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Manchester City: Manuel Pellegrini 'not concerned' about title pressure
Manuel Pellegrini says he feels no pressure to win the Premier League title with Manchester City.
The Blues lost out to city rivals Manchester United last season, after winning the trophy in 2012.
But former Malaga coach Pellegrini, who replaced Roberto Mancini in June, said his focus for the coming campaign was on developing City's youth programme.
"I'm not only here to win trophies, I'm here to work with young players," said the 59-year-old Chilean.
"I'm not concerned about finishing second. I'm not concerned about the pressures."
However he stressed "immediate success" was still an aim.
So far this summer, City have signed 27-year-old Spain winger Jesus Navas from Sevilla and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, 28, from Shakhtar Donetsk.
"As a coach we want immediate success. I'm trying to have a strong squad that can bring us trophies," he said.
Pellegrini said he also plans to sign a striker but warned fans not to expect a large influx of players.
Speaking in his first news conference since becoming City boss, he added: "We need a very good squad.
"Next week, we'll see about different players (in the current squad).
"I can't buy four or five players every year, we need to work with young players."
While Pellegrini suggested there will not be wholesale changes, he does intend to make his own mark on City's playing style.
"Man City fans will see a different way of playing than they have seen in other years," he said. "We will try to be an attractive team."
Mancini was sacked on 13 May, a year to the day after he won City's first Premier League title.
Despite winning the league and the FA Cup during three-and-a-half years in charge, Mancini was criticised at times for a defensive style of play.
Pellegrini said: "One of the reasons I am here is for the way we play."
The Chilean, nicknamed 'The Engineer' because he has studied engineering, did not elaborate on his planned tactics.
Pellegrini is renowned for being flexible. In the away leg of last season's last-16 Champions League clash against Porto, his attacking Malaga side stuck rigidly to a defensive 4-5-1 formation - and only conceded only once.
Pellegrini then altered the system for the second leg to 4-2-3-1 - as goals from Isco and Roque Santa Cruz gave Malaga a 2-0 win on the night, and a 2-1 aggregate victory to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.
The new City boss insisted that neither he nor the club had prioritised winning the Premier League over the Champions League.
The 2011-12 league champions finished 11 points behind rivals Manchester United in the race for the title, and failed to progress past the group stages in the Champions League.
Play mediaPellegrini chose City over other jobs
"We don't prioritise one more than the other," added Pellegrini. "Man City need to improve on how they've performed in the Champions League, while the Premier League is very important."
The manager also said that the battle for Premier League honours next season was not simply between the Manchester sides.
"We have United, Chelsea, Tottenham - five or six teams who are trying to win the league. We will try to repeat what we achieved two seasons ago."
Fernandinho, brought in before Pellegrini was officially installed as manager, said he hoped to build a good bond with the Chilean.
"I spent eight years with the same manager [Mircea Lucescu at Shakhtar Donetsk] and the relationship was great," said the Brazilian through a translator.
"I hope I can build a great relationship with Pellegrini."
GOLDEN BOLLOX 11-7-1978
Alex Williams joins from Manchester Boys and becomes one of England’s first black goalkeepers playing top-flight football when he makes his debut three years later in a 2-1 win over West Brom.
The hugely popular Williams becomes City’s No.1 when first choice Joe Corrigan departs in 1983 and is on the verge of international honours when he suffers a back injury that eventually forces early retirement.
He makes a total of 125 appearances for the Blues before joining Port Vale in 1987.
Now a member of the City In The Community team, Alex was awarded the MBE in the 2002 New Years Honours list for his services to young people.
Man City in for Conaldo
Manchester City are looking to break the bank to land ex Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo
City have decided to break the bank to attract the Real Madrid star to the Etihad if he becomes available this summer.
And they have told the Ronaldo camp they are prepared to beat any financial offer United put to him - meaning they could pay more than £300,000-a-week to get their man.
United have spent the past five months trying to put together a deal to bring the 28-year-old back to Old Trafford, and the emotional pull for Ronaldo is huge.
City know that would be a major hurdle to overcome, but Starsport understands both chief executive Ferran Soriano and football director Txiki Begiristain have told the player’s representatives they are deadly serious in their interest.
And they have made it clear that if Real are open to letting the Portugal ace leave, they will go as far as it takes to blow their Manchester rivals out of the water.
“City have decided to break the bank to attract Real Madrid star Ronaldo”
City chairman Sheik Mansur has made it clear to Soriano that should Ronaldo come onto the market, City have to do everything possible to clinch his signature.
Ronaldo has two years left of his current deal in Spain, but despite making public claims a new deal is close, Real have yet to make ANY formal contract offer.
