Man City

[joew2005]

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Mancini: Lots of interest in Adebayor
April 8, 2012

Roberto Mancini says there is little chance of Emmanuel Adebayor playing 4 ManC next season but has warned Tottenham Hotspur they will face a fight 4 his signature.

Mancini has offered Adebayor few opportunities since taking charge @ Eastlands, & he was allowed 2 join Real Madrid in the 2010-2011 campaign b4 joining Spurs on a season-long loan in the summer.

He has hit 13 goals 4 Spurs so far but, asked whether there could be a place 4 him @ City, Mancini said: "At tis moment no, becos we hv 4 strikers & it's impossible 4 tis."

Harry Redknapp has made clear tat he would like Adebayor 2 stay @ White Hart Lane on a permanent basis but, while Mancini would be happy 2 let him leave, there r other clubs waiting in the wings.

"Adebayor is playing well & I m happy 4 him," Mancini said. "He's a good guy & a good player & I m happy. If @ the end of the season he 1s 2 stay @ Tottenham, they will buy him, or another team will. There r alot of teams tat 1 Manu."

Spurs hv the option 2 sign Adebayor tis summer but may be unable 2 meet his wage demands.



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Inter won't rule out Balotelli
April 8, 2012

Inter Milan director Marco Branca is refusing 2 rule out a summer move 4 Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli left Inter 4 ManC in a €22 million deal in the summer of 2010 &, while he has netted 13 Premier League goals tis season, it is reported tat Roberto Mancini is running out of patience with the Italy striker's lack of discipline.

Both Inter & AC Milan hv regularly been linked with the 21-year-old, & Branca has suggested the Nerazzurri r considering a bid as they plot an overhaul of their ageing squad.

"We'll see in a few months, but we never closed the door 2 him & never will turn our backs on a potential return," Branca told Sky Sport Italia. "We need 2 change next season & find the right mix betw old & new, trying 2 understand wat will be @ our disposal 4 the transfer market.

"We will certainly promote 4 or 5 players fr the youth team & evaluate their capabilities in pre-season training."

[joew2005]

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City hopes hang by a thread
April 8, 2012

ManC's pursuit of the Premier League crown looks 2 be all over aft a late goal fr Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta condemned them 2 defeat @ the Emirates Stadium. Earlier in the day, ManU beat 10-man QPR 2-0.

ManC r now 8 points behind their rivals with 6 games remaining following a 1-0 defeat 2 Arsenal. The result sees Arsenal return 2 3rd place, 5 points clear of 5th-placed Chelsea.

Arsenal had the momentum heading into the match, with 7 wins fr their last 8 league fixtures, & enjoyed the better of an opening period in which City saw key midfielder Yaya Toure limp off with a knee problem. The Gunners pinned City back 4 the majority, & should hv taken the lead on 16 mins - but Robin van Persie's goalbound header was deflected onto the bar by his team-mate Thomas Vermaelen.

City, looking low on confidence, threatened only on occasions, notably when Mario Balotelli - who was lucky 2 be on the pitch, having earlier escaped punishment 4 a knee-high, studs-up tackle on Alex Song - had a half-volley fr 6 yards cleared off the line following an astute corner routine.

Mancini's men found a foothold 2wards the end of the opening period, & were in the ascendancy 4 the 1st 15 mins of the 2nd, only 4 Arsenal 2 stir in2 life, with Song crossing 2 Van Persie, who headed against the post fr 8 yards. Tat chance sparked a period of sustained Arsenal pressure as City, instead of scrapping 4 their lives in the title race, looked sapped of fight.

They should hv been behind on 76 mins, but somehow Vermaelen & Yossi Benayoun managed 2 spurn opportunities fr 3 yards. Arsene Wenger's men got the reward they deserved when Arteta's low drive beat Hart fr 20 yards, & City's misery was compounded when Balotelli received a 2nd yellow in the 90th minute.

In Sunday's earlier game, QPR went down 2 a 2-0 defeat 2 ManU @ Old Trafford aft having had 2 play 75 minutes with 10 men.

