Sunday's B*ll*x (updated)
Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 10:48 amOfficial B*ll*x
Given what happened at White Hart Lane last night the tittle-tattle of Sunday morning football gossip hardly seems wholly appropriate.
With the Blues next game with Chelsea still some three days away, the scribes inevitably turn to the subject of Carlos Tevez, his possible involvement against the London Blues and whether his return is good or bad for football.
And just for good measure Mario gets a mention here and there too.
Readers of the papers can take their pick with Andy Dunn and Simon Mullock pontificating and reporting in the Sunday Mirror, Joe Bernstein quoting Joleon Lescott on the subject in the Mail and Martin Blackburn giving Sergio Aguero’s thoughts an airing in the Sun.
Former players have their say to with the People relying on Chris Waddle’s insight, Graeme Souness is the Star’s star and Roy Keane attempting to shine in the Sun.
Away from Messrs Tevez and Balotelli the Crewe Chronicle’s Peter Morse reckons that one of that town’s vaunted youngsters is on his way to City.
‘The Chronicle understands that Crewe Alex have agreed to sell schoolboy Dan Smith to Manchester City,’ he writes.
‘The 16-year-old England youth international midfielder has long been targeted by the Premier League giants.
‘Once completed, the deal will include a large range of add-ons including cash for appearances.’
At the other end of the transfer scale, Steve Stammers in the Sunday Mirror is of the belief that City are interested in bringing Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben back to the Premier League.
Hopefully tomorrow’s headlines will be dominated by news of Fabrice Muamba’s successfully fighting for life.
Vincent Kompany admits 'my forehead is as big as the moon'
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has poked fun at his own appearance by describing his forehead as being as big as the moon.
Opposition fans have regularly commented on his unusually-shaped bonce - often after the composed central defender has headed yet another cross clear.
Vincent Kompany models his massive forehead (Getty Images)
The Belgium international has noticed as well, as he admitted during a question-and-answer session with his Twitter followers.
A fan asked 'how big is your forehead??' and Kompany quipped: 'About the circumference of the moon...Lol'
Not everyone thought this was a bad thing and a female City supporter said: 'I too have a five-head. I like to think it reflects the size of my brain. :-) #moonheads'
Kompany liked that thought and replied: 'Of course it does :)'
The former Hamburg star also revealed a few facts about life at the Etihad Stadium, including that James Milner is the hardest worker in training, David Silva is the quietest member of the squad and Joe Hart is the biggest joker.
The most important issue he had to make a call on was who would win an arm wrestle between Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott.
Perhaps surprisingly, he tipped Lescott to triumph.
Aguero’s Tev plea
SERGIO AGUERO has urged Roberto Mancini to reunite him with Argentinian compatriot Carlos Tevez this week.
Prove we’re not bottlersTevez looked like he had played his last Manchester City game when he refused to warm up during a Champions League tie in Munich in September.
But he is in line for a return for the visit of Chelsea on Wednesday.
Aguero said: "Tevez is a player with a lot of experience. There's no doubt he could help us — we've suffered some blows recently."
City were knocked off top spot by United last Sunday and then slipped out of Europe on away goals to Sporting Lisbon.
But Aguero added: "I see the group as being in good shape. We have the squad to fight Manchester United all the way. We're not going to slip up.
Manchester City's De Jong sends title warning to Manchester United
The Citizens' tough-tackling midfielder has admitted the momentum is with the Red Devils but insists his team-mates can handle the pressure of the Premier League title run-in
Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has sent a title warning to rivals Manchester United, saying they can handle the pressure.
City currently sit one point behind United, but a win for the Red Devils on Sunday against struggling Wolves could take them four points clear before De Jong and Co. play Chelsea on Wednesday.
For much of the season Roberto Mancini’s side were clear at the top of the Premier League and even looked like they might run away with the title. But some recent wobbles and United's relentless winning consistency have converged to put the title race very much in the balance - and currently tilting towards Old Trafford.
Following both clubs' elimination from the Europa League in midweek, the only chance of silverware for either this season is now the Premier League crown - and the battle for that could go right down to the wire.
