Thursday's B*ll*x (updated)
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 7:07 amJAMES MILNER has vowed to prove that he is good enough to earn a place in Manchester City’s all-star team.
An unconvincing first season with Manchester City failed to reassure fans he was worth the £26million fee that secured his services from Aston Villa.
After being a regular in the first half of the campaign, James Milner was reduced to a bit-part player at the business end of the season, when he was disappointed to be an unused substitute in the FA Cup semi-final and final wins over Manchester United and Stoke respectively.
But Milner does not regret leaving Villa, has dismissed rumours he could move on and is happy to fight for his place, especially as City are launching a first Champions League campaign.
“It’s a big season for me,” said Milner. “You come to a new club and it takes time to find your bearings. But now I want to get a foothold in the team and prove to people that I’m good enough to be here and in the team regularly.
“Winning silverware is the only reason why I came here. We did that last season and that showed it was the right move for me. At the end of your career you look back and you want to see a trophy cabinet full of winners’ medals.
“You want to be able to tell people, ‘I’ve won this, this and this’. That’s what drives me on. That’s what I feel I can achieve at this club. I want to be the best player I can and win trophies.”
Milner believes his best position is in midfield but he is up against players such as Nigel de Jong, Gareth Barry, Yaya Toure and David Silva in that department while, on the flanks, Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips offer stiff competition, with Mario Balotelli also a wide-man option . Milner said: “It is tough to get in the team but that’s what happens when you’re at a top club like this. You want to be pushed as a player, you want to improve .
“When you have two or three top-class players in each position it’s good for everyone. It is good for the club, the manager and the players because it really challenges you.
“It will make me a better player watching these guys play and train. You know you have to play well and train well if you’re going to get a shirt on the Saturday.”
Milner is excited by Champions League football and believes City can make an impact.
He said: “A lot of the lads here have played in the Champions League before, even if we haven’t as a unit, so we’ll be looking to learn quickly and make a real impact. It’s going to be a real challenge and one we’re really looking forward to. We’re going to be playing top teams every week, there will be a lot of games, a lot of competitions. But the squad we have here is big enough to do well in all of those.
“I’ve never played in it before. I missed out on it at Leeds by a couple of years. I’ve played UEFA Cup/Europa League at Leeds, Newcastle, Villa and City. I’ve got to the quarter-finals of those competitions, but this is a real step up. It’s going to be a great experience.
“You want to play for your country and the top competitions – and that obviously means the Champions League.”
Milner believes that Sir Alex Ferguson is right to be wary of City’s emerging title threat after they finished level on points with Chelsea last season.
“Yes, it’s a boost to hear that,” said Milner. “You hear positive and negative things said about you , but we’ll get on with our job. We know we have to improve as a club and a team but we think we can carry on moving forward.
“You look to improve every year and we did that last year. Now we’ll be looking to do that again. Finishing third was a very good season for us and also winning the FA Cup.
“But now we’ll be looking to top that, so a natural progression would be to finish second and really push hard for the title. We think it could be a possibility.”
JAMES Milner was speaking in Los Angeles, where City have announced plans to create a state-of-the-art football facility to serve local children.
Kompany: We'll cope either way
Captain-in-waiting Vincent Kompany claims Manchester City will be stronger this season - with or without talisman Carlos Tevez.
The Blues are still no closer to knowing whether they will begin the 2011/12 campaign with their talismanic Argentine striker in the side or not.
Tevez is pushing for a move away from the Etihad Stadium and has already seen a proposed £40million return to former employers Corinthians collapse.
Unless a big-spending European club is prepared to meet City's increased £50million valuation, there is a chance the South American frontman could be forced to stay at City.
His presence would certainly aid the club's cause, as they attempt to build on last season's FA Cup and top-four heroics, but Kompany insists Roberto Mancini's Blues are no one-man team.
The Belgian centre-half said in The Sun: "Until there is an actual signature and it is confirmed he is not a Manchester City player any more, I do not have to comment about Carlos.
"What I do know is that the group will be stronger next season, with or without him.
"Whether he stays or goes, it won't change what we want to achieve. The goals remain the same.
"We've had great players here who have moved on.
"With them it's great but without them we find a solution."
Regardless of whether Tevez stays or goes, it is widely expected that Mancini will opt to hand the captain's armband to Kompany this season, and he admits he would be honoured to lead the club into an historic campaign - as they prepare to enter the UEFA Champions League.
