Friday's B*l**x (updated)
Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 7:15 amTHE BOLLOX
OFFICIAL BOLLOX ROUND-UP
With the transfer window set to close on Monday night, City are being linked with a possible move for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala.
Injuries to Vincent Kompany, Matija Nastasic and Micah Richards in the first few weeks of the campaign have left the Blues short of defensive reinforcements of late and the Mirror believe Mangala is on Manuel Pellegrini’s radar.
Neil McLeman writes: “Manchester City are considering splashing out £40million to buy French defender Eliaquim Mangala.
“The deposed Premier League champions are looking for centre-back cover following injuries to key defenders.
“They have been looking at relatively low-budget options in Atletico Madrid's Martin Demichelis, who played for City's new manager Pellegrini at Malaga last season, and Adil Rami of Valencia.
“To sign Mangala however, they will need to pay the £40m buy-out in his contract, which runs until 2016.”
Away from transfer tittle-tattle, Napoli boss Rafael Benitez, writing in his column The Independent, expresses his admiration for two of City’s summer recruits.
Benitez knows La Liga well, of course, and he thinks Jesus Navas will thrive in the Premier League. He says: “Look out for a player who is pacey, very dangerous on the right and puts in good crosses – great mobility; a very dynamic player. Negredo is a different type of player: a great finisher, great left foot and good in the air. He will score goals.
“When you have good players you don't need to talk too much but the English is important because when you try to express an emotion or explain an exercise you need the right words – and when you pronounce the words in the wrong way you lose something. Not a problem for Pellegrini.”
Finally, the Telegraph’s Henry Winter quotes City’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain backing City and England No.1 Joe Hart at the Champions League draw in Monaco yesterday.
Writes Winter: “City’s faith in their recently-criticised keeper Hart remained strong. ‘We are very, very happy with him,’’ emphasised Begiristain.
‘The manager’s job is to give confidence to everybody. Maybe the manager doesn’t need to do it [with Hart] because all of us know we have the best keeper in England, and one of the best keepers in the world.’
“Begiristain sighed at the reminder of the injuries City have sustained at centre-half. Kompany is out for another fortnight, Nastasic is only just returning while Richards is also injured. ‘We are trying to improve this line,’’ said Begiristain of the defence. ‘We have a couple of days to try to do something.’”
Manchester City's atmosphere is far better now, says Txiki Begiristain
A more peaceful, positive atmosphere pervades Manchester City this season, according to the club’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain.
City have suffered moments of disharmony in recent years, including Carlos Tévez’s failure to warm up at Bayern Munich, assorted dramas with Mario Balotelli and frosty relations between some of the players and Roberto Mancini, the manager who was dismissed in May.
“The most important thing was to change the environment of Carrington,’’ said Begiristain, speaking in Monaco after City were drawn against Bayern, CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen. “Now the atmosphere is very good. There’s a lot of confidence.’’
Begiristain chose his words carefully, deliberately avoiding criticising Mancini, who achieved a lot at the club, including winning the FA Cup and Premier League. Mancini remained popular with the fans until the end, and placed an advertisement in the Manchester Evening News thanking them for their support over “three unforgettable years’’. They reciprocated with a £7,000 advertisement in Gazzetta dello Sport.
Yet there were clearly some tensions in the dressing room. Mancini could be either cold or confrontational at times. Manuel Pellegrini is a more inclusive character. “This kind of manager gives a lot of confidence to the players and we are recovering the confidence of the players who were really down last season,’’ continued Begiristain. “That was really important.
“You can talk about his style of play, his experience in the Champions League and his background is really good. There’s more width and the full-backs play more forward.
"We are happy with the manager’s tactics. The manager has a lot of experience in the Champions League. We are now in the right situation to think that we will do a very good Champions League. We want the expectation. It means people think we have a very good squad and opponents think we are stronger than last season.’’
City’s faith in their recently-criticised keeper Joe Hart remained strong. “We are very, very happy with him,’’ emphasised Begiristain.
“The manager’s job is to give confidence to everybody. Maybe the manager doesn’t need to do it [with Hart] because all of us know we have the best keeper of England, and one of the best keepers in the world.’’
Begiristain sighed at the reminder of the injuries City have sustained at centre-half. Vincent Kompany is out for another fortnight with a hamstring problem, Matija Nastasic is only just returning while Micah Richards is also injured. “We are trying to improve this line,’’ said Begiristain of the back line. “We have a couple of days to try to do something.”
City are close to signing Martin Demichelis from Atletico Madrid for £4 million and have been linked with Real Madrid’s Pepe and Valencia’s Adil Rami.
Manchester City training switch to Etihad can help players feel at home
Manuel Pellegrini has moved Manchester City's training from the club's Carrington base to the Etihad Stadium on the day before every home game in an unprecedented move, with his players due to prepare there on Friday before the visit of Hull City for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.
Roberto Mancini, the Chilean's predecessor as manager, always used Carrington, in keeping with all other Premier League clubs who employ their training ground ahead of matches.
It is thought Pellegrini has made the change to ensure his players benefit from familiarity with the Etihad 24 hours before a match.
City could have Vincent Kompany back for the start of the Champions League, which has its draw for the group stage on Thursday afternoon.
The captain, who has a groin injury, said: "I'll be out for a little while but not too long. I may miss the internationals but I hope to be back after that. I've been here before and I'm going to work hard to get back as quickly as possible. There are worse things that can happen but the only disappointment is that the season began so positively for me and everything went really well during pre-season."