De Jong admits that Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have the track record, the experience and the history to be regarded as favourites, but the Dutchman nevertheless insists his team have the ability and the will to claim the title in May.
He told The Mirror on Sunday: “We don’t fear the momentum is with United. We don’t have any fear. Over the last 12 days or so we’ve been in a moment where things haven’t been as easy as they were at the start of the season.
“The next 10 games are cup finals because we have only the League now.”
Carlos' comeback is inevitable but it shouldn't be happening
"Tevez has been granted grace after apologising to his manager and team-mates, only after he realised no one was prepared to gamble on his astronomical wage demands or, more pointedly, his precious temperament."
Carlos Tevez is due to return to Premier League action against Chelsea - something we never thought would happen during the Argentinean's self-imposed strike - and it's a sign that City are getting desperate in the title race, says Richard Aikman
Back in January Roberto Mancini described Carlos Tevez's prospects of ever playing for Manchester City again as "impossible". Two months later and with City's title challenge losing momentum it appears that the Argentinian international is poised to come out of exile. Principles, it seems, are all very well, but not at any price.
When Mancini publicly closed the door on Tevez, City were three points clear at the top of the league and shoo-ins to win the title, backed as low as 1.4 to do so. Since then, they have been knocked out of two cup competitions, are second-favourites to their Manchester rivals in the Premier League and have endured three disappointing results on the bounce. It's time to reach for the Batphone.
Tevez's return would unquestionably be welcomed by most of the players. When he first reappeared at City's Carrington training ground Micah Richards was so pleased to see him he picked him up and started throwing him in the air like a rag doll.
"I have always been a big fan of Tevez," said Richards before City's Europa League round of 16 second leg against Sporting Lisbon - a tie they lost on away goals.
"There were games last year season when he carried us on his own and in these sort of games he would get a 1-0 win for us. It's up to the manager ultimately but I would love to see him back."
Kolo Toure has also said his piece. "It would be great if he could play against Chelsea because he's got a great record against them," said the former Arsenal defender.
"I would love it if he scored the goal to win us the title because for me he's a great player. A problem can happen but his quality is still there. It's great to have him in the squad again. He can score goals and he's a strong player."
In other words, who cares if he went AWOL leaving us all in the lurch? Who cares if he was playing golf in Buenos Aires while we were all having to miss Christmas and suffer derby defeat in the FA Cup because someone was sulking in South America? Who cares if Tevez is the worst example of the modern-day, self-serving Premier League footballer. He is good, he might win us a title; the normal rules don't apply.
Tevez has been granted grace after apologising to his manager and team-mates, only after he realised no one was prepared to gamble on his astronomical wage demands or, more pointedly, his precious temperament. He should have been banished to the reserves for perpetuity, not welcomed back with open arms. It is not so much about who was right or wrong; maybe there was a misunderstanding, maybe Mancini did show him disrespect. So what? The lunatics should not be allowed to govern the asylum. As Al Pacino says in Carlito's Way: "There is a line you cross, you don't never come back from. Point of no return." All the leading clubs in Europe should have agreed not to sign him.
When Carlitos, as expected, crosses the touchline as a substitute against Chelsea on Wednesday, the fans' reaction will be no different to that of the players. After all, you don't see Manchester United fans booing Wayne Rooney, even though he held Manchester United to ransom over a new contract by threatening to leave, do you? That was all his agent's fault.
Mancini has felt it necessary to alter his stance over Tevez because the rattling wheels of City title train are threatening to dislodge. The Citizens may have won four of their last five league encounters, but those victories came against eminently beatable sides: Fulham, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Bolton. The title run-in does not make for such comfortable viewing.
Anyone passing off the Swansea and Sporting defeats as small bumps in the road are overlooking the supine nature of those defeats. Admittedly, they have missed the excellent Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott, who were both injured in the first leg against Sporting. But the fact remains that this that a side who have not been at the business end of a title run-in before - and they are showing signs of mental fragility.
The likes of David Silva, Sergio Agüero, Samir Nasri and Gareth Barry are fine players but, unlike United, none of them have stayed course and distance over a title race. Indeed for Nasri and Gaël Clichy the horrors of last season's spontaneous combustion at Arsenal are more likely to spring to mind.
