Man City

[joew2005]

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Ranieri would welcome Balotelli return
November 14, 2011

Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri says he would welcome Mario Balotelli back 2 the San Siro "with open arms", describing the ManC 4ward as a "formidable talent".

Balotelli, 21, left Inter last summer 2 move 2 Eastlands, where he has become a firm favourite of fans & the press thanks 2 his entertaining blend of raw talent & eccentricty.

The City 4ward scored his 1st goal 4 Italy on his 6th appearance on Friday, as well as creating the 2nd 4 Giampaolo Pazzini in the Azzurri's 2-0 friendly win over Poland.

That noteworthy showing, coupled with a string of fine performances 4 Premier League leaders City tis season, has made Balotelli 1 of the most talked abt players in Europe @ present, with reports in the Italian press regularly suggesting tat a number of the country's biggest clubs - including both Inter & AC Milan - r interested in offering him a return 2 Serie A.

Balotelli insisted last week tat he has no desire 2 move back 2 Italy, though he did say that he "could return 2 Inter 1 day if certain things were in place".

And Ranieri, who replaced much-maligned former coach Gian Piero Gasperini in the Nerazzurri hotseat last month, would be happy 2 work with Balotelli if he felt the time was right 2 play 4 Inter again.

"I would welcome Balotelli with open arms,'' Ranieri said in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. "He is a formidable talent ... He can become 1 of the best players in the world but it's all down 2 him."

Former AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Balotelli's progress can be attributed 2 City boss Roberto Mancini's handling of him, & congratulated his compatriot on ensuring the flamboyant frontman has "found the right path".

"Balotelli has matured,'' Ancelotti told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Now on the pitch he shows seriousness & gives an added value 2 the national team. Mario has found the right path thanks 2 Mancini.''

[joew2005]

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Mancini: England can win Euro 2012
November 14, 2011

ManC boss Roberto Mancini thinks tat England r good enough 2 win next summer's European Championship, though he still believes Spain is the team 2 beat.

England hv not won a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup, with semi-final appearances @ the 1990 World Cup & Euro '96 the closest they hv come 2 repeating tat international success.

But aft watching Fabio Capello's side record a confidence-boosting victory over reigning world & European champions Spain on Saturday, Mancini has tipped his compatriot 2 mount a serious challenge @ Euro 2012.

"It is a good place 4 England 2 build fr [the victory over Spain]," Mancini said. "They r a good team. In my opinion they can win the European Championship. Why not?

"Capello is a good manager & he has a good team, & he can also put the other young players in. Spain r the best team in Europe & maybe the world, so it is not easy 2 beat them. He (Capello) has another 6 months 2 prepare very well 4 the Euros & I think they hv a chance."

The 2nd legs of the Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs take place on Tuesday night, while the draw 4 the tournament is on December 2.

[joew2005]

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City dismantle Newcastle to go clear
November 19, 2011

ManC came thru another stiff test of their Premier League title credentials on Saturday, inflicting a 1st defeat of the season on Newcastle, but ManU ensured the gap @ the top stayed @ 5 points with an evening victory @ Swansea.

In a match betw the English top flight's only unbeaten sides, City had 2 much class 4 Newcastle, winning comfortably 3-1 @ the Etihad Stadium. Penalties fr Mario Balotelli & Sergio Aguero sandwiched a Micah Richards strike tat capped a man-of-the-match display fr the England hopeful.

Most of the best work was actually done by Newcastle in a well-contested opening 2 the game tat saw Joe Hart produce a superb save 2 deny Demba Ba. However, it was City who led 2-0 @ half-time following 2 Ryan Taylor errors.

1st Balotelli converted with trademark calm fr the spot aft Taylor clearly handled inside the penalty area. Then Richards scored his 1st Premier League goal 4 a year aft he nipped the ball off Taylor's toes 2 cap an excellent individual 45 mins fr the right-back.

Richards was the best player on the pitch & he was involved again 4 City's 3rd, forcing Hatem Ben Arfa 2 concede a penalty, which Aguero despatched with Balotelli off the field. Dan Gosling grabbed a late consolation 4 the Magpies, but City's minds had already turned 2 Napoli in the Champions League.

With the gap @ the top briefly extended to 8 points, ManU needed a response @ Swansea, a ground where no opposition player had scored a league goal tis season. Tat statistic changed aft jz 11 mins as Javier Hernandez opened the scoring en route 2 a 1-0 victory 4 the champions.

SAF restored Ryan Giggs 2 his starting XI 4 the trip 2 Wales, & the veteran played a big part in the opener, squaring 4 Hernandez 2 tap home. Angel Rangel was @ fault 4 Swansea, passing the ball directly 2 Giggs on the edge of his own box, & he was made 2 pay the ultimate price.

