http://vimeo.com/61364962
Pellegrini starts the hard work with Manchester City
City’s new manager sees for himself the problems he’ll have to solve after taking charge of his first game as boss
Manuel Pellegrini had a little enigmatic smile to himself as he watched his team – or rather his squad – lose their first match under his management.
Not that he will be too bothered about losing to a South African Premier League side in a game which was essentially about sharpening fitness and shaking off the rust of the summer break.
But the basic truths of some of the problems facing him as he begins the countdown to the first game of the season on August 19 were all contained in this languid, disjointed display by the 23 players given a run-out at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Pellegrini knows full well what those problems are, but there is nothing like seeing them affect a match to give you an extra prod.
The most glaring issue was the lack of a striker, and Pellegrini has already said he wants to sign one, possibly two, new front men to replace the departed Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez.
Edin Dzeko started the game and looked the most threatening City player on view, linking well with Aleks Kolarov to present the left back with the best chance of the first-half, and then having a shot saved by keeper Ronwen Williams after a neat combination with Samir Nasri.
But with Sergio Aguero not due to link up with the squad until next week, the Blues were thin on strikers, and young Alex Nimely could not fill that gap when given his chance in the second half.
The way City’s defence wobbled and crumpled in the second half, without the reassuring presence of Vincent Kompany – one of 11 half-time substitutions at half-time – was also of
concern. Last season the Blues lost skipper Kompany for six league games through injury and effectively lost the title race by picking up just eight points in that spell.
His erstwhile title-winning partner Joleon Lescott was employed as a left back in the second half, leaving youngsters Matija Nastasic and Dedryck Boyata as a pair – and they were undone by a cross from the left which saw Mame Niang sneak in and head home unmarked after 56 minutes.
The Blues laboured to get back in the game, with Yaya Toure trying to stamp his authority on the game, and James Milner’s shot beat the keeper but was blocked on the line by the arm of Danleigh Borman, with no penalty given.
With eight minutes left Kermit Erasmus provoked a thousand “Muppet” headlines by slipping onto a through ball as the defence slept, and poking his shot past Costel Pantilimon to wrap it up.
The match saw a debut for Fernandinho, a low-key performance in the first half, when young midfielders Denis Suarez and Abdul Razak filled wide positions – it was all about fitness, and not honing Pellegrini’s tactics.
Pellegrini was unmoved by the result in a match used by the crowd to express birthday wishes for critically ill former president Nelson Mandela:
“First of all it’s my first match in charge, but for Manchester City and for me it’s an honour to participate here in South Africa. The players were clear with what they had to do in this game. I spoke with them before the match and we had four or five days working together.
“We’re not prepared to play the way we want them to play so this was a normal match for
pre-season. I’m not worried and this is what we expected.”
Pellergini also had a close look at some of the young players whom he hopes can start to press for a place in the first team, with Suarez, Razak, right back Shay Facey, Dedryck Boyata, Welsh Under-21 midfielder Emyr Huws and Alex Nimely all getting 45-minute run-outs.
There was also a proud moment for former City, United and England star Andy Cole, whose 18-year-old son Devante was handed his first taste of action in the first team, replacing the injured Yaya Toure with seven minutes to go.
CITY, first half: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Garcia, Kolarov, Barry, Fernandinho, Razak, Suarez, Nasri, Dzeko. Second half: Pantilimon, Facey, Boyata, Nastasic, Lescott, Sinclair, Rodwell, Huws, Toure (Cole 83), Milner, Nimely
Juventus line up Kolarov bid, Maicon set for Roma
Juventus are thought to be preparing a £3.5m offer for Aleks Kolarov but Manchester City will hold out for twice that amount.
City paid £19m for Kolarov in July 2010 but although he presents a superb set-piece danger, his defending has been inconsistent.
Juventus are also looking at Napoli left-back Camilo Zuniga.
Meanwhile, Maicon's brief stay at City will come to an end this week when he is expected to join Roma.
