Thursday's B*ll*x (updated)
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:27 amMan City captain Vincent Kompany confident of beating Arsenal
Central defender Kompany was signed from Hamburg in 2008 Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany expects his side to return to winning ways against Arsenal at the weekend.
City suffered their first league defeat of the season at Chelsea on Monday and face Arsene Wenger's in-form Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
"We are hungry to win. We've known tougher moments so we just have to pick ourselves up," Kompany said.
"We will not be arrogant about this fixture. Arsenal are a great team but we can beat great teams."
Roberto Mancini's men were knocked out of the Champions League last week and could find themselves in second place in the Premier League by kick-off on Sunday should rivals Manchester United beat QPR in the day's early match.
Arsenal have been in inspired form since losing four of their opening seven Premier League matches, taking 22 points from a possible 24.
But Kompany - who was speaking after a visit to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital - believes the defeat at Stamford Bridge will spur the league leaders on.
"We want Sunday to come as quickly as possible because that's the kind of team we are," he added.
"We [/highlight]are eager to win on Sunday.
"We don't like to lose and for a team playing away at Chelsea we showed a lot of courage, especially in the first half.
"We were unlucky not to be up by more at half-time. But that game has been played now and there is nothing we can do about it.
"I definitely have a lot of respect for Arsenal. The way they have picked themselves up after a difficult month has been incredible.
"A lot of credit goes to them for that. They are a top team and will make a top game of it but at home we still feel as if we are a strong and difficult team to beat.
"Even when we haven't won this season we have looked the team that was more likely to win. We are well prepared and will not take it lightly."
AC Milan issue warning to 'greedy' Tevez
Carlos Tevez has been warned not to let greed get in the way of glory.
The Manchester City striker wants a January transfer window move to AC Milan, but has been unable to get anywhere close to an agreement in contract negotiations.
And last night Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi said his club is the only option for the Argentine, if he can forget about the lure of money for once.
Paris Saint-Germain - like City, backed by Arab oil millions - have also expressed an interest in the forward.
Berlusconi was scathing in his assessment of the situation, as he insisted it should not be about cash, but credibility.
“Tevez has to choose between the prestige that AC Milan represents, or the money of the PSG, led by Sheikh of Qatar,” he insisted.
“AC Milan is a solution of prestige, with the possibility of playing in one of the biggest clubs in the world and perhaps to win the Golden Ball. Paris Saint-Germain is money.”
City are interested only in a straight cash deal to a foreign team, and Paris fit the bill most closely, because they are prepared to commit to a transfer, while Milan still want an initial loan period in the New Year.
Redknapp lauds 'special' Tevez, but admits Spurs are unlikely to sign Manchester City rebel
Harry Redknapp has admitted he would love to bring Carlos Tevez to White Hart Lane - but concedes that a January move for the Manchester City outcast is unlikely.
With Redknapp keen to bolster his attacking options to boost Spurs' hopes of a strong finish to the Barclays Premier League season, the Argentine has been linked with a move to north London.
Spurs made a series of audacious bids to sign Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero and Fernando Llorente in January last year and although he is happy with his current squad, Redknapp thinks Levy would give him the funds to land a marquee signing in January if he felt it necessary.
'If someone came along who we felt was special, someone who could make the difference, I think we would go for him,' he said.
'The chairman would back me all the way if it was someone who we felt could take us that extra little bit forward. He is a special player, the type of player who could make the difference, but I wouldn't think that's a real possibility,' said Redknapp.
Meanwhile, Tevez has told Argentine magazine Gente he is fed up of travelling and will never be returning to England once he leaves City because he wants to play for Boca Juniors.
Gente (in Spanish)
http://gente.com.ar/nota.php?ID=17626
Hodgson ponders £4m raid on Man City
Roy Hodgson is ready step up his £4million chase for Nedum Onuoha amid fears Jonas Olsson is ready to leave West Brom.
Baggies boss has been trailing Manchester City centre-back Onuoha for several months and is poised to make a bid during the January transfer window.
City are willing to listen to offers for the England Under-21 international, who has only played twice for the club this season - both in the Carling Cup - after spending the 2010-2011 campaign on loan at Sunderland.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
OTHER BOLLOX
Torres not for sale - Chelsea boss Villas-Boas
Torres has scored five times in 35 apperances since joining from Liverpool Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has insisted striker Fernando Torres is not for sale "at any price".
Villas-Boas was responding to the suggestion Torres will be sold during the January transfer window following a frustrating year at Stamford Bridge.
"It's not true, he is not available at any price," said Villas-Boas.
"We are pretty sure when Fernando is called up he will respond with the quality and talent he has. We have to make the best decisions for the team."
