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Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 7:08 am
by Chinners
THE BOLLOX

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STAR BOLLOX - MANCHESTER CITY TARGET SIMEONE, ANCELOTTI, KLOPP OR PELLEGRINI
MAN CITY have added Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti to their four-man shortlist to succeed Roberto Mancini this summer.
Simeone, 42, and Ancelotti, 53, join Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini and Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp as the main names in the frame to assume the Eastlands hotseat for 2013-14.
Former Argentina midfield ace Simeone, who famously clashed with David Beckham at France 98, is one of a trio of top foreign bosses on the radar of the English ­champions.
Sources in France and Spain also claim City have sounded out former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti about the job.
Ancelotti is expected to leave PSG at the end of the season after next and has a break clause in his contract allowing him to walk this summer – but he must activate it before April 30.
City bigwig Ferran Soriano has already contacted his agent about coming to Eastlands – but faces ­competition from Real Madrid.
These latest developments are more bad news for current City boss Mancini as the speculation surrounding his future in the position refuses to go away.
Despite being on course to land the FA Cup – and make it three trophies in as many years – the Italian’s reign appears all but over.
Even a recent upturn in fortunes has failed to convince Soriano to stick with him.
Mancini does have the backing of the fans but spats with several stars, as well as poor performances in Europe and the Premier League, have left him in grave danger of the sack.
A City insider told the Daily Star Sunday: “It is now 99 per cent certain that Mancini will be gone in the summer – and Pellegrini, Ancelotti, Klopp or Simeone will be the new manager.”
Pellegrini, 59, is first choice following his superb spell with Malaga. However, City know they could miss out amid what is certain to be a crazy close-season ­managerial merry-go-round.
Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSG are all expected to be looking for a new coach too – with Pellegrini and Klopp likely to feature on their wish lists. That is why City have earmarked Simeone as a high-quality alternative.
Since taking charge of Atletico in December 2011, he has steered the club to Europa League and UEFA Super Cup glory – and his side are closing in on third place in La Liga

Roberto Mancini rounds on Manchester City players after defeat by Spurs
Roberto Mancini has questioned the attitude of his Manchester City players, wondering whether it has been the equal of their Manchester United counterparts as his club prepared to hand over the Premier League title to their cross-town rivals.
City's 3-1 defeat at White Hart Lane by a Tottenham Hotspur team that made a dramatic statement about their Champions League credentials meant that United will secure their 20th league championship with a home win over Aston Villa on Monday night.
Mancini was as bewildered as many others in north London on Sunday afternoon as City failed to build on an early lead and then surrendered a position of comfort in the closing stages. Inspired by Gareth Bale and three highly effective substitutions by André Villas-Boas, Tottenham scored three goals in seven minutes to reignite a top-four dream that appeared to have faded.
As Villas-Boas looked ahead to Tottenham's final five matches, with the decisive one to come at Chelsea, Mancini was left to reflect on his players' desire, which he suggested had to be the problem as there was nothing to choose between them and United in technical terms.
"We don't have a gap [to United]," said Mancini, the City manager. "The last two or three years … every time we have played United, we have played better, also when we have lost the game. We lost in the last minute [earlier in the season]. Last year we beat them easily. The reason there is a gap like today [in the league] … probably there is more attitude, they wanted. They started the season and they wanted to win after last year. There are many reasons why we lose but I repeat, they deserve to win it."
Mancini was asked whether he thought City had handed United the title. "Sometimes we probably did," he replied. "I think the 13- or 15-point gap is not reality for this championship. They are not a better team but they deserve to win this title because we lost a lot of points in games we probably didn't deserve to lose. United won a lot of games in a row with goals and they deserve to win the title.
"The race was finished three or four weeks ago. Will I watch the Villa game? If I am at home, why not? It will mean nothing to us. We wanted to win this championship. What can we do? We can maybe say only congratulations to them. When you win, you deserve to win it. You always need a bit of luck in football. It is like life. But they did not win by luck. They had a better attitude because they lost last year."
Mancini appeared to revisit an old grievance when he spoke of United buying "some new players in the summer and they scored a lot of goals." He had been determined to sign the striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal, only for the Dutchman to join United and deliver 21 league goals so far this season.
"I'm not happy because I like to win the championship," Mancini added. "This was our target. I'm not happy with the season because I want always the maximum. But we have another chance to win the FA Cup and I think the FA Cup is important. And we can be in second position. If that is not good enough, then every manager should be sacked."
Villas-Boas highlighted Clint Dempsey's 75th minute equaliser as the turning point and he said that his players' confidence had been restored. "We still have to reach our objectives for this season to be considered a full success," he said. "Hopefully we are able to achieve it. We are in control because we have the game in hand but it is against Chelsea, and it's a difficult game at Stamford Bridge."

