Manchester City seek the goal standard!
Manuel Pellegrini hopes new arrivals can provide the firepower to guide Manchester City to glory.
Goals, goals and more goals. That has been the currency in which City have been trading this summer.
And a quick look at the statistics shows that the current Blues quartet of front men is easily the most potent of the last five years – and possibly the most prolific in their history.
It is no great surprise that City’s summer transfer business has been centred around the need for a better scoring rate – the drop in the “goals for” column ultimately saw them relinquish the Premier League title.
The defence remained the best in the country, and the midfield was sound if often unspectacular – but the front players simply could not match the firepower of the one who got away, Robin van Persie.
The priority was clear for the summer, and the acquisition of two strikers, and a winger who supplies plenty of ammo, is a clear statement of intent.
Even the new “holding” midfielder Fernandinho is not one who sits tight – he is dynamic, turns defence into attack with quick, long-striding breaks.
Manuel Pellegrini is an attacking manager, so it is wholly appropriate that the first four signings of his reign – although Jovetic and Fernandinho were also on Mancini’s wish-list – should all be players whose instinct is to get on the front foot.
Since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover, nearly five years ago, City have brought in ten strikers, with varying degrees of success.
And if you rank those ten in terms of their goalscoring average at the top level – in one of Europe’s top four leagues – the top three are all currently at the club, in the shape of Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo.
Latest signing Stevan Jovetic is down the rankings at number seven, behind Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Mario Balotelli, but that is no great surprise.
The Montenegrin can play as an out-and-out striker, and has done so for Fiorentina.
But he has made his name as a classic number ten, sitting in behind the main man, prompting and pulling strings, and snapping up a reasonable quota.
He already has his eyes on scoring 15 to 20 goals next season, but he will be hoping to lay on a lot more for the conventional front men.
Dzeko tops the list, which will perhaps come as a surprise to many City fans. The big Bosnian still divides opinion.
Some see him as a consummate goalscorer whose movement and positioning will always bring him goals.
Others think his work rate is not good enough, his touch deserts him and a lot of his goals have come as a substitute against tiring defences.
The argument is irrelevant. If Dzeko can maintain his strike rate at City and Wolfsburg, he will be a major asset to Pellegrini, who has re-asserted his own faith in a player who would have been shown the exit door by Mancini.
Dzeko’s biggest problems remain. His form and confidence suffers when he does not play every week.
Aguero lies just behind Dzeko, and he had a frustrating season following the power and the glory of 2011-12, when his 30th goal of a stunning debut campaign landed the title and assured him of City immortality.
The Argentine is a class act, but injury disrupted his season and he had his poorest goal return for six years, with 12 league goals in 30 appearances.
But the explosive pace, exquisite finishing and movement were all still in evidence – if that was Aguero’s “difficult second season” then his prospects for the coming campaign are mouth-watering.
Negredo offers something new for the Blues – an old-fashioned English centre forward with the touch which appears to be the birthright of most Spanish footballers.
Standing six ft one ins, good in the air and with an uncanny knack of being in the right place, Negredo struck up a productive understanding with winger Jesus Navas when they played together at Sevilla.
Some point to the fact that Negredo has never proved himself at the top level, having begin at Rayo Vallecano, discarded by Real Madrid, and then re-building his career at Almeria and Sevilla.
But Pellegrini sees that as a positive – he feels if Negredo can score 102 goals in 209 league games for unfashionable clubs, he’ll truly lift off at City.
WITH the Manuel Pellegrini era upon us, lifelong City fan and broadcaster David J. Mooney has drawn a veil over the Roberto Mancini era with his new book “The Man Who Restored Pride”.
An examination of the Mancini era, the book comes to the conclusion that Mancini was the right man at the right time for City, bringing silverware and glory back to the club.
But it also concludes that by the time the end came: “Perhaps Mancini had taken the club as far as he could and maybe his management style was losing its effect, meaning he couldn’t hit his own previous heights. Perhaps, quite simply, his negative points now outweighed his positive points.”
GOLDEN BOLLOX 23/7/1973
City beat Partick Thistle 5-0 in Sweden as part of a pre-season tour.