The Champions League resumes on 17 September.
Manchester City warned excuses won’t wash in this year’s Champions League
Manchester City will have no excuses for a third successive season of failure in the Champions League, the big-spending club’s director of football has warned.
After today’s group draw pitted City with holders Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow and Czech side Viktoria Plzen, Txiki Begiristain said the onus is on new boss Manuel Pellegrini to take the club through to the last 16, something that proved beyond his predecessor, Roberto Mancini.
Of the four English clubs, Chelsea will be the happiest after the most comfortable of draws put the Blues up against Schalke, Basle and Steaua Bucharest.
Arsenal face one of the hardest groups, containing last season’s beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Marseille, while Manchester United may find it tricky to emerge from a group with Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Sociedad.
Begiristain said: ‘You can never make excuses – in football, never.
‘It won’t be easy but we have to fight. The champions Bayern are there. We have to be careful with all of them.’
Asked about the importance of making it to the knockout rounds, he added: ‘It’s very important. When you start the season you have to always think you will do better than the last one. We have to fight for the Premier League as we love this competition. We have to do better in the Champions League.
Manuel Pellegrini guided Malaga to last season’s quarter-finals (Picture: Reuters)
‘There’s no minimum target. We are big club, with big players and with a manager with big experience.’
City captain Vincent Kompany tweeted: ‘Interesting draw. Big year for us.’
Gareth Barry on his way out of the Etihad
The Blues have told the 32-year-old midfielder he is free to leave and he is likely to do so before the transfer window closes on Monday night.
Gareth Barry looks to have played his last game for City.
The Blues have told the 32-year-old midfielder he is free to leave and he is likely to do so before the transfer window closes on Monday night.
So far Everton are the only club to have made a bid for Barry, who has not featured in the City squad this season.
They want the ex-Villa man on a season-long loan but the Blues are waiting for other offers before allowing him to head across the East Lancs Road.
City would prefer to see Barry, who has a year remaining on his contract, depart on a permanent move.
With a possible World Cup looming, he is thought to be keen on a switch to allow him to step up his claims for a place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for Brazil next year.
Atletico Madrid defender Martin Demichelis remains City’s only transfer target – but the Blues may look elsewhere if they fail to land their man.
A transfer fee in the region of 4.1m euros has been agreed but with time ticking towards the deadline other defensive targets are being lined up ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Hull City.
The Spanish club will not part with the central defender, who they landed on a free transfer from Manuel Pellegrini’s former employers Malaga earlier this summer, unless they can find a replacement.
Further delays could cause City to retrain their sights although Porto and France’s Eliaquim Mangala, thought to be a target for United, is not on their radar, contrary to reports elsewhere.
M.u.E.N. Sport understands the Blues are not looking for players to strengthen any other positions.
One potential departure is EDS starlet Abdul Razak.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who was sent home by the Ivory Coast in disgrace for fighting with a team-mate before a World Cup qualifier in June, may move out on loan.
Manuel Pellegrini will today put his side through their paces at the Etihad Stadium rather than at their Carrington training complex.
In an unprecedented move, he wants his players to train at the ground 24 hours before every home match to improve their familiarity with the surroundings.
Matija Nastasic may be back to bolster City’s back line against Hull, although crocked fellow defenders Vincent Kompany and Micah Richards will miss out. MuEN
Everton still hopeful of completing Gareth Barry deal
Everton FC are still hopeful of signing Gareth Barry on a season-long loan - but only if they can reach a compromise over his massive wages.
The England international midfielder pockets a staggering £125,000-a-week at Manchester City, where he is currently deemed surplus to requirements by new boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Roberto Martinez believes Barry could bring added quality to his central midfield options, but it is understood the Blues would not entertain a move which would cost £6m over the course of the campaign for a 32-year-old.
City would prefer to sell Barry in a permanent deal, but if no offers materialise for the former Aston Villa man, who faces limited first team action at the Etihad Stadium following the arrival of £30m Brazilian Fernandinho, they are open to loaning him to Goodison.
Then the issue would be whether Pellegrini’s side are willing to subsidise some of Barry’s wages for the rest of the season. Martinez has stressed that he only wants to add experienced characters to key areas of his squad, and the Catalan sees Barry in that mould.
Rafael Benitez: Navas and Negredo sure to make major impact at City
I think you will know that I have started a new challenge, managing Napoli, a club with very great ambitions in Serie A. But the Premier League is always in my heart and you will forgive me when I say it is the Spanish aspect that interests me most about this Premier League season.
There has been such a lot of attention on Manchester United and Chelsea that no one seems to have been talking about the two Spanish signings at Manchester City – Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo – who, with a tough former adversary of mine, Manuel Pellegrini, make Manchester City a very interesting squad.
They are, perhaps, the squad that has been overlooked, which is not a thing we have been able to say much about Manchester City in recent years when everyone has been talking, talking, sometimes criticising.
I don't think many people know the full story of Navas, who is 27 and has, up to now, always been at Sevilla. He will need to be protected and has not always found it easy to be away from that special city. Everyone knew that he was settled there and didn't want to move away, but, bit by bit, he has grown and learnt to be away from home, partly through being away with the Spanish side at international level.
Now he is ready and Manuel will be the one who benefits. Look out for a player who is pacey, very dangerous on the right and puts in good crosses – he has great mobility and is a very dynamic player.
