifa Club World Cup next month. DSSC
Everton midfielder Leon Osman admits he had to persuade his seven-year-old son that his England call-up was not a joke. Daily Mirror
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