United dominated fr the opening whistle on home soil but their breakthrough came courtesy of referee Lee Mason, who awarded a soft 15th-minute penalty & sent off Shaun Derry when the offside Ashley Young fell in the area. Wayne Rooney dispatched the resulting spot-kick &, 2 compound QPR's misery, Derry was sent off.

United later killed the game off thru Paul Scholes, whose 20-yard drive dipped under the over-exposed Paddy Kenny's right hand.



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Mancini: Balotelli could be sold
April 8, 2012

Roberto Mancini says he will "probably'' sell Mario Balotelli tis summer aft the controversial striker was sent off in ManC's Premier League defeat @ Arsenal tat signalled a virtual end 2 their title challenge.

Mancini also appeared 2 suggest Balotelli would not play again 4 him tis season, although the club later claimed he said tat becos he expected the FA 2 throw the book @ the controversial 21-year-old.

Balotelli will serve a ban of @ least 3 matches aft his sending off in tis Sunday's 1-0 defeat @ the Emirates Stadium & Mancini seemed 2 call on the FA 2 take further action against his own player 4 a knee-high challenge on Alex Song tat went unpunished.

Asked 4 how long he he could put up with Balotelli's antics, Mancini said: "I m finished. We hv 6 games & he will not play in the next 6 games.''

Pushed further on whether he would try 2 sell Balotelli @ the end of the season, Mancini replied: "Probably - but I don't know. It depends, becos Balotelli is a fantastic player.

"I can continue 2 play with Mario on the pitch. Every time, we risk 1 sent off, like 2day. But he can score also in the last minute."

Mancini admitted Balotelli had created "big problems'' 4 his team-mates but joked the media would be happy 4 him 2 stay in the Premier League.

"If Mario leaves England, what will u do?'' he said. "You should be happy if Mario stays here. You can write 1, 2 or 3 pages in your newspapers!''

Asked if the authorities should examine the incident with Song tat referee Martin Atkinson & assistant Peter Kirkup took no action over, Mancini said "I hope so'' & admitted the striker deserved a lengthy ban.

Mancini insisted he kept Balotelli on the pitch becos he did not see the tackle on Song until aft the game & defended his decision not 2 substitute him even aft he had been booked 4 another bad challenge on Bacary Sagna.

Mancini, who has known Balotelli since the 4ward was 17, added: "I love him as a guy, I love him as a player, becos I know him. He's not a bad guy. He's a fantastic player.

"But, @ tis moment, I'm very sorry 4 him becos he continues 2 lose his talent, his quality. I hope, 4 him, tat he can understand tat he's in a bad way 4 his future, & he can change his behaviour.''

Mancini had said b4 the game tat if ManU were 2 beat QPR & his side lost @ Arsenal the title race would be over, but aft their 1-0 defeat @ the Emirates the Italian said City will keep on fighting.

When asked if the championship was gone: "No, it's not mathematically (over), but it's clear now tat it's very difficult. We hv a game in 3 days & we will try 2 win. Never say never in football.

"United, in the last 12 games, hv won 11 with 1 draw. They've done incredibly in the last 2 months. But, in football, it can change. 10 days ago, we were 1 point behind. 2day, we r 8 points. Tis can change also 4 them.

"Clearly, they hv more experience than us, so probably it's difficult, but until it's impossible, we need 2 hope.''

Arsenal had the better of the chances & hit the woodwork 3 times b4 Mikel Arteta's 87th-minute winner. The victory lifted Arsene Wenger's men up 2 3rd spot in the table, 2 points ahead of Spurs & five clear of Chelsea & Newcastle in 5th & 6th.

Arteta said: "I think we were the better team over the whole game, we had the most chances. We scored @ the end & 4 us it's a massive game.

"It was so important, Chelsea won yesterday, Newcastle hv been very consistent in the last few games, Tottenham r still in there & it's going 2 be a big fight fr here 2 the end of the season, but we knew tat 2day was 1 of the more difficult games 4 us.

"There was alot 2 play 4 (4 both teams). 4 them it was massive, becos now it will be really tough 4 them 2 catch ManU & 4 us if we lost 2day we would hv 2 teams 2 points behind us with 6 games 2 go. We r so happy.''

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had every right 2 be as furious with a Balotelli challenge tat could have broken Song's leg.