The 31-year-old, who has a year left on his City deal, could move on a permanent deal or a season-long loan, after being left out of the pre-season trip to South Africa at the last minute.
He could be unveiled in the Italian capital as early as today after agreeing to end his contract at City.
The £3million signing from last summer has been an expensive flop as the ex-Inter full back, who picked up £100,000 a week wages, made just seven starts for the Blues in an injury-hit season.
City, who will bring their South Africa tour to a close when they face AmaZulu in Durban on Thursday, suffered an injury scare when Yaya Toure limped off seven minutes from the end of yesterday’s friendly. The injury is not thought to be serious, but the African Footballer of the Year is unlikely to be risked ahead of Thursday’s game.
Dzeko in new City deal link
Edin Dzeko is poised to be handed a new contract at Manchester City after Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that he is 'very important'.
The 27-year-old Bosnia international looked set to be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium when Roberto Mancini was at the helm after failing to hold down a regular first-team spot at the club.
But Pellegrini looks set to give Dzeko a new lease of life with the Citizens after revealing the former Wolfsburg hitman is not for sale and will have a big part to play following Carlos Tevez's departure.
City are still in for at least one new striker as Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic and Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo have both been linked, but reports suggest Pellegrini is now set to sit down with Dzeko and highlight his importance by extending his current deal.
Dzeko, who is valued at around £20million and has been linked to Napoli and Borussia Dortmund this summer, still has two years remaining on his contract, but it seems Pellegrini will add to that and possibly improve his current wage deal said to be around £120,000-a-week.
Patrick Vieira wants to rebuild his £3m mansion
Former football star Patrick Vieira and his wife want to demolish their£3 million“state-of-the-art” Hampstead mansion and build a new home with an underground garage.
According to plans lodged with Camden council, the ex-Arsenal captain, 37, and wife Cheryl want permission to knock down their home after it was plagued by damp.
The planning application states they want to erect a new four-storey family home on the site of the existing three-storey property, which Vieira bought in 2001.
It also says the “scale of the proposed house is humble”. Despite the Frenchman and his Trinidadian wife undertaking extensive refurbishment works they say their mansion, with an indoor pool, still has “extensive damp problems throughout.”
Their new home would have high-spec features including a basement car park with a car lift and a “living” sedum roof. Vieira, who finished his career in 2011 at Manchester City, still has a training role there and has another £2.2 million home in Cheshire.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 15-7-2010
Manchester City are to sell Craig Bellamy after completing the £25m signing of David Silva from Valencia to fill his position on the left side of attack. the Guardian
But the Eastlands club have told Liverpool to forget about signing defender Micah Richards. Sun
Manchester United, meanwhile, have rekindled their interest in Bayern Munich right-back Philipp Lahm. DSSC
Inter Milan say that Manchester United and Manchester City target - striker Mario Balotelli - is not for sale. The European champions also say that defender Maicon is also indispensable. DSSC
Pelle to splash £40m on Negredo and Jovetic
MANCHESTER CITY will step up their new striker hunt after they drew a blank here in Pretoria yesterday.
The Sky Blues are closing in on Seville’s Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic of Fiorentina in deals totalling more than £40million.
Boss Manuel Pellegrini hopes to have them in at the Etihad by the end of the month as City look to replace Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli.
The Chilean also confirmed he will sell Brazilian defender Maicon, 32, with Roma close to sealing a £4m deal.
After yesterday’s defeat to Supersport United in Pellegrini’s first match in charge, the City boss said: “It’s difficult to say a date but before July finishes I think we will have more players.
“We are working hard for new players. We are not in a great hurry but it is clear we need two or three more players.
“It’s important we have a very good squad and I’m sure we will.” With Sergio Aguero yet to link up with the team, the lack of forward options is obvious.
Former Real Madrid coach Pellegrini is also chasing a new centre-back but has been scuppered in his bid to take Pepe from his old club.
But he has sanctioned a move away from the Etihad for Maicon, who has struggled for form and fitness during his 12-month stay.
Pellegrini said: “Maicon didn’t come here to the pre-season and he will not stay in the squad at Manchester City this year.”