Negredo is a different type of player. He's a great finisher, has a great left foot and is good in the air. He will score goals.
So, although City slipped up in their game at Cardiff, this means nothing. Pellegrini has experience, likes to improve players and has good English, which, is crucial for a manager going into the Premier League.
When you have good players you don't need to talk too much, but the English is important because when you try to express an emotion or explain an exercise you need the right words – and when you pronounce the words in the wrong way you lose something. This is not a problem for Pellegrini.
We must also mention Roberto Soldado, who has signed for Tottenham from my old club Valencia – he's another finisher to watch.
When you lose a really top-class player like Gareth Bale , it is really difficult because you just can't replace him – you need more than one to come in. The people you bring in need time to settle and you buy two or three players because you hope that if one of them doesn't settle, at least the others might.
Scott Sinclair reveals Roberto Mancini rows
Scott Sinclair has said that he could have been a success at Manchester City had Roberto Mancini given him a chance.
The 24-year-old moved to the Etihad Stadium from Swansea City for £6.2m last summer, but made just three starts under the Italian coach.
The former England Under-21 international, who has been loaned out to West Bromwich Albion in the hope of resurrecting his career, said that he confronted Mancini on a few occasions, but did not get the answers he was looking for.
"I never got a consistent run of games at Manchester City and I believe I could have been a success if the manager had given me a chance," The Telegraph quotes Sinclair as saying.
"I went to see Mancini and asked him 'why did you bring me in if you're not going to give me the chance?' - but he couldn't answer the question. I said to him 'You've given me no opportunity and no game time. Why am I here?'
"I went to see him a few times and we had our differences. It'll make me think twice about joining a club like that at this stage in my career. When the new manager [Manuel Pellegrini] came in I'd already made my mind up to leave."
Sinclair started for the Baggies as they beat Newport County 3-0 in the League Cup on Tuesday
Slovakian youth international Albert Runsak has joined Oldham Athletic on loan until January 1 2014.
The talented winger joined City from MFK Kosice in 2008 and has made an excellent start to this season, scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday.
The 19-year old missed a few months of the 2012/13 season through injury but came back to have a strong finish to the campaign, scoring crucial goals, including one in the Lancashire Senior Cup win over Wigan.
Rusnak made his debut appearance for the first-team on the post-season tour of the USA in May, impressing in his 61 minutes on the St Louis Cardinals stadium pitch in the 4-3 victory.
Joleon Lescott motivated by Manchester City contract flux
Ahead of Manchester City's Premier League fixture at home to Hull City on Saturday, 31-year-old Joleon Lescott says he will cope with the pressure of fighting to win over Manuel Pellegrini and retain his place in the starting line-up.
Manchester City centre-back Joleon Lescott says his current contract situation will not affect his mindset when called upon by manager Manuel Pellegrini this season.
The England international is in the last year of his current deal and is keen to remain at the Etihad Stadium, although he has yet to be offered new terms by the club.
City are expected to bring in defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes on Monday, with a deal for Atletico Madrid's Argentina international Martin Demichelis reported to be close.
But ahead of City's Premier League fixture at home to Hull City on Saturday, 31-year-old Lescott says he will cope with the pressure of fighting to win over Pellegrini and retain his place in the starting line-up.
"Most of my City career I've had pressure being put on; by myself and by speculation that the club is going to buy centre-halves. This year's no different," Lescott said.
"It may be a little bit more due to the fact that it's my last year, but I'm using that as a challenge and an exciting challenge.
"I've expressed that I want to stay and I want to be part of the future, but I understand there's a business side to it and if it's not to be I'll walk away from the club with my head held high and no regrets.
"Nothing would please me more than signing an extension. If that negotiating happens, I'll be there with my pen ready to sign."
City are currently without captain Vincent Kompany, who has been ruled out until at least mid-September with a hamstring injury, and his influence was missed in the 3-2 defeat at Cardiff City last weekend.
It has left Lescott as the club's only recognised senior centre-back, although Serbia international Matija Nastasic has returned to training.
Lescott wants the rest of the squad to show their own leadership qualities against Hull while Belgium international Kompany continues his rehabilitation.
"Vincent is a loss to any team and is a massive player for us," the former Everton player added.
"But it's now down to us as individuals and collectively to show, with all due respect, that he's not needed as much. We all need to take a little bit more responsibility on ourselves and show that for the time he is out."
Former Manchester United trainee Robbie Brady hopes to make life difficult for his former club's local rivals, having made an impressive start to the season with Hull after leaving Old Trafford at the beginning of the year.
The 21-year-old has scored winning goals in back-to-back games, claiming the only goal in last weekend's league win over Norwich City before netting against third-tier Leyton Orient in the League Cup.
Hull team-mate Joe Dudgeon, who was also on United's books as a youngster, has backed Brady to be one of the success stories of the season.
"Robbie's showing people what we've known for a long time. With the ability he's got, he can go as far as he wants," Dudgeon said.
"We've seen it already and this year should be brilliant for him. Like a lot of the young players we've got here, he can showcase his talent in the Premier League."
Manager Steve Bruce, who retains an interest in signing Arsenal's out-of-favour Danish international Nicklas Bendtner, will be without Ivory Coast forward Yannick Sagbo for the trip to the 2012 champions.
The 25-year-old former Evian striker starts a three-game suspension after getting sent off against Norwich for aiming a headbutt at Russell Martin.