He said: "Fortunately, he didn't. If the referee had television, he would hv given him a red card. I thought it was a bad tackle. I said 2 my physio, 'Wat happened 2 Song?' becos he said he was touched @ the knee. I thought maybe it was a red card but I didn't know until I saw it.''

Unlike Mancini, Wenger said he could sense Balotelli was on the edge.

"He flirted with 'orange' a few times,'' he said, refusing 2 be drawn on how he would handle the explosive forward. "I don't know him & it's not my job 2 do tat. I don't 1 2 interfere with Mancini's job. Everybody has his cases in his own camp & I hv enough work.''

Asked if the Gunners had ended City's title hopes, he said: "Not completely, no. They cannot afford 2 drop any points now. 1s the team 'smelt the stable', it's difficult 4 them to drop points. In French, you say when a horse smells its stable, it's difficult 2 stop them.''

[joew2005]

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Balotelli will not leave City - agent
April 9, 2012

The agent of ManC striker Mario Balotelli is confident the controversial Italian will remain with the club next season.

Balotelli's future was brought in2 question following his send-off against Arsenal in City's 1-0 loss @ the Emirates on Sunday. Immediately aft the Premier League title-denting defeat, manager Roberto Mancini suggested Balotelli would be sold in the summer, but the player's representative believes such predictions may be premature.

"In England, only tabloids write abt Balotelli & I use them 2 clean my car," Mino Raiola told Sky Italia. "People expect always alot fr Mario so everything he does is amplified. Mario 1s 2 do well 4 Mancini, who is a big friend of Balotelli.

"Mancini says Balotelli will be sold tis summer? I don't think so. I will talk 2 the club & Mancini."

Despite Balotelli becoming involved in a series of dangerous challenges throughout the loss 2 Arsenal, Raiola insists the striker felt remorse aft being shown a 2nd yellow card 4 sliding in on Alex Song late in the game.

"I spoke with Balotelli & he was very sorry 4 wat happened 2day," Raiola said. "I didn't see the incident but like Mancini said, things can happen.

"I don't 1 2 discuss the chance tat Balotelli can leave the Premier League. If Mario wanted 2 leave he didn't need 2 do it like tis but simply 2 ask the club."

Raiola, though, did agree tat Balotelli may not play 4 City again tis campaign, with Mancini confirming he does not plan 2 utilise the svcs of his compatriot again. Balotelli is facing a 3-match ban 4 his dismissal @ the weekend, having already been sent-off earlier tis season.

"Mario will receive a big suspension aft tis red card," Raiola said.

[joew2005]

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Mancini: Title race not over yet
April 11, 2012

ManC will not give up & will fight until the last moment 2 claim unlikely Premier League title, according 2 manager Roberto Mancini.

Mancini's men led the league 4 the 1st half of the season but hv slipped 8 points behind rivals ManU with 6 games left. The 2 clubs meet in the Manchester derby on April 30 & ahead of Wednesday's game with West Bromwich Albion, the Italian was bullish over suggestions tat the title race was already over.

"It's [the title] not over. In football it's never finished," he said. "4 tis reason, I believe always. But we did a fantastic season & we need 2 finish well.

"It's not easy, but we need 2 think positively. I'm proud of all my players 4 wat we did until 2day. We now need 2 continue 2 win 2 get the maximum points we can. Then we will see.

"I will never say we can't win the league if there is still a chance. Tat is not my life, never. Also last year, if u remember, 6 games 2 the end Chelsea were 6 or 7 points [behind]. But they went 2 Manchester 3 games 2 the end 3 points behind. We r professional, we need 2 finish well & we need 2 win the games we hv left."

There is a chance tat United could clinch their 20th championship @ the Etihad Stadium, but Mancini insisted tat he is only focused on his side.

"I don't know tis. I just know 2day we hv 15 points more than we had @ tis stage last year," he said.

"So I can say we did well. Now it's clearly difficult 4 us 2 win the title. But we hope they can lose 3 or 4 points b4 the derby & aft tat we'll see. I repeat, 6 games 2 the end. 18 points. Never say never."



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Balotelli escapes action
April 10, 2012

The FA will not take any action against Mario Balotelli 4 his challenge on Alex Song during ManC's 1-0 defeat @ Arsenal on Sunday.

