Friday's B*ll*x

[Chinners]

Roberto Mancini wary of Stoke FA Cup final threat
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes Stoke pose a tougher test in the FA Cup final than that offered by semi-final opponents Manchester United.
Mancini's men are favourites for Saturday's encounter at Wembley, despite having won only one of their last six matches with Stoke.
The Potters demolished Bolton 5-0 in their Cup semi and have since beaten Arsenal convincingly in the league.
"Saturday will be harder than United," admitted Mancini.
"Stoke are a strong team and a very difficult team. To think they are an easy team would be a mistake.
"If we want to win we need to play very well. We should pay attention in every situation. We cannot concede anything."
On Tuesday, Mancini's side secured a top-four Premier League finish and subsequently a place in next season's Champions League courtesy of a 1-0 home win over Tottenham.
The Italian is now keen to follow this up by ending City's 35-year wait for silverware on Saturday.
"We have achieved one piece of history by going into the Champions League," he said. "Now it is time we won a title. It is important we start to do this as quickly as we can."
The 46-year-old former Fioretina, Lazio and Inter Milan boss recognised that the FA Cup holds a more prominent place in English football than its equivalent, the Coppa Italia, which he won six times as a player and four times as a manager, does in Italian football.
"I'm excited by this and very proud for my players," he said. "I always saw this game on TV in Italy - Manchester United against Chelsea and I watched when Harry Redknapp won with Portsmouth.
"This is a very important moment for me in my career. The FA Cup is very important, it is my first final [in England] and the first time Manchester City have been in it for a long time. It will be a special day.
"Our target was the Champions League and after that we wanted to get into one of the finals. We are in the FA Cup final. It's a good moment for us.
"In Italy, the cup final is only important when you arrive in the semi and final. Before it is not important in the early rounds like England. They don't have this importance."
He also suggested that he agrees with Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who this week said the game's authorities had made a mistake by scheduling four Premier League fixtures on the same day as the Cup final.
This could lead to a situation whereby Manchester United clinch the league title by claiming the point they need at Blackburn, minutes before the sides take to the field at Wembley.
"I read what Redknapp said about this situation," Mancini added. "It is the first time I have seen this and I will be focused on the game anyway, so it doesn't really affect me.
"But I understand the Cup is very important and it is not good to play other games on the same day."
The clash has been caused by the Champions League final being played at Wembley on 28 May and Uefa demanding no matches should be held at the stadium for two weeks prior to that meeting between Barcelona and Manchester United.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis feels the scheduling is indicative of the position the FA Cup holds in English football at present.
"I think it's wrong," he said. "It puts into place everything that is happening in English football. It is international football first, Champions League second, Premier League third and the FA Cup is fourth at the moment."
However, Pulis is in no doubt what victory on Saturday would mean to his club.
Since gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2008, Stoke have established themselves in the top flight, but during their 148-year history they have won just one trophy - the 1972 League Cup.
They head into Saturday's final on a five-game unbeaten run that includes the 5-0 semi-final win over Bolton and a 3-1 win over Arsenal last Sunday.
"You would not have dreamed of it a few years ago - Stoke in an FA Cup final, perhaps finishing in the top 10 of the Premier League and being in Europe. It is a bit special," said Pulis.
"If you had said to me at the beginning of the season we would be in the final, I would be doing somersaults. We will just make sure we enjoy it."
Stoke are assured of a place in next season's Europa League, whatever the result on Saturday, after Manchester City booked their place in the Champions League.
Mancini admitted that he hopes to use the lure of playing in European football's premier club competition to attract further playing talent to the club in the summer.
"And Messi and Ronaldo," he joked when told he had been linked with Xavi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jack Rodwell.
"This year we will play in the Champions League so it will probably be different," he added. "Now, maybe it will be easier to take good players because all the good players want to play in the Champions League."

Roberto Mancini is ready to battle Chelsea for the services of unsettled Real Madrid midfielder Kaka.
The Italian boss will also try to swipe Holland’s Wesley Sneijder from under the noses of Manchester United by offering Carlos Tevez in part exchange.
A criticism levelled at City this season has been their lack of creativity in the absence of David Silva, and with a bottomless pit of cash at his disposal, Mancini is prepared to pay whatever it takes to land a world class playmaker.
City infamously tried to sign Kaka from AC Milan in 2009 for a whopping £100million, but were left embarrassed after the Brazilian rejected the move.
However, the 29-year-old’s stock is the lowest it’s been in years after two unimpressive seasons in Spain, and with City guaranteed Champions League football next season; Kaka may well have a change of heart if Eastlands chiefs approached him for a second time.

