Zabaleta: Roar us to title victory!
Pablo Zabaleta has urged City fans to roar their team to title glory when they face West Ham on Sunday.
But the iconic defender also warned Blues of a nervous disposition that they could face more of the tense, patient football they had to endure before Aston Villa were finally blown away on Wednesday night.
Zabaleta was a key figure in that vital victory, which has put City one point away from the Premier League crown, setting up the first two goals for Edin Dzeko.
Now he wants City fans to blow the roof off the Etihad Stadium, as they did for most of Wednesday’s game.
“The fans can play a big part on Sunday because they have been fantastic,” said Zabaleta.
“You can feel the atmosphere is different – the fans are excited about this team and know we can do something big for this club.
“They have a chance to celebrate another title so I am sure the atmosphere here on Sunday will be fantastic for 90 minutes, and I am sure the players will give 100 per cent to win the game. I hope that after 95 minutes we are all celebrating together.”
The atmosphere on Wednesday began with loud support, then settled slightly as Villa defended deep and nerves started to fray, but exploded into a noisy celebration once the goals started to flow.
Zabaleta wants the supporters to turn the ground into a riot of noise and colour.
The difference between Pellegrini ad his players, and the City fans, is that most Blues have years of the rug being pulled from under their feet.
Many are finding it hard to realise that the club these days is no longer winning “cups for cock-ups” – as Francis Lee once memorably noted. They are winning the real thing.
Zabaleta urged the support to have faith, and get behind the team – a theme which was piled up by skipper Vincent Kompany, who tweeted that he wanted to see the ground ‘bouncing’ on Sunday.
Zabaleta said: “In the first half, we were moving the ball and trying to score but missed a few chances and when you go in at 0-0 fans can be nervous because Wednesday was just about winning the game.
“The team did really well in the second half and when the first goal went in, the fans were amazing, just singing all the time. Our fans in Manchester and around the world are enjoying this time and so are the players.
“We need to finish this with a big win on Sunday and we need the fans from the start.
“They will expect another difficult game but we need to be clever in the way we manage the game because it will probably be the same game as Wednesday. That’s why we need to keep calm if we don’t score, keep passing and trying to find space, and with the quality we have at some point of the game we can score.”
And he claimed that the players, and manager Manuel Pellegrini, were the calmest people in a fraught ground against Villa, as they have learned to trust their style of football. With an hour on the clock, the mounting tension was starting to get unbearable, but Pellegrini was a picture of composure on the sidelines, and his players refused to panic on the field.
The two things are related, says Zabaleta: “At half time we were talking about this. We needed to score to be a little bit calm, and calm the fans. When you are in that situation, you can be a little nervous but the manager told us to be passionate and keep moving the ball and that we would get the one chance to score. And that’s how it was.
“We did it well, and then it was important to score goals, because when we are winning it is important we don’t go deep and try to protect the result.
“Something we have done well this season is that at 1-0 or 2-0 the team keeps playing in the same way, with ball possession and trying to score goals.
“That shows in the fact we have scored 100 goals this season and, hopefully, we will score some more on Sunday. It has been important all season.”
One of Zabaleta’s interviews after the game was interrupted by mischievous team-mates playing Status Quo’s Whatever You Want at full blast in the dressing room.
That is because the Argentina international has revealed he is a fan of the rock band.
But the happy mood in the squad following the Villa victory was not a case of celebrating too early, said Zabaleta.
“Everybody was happy, of course,” he said. “Every time you win a game like this you celebrate, and we knew it was an important game to give us another step forward for the title.
“But every single player knows we have done nothing yet.
“Most of our players have been here for more than two years, so we have experience of the game against QPR where everything was decided in the last minute.
“We don’t want that again, so we need to have a good rest because Sunday will be another tough game.”
The fact that a draw would be enough to hand City the title – unless Liverpool can beat Newcastle by 13 goals – has not even registered with the Blues.
They are out to round off the season with a win, and if they can break Chelsea’s Premier League record of 103 goals by scoring four more, that would be the cherry on top of a sumptuous cake.
Zabaleta outlined what is required: “We need to keep fighting,” he said. “The spirit of this group has been fantastic in the last few games and we just need to keep playing the way we want to play – we have been doing it for the whole season, so we will change nothing.
“We are an attacking team that wants to score goals but it was also important to keep a clean sheet. We will see on Sunday if we can play the same way and win.