The Swans should hv been level midway thru the 1st half when Scott Sinclair missed an open goal, getting the ball tangled betw his legs 6 yards out. Brendan Rodgers' men arguably deserved 2 find an equaliser, but in a game of few clear-cut chances it was United who came closest 2 a 2nd when Phil Jones hit an upright.

Arsenal's excellent run of results continued @ Carrow Road in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, but 1s again Robin van Persie had 2 dig his defenders out of trouble as the Dutchman scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Norwich City. Arsene Wenger's side hv now won 7 of their last 8 matches in all competitions, despite a defence tat continues 2 look extremely suspect.

Certainly Per Mertesacker failed 2 cover himself in any glory as he dithered 2 allow Steve Morison the opener, but in 2-goal Van Persie Arsenal hv the most in-form striker in European football.

Mertesacker's soft capitulation took place in the 16th min of a hugely watchable 1st half, choosing not 2 hoof the ball in2 the stands under pressure fr Morison, instead falling 2 the ground as the powerful striker stole the ball & slotted home.

Van Persie & Gervinho then missed golden chances 2 level, but it was no surprise when Theo Walcott's low cross fr the byline was turned home by Van Persie @ close range 4 the equaliser. The winner was then supplied by Alex Song, who robbed Russell Martin of the ball on halfway b4 feeding Van Persie, who dinked over John Ruddy with his right foot.

Steve Kean's future is still hanging on by a thread aft 10-man Blackburn Rovers came fr behind twice 2 draw their relegation 6-pointer with Wigan Athletic 3-3 @ the DW Stadium. In a match betw 2 sides who had taken a combined 11 points fr 22 fixtures tis season, it was Yakubu who rescued Blackburn deep in2 injury-time as Wigan remain rooted 2 the foot of the table.

Rovers only arrived @ the ground 50 mins prior 2 kick-off due 2 traffic congestion, but it was Wigan who were late 2 the party as Blackburn took the lead jz 67 secs aft kick-off. Yakubu was the man 2 pounce 4 his 100th league goal in English football, latching on 2 Steven N'Zonzi's flick-on 2 beat Ali Al-Habsi.

The lead lasted only 5 mins though as Jordi Gomez drove in2 the corner fr outside the box 4 Wigan's leveller, & by half-time Blackburn were behind. Gary Caldwell headed home a simple David Jones corner 2 hand Wigan the lead, but the Blackburn marking - with David Dunn the culprit - left alot 2 be desired.

Dunn's afternoon came 2 an abrupt end seconds aft half-time when he received his 2nd booking, albeit harshly aft he seemed 2 get a bit of the ball. But Kean's men rallied 2 level in controversial circumstances thru Junior Hoilett, who scored aft Yakubu faked 2 take a corner, failing 2 touch it b4 Morten Gamst Pedersen ran with the ball - effectively taking the set-piece 2 himself.

The goal did not look like it would influence the final result as Albert Crusat handed Wigan the lead 2 mins fr time, but Yakubu netted a penalty, awarded 4 a foul on Rovers keeper Paul Robinson, up in the box 4 1 last charge, in 1 of the 8 mins of stoppage time 2 earn Rovers a point.

Bolton Wanderers were unable 2 lift themselves out of the bottom 3 as they slumped 2 a 2-1 defeat against WBA @ the Hawthorns. Goals fr Jerome Thomas & Shane Long leave Owen Coyle's side 2 points fr safety.

The Baggies had striker Long back fr injury 4 the 1st time since he was hammered by Alan Hutton @ Villa Park, but it was Thomas who opened the scoring when rounding Jussi Jaaskelainen aft Zoltan Gera's slide-rule pass. However, within moments the hero turned villain as Thomas slipped in2 Fabrice Muamba inside the area, conceding a penalty tat Ivan Klasnic comfortably converted.

The script was always written 4 Long though, who created & scored a brilliant 2nd 4 West Brom 4 his 4th of the season, lifting them in2 the top half.

Everton capitalised on Bolton Wanderers' loss, coming fr behind 2 beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 @ Goodison Park. Starting the day 1 place abv the relegation zone, the Toffees lifted themselves up 2wards mid-table aft Phil Jagielka & Leighton Baines overturned Stephen Hunt's opener.

David Moyes' men fell behind 2 a soft penalty decision, which saw Hunt convert aft Marouane Fellaini tripped David Edwards. Everton were level by the break though, Jagielka converting a sublime free-kick fr Baines tat was just begging 2 be finished. Baines then stepped up 2 notch the winner fr the spot aft a foul on Louis Saha.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Stoke City's poor run continued as they lost 3-2 to QPR @ the Britannia Stadium. Defeat is Stoke's 4th on the bounce in the Premier League.