Manchester City's former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor is ready to move to Tottenham this summer despite suffering abuse from Spurs fans just weeks ago. Daily Mirror

RICKY HATTON BOLLOX
Ricky has one big Wembley worry ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup Final with Stoke City tomorrow.
Ricky Hatton is hoping against hope that Stoke don’t “do a Hatton” and turn the tables on all the bookies’ favourites.
The former two-weight world champion has always been a massive City fan and will be at Wembley for the big day with his father Ray and 10-year-old son Campbell.
But he said: “What worries me now is that there are a lot of City fans who are thinking that, after beating Manchester United in the semi-final, we only have to turn up to win.
“We are a better team than Stoke, as far as the quality players go and we have the class – but Stoke are a physical, big and aggressive team who could very well turn City over.
“It’s like in boxing where I was able to beat people who had more talent than me because I would rough them up and get among them and bully them a little bit.
“Stoke are a strong team that could throw us off our game if they get among us.
“That is what worries me ever so slightly but if you wanted to put your last pound on the game, you would put it on City every day.
“City players know how big it is for the club to bring this silverware back, so I don’t doubt for one minute that any of them are taking the game too lightly.
“It is just that, when you beat the best team in the league like United, everyone gets excited because we are also in the top four in the table.
“I also went to Stoke’s semi-final at Wembley and everyone fancied Bolton. But they were wiped off the face of the planet by Stoke.
“It’s also a long time since Stoke got to a final, so they are certainly going to be up for it.
“I think it is going to be a great final but it is not one that I’ll be going to full of confidence. I felt more confident before the United game!”
Hatton, 32, has had a love affair with City ever since childhood and even played for their School of Excellence team as a 13-year-old.
He added: “There is a history because my grandfather played for the ‘B’ team at City and my dad in the reserves.
“What has happened is massive for the family, with us qualifying for the Champions League and reaching the final.
“It means that at last I have finally been able to dish out the stick to my younger brother Matthew who is a United fan.
“I have been taking it from him for years but now he’s copped for a fair bit of stick from me.”
City have not won a trophy since the League Cup 35 years ago and Hatton said: “The last time we won any silverware I wasn’t even born. In fact, I wasn’t even thought of!
“It has been a long time coming but, despite it all, watching City has been a love affair that I would not want to change for the world. I just couldn’t live without them.”

WAG OF THE DAY


OTHER BOLLOX
Manchester United could be set for a £14m summer move for Roma's Italian midfielder Daniele de Rossi, who has a year to run on his current contract but is not close to signing a new deal. caughtoffside.com

Schalke are aiming to beat Manchester United and Tottenham to the signing of Ajax keeper Maarten Stekelenburg as a replacement for Bayern Munich-bound Manuel Neuer.talkSPORT

Liverpool are planning an ambitious move to lure Inter Milan's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho to Anfield this summer. caughtoffside.com

Arsenal are plotting a double raid on French side Lorient for striker Kevin Gameiro and midfielder Morgan Amalfitano. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are interested in Gunners striker Nicklas Bendtner and defender Bacary Sagna. Daily Mirror

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in negotiations with Real Madrid to bring striker Karim Benzema to the Emirates in a deal totalling £40m this summer. caughtoffside.com

AC Milan are ready to compete with Chelsea for Kaka. The Brazilian spent six years at the Italian giants before joining Real Madrid. Daily Mirror

Ruud van Nistelrooy has issued a "come and get me" plea to Premier League clubs after the Hamburg striker opened the door to a summer return to England. Tottenham and Blackburn are both reportedly keen on the Dutchman. Daily Mail

Everton and Bolton are locked in a battle to sign £5m-rated Brest striker Nolan Roux. talkSPORT

Javier Hernandez will be offered a double-your-money new deal by Manchester United following his amazing debut season. Daily Mirror

Former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has claimed he has no regrets about leaving Anfield - despite being a bit-part player for Barcelona. "I left Liverpool and I do not regret how things have gone as I am in the final of the Champions League," said the Argentine. talkSPORT

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets could be suspended from the Champions League final against Manchester United after he was charged by Uefa over allegations that he directed racist comments at Marcelo in the semi-final against Real Madrid. If found guilty he may be suspended for the final at Wembley on 28 May. Daily Mail

A Blackpool supporter who works as a member of the production team for Channel 4 quiz show Countdown has pulled a cheeky prank on rivals Preston North End by spelling out 'PNECRISIS' for the programme's conundrum anagram. Preston were relegated from the Championship this season. Metro

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

DAMN..... that wag is FINEEEEEEEE!