City looked rusty as they played their first pre-season game here just six days after returning to training.
Edin Dzeko — given a big vote of confidence by the new boss — could have helped himself to a hat-trick in the opening 20 minutes.
Aleksandar Kolarov and James Milner also missed decent chances and the home side struck twice in the second half.
Mame Niang headed the opener ten minutes after the break before the wonderfully named Kermit Erasmus slid in a second.
City changed their entire team for the second half with Devante Cole — son of ex-England striker Andy — given a run-out.
Fernandinho — City’s £30m capture from Shakhtar Donetsk — caught the eye with an energetic first 45 minutes.
Pellegrini said of the defeat: “I’m not worried, this is what we expected. We are just starting the season so it’s not important to always win — but it’s important to get minutes.
“This was a normal match for pre-season.”
Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo is among the list of alternatives if City fail to land Negredo or Jovetic.
Manchester City eye Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he takes a fortnight to fall out with PSG's new coach
Volatile superstar who has won the league 10 times in 12 years has nose put out of joint by French club's pursuit of Cavani
New Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is ready to launch a cut-price swoop for Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The volatile Ibrahimovic has ALREADY fallen out with Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc - who was only appointed 18 days ago - and seems set to quit the French champions.
Ibrahimovic has refused to return a call from the former France manager, despite being given an extra 10 days off from pre-season training than the majority of the PSG squad.
The 31-year-old is understood to be unhappy at the imminent arrival of Uruguayan hitman Edinson Cavani, set to move in a £53million deal from Napoli, and there is a growing suspicion the Swede will refuse to turn up for training next Thursday.
Former Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan ace Ibrahimovic - who scored four sensational goals against England in a friendly last November, including a 30-yard overhead kick - has authorised his representative, super-agent Mino Raiola, to open negotiations with Real Madrid.
Ibrahimovic believed he would be available for 'just' £17m and was prepared to take a pay-cut - to 'a mere' £250,000 per week - to grease the wheels on a move to the Bernabeu.
But new Real boss Carlo Ancelotti spiked the move by informing Raiola that he made a "no poaching" agreement with his former club when he left PSG last month.
That has opened the door for talks with deposed Premier League champions City - who face a renewed fight from Juventus for £28m Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, but do remain favourites to land the Montenegrin star.
Pellegrini needs attacking reinforcements this summer as predecessor Roberto Mancini - who tried to buy Ibrahimovic a year ago - sold Mario Balotelli in January without signing a replacement, while he allowed Carlos Tevez to join Juventus shortly after taking charge.
While City have yet to make a formal bid, Ibrahimovic is keen to prove himself in the Premier League after being angered by the dismissive tone taken towards him in England over much of the past decade.
The Swede is European football's great "lucky charm" having won the domestic title in 10 of the last 12 seasons across four countries.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 15-7-2011
Gael blown away
GAEL CLICHY has been shocked by his tough-tackling new team-mates at Manchester City.
The French full-back spent eight seasons at Arsenal but moved to Eastlands earlier this month in a £7million deal.
And James Milner reckons the amount of tackles flying in during City's pre-season tour of North America has been a real eye-opener for Clichy, 25.
The FA Cup winners are renowned for their lively training sessions at their Carrington HQ.
England man Milner, speaking in San Francisco, said: "Gael hasn't been here too long but he's seen a few tackles fly in.
"He's surprised at that because at Arsenal they don't tackle too much in training. We train as we play but as soon as we come off the field everyone is together.
"It's good to go on tour for the fitness but with the new boys it's good to spend time with them. They'll get to know us a lot quicker spending 2½ weeks on the road rather than a few hours in training."
Winger Milner failed to live up to his £26m price tag following his switch from Aston Villa last August.
But he has returned from his summer break in great shape and urged boss Roberto Mancini to play him in central midfield this season.
Milner, 25, said: "He knows my best position is the middle and I think that too. Hopefully, I've shown that when I've had a chance to play there but I'll just keep working hard."