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Arsenal want to spend their entire summer transfer budget on the Real Madrid trio of 25-year-old striker Karim Benzema, playmaker Mesut Ozil, 24, and 25-year-old winger Angel Di Maria. DSSC
Everton have rejected a new £36m bid from Manchester United for midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 25, and 28-year-old left-back Leighton Baines. Daily Express
Belgium international Fellaini has told manager Roberto Martinez, 40, that he wants to leave Everton. DSSC
Chelsea are ready to listen to offers for 29-year-old Spain striker Fernando Torres after Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o, 32, signed for the club on Thursday. Daily Mirror
Arsenal have made an £8.5m bid for 22-year-old St Etienne midfielder Josuha Guilavogui as Newcastle look to hold onto Gunners target Yohan Cabaye, 27. Daily Express
Queens Park Rangers tried to convince former Tottenham defender Ledley King, 32, to come out of retirement last season. The England international was forced to retire in July 2012 because of a persistent knee injury. Independent
West Brom manager Steve Clarke admits he will not be able to bring Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, 20, back to The Hawthorns, but says he is interested in 22-year-old Blues winger Victor Moses. Birmingham Mail
Manager Neil Lennon, 42, has revealed Celtic are on the brink of signing Israeli midfielder Nir Biton, 21, from FC Ashdod and 23-year-old Finnish striker Teemu Pukki from Schalke. Sky Sports Understands
Liverpool's bid to sign Sporting Lisbon's Tiago Ilori, 20, and fellow defender Mamadou Sakho, 23, from Paris St-Germain has suffered a problem because of the transfer fees demanded by the players' respective clubs. Daily Mirror
Liverpool are closing in on a surprise deal to make Aston Villa's Shay Given, 37, their number two goalkeeper. DSSC
Shrewsbury Town are set to sign 21-year-old Middlesbrough forward Curtis Main. Sky Sports Understands
Coventry have told fellow League One side Sheffield United that Callum Wilson, 21, is not for sale. The striker has scored five goals in five starts this season. Coventry Telegraph
Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas, 36, is considering a free transfer move to A-League side Melbourne Victory. The France international left Tottenham this summer after his contract came to an end. Herald Sun
Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa, 24, wants to stay at Old Trafford, according to the player's agent. talkSHIT
Newcastle summer signing Loic Remy, 26, could make his debut in Saturday's game against Fulham. The striker arrived at St James' Park with a calf injury when he signed on loan from QPR. Evening Chronicle
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has shown his lighter side this week after launching his own children's cartoon. Metro
GOLDEN BOLLOX 30-8-2010
Shay Given 'set for Fulham transfer as Manchester City eye Scott Loach'
Shay Given is on the verge of joining Fulham on loan after Manchester City decided to move for Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach, according to a report.The Irishman is keen to leave Eastlands after losing his first-team place to Joe Hart, but City boss Roberto Mancini had indicated he was reluctant to sell.
However, it now appears that a pair of deals that would suit both Fulham and City are set to take place before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night.
According to the Mirror, City are lining up a bid for England Under-21s goalkeeper Loach, as they believe he would provide competition for Hart for years to come.
The move would allow them to offload Given without having to worry about cover for Hart.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes, who signed Given during his time in charge at City, wants to bring in the 34-year-old to replace Mark Schwarzer.
The Cottagers are hopeful of completing a season-long loan deal for Given in time to allow them to sell Schwarzer, who is a target for Arsenal.
Fulham's need to sign an experienced goalkeeper became more urgent at the weekend when David Stockdale suffered ankle ligament damage in the 2-2 draw at Blackpool.
Barcelona will sign one final player before the deadline after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's exit to AC Milan, with Man City's Robinho and Valencia's Juan Mata top of their wanted list. IMScouting
Milan Set For Reshuffle As Manchester City's Robinho Edges Closer
Marco Borriello to seek first team football elsewhere as Robinho is expected now or in January...
Milan could be set to swoop for Robinho before the transfer window closes tomorrow. Rossoneriblog reports that Manchester City could be willing to let go of the 26-year old for just €10 million to trim their squad to meet the new limitations set to be introduced this week.
Vicenzo Morabito, the FIFA agent involved in the potential deal, confirmed that Robinho's move to Italy is very possible, "Robinho to Milan is one absolutely feasible negotiation," said Morabito.
"The Brazilian [Robinho] is not in the plans of Manchester City and Milan have a deal that is already in place. It only remains to see if he will arrive now or in January," Moribato explained.
If the samba star arrives it would almost certainly mean the exit door for one of Milan's current forwards, most likely Marco Borriello. The 28-year old was already considering his future after the Rossoneri signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona.
"Maybe I am leaving. Juve [Juventus]? Don't rule it out, I wil talk with my agent tomorrow," Borriello said.
Manchester City Forward Roque Santa Cruz In Rome For Medical At Lazio
Santa Cruz will complete a deal to the Italian capital before the transfer window shuts...
Manchester City's Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz is closing in on a move to Lazio, as the former Bayern Munich player flies into Rome for a medical. The deal will be a loan move with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season with the fee reported to be €8 million by TMW.
Santa Cruz has fallen well down the pecking order at Eastlands, as coach Roberto Mancini attempts to offload some of the fringe players in his expensive squad.
The Italian media is suggesting the deal will be completed once all the minor formalities have been ironed out. Agent Antonio Caliendo confirmed that talks had been opened between the two clubs. Despite a disagreement concerning the forward's wages, it finally looks like Santa Cruz will be on his way to the Italian capital.