[Wooders]

"do a hatton" ? What finally face some world class opposition and get knocked out twice in a row?

[ashton287]

"do a hatton" ? What finally face some world class opposition and get knocked out twice in a row?

hahaha that pacquiao fight was a sad sad day. Was like watching a drunk uncle get get battered by a tranny.

[Bingo Lewis]

"do a hatton" ? What finally face some world class opposition and get knocked out twice in a row?

hahaha that pacquiao fight was a sad sad day. Was like watching a drunk uncle get get battered by a tranny.

Thats bang out of order.
Ricky went for it which so many boxers don't. He wasn't satisfied going his whole career without trying to be the undisputed best boxer in his weight in the world. He lost 2 fights against the best, and second best boxers in his weight. Being the 3rd best boxer IN THE WORLD is nothing to be ashamed of, and for people to mock him for trying this is just plain ridiculous. Fine, think he's a wanker, whatever, but never knock him for what he tried to do in his boxing career.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

"do a hatton" ? What finally face some world class opposition and get knocked out twice in a row?

hahaha that pacquiao fight was a sad sad day. Was like watching a drunk uncle get get battered by a tranny.

Thats bang out of order.
Ricky went for it which so many boxers don't. He wasn't satisfied going his whole career without trying to be the undisputed best boxer in his weight in the world. He lost 2 fights against the best, and second best boxers in his weight. Being the 3rd best boxer IN THE WORLD is nothing to be ashamed of, and for people to mock him for trying this is just plain ridiculous. Fine, think he's a wanker, whatever, but never knock him for what he tried to do in his boxing career.

Come one mate. That last Manny Pac fight was just sad. He had illustrious career and deserves recognition for it but fuck me, you got to know when to hang up the gloves. It was just sad watch...... basically like watching your drunk uncle getting battered by (a really really strong) tranny.

[MaineRoadMemories]

Hmmm, something's not quite right about this photo.

[Wooders]

sorry but he never fought anybody truly decent before he metup with Mayweather and we all know what happened then - its the truth, it's not out of order
and there is a reason why you don't "go for it" against paq man

[Bingo Lewis]

Well fuck it, he's got my respect.
And if he didn't go for it with pac, then he would probably have felt that he never fulfilled his own career.
Saying he shouldn't have gone for it is basically saying England should never turn up to the world cup, because they've got no chance to win it.

[lets all have a disco]

Ricky got tanned by two of the best boxers off all time.

He's got my respect,he did it his way. Fuck em the fat little shit.

[Lee_R]

Hmmm, something's not quite right about this photo.

Its amazing! Get used to it!

[john@staustell]

Well fuck it, he's got my respect.
And if he didn't go for it with pac, then he would probably have felt that he never fulfilled his own career.
Saying he shouldn't have gone for it is basically saying England should never turn up to the world cup, because they've got no chance to win it.

Did you lot ever buy that exec box again?

[bluenoon]

i dont get that photo, at first i thought it just mirrored, but the etihad lettering is the right way wth???

[gilford]

i dont get that photo, at first i thought it just mirrored, but the etihad lettering is the right way wth???

It's clever branding, if the kit was normal all you would really see is the Umbro logo ;-)

[Darthkeyhole]

Nice rabbit.

[Bingo Lewis]

Well fuck it, he's got my respect.
And if he didn't go for it with pac, then he would probably have felt that he never fulfilled his own career.
Saying he shouldn't have gone for it is basically saying England should never turn up to the world cup, because they've got no chance to win it.

Did you lot ever buy that exec box again?

I'm not with you mate?

[Chinners]

Late night Bollox

Napoli slap £45m price tag on Manchester City target Edinson Cavani
Manchester City will be asked for a massive £45million if they press ahead with a move for Edinson Cavani from Napoli.
The Uruguay international's representatives were at Eastlands on Tuesday night as they saw City clinch a Champions League qualifying spot.
And they were looking to test the water over City's interest in Cavani, who has scored 26 goals in Serie A this season. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with 24-year-old Cavani - bought from Palermo for £15m last summer - but the price tag is likely to rule out Harry Redknapp.
City are weighing up their alternatives with increasing uncertainty over Carlos Tevez's future while Emmanuel Adebayor and Jo look likely to be offloaded.