That has increased optimism at United that they can seal a stunning summer transfer - though City’s late interest will cause concern at Old Trafford.
Paris Saint Germain are the only side to have tabled a concrete bid so far, with Real rejecting a £55m bid last week.
The French club would be prepared to pay big, but Ronaldo is understood to favour a return to the Premier League when he leaves the Bernabeu.
Until now United had been the only serious option if a £70m offer can persuade Real to sell, but the forward’s agent Jorge Mendes has been left in no doubt City’s interest is for real.
The club are still smarting at the way they missed out to United in the race for Robin Van Persie a year ago, a signing which Mansur believes cost them the title.
They are desperate to avoid history repeating itself, and would do everything possible to clinch a transfer which would dwarf the controversy of the Carlos Tevez signing which sent ripples through the City. Daily fuck off Star
Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo inches closer to Manchester City move
MANCHESTER CITY appear to be moving closer to signing Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo.
The Citizens have stepped up their chase for the 27-year-old in recent days as they seek a long-term replacement for Carlos Tevez.
New City boss Manuel Pellegrini hinted today the club are looking to buy another striker or two in the transfer window.
And it seems the citizens will have been given a further boost by the news Sevilla have signed a Colombian forward.
Manuel Pellegrini is looking to add another striker to his squad
Carlos Bacca's switch from Belgian side Club Brugge was confirmed last night on the club's website.
He said: "This is truly a dream come true. When I came to Europe, it has always been my dream to play in the Primera Division.
"It would have been a huge disappointment if Club Brugge and Sevilla FC had failed to reach an agreement.
Manchester City close to sealing transfer of Stevan Jovetic.. and putting one over Manchester United
Manchester City are poised to see off a late raid by neighbours Manchester United and complete the £28million capture of Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic.
New boss Manuel Pellegrini has pushed hard to land the 23-year-old Montenegro international, who had also been targeted by Arsenal, Chelsea and Juventus, for his new-look Blues.
But while the new Old Trafford chief David Moyes made a last-minute attempt to try to prise Jovetic out of City's arms, Pellegrini is on the brink of winning his first Manchester battle.
Jovetic's agent, Fali Ramadani, held intensive talks with City sporting director Txiki Begiristain on Wednesday after the Florence club gave the green light.
The deposed Premier League champions have offered a five-year deal worth £80,000 per week to the attacking midfielder, with Pellegrini believing he could be a crucial piece in a title-winning jigsaw.
Jovetic, who had been keen to stay in Italy, is now ready to commit to the City project, although Ramadani told Begiristain he will not sign anything until a final round of talks with both the Manchester clubs.
Fiorentina, though, are keen to continue their close relationship with City - fostered by the deal that saw Stefan Savic go to the Serie A club when the 2012 champions landed Serbian strongman Matija Nastasic last August.
They have blocked any negotiations with Juventus, with whom they have a long-standing rivalry.
And while the champions have not given up hope of enticing Jovetic to Old Trafford, it appears City and Pellegrini are in the box-seat.
Recruiting Jovetic would be a huge coup for the Chilean, who pledged to play a more attacking and vibrant game than under Roberto Mancini when he was officially unveiled on Wednesday.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 11-7-2010
Premier League striker Kelvin Etuhu arrested over casino fracas
Enlarge Manchester City midfielder Kelven Etuhu has been arrested after an affray in a Manchester casino
Manchester City striker Kelvin Etuhu was arrested after three people were injured in a dispute at a casino.
The 22-year-old forward, who spent last season on loan at Cardiff City, was held on suspicion of wounding. He is due to answer bail next week.
Police were called to the 235 Casino in Manchester city centre after reports of a disturbance.
Two men, aged 24 and 26, and a 23-year-old woman were taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary for treatment to injuries. Mr Etuhu and another man, Leonard Rico Richards, 27, from Longsight, were later arrested.
Crown lawyers must now decide whether the men are to be charged. After emerging through City's Academy ranks, Mr Etuhu made his first senior appearance in September 2007.
Competition for places meant he was loaned to Leicester City towards the end of the 2007/08 season.
He suffered a hamstring injury at the beginning of the 2008/09 season which forced him out well into the New Year.
In August last year, he was loaned to Cardiff for the rest of the season. During that loan spell he returned to City for treatment after picking up an ankle injury in December.
Odds suggest that Aguero won’t be leaving Man City despite Barca interest
The Citizens striker has been linked with a move to the Spanish champions, but bwin are still strong odds-on that he will remain at the Etihad Stadium next season.
Despite being linked with a move back to Spain with Barcelona, bwin fully expect Sergio Aguero to still be at Manchester City next season and go as short as 3/50 that the striker stays put beyond the end of the summer transfer window.