Gareth Barry believes his own controversial decision to quit Villa Park two years ago has been justified.
And he also hopes City's Champions League campaign can force him back into the England reckoning.
He said: "We won the FA Cup and we're in the Champions League so it's been a great move so far.
"But you get your England place back by playing well for your club so that'll be my initial aim."
Meanwhile, defender Jerome Boateng has flown back from the US to complete his move to Bayern Munich.
The German international wants to return home just a year after joining from Hamburg for £11m.
Boateng, 22, struggled to settle at Eastlands last season and was also plagued by injuries.
'Huge' bid could net City Eto'o
MANCHESTER CITY have been told only a 'huge' bid will be enough to prise Samuel Eto'o away from Inter Milan.
Roberto Mancini has been linked with a move for the 30-year-old, who has admitted he would be interested in playing in the Premier League.
And with doubts surrounding the future of Carlos Tevez at Eastlands, Mancini could launch a raid for the £25million-rated former Barcelona hitman.
But although Eto'o's agent, Claudio Vigorelli, insists the Cameroon striker is happy in Italy, he hinted a blockbuster offer could tempt Inter to sell.
Vigorelli said: "At the moment Inter and Eto'o are happy with each other.
"That's the way things are unless something changes before the end of August.
"However, there's always a chance that Inter receive a big money offer for Samuel.
"I'm talking about a huge bid here — that hasn't happened just yet.
"Inter are not looking to cash in on him and he's not pushing for a transfer but you never know what happens in football."
Eto'o joined Inter from Barca in the summer of 2009 and has three years remaining on his deal
Maicon out of City reckoning
New Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed Maicon will not be part of the first-team squad for the 2013/14 season.
The defender was signed by former Citizens boss Roberto Mancini this time last year, but failed to make an impact at the Etihad Stadium, managing just four starts in the Premier League.
The Brazil international has since been left out of City's pre-season squad, and Pellegrinin, who began his reign as manager with a 2-0 friendly defeat to SuperSport United on Sunday, confirmed the 31-year-old will not be at Eastlands next term.
"Maicon didn't come here to the pre-season and he will not be in the squad at Manchester City this year," the Chilean told City's official website.
Pellegrini, whose side next face PSL outfit AmaZulu in Durban, South Africa, confirmed his next piece of business will be to bring in a replacement for Carlos Tevez, who left for Juventus earlier this month.
"It's difficult to say exactly which day but before the end of the month we will have a new attacker," he said.
Pablo Zabaleta eyes Italy
MANCHESTER CITY'S pre-season has been rocked by news that Pablo Zabaleta is keen on a move to Italy.
Pablo Zabaleta cofessed to being a fan of Florentina
The Argentine defender, 28, was impressive last season, playing 43 times in all competitions.
Serie A is a major championship. It’s certainly a league I’d like to play in
But he has revealed he would relish the chance to play in Italy and confesses to being a fan of Fiorentina.
He said: “Serie A is a major championship. It’s certainly a league I’d like to play in.”
