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LAHAD'S BINGO CIRCLE OF BOLLOX
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Plenty of trouble for Roberto
City’s billionaire owners have poured vast sums of money into the club, yet results have yet to be commensurate with such expense. And manager Mancini’s man-management skills are glaringly ineffectual, writes Brian Glanville.
Irredeemable, unpredictable, intransigent; Mario Balotelli is alas all of those things, and the latest, dramatic clash with his Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini on the training field looks to have been the last straw. As we know, Mancini was incensed by a dangerous challenge made by Balotelli on an opponent in that training game, as a consequence of which he tried to send Balotelli off, which resulted in a deeply embarrassing episode of grappling.
The irony of it is that Balotelli arguably owes his career to Mancini.
He it was who took Balotelli from an obscure little nearby club as a teenager, put him into the Inter Milan team which Mancini then so successfully managed, and encouraged him even to the extent of deputing him to take any free-kicks from extensive range with his powerful right foot, ahead of far more experienced team-mates. Balotelli flourished though note that well before he left Milan for Manchester, he had to contend with racism.
Fans of the rival Juventus club sang a spiteful chorus of, “if we jump up and down Balotelli will die.” In parenthesis, the events on the ground of Pro Patria is Busto Arsizio, the now peripheral little northern Italian club which, in the remote 1950s, had several years in Serie A, all too plainly emphasised the racism endemic in Italian football. When Milan went there to play a friendly game, the racist jeering by Pro Patria fans was such that Milan’s black midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng of Ghana marched off the field in protest and disgust, followed by the rest of his team.
As for Balotelli, he too is of Ghanaian extraction. That he has Italian nationality and is now a well established Italian international is thanks to the fact that he was born to immigrant parents in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. But, as a child, he moved to the mainland to distant Brescia where he was adopted by Italian parents. His natural father and mother to their dismay have been allowed little or no contact with him in the ensuing years.
It is fair to assume that at Inter, Mancini became a kind of father figure to the young Balotelli and perhaps this father-son relationship is at the root of their recent troubles, with Balotelli no longer disposed to see Mancini as a mentor and an authority. Though goodness knows his eccentric streak, often manifested off the field, has been shown in a long series of disruptive episodes. Yet in the 2010 European Championship finals Balotelli, warned by his Italy team manager that any indiscipline would not be countenanced, Balotelli had a serene enough tournament and an effective one. Whether this was because he took the warning to heart or because there was no such clash of personality as he plainly now has with Mancini is a matter of some speculation.
It may be recalled that when it came to the last World Cup, the then Italy manager, Marcello Lippi, would not take the risk of choosing either of his two salient “flair” players, Balotelli and Antonio Cassano with the result that his team lacked surprise and invention. Cassano in fact, brought up in the back streets of Bari in south-east Italy, has arguably had a still more hectic career than Balotelli, moving expensively from one club to another, admitting that on one occasion, when in Italy training camp at Trigoria, the Roma training ground, with the Azzurri, he defied discipline by sneaking a girlfriend into his quarters under the surrounding barriers.
But what of Mancini himself? True, he last season won the first English championship for so many years for City, but it was by a mere whisker on the last day of the season and merely on goal difference from bitter local rivals Manchester City, thanks to a winning goal in extra-time against a Queens Park Rangers team reduced to ten men. And last season, like this, City went out at the very first stage of the European Champions League with Mancini making strange choices in both competitions, one of which arguably cost, in 2010, an embarrassing defeat at Bayern Munich, while last year, even modest Ajax humiliated City in Amsterdam.
As for so called “man-management”, Mancini has too often seemed maladroit. Craig Bellamy, that ebullient Welsh international, claims that Mancini forced him to train normally on a painfully damaged knee.
The young keeper Joe Hart was criticised by Mancini for impugning City’s tactics after defeating Real Madrid, Mancini having allowed him to be interviewed by a television reporter immediately after the game was over and Hart was plainly still distressed. And the right back Micah Richards was rebuked by Mancini for complaining that his tactical switches during the Ajax defeat were confusing.
