Wednesday's B*l**x
Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:53 amTHE BOLLOX
Pep gives City the dreaded vote of confidence
THERE will be those at Manchester City who still envisage the day when Pep Guardiola, resplendent in club attire, is sitting in the bowels of the Etihad extolling the virtues of the team’s Champions League prospects.
For the time being, however, the plaudits offered up by the Spaniard as a rival manager will suffice.
He has already maintained his Indian sign over Jose Mourinho and Chelsea by winning the European Super Cup in Prague this season. And Guardiola’s tour of his suitors continues tonight when he seeks to extend what is an even more formidable record over Manuel Pellegrini with new club Bayern Munich, who are joint top of their group, alongside City, after victory in the opening engagement against CSKA Moscow.
Yet whatever the outcome of this mouth-watering Group D showdown, he was confident enough to predict City will not only progress into the knockout stages for a first time, but also leave their mark on the competition.
“I bet you this year will be the first time they qualify for the next stage, I have a strong feeling they will do that, I am 100 per cent confident,” said Guardiola. “They are one of the biggest teams in Europe and they have made massive steps forward, winning the Premier League and other titles.
“And in my view, if they qualify, then Manchester City will be one of the toughest, toughest teams in the next round.
“It can be like Dortmund. Last year was the first time they qualified through the group stage and they were strong enough to go to the final. It can be the same for City. I don’t know why, but I have the same feeling it can happen.”
The Bayern Munich squad training in Manchester ahead of their game against City [GETTY]
Perhaps such kind words were proffered due to links with City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, and chief executive, Ferran Soriano – forged during all their successes together at Barcelona – or simply due to his fondness for Pellegrini.
He once described City’s manager as a “wonderful coach” and when Barca beat Real Madrid to La Liga success in 2009-10 – 99 points against 96 – he graciously suggested that Pellegrini’s side had deserved to be champions.
There were more accolades last night as Guardiola purred: “I am really impressed with Manuel, and I would like to be like him. No matter which team he is training – Villarreal, Malaga or Real Madrid – his footsteps and trademark are always there. If I beat them, it was because I was training one of the best teams in the world.”
And it was there that the rub comes for Pellegrini. Those frothy accolades are all well and good , but, this is a one-sided rivalry which reads P8 W7 D1 L0, with 23 goals scored against just eight in Guardiola’s favour.
On club football’s grandest stage, there is no better time for Pellegrini to break his duck, though.
But he said: “It is always about the players. I will not be playing against Pep Guardiola. It is Bayern versus Manchester City. Football is always different, and the past is the past. Now we will see the future. The key will be the performance of the important players. That normally makes the difference.”
Whether Pellegrini will discover the playing field is any more level now than when he was being confronted by Guardiola’s all-conquering Barca is debatable, despite the undercurrent that followed the reigning European champions to Manchester.
Outspoken sporting director Matthias Sammer has been critical of the early season performances under Guardiola, prompting captain Philipp Lahm, who has been redeployed from left-back to the base of the midfield to avert an injury crisis, to bite back.
“Bayern is a very strong team, but we also are in a good moment,” said Pellegrini. “I am sure we will see a good game.”
And, he hopes, one with a different outcome to when Guardiola is usually in charge of the opposition.
Dzeko: I never wanted to leave City
Edin Dzeko has dismissed suggestions that he was close to leaving Manchester City during the summer transfer window.
City striker Edin Dzeko has firmly denied suggestions that he was close to leaving the club in the summer.
The Bosnian was strongly linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium after starting just 16 out of 38 Premier League games for two consecutive seasons under Roberto Mancini.
However, Dzeko remained with City following the arrival of new boss Manuel Pellegrini, and has looked revitalised under the stewardship of the Chilean.
The 27-year-old has started four of his side's six outings in the English top flight this term, grabbing two goals in the process.
And he has now dismissed the notion that he was ever close to an exit, while citing Pellegrini's influence on his improved form.
"I think there was a lot of speculation from journalists but I never heard from the club they wanted to sell and you never heard from me that I wanted to leave," he said.