Jon Walters handed the home side an ideal start with an excellent finish following Peter Crouch's intelligent pass, but Rangers were ahead @ half-time thanks 1stly 2 Heidar Helguson's excellent headed equaliser, & then 2 Luke Young's emphatic finish in2 the roof of the net.

Helguson then capitalised 4 his 2nd when Ryan Shawcross went 2 sleep @ the back post early in the 2nd half, & although the defender quickly made amends 2 reduce the arrears to 3-2, QPR held on.

And Sunderland hv still won only 1 home game tis season aft they could only draw 0-0 with Fulham @ the Stadium of Light. A point moves both sides 2 clear of danger @ the bottom.

[joew2005]

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City inflict first loss on Newcastle

There were no chips @ ManC on Saturday afternoon, just another 3 points 4 the Premier League leaders as Newcastle's unbeaten record came 2 an end.

Even City's fans shared the amusement of a club tat jz announced losses of £194.9million being forced 2 announce tat there would be no chips available @ half-time.

The $ has been spent on far more productive items though & 2 of the recent big-$ purchases, Mario Balotelli & Sergio Aguero, both scored fr the spot in betw a rasping finish fr home-grown defender Micah Richards, who had an outstanding afternoon.

It maintained City's 100% home record in front of a stadium record crowd, although Alan Pardew's men could justifiably feel the scoreline did not pay due reward 2 their own efforts, even aft Dan Gosling's consolation.

It was a matter of some satisfaction on Tyneside tat Newcastle should head into tis 3-match sequence which sees meetings with both Manchester clubs followed by an encounter with Chelsea still unbeaten.

Few thought Alan Pardew's men would still be awaiting their 1st loss in a fortnight's time yet the confidence tat has soared with the Magpies made them think anything was possible.

And, if Demba Ba had profited during the visitors' best spell of the opening period, they might well hv headed back 2 the north-east in even more buoyant mood.

Instead, his snap-shot aft being set up by Hatem Ben Arfa was turned away by Joe Hart b4 he glanced a header wide fr Yohan Cabaye's corner.

It was Ben Arfa's 1st Premier League start since he broke his leg in a challenge with Nigel de Jong in the corresponding fixture last season.

The pair hv since made up fr wat Ben Arfa felt was a nasty tackle by De Jong & thankfully there was no hint of a repeat.

It does seem City hv moved 4ward since then both in personnel & a more expansive style.

Yet again, they were the team carrying most of the threat & b4 Newcastle's purple patch, Aguero fizzed a shot over the bar & Tim Krul produced an excellent 1-handed save 2 deny Balotelli's close range header.

The Blues were still searching 4 some kind of inspiration when Taylor made his intervention.

He would be correct in claiming he was within close proximity of Yaya Toure's shot 5 mins b4 the break.

However, referee Chris Foy presumably took the view tat with his arm outstretched, Taylor was asking 4 trouble, which duly came in the form of a penalty when the ball hit him inside the box.

Never 1 2 avoid a bit of drama, Balotelli strode slowly 2 the spot-kick b4 side-footing neatly in2 the bottom corner.

It was the Italian's 9th goal of the season & was celebrated with a folding of the arms & a steely stare.

Taylor's afternoon was soon 2 get worse as on City's next attack he tried 2 control Samir Nasri's thru ball & turn @ the same time.

All the full-back succeeded in doing was allow Richards the chance 2 intervene.

Mystifyingly overlooked by Fabio Capello, the full-back finished smartly & suddenly City were clear.

2 their credit, Newcastle refused 2 let their heads drop.

But the 2nd-half just brought more anguish in their bid 2 drag themselves back in2 the game.

1st Ben Arfa drove a low shot against a post aft he had nipped in 2 rob Vincent Kompany.

Then Fabricio Coloccini belted a volley wide aft being picked out completely unmarked fr Yohan Cabaye's corner.

Finally, Hart denied Guthrie, who has sped in2 the box & gone 4 the far corner fr an acute angle.

Having come thru those trials & tribulations unscathed, it seemed harsh tat City should grab another themselves aft Ben Arfa had sent Richards tumbling in the box.

With Balotelli replaced by David Silva, Aguero took over spot-kick duties & promptly sent Krul the wrong way.

The sight of Aguero & Toure hobbling off b4 the end would be a worry 4 manager Roberto Mancini with Tuesday's must-not-lose Champions League trip 2 Napoli looming.