City’s billionaire owners have poured vast sums of money into the club, yet results have yet to be commensurate with such expense. But if Balotelli does move on can anyone handle him more successfully than Mancini? http://www.sportstaronnet.com
Man City to play Spurs and Sunderland in Hong Kong pre-season tournament
Champions Manchester City will join Premier League rivals Tottenham and Sunderland at the next edition of the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong this summer.
The three clubs will compete alongside local side, and Spurs partner club, South China FC at the biennial pre-season tournament from July 24-27.
It will be City's second appearance in the knockout event having previously played in Thailand in 2005, when they finished third.
Spurs were last involved in 2009, when they beat Hull in the final, while Sunderland will be making a first appearance.
City manager Roberto Mancini said: 'The Barclays Asia Trophy will be a fantastic challenge for Manchester City.
'It gives us the opportunity to showcase the club's footballing talent to our supporters in Hong Kong, which is such a vibrant venue to host a high quality tournament like this.'
It will be City's second successive pre-season trip to the Far East after touring China and Malaysia last year.
Spurs also see it as a good opportunity to spread their global profile, having visited the United States and South Africa in recent years.
They have also enjoyed a successful relationship with South China FC since 2009.
Manager Andre Villas-Boas said: 'Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in the levels of support the club has across the region.
'This tournament presents us with an opportunity to thank those fans, as well as introducing new fans to Tottenham Hotspur.
'We are also delighted to have the chance to compete alongside South China FC - a club with which we already enjoy a special relationship.'
Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill believes his side will benefit from the trip.
He said: 'The stature and prestige of the event is such that, when invited, we readily accepted.
'Hong Kong's reputation as a brilliant venue is also growing tall and we are all looking forward to competing against such very strong opposition on our Barclays Asia Trophy debut.'
Hong Kong has twice staged the tournament before, in 2007 and 2011, and all matches will be played at the national stadium.
The Asia Trophy is the only tournament held outside of the UK affiliated to the Premier League, which has previously floated the idea of playing competitive fixtures abroad - the so-called '39th' games.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: 'We are hugely excited at the Premier League to be bringing the Barclays Asia Trophy back to Hong Kong for a third time.
'The 2011 tournament was without doubt our most successful to date and the atmosphere inside the Hong Kong Stadium on both nights was particularly memorable.'
Balotelli’s Agent In Talks With AC Milan?
Mario Balotelli’s agent held talks with AC Milan yesterday according to the Sun.
The Italian’s agent Mino Raiola was spotted at the Rossineri’s club offices yesterday which has sparked speculation that they were making the first steps towards a deal.
City boss Roberto Mancini has finally lost patience with Balotelli after a training ground bust-up with the striker this month.
First-choice forward Sergio Aguero should be back to face Fulham tomorrow, which is likely to push Super Mario back to fourth choice at the Etihad.
However reports from The Gazzetta dello Sport say ‘Kaka our only target!’
Milan have rubbished new links with Mario Balotelli by insisting they are only hoping to sign Real Madrid’s Kaka this month.
The Gazzetta dello Sport suggested that both players were immediate targets, but club Vice-President Adriano Galliani has looked to explain the truth.
“There is just one negotiation taking place and that is for Kaka,” he stated on Friday morning. “The numbers are difficult for him but we will give it a go.
“All three parties have to work well and the desire is there. Kaka wants to come, we want to sign him and Real want to sell – but we all have problems when it comes to balancing the books.
“A loan deal? We’ll see. There is a wages wall in Italy that you can’t get over now – we’ll have to find an imaginative solution.”
Kaka spent six glorious years at Milan before he was sold to the Spanish giants in 2009 for close to €70m.
“Our love for Kaka has never ended, it was never interrupted,” Galliani added. “We were forced to sell him because of the figures involved.”
The official also rejected reports that a loan request had been made to Manchester City for Balotelli, while he dismissed the possibility that Real boss Jose Mourinho could arrive during the summer.
“There are no talks with Manchester City for Balotelli. He’s impossible. We asked, but we ran away after hearing their asking price. Mourinho? Fantasy.”