The win came on the back of a 3-3 draw with Hammarby and a 1-0 win over Hull City for Johnny Hart’s side.
'Losing the title to United was painful and City want it back,' insists Kidd
Manchester City’s joint assistant manager Brian Kidd believes the deposed Premier League champions can draw on the ‘hurt’ of last season to regain their title.
City have spent close to £100million on new signings this summer in a bid to reclaim the crown they surrendered to rivals Manchester United in May.
But Kidd insists that the existing squad were already determined to bounce back after finishing last season empty-handed.
‘It’s going to be a hard 10 months in the Premier League but the players are hurting from last season and we’re ready for it,’ said Kidd, speaking in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning ahead of City’s Barclays Asia Trophy game against South China on Wednesday.
‘They’re a proud bunch and they didn’t take it lightly.
‘You know what I think about our squad. The attitude is second to none and I wouldn’t change it for any squad in the Premier League. Not only have we got talented players, they’re really good people.
‘We’ve got the players who are equipped for the Premier League. There will be healthy competition.’
New City boss Manuel Pellegrini flew to Hong Kong this morning after attending his mother’s funeral at home in Chile, and will take charge of Wednesday’s game.
I'll stay if you promise I'll play: Richards wants assurances if he is to remain at City
Micah Richards wants to be satisfied that he will play as much as Pablo Zabaleta at Manchester City this season before committing himself to a new long-term contract.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has made resolving Richards’ future a priority, and City’s longest-serving player is keen to extend a deal that runs out in two years.
But Richards, 25, needs assurances that new manager Manuel Pellegrini will rotate the right-back duties equally between him and Zabaleta, as was the case when City won the Barclays Premier League title in 2012.
With the World Cup less than a year away, the England defender is also worried about his place in the squad for Brazil after missing seven months of last season with ankle and knee injuries.
‘The manager has come in and I want to see his ideas and what he can do,’ said Richards. ‘I want to be here and I don’t know why any player would want to leave but every player wants to play football. If I can do that here, it’s perfect.
‘You expect competition at top teams. There has been speculation because I’ve got two years left on my contract and Zabaleta was fantastic last season.
‘The main thing is to be playing. I don’t expect to play every game but the season we won the league me and Zaba rotated really well together. If we can do that this season, I’ll be happy.
‘I go off stats and the season when we won the league I played the most so that speaks for itself. I had more Premier League appearances than Zabaleta so had I been fit (last season) it might have been a little bit different. It was the fact that I got injured at the wrong time and Zaba played so well there’s going to be speculation.
‘The speculation has come because of the World Cup as well. People automatically think Zabaleta’s going to be first-choice and if I’m not playing for my club it’s impossible for me to go to the World Cup, so that’s always going to be a factor.
‘But I’ve always been positive and if I’m fit and ready to go I can compete against anyone.’
Although Richards’ Italian representative Dario Canovi claims there has been interest from Inter Milan, the player added: ‘It’s always nice to be linked with clubs but I’m not putting it out there. Manchester City’s my club. I’ve been here since I was 14 and I probably know the club better than anyone out of the players.
‘Last season was a bit of a nightmare with injuries. I only played eight games after coming back from six or seven months injured. That’s hard for any player and I’m just delighted to get a pre-season under my belt.
‘As much as it didn’t work out for Roberto Mancini in the end, the three years I had with him improved me massively as a player. Over the last couple of years the fact we’ve had the best defence in the Premier League shows that. I’m just happy to be back and hopefully I can do the same with the new guy.’
Richards and his teammates landed in Hong Kong yesterday morning (mon) ahead of this week’s Barclays Asia Trophy that also involves Tottenham and Sunderland.
City’s new signings Alvaro Negredo, Stevan Jovetic and Jesus Navas arrived on Tottenham’s flight several hours later, along with David Silva who has been given time off after playing in the Confederations Cup with Spain.
City have spent close to £100million in the transfer market so far this summer and Richards admits that an injection of new blood was needed after losing the title to Manchester United.
‘When we won the league a lot of people, not City fans maybe, thought it would be easy and we’d dominate but it wasn’t the case,’ he said.