And the City boss would not be 2 happy tat Gosling's effort 2 mins fr time denied his side a clean sheet.


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Mancini demands improvement

ManC manager Roberto Mancini has warned his players they will hv 2 improve if they r 2 get anything out of Tuesday's Champions League trip 2 Naples.

City take on Napoli, knowing they must win in order 2 seal a place in the knockout phase & avoid a nervous last-day encounter with Bayern Munich.

They warmed up with a decent 3-1 win over Newcastle, which ended the Magpies' unbeaten record & maintained their own advantage @ the top of the Premier League.

However, despite a couple of penalties fr Mario Balotelli & Sergio Aguero either side of a Micah Richards effort, Mancini still found room 4 complaint.

"I know wat we can find more in Naples,'' Mancini said. "Naples tis season r playing very well @ home. If we 1 2 win in Naples, we should play better than we did tis afternoon.''

Still, City came out on top by adding another 3 goals 2 their impressive tally, with Balotelli & Aguero taking their seasonal tallies to 8 & 11 respectively.

It is a measure of Mancini's new-found confidence in Balotelli tat he allowed him 2 take City's 1st penalty, aft Ryan Taylor had handled Yaya Toure's shot.

"With the penalties, Mario is fabulous,'' he said. "It is impossible tat he misses. I don't know why. He shoots very well.

"Mario is a very important player 4 us. He is a great player & is getting better & better. I m trying 2 help him becos I don't 1 him 2 waste his talent & 2 make sure he can become the player he can become. The rest is down 2 him & he is doing very well.''

City r yet to drop a point on home soil tis season &, despite Mancini's concerns, look well placed 2 come thru a difficult week tat concludes with a trip 2 Liverpool next Sunday.

4 Newcastle it was a case of wat might hv been.

Demba Ba's shot was repelled by Joe Hart when the score was still goalless, then Hatem Ben Arfa - making his 1st Premier League start since breaking his leg in a tackle with Nigel de Jong during the corresponding fixture last season - fired against a post just as the visitors looked like they might be able 2 haul themselves back fr 2 goals down.

"It is not a relief, I was frustrated @ the end,'' said Newcastle boss Alan Pardew @ his side's 1st defeat of the season.

"I didn't think the officials had bad games & I hv no complaint with either penalty but it was 1 of those days when nothing seemed 2 go 4 us.

"When u play the top teams, you 1 all your players available & 1 2 play your best team. We didn't hv tat. "ManC r the best side we hv played by some distance.''

[joew2005]

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Mancini maintains hope
November 22, 2011

ManC manager Roberto Mancini refused 2 give up on his side's Champions League hopes despite a shattering defeat @ Napoli on Tuesday night.

City must now beat Bayern Munich in their final Group A game next month & hope 4 a favour fr winless Villarreal 2 progress 2 the knockout stage aft losing 2-1 @ the San Paolo Stadium.

Highly-rated Uruguay 4ward Edinson Cavani struck both goals 4 the hosts either side of a Mario Balotelli equaliser on another tough European night 4 the Barclays Premier League leaders.

Mancini said: "I m disappointed abt the result & I m sorry 4 the lads. I think we lost undeservedly. We played a very good match & we conceded 2 goals we shouldn't hv done.

"There is nothing 2 explain, we r a strong team & we always play well, we always play 2 win. But occasionally you can lose matches, especially in the Champions League.

"I m not 2 disappointed. We hv still got another match 2 play & if we don't qualify we will play Europa League.

"Our target was 2 go in2 the 2nd stage & @ tis moment we r depending on other teams.

"But in football anything can happen. If Villarreal play a serious match they can get a result. It is important we play our game against Bayern Munich.''

Mancini admitted, however tat the chances of progress were probably a "70% 2 Napoli & 30% 2 us''.

As well as scoring, Balotelli had a number of other chances & was also sick on the field.

Mancini rubbished suggestions the maverick Italian 4ward might hv been ill aft being spotted in a pizzeria in Naples with his gf on the eve of the match.

Mancini said: "He was sick but he didn't hv many problems. He has a small fever, it was nothing serious. He had my permission 2 see his gf 4 half an hour - it was only 2 say hello 2 his gf in a pizzeria. He did not hv a pizza.''

David Silva & Aleksandar Kolarov had good opportunities 4 City in an eventful game but Marek Hamsik also hit the post 4 Napoli, who dominated 4 long spells.

Mancini said: "We knew how Napoli play, they wait behind & counter-attack. We conceded 2 much space 2 them, but I m happy with ball possession & the chances we created.