Manchester City slap £15m price tag on wantaway Richards
Manchester City will demand at least £15 million from clubs hoping to sign Micah Richards this summer, Goal.com understands.
The 24-year-old may be forced to look elsewhere at the end of the season, with Pablo Zabaleta's form and a succession of injuries having hampered his progress and limited his opportunities under Roberto Mancini.
The City boss would be open to allowing Richards a move away this summer after failing to receive an offer for him in January, despite interest from AC Milan, and would look to accrue between £15m and £20m for his services.
Richards made his first appearance for the Premier League champions since October, having recovered from knee surgery, on Wednesday against Wigan but Mancini was critical of the defender's performance, which lasted 83 minutes.
"I think that he needs to work a lot," the Italian asserted. "I didn't like it [the performance]. I am happy because he comes back to play but I thought that he was in better form."
Richards's long-term absence has seen Zabaleta shine at right back for the champions this season and the England international knows that he may have to move in order to secure consistent first-team opportunities.
Speaking following his return against Roberto Martinez's side, Richards voiced his frustration over being out of first-team contention for so long.
"Five-and-a-half, six months - it is quite frustrating to be out so long," he admitted. "When I came back I was playing really well.
"Now Zaba has been class this season. It is going to be hard to get back in but you know what football is like, one minute you are in and the next you are out. When I am in I am going to have to take my chance."
Arsenal and Liverpool are reported to be monitoring Richards's progress ahead of the summer transfer window but City would rather sell to a non-Premier League club.

Balo a real Micah-taker
AC MILAN are lining up a summer raid for Micah Richards — thanks in part to Mario Balotelli.
The Italian giants mulled a bid for Richards last year.
And they have renewed their interest after Super Mario, who left Manchester City for Milan in January, told them the defender would be a perfect fit.
Richards has just returned from six months out after knee surgery.
But the England man has been overtaken by Pablo Zabaleta as City’s first choice at right-back.
And now City could choose to sell the 24-year-old, who they value at £15million, as they get in line with new financial fair play rules.

Barry battles for new contract at Manchester City and a World Cup place in Brazil
Gareth Barry has said he would welcome the chance to talk to Manchester City about a new deal this summer but he is not confident of forcing his way back into the England squad for next year's World Cup in Brazil.
Barry won the last of his 53 caps against Norway 11 months ago and has not featured since withdrawing from Euro 2012 with a groin injury.
Now 32, he said his priority is to maintain his City form so the club offer him a new deal before his current one expires at the end of next season.
'I am happy here and settled,' he said ahead of Sunday's game at Spurs. 'I'd like to stay as long as possible.
'Of course, for a player to feel settled, you want to be playing regularly. I have been lucky enough to feature in a lot of games this season. That's why I'm happy to stay.
'I have a year left. Nothing has been mentioned but I think they've said they will maybe speak to players over the summer.
'New people have come in upstairs and we're not too sure how they work. It's not just me, there are others like Carlos [Tevez] and Joleon [Lescott] who have a year left on their contracts.'
Barry has been a victim of Michael Carrick's resurgence on the international front and was not even in the squad for the last World Cup qualifiers.
'I've been out of the England squad for nearly a year and, when you've been out for that long, it becomes harder to get back in, especially as I'm 32. I've not heard from Roy Hodgson since the summer. I've got to play well to get back in. 'I've not given up on England. I've been disappointed not to make the squads.'
Barry said: 'If we win the FA Cup, we'll probably think we've ended the season on level par. Failing to get out of our Champions League group was the most disappointing thing. This club have players good enough for the Champions League final.'
Wins against United, Chelsea and Wigan have eased some of the pressure on manager Roberto Mancini, who believes he has to keep winning trophies to retain his job.
Assistant Brian Kidd, who was also No 2 at United, thinks it would be wrong to dispense with the Italian.
'I cannot give the gaffer a bigger credit than to compare him with Sir Alex. I've worked with both and Roberto has passion, can handle big players and make big decisions - just like Sir Alex.'