‘You need a good squad to compete and last season we were a bit short on numbers. In the end it showed with the massive gap with United.
‘Their squad has become amazing now and United will always be there or thereabouts regardless of the manager. Sir Alex Ferguson was the best of all time and I’ll definitely miss him but David Moyes knows what he’s doing.’
City are still without their new boss, Pellegrini, who left the team’s training camp in Durban last week when he heard that his 91-year-old mother Silvia was dying.
The Chilean attended her funeral in Santiago on Monday and is expected to be back in Hong Kong in time to take charge of Wednesday's game against South China.
QPR, Newcastle, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Swansea and Celtic chase Abdisalam Ibrahim
ABDISALAM IBRAHIM – the Manchester City midfielder touted as the next Patrick Vieira – has been granted a free transfer by the club.
City told Ibrahim that he could go, despite having a year left on his contract
QPR, Newcastle, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Swansea and Celtic had been trailing the Norwegian Under-21 international.
It has been expected City would ask for a fee of around £750,000 for Ibrahim, who had a release clause in his contract.
But yesterday they surprised the 21-year-old, who was born in Somalia, by telling him he can go, despite having a year left on his contract.
“City had seemed to rate Ibrahim highly, with Vieira, the club’s football development executive, travelling to Norway to watch him”
City had seemed to rate Ibrahim highly, with Vieira, the club’s football development executive, travelling to Norway to watch him after he was sent on loan to Stromgodset.
But the signing of Brazil star Fernandinho from Donetsk pushed Ibrahim, who has made just three appearances for City since signing in 2007, further down the pecking order.
Everton & Newcastle battle for Manchester City attacker
EVERTON are readying a bid for Manchester City misfit Scott Sinclair after entering the race to sign the former England under-21 international.
The 24-year-old is available after a disappointing season at the Etihad Stadium where he failed to make any impact since his £6.2m arrival from Swansea last summer.
Manager Roberto Martinez is hoping to convince the former Chelsea winger to join him at Goodison Park.
The Spaniard has already raided former club Wigan for trio Antolin Alcaraz, Arouna Kone and Joel Robles to add to the signing of on-loan Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu.
“Manager Roberto Martinez is hoping to convince the former Chelsea winger to join him at Goodison Park”
And the Everton manager sees Sinclair as a cut-price alternative to Chelsea’s Victor Moses, with the West London reluctant to sell the winger for less than the £9m they paid to Wigan twelve months ago.
Newcastle are also interested in the signing the winger, however Everton are eager to steal a march on their Premier League rivals by placing the first formal bid for the player.
Sinclair was a driving force behind Swansea’s promotion to the Premier League scoring 36 times in 91 appearances during a two year stay in South Wales.
The winger is currently part of Manchester City’s pre-season tour of South Africa, after recovering from a blood clot that forced him to miss the end of last season.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 23/7/2009
Felipe Caicedo left City for a loan spell with Sporting Lisbon.
After signing for the Blues for £5.2 million on 31 January 2008, Caicedo struggled for first team opportunities in an improving squad.
In subsequent years, the Ecuadorian spent time on loan at Malaga and Levante before finally leaving the club in 2011.
Gareth Barry to be driven out of Manchester City?
With Manuel Pellegrini coming in, Manchester City are expected to make a push to take the Premier League crown from their neighbours Manchester United this season.
For this to happen changes need to be made - one could see Gareth Barry leave the Etihad.
The midfielder arrived at City four years ago from Aston Villa, expected chip in with some goals and help the blue moon rising.
Barry became a more defensive player under the Mancini regime, becoming an unsung hero in comparison to the fan-favourites Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure in the title winning 2011/12 season.
With Pellegrini taking over, it's likely the Chilean will bring the same style of attacking football to Manchester just as he did with Villarreal and Malaga. His admiration for creative playmakers and structured attacking plays will probably see Silva, Nasri and new boy Navas get in the starting XI to support the strikers.
To drive that attacking midfield there will be a need for strong versatile midfielders to support the wingers and playmakers. Yaya Toure is a name that doesn't need explanation, he has been a thriving force for the Citizens past seasons.