He added: "It would be a big honour for me. But until I hear differently, Carlos remains the captain.
"Whenever I've been captain, it has always been a great honour. Yet it doesn't change my role in the team.
"You don't have to wear the armband to be a captain."
WIGAN have lined up Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to replace Charles N’Zogbia.
Aston Villa are hoping to sign £10million-rated N’Zogbia after having an opening bid of £9m rejected. Express
Tevez poser for Mancini
Manchester City's failure to conclude a £40million deal to sell striker Carlos Tevez to Brazilian club Corinthians now poses a problem for manager Roberto Mancini.
The move back to South America appeared to be the best solution for all involved as the Argentina international is desperate to be nearer his family.
City wanted to tie things up quickly to ensure the situation did not drag on into August and the prospect of selling the 27-year-old to a club so far removed from being a rival was an added bonus. However, finalising a deal with Corinthians proved problematic with City left frustrated that the Brazilians did not conclude a deal they thought had been agreed.
While Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian has played down speculation Corinthians' inability to provide a bank guarantee for the vast sum of money had been at the centre of problems, Press Association Sport understands City have proof of four such requests.
The Eastlands club is also understood to have proof of an agreement as the Brazilian side had wanted it, although that seems to be of little value now that City have been left to deal with a saga that is set to run at least through to next month.
That may also impact on Mancini's plans to bring in Tevez's replacement, compatriot Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid. Corinthians have suggested they will return in January but that may be too long a period for both player and club.
"We are aware of the dream our fans had of having this player at Corinthians again and we look forward to him being with us in the near future," said the Brazilian club in a statement.
For his part, Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian on Wednesday night insisted the player would "respect" Manchester City for as long as he remained their player.
"There was a concrete offer on the table, and it was very close to being negotiated and agreed, but unfortunately it didn't go through," Joorabchian said. "There's not really any speculation from our standpoint (on what happens next).
"He's still a City player and he will respect that. We will keep it like that until there's something else concrete on the table."
Man City rule out Tevez-Sneijder swap deal
Manchester City have ruled out a possible swap deal between Carlos Tevez and Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.
Sources close to Eastlands have told talkSPORT manager Roberto Mancini has no interest in signing the Dutchman, either with or without Tevez moving in the opposite direction.
The deal to take Tevez back to Corinthians collapsed on Wednesday morning, with the Brazilian club claiming the deal with far too big to be concluded before Wednesday night's transfer deadline.
Questions remain whether Mancini will still bid for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero. The Spanish side have recruited Deportivo La Coruna hitman Adrian Lopez to take the Argentines place.
Sneijder, meanwhile, still has his heart set on a move to Manchester United with work still going on behind the scenes to conclude the deal, despite Sir Alex Ferguson claiming the Red Devils have “no real interest” in the Inter Milan star.
De Rossi contract hitch alerts Prem duo
Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has put Chelsea and Manchester City on red alert by stalling on a new contract.
The Italy international is entering the final year of his contract, and Roma director Walter Sabattini has admitted they may have to sell.
It may all end with De Rossi leaving the Serie A giants on the comparitive cheap, for a fee of less than £15million.
That could interest Chelsea and City, if they do not want to wait until he becomes a free agent.
Chelsea are looking to bolster their midfield after losing Michael Essien for six months with a knee injury.
England midfielder Scott Parker is also on their hit-list, depending on whether West Ham are willing to loan him out or want a permanent deal.
City also want to strengthen in midfield and De Rossi would be a glamorous signing.
But new Roma boss Luis Enrique insists he wants to keep the 27-year-old.
"He is very important for my plans and it would be impossible to find a replacement for him in the current market," he said.
Mirko Vucinic lined up as Tottenham alternative to Emmanuel Adebayor
Tottenham will swoop for Roma striker Mirko Vucinic if they cannot thrash out a deal with Manchester City to sign Emmanuel Adebayor.
City would rather sell Adebayor than loan him out again, and with the striker’s wage demands likely to scupper any deal anyway, Spurs have now turned their attentions to Montenegrin Vucinic.
The Roma forward has fallen out of favour with the club's fans, and despite the Giallorossi’s desire to keep him, Spurs are still trying to strike a £15million deal with the Serie A giants.
Vucinic managed just 10 goals in the league last season, and has since asked to leave after his attitude and body language came in for heavy criticism from the clubs’ supporters.
But despite doubts over the 27-year-old’s temperament, Harry Redknapp still sees the talented front man as an improvement on his current strike force and is confident of turning his form around.
