Manuel Pellegrini lifts crazy bans imposed by former boss
MANUEL PELLEGRINI has ditched three bans imposed by Roberto Mancini in a bid to wipe out the memory of the madcap Italian.
Former Manchester City chief Mancini ruled the dressing room with an iron fist during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
He stunned his squad by banning music both before and after matches.
The former Inter Milan boss also put a block on the colour purple on all clothes, including training tops, and insisted on team meetings taking place at odd-numbered times.
He then told his stars get-togethers could not happen on the hour.
But Pellegrini has put an end to the ridiculous rules to make himself popular with his players. The Chilean, who was drafted in last summer to replace Mancini and is renowned for his man-management skills, is keen to do things his way.
A club insider said: “There’s a joke going around this place that United can start calling us the ‘noisy neighbours again if they like, because at least now the boys can play music.
Mancini was unpopular even without his wacky rules. They were just the tip of the iceberg.
“He was unbelievably superstitious and completely lost his temper when a batch of the training bibs and jackets were purple.
“He said it was an unlucky colour and he didn’t want them anywhere near the place. He also said meetings scheduled to take place at an evennumbered time were unlucky, especially on the hour.
“We couldn’t believe what we were hearing – at first it sounded like a wind-up but then the horrible realisation kicked in.
“As for the music ban, Mancini said the players wouldn’t be able to concentrate if a song was in the background, even though our opponents had their stuff blaring out down the corridor.
“Once he had his way this place was like a morgue. We have returned to the real world at last.
“The new manager actually talks to the players and staff, which is something that didn’t happen for three years under the last guy.
“Joe Hart can wear his purple jersey without fear of another fall-out, meetings can take place on the hour, and Liam Gallagher can once again be heard ringing out before kick-off.”
Micah Richards insists he is not leaving Manchester City despite reported interest from Arsenal, Newcastle and Roma
Richards is running out of time to force his way into the England squad for next season having made just two appearances this season
Micah Richards is confident he is in manager Manuel Pellegrini's plans and has no intention of leaving Manchester City.
The full-back has played only twice this season, once in the Capital One Cup and once in the Champions League against Bayern Munich.
Injuries limited Richards to eight appearances last season and there had been speculation he may seek to leave the Etihad Stadium in search of a regular spot and to boost his England hopes.
The 25-year-old last played for his country in February 2012 and faces a race against time to force his way into Roy Hodgson's squad for the World Cup finals next summer.
Richards told BT Sport: "I did say at the start of the season I wanted to see the manager's plans and I'm in his plans, as he's said all along, so we'll see what the future holds, but I'm happy at Manchester City.
"I've been here since I was 14, it's a club I love.
"Before I got my injuries, I was number-one choice. It's only because I got injuries and Pablo Zabaleta has done so well, I find myself not playing as regular.
"I'm fully fit now and I'm ready to show everyone what I can do.
"It was a big decision for the manager to play me in the Bayern Munich game after only playing one game previously in the cup against Wigan so it shows massive confidence in me."
Meanwhile, defender Martin Demichelis is closing in on a first-team debut after pulling on a City shirt for the first time.
The Argentinian defender joined City at the start of September from Atletico Madrid but damaged knee ligaments in his first week of training.
Demichelis played 45 minutes in the elite development squad's 2-2 draw with Rochdale on Wednesday night.
With a return date for captain Vincent Kompany still uncertain, Demichelis' return to fitness has come at a good time, although Saturday's trip to West Ham may come too soon.
Demichelis, who played under Pellegrini at River Plate and Malaga, told http://www.mcfc.co.uk: was important to play and get the confidence back. My knee responded very well and I'm very happy after working very hard to get here.
"It was difficult at the beginning with the injury but that allowed me to meet everybody at the club and feel confident and comfortable with everybody so it's fantastic now and I'm looking forward to my debut."
Midfielder Jack Rodwell also played in the game, which City won on penalties, and has declared himself fit and available for West Ham.
The 22-year-old, who has been dogged by injury problems during his time at City, has made only one first-team appearance this season, in the goalless draw with Stoke in September.
Rodwell is another player hoping to prove himself to Hodgson, and he said: "Brazil's looming in the future and obviously I've got one eye on it but one step at a time.
"Hopefully I'll get in the (City) team soon and keep playing."
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Barcelona want to sign Man City’s Sergio Aguero next summer for €55m
Spanish TV show Punto Pelota claim to have the inside scoop on a big transfer rumour, as they announced on their Thursday night broadcast that FC Barcelona are looking to sign Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero next summer.
According to the show’s talking-head François Gallardo, Tata Martino has submitted a request to the Barcelona board to begin enquires into bring Kun Aguero to the Nou Camp in 2014.
Gallardo revealed the Barcelona would need to pay around €50-55m in order to lure Aguero from the City of Manchester stadium, which would indicate that Barcelona would need to sell a player before the Argentine international could be secured.
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