“We know a draw is enough to win the league but we won’t be playing for a draw We will play to win.”
Manchester City open negotiations for Argentine international, upsetting neighbours
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo have a big feature on Friday explaining that Manchester City have opened negotiations to sign Nicolas Gaitan from Benfica.
Manuel Pellegrini apparently sees Gaitan as someone who can add a new dimension to his squad and, O Jogo say, Txiki Begiristain has already been in touch to see how much the transfer would cost his club.
Gaitan has been repeatedly linked to both Manchester United and Liverpool so, if that interest is correct, Manchester City would be pushing ahead of their rivals by starting the transfer process. The stories about Liverpool making a move in England this week have been based on old Portuguese speculation and were weak to say the least.
The Argentine international has had a good season and Benfica have shown just what a good team they are. They won the league with games to spare and were victorious in the cup final this week, they've also got through to the Europe League Cup final in Turin. It would be an impressive treble.
Gaitan has a contract until 2016, O Jogo say his buyout clause is €45m. If Benfica don't get a bid big enough to tempt them this summer then they'll enter contract talks with the 26 year old to extend his current deal.
Wenger: City should be kicked out of the Champions League
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the Blues should receive even harsher penalties for breaching UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules.
Arsene Wenger has called for Manchester City to be kicked out of the Champions League for breaking Financial Fair Play rules.
Reports have emerged this week claiming that the Blues are facing a variety of sanctions next season after failing to meet UEFA's break-even rules over a three-year period.
A fine of up to £50m and restrictions on their squad size in the Champions League have been touted as the measures imposed by the European football governing body.
However, Arsenal boss Wenger believes the punishment should be more straightforward.
"For the punishment, I think it's sophisticated. I would like a more simple one that makes more sense," he said.
"You would think you accept the rules and you're in the competition, or you don't accept the rules and you're not in the competition. Then everybody would understand it."
The Frenchman also insisted that fans abd even managers are struggling to understand the complexities of FFP.
"When UEFA doesn't want to kick the clubs out of the Champions League they have to find a more subtle punishment," he added.
"To me, and from all of us on the outside, it looks a complicated punishment. Nobody understands really. Today people are informed. We live in a society where everyone is informed. The rules have to be clear that you can inform people well.
"If I go out in the street now and I ask 100 people, 'What you think of the Fair Play punishment?' how many do you think can explain it to you? I'm in the job and I cannot do it.
"They have to clarify the punishment. We all agree that if we don't respect the rules you have to be punished. But to explain to people how that works is very difficult."
Wenger has been widely praised for his prudence in the transfer market during an era of big-spending in the Premier League.
But, while the Gunners have consistently reached the top four under his stewardship, they have not won a trophy in nine years.
Yaya Toure targets title after PFA snub
Manchester City's Yaya Toure believes that a Premier League title would soften the blow of missing out on the PFA Player of the Year award.
The Ivorian was pipped to the gong by Liverpool hitman Luis Suarez, but Toure could yet have the last laugh as City sit one point away from beating the Reds to the title.
Manuel Pellegrini's side will be crowned champions if they avoid defeat at home to West Ham United on the final day of the season, and the 30-year-old says that collective trophies supercede the individual honours.
"To be honest, I was disappointed with the PFA award because I'm a competitor," he told reporters. "The most important thing, though, is trophies for the team. We always remind each other of that.
"It was not only me who was in the running for the award and we have a number of players who have had excellent seasons. We definitely expect to win the title. As a top team, we expect to win it."
Toure hit 20 league goals and bagged eight assists in helping the Citizens reach the summit of the standings
Dundee to play Manchester City
Premier League giants Manchester City will take on Dundee in a pre-season glamour friendly.
The Dark Blues today announced that the English top flight champions elect will visit Dens Park on Sunday July 13.
International stars such as Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany look set to grace the Dens turf as part of the Citizens’ tour north of the border.
More than a dozen Scottish clubs have been in negotiations to play Manuel Pellegrini’s City, who will spend a week training in St Andrews this summer prior to jetting off to the US.
So newly-promoted Dundee have pulled off a major coup in securing the game, which is thought to be part of a two game programme in Scotland.
Manager Paul Hartley could not hide his delight at the news.
And he’s looking forward to the challenge.
“To have such a challenge match against a team of the calibre of Manchester City at the beginning of next season shows exactly how big our club have been thinking recently,” said Paul.
“I look forward to matching our squad of players against Manchester City.”