"I've said it before; the manager is very important and for every player it's important to know the manager believes in him. He gives confidence that can change everything."
City are preparing to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, with the fixture serving as a reminder of one of the club's recent low points.
Carlos Tevez refused to come off the bench during an away meeting with the German champions when the sides last met in the group stages of the competition - with the fixture at the Allianz Arena ending 2-0 to the hosts.
But Dzeko believes Bayern will face an entirely different side when they travel to the Etihad this time around.
"We've played a few years together and we also have four new players and they've improved the squad," he said.
"We're definitely better this year than last. We don't have to think about the last two years because it's done.
"We didn't get out of the group but we have started this season in the Champions League very well and that's important for the team and the confidence.
"Now (we are) at home against the big rival in the group and we want to beat them and stay in the first position."
Three Key Battles: Manchester City vs Bayern Munich
The fact that this is Manchester City’s easiest Champions League group in three years yet it has Bayern Munich in it, says something about their difficulty in previous years.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side play host to the current holders of this competition today, with both teams the favourites to make it through to the knockout stages from Group D.
During his time with Villareal, Real Madrid and Malaga, Pellegrini came up against Pep Guardiola eight times but never got the better of his Barcelona side.
But the two clubs’ last Champions League meeting bodes well for the Chilean. Goals from David Silva and Yaya Toure secured a 2-0 win for City, but it did not stop them from finishing third in their group. Bayern meanwhile made it to the final that year, losing on penalties to Chelsea.
Sergio returns
The good news for City fans is that Sergio Aguero is fit to return after missing Saturday’s defeat to Aston Villa, but new signing Martin Demichelis is still on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, visiting Bayern will be without Spanish midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez, as well as defender Holger Badstuber, who has a knee ligament injury.
The Germans have won five of their last six games, including a 3-0 over CSKA Moscow on Matchday One of this competition two weeks ago.
City also won 3-0 on the same night, against Viktoria Plzen, but both sides will face tougher tests today.
So click on the link below to find out which three battles could decide the outcome of this exciting game.
Arjen Robben: 'Manchester City are more than just a rich club'
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has played down suggestions that Manchester City have only become a big name on the European stage because of their wealth.
The oil-rich Citizens have become regulars in the Champions League since they were bought out in 2008, but Robben feels that there is more to City's success than just having money.
"They are not the only club with a lot of money in Europe," Robben is quoted as saying to Sky Sports News.
"You can't just buy quality; you have to build a team. Having enough good players will give you a chance of hitting the jackpot at some point.
"They have the potential to progress well [in the Champions League] this time."
The European Champions visit Pellegrini's side this evening.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
Malmo and Sweden midfielder Jiloan Hamad, 22, is wanted by four Premier League clubs, according to the player's agent. Daily Star
Liverpool face competition from AC Milan as they pursue Paris St-Germain playmaker Javier Pastore, 24. talkSHIT
Tottenham are lining up a move for Leyton Orient winger Moses Odubajo, 20, ahead of the January transfer window. Metro
Long-time Tottenham target Miralem Pjanic, 23, has hinted he will look to extend his stay at Roma as the attacking midfielder enters the final 18 months of his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico. talkSHIT
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, 52, believes he is on "borrowed time" and it is "inevitable" director of football Joe Kinnear will take over as Magpies boss, according to a fans' spokesman. Daily Mirror
Everton defender Phil Jagielka, 31, admits he tries to steer clear of team-mate Romelu Lukaku, 20, during training because the on-loan striker is such a handful. Daily Mirror
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has urged his old club not to offer striker Luis Suarez, 26, a new contract. Metro
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup is excited by the potential of Spanish playmaker Alejandro Pozuelo and claims the 22-year-old can make the same impact as Philippe Coutinho has at Liverpool. Wales Online
Stoke chairman Peter Coates has banned his players from publicly criticising former manager Tony Pulis. Sentinel
A cafe on the outskirts of Paris has created a £25 burger in homage to Paris St-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Jean-Phillipe Grandin, manager of Doddy's Cafe, has created 'Le Zlatan' burger, which apparently has the 'power and strength' of the 31-year-old Swedish forward. DSSC
MORE BOLLOX SOON
Pep gives City the dreaded vote of confidence
THERE will be those at Manchester City who still envisage the day when Pep Guardiola, resplendent in club attire, is sitting in the bowels of the Etihad extolling the virtues of the team’s Champions League prospects.