Referee Martin Atkinson did not award a free-kick when Balotelli made a knee-high challenge on Song in the 1st half @ Emirates Stadium, but it has now been confirmed tat @ least 1 of the officials did see the incident @ the time & therefore no retrospective action can be taken.

An FA statement read: "Retrospective action in relation 2 the incident involving Mario Balotelli of ManC & Alex Song of Arsenal, which occurred in the 20th minute of Sunday's game, will not be taken.

"Where @ least 1 of the officials has seen the coming 2gether of players retrospective action is not taken, regardless of whether they hv seen the full extent of the challenge.

"Retrospective action can only be taken in scenarios where none of the Match Officials saw the players coming 2gether. The normal scenarios in which retrospective action is taken r 4 'off the ball' incidents.

"Retrospective action was introduced 4 off the ball incidents where there was no contest 4 possession & could not be deemed 2 be re-refereeing an incident.

"In agreement with FIFA, tis is how 'not seen' incidents r dealt with retrospectively in England. It is a policy tat is agreed with all football stakeholders."

Balotelli is preparing 2 serve a 3-match ban aft being sent off in the dying stages of the game against Arsenal. Had he been issued a retrospective red card 4 the challenge on Song, he would hv been suspended 4 a total of 9 matches.

[joew2005]

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COMMENT: Mancini to blame for Man City collapse

COMMENT
Poor Roberto Mancini.

I can't help but feel 4 the beleaguered ManC manager as his side's Premier League title hopes went up in smoke aft a 1-0 defeat 2 Arsenal on Sunday.

But in truth, the writing was on the wall 4 a while.

Not long ago, the Eastlands outfit appeared 2 be cruising 2wards the title aft establishing a massive 7-point lead @ the top of the EPL table last December. Edin Dzeko was on fire, Sergio Aguero was his chief partner in attack & David Silva was creating havoc @ will with his breath-taking assists.

Fast 4ward to last Sunday.

Bitter neighbours & rivals ManU, find themselves 8 points clear @ the top with just 6 games left. Tis aft the Devils engineered a stunning streak of 8 straight league wins. Surely now, their 20th league title is in the bag.

So wat gives?

Even though credit must go 2 Alex Ferguson 4 masterminding yet another come-fr-behind title push, I can't help but wonder how the wheels fell off 4 City between December & April.

Remember tis was the same set of players tat inflicted a painful 6-1 thrashing of ManU back in October @ Old Trafford -- its heaviest home defeat since 1955.

Let's be honest — given tat Mancini spent a whopping S$400 million on players such as Aguero, Silva, Samir Nasri, Dzeko & Mario Balotelli on top of a squad tat is already glittering with superstars, the Premier League title was there 4 the taking.

In contrast, United's squad tis season was its weakest in years. Arguably, Fergie's biggest "buy" of the season was luring 37-year-old Paul Scholes out of retirement.


So what happened?
The problem with Mancini is tat he's simply 2 nice 4 his own good. His failure 2 control his club's superstars & stamp iron-clad discipline within the dressing room may just end up costing his job.

Look no further than the young & troubled Balotelli.

Mancini has always been a fatherly figure 4 his fellow Italian, but as his manager he never knew when 2 draw the line -- or wield the stick.

Fr throwing darts @ youth players 2 setting his house on fire & even getting involved in reckless car accidents, Mancini stood by Balotelli thru it all, choosing 2 focus on his footballing talent rather than his off-the-field antics.

But the 21-year-old's dismissal on Sunday proved 2 be the final straw 4 Mancini, who like Balotelli, could be living out his final weeks @ Eastlands.

And how can we 4get how Carlos Tevez — the man who Mancini promised would never play 4 him again -- is welcomed back into the 1st-team in an extraordinary turnaround aft spending most of his season @ the beach while his team battled on the pitch.

Let's face it. Ferguson would NEVER hv allowed either player back in2 the fold. But Mancini did. And he is paying the price 4 it.

Past United players who showed even the slightest hint of being 2 big 4 their own boots were unceremoniously shown the Old Trafford door. With the exception of 1 Eric Cantona, no 1 else was sacrosanct -- David Beckham, Paul Ince, Jaap Stam & even Roy Keane just 2 name a few.