Liverpool are under mounting pressure to sell Luis Suarez, 26, after the striker bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during Sunday's 2-2 Premier League draw at Anfield. DSSC

Manager Brendan Rodgers has warned the Uruguay international that no player at Anfield is irreplaceable. Guardian

Former referee Graham Poll has called on Suarez to be banned over the incident. DSSC

Steven Howard, the Sun's chief sports writer, believes that Liverpool should sell Suarez, writing: "Now Liverpool must wash their hands of him after yesterday's events at Anfield." Sun

Oliver Kay, chief football correspondent of the Times, described the biting incident as "disturbing", writing: "Just like when he bit Otman Bakkal on the shoulder when playing for Ajax against PSV Eindhoven in November 2010, it looked like instinct - and that, whether you are one of the best footballers in the world or a two-year-old in a nursery, is a disturbing instinct to have." Times

Daily Telegraph football correspondent Henry Winter has called Suarez a "liability", adding: "Liverpool will survive if the shamed Suarez is sold." Daily Telegraph

But Tony Evans, football editor of the Times, agrees that Suarez should be banned for up to eight matches. "Yet those who call for Suarez to be thrown out of the game have succumbed to hysteria," he adds. Times

Boxer Mike Tyson is now following Luis Suarez on Twitter after the Liverpool striker bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during Sunday's match between the two clubs. Metro

Borussia Dortmund forward Robert Lewandowski, 24, will wait to discover whether Manchester United keep Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez before deciding whether to move to Old Trafford. Daily Telegraph

Tottenham are keen to sign former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, 25, who has struggled to get into the team at Barcelona this season. DSSC

Everton boss David Moyes wants to improve his attacking options for next season with a £5m deal for FC Copenhagen striker Andreas Cornelius, 20. Daily Mirror

Fulham have opened talks about a £5.1m summer deal for Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, 30. Goal.com

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has vowed to extend 28-year-old winger Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with the club beyond 2015. El Mundo

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola has encouraged Juventus to make an offer for the 31-year-old Paris St-Germain striker. tuttosport.com

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has called on his board to do all they can to keep top scorer Gary Hooper, 25. Irish Examiner

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes patience is required if the club are to bring back the glory days - or, failing that, a huge transfer fund. Sun

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay has emerged as a leading candidate for the Everton job should David Moyes leave Goodison Park this summer. DSSC

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has backed his players to set a new Premier League record of 96 points by winning their final five matches. Times

And Ferguson is confident that centre-back Rio Ferdinand, 34, will sign a new deal to stay at United. Daily Star

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert believes a party-like atmosphere at Old Trafford could help his side spoil Manchester United's hopes of clinching the Premier League title tonight. Independent

Southampton striker Rickie Lambert, 31, says the PFA Player of the Year snub for Swansea's Michu, 27, proves there is a bias against "smaller" clubs. Daily Mirror

Rafael Benitez has earned some rare praise at Chelsea, with Blues defender David Luiz, 25, revealing he loves the way the Spaniard encourages his team to play. Daily Express

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness, 61, says he will not resign despite facing an investigation for alleged tax evasion. Die Welt

Pep Guardiola plans to conduct his first media conference as Bayern Munich boss in German when he joins the club. El Mundo

Sunderland chairman Ellis Short celebrated his side's victory over Everton with Black Cats fans in a bar and Indian restaurant, where the Texan left a £1,800 tip. Sunderland Echo

And defender Carlos Cuellar, 31, says new Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio motivated him before Saturday's 1-0 win over Everton by giving him a cuddle. Independent


MORE BOLLOX LATER ....