Milner is also a hard working engine who has proven in numerous occasions he can make a difference. Jack Rodwell has ended his season on a high, raising a tip of his potential that could be fulfilled next season. With Javi Garcia and Fernandinho also in the squad, it looks like the midfield is too crowded for Barry, who is likely to fall down the pecking order.
The 32-year old has only one year left on his contract and City might want to sell him while they still can. His experience can be a great asset for any Premier League team but in the case of Manchester City, first-team opportunities may be limited.
Milner reveals City's Spanish lessons
Manchester City midfielder James Milner has revealed manager Manuel Pellegrini is teaching his new players how to emulate the style of Spanish side Malaga.
Pellegrini left the Andalusians to take over at City during the close-season and the Chilean's first mission is to make his new team play with the same tactics he used to good effect in La Liga.
City were often criticised for their cautious play under previous boss Roberto Mancini and the club's Abu Dhabi-based owners have made it clear they want to see a more expansive game-plan this season.
But England midfielder Milner says Pellegrini, who guided Malaga to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season, wants City to be more solid at the back before worrying about their attacking play.
"So far we have worked very hard, more on the defensive aspects of the game and changing how he wants us to set up as a team," Milner told City TV.
"It will take a bit of time to get everyone on the same page as to how he wants us to play and get that, but once it clicks - I think you can see the jobs he has done at his previous clubs.
"We have watched videos of his previous teams doing it to get prepared and see exactly how he wants things doing, as well as doing it on the training field. You see the organisation and the record Malaga had in the Champions League last year was really good defensively."
City began their pre-season preparations in South Africa and have now travelled to Hong Kong to participate in the Barclays Asia Trophy.
Pellegrini left the tour to return to Chile due to the death of his mother Silvia, but is due to rejoin them on Tuesday. Assistant managers Brian Kidd and Ruben Cousillas Fuse have taken over in his absence and Milner insists the disruption to the squad has been minimal.
"Ruben and Kiddo took over. We are used to changes and things like that, so we just get on with the job in hand," Milner said. "Hopefully everything is all right with the manager."
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GOLDEN BOLLOX 23/7/2010
Manchester City up bid for James Milner to £24m but deal turns ugly
Midfielder reacts angrily over Martin O'Neill's comments
Villa seeking higher bid plus Stephen Ireland in part-exchange
James Milner is angry at the Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill for suggesting the midfielder had wanted to quit the club.
Manchester City will make a £24m second and final offer for James Milner within the next 48 hours as they seek to push through a deal for the England international.
The proposed deal is being conducted amid considerable acrimony with the winger's relationship with the Aston Villa manager, Martin O'Neill, threatening to unravel.
Milner is angry and upset with O'Neill for suggesting that he had expressed a desire to leave during a meeting about his future before the World Cup finals. He also strongly rejected the manager's claim that he was offered a new contract with the club. Villa, however, have stood by O'Neill's interpretation of events and his comments, made during a pre-season trip to Dublin, prompted Milner to try to telephone the manager last night to seek an explanation.
There was no indication Milner had managed to get in touch with O'Neill as the situation became increasingly fraught. Milner is due to report back to Villa for pre-season training on Monday after being given an extended break following the World Cup, although the events of the past 24 hours mean that it is almost inconceivable he will join up with his team-mates at the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground.
Instead it now appears a matter of when and not if he becomes a Manchester City player. Although all the indications are that City's £24m bid will not be accepted – Villa's asking price is closer to £30m – negotiations are expected to continue with a view to a swift conclusion now it has been established Milner has no future in the Midlands. Villa are set to push for Stephen Ireland, the City midfielder who has been told he can leave the club this summer, as a makeweight in a deal.
In many ways O'Neill's remarks are likely to accelerate the process. Having previously suggested the club would do all they could to keep Milner, who was outstanding last season and won the PFA Young Player of the Year award, O'Neill has publicly conceded defeat, claiming the 24-year-old had made it clear in a meeting at the end of May that he was not interested in discussing a new deal on improved terms and that he wished to leave. Milner and his representative strongly dispute this was the case and believe O'Neill has portrayed him an unfair light.