OTHER BOLLOX
Southampton could be ready to sell striker and Arsenal target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - but only for £12m-plus. Daily Mirror
Arsenal will make a £10m offer for Birmingham defender Scott Dann after becoming increasingly frustrated over Bolton's demands for Gary Cahill. caughtoffside.com
Liverpool are tracking Hamburg's Marcell Jansen as manager Kenny Dalglish looks to bring in a new first-choice left-back after one of the players used in that role last season, Paul Konchesky, joined Leicester last week. caughtoffside.com
Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani could be on his way to Italian outfit Fiorentina. the Sun
Liverpool are also close to sealing a deal for Mexican striker Marco Bueno - the player dubbed 'the new Javier Hernandez'. The 17-year-old will have a 10-day trial at Liverpool's Melwood training ground, where boss Dalglish will have the final say. Hernandez is the Mexican forward who has made an impact at Manchester United. Metro
Chelsea and Everton are locked in a battle to sign Marseille midfielder Lucho Gonzalez, who is set to leave the French club this summer. talkSHIT
Winger Matt Taylor has flown home from Bolton's pre-season tour of the United States to talk to West Ham about a move. The Trotters are believed to have accepted a bid from the Hammers worth an initial £2.2m. the Guardian
West Brom have held talks with former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves over a possible pay-as-you-play deal. the Sun
Newcastle United are back in the hunt for Paris St Germain striker Mevlut Erdinc. the Sun
Arsenal manager Arsenal Wenger is coming under pressure from the Gunners board to start spending at the Emirates. the Sun
Newcastle plan to restrict the sale of tickets for away matches to season ticket holders and members only in the future following a pitch invasion during last week's friendly match with Darlington. Daily Mail
FC Copenhagen's centre back, Mathias 'Zanka' Jørgensen was watched by West Ham last night with a view to an offer for the promising youngster. Footie
Wigan midfielder Charles N'Zogbia is to go on strike by refusing to train as his frustration boils over following the rejection of a £9m bid from Aston Villa. Daily Telegraph
Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has no hard feelings after England team-mates Ashley Young and Stewart Downing left the club this summer. He said: "I wish them all the best and I hope they go on to achieve great things." Daily Express
YES Legend and Blue, Rick Wakeman to hold Q&A with mancityfans.net
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 21&t=39399
An unconvincing first season with Manchester City failed to reassure fans he was worth the £26million fee that secured his services from Aston Villa.
After being a regular in the first half of the campaign, James Milner was reduced to a bit-part player at the business end of the season, when he was disappointed to be an unused substitute in the FA Cup semi-final and final wins over Manchester United and Stoke respectively.
But Milner does not regret leaving Villa, has dismissed rumours he could move on and is happy to fight for his place, especially as City are launching a first Champions League campaign.
“It’s a big season for me,” said Milner. “You come to a new club and it takes time to find your bearings. But now I want to get a foothold in the team and prove to people that I’m good enough to be here and in the team regularly.
“Winning silverware is the only reason why I came here. We did that last season and that showed it was the right move for me. At the end of your career you look back and you want to see a trophy cabinet full of winners’ medals.
“You want to be able to tell people, ‘I’ve won this, this and this’. That’s what drives me on. That’s what I feel I can achieve at this club. I want to be the best player I can and win trophies.”
Milner believes his best position is in midfield but he is up against players such as Nigel de Jong, Gareth Barry, Yaya Toure and David Silva in that department while, on the flanks, Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips offer stiff competition, with Mario Balotelli also a wide-man option . Milner said: “It is tough to get in the team but that’s what happens when you’re at a top club like this. You want to be pushed as a player, you want to improve .
“When you have two or three top-class players in each position it’s good for everyone. It is good for the club, the manager and the players because it really challenges you.
“It will make me a better player watching these guys play and train. You know you have to play well and train well if you’re going to get a shirt on the Saturday.”
Milner is excited by Champions League football and believes City can make an impact.
He said: “A lot of the lads here have played in the Champions League before, even if we haven’t as a unit, so we’ll be looking to learn quickly and make a real impact. It’s going to be a real challenge and one we’re really looking forward to. We’re going to be playing top teams every week, there will be a lot of games, a lot of competitions. But the squad we have here is big enough to do well in all of those.
“I’ve never played in it before. I missed out on it at Leeds by a couple of years. I’ve played UEFA Cup/Europa League at Leeds, Newcastle, Villa and City. I’ve got to the quarter-finals of those competitions, but this is a real step up. It’s going to be a great experience.