Villas-Boas also responded to veteran midfielder Frank Lampard's recent complaints about being left out of Chelsea's starting line-up.
Lampard started on the bench for the second successive game against Manchester City on Monday but scored his side's winner against Manchester City on Monday.
"There are plenty of players that push for the starting XI and Frank is not the only one," added Villas-Boas.
"I think 'Lamps' is one of the top five players most used. Every player wants to be involved in every game but sometimes it's just not possible.
"We've been having conversations with all the players, we treat them all equally. The club's direction and fortune is the most important thing.
"There is no hiding that 'Lamps' represents the best in the history of the club. These are players of massive magnitude and represent Chelsea's success but in our opinion every player must be treated equally. Sometimes we can't please everybody."
In addition, Villas-Boas said he was confident striker Didier Drogba would keep giving his all for the side, despite the club not planning to offer him the two-year deal he desires.
"There will be no question about his professionalism and integrity and I am sure he will keep on representing Chelsea this season," said Villas-Boas.
Chelsea are preparing a £30m offer for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain. Daily Star
Sir Alex Ferguson will make a £20m January bid for Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell as the Manchester United boss looks to settle a midfield crisis that has seen three of his main first team options sidelined with injuries. Caught Offside
Manchester United youngster Paul Pogba is set to reject a chance to sign a new contract and open talks about a Bosman move to Inter Milan. Daily Mirror
Meanwhile, United are readying a bid for Roma contract rebel Daniele de Rossi. Caught Offside
Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka could be heading to Roma in January, with his agent set to sit down with Spurs and sort out his future in the coming days. Talk Shit
Spartak Moscow are ready to go head-to-head with Queens Park Rangers for Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. Metro
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has rubbished rumours of David Villa being sold to Liverpool, Chelsea or Aston Villa. Metro
Everon are chasing £500,000 French defender Yohan Tavares from Portuguese club Beira Mar. the Sun
Wolfsburg manager Felix Magath is keen to sign Arsenal's Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Rosicky in January. Inside Futbol
Sunderland will look to buy a striker in January after discovering they cannot recall Asamoah Gyan from his season-long loan at UAE club Al Ain. Daily Mirror
West Brom defender Jonas Olsson has revealed he has reservations about extending his contract despite starting talks over a new deal. Daily Express
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has made it clear in-form striker Steven Fletcher is not for sale. Express and Star
Andy Carroll will pick up a £150,000 loyalty bonus from Liverpool next month despite making only 13 starts since his £35m move from Newcastle. Daily Mail
Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and other stars of yesteryear dusted off their boots for a charity match in Hamburg that also involved current Premier League star Didier Drogba. Metro
Stoke rule out complaint over Besiktas missile incidents
Stoke players were pelted with objects during the Europa League defeat at Besiktas, but manager Tony Pulis says they will not complain to Uefa.
Goalscorer Ricardo Fuller and winger Jermaine Pennant, as he prepared to take a corner, had items directed at them inside the Inonu Stadium.
"We won't be complaining to anyone. We're Stoke and we don't complain," said manager Tony Pulis.
Pennant added: "I was getting pelted with everything - lighters, coins."
He continued: "I didn't want to take [the corner] because every second I could see things flying past me.
We've finished above Kiev and we've given Besiktas two very good games
Stoke boss Tony Pulis
"Until that stopped, I didn't feel comfortable taking the corner and then obviously the referee called me away.
"I've played here before so I know what the atmosphere's like," added Pennant, who came on as a first-half substitute for the injured Andy Wilkinson.
Despite the defeat, Stoke progressed to the last 32 of the competition having sealed their berth in the previous round of Group E games.
"I was told it was going to be an interesting trip coming to Turkey, and it's certainly been that. This is all new to me.
"I was told I would experience different things and I have, but I thought the players handled it well."
Brazilian youngster Pottker sent off for competing drop-ball and scoring
Figueirense U20 striker Pottker may be one of the most unsporting players on the planet, but it was still a bit harsh when he was sent off for competing a drop-ball and then scoring a goal.
Normally when a referee carries out a drop-ball it is expected that a player will kick the ball back to the team that had it before play was stopped.
That didn't happen in the Figueirense vs Bahia u20 match.
Striker Pottker decided to be sneaky and actively compete for the ball after play was halted for an injury when Bahia had possession.
Instead of passing it back he took control, while the opposing players looked on with bemused expressions.
The young player then burst through the defence and slotted the ball in the bottom right hand corner, much to the displeasure of the Bahia players.
But incredibly, the referee gave the goal and then red carded the eager forward.
Figueirense eventually won the match 4-1, but the official probably has a few questions to answer over his strange decisions.