"The state of affairs is really straightforward," O'Neill said. "James and his agent came to see us before the World Cup and intimated they would like to go. If that is the case then Manchester City made the offer, which we told them about. There is a difference of valuation at this moment between the buying club and the selling club. That may well be resolved and if that is the case then absolutely fine."
"I think James's agent has told our chief executive he wouldn't be signing a new contract," O'Neill continued. "Obviously that puts a different slant on things, like everything else. Although I haven't spoken to James since that day, he has played in the World Cup and the rest really is pretty well straightforward. If a fee is agreed, at the end of the day, the player can leave. Manchester City have put a valuation on the player. It doesn't match our valuation but we will see. I am probably sure if that is the state of affairs, particularly if the player is keen to go, I am sure it will get resolved."
How things pan out between Milner and O'Neill between now and then will be of just as much interest. The Villa manager has spent much of the previous 12 months waxing lyrical about the development of the player he signed for £12m from Newcastle United in 2008, and Milner was just as effusive in his praise of O'Neill for the part he played in his promotion to the senior England team. Yet O'Neill's latest comments have left Milner so disappointed that their previously close relationship could now be fractured beyond repair.
Sky's the limit for mega-rich Manchester City as they build £500,000 pitch on roof of school
High spirits: New York schoolchildren are joined on their Manchester City-funded rooftop pitch by Pablo Zabaleta (second left)
Manchester City have spent an awful lot of money so far this summer - and not all of it has been on new players.
Yesterday, in the broiling heat of Spanish Harlem, we saw where some of the rest has gone. The PS72 Elementary School that stands on the corner of 104th Street and Lexington Avenue is not unlike many others in this deprived area of uptown Manhattan. It is large and in rudimentary physical shape.
These days, however, it boasts an astro-turf football pitch on the roof, which City put there at a cost of more than £500,000. It is 12 flights of stairs up, but for the children of PS72, the climb is worth it. Previously they had to walk 12 blocks to play their favourite sport.
School principal Tony Hernandez yesterday thanked the club, saying: 'You must realise what this means to us.
'Of the pupils who come to our school, 89 per cent of them do not have English as their first language. What's more, 88 per cent of them are Hispanic, from countries such as Mexico and Puerto Rico. Soccer is the number one pastime in those countries.
'As such, we have been dreaming about this moment for years - to have our own facility is incredible. Thank you from the bottom of our heart. This will change our pupils' lives.'
Some years ago, PS72 was sinking fast, with less than a fifth of the student body passing the standard government tests. Now that figure is above 90 per cent. City cannot take any credit for that, but clearly the money they have spent so far - and the coaching clinics and equipment they will provide in the coming months - will add to the quality of education some of Harlem's young children will receive.
Spanish-speaking City full back Pablo Zabaleta was one of five players at the opening with manager Roberto Mancini yesterday morning. The temperature hit 32C, but soon that won't matter - City intend to build a roof over the pitch, and a high wire fence around it.
Zabaleta said: 'It struck me hard when the guy told us how the kids all have to travel across New York just to play football and how this will change that. 'From my own experience in Argentina, you see poor areas and to think they can get a facility like this is fantastic.
No high shots: Students practise their shooting on the roof of the Lexington Academy
'I grew up in a small city a long way from Buenos Aires. But I suppose the best example in Argentina would be Carlos Tevez, who was born in a really poor area that has a reputation for criminals and trouble. Every time he goes back there he takes shirts and football equipment to the local people. So many players from Argentina and Brazil come from these areas and all they need is an opportunity. It is the same here in New York.
'This will help us produce the Tevezes and Robinhos of the future. Man City have the opportunity to do this. Maybe it is more difficult for other clubs who need to spend their money on players. Man City have the chance to do many things around football - it makes me very proud to be part of it.'
In safe hands: Manchester City keeper Shay Given was one of five City players at the event
City have lately grown used to criticism. They have made mistakes in the two years since they were bought by the Abu Dhabi royal family and they know it. Yet the club retain a sense of community at their heart. It seems the owners have been careful not to let this slide.
Their Community Soccer Initiative executive director Paul Jeffries alerted them to the opportunity in Harlem and City's commitment to the scheme looks genuine.
At the school yesterday, there was no shortage of emotion. No country does tears like America, of course, but it was easy to understand here.