“You want to play for your country and the top competitions – and that obviously means the Champions League.”
Milner believes that Sir Alex Ferguson is right to be wary of City’s emerging title threat after they finished level on points with Chelsea last season.
“Yes, it’s a boost to hear that,” said Milner. “You hear positive and negative things said about you , but we’ll get on with our job. We know we have to improve as a club and a team but we think we can carry on moving forward.
“You look to improve every year and we did that last year. Now we’ll be looking to do that again. Finishing third was a very good season for us and also winning the FA Cup.
“But now we’ll be looking to top that, so a natural progression would be to finish second and really push hard for the title. We think it could be a possibility.”
JAMES Milner was speaking in Los Angeles, where City have announced plans to create a state-of-the-art football facility to serve local children.
Kompany: We'll cope either way
Captain-in-waiting Vincent Kompany claims Manchester City will be stronger this season - with or without talisman Carlos Tevez.
The Blues are still no closer to knowing whether they will begin the 2011/12 campaign with their talismanic Argentine striker in the side or not.
Tevez is pushing for a move away from the Etihad Stadium and has already seen a proposed £40million return to former employers Corinthians collapse.
Unless a big-spending European club is prepared to meet City's increased £50million valuation, there is a chance the South American frontman could be forced to stay at City.
His presence would certainly aid the club's cause, as they attempt to build on last season's FA Cup and top-four heroics, but Kompany insists Roberto Mancini's Blues are no one-man team.
The Belgian centre-half said in The Sun: "Until there is an actual signature and it is confirmed he is not a Manchester City player any more, I do not have to comment about Carlos.
"What I do know is that the group will be stronger next season, with or without him.
"Whether he stays or goes, it won't change what we want to achieve. The goals remain the same.
"We've had great players here who have moved on.
"With them it's great but without them we find a solution."
Regardless of whether Tevez stays or goes, it is widely expected that Mancini will opt to hand the captain's armband to Kompany this season, and he admits he would be honoured to lead the club into an historic campaign - as they prepare to enter the UEFA Champions League.
He added: "It would be a big honour for me. But until I hear differently, Carlos remains the captain.
"Whenever I've been captain, it has always been a great honour. Yet it doesn't change my role in the team.
"You don't have to wear the armband to be a captain."
WIGAN have lined up Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to replace Charles N’Zogbia.
Aston Villa are hoping to sign £10million-rated N’Zogbia after having an opening bid of £9m rejected. Express
Tevez poser for Mancini
Manchester City's failure to conclude a £40million deal to sell striker Carlos Tevez to Brazilian club Corinthians now poses a problem for manager Roberto Mancini.
The move back to South America appeared to be the best solution for all involved as the Argentina international is desperate to be nearer his family.
City wanted to tie things up quickly to ensure the situation did not drag on into August and the prospect of selling the 27-year-old to a club so far removed from being a rival was an added bonus. However, finalising a deal with Corinthians proved problematic with City left frustrated that the Brazilians did not conclude a deal they thought had been agreed.
While Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian has played down speculation Corinthians' inability to provide a bank guarantee for the vast sum of money had been at the centre of problems, Press Association Sport understands City have proof of four such requests.
The Eastlands club is also understood to have proof of an agreement as the Brazilian side had wanted it, although that seems to be of little value now that City have been left to deal with a saga that is set to run at least through to next month.
That may also impact on Mancini's plans to bring in Tevez's replacement, compatriot Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid. Corinthians have suggested they will return in January but that may be too long a period for both player and club.
"We are aware of the dream our fans had of having this player at Corinthians again and we look forward to him being with us in the near future," said the Brazilian club in a statement.
For his part, Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian on Wednesday night insisted the player would "respect" Manchester City for as long as he remained their player.
"There was a concrete offer on the table, and it was very close to being negotiated and agreed, but unfortunately it didn't go through," Joorabchian said. "There's not really any speculation from our standpoint (on what happens next).
"He's still a City player and he will respect that. We will keep it like that until there's something else concrete on the table."
Man City rule out Tevez-Sneijder swap deal
Manchester City have ruled out a possible swap deal between Carlos Tevez and Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.
Sources close to Eastlands have told talkSPORT manager Roberto Mancini has no interest in signing the Dutchman, either with or without Tevez moving in the opposite direction.
The deal to take Tevez back to Corinthians collapsed on Wednesday morning, with the Brazilian club claiming the deal with far too big to be concluded before Wednesday night's transfer deadline.