Chief executive Scot Gardiner, who with other officials at the club has been working on securing the visit of the Etihad outfit since January, admitted it’s amazing news for the club.
And Gardiner revealed it’s just the start of what is set to be a very exciting summer for Dark Blues fans.
He said: “We’re thrilled to play against Manchester City in our opening game of next season.
“Paul and his team will face a fantastic test.
“I’m particularly pleased for our fans and indeed football fans across Scotland who will have a rare chance to see Manuel Pelligrini’s side of superstars up close and personal at Dens Park.”
Gardiner’s opposite number at the English League Cup winners, Ferran Soriano, added: “Manchester City is deeply proud of its historic ties with Scotland, having had many greats such as Willie Donachie, Paul Dickov and Colin Hendry wear the Club crest.
“The manager and players alike are extremely excited about visiting Dundee, to not only see our loyal fans, but also prepare for the new season against strong opposition who richly deserve their title as SPFL Championship champions.
“Dundee is a club steeped in history, so it’s sure to be a great game of football with a fantastic atmosphere for both sets of fans in Dens Park.”
This won’t be the first time the pair have met.
Back in 1965 goals from Carl Bertelsen and Andy Penman gave the Dark Blues victory at Maine Road.
In 1986 the pair met twice in a month the first a 2-2 draw in Bobby Glennie’s testimonial and then again played out a 1-1 draw during the Dark Blues tour of the North America.
*Season ticket holders will be guaranteed a seat and also discounted admittance for the fixture.
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Monaco are ready to offer Chelsea's out-of-contract defender Ashley Cole, 33, a £12m two-year deal. Daily Express
But Manchester City have joined Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid in the chase to sign England full-back Cole. Daily Mirror
Chelsea and Manchester United face a huge summer battle if they are to convince Paris St-Germain to part with striker Edinson Cavani, 27. Metro
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is planning to release as many as seven players as he looks to strengthen his squad at the end of the season. Evening Standard
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, 20, still does not know if he will return to Stamford Bridge after scoring 17 goals on loan at Everton this season. Sun
Liverpool's Fabio Borini could stay at Sunderland on loan for another year. The 23-year-old forward also hopes his form with the Black Cats will be enough to earn a place in Italy's World Cup squad. Daily Star
Fenerbahce defender Caner Erkin, 25, will stay at the Turkish club despite interest from Liverpool and Roma. Inside Futbol
Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, 37, is considering extending his stay at the Britannia Stadium by one more year. Stoke Sentinel
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Liverpool hope West Ham striker Andy Carroll, 25, and winger Stewart Downing, 29 - both former Reds - can help them win the Premier League title by beating Manchester City on the the final day of the season. Guardian
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, 35, is unsure whether Dutchman Louis van Gaal will offer him a new contract if he takes over as manager. Daily Mirror
Ferdinand fears Manchester United may come to regret central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic, 32, leaving Old Trafford this summer to join Inter Milan. Guardian
Everton manager Roberto Martinez says he will make a decision on whether to permanently sign 33-year-old on-loan midfielder Gareth Barry next week. Daily Star
Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo, 21, who has just returned from a loan spell with Middlesbrough, has turned down a new contract offer at Stamford Bridge. Daily Express
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, 26, says he is very close to signing a new contract with Barcelona, dismissing talk about him leaving the club as "nonsense". L'Equipe
Atletico Madrid are considering signing Sevilla's 26-year-old midfielder Ivan Rakitic as a replacement for attacking midfielder Diego, 29, who has hinted at a summer exit from the club. AS
Arsenal, Newcastle and Fiorentina have joined Juventus in the race to sign 21-year-old Manchester United forward William Keane. Tuttosport
Barcelona's 23-year-old forward Bojan Krkic says he will not be continuing his loan spell at Ajax into another season. AS
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc will travel to Italy to negotiate the transfer of 24-year-old Torino striker Ciro Immobile. The German club are looking to replace the Bayern Munich-bound forward Robert Lewandowski, 25. Bild
Paris St-Germain have renewed manager Laurent Blanc's contract until 2016. Marca
Fiorentina's 28-year-old forward Mario Gomez has described this season as the "ugliest" of his career after he was left out of Germany's provisional World Cup squad. Bild
After the Football Association announced their plans to introduce Premier League B teams to the Football League, League Two side Accrington Stanley have vowed to launch a B team and apply to join the Premier League. DSSC
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