For the time being, however, the plaudits offered up by the Spaniard as a rival manager will suffice.
He has already maintained his Indian sign over Jose Mourinho and Chelsea by winning the European Super Cup in Prague this season. And Guardiola’s tour of his suitors continues tonight when he seeks to extend what is an even more formidable record over Manuel Pellegrini with new club Bayern Munich, who are joint top of their group, alongside City, after victory in the opening engagement against CSKA Moscow.
Yet whatever the outcome of this mouth-watering Group D showdown, he was confident enough to predict City will not only progress into the knockout stages for a first time, but also leave their mark on the competition.
“I bet you this year will be the first time they qualify for the next stage, I have a strong feeling they will do that, I am 100 per cent confident,” said Guardiola. “They are one of the biggest teams in Europe and they have made massive steps forward, winning the Premier League and other titles.
“And in my view, if they qualify, then Manchester City will be one of the toughest, toughest teams in the next round.
“It can be like Dortmund. Last year was the first time they qualified through the group stage and they were strong enough to go to the final. It can be the same for City. I don’t know why, but I have the same feeling it can happen.”
The Bayern Munich squad training in Manchester ahead of their game against City [GETTY]
Perhaps such kind words were proffered due to links with City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, and chief executive, Ferran Soriano – forged during all their successes together at Barcelona – or simply due to his fondness for Pellegrini.
He once described City’s manager as a “wonderful coach” and when Barca beat Real Madrid to La Liga success in 2009-10 – 99 points against 96 – he graciously suggested that Pellegrini’s side had deserved to be champions.
There were more accolades last night as Guardiola purred: “I am really impressed with Manuel, and I would like to be like him. No matter which team he is training – Villarreal, Malaga or Real Madrid – his footsteps and trademark are always there. If I beat them, it was because I was training one of the best teams in the world.”
And it was there that the rub comes for Pellegrini. Those frothy accolades are all well and good , but, this is a one-sided rivalry which reads P8 W7 D1 L0, with 23 goals scored against just eight in Guardiola’s favour.
On club football’s grandest stage, there is no better time for Pellegrini to break his duck, though.
But he said: “It is always about the players. I will not be playing against Pep Guardiola. It is Bayern versus Manchester City. Football is always different, and the past is the past. Now we will see the future. The key will be the performance of the important players. That normally makes the difference.”
Whether Pellegrini will discover the playing field is any more level now than when he was being confronted by Guardiola’s all-conquering Barca is debatable, despite the undercurrent that followed the reigning European champions to Manchester.
Outspoken sporting director Matthias Sammer has been critical of the early season performances under Guardiola, prompting captain Philipp Lahm, who has been redeployed from left-back to the base of the midfield to avert an injury crisis, to bite back.
“Bayern is a very strong team, but we also are in a good moment,” said Pellegrini. “I am sure we will see a good game.”
And, he hopes, one with a different outcome to when Guardiola is usually in charge of the opposition.
Dzeko: I never wanted to leave City
Edin Dzeko has dismissed suggestions that he was close to leaving Manchester City during the summer transfer window.
City striker Edin Dzeko has firmly denied suggestions that he was close to leaving the club in the summer.
The Bosnian was strongly linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium after starting just 16 out of 38 Premier League games for two consecutive seasons under Roberto Mancini.
However, Dzeko remained with City following the arrival of new boss Manuel Pellegrini, and has looked revitalised under the stewardship of the Chilean.
The 27-year-old has started four of his side's six outings in the English top flight this term, grabbing two goals in the process.
And he has now dismissed the notion that he was ever close to an exit, while citing Pellegrini's influence on his improved form.
"I think there was a lot of speculation from journalists but I never heard from the club they wanted to sell and you never heard from me that I wanted to leave," he said.
"I've said it before; the manager is very important and for every player it's important to know the manager believes in him. He gives confidence that can change everything."