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OFFICIAL BOLLOX ROUND-UP
With the transfer window set to close on Monday night, City are being linked with a possible move for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala.
Injuries to Vincent Kompany, Matija Nastasic and Micah Richards in the first few weeks of the campaign have left the Blues short of defensive reinforcements of late and the Mirror believe Mangala is on Manuel Pellegrini’s radar.
Neil McLeman writes: “Manchester City are considering splashing out £40million to buy French defender Eliaquim Mangala.
“The deposed Premier League champions are looking for centre-back cover following injuries to key defenders.
“They have been looking at relatively low-budget options in Atletico Madrid's Martin Demichelis, who played for City's new manager Pellegrini at Malaga last season, and Adil Rami of Valencia.
“To sign Mangala however, they will need to pay the £40m buy-out in his contract, which runs until 2016.”
Away from transfer tittle-tattle, Napoli boss Rafael Benitez, writing in his column The Independent, expresses his admiration for two of City’s summer recruits.
Benitez knows La Liga well, of course, and he thinks Jesus Navas will thrive in the Premier League. He says: “Look out for a player who is pacey, very dangerous on the right and puts in good crosses – great mobility; a very dynamic player. Negredo is a different type of player: a great finisher, great left foot and good in the air. He will score goals.
“When you have good players you don't need to talk too much but the English is important because when you try to express an emotion or explain an exercise you need the right words – and when you pronounce the words in the wrong way you lose something. Not a problem for Pellegrini.”
Finally, the Telegraph’s Henry Winter quotes City’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain backing City and England No.1 Joe Hart at the Champions League draw in Monaco yesterday.
Writes Winter: “City’s faith in their recently-criticised keeper Hart remained strong. ‘We are very, very happy with him,’’ emphasised Begiristain.
‘The manager’s job is to give confidence to everybody. Maybe the manager doesn’t need to do it [with Hart] because all of us know we have the best keeper in England, and one of the best keepers in the world.’
“Begiristain sighed at the reminder of the injuries City have sustained at centre-half. Kompany is out for another fortnight, Nastasic is only just returning while Richards is also injured. ‘We are trying to improve this line,’’ said Begiristain of the defence. ‘We have a couple of days to try to do something.’”
Manchester City's atmosphere is far better now, says Txiki Begiristain
A more peaceful, positive atmosphere pervades Manchester City this season, according to the club’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain.
City have suffered moments of disharmony in recent years, including Carlos Tévez’s failure to warm up at Bayern Munich, assorted dramas with Mario Balotelli and frosty relations between some of the players and Roberto Mancini, the manager who was dismissed in May.
“The most important thing was to change the environment of Carrington,’’ said Begiristain, speaking in Monaco after City were drawn against Bayern, CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen. “Now the atmosphere is very good. There’s a lot of confidence.’’
Begiristain chose his words carefully, deliberately avoiding criticising Mancini, who achieved a lot at the club, including winning the FA Cup and Premier League. Mancini remained popular with the fans until the end, and placed an advertisement in the Manchester Evening News thanking them for their support over “three unforgettable years’’. They reciprocated with a £7,000 advertisement in Gazzetta dello Sport.
Yet there were clearly some tensions in the dressing room. Mancini could be either cold or confrontational at times. Manuel Pellegrini is a more inclusive character. “This kind of manager gives a lot of confidence to the players and we are recovering the confidence of the players who were really down last season,’’ continued Begiristain. “That was really important.
“You can talk about his style of play, his experience in the Champions League and his background is really good. There’s more width and the full-backs play more forward.
"We are happy with the manager’s tactics. The manager has a lot of experience in the Champions League. We are now in the right situation to think that we will do a very good Champions League. We want the expectation. It means people think we have a very good squad and opponents think we are stronger than last season.’’
City’s faith in their recently-criticised keeper Joe Hart remained strong. “We are very, very happy with him,’’ emphasised Begiristain.
“The manager’s job is to give confidence to everybody. Maybe the manager doesn’t need to do it [with Hart] because all of us know we have the best keeper of England, and one of the best keepers in the world.’’
Begiristain sighed at the reminder of the injuries City have sustained at centre-half. Vincent Kompany is out for another fortnight with a hamstring problem, Matija Nastasic is only just returning while Micah Richards is also injured. “We are trying to improve this line,’’ said Begiristain of the back line. “We have a couple of days to try to do something.”
City are close to signing Martin Demichelis from Atletico Madrid for £4 million and have been linked with Real Madrid’s Pepe and Valencia’s Adil Rami.
Manchester City training switch to Etihad can help players feel at home
Manuel Pellegrini has moved Manchester City's training from the club's Carrington base to the Etihad Stadium on the day before every home game in an unprecedented move, with his players due to prepare there on Friday before the visit of Hull City for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.
Roberto Mancini, the Chilean's predecessor as manager, always used Carrington, in keeping with all other Premier League clubs who employ their training ground ahead of matches.
It is thought Pellegrini has made the change to ensure his players benefit from familiarity with the Etihad 24 hours before a match.
City could have Vincent Kompany back for the start of the Champions League, which has its draw for the group stage on Thursday afternoon.
The captain, who has a groin injury, said: "I'll be out for a little while but not too long. I may miss the internationals but I hope to be back after that. I've been here before and I'm going to work hard to get back as quickly as possible. There are worse things that can happen but the only disappointment is that the season began so positively for me and everything went really well during pre-season."