SNUB COUNT INCHES TOWARDS 300 .... CURRENTLY 291
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is determined to test Liverpool's resolve over Luis Suarez with an improved £35m bid for the 26-year-old striker. Guardian
Steven Gerrard is to give Liverpool a significant boost by signing a contract extension. The Liverpool captain, 33, has entered the final year of his current deal. DSSC
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, 29, is an £8m target for French side Paris St-Germain. Daily Mirror
Arsenal look set to miss out on Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar, 33, who is closing in on a season-long loan move to Napoli. Metro
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew will meet with director of football Joe Kinnear on Monday and is seeking the green light to press ahead with a £5m bid for Aston Villa's 29-year-old striker Darren Bent. Telegraph
Tottenham are monitoring Real Betis winger Alvaro Vadillo, 18, as they hope to seal the signing of Twente winger Nacer Chadli, 23. Times
Manchester United have renewed their interest in signing Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 26, having lost the battle to sign Barcelona's 22-year-old midfielder Thiago Alacantara. Independent
Manchester United may consider selling Wayne Rooney next summer after informing the Manchester United striker, 27, that his future will not be addressed for another 12 months. Times
Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway is ready to make his first move to end Peter Odemwingie's West Bromwich Albion spell. Daily Telegraph
Tottenham are set to make an opening bid for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, 22, this week. Daily Mirror
Liverpool are ready to approach Bayern Munich to discuss a deal for winger Xherdan Shaqiri, 21. Metro
Ryan Giggs, 39, says he must be crazy to be relishing his role at Old Trafford as much as when he first stepped into the Manchester United side 23 years ago. Metro
Fulham's new owner Shahid Khan has assured fans he will not make the same mistakes as west London rivals QPR. DSSC
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, 33, is on the brink of signing a new deal that will see him finish his career at Anfield. Sun
Manchester United manager David Moyes has told striker Wayne Rooney, 27, he is considered vital only if "we had an injury to Robin Van Persie". Guardian
Arsenal have missed out on efforts to sign Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier, 22, after he signed a new deal with the French club. Daily Express
Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha, 20, has ruled out returning to Crystal Palace on loan next season after getting his first taste of life at Old Trafford. Metro
Former Argentina international Ariel Ortega played the final match of his career at the weekend but it was his 12-year-old son Tomas who stole the headlines after making his dad cry. Metro
SINCLAIR'S EMOTIONAL BOLLOX PART 524
[spoiler]Heartbreak holiday: Helen Flanagan cuts a solitary figure in black bikini on holiday in Majorca as she tries to win Scott Sinclair back
She has said she wants to work things out with Scott Sinclair and it seems that Helen Flanagan is determined to show the footballer exactly what he's missing.
The 22-year-old jetted off to Majorca last month, after finding out that Scott had been 'sexting' another woman.
Helen showed off her shape in a black string bikini as she made the most of the good weather.
The former Coronation Street star spent some time in deep reflection, while paddling in the sea.
With plenty on her mind it seems that model was grateful for some quiet time to collect her thoughts.
Helen showed off her impressive shape in the swimwear and wore her hair piled on top of her head in a large bun.
After taking a dip in the water on her own Helen returned to the sand to sunbathe with a friend.
It seems that in company she managed to put her sad thoughts to one side, even managing to raise a smile.
Helen, who stayed at the Lindner Golf and Wellness resort, recently spoke out about her heartbreak and said she was hoping for a reconciliation with Scott.
Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'I want to work things through and get back together. I just want to be happy again.'
Helen went on to admit that the couple are currently spending time apart, but that she hopes that they can save their relationship.
'We’re spending time apart to sort things out, but my feelings for him have not changed,' she said.
The couple have both moved out of their Cheshire mansion for the time being, but it seems that, if Helen has her way, they will reunite.
The Manchester City winger Scott is said to have sent a string of raunchy messages to raven haired TV presenter Donatella Panayiotou during a lads holiday in the south of France earlier this year.
Coming clean in an open letter published by Now, Donatella dishes the dirt and urges Helen to turn her back on Scott for good.
'Like you, I’ve been cheated on by boyfriends before and felt sick when I found out,’ she wrote. ‘I want to take this opportunity to explain that I’d never do that to another woman – I think it’s Scott who’s been naughty.'
[/spoiler]GOLDEN BOLLOX 15-7-2012
Mancini insists Tevez and Dzeko will not leave Manchester City
The Italian manager has confirmed his intention to keep the forward duo at the Etihad Stadium despite reports of interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and AC Milan
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed his intention to resist offers for strikers Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez.
The duo have been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium following a season in which Dzeko found himself in and out of the starting XI and Tevez spent several months on the sidelines after his relationship with Mancini broke down.
Tevez returned to action to play an important part in helping City seal the Premier League title, however, while Dzeko still managed 19 goals in all competitions.
And Mancini has reiterated his desire to fend off reported interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and AC Milan in the two players.
"Both Dzeko and Tevez will stay at City," Mancini told Sky Italia. "We are a great team and we try to keep all our great players. It won't be easy but they will stay here.