Villa linked with Man City star
Aston Villa have been linked in the rumour circles with a bid for Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair.
Scott Sinclair could be heading out on loan after failing to make an impact at Manchester City.
The former Swansea star has made only a few appearances for City and a loan deal to Villa Park may suit him.
City paid £6.7 million for the player but he has yet to make an impact. Sunderland, Everton and Newcastle are also said to be interested.
Real Madrid want Javi Garcia back from Manchester City this month
It would be fair to say that Javi Garcia hasn't exactly set the world on fire since signing for Manchester City last summer, even fans of the club would agree with that. He's been a steady member of the squad but not a noticeable improvement on what Roberto Mancini has had at his disposal in the past.
He's the type of player Mancini wanted in his midfield to just keep things ticking over and in that respect he was never going to be an exciting signing like so many of City's have been over the last few years. Nevertheless, Garcia wasn't cheap and for the club to offload him so soon would seem odd, but reports in both Spain and Portugal say that's exactly what could happen.
It started with Spain's El Economista, a predominantly financially based newspaper with a token sport section. They're not one for rumour pushing and probably wouldn't want to get their hands dirty with doing the underhand work of any clubs. They claim that Real Madrid wanted Javi Martinez last summer but wouldn't pay his fee and then went for Luka Modric, but are disappointed with his contribution, and now want Javi Garcia to take on the role they had in mind.
Garcia came through the youth system at Real Madrid before being sold to Osasuna. They included a buy-back clause and enforced that just a year later, he struggled to get into the team and was then sold to Benfica for a small profit. He impressed in Portugal which led Manchester City to make their move.
Real Madrid supporters, jealous of Barcelona, have this season begun to voice concerns about value given to players from the Cantera. The club's Cantera, Spanish for quarry, is very successful at producing players but they seem to go on and represent other clubs because their path to the Real Madrid team is blocked. Juan Mata is a good example of this.
Buying back Cantera graduates once they've matured is one way of getting that core and El Economista say that this gives Garcia an advantage because he knows the Real Madrid ways. It's claimed they want him back, hopefully this month, for less than Manchester City paid in the summer - that sounds optimistic given Yaya Toure's absence from midfield.
[spoiler]. http://vimeo.com/55262632[/spoiler]
Manchester City youngster looks set for Italian move after Mancini intervention
Gianluca di Marzio has revealed that Manchester City want to send out Abdul Razak on loan to gain more first team experience and it looks like he may be heading for Italy to play for Tuscan side Livorno.
Manager Roberto Mancini has contacted the president at Serie B club Livorno to see if they will be interested in taking the 20 year old until the end of the season as the club feel he needs playing time at first team level. The player is currently away at the African Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast so if he is to go out on loan to Italy then it will be when he returns to Manchester.
Di Marzio is the same Italian journalist who broke the Pep Guardiola to Bayern Munich news, days before other reports, and therefore his credibility rating is rising rapidly both in Italy and across Europe.
If Razak goes out on loan it will be for the third time since he joined Manchester City in 2010, he had previously been at Crystal Palace. In his time at the Premier League champions he has already be sent on loan to Portsmouth, Brighton & Hove Albion and Charlton Athletic.
The midfielder had joined up with Charlton Athletic on a three month loan deal in September but he was recalled due to injuries to Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell after making only two league appearances for the Addicks.
Mancini must rate Razak if he's prepared to get so involved in setting up a loan for the youngster.
MANCHESTER CITY EYE SWOOP FOR DORTMUND PAIR
MANCHESTER CITY are weighing up a move for Borussia Dortmund pair Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic.
Bitter rivals United were originally pursuing Hummels, and they had sent scouts to watch him play, but interest on their part appears to have cooled in recent weeks.
City were originally sweating on the length of Vincent Kompany’s ban following his sending off last weekend in the Premier League against Arsenal, however his red card was later rescinded.
But Roberto Mancini is still worried about the soft goals City are conceding, as they try to chase down United in the title race.
Hummels appears to be keen on a move to the Premier League, having originally said: “One day I will say that I am keen on a transfer.