And becos Fergie ruled with an iron fist, he enjoyed the utmost respect -- & fear -- fr his players. Nothing was more important than winning on the pitch.

Anything or anyone tat proved an obstacle was removed immediately.


Dealing with mind games, pressure
The other issue is Mancini's inability 2 deal with the pressure & mind games tat comes fr pushing 4 the title in the business end of the season.

Yes, 1 may argue tat the Scot hv been @ the helm 4 decades while Mancini has only been in the job 4 slightly over 2 years.

But tat's where he can learn a thing or 2 fr the Special 1.

Like Mancini, Jose Mourinho was expected 2 deliver instant success @ Chelsea aft arriving in 2004. And deliver he did.

In his 1st season in charge, the Portuguese led the Blues 2 their 1st league title in 50 years & they went on 2 defend their Premier League crown the following year.

So how did he do it?

Mourinho was & is a media magnet, so much so tat if he chose, he could calibrate his every word & action 2 steal the media attention off his then Chelsea team & leave his players 2 fully focus on their game.

Mancini, on the other hand, has yet 2 master tis art. Instead of diverting the media pack away fr his title-chasing wannabes, he only added fire 2 fuel with the entire hoopla surrounding Tevez & Balotelli.

The Patrick Vieira circus didn't help aft the former City midfielder & now the club's football development executive labelled Paul Scholes' comeback fr retirement as a "desperate move".

Nice try, but no 1 beats Fergie at mind games.

So wat do ManC fans in Singapore think?

Stuart Yim, City fan 4 8 years, is pleased with a 2nd-place finish but believes Mancini is still the man 2 lead the club 2 the title next season.

He told Yahoo! Singapore: "2 be honest, we hv improved fr last season where we finished 3rd. So I believe it's a matter of time b4 we win the title.

"I still hv faith in Mancini as I believe he has done a great job so far & he should be given @ least 1 more season 2 win it 4 City."

Julian Liow, City fan for 5 years, is not as forgiving, saying, "2 let the title slip away in such manner shows the quality of the manager.

2 be honest any manager would hv achieved wat Mancini did with the kind of squad & money he is given."

Naz Maheed, City fan for 3 years, believes the off-the-pitch distractions hv proven 2 be the club's downfall.

He said: "The Tevez saga & the foolishness of Balotelli has unsettled the team & prevented them fr focusing on the task @ hand.

"Mancini should hv got rid of Tevez & there is no place 4 jokers like Balotelli @ the club. Without these 2 players & with a few more signings, I believe we will finally win the title next season."

[joew2005]

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Utd would never sign Balotelli - coach
April 13, 2012

ManU 1st-team coach Rene Meulensteen says SAF would never sign a player like Mario Balotelli.

In a scathing attack on their Premier League rivals, Meulensteen claims ManC's title bid has wavered becos Roberto Mancini's side lack team spirit.

Balotelli's future remains in doubt following the controversial striker's red card against Arsenal @ the weekend, & Meulensteen has made it clear the Italian would never play @ Old Trafford.

"City do not hv a well-balanced team. They only hv individuals who play 4 themselves," Meulensteen told Voetbal International. "You can see tat City lack the right team spirit.

"There is no chance of Balotelli playing 4 ManU. A player who gets up 2 the antics he does has no place @ our club. I don't believe tat SA would sign a player like Balotelli. We shouldn't get in ppl like him - they only bring frustration."

United saw their lead slip to 5 points on Wednesday aft a surprise defeat @ Wigan, but Meulensteen is confident United will go on 2 win a 20th league title.

"United r accustomed 2 the pressure involved in going 4 the title," he said. "City r in a position 2 win the league 4 the 1st time in a long while but tat is breaking them up. I thought they wouldn't hold out 2 the end."



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Mancini: Norwich tougher than United
April 13, 2012

ManC boss Roberto Mancini has claimed Saturday's trip 2 Norwich could be harder than the derby against Premier League leaders ManU later tis month.