"We still lack a couple of players to reach [the level of] Real Madrid and Barcelona. Also our mentality has to grow season by season."
Mancini, meanwhile, dismissed speculation linking him to the vacant Russia job by insisting that he remained committed to the project at City having recently signed a new five-year contract.
"I'm honoured by Russian interest in me, but at Man City there are important plans for the future," the Italian explained.
Mario Balotelli will compete with Dzeko and Tevez for a place in the City team next season having earned praise for his performances at Euro 2012 with Italy.
And Mancini believes the 2012-13 campaign will be a significant one for the 21-year-old as he seeks to put his reputation for controversy behind him.
"Balotelli had to be grateful to himself because of his huge talent," Mancini added. "He must not waste it with non-football matters.
"Next season must be a defining one for him. [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Andres] Iniesta work hard every day to stay at top, and he can reach that level."
Manchester United and City in bitter battle to sign Van Persie as Tevez heads to AC Milan
Carlos Tevez is poised to move to AC Milan this week, opening the way for Manchester City to make their £30million bid for Robin van Persie.
The champions would appear to be in the driving seat to land the Arsenal striker but Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has still not given up hope of signing the 29-year-old in a cut-price deal.
The two Manchester clubs were only separated by goal difference at the end of last season and Ferguson is determined to get one over his rivals in the transfer market.
The bidding war will be kicked off by Tevez’s exit, with a source close to City revealing last night: ‘They are selling Tevez to Milan. You’ll see it in the next few days.
‘If, for any reason, that deal hits a complication, City may sell Edin Dzeko to Milan instead. But, for the moment, all efforts are focused on selling Tevez. That will open up the Van Persie deal.’
Argentina’s Tevez had his heart set on joining Milan last season at the height of his ugly stand-off with City.
Since then, he and Roberto Mancini have made up and as a thank-you for helping City win the title, the manager will allow Tevez his dream move to Italy.
Arsenal are still hoping to persuade Van Persie to stay and have scheduled further talks for this week when he returns for pre-season training.
They will want at least £30m if they decide to sell the striker, who has only one year left on his contract. Van Persie has set off a high-level row at Arsenal, with boss Arsene Wenger insisting on getting maximum value whereas other senior figures would accept less after the striker accused the club of lacking ambition.
This would play into Ferguson’s hands as the United board are unlikely to sanction a £30m deal for a 29-year-old.
Sources close to Van Persie have indicated that, if he does move, Old Trafford might be his preference. Mail
Carlos Tevez: My favourite superhero is Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli's summer exploits obviously impressed his Manchester City team-mate Carlos Tevez, who has described the Italian as his 'favourite superhero'.
The unusual praise for the star of Italy's Euro 2012 campaign came during a light-hearted question and answer session recorded for the Premier League champions' official website.
With Sergio Aguero behind the camera, Tevez answered questions sent in by City fans via Twitter.
The first was from a supporter who wanted to know who Tevez's favourite superhero was.
After a little thinking time, he replied 'Mario Balotelli' - a response that left the two Argentina internationals giggling.
The former Manchester United star also used the unconventional interview to improve his standing with Citizens fans.
Asked about his favourite goal for the club, he answered: 'All the ones that I've scored against United!'
The City faithful also demonstrated a sense of humour with some of their questions.
Referring to the time Tevez spent on strike in Argentina last season, one asked: 'What's the strength of your golf game? Is it your putting, driving, iron play or your driving?'
The ex-West Ham forward saw the funny side and laughed before revealing his short game was working well.
[youtube]X3OYVmw_UBM[/youtube]
AC MILAN STEP UP INTEREST IN MANCHESTER CITY STRIKER EDIN DZEKO
AC Milan have stepped up their interest in Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko
AC MILAN have stepped up their interest in Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko after agreeing to sell Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain. By Daily Express Reporter (nice in depth report there then ...)
City winger signs new contract
Omar Elabdellaoui has expressed his delight after being handed a new two-year contract with Manchester City.