City chief executive Garry Cook said: 'A lot is made about the money the owners have invested in the playing squad, but they very quickly recognised the work the club does in the community and were determined to take that on and invest in projects that can really make a difference to people's lives.
'Of course we want a hugely successful team on the pitch and we are working towards that. But off the pitch there is a genuine commitment and desire to give something back through football.'
Cook has not always said and done the right things during his time in English football. This season is another big one for him, as well as for Mancini's squad.
But yesterday in Harlem, City left an indelible fingerprint on a neighbourhood far from their home in East Manchester. They won't make any money from this. It won't sell them any replica shirts. In terms of image, though, it should do them the world of good.
Manchester City Linked With Stunning £103m Bid For Barcelona Star Lionel Messi
Messi could leave Barcelona at some point in the next few years if the club don’t win any trophies.
Manchester City could be ready to make a stunning £103 million bid for Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi, with several other European clubs considering a bid at some point in the future, Le10 sport reports.
Paris St Germain, AS Monaco and Anzhi Makhachkala could all join City in trying to sign the attacker, who is regarded as one of the best players of all time following his exploits at Barcelona.
Messi has been accused of tax evasion in Spain and could consider a move abroad if he continues to be charged by the Spanish authorities.
City would be one of the few clubs in the world that could afford to pay the enormous transfer fee for Messi and also the players wages.
However, big spending French clubs PSG and Monaco would also join City in any race to sign Messi.
The attacker may not come on the market this summer but should Barcelona not win any trophies for a few seasons, the Argentine attacker may choose to play for another club, if Barcelona are happy with him leaving.
PSG’s president Nassar Al-Khelaifi recently threatened Barcelona with a move for Messi, saying he would activate the players buy-out if Barca continue to track Thiago Silva. Caught-fibing-offside again
Injured Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27, has been playing golf close to Chelsea's training ground - fuelling speculation the England international could be on his way to Stamford Bridge. Daily Star
Real Madrid are ready to spend £85m on Tottenham's 24-year-old forward Gareth Bale. El Confidencial
But Manchester United are eager to underline their support to new manager David Moyes by smashing the British transfer record to sign Bale. The Times
Tottenham are making a new move for Lyon forward Lisandro Lopez after failing in an attempt to sign the 30-year-old in January. Daily Mirror
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho believes former club Real Madrid will block any attempt by Manchester United to take Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, back to Old Trafford. London's Evening Standard
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to test Liverpool's resolve with a £40m bid for 26-year-old striker Luis Suarez. Daily Mirror
Arsenal are on the verge of signing Brazil international playmaker Bernard, 20, for £21m from Atletico Mineiro. London's Evening Standard
Lazio have dashed Manchester United's hopes of signing Antonio Candreva, 26, by stating that the midfielder is not for sale. Daily Express
Liverpool are hopeful of closing a loan deal for Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho. The Reds would pay an initial loan fee of around £850,000 for the 25-year-old with an agreement to pay a further £3.5m to buy the player outright next summer. DSSC
Tottenham are ready to break their transfer record this week with an £18m move for Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, 28. Daily Express
Aston Villa's Scotland international defender Alan Hutton, 28, is poised to re-join Real Mallorca on a season-long loan. Daily Telegraph
Fulham are chasing West Brom left-back Liam Ridgewell, 29, who has only 12 months left on his contract at The Hawthorns. Daily Mirror
The Baggies are interested in signing Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones, 28, to improve their attacking options. Metro
Velez Sarsfield right-back Gino Peruzzi, 24, is set to become Sunderland's 10th signing of the summer in a deal worth around £3.3m.Guardian
Fulham are set to sign 15-year-old midfielder Foday Nabay from Birmingham City for around £200,000. Daily Telegraph
Celtic will consider signing Wolves striker Kevin Doyle as a potential replacement for Gary Hooper. Sun
Hamburg's Latvia international Artjoms Rudvens is another forward being assessed by the Scottish champions. DSSC
Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa, 24, says he would like to return to Borussia Dortmund "one day". Bild
Negotiations between AC Milan and CSKA Moscow are continuing over the possible move of Japanese attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda, 27, to the Italians. Gazzetta dello Sport
Former France international David Trezeguet, 35, is to leave Buenos Aires side River Plate for Argentine rivals Newell's Old Boys.Tuttosport
Barcelona have made Argentine Gerardo Martino, 50, their new coach. Martino will sign a three-year contract. The Guardian
Manager Jose Mourinho says he is considering leaving Fernando Torres, 29, and Juan Mata, 25, out of Chelsea's first league game against Hull City because he believes they will be too exhausted following an international friendly for Spain on 14 August. Independent
Winger Jermaine Pennant, 30, has been blocked for a second successive year from travelling with Stoke City to the United States for a pre-season tour.