City will cut United's lead @ the top of the table 2 just 2 points if they win @ Carrow Road, with the Red Devils not scheduled 2 play Aston Villa until Sunday afternoon, but Mancini is wary tat the game comes just 3 days aft the 4-0 win over West Brom.

"United is easy," Mancini said. "We could lose or we could win but it is an easy game. Against United or Chelsea, our concentration will be 100%.

"Norwich will be really tough becos we hv only had 2 days 2 recover aft West Brom."

A playful Mancini, whose entire press conference was conducted in tat confusing manner, then bizarrely backed the comments of United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen tat the Red Devils hv greater togetherness.

"I agree with him," said Mancini. "They hv big experience & r a fantastic team. We r nothing.

"But sometimes the best team, or the team tat has balance, doesn't win."

Meanwhile, Mancini also confirmed midfielder Yaya Toure could be available on Saturday despite missing the midweek win over West Brom with a knee injury picked up during last weekend's defeat @ Arsenal.

"Yaya is getting better," said Mancini. "We will decide 2morrow but there is a chance he could play."

[joew2005]

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Mancini coy over Tevez future
April 16, 2012

Roberto Mancini is not confident Carlos Tevez will remain @ ManC next season despite the controversial striker's recent excellent form.

Tevez went AWOL for 3 months aft falling out with Mancini but the pair hv now patched up their relationship & Tevez has returned 2 the City side, starring in the club's 6-1 hammering of Norwich @ the weekend. The 28-year-old scored 3 goals & set Sergio Aguero up 4 another as City turned the heat on title rivals ManU with a ruthless display @ Carrow Road.

The 4mer West Ham striker offered Mancini an olive branch when he thanked the City boss, & his team-mates, 4 welcoming him back aft an apology, but the Italian is not 100% sure whether Tevez will stay @ the Etihad Stadium beyond tis summer.

When asked if Tevez would feature 4 City next campaign, Mancini said: "I don't know. I don't know tis.

"It depends. Now I think it is important tat we think abt the next 4 games. Aft tat, @ the end of the season, we will see wat can happen with all the players."

Mancini insists tat he & his players nw hv no issue with Tevez playing 4 the club despite his antics in Munich last September, where he reportedly refused 2 come off the bench.

"There is no problem," Mancini said. "It is in the past."

Mancini still insists his team r out of the title race despite only trailing United by 5 points, but Tevez disagrees.

"Of course we can still win the title," Tevez told City TV. "Obviously we hv 2 put pressure on United. We just need 2 continue 2 play the way we r & we will arrive @ the top. Mathematically it's not impossible."

Tevez also expressed his gratitude 2ward Mancini 4 giving him a way back in 2 the City team.

"2day (Saturday) was important 4 the people, 4 the club & 4 the fans, 4 my colleagues, 4 Roberto," he said. "We all went thru some difficult times... I m happy 4 every1."

[jamez8]

You guys think that ManU can keep their winning ways? And what are your take on the upcoming Manchester derby by the end of the month?

[joew2005]

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Milner: No problem with City team spirit
April 19, 2012

James Milner has hit back @ ManU coach Rene Meulensteen's suggestion tat ManC "only hv individuals who play 4 themselves" & lack team spirit.

Meulensteen claimed last week tat City were stuttering in the Premier League title race becos they do not hv the same 2getherness in their squad as United.

However, Milner believes tat he & his team-mates hv shown plenty of determination tis season & rejected the notion tat they r just a group of egotistical individuals.

"Look @ the season we hv had & winning the FA Cup last year," Milner said in The Sun. "Tat 1st trophy as a group was great & u can look @ games tis year when we hv been losing & shown character & fight.

"Even in the FA Cup game against United we were a man down & losing heavily @ half-time. But we came back & could easily hv got a draw out of the game.

"I cannot see a team of individuals doing tat. You need tat spirit, determination & 2getherness 2 get thru the low points of the season & we hv done tat.

"We r playing good football, had a great performance @ the weekend & all season we hv fought in all competitions & will do tat until the end."

Milner himself has had 2 swallow his pride a number of times tis season, having made just 3 starts in the past 2 months & been an unused substitute 4 City's last 2 games. But he insists he has no problem with being rotated by Roberto Mancini if the end result is City picking up silverware.