The 20-year-old winger has not yet made a first-team appearance for the club, having arrived from Skied in 2008.
He spent time on loan with Norwegian side Stromgodset in 2011 and admits he did not know whether he still figured in City's plans.
However, Elabdellaoui has now been granted an extension and he is hoping to keep making a positive impression during the pre-season tour of Austria.
"I wasn't sure what was going to happen towards the end of last season or what City were thinking so it was great to be offered a new deal," he told the club's official website.
"I didn't know if I'd be on the pre-season tour or not so I was really happy to be included in the party because it is really good to be around the senior players that are here in Austria and things couldn't be going better.
"I'm enjoying training, feeling sharper every day and it was great to get a run out against Al Hilal on Friday evening.
"We have two more games left on this tour and I hope I can be involved in those matches, too."
Gary Neville warning for Premier League champions Man City
Gary Neville has told Manchester City not to expect to dominate the Premier League after last season's title win.
City pipped city rivals United on goal difference to win the league for the first time in 44 years.
"Very rarely does a team run away with it," the ex-Manchester United defender Neville told BBC Sport.
"It's a tough league to win and the idea that a team will go and dominate, it's too early to start speculating about that."
He added: "Manchester United have done it through the '90s and last 10 years, Liverpool did it in the 1970s and 1980s. It's very difficult to dominate over 15 to 20 years.
Neville helped the Old Trafford club to eight Premier League titles before retiring in February 2011 and is wary of predictions that City will become the prominent force in English football.
"The easiest thing to say, and I've heard it a lot of times before, is that City will dominate," said Neville. "If City had lost the league on the last day [last season] people would have been saying United will dominate.
"It happens every year, the sort of up and down reaction that we get. The reality is that there will always be a challenge to whoever will be champions."
Neville believes United will be a threat to City retaining the title, while Arsenal and Chelsea will also be hoping to stake their claim.
"I think Manchester United will be up there again," continued Neville. "I don't think anyone is kidding themselves over that.
"The manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] being there obviously helps because he knows full well what it's been like to succeed, but also what failure has tasted like in this last 20 years - you can't win the league every year.
"The group of players that are there are also experienced and have been round the block so they know it is [about] fine lines - you can't win every single game all the time and you will have disappointments. It's how you respond to that.
"All clubs have aspirations and Manchester United are no different. You realise that you are competing with other clubs and you can't be arrogant about that."
Manchester City to feature 'new signing' in Limerick friendly
The Airtricity First Division side will play in a glamour friendly against Roberto Mancini's side before they begin their Premier League defence
Limerick FC have announced that they will play English Premier League champions Manchester City in a friendly at Thomond Park on Sunday, August 5 at 19:00 BST.
City are expected to field a full team against Pat Scully's side with Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and a 'new signing' touted to feature by the organiser of the event, Damien O'Brien of Iconic Worldwide Events.
Pearce admits 'it's a shame' Richards is classed as an overage player for Team GB
The Manchester City defender turned 24 last month, making him one of the older squad members and the boss suggested he will play in the centre of defence during the Games
GB manager Stuart Pearce has revealed his annoyance that Micah Richards is deemed an overage selection for the Olympic football squad by just a matter of months.
The defender has been included in the Olympic squad as one of the three designated players that are allowed to be over the age of 23, along with Welsh duo Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy.
The choice was met with surprise from some quarters after the Manchester City man snubbed Roy Hodgson by refusing to be placed on the Euro 2012 squad stand-by list earlier this summer. Other critics called for David Beckham to be called up after he helped with London's successful bid, and has since been an ambassador for the Games.
Although the former City boss ignored those suggestions, he admitted that the timing of Richards's 24th birthday last month, and thus his qualification as an overage player, is unfortunate.
"It's a shame with Micah Richards that he's an overage pick," Pearce told reporters.
"He misses out on being an underage player by a few months."
The former interim England manager, and current u-21 coach, then indicated that the player will take up a role in the centre of defence rather than on the right as he has done for his club.
He added: "I see him playing at centre-back than at full-back to be honest."
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