Jermaine Pennant made 15 league appearances on loan for Wolves in the Championship last season Daily Telegraph
Swansea City winger Nathan Dyer, 25, is in talks to tie up a new contract at Liberty Stadium as his current deal runs out at the end of the season. Wales Online
Aston Villa have sent the Duke of Cambridge, a Villa fan, and the Duchess a replica kit with the letters HRH and number 1 on the back to commemorate the birth of their first child. Aston Villa (arse lickers)
GOLDEN BOLLOX 23/7/2011
Manchester City's David Silva: Playing in the Premier League is great, and I enjoy living here
The Spanish playmaker says that, unlike team-mate Carlos Tevez, he is revelling in his time in the North West and can't wait to play for the Citizens in the Champions League
Manchester City midfielder David Silva has spoken of his enjoyment at both living in Manchester and playing his football in the Premier League.
The Spanish international also went on to talk of the pivotal role his team-mates played in his successful debut season, and expressed his hopes for continued success at club and international levels.
Discussing how he adjusted to life in Manchester, Silva told City's official website: “My adaptation to Manchester City was very good. I was received very well.
“I enjoy the city; also the Premier League is great. Obviously the weather is not the best but I am adapted to it also.”
Silva’s unselfish nature on the pitch is reflected in his attitude, as he insists that winning personal awards and praise is not as important to him as the team's success.
Asked about finishing as runner-up in the club’s Player of the Season awards, Silva said: “I don’t care so much about individual awards, the important thing is that the team performed well.
“We got into the Champions League and won the FA Cup and we look forward to keep playing football.”
Quizzed on how he feels about being City's main creative influence, Silva continued: “The truth is that the team also won when I wasn’t on the pitch, the important thing is that we keep winning.
“I am comfortable when I am in the team and when this produces good results.”
Closing in on his 50th cap for Spain, Silva remains very much a part of Vicente Del Bosque’s plans internationally, and the 25-year-old says the national team are not too worried about the pressures at the top.
He said, “What we [Spain] have to do now is to enjoy and do our best, we don’t know when it will end but we have to enjoy today.”
MANCHESTER CITY STILL APPEAL TO ARSENAL ACE SAMIR NASRI
SAMIR NASRI still believes he could join Manchester City this summer and has told friends he has no intention of performing a U-turn over his Arsenal future by signing a new contract.
Arsenal are also braced for a new bid for Cesc Fabregas after Barcelona boosted their coffers by selling Bojan Krkic to Roma for £10.5million and agreeing a £4m deal with Chelsea for Oriol Romeu.
Arsene Wenger had claimed he will not sell Nasri, despite the fact he has only 12 months left on his current deal, but the Arsenal boss last night admitted he is now not so sure.
“It is not completely sorted that Samir will stay, but I want him to stay,” said Wenger. “He knows that. Hopefully we can sort that out in the coming weeks.”
Nasri believes City will make a move for him and is interested in potential wages of £150,000 a week.
Wenger will make another attempt to tie him to Arsenal with a new £110,000-a-week deal but France international Nasri has no plans to sign and has made up his mind to go – whether now or on a free transfer next year.
According to sources close to Nasri, he was assured in October that a verbal contract offer would be immediately put into writing but the club then took months to get back to him.
By then, Nasri had grown frustrated by the delay and had been made aware he had attracted the interest of other top clubs.
Despite the fact he is now convinced he will leave, Nasri travelled to Germany with the rest of the squad for today’s friendly against Cologne.
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