City have fantastic home form, but the visit of a resurgent Chelsea couldn't come at a more vulnerable time for them. The Blues' old guard - John Terry, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole - are determined to make the most of their second lease of life to show they still have what it takes at the highest level, and if they demonstrate the warrior spirit that saw them through against Napoli last week - the sort of spirit Mancini wishes he had in his ranks - then not even Carlito will be able to show City the way.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
OTHER BOLLOX
Argentina striker Lionel Messi has ruled out ever moving to the Premier League by revealing he wants to stay with Barcelona for the rest of his career. Sunday Mirror
Manchester United are ready to pay £25m for Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao . The 22-year-old has been the subject of interest from Tottenham. Metro
Italian legend Alessandro del Piero looks set to leave Juventus when his contract expires this summer, with Arsenal and QPR reportedly interested. The 37-year-old has spent 20 years at Juve scoring more than 200 goals in 700 appearances. Footie-online.co.uk
Arsenal have added Birmingham's 19-year-old goalkeeper Jack Butland to their wanted list. Butland is currently on loan at League Two side Cheltenham. Sunday Mirror
Germany striker Lukas Podolski has given a further indication that he is far from certain to sign for Arsenal in the summer. The 26-year-old Cologne forward has hinted he would be interested in a move to Lazio. Metro
Celtic are prepared to play in League One, with the radical plan set to be put to Football League clubs this summer.
the People
Arsenal or Tottenham face missing out on the Champions League if Chelsea win it this season while finishing outside the top four - because Uefa have ruled only four English teams will play in the tournament next season.
Daily Star Sunday
There are rumours of negativity engulfing Tottenham and their players, according to former goalkeeper Ian Walker. talkSHITE
Louis van Gaal has emerged as a leading contender to take over as Chelsea manager. Sunday Mirror
Frank Lampard says that former manager Andre Villas-Boas lost sight of the present while trying to move older players out. the Sun
Manchester United keeper David de Gea has said manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told the players they must win their 10 remaining games this season if they want to win the Premier League title. the Sun
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez are starting to click. Liverpool Echo
Given what happened at White Hart Lane last night the tittle-tattle of Sunday morning football gossip hardly seems wholly appropriate.
With the Blues next game with Chelsea still some three days away, the scribes inevitably turn to the subject of Carlos Tevez, his possible involvement against the London Blues and whether his return is good or bad for football.
And just for good measure Mario gets a mention here and there too.
Readers of the papers can take their pick with Andy Dunn and Simon Mullock pontificating and reporting in the Sunday Mirror, Joe Bernstein quoting Joleon Lescott on the subject in the Mail and Martin Blackburn giving Sergio Aguero’s thoughts an airing in the Sun.
Former players have their say to with the People relying on Chris Waddle’s insight, Graeme Souness is the Star’s star and Roy Keane attempting to shine in the Sun.
Away from Messrs Tevez and Balotelli the Crewe Chronicle’s Peter Morse reckons that one of that town’s vaunted youngsters is on his way to City.
‘The Chronicle understands that Crewe Alex have agreed to sell schoolboy Dan Smith to Manchester City,’ he writes.
‘The 16-year-old England youth international midfielder has long been targeted by the Premier League giants.
‘Once completed, the deal will include a large range of add-ons including cash for appearances.’
At the other end of the transfer scale, Steve Stammers in the Sunday Mirror is of the belief that City are interested in bringing Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben back to the Premier League.
Hopefully tomorrow’s headlines will be dominated by news of Fabrice Muamba’s successfully fighting for life.
Vincent Kompany admits 'my forehead is as big as the moon'
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has poked fun at his own appearance by describing his forehead as being as big as the moon.
Opposition fans have regularly commented on his unusually-shaped bonce - often after the composed central defender has headed yet another cross clear.
Vincent Kompany models his massive forehead (Getty Images)
The Belgium international has noticed as well, as he admitted during a question-and-answer session with his Twitter followers.