The Champions League resumes on 17 September.
Manchester City warned excuses won’t wash in this year’s Champions League
Manchester City will have no excuses for a third successive season of failure in the Champions League, the big-spending club’s director of football has warned.
After today’s group draw pitted City with holders Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow and Czech side Viktoria Plzen, Txiki Begiristain said the onus is on new boss Manuel Pellegrini to take the club through to the last 16, something that proved beyond his predecessor, Roberto Mancini.
Of the four English clubs, Chelsea will be the happiest after the most comfortable of draws put the Blues up against Schalke, Basle and Steaua Bucharest.
Arsenal face one of the hardest groups, containing last season’s beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Marseille, while Manchester United may find it tricky to emerge from a group with Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Sociedad.
Begiristain said: ‘You can never make excuses – in football, never.
‘It won’t be easy but we have to fight. The champions Bayern are there. We have to be careful with all of them.’
Asked about the importance of making it to the knockout rounds, he added: ‘It’s very important. When you start the season you have to always think you will do better than the last one. We have to fight for the Premier League as we love this competition. We have to do better in the Champions League.
Manuel Pellegrini guided Malaga to last season’s quarter-finals (Picture: Reuters)
‘There’s no minimum target. We are big club, with big players and with a manager with big experience.’
City captain Vincent Kompany tweeted: ‘Interesting draw. Big year for us.’
Gareth Barry on his way out of the Etihad
The Blues have told the 32-year-old midfielder he is free to leave and he is likely to do so before the transfer window closes on Monday night.
Gareth Barry looks to have played his last game for City.
The Blues have told the 32-year-old midfielder he is free to leave and he is likely to do so before the transfer window closes on Monday night.
So far Everton are the only club to have made a bid for Barry, who has not featured in the City squad this season.
They want the ex-Villa man on a season-long loan but the Blues are waiting for other offers before allowing him to head across the East Lancs Road.
City would prefer to see Barry, who has a year remaining on his contract, depart on a permanent move.
With a possible World Cup looming, he is thought to be keen on a switch to allow him to step up his claims for a place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for Brazil next year.
Atletico Madrid defender Martin Demichelis remains City’s only transfer target – but the Blues may look elsewhere if they fail to land their man.
A transfer fee in the region of 4.1m euros has been agreed but with time ticking towards the deadline other defensive targets are being lined up ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Hull City.
The Spanish club will not part with the central defender, who they landed on a free transfer from Manuel Pellegrini’s former employers Malaga earlier this summer, unless they can find a replacement.
Further delays could cause City to retrain their sights although Porto and France’s Eliaquim Mangala, thought to be a target for United, is not on their radar, contrary to reports elsewhere.
M.u.E.N. Sport understands the Blues are not looking for players to strengthen any other positions.
One potential departure is EDS starlet Abdul Razak.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who was sent home by the Ivory Coast in disgrace for fighting with a team-mate before a World Cup qualifier in June, may move out on loan.
Manuel Pellegrini will today put his side through their paces at the Etihad Stadium rather than at their Carrington training complex.
In an unprecedented move, he wants his players to train at the ground 24 hours before every home match to improve their familiarity with the surroundings.
Matija Nastasic may be back to bolster City’s back line against Hull, although crocked fellow defenders Vincent Kompany and Micah Richards will miss out. MuEN
Everton still hopeful of completing Gareth Barry deal
Everton FC are still hopeful of signing Gareth Barry on a season-long loan - but only if they can reach a compromise over his massive wages.
The England international midfielder pockets a staggering £125,000-a-week at Manchester City, where he is currently deemed surplus to requirements by new boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Roberto Martinez believes Barry could bring added quality to his central midfield options, but it is understood the Blues would not entertain a move which would cost £6m over the course of the campaign for a 32-year-old.
City would prefer to sell Barry in a permanent deal, but if no offers materialise for the former Aston Villa man, who faces limited first team action at the Etihad Stadium following the arrival of £30m Brazilian Fernandinho, they are open to loaning him to Goodison.
Then the issue would be whether Pellegrini’s side are willing to subsidise some of Barry’s wages for the rest of the season. Martinez has stressed that he only wants to add experienced characters to key areas of his squad, and the Catalan sees Barry in that mould.
Rafael Benitez: Navas and Negredo sure to make major impact at City
I think you will know that I have started a new challenge, managing Napoli, a club with very great ambitions in Serie A. But the Premier League is always in my heart and you will forgive me when I say it is the Spanish aspect that interests me most about this Premier League season.
There has been such a lot of attention on Manchester United and Chelsea that no one seems to have been talking about the two Spanish signings at Manchester City – Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo – who, with a tough former adversary of mine, Manuel Pellegrini, make Manchester City a very interesting squad.
They are, perhaps, the squad that has been overlooked, which is not a thing we have been able to say much about Manchester City in recent years when everyone has been talking, talking, sometimes criticising.
I don't think many people know the full story of Navas, who is 27 and has, up to now, always been at Sevilla. He will need to be protected and has not always found it easy to be away from that special city. Everyone knew that he was settled there and didn't want to move away, but, bit by bit, he has grown and learnt to be away from home, partly through being away with the Spanish side at international level.
Now he is ready and Manuel will be the one who benefits. Look out for a player who is pacey, very dangerous on the right and puts in good crosses – he has great mobility and is a very dynamic player.
Negredo is a different type of player. He's a great finisher, has a great left foot and is good in the air. He will score goals.