Aguero, whose dramatic last-day injury-time goal won City their first top-flight title for 44 years in 2012, endured an inconsistent time of it last season as City struggled to mount a vigorous defence of their Premier League title and underachieved badly in the Champions League under former manager Roberto Mancini.
The Argentina star scored just 17 goals in all competitions as injuries and loss of form meant he never reached the heights of his debut campaign in England.
Perhaps because of this, there have been murmurs that Aguero could be on the move for some months, especially now that new City boss Manuel Pellegrini is looking to reshape the squad he inherited from Mancini.
The Chilean certainly seems to be on the look-out for a striker, if reports linking him with moves for Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo of Sevilla are to be believed.
It is unclear how Pellegrini views Aguero fitting into his plan but Barcelona are rumoured to be planning to take the forward, who played in La Liga for Atletico Madrid before his move to Manchester, back to Spain.
The Catalans are 7/1 to clinch what would be a sensational coup this summer, meaning new customers backing it with their free £20 bet would pocket winnings of £160 if the Argentine does move to the Nou Camp.
However, the bwin bookmakers don’t envisage a transfer happening and go 3/50 that Aguero is still at the Etihad Stadium come September 4th.
Two other potential suitors of Aguero, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, are both priced up at 12/1 to sign him in the current transfer window, with anybody else upwards of 20/1.
Top bet: Barcelona to sign Sergio Aguero @ 7/1
SNUB COUNT: 273
Manchester City Energised By New Asian Partnership
Manchester City have extended its ties in Asia announcing a new partnership with Thailand’s leading car battery brand, GS Battery.
Building on recent commercial successes in the region, the deal will see the Japanese manufacturer of automobile and motorcycle batteries become the Club’s Official Car Battery Partner for Thailand.
Commenting on the new partnership, Tom Glick, Chief Commercial & Operating Officer for Manchester City, said: “GS Battery’s reputation for technological research and development speaks for itself.
“Their hallmark for perfection and achievements worldwide over the last century are well documented and to partner with such an iconic brand in Asia is not only an honor for City, but also a statement of intent, as we continue to build a global Club of the future.
“We are striving to build a high performing football club to be enjoyed by our growing fan base around the world, whereas GS Battery also strives for continuous technological and environmental advancement in order to develop the highest quality products for its customers.
“This shared vision will allow both organisations to passionately deliver a more exciting football experience for fans across Thailand.”
This sentiment was shared by Mr Prakasit Pornprapar, Executive Director of Siam GS Sales Co Ltd, who added: “Manchester City is internationally recognised as a football club for the new generation of football fans.
“Our partnership with City will not only help create a new era in Thailand’s football development, but also simultaneously enable GS Battery to broaden its brand awareness and build confidence in our products, for both existing and new customers.”
Ahead of the 2013/14 season, Manchester City have also announced details of a ground breaking music and awards party that will see them kick off the new season in style.
In what is a brand new approach to the awards evening and the club’s first ever pre-season Launch Party – City Live will be packed with the best football, music and comedy names the UK has to offer, all in front of a live audience.
The blue carpet will be rolled out on 8 August, when City Live takes centre stage at Manchester Central, in the heart of the city. Commenting on the event, Manchester City Captain, Vincent Kompany, said: “Manchester City and music have always gone hand-in-hand. It’s in the DNA of our fans and the very fabric of the football club.
“You only need to look around the Etihad Stadium on a match-day to regularly see musicians such as Noel & Liam Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Mike Pickering, Jimi Goodwin and Damon Gough to name but a few.
“City Live is an opportunity for all our fans to come together to not only recognise the players contributions, celebrate their passion for football and music, but also find out first-hand what’s in store for what will hopefully be an unforgettable season to come.”
Tickets for City Live are available at 9am on Friday 12th July, starting from £25 and can be purchased online* at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/tickets, by calling +44 (0)161 444 1894 (option 1, 1, 2) (24hr, booking fee applies) or in-person at the Stadium Ticket Office, located on the first floor of the City Store.
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GOLDEN BOLLOX 11-7-2011
Double delight for Arsenal as Wenger says Fabregas and Nasri will stay at the Emirates
Arsene Wenger is claiming to have won the battle to hold on to his two main stars after insisting Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri will stay at Arsenal.
Fabregas has been linked with a £35million deal to rejoin his boyhood club Barcelona, while Samir Nasri was believed to be on the brink of a £20m move to Manchester City.
The France international has one year to run on his current deal, and has so far refused to sign a new contract.
But when asked if Nasri would commit to a new deal, Wenger, who was speaking in Kuala Lumpar during Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia, said: 'Why not? Samir Nasri is very happy at Arsenal Football Club.'