City are preparing to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, with the fixture serving as a reminder of one of the club's recent low points.
Carlos Tevez refused to come off the bench during an away meeting with the German champions when the sides last met in the group stages of the competition - with the fixture at the Allianz Arena ending 2-0 to the hosts.
But Dzeko believes Bayern will face an entirely different side when they travel to the Etihad this time around.
"We've played a few years together and we also have four new players and they've improved the squad," he said.
"We're definitely better this year than last. We don't have to think about the last two years because it's done.
"We didn't get out of the group but we have started this season in the Champions League very well and that's important for the team and the confidence.
"Now (we are) at home against the big rival in the group and we want to beat them and stay in the first position."
Three Key Battles: Manchester City vs Bayern Munich
The fact that this is Manchester City’s easiest Champions League group in three years yet it has Bayern Munich in it, says something about their difficulty in previous years.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side play host to the current holders of this competition today, with both teams the favourites to make it through to the knockout stages from Group D.
During his time with Villareal, Real Madrid and Malaga, Pellegrini came up against Pep Guardiola eight times but never got the better of his Barcelona side.
But the two clubs’ last Champions League meeting bodes well for the Chilean. Goals from David Silva and Yaya Toure secured a 2-0 win for City, but it did not stop them from finishing third in their group. Bayern meanwhile made it to the final that year, losing on penalties to Chelsea.
Sergio returns
The good news for City fans is that Sergio Aguero is fit to return after missing Saturday’s defeat to Aston Villa, but new signing Martin Demichelis is still on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, visiting Bayern will be without Spanish midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez, as well as defender Holger Badstuber, who has a knee ligament injury.
The Germans have won five of their last six games, including a 3-0 over CSKA Moscow on Matchday One of this competition two weeks ago.
City also won 3-0 on the same night, against Viktoria Plzen, but both sides will face tougher tests today.
So click on the link below to find out which three battles could decide the outcome of this exciting game.
Arjen Robben: 'Manchester City are more than just a rich club'
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has played down suggestions that Manchester City have only become a big name on the European stage because of their wealth.
The oil-rich Citizens have become regulars in the Champions League since they were bought out in 2008, but Robben feels that there is more to City's success than just having money.
"They are not the only club with a lot of money in Europe," Robben is quoted as saying to Sky Sports News.
"You can't just buy quality; you have to build a team. Having enough good players will give you a chance of hitting the jackpot at some point.
"They have the potential to progress well [in the Champions League] this time."
The European Champions visit Pellegrini's side this evening.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Malmo and Sweden midfielder Jiloan Hamad, 22, is wanted by four Premier League clubs, according to the player's agent. Daily Star
Liverpool face competition from AC Milan as they pursue Paris St-Germain playmaker Javier Pastore, 24. talkSHIT
Tottenham are lining up a move for Leyton Orient winger Moses Odubajo, 20, ahead of the January transfer window. Metro
Long-time Tottenham target Miralem Pjanic, 23, has hinted he will look to extend his stay at Roma as the attacking midfielder enters the final 18 months of his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico. talkSHIT
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, 52, believes he is on "borrowed time" and it is "inevitable" director of football Joe Kinnear will take over as Magpies boss, according to a fans' spokesman. Daily Mirror
Everton defender Phil Jagielka, 31, admits he tries to steer clear of team-mate Romelu Lukaku, 20, during training because the on-loan striker is such a handful. Daily Mirror
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has urged his old club not to offer striker Luis Suarez, 26, a new contract. Metro
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup is excited by the potential of Spanish playmaker Alejandro Pozuelo and claims the 22-year-old can make the same impact as Philippe Coutinho has at Liverpool. Wales Online
Stoke chairman Peter Coates has banned his players from publicly criticising former manager Tony Pulis. Sentinel
A cafe on the outskirts of Paris has created a £25 burger in homage to Paris St-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Jean-Phillipe Grandin, manager of Doddy's Cafe, has created 'Le Zlatan' burger, which apparently has the 'power and strength' of the 31-year-old Swedish forward. DSSC
MORE BOLLOX SOON