So, although City slipped up in their game at Cardiff, this means nothing. Pellegrini has experience, likes to improve players and has good English, which, is crucial for a manager going into the Premier League.
When you have good players you don't need to talk too much, but the English is important because when you try to express an emotion or explain an exercise you need the right words – and when you pronounce the words in the wrong way you lose something. This is not a problem for Pellegrini.
We must also mention Roberto Soldado, who has signed for Tottenham from my old club Valencia – he's another finisher to watch.
When you lose a really top-class player like Gareth Bale , it is really difficult because you just can't replace him – you need more than one to come in. The people you bring in need time to settle and you buy two or three players because you hope that if one of them doesn't settle, at least the others might.
Scott Sinclair reveals Roberto Mancini rows
Scott Sinclair has said that he could have been a success at Manchester City had Roberto Mancini given him a chance.
The 24-year-old moved to the Etihad Stadium from Swansea City for £6.2m last summer, but made just three starts under the Italian coach.
The former England Under-21 international, who has been loaned out to West Bromwich Albion in the hope of resurrecting his career, said that he confronted Mancini on a few occasions, but did not get the answers he was looking for.
"I never got a consistent run of games at Manchester City and I believe I could have been a success if the manager had given me a chance," The Telegraph quotes Sinclair as saying.
"I went to see Mancini and asked him 'why did you bring me in if you're not going to give me the chance?' - but he couldn't answer the question. I said to him 'You've given me no opportunity and no game time. Why am I here?'
"I went to see him a few times and we had our differences. It'll make me think twice about joining a club like that at this stage in my career. When the new manager [Manuel Pellegrini] came in I'd already made my mind up to leave."
Sinclair started for the Baggies as they beat Newport County 3-0 in the League Cup on Tuesday
Slovakian youth international Albert Runsak has joined Oldham Athletic on loan until January 1 2014.
The talented winger joined City from MFK Kosice in 2008 and has made an excellent start to this season, scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday.
The 19-year old missed a few months of the 2012/13 season through injury but came back to have a strong finish to the campaign, scoring crucial goals, including one in the Lancashire Senior Cup win over Wigan.
Rusnak made his debut appearance for the first-team on the post-season tour of the USA in May, impressing in his 61 minutes on the St Louis Cardinals stadium pitch in the 4-3 victory.
Joleon Lescott motivated by Manchester City contract flux
Ahead of Manchester City's Premier League fixture at home to Hull City on Saturday, 31-year-old Joleon Lescott says he will cope with the pressure of fighting to win over Manuel Pellegrini and retain his place in the starting line-up.
Manchester City centre-back Joleon Lescott says his current contract situation will not affect his mindset when called upon by manager Manuel Pellegrini this season.
The England international is in the last year of his current deal and is keen to remain at the Etihad Stadium, although he has yet to be offered new terms by the club.
City are expected to bring in defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes on Monday, with a deal for Atletico Madrid's Argentina international Martin Demichelis reported to be close.
But ahead of City's Premier League fixture at home to Hull City on Saturday, 31-year-old Lescott says he will cope with the pressure of fighting to win over Pellegrini and retain his place in the starting line-up.
"Most of my City career I've had pressure being put on; by myself and by speculation that the club is going to buy centre-halves. This year's no different," Lescott said.
"It may be a little bit more due to the fact that it's my last year, but I'm using that as a challenge and an exciting challenge.
"I've expressed that I want to stay and I want to be part of the future, but I understand there's a business side to it and if it's not to be I'll walk away from the club with my head held high and no regrets.
"Nothing would please me more than signing an extension. If that negotiating happens, I'll be there with my pen ready to sign."
City are currently without captain Vincent Kompany, who has been ruled out until at least mid-September with a hamstring injury, and his influence was missed in the 3-2 defeat at Cardiff City last weekend.
It has left Lescott as the club's only recognised senior centre-back, although Serbia international Matija Nastasic has returned to training.
Lescott wants the rest of the squad to show their own leadership qualities against Hull while Belgium international Kompany continues his rehabilitation.
"Vincent is a loss to any team and is a massive player for us," the former Everton player added.
"But it's now down to us as individuals and collectively to show, with all due respect, that he's not needed as much. We all need to take a little bit more responsibility on ourselves and show that for the time he is out."
Former Manchester United trainee Robbie Brady hopes to make life difficult for his former club's local rivals, having made an impressive start to the season with Hull after leaving Old Trafford at the beginning of the year.
The 21-year-old has scored winning goals in back-to-back games, claiming the only goal in last weekend's league win over Norwich City before netting against third-tier Leyton Orient in the League Cup.
Hull team-mate Joe Dudgeon, who was also on United's books as a youngster, has backed Brady to be one of the success stories of the season.
"Robbie's showing people what we've known for a long time. With the ability he's got, he can go as far as he wants," Dudgeon said.
"We've seen it already and this year should be brilliant for him. Like a lot of the young players we've got here, he can showcase his talent in the Premier League."
Manager Steve Bruce, who retains an interest in signing Arsenal's out-of-favour Danish international Nicklas Bendtner, will be without Ivory Coast forward Yannick Sagbo for the trip to the 2012 champions.