French resistance: Wenger told the awaiting media that Nasri and Fabregas will stay at the Emirates
French newspaper L'Equipe reported on Monday morning that Nasri would see out the remaining 12 months of his contract. And Wenger is hopeful he will be able to persuade the playmaker to commit to the Emirates.
Failure to do so however, would see him leave for free next summer.
Let's shake on it: Wenger, pictured with Robin van Persie and Bacary Sagna was in defiant mood on Monday
The Arsenal manager also confirmed that the club have signed Gervinho from Lille.The Ivory Coast international will join the Gunners in a deal worth £10.6m, and will begin training at London Colney on Monday.
Real Madrid are ready to hijack Arsenal's bid to sign Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and are set to offer £40m for the 26-year-old Uruguayan. Sun
The Gunners could also miss out on goalkeeper Julio Cesar, 33, who is set to leave QPR for Napoli on a season-long loan. Daily Star
Southampton are putting the finishing touches on a move for Celtic's Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama, 22. Guardian
Espanyol have told Swansea City to improve their offer for midfielder Wakaso Mubarak, 22, after the Spanish club rejected an initial bid of £3.9m. talkSHIT
Newcastle are pondering moves for Man City winger Scott Sinclair, 22, and Reading's 23-year-old goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. Daily Mirror
Crystal Palace are set to offer £1.5m to West Brom for striker Peter Odemwingie, 31, who fell from favour at The Hawthorns after a proposed move to QPR in January fell through. Guardian
Fulham boss Martin Jol has been told to pay £10m for Dnipro's 23-year-old Ukrainian winger Evgen Konoployanka. Sun
Arsenal are working on a deal to bring former captain Cesc Fabregas, 26, back to the Emirates with the Spanish midfielder said to be uncertain about his Barcelona future. DSSC
Chelsea plan to sell either Fernando Torres, 29, or Demba Ba, 28, if they manage to buy striker Wayne Rooney, 27, from Manchester United. Independent
QPR chairman Tony Fernandes is taking charge of his club's bid to sign midfielder Scott Parker, 32, from Tottenham. Times
Southampton's highly rated full back Luke Shaw is set to sign a new five-year contract with the club after he turns 18 on Friday. Southern Daily Echo
Dynamo Kiev have reached an agreement with Bordeaux for the transfer of left-back Benoit Tremoulinas, 27. L'Equipe
Real Madrid have extended the contract of Spanish centre-half Nacho, 23, for another four years. Marca
Adel Taarabt's career at Queens Park Rangers is in jeopardy after the 24-year-old midfielder was sent home from the club's pre-season camp in Devon for turning up late to a training session. Evening Standard
Fulham owner Mohamed al Fayed is thought to be in talks with Shahid Khan, billionaire owner of NFL side the Jacksonville Jaguars, about selling the Craven Cottage outfit. Independent
Forward Aiden McGeady, 27, has been put up for sale by Spartak Moscow, with the Russian club looking to cash in before his contract expires next year. Daily Record.
QPR midfielder Esteban Granero is in talks with Swansea over a switch to the South Wales club. Daily Express
Patrice Evra claims the secret behind Manchester United's title success is his pre-match DJing skills, saying: "I put on very good songs and that's why we win the league." Sun
GOLDEN BOLLOX 11-7-2012
FERGUSON HIT BOOZE AFTER CITY WIN
ALEX SLURGUSON admits watching Manchester City win the title last season drove him to drink.
The Manchester United boss was left stunned when the Blues secured a last-gasp win over QPR on the final day of the season to be crowned champions.
Fergie thought United had claimed a record 20th league crown when his side won at Sunderland, while the Blues were losing at home.
But Roberto Mancini’s men completed a stunning fightback before Sergio Aguero’s winning goal in stoppage-time saw the Blues become champions on goal difference.
The dramatic scenes saw City win their first title since 1968 and cap a miserable end to the season for Fergie.
United blew an eight-point lead with just six games remaining to finish the campaign without silverware.
Now Fergie has revealed he hit the bottle to deal with the pain of his neighbour’s triumph.
When asked if he had had time to reflect on what happened, the Scot said: “Red wine helps!”
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand admits losing out to City gave him sleepless nights for weeks.
Ferdinand says he will never forget that dramatic afternoon in May and plans to use the pain of it to drive United to glory this season.
“At first it was one of those things you couldn’t get out of your mind,” he said.
“For the first couple of weeks you’re waking up in the middle of the night, thinking about what happened and how it could have ended differently.
“You don’t get over it, but you put it to the back of your mind for the few weeks after that.
“It’s hard, though, because you’ve always got people reminding you about it, whether it’s fans of different teams or fans of United.
“But you use that as inspiration for the following season.” Star