“To play football in a new country would be flattering. I already had offers and one enquiry from these offers was really one of interest for me.”
The defensive pair have made over 150 appearances between them
MANCHESTER TITLE RACE
PTS +7 GD +3
James Milner:10 Years of Excellence
Industrious. Tireless. Workhorse. These are three adjectives that are commonly utilised to portray the playing style and ability of Manchester City’s 27-year-old midfielder, James Milner.
But often these terms are used as merely in empathy to disguise a perceived lack of ability from the Leeds-born player. Britain’s football-supporting public, in general, do not see Milner as anything more than a ‘tryer’, and I, for one, am at a loss to understand why.
Since Milner became the second youngest debutant Premier League history, and subsequently the youngest goal scorer in the Premier League on Boxing Day 2002, at the tender age of sixteen, he has shown immense quality with the ball, and sublime determination in defence. His opening goal for Leeds was to set up a fine career to date.
Milner’s achievements at Elland Road provided him with mass respect and support from the Leeds fans, but with Leeds in dire financial trouble, the player was sold to Bobby Robson’s Newcastle, as The Whites sold their assets for their survival.
A hefty slice of misfortune followed for the teenager as Robson was brutally relieved of his duties just 4 games into the new season. Robson’s replacement, Graeme Souness, was not such a big fan of Milner and he delivered a real low-blow to the Yorkshireman when he stated to the media “you’ll never win anything with a team of James Milners.”
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He was loaned out to Aston Villa but his return to the North East provided a change in fortune and he was soon to become recognised as a serious player within the league. He scored multiple goals from 20-plus yards and made the score sheet in the Tyne-Weir derby which inevitably would boost his popularity amongst the Toon faithful. During his time for the Magpies, he also became the record holder for the most number of appearances for the England under 21s side notching up a remarkable 46 games.
Villa were keen for Milner to return but this time it required a £12 million to prize the 22-year-old away from St. James’ Park. But this was how the man’s reputation had grown and Martin O’Neill was desperate to sign him.
Milner became somewhat of a cult hero at Villa and would step up to take the majority of set pieces and penalties for the club. He coolly slotted the ball home from 12 yards in the Carling Cup Final against Manchester United and his composure and maturity were being seen week in week out on the largest of stages and not only that, he was attracting the attention of the biggest clubs in England.
It was Manchester City who coughed up approximately £26 million for Milner
And what a signing Milner has proved to be. He’s gone from strength to strength since joining the oil-rich Citizens in 2010 and Roberto Mancini has used the midfielder expertly during his tenure at the club. Milner is undoubtedly a player for the ‘big’ games and he’s stepped up to the plate on numerous occasions. Often he’s employed to counter the attacking threat of a terrorizing winger but his creativity can be devastating at times.
There weren’t many bigger games for Man City than on October 23rd 2011 where they annihilated Man United and proved to the world that the ‘Noisy Neighbours’ were a force to be reckoned with. It was Milner who provided the pass through a horde of players to Balotelli for that ‘why always me?’ goal and Milner was there again with the cross to assist Super Mario with the second goal of the game. City went on to win the game 6-1 and to win the Premier League.
Last Sunday afternoon was a crucial game for City’s title defence with The Red Devils having defeated Liverpool giving them a ten point lead over their rivals. The pressure on the City players to remain within touching distance was huge. But who was it that stepped up to the plate with a world class strike into the back of the net? James Milner, of course, with The Sky Blues’ first goal away to Arsenal since 2007. A good run onto a beautiful pass from Tevez and an unbelievable finish with venom. Then an assist in the form of a drilled cross for the second goal and it was job done for Man City.
At 27 years of age Milner is already the owner of a Premier League medal and an FA Cup medal and he’s entering the peak of his career with a club that is creating history. It’s scary to think what he might achieve. James Milner has it all. http://www.rightinthegarykellys.com
Sven-Goran Eriksson shocked to learn of former Manchester City player Michael Johnson's alcohol problems
Sven-Goran Eriksson, who picked Michael Johnson for Manchester City as a teenager, was shocked to learn that the troubled midfielder has booked into the Priory to address a drink problem.