A fan asked 'how big is your forehead??' and Kompany quipped: 'About the circumference of the moon...Lol'
Not everyone thought this was a bad thing and a female City supporter said: 'I too have a five-head. I like to think it reflects the size of my brain. :-) #moonheads'
Kompany liked that thought and replied: 'Of course it does :)'
The former Hamburg star also revealed a few facts about life at the Etihad Stadium, including that James Milner is the hardest worker in training, David Silva is the quietest member of the squad and Joe Hart is the biggest joker.
The most important issue he had to make a call on was who would win an arm wrestle between Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott.
Perhaps surprisingly, he tipped Lescott to triumph.
Aguero’s Tev plea
SERGIO AGUERO has urged Roberto Mancini to reunite him with Argentinian compatriot Carlos Tevez this week.
Prove we’re not bottlersTevez looked like he had played his last Manchester City game when he refused to warm up during a Champions League tie in Munich in September.
But he is in line for a return for the visit of Chelsea on Wednesday.
Aguero said: "Tevez is a player with a lot of experience. There's no doubt he could help us — we've suffered some blows recently."
City were knocked off top spot by United last Sunday and then slipped out of Europe on away goals to Sporting Lisbon.
But Aguero added: "I see the group as being in good shape. We have the squad to fight Manchester United all the way. We're not going to slip up.
Manchester City's De Jong sends title warning to Manchester United
The Citizens' tough-tackling midfielder has admitted the momentum is with the Red Devils but insists his team-mates can handle the pressure of the Premier League title run-in
Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has sent a title warning to rivals Manchester United, saying they can handle the pressure.
City currently sit one point behind United, but a win for the Red Devils on Sunday against struggling Wolves could take them four points clear before De Jong and Co. play Chelsea on Wednesday.
For much of the season Roberto Mancini’s side were clear at the top of the Premier League and even looked like they might run away with the title. But some recent wobbles and United's relentless winning consistency have converged to put the title race very much in the balance - and currently tilting towards Old Trafford.
Following both clubs' elimination from the Europa League in midweek, the only chance of silverware for either this season is now the Premier League crown - and the battle for that could go right down to the wire.
De Jong admits that Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have the track record, the experience and the history to be regarded as favourites, but the Dutchman nevertheless insists his team have the ability and the will to claim the title in May.
He told The Mirror on Sunday: “We don’t fear the momentum is with United. We don’t have any fear. Over the last 12 days or so we’ve been in a moment where things haven’t been as easy as they were at the start of the season.
“The next 10 games are cup finals because we have only the League now.”
Carlos' comeback is inevitable but it shouldn't be happening
"Tevez has been granted grace after apologising to his manager and team-mates, only after he realised no one was prepared to gamble on his astronomical wage demands or, more pointedly, his precious temperament."
Carlos Tevez is due to return to Premier League action against Chelsea - something we never thought would happen during the Argentinean's self-imposed strike - and it's a sign that City are getting desperate in the title race, says Richard Aikman
Back in January Roberto Mancini described Carlos Tevez's prospects of ever playing for Manchester City again as "impossible". Two months later and with City's title challenge losing momentum it appears that the Argentinian international is poised to come out of exile. Principles, it seems, are all very well, but not at any price.
When Mancini publicly closed the door on Tevez, City were three points clear at the top of the league and shoo-ins to win the title, backed as low as 1.4 to do so. Since then, they have been knocked out of two cup competitions, are second-favourites to their Manchester rivals in the Premier League and have endured three disappointing results on the bounce. It's time to reach for the Batphone.
Tevez's return would unquestionably be welcomed by most of the players. When he first reappeared at City's Carrington training ground Micah Richards was so pleased to see him he picked him up and started throwing him in the air like a rag doll.
"I have always been a big fan of Tevez," said Richards before City's Europa League round of 16 second leg against Sporting Lisbon - a tie they lost on away goals.
"There were games last year season when he carried us on his own and in these sort of games he would get a 1-0 win for us. It's up to the manager ultimately but I would love to see him back."
Kolo Toure has also said his piece. "It would be great if he could play against Chelsea because he's got a great record against them," said the former Arsenal defender.
"I would love it if he scored the goal to win us the title because for me he's a great player. A problem can happen but his quality is still there. It's great to have him in the squad again. He can score goals and he's a strong player."