The 25-year-old former Evian striker starts a three-game suspension after getting sent off against Norwich for aiming a headbutt at Russell Martin.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Arsenal want to spend their entire summer transfer budget on the Real Madrid trio of 25-year-old striker Karim Benzema, playmaker Mesut Ozil, 24, and 25-year-old winger Angel Di Maria. DSSC
Everton have rejected a new £36m bid from Manchester United for midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 25, and 28-year-old left-back Leighton Baines. Daily Express
Belgium international Fellaini has told manager Roberto Martinez, 40, that he wants to leave Everton. DSSC
Chelsea are ready to listen to offers for 29-year-old Spain striker Fernando Torres after Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o, 32, signed for the club on Thursday. Daily Mirror
Arsenal have made an £8.5m bid for 22-year-old St Etienne midfielder Josuha Guilavogui as Newcastle look to hold onto Gunners target Yohan Cabaye, 27. Daily Express
Queens Park Rangers tried to convince former Tottenham defender Ledley King, 32, to come out of retirement last season. The England international was forced to retire in July 2012 because of a persistent knee injury. Independent
West Brom manager Steve Clarke admits he will not be able to bring Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, 20, back to The Hawthorns, but says he is interested in 22-year-old Blues winger Victor Moses. Birmingham Mail
Manager Neil Lennon, 42, has revealed Celtic are on the brink of signing Israeli midfielder Nir Biton, 21, from FC Ashdod and 23-year-old Finnish striker Teemu Pukki from Schalke. Sky Sports Understands
Liverpool's bid to sign Sporting Lisbon's Tiago Ilori, 20, and fellow defender Mamadou Sakho, 23, from Paris St-Germain has suffered a problem because of the transfer fees demanded by the players' respective clubs. Daily Mirror
Liverpool are closing in on a surprise deal to make Aston Villa's Shay Given, 37, their number two goalkeeper. DSSC
Shrewsbury Town are set to sign 21-year-old Middlesbrough forward Curtis Main. Sky Sports Understands
Coventry have told fellow League One side Sheffield United that Callum Wilson, 21, is not for sale. The striker has scored five goals in five starts this season. Coventry Telegraph
Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas, 36, is considering a free transfer move to A-League side Melbourne Victory. The France international left Tottenham this summer after his contract came to an end. Herald Sun
Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa, 24, wants to stay at Old Trafford, according to the player's agent. talkSHIT
Newcastle summer signing Loic Remy, 26, could make his debut in Saturday's game against Fulham. The striker arrived at St James' Park with a calf injury when he signed on loan from QPR. Evening Chronicle
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has shown his lighter side this week after launching his own children's cartoon. Metro
GOLDEN BOLLOX 30-8-2010
Shay Given 'set for Fulham transfer as Manchester City eye Scott Loach'
Shay Given is on the verge of joining Fulham on loan after Manchester City decided to move for Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach, according to a report.The Irishman is keen to leave Eastlands after losing his first-team place to Joe Hart, but City boss Roberto Mancini had indicated he was reluctant to sell.
However, it now appears that a pair of deals that would suit both Fulham and City are set to take place before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night.
According to the Mirror, City are lining up a bid for England Under-21s goalkeeper Loach, as they believe he would provide competition for Hart for years to come.
The move would allow them to offload Given without having to worry about cover for Hart.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes, who signed Given during his time in charge at City, wants to bring in the 34-year-old to replace Mark Schwarzer.
The Cottagers are hopeful of completing a season-long loan deal for Given in time to allow them to sell Schwarzer, who is a target for Arsenal.
Fulham's need to sign an experienced goalkeeper became more urgent at the weekend when David Stockdale suffered ankle ligament damage in the 2-2 draw at Blackpool.
Barcelona will sign one final player before the deadline after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's exit to AC Milan, with Man City's Robinho and Valencia's Juan Mata top of their wanted list. IMScouting
Milan Set For Reshuffle As Manchester City's Robinho Edges Closer
Marco Borriello to seek first team football elsewhere as Robinho is expected now or in January...
Milan could be set to swoop for Robinho before the transfer window closes tomorrow. Rossoneriblog reports that Manchester City could be willing to let go of the 26-year old for just €10 million to trim their squad to meet the new limitations set to be introduced this week.
Vicenzo Morabito, the FIFA agent involved in the potential deal, confirmed that Robinho's move to Italy is very possible, "Robinho to Milan is one absolutely feasible negotiation," said Morabito.
"The Brazilian [Robinho] is not in the plans of Manchester City and Milan have a deal that is already in place. It only remains to see if he will arrive now or in January," Moribato explained.
If the samba star arrives it would almost certainly mean the exit door for one of Milan's current forwards, most likely Marco Borriello. The 28-year old was already considering his future after the Rossoneri signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona.
"Maybe I am leaving. Juve [Juventus]? Don't rule it out, I wil talk with my agent tomorrow," Borriello said.
Manchester City Forward Roque Santa Cruz In Rome For Medical At Lazio
Santa Cruz will complete a deal to the Italian capital before the transfer window shuts...
Manchester City's Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz is closing in on a move to Lazio, as the former Bayern Munich player flies into Rome for a medical. The deal will be a loan move with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season with the fee reported to be €8 million by TMW.
Santa Cruz has fallen well down the pecking order at Eastlands, as coach Roberto Mancini attempts to offload some of the fringe players in his expensive squad.
The Italian media is suggesting the deal will be completed once all the minor formalities have been ironed out. Agent Antonio Caliendo confirmed that talks had been opened between the two clubs. Despite a disagreement concerning the forward's wages, it finally looks like Santa Cruz will be on his way to the Italian capital.
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