“I was shocked when I heard and really hope that he will fix his problems because he's a good man and a really good player,’’ said Eriksson. “Everybody, including me, thought he should be an England player for many years and it's just a pity it hasn't happened like that.”
Eriksson did not see Johnson have any issues when he was at City. “Not at all, no problems at all. He worked hard, he was fantastic in training and you wouldn't have seen anything was wrong at all.
“I thought of him so highly that many years later I took him to Leicester on loan. I thought he was on the right path. Maybe it's a lesson for young players. He was injured a lot and, mentally, that can be hard for a young football player who just wants to play. It's a pity and I really hope he will get the help he needs and solve his problems as quickly as possible.”
Eriksson dismissed the suggestion that Johnson’s early fame and wealth contributed to his downfall. “If you are a big star, you earn a lot of money. I can't see anything wrong with that. Don't blame money on drinking alcohol. I don't think that's the problem.”
SNUB COUNT - 157
Jack Rodwell hoping new pillow can help Manchester City FC career by Stuart Brennan
Jack Rodwell has left nothing to chance as he seeks to bounce back from the hamstring problem which has blighted the start of his Manchester City career.
The 21-year-old Blues midfielder has moved house, swapped his car, started yoga lessons and even changed his pillow in a bid to get to grips with a problem which has repeatedly interrupted his career.
He now has one eye on the Premier League game at Queen’s Park Rangers a week on Tuesday for a possible comeback after returning to full training this week.
City boss Roberto Mancini last week said he was ‘worried’ about Rodwell, who limped out of an England Under-21 game in October – his eighth hamstring injury since the start of last season.
After signing for £12m from Everton in the summer, Rodwell has made two starts and four substitute appearances for City but says he feels stronger than ever as he makes his way back.
“You have to rule everything out. I have changed my pillow and other silly stuff, but that’s part and parcel of being a footballer,” he said.
“I changed my car completely – I was in a sports car and changed to a Jeep which is more stable for the back and doesn’t put too much stress on it.
“I am also about 10 minutes drive from training now so don’t spend a lot of time in the car. I used to feel a little bit stiff. I moved so I don’t have to drive for too long to get there in the morning.
“I have also started doing yoga. A lot of people said the same happened for Ryan Giggs, that throughout his youth he got a lot of hamstrings. He started yoga, and so have I. I am just trying to do everything right.”
Everton sent Rodwell to see German specialist Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt in April after he was ruled out of Euro 2012, but the player says he has not felt the need to go back to his Munich surgery.
“I haven’t been back to see him,” he said. “He sorted me out really well. After seeing him I didn’t have a problem up until the last Under-21s game.
“I am positive and don’t feel like I need to see Wohlfahrt. If the problem persists and lasts throughout the season, we will look at it then, but the team at City have done a really good job on me.
“They’ve held me back a bit more than I wanted to, to be honest. I wanted to be back in training a couple of weeks ago but they didn’t allow it. They made me do extra work to make sure I’m stronger than ever.”
Now Rodwell is hoping to get back in time to step into Yaya Toure’s boots while the midfielder is on African Nations Cup duty – one big reason City bought him.
“It’s been frustrating for me as I’ve been injured a lot but, hopefully, I can get more fitness and get time on the pitch. I’m back in training now, so I’m positive,” he said.
“When you sign for a new club you just want to play and when injury stops you it is frustrating. You can’t be negative – I’m through it now and have the second half of the season to look forward to.”