[youtube]uwDA5vYkz28[/youtube]
Central defender Kompany was signed from Hamburg in 2008 Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany expects his side to return to winning ways against Arsenal at the weekend.
City suffered their first league defeat of the season at Chelsea on Monday and face Arsene Wenger's in-form Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
"We are hungry to win. We've known tougher moments so we just have to pick ourselves up," Kompany said.
"We will not be arrogant about this fixture. Arsenal are a great team but we can beat great teams."
Roberto Mancini's men were knocked out of the Champions League last week and could find themselves in second place in the Premier League by kick-off on Sunday should rivals Manchester United beat QPR in the day's early match.
Arsenal have been in inspired form since losing four of their opening seven Premier League matches, taking 22 points from a possible 24.
But Kompany - who was speaking after a visit to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital - believes the defeat at Stamford Bridge will spur the league leaders on.
"We want Sunday to come as quickly as possible because that's the kind of team we are," he added.
"We [/highlight]are eager to win on Sunday.
"We don't like to lose and for a team playing away at Chelsea we showed a lot of courage, especially in the first half.
"We were unlucky not to be up by more at half-time. But that game has been played now and there is nothing we can do about it.
"I definitely have a lot of respect for Arsenal. The way they have picked themselves up after a difficult month has been incredible.
"A lot of credit goes to them for that. They are a top team and will make a top game of it but at home we still feel as if we are a strong and difficult team to beat.
"Even when we haven't won this season we have looked the team that was more likely to win. We are well prepared and will not take it lightly."
AC Milan issue warning to 'greedy' Tevez
Carlos Tevez has been warned not to let greed get in the way of glory.
The Manchester City striker wants a January transfer window move to AC Milan, but has been unable to get anywhere close to an agreement in contract negotiations.
And last night Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi said his club is the only option for the Argentine, if he can forget about the lure of money for once.
Paris Saint-Germain - like City, backed by Arab oil millions - have also expressed an interest in the forward.
Berlusconi was scathing in his assessment of the situation, as he insisted it should not be about cash, but credibility.
“Tevez has to choose between the prestige that AC Milan represents, or the money of the PSG, led by Sheikh of Qatar,” he insisted.
“AC Milan is a solution of prestige, with the possibility of playing in one of the biggest clubs in the world and perhaps to win the Golden Ball. Paris Saint-Germain is money.”
City are interested only in a straight cash deal to a foreign team, and Paris fit the bill most closely, because they are prepared to commit to a transfer, while Milan still want an initial loan period in the New Year.
Redknapp lauds 'special' Tevez, but admits Spurs are unlikely to sign Manchester City rebel
Harry Redknapp has admitted he would love to bring Carlos Tevez to White Hart Lane - but concedes that a January move for the Manchester City outcast is unlikely.
With Redknapp keen to bolster his attacking options to boost Spurs' hopes of a strong finish to the Barclays Premier League season, the Argentine has been linked with a move to north London.
Spurs made a series of audacious bids to sign Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero and Fernando Llorente in January last year and although he is happy with his current squad, Redknapp thinks Levy would give him the funds to land a marquee signing in January if he felt it necessary.
'If someone came along who we felt was special, someone who could make the difference, I think we would go for him,' he said.
'The chairman would back me all the way if it was someone who we felt could take us that extra little bit forward. He is a special player, the type of player who could make the difference, but I wouldn't think that's a real possibility,' said Redknapp.
Meanwhile, Tevez has told Argentine magazine Gente he is fed up of travelling and will never be returning to England once he leaves City because he wants to play for Boca Juniors.
Gente (in Spanish)
http://gente.com.ar/nota.php?ID=17626
Hodgson ponders £4m raid on Man City
Roy Hodgson is ready step up his £4million chase for Nedum Onuoha amid fears Jonas Olsson is ready to leave West Brom.
Baggies boss has been trailing Manchester City centre-back Onuoha for several months and is poised to make a bid during the January transfer window.
City are willing to listen to offers for the England Under-21 international, who has only played twice for the club this season - both in the Carling Cup - after spending the 2010-2011 campaign on loan at Sunderland.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]OTHER BOLLOX
Torres not for sale - Chelsea boss Villas-Boas
Torres has scored five times in 35 apperances since joining from Liverpool Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has insisted striker Fernando Torres is not for sale "at any price".
Villas-Boas was responding to the suggestion Torres will be sold during the January transfer window following a frustrating year at Stamford Bridge.
"It's not true, he is not available at any price," said Villas-Boas.
"We are pretty sure when Fernando is called up he will respond with the quality and talent he has. We have to make the best decisions for the team."