"It's frustrating @ times becos u 1 2 play every game & it's not going 2 happen. But tat's your will 2 win & your drive as a footballer," he added. "It's abt the team, not the individuals. It's abt City winning trophies & the rest doesn't matter.

"You 1 2 play with, & against, the best & become the best player u can be. Playing with the kind of players we hv here will improve u. You need competition 4 places & I knew it would be difficult 2 play every single game.

"But u hv 2 back your own ability 2 be a big figure in the dressing room, improve as a player & contribute as much as u can 2 the success of the team."



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Balotelli: I won't leave City in summer
April 17, 2012

Controversial ManC forward Mario Balotelli has insisted tat he has no intention of leaving the club in the summer, while expressing his admiration 4 current manager Roberto Mancini.

Balotelli's future is never far fr the agenda, but came sharply in2 focus aft his latest indiscretion - a sending off in a dismal performance against Arsenal tat left Mancini, usually his staunchest defender, acknowledging tat he could be offloaded @ the end of the campaign.

The Italian quickly retracted tat statement, & Balotelli has now also moved 2 dismiss speculation linking him with a return 2 Italy @ the next available opportunity.

"My future? Why do u always talk of Inter & Milan 4 me? I'm @ City & I hv no intention of changing shirt," Balotelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Now I m just thinking abt winning the title becos I m sure tat United will make mistakes.

"Certainly in the match with us, then, who knows.

"[Inter owner Massimo] Moratti always speaks well of me. I enjoy it, he has known me since I was 15. I thank him 4 tat, but I m now @ ManC & I see no other possibilities."

Balotelli admits tat moving 2 England has been a challenging experience 4 him in a number of ways, but he feels working under Mancini is the best possible situation 4 him 2 be in.

"When I was @ Inter Milan I called my mother 2 solve every little problem. Now I hv 2 go it alone," he noted. "1st of all I need 2 improve as a player. I m lucky 2 work with Mancini. He's 1 of the best coaches in the world, maybe the best.

"After my red card against Arsenal he feared a long ban so he spoke abt me with some harsh words.

"But we hv explained things 2 each other. I know he believes in me, as he always has done."

Balotelli's antics - both on & off the pitch - hv led some 2 suggest he needs psychiatric help but the 20-year-old gave such ideas short shrift, saying instead tat he felt misrepresented in the media & hoped over time they would begin 2 judge him only on his football.

"A psychologist 4 me? I believe psychologists r important. Sometimes they can be very useful, but I don't need 1 of them," he said. "Every day there is an exaggeration abt me & I would like it 2 stop. I 1 2 be judged 4 wat I do on the field.

"I m a shy & simple guy. I like 2 hv fun with my friends & I always try not 2 bother any1."

[joew2005]

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Tevez could've helped title bid
April 21, 2012

Manager Roberto Mancini has hinted ManC might be in a better position in the title race if Carlos Tevez had returned 2 action sooner.

Tevez has struck 4 goals in his 1st 2 starts since rejoining the squad following his well-documented dispute with the club, including a hat-trick in last week's 6-1 hammering of Norwich.

4 much of his absence fr the side, which stretched 2 almost 6 months, the Argentinian was not missed as Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko & Mario Balotelli regularly found the net.

But a collective loss of form & crucial injuries in March saw City concede the initiative in the Premier League title race 2 ManU, while Tevez sat on the sidelines, still lacking match fitness.

Asked abt Tevez's absence, Mancini said: "Maybe there r some moments u hv 2 strikers tat maybe r not in form, but u hv another 2.

"Tis is the difference, it is clear - but we did everything in November & December 2 try 2 take Carlo here again.

"Without Carlos we scored alot of goals, but it is normal if u hv players like Carlos u can score more goals."

Tevez has linked superbly with his countryman & top scorer Aguero since his return 2 the starting line-up & with Balotelli suspended & Dzeko without a goal since February, the pair could again be in tandem 4 Sunday's trip 2 Wolves.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-derby?cc=4716

Toure cleared for Manchester derby
April 24, 2012

Yaya Toure has been cleared 2 play in Monday's Manchester derby against United, & he warned the Red Devils tat the Premier League may already be out of their hands, despite the fact they lead the title race with 3 games remaining.