Rodwell was speaking at an ‘inspiration workshop’ put on by City in the Community as part of their Success Through Sport programme which aims to help young unemployed people get fit, get motivated and learn new skills.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has distanced himself from stories suggesting the Reds want to bring in Wesley Sneijder, 28, from Inter Milan. Metro
The Dutch international's wage demands are said to be putting off the Anfield club from making a move. Daily Mirror
Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out the possibility of signing Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, 25, from Napoli. London's Evening Standard
However Wenger has confirmed that he is looking at Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, 20, also a target for Manchester United. talkShit
New QPR signing Loic Remy, 26, was due to visit Newcastle United on Tuesday and was offered a tour of the city while still in talks about a move to the club, but opted for a lie-in and a sightseeing tour of London before meeting officials from Loftus Road. Newcastle Chronicle
Marseilles are looking to replace Remy with West Ham's 26-year-old striker Modibo Maiga, who is the Hammers' joint-top scorer this season with four goals but has started only two Premier League games. talkShit
Argentine club San Lorenzo have claimed they could not afford to buy Newcastle's Fabricio Coloccini, 30, who wants to return to his home country for personal reasons. Metro
QPR are desperate for Jose Bosingwa, 30, to leave the club this month and are willing to pay him off but the defender is reluctant to leave Loftus Road. Daily Mirror
Pescara playmaker Juan Fernando Quintero, 19, has said he would prefer to move to Inter Milan amid speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United. Sky Sports.com
The FA are looking into comments made by Sam Allardyce about referee Phil Dowd following West Ham's defeat at Manchester United in the FA Cup. DSSC
German legend Gerd Muller says he is "very happy and proud" to have received a Barcelona shirt from Lionel Messi, who recently broke Muller's record for the number of goals scored in a calendar year. Marca
GOLDEN WAG 18-1-2010
[spoiler]Michelle Marsh
[/spoiler] [youtube]ynx4zOlXU8E[/youtube]
GOLDEN BOLLOX 2012
Mancini’s Uproar At Bad Refereeing Is Completely …Justified
Uproar from the Man City camp over inconsistent decisions. Two foot or not two foot? That is the question.
You can’t help but feel sorry for Roberto Mancini at the minute. Now before you say it, not because his grandma hasn’t knitted him a new scarf yet, and no, not even because his career at Leicester City lasted all but 4 games. The real reason we can’t help but feel sorry for the Italian gent is a result of the controversial decisions made against his precious Manchester City during recent games.
As you will inevitably already know, City captain, Vincent Kompany was sent off during a gruelling Manchester derby, when he delivered a two footed tackle onto United’s Nani; a challenge that some argue to be ‘firm but fair’. Now, the ref’s decision here was debatable enough, but then for Mancini to have to sit on the sidelines and watch Liverpool’s Glen Johnson make an almost identical tackle against Julian Lescot, the lack of colours shown must really have gotten under his skin.
This inconsistency shown by top ranking officials makes me wonder why referees don’t get their heads together and make a firm decision on where they draw the line on a clean tackle or a heinous foul.
Thankfully, the days of defenders such as Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris and Norman ‘Bite Yer Legs’ Hunter hacking down the dainty strikers is over. Even I as a Leicester City fan, as well as a lifetime of disappointing Saturday afternoon results, have witnessed some frankly brutal offenses from players such as the infamous Dennis Wise .
These days however, footballers are more likely to face an onslaught from Tony ‘Don’t get too near or he’ll give you a little push’ Hibbert. This being said, meaty challenges and two footed tackles are very frequent, and players still get badly injured and careers can still end with a late timed engage.
Now this would be looked upon as an ‘occupational hazard’ if footballers were allowed to deliver such tackles, or against the rules if not. It is the reoccurring inconsistency that is really shaking up the football leagues at the minute, highlighted by these decisions against Manchester City.
The question is, can football exist without these hefty challenges, and if so, why can’t the referees distinguish one from the other. If these tackles didn’t exist, sure artists could prevail with their footwork, but is that really all football is about. Having said this, it would be disgusting if after paying a weeks wages to watch Messi strut his stuff (on the football pitch that is) you then had to watch him get stretchered off at half time because some nutter had broke his legs with a two footed stomper.
If officials are going to be clear about eradicating the two footed ‘reckless tackle’, then consistency must be shown by referees, if not for the future of football, then for poor Roberto Mancini, because I’m pretty sure his hair was never this grey before
BBC 5 live's 606 newsletter show's a photograph of Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta's birthday cake, in the shape of the 28-year-old, made by his girlfriend and posted on to Twitter
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