Re: Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 7:38 am
by Lev Bronstein
"Mancini Rounds on Players"

Or as one one paper put it:

"Mancini Blasts Players"

So I read as much of the interview as was printed. He hardly mentions our players at all and any criticism is mild. I can understand readers not paying much attention to the meat of an article, but surely headline writers should.

Re: Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 9:25 am
by MR IMAINEROAD
Lev Bronstein wrote:"Mancini Rounds on Players"

Or as one one paper put it:

"Mancini Blasts Players"

So I read as much of the interview as was printed. He hardly mentions our players at all and any criticism is mild. I can understand readers not paying much attention to the meat of an article, but surely headline writers should.


You've obviously never read the Daily Express! :)

Re: Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 11:05 am
by branny
The Mirror have the FA Cup final down as Wigan v Chelsea. Epic fail.

Re: Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 6:51 pm
by Clowncrete
I dont get the rumors regarding Richards. Does the media seriously believe that City would sell him? Why don't they make rumors about Arse selling Wilshere?

Re: Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 7:14 pm
by zuricity
Lev Bronstein wrote:"Mancini Rounds on Players"

Or as one one paper put it:

"Mancini Blasts Players"

So I read as much of the interview as was printed. He hardly mentions our players at all and any criticism is mild. I can understand readers not paying much attention to the meat of an article, but surely headline writers should.


i particularly like the quote

"Even a recent upturn in fortunes has failed to convince Soriano to stick with him."

Re: Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 7:27 pm
by zabbadabbado
Fuck me they chat some shit.

Klopp 20 points adrift in second place in the Bundesliga ,Pellegrini side got twatted 5-1 by Valencia at the weekend.These dickheads look like real upgrades ?.Ancelloti an old man.Mourinho going Chelsea or PSG.

If these 2 Spaniards cant work with Roberto Mancini it should be they fucking off from our Club .

Re: Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 8:48 pm
by Original Dub
zabbadabbado wrote:Fuck me they chat some shit.

Klopp 20 points adrift in second place in the Bundesliga ,Pellegrini side got twatted 5-1 by Valencia at the weekend.These dickheads look like real upgrades ?.Ancelloti an old man.Mourinho going Chelsea or PSG.

If these 2 Spaniards cant work with Roberto Mancini it should be they fucking off from our Club .


Roberto Mancini.

Re: Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 8:59 pm
by Feed The Goat
zabbadabbado wrote:Fuck me they chat some shit.

Klopp 20 points adrift in second place in the Bundesliga ,Pellegrini side got twatted 5-1 by Valencia at the weekend.These dickheads look like real upgrades ?.Ancelloti an old man.Mourinho going Chelsea or PSG.

If these 2 Spaniards cant work with Roberto Mancini it should be they fucking off from our Club .


Cos we are right behind united pushing all the way aren't we?

Re: Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 10:06 pm
by freshie
zabbadabbado wrote:Fuck me they chat some shit.

Klopp 20 points adrift in second place in the Bundesliga ,Pellegrini side got twatted 5-1 by Valencia at the weekend.These dickheads look like real upgrades ?.Ancelloti an old man.Mourinho going Chelsea or PSG.

If these 2 Spaniards cant work with Roberto Mancini it should be they fucking off from our Club .


It may be that they don't want to work with Mancini not that they can't

Re: Monday's B*l**x

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 11:30 pm
by dazby
Original Dub wrote:
zabbadabbado wrote:Fuck me they chat some shit.

Klopp 20 points adrift in second place in the Bundesliga ,Pellegrini side got twatted 5-1 by Valencia at the weekend.These dickheads look like real upgrades ?.Ancelloti an old man.Mourinho going Chelsea or PSG.

If these 2 Spaniards cant work with Roberto Mancini it should be they fucking off from our Club .


Roberto Mancini.


What's wrong with using a full name Ronan Potatohead?