Questions remain whether Mancini will still bid for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero. The Spanish side have recruited Deportivo La Coruna hitman Adrian Lopez to take the Argentines place.
Sneijder, meanwhile, still has his heart set on a move to Manchester United with work still going on behind the scenes to conclude the deal, despite Sir Alex Ferguson claiming the Red Devils have “no real interest” in the Inter Milan star.
De Rossi contract hitch alerts Prem duo
Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has put Chelsea and Manchester City on red alert by stalling on a new contract.
The Italy international is entering the final year of his contract, and Roma director Walter Sabattini has admitted they may have to sell.
It may all end with De Rossi leaving the Serie A giants on the comparitive cheap, for a fee of less than £15million.
That could interest Chelsea and City, if they do not want to wait until he becomes a free agent.
Chelsea are looking to bolster their midfield after losing Michael Essien for six months with a knee injury.
England midfielder Scott Parker is also on their hit-list, depending on whether West Ham are willing to loan him out or want a permanent deal.
City also want to strengthen in midfield and De Rossi would be a glamorous signing.
But new Roma boss Luis Enrique insists he wants to keep the 27-year-old.
"He is very important for my plans and it would be impossible to find a replacement for him in the current market," he said.
Mirko Vucinic lined up as Tottenham alternative to Emmanuel Adebayor
Tottenham will swoop for Roma striker Mirko Vucinic if they cannot thrash out a deal with Manchester City to sign Emmanuel Adebayor.
City would rather sell Adebayor than loan him out again, and with the striker’s wage demands likely to scupper any deal anyway, Spurs have now turned their attentions to Montenegrin Vucinic.
The Roma forward has fallen out of favour with the club's fans, and despite the Giallorossi’s desire to keep him, Spurs are still trying to strike a £15million deal with the Serie A giants.
Vucinic managed just 10 goals in the league last season, and has since asked to leave after his attitude and body language came in for heavy criticism from the clubs’ supporters.
But despite doubts over the 27-year-old’s temperament, Harry Redknapp still sees the talented front man as an improvement on his current strike force and is confident of turning his form around.
OTHER BOLLOX
Southampton could be ready to sell striker and Arsenal target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - but only for £12m-plus. Daily Mirror
Arsenal will make a £10m offer for Birmingham defender Scott Dann after becoming increasingly frustrated over Bolton's demands for Gary Cahill. caughtoffside.com
Liverpool are tracking Hamburg's Marcell Jansen as manager Kenny Dalglish looks to bring in a new first-choice left-back after one of the players used in that role last season, Paul Konchesky, joined Leicester last week. caughtoffside.com
Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani could be on his way to Italian outfit Fiorentina. the Sun
Liverpool are also close to sealing a deal for Mexican striker Marco Bueno - the player dubbed 'the new Javier Hernandez'. The 17-year-old will have a 10-day trial at Liverpool's Melwood training ground, where boss Dalglish will have the final say. Hernandez is the Mexican forward who has made an impact at Manchester United. Metro
Chelsea and Everton are locked in a battle to sign Marseille midfielder Lucho Gonzalez, who is set to leave the French club this summer. talkSHIT
Winger Matt Taylor has flown home from Bolton's pre-season tour of the United States to talk to West Ham about a move. The Trotters are believed to have accepted a bid from the Hammers worth an initial £2.2m. the Guardian
West Brom have held talks with former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves over a possible pay-as-you-play deal. the Sun
Newcastle United are back in the hunt for Paris St Germain striker Mevlut Erdinc. the Sun
Arsenal manager Arsenal Wenger is coming under pressure from the Gunners board to start spending at the Emirates. the Sun
Newcastle plan to restrict the sale of tickets for away matches to season ticket holders and members only in the future following a pitch invasion during last week's friendly match with Darlington. Daily Mail
FC Copenhagen's centre back, Mathias 'Zanka' Jørgensen was watched by West Ham last night with a view to an offer for the promising youngster. Footie
Wigan midfielder Charles N'Zogbia is to go on strike by refusing to train as his frustration boils over following the rejection of a £9m bid from Aston Villa. Daily Telegraph
Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has no hard feelings after England team-mates Ashley Young and Stewart Downing left the club this summer. He said: "I wish them all the best and I hope they go on to achieve great things." Daily Express
YES Legend and Blue, Rick Wakeman to hold Q&A with mancityfans.net
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 21&t=39399