In other words, who cares if he went AWOL leaving us all in the lurch? Who cares if he was playing golf in Buenos Aires while we were all having to miss Christmas and suffer derby defeat in the FA Cup because someone was sulking in South America? Who cares if Tevez is the worst example of the modern-day, self-serving Premier League footballer. He is good, he might win us a title; the normal rules don't apply.
Tevez has been granted grace after apologising to his manager and team-mates, only after he realised no one was prepared to gamble on his astronomical wage demands or, more pointedly, his precious temperament. He should have been banished to the reserves for perpetuity, not welcomed back with open arms. It is not so much about who was right or wrong; maybe there was a misunderstanding, maybe Mancini did show him disrespect. So what? The lunatics should not be allowed to govern the asylum. As Al Pacino says in Carlito's Way: "There is a line you cross, you don't never come back from. Point of no return." All the leading clubs in Europe should have agreed not to sign him.
When Carlitos, as expected, crosses the touchline as a substitute against Chelsea on Wednesday, the fans' reaction will be no different to that of the players. After all, you don't see Manchester United fans booing Wayne Rooney, even though he held Manchester United to ransom over a new contract by threatening to leave, do you? That was all his agent's fault.
Mancini has felt it necessary to alter his stance over Tevez because the rattling wheels of City title train are threatening to dislodge. The Citizens may have won four of their last five league encounters, but those victories came against eminently beatable sides: Fulham, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Bolton. The title run-in does not make for such comfortable viewing.
Anyone passing off the Swansea and Sporting defeats as small bumps in the road are overlooking the supine nature of those defeats. Admittedly, they have missed the excellent Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott, who were both injured in the first leg against Sporting. But the fact remains that this that a side who have not been at the business end of a title run-in before - and they are showing signs of mental fragility.
The likes of David Silva, Sergio Agüero, Samir Nasri and Gareth Barry are fine players but, unlike United, none of them have stayed course and distance over a title race. Indeed for Nasri and Gaël Clichy the horrors of last season's spontaneous combustion at Arsenal are more likely to spring to mind.
City have fantastic home form, but the visit of a resurgent Chelsea couldn't come at a more vulnerable time for them. The Blues' old guard - John Terry, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole - are determined to make the most of their second lease of life to show they still have what it takes at the highest level, and if they demonstrate the warrior spirit that saw them through against Napoli last week - the sort of spirit Mancini wishes he had in his ranks - then not even Carlito will be able to show City the way.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]OTHER BOLLOX
Argentina striker Lionel Messi has ruled out ever moving to the Premier League by revealing he wants to stay with Barcelona for the rest of his career. Sunday Mirror
Manchester United are ready to pay £25m for Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao . The 22-year-old has been the subject of interest from Tottenham. Metro
Italian legend Alessandro del Piero looks set to leave Juventus when his contract expires this summer, with Arsenal and QPR reportedly interested. The 37-year-old has spent 20 years at Juve scoring more than 200 goals in 700 appearances. Footie-online.co.uk
Arsenal have added Birmingham's 19-year-old goalkeeper Jack Butland to their wanted list. Butland is currently on loan at League Two side Cheltenham. Sunday Mirror
Germany striker Lukas Podolski has given a further indication that he is far from certain to sign for Arsenal in the summer. The 26-year-old Cologne forward has hinted he would be interested in a move to Lazio. Metro
Celtic are prepared to play in League One, with the radical plan set to be put to Football League clubs this summer.
the People
Arsenal or Tottenham face missing out on the Champions League if Chelsea win it this season while finishing outside the top four - because Uefa have ruled only four English teams will play in the tournament next season.
Daily Star Sunday
There are rumours of negativity engulfing Tottenham and their players, according to former goalkeeper Ian Walker. talkSHITE
Louis van Gaal has emerged as a leading contender to take over as Chelsea manager. Sunday Mirror
Frank Lampard says that former manager Andre Villas-Boas lost sight of the present while trying to move older players out. the Sun
Manchester United keeper David de Gea has said manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told the players they must win their 10 remaining games this season if they want to win the Premier League title. the Sun
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez are starting to click. Liverpool Echo