Villas-Boas also responded to veteran midfielder Frank Lampard's recent complaints about being left out of Chelsea's starting line-up.
Lampard started on the bench for the second successive game against Manchester City on Monday but scored his side's winner against Manchester City on Monday.
"There are plenty of players that push for the starting XI and Frank is not the only one," added Villas-Boas.
"I think 'Lamps' is one of the top five players most used. Every player wants to be involved in every game but sometimes it's just not possible.
"We've been having conversations with all the players, we treat them all equally. The club's direction and fortune is the most important thing.
"There is no hiding that 'Lamps' represents the best in the history of the club. These are players of massive magnitude and represent Chelsea's success but in our opinion every player must be treated equally. Sometimes we can't please everybody."
In addition, Villas-Boas said he was confident striker Didier Drogba would keep giving his all for the side, despite the club not planning to offer him the two-year deal he desires.
"There will be no question about his professionalism and integrity and I am sure he will keep on representing Chelsea this season," said Villas-Boas.
Chelsea are preparing a £30m offer for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain. Daily Star
Sir Alex Ferguson will make a £20m January bid for Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell as the Manchester United boss looks to settle a midfield crisis that has seen three of his main first team options sidelined with injuries. Caught Offside
Manchester United youngster Paul Pogba is set to reject a chance to sign a new contract and open talks about a Bosman move to Inter Milan. Daily Mirror
Meanwhile, United are readying a bid for Roma contract rebel Daniele de Rossi. Caught Offside
Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka could be heading to Roma in January, with his agent set to sit down with Spurs and sort out his future in the coming days. Talk Shit
Spartak Moscow are ready to go head-to-head with Queens Park Rangers for Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. Metro
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has rubbished rumours of David Villa being sold to Liverpool, Chelsea or Aston Villa. Metro
Everon are chasing £500,000 French defender Yohan Tavares from Portuguese club Beira Mar. the Sun
Wolfsburg manager Felix Magath is keen to sign Arsenal's Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Rosicky in January. Inside Futbol
Sunderland will look to buy a striker in January after discovering they cannot recall Asamoah Gyan from his season-long loan at UAE club Al Ain. Daily Mirror
West Brom defender Jonas Olsson has revealed he has reservations about extending his contract despite starting talks over a new deal. Daily Express
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has made it clear in-form striker Steven Fletcher is not for sale. Express and Star
Andy Carroll will pick up a £150,000 loyalty bonus from Liverpool next month despite making only 13 starts since his £35m move from Newcastle. Daily Mail
Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and other stars of yesteryear dusted off their boots for a charity match in Hamburg that also involved current Premier League star Didier Drogba. Metro
Stoke rule out complaint over Besiktas missile incidents
Stoke players were pelted with objects during the Europa League defeat at Besiktas, but manager Tony Pulis says they will not complain to Uefa.
Goalscorer Ricardo Fuller and winger Jermaine Pennant, as he prepared to take a corner, had items directed at them inside the Inonu Stadium.
"We won't be complaining to anyone. We're Stoke and we don't complain," said manager Tony Pulis.
Pennant added: "I was getting pelted with everything - lighters, coins."
He continued: "I didn't want to take [the corner] because every second I could see things flying past me.
We've finished above Kiev and we've given Besiktas two very good games
Stoke boss Tony Pulis
"Until that stopped, I didn't feel comfortable taking the corner and then obviously the referee called me away.
"I've played here before so I know what the atmosphere's like," added Pennant, who came on as a first-half substitute for the injured Andy Wilkinson.
Despite the defeat, Stoke progressed to the last 32 of the competition having sealed their berth in the previous round of Group E games.
"I was told it was going to be an interesting trip coming to Turkey, and it's certainly been that. This is all new to me.
"I was told I would experience different things and I have, but I thought the players handled it well."
Brazilian youngster Pottker sent off for competing drop-ball and scoring
Figueirense U20 striker Pottker may be one of the most unsporting players on the planet, but it was still a bit harsh when he was sent off for competing a drop-ball and then scoring a goal.
Normally when a referee carries out a drop-ball it is expected that a player will kick the ball back to the team that had it before play was stopped.
That didn't happen in the Figueirense vs Bahia u20 match.
Striker Pottker decided to be sneaky and actively compete for the ball after play was halted for an injury when Bahia had possession.
Instead of passing it back he took control, while the opposing players looked on with bemused expressions.
The young player then burst through the defence and slotted the ball in the bottom right hand corner, much to the displeasure of the Bahia players.
But incredibly, the referee gave the goal and then red carded the eager forward.
Figueirense eventually won the match 4-1, but the official probably has a few questions to answer over his strange decisions.
[youtube]uwDA5vYkz28[/youtube]