Man City apologize over their guide for pretend fans
Anticipating an influx of new interest upon reaching the FA Cup final, Manchester City's official website published an unfortunate article called "The bluffer's guide to MCFC" on Wednesday. At first glance, it appeared to just be a bunch of basic info about the club for anyone who could barely spell "football" and didn't have access to Google. But as it goes on, the more it lives up to its title and reads like instructions for pretending to be a fan. For example:
If you are asked who your favourite players are from down the years — your credibility is at stake here — don't say Francis Bell, Colin Summerbee and Yaya Dzeko though these names exists, they are combinations — have a good scan over the club website and check out who the current favourites are and who the club legends are and take notes!
Why is this turning into homework? I don't know. But a number of actual Man City fans weren't happy with what they felt was crass invitation to bandwagon jumpin' gloryhunters (you know, the kind every big club needs to be sustainable, but never blatantly acknowledge on their official website). So, after 24 hours of Twitter harassment, the club's "head of digital" posted an explanation/apology.
The tone was intentionally light-hearted, a bit tongue-in-cheek, open and welcoming. It was relying on the Mancunian sense-of-humour …but clearly some people didn't take it that way.
"Cringeworthy" seems to be the main complaint on twitter and I apologise to the hardcore fans for the misunderstanding. [...]
I suppose the word 'Bluffer's' might be the problem. We could have called it 'a briefing' perhaps, but I think most people would agree that it's short-hand for giving a quick explanation of the topic. It was hardly a genuine attempt to help people pretend to be fans - more an explainer to help those who might wonder what on earth the Poznan was if they see it on global coverage of the FA Cup.
If it really was presented as an "explainer" or just a collection of basic info, I don't think anyone would have found it so cringeworthy. But the fact that three straight paragraphs begin with "if you're asked" make it seem like it really is targeting bluffers. You know, like the title says.
These kinds of growing pains are going to happen for any club on the fast track to the big time, though. So don't be surprised when the club shop has a "You don't have to like us, just give us your money!"

From Trautmann to Dickov... Seven City Wembley heroes
As Manchester City prepare to take on Stoke at Wembley in the FA Cup final, Sportsmail looks back at seven former players who made an impact at the national stadium.
BERT TRAUTMANN
German keeper played last 16 minutes of 1956 FA Cup final with a broken neck.
‘It was an intense pain, like an explosion, and I nearly fell unconscious. To tell you the truth, I can’t remember anything of those last 16 minutes. I played by instinct really. I could only see silhouettes. It was like walking around in fog and trying to find my way.’

Brave: Bert Trautmann (with ball) played on with a broken neck
DENNIS TUEART
Scored the winning goal against Newcastle when City last lifted a trophy — the 1976 League Cup.
'To score in such a way (overhead kick) to help your team win a trophy for the fans, with all my family and friends in the crowd, against the team I supported as a boy? To win an honour with all those elements? Not many can say that.’
MIKE SUMMERBEE
Set up winning goal for Neil Young when City won the FA Cup in 1969, beating Leicester 1-0.
‘The FA Cup final has a special place in English culture and it always will have for me. The most exciting part of the 1969 final was when Princess Anne handed the Cup to our captain Tony Book and we realised all the hard work had paid off. We got the result we wanted.’

On top of the world: Captain Tony Book is held aloft by his team mates holding the FA Cup
TONY BOOK
Captain for 1969 win and later became City manager.
‘There will be plenty of red and black shirts and scarves worn at Wembley, and they were the colours we wore for the ’69 final. We considered that our lucky strip. It was incredible to lift the FA Cup as captain and win Footballer of the Year. Four years earlier I’d been working on building sites.'
NICKY WEAVER
Young keeper’s two saves in shootout won 1999 Second Division play-off final against Gillingham.
‘We’d practised penalties during the week and I was dreadful. I don’t even think I saved one. When we won I waved the lads over and then realised that once they got to me that was it, and I didn’t want it to end. So I just kept running and running.’
PAUL DICKOV
Scored injury-time equaliser in 1999 to force penalty shootout.
‘With all the build-up and expectation, getting beat didn’t enter my head once that week. The fact we were 2-0 down with not very long to go was devastating. But we had a lot of character in that team. My goal was instinctive.’
ANDY MORRISON
Last City captain in a Wembley final, lifting play-off trophy in 1999.
‘Nothing was said to any of the lads but everyone knew it was a must-win game. Another year in League One could have crippled the club. I had a painkilling injection before the game and my knee drained at half-time. I went off after 70 minutes and it all went a bit wrong after that. At 2-0 down we thought we’d blown it. It was the beginning of turning the club around.