Toure watched on as United threw away a 4-2 lead in the final 10 mins of Sunday's game with Everton, drawing 4-4. Tat results means City can win the title if they triumph in their remaining matches of the campaign.

Crucially the Manchester derby is up next, & if United avoid defeat in tat fixture they will be firm fav 2 defend their Premier League crown. However, Toure is of the opinion tat it is destined 4 City 2 lift their 1st top flight title since 1968.

"Tis club has wanted the Premier League 4 a long time," Toure said. "In my opinion we hv somebody who is trying 2 help us win the title tis year.

"To see United lead 4-2 & end up 4-4 was incredible. Sunday was an unbelievable day 4 us. 2 see United drop points @ home is strange, I find it quite surprising. Now we hv a 2nd chance.

"We hv the team 2 win all the games. We hv the quality & we hv the mentality 2 win all these games. We hv 2 win all 3 games & then we will see wat will happen aft."

Toure faced the prospect of missing out on wat SAF calls "the biggest derby of my reign", aft footage was studied of a photo tat appeared 2 suggest he gestured @ Wolves fans during Sunday's 2-0 victory. The midfielder has been cleared of any wrongdoing, & he is feeling few nerves ahead of Monday's battle.

"It will be an unbelievable match & I'm very excited," Toure said. "We r @ home but if u look @ the record of United, they r very strong away & it will be very difficult."

[waiwaiz]

man city fans............time to show some support....

Go........Go........Go.........ole..ole .......ole.....

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-title?cc=4716

Mancini: Tevez saga won't decide title
April 29, 2012

Roberto Mancini insists the prolonged absence of Carlos Tevez earlier in the season did not cause ManC 2 slip behind title rivals United ahead of Monday's crucial derby.

Tevez has returned 2 the City starting line-up in their past 3 matches, & his 4 goals in these appearances hv seen Mancini's men move back in2 contention following their mid-season slump. City now lie 3 points behind United, but Mancini refuses 2 concede tat Tevez's 6-month absence aft their infamous falling out in Munich last September has played a part in the title race.

"No, I don't think tis," said Mancini. "It was a strange situation 6 months ago & I said 2 Carlo, alot of times, apologise & it would be finished. Carlos didn't 1 2 do tis, he wanted 2 leave the club in December.

"But if we r here it is also becos the other players were playing very well. (Sergio) Aguero scored alot of goals, (Edin) Dzeko the same, (Mario) Balotelli, all the team played well. If not, it is impossible we would be here @ tis moment."

Tevez, who has also made 4 substitute appearances since returning fr his unauthorised sojourn 2 Argentina, is yet 2 complete 90 mins despite making such an impact.

"Carlos is not 100%, becos it is impossible 4 him 2 be 100% aft 6 months without playing," Mancini said. "But he has experience, he is a clever player. He has scored 4 or 5 goals & tis is important.

"It is difficult 4 him 2 play aft 6 months. 4 tis reason he played only the last 2 or 3 games. I think he can find his best form next season, aft pre-season."

When asked if tat meant Mancini wanted 2 keep Tevez, who is widely expected 2 leave in the summer, the Italian was coy.

He said: "I think he has a contract with ManC, but I don't think in tis moment it is important 2 talk abt the future 4 every1."

Meanwhile, City's other controversial striker Mario Balotelli is hoping 2 force his way back into the action aft missing the last 3 games through suspension.

With tat merely being the latest in a long line of misdemeanours, the 21-year-old's future @ the club was thrown in2 doubt. But Mancini has not ruled out recalling his fellow Italian 4 Monday's crunch clash, which could see City return 2 the top with 2 games remaining with victory.

"Mario is a player like the other players. He is available 4 Monday & aft we decide," Mancini said.

"In 1 game Mario can do everything. He can score 2 or 3 goals if he decides tis. Tis is the manager's problem."

Mancini has previously said he cannot trust Balotelli but thinks he could in such a big game, saying: "I think in tis game yes - only in tis game!"

[lugi]

Most Liverpool fans like myself will be rooting for City!

[lonesome1]

MANCHESTER CITY 3 - 1 MANCHESTER UTD

My humble prediction!