"I m disappointed abt the result but not abt the performance. I think both teams r excellent teams, they r improving @ the moment. We need 2 accept the result. We made mistakes. When u r against players like Hamsik, (Ezequiel) Lavezzi & Cavani they can put you under pressure.''

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri refused 2 get carried away with his side's fine result, despite it putting them within touching distance of the last 16.

Mazzarri said: "Let's enjoy tonight. We deserve tis & 1 day we will look back with joy. It is hard 2 play & put such a good side under pressure in the way we did. But let us not 4get we hv not done anything yet. It will not be easy against Villarreal, especially away & knowing we hv 2 win.

"Bayern Munich will also go 2 Manchester & play a match regardless of the fact they hv already qualified, so there is nothing 2 read in2 tat.''

[mazdamx5]

Star studded squad too soon to win anything but give them another season to gel, it will be interesting to see how strong they can be but who knows, they might just win the EPL this season but it is no longer a 2 horses race. The rest of the 4 to 5 clubs behind them are closing in.

[joew2005]

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Bayern seeking City scalp
November 23, 2011

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has warned ManC tat the Bundesliga club will not rest on their laurels when they travel 2 the Etihad Stadium on December 7.

Bayern's 3-1 win over Villarreal on Tuesday night secured top spot in Group A & with it their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

City, though, suffered a 2-1 loss in Naples, & Napoli now reside in 2nd, so Roberto Mancini's side must triumph in their home meeting with Bayern & hope the Serie A side slip up versus Villarreal 2 reach the knockout phase.

It has been suggested tat Bayern's already assured progression could work in City's favour, but Rummenigge insists his club will be seeking victory when they head 2 Manchester.

He said: "We r still going 2 try & win in Manchester. 1st of all, there r points 4 the 5-year ranking @ stake, & then there r €800,000 to the winner. We r not going 2 give anything away.

"Aft winning such a tough group, all u can do is pay a compliment 2 the team & the coach. The team did wat we expected in tat they won again."

Franck Ribery was Bayern's match-winner with 2 goals against Villarreal &, aft missing out on the final in 2010 due 2 suspension, he is hoping 2 make up 4 tat next May.

He said: "I hope tat we can play in the final in Munich. Tat would be a dream. We just hv 2 keep our calm & keep playing so well & not hv any fear."

[joew2005]

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Jones: City could feel the pressure
November 24, 2011

ManU utility man Phil Jones believes title rivals ManC could feel the pace as they enter a crucial stage of the season.

Having lost 2-1 @ Napoli on Tuesday night, a result which leaves them on the brink of Champions League elimination, City hv stuttered in their 1st test of a challenging few weeks.

On Sunday, they travel 2 Anfield 2 take on Liverpool & face a trip 2 Arsenal in the Carling Cup quarter-finals 2 days later. Following a home game with Norwich next weekend they entertain Bayern Munich in the Champions League - a game they must win & hope Villarreal get something against Napoli.

Stamford Bridge & a clash with Chelsea awaits City on Monday, December 12. A 2nd game against Arsenal, in the Premier League @ Eastlands, is up on December 18.

"City hv done fantastically tis season,'' Jones said. "I m not taking anything away fr them. But they do hv some tough games coming up.

"I don't care how good u r, teams can be put under pressure. Tis is a difficult league 2 be in. It would be nice 2 reach top spot by Christmas. But it is not essential. Don't be writing us off if we r not there by January.''

It was Jones' own goal which gave Benfica an early lead in a game which United drew 2-2 @ Old Trafford on Tuesday. But the former Blackburn man is putting tat 2 the back of his mind.

"It happens,'' Jones said. "Own goals happen 2 the best of players. It is just 1 of those situations where the ball ends up in the back of the net.

"What can u do? It is an unfortunate reaction & the ball has ended up in the back of the net. I m not going 2 let my head drop. You win some, you lose some & then u get on with it. Apart fr tat I thought I played reasonably well.''

[joew2005]

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No cut-price deal for Tevez
November 25, 2011

ManC hv told ESPNsoccernet tat they will not consider any offers below 'market value', including a loan deal, 4 want-away striker Carlos Tevez.

Tevez has recently been linked with a move 2 Italy, with AC Milan believed 2 be readying an offer, & the Argentine's advisor Kia Joorabchian is currently having talks in Milan over a possible January move.

However, a source revealed tat the 2 clubs r yet 2 talk directly, while City hv made it clear tat their stance hasn't changed fr a year ago - in tat a loan deal won't be acceptable, nor would they consider any cut price deal.

An insider told ESPNsoccernet tat the club "won't take the hit becos of his behaviour" & tat they 1 "the fair market value" 4 Tevez, which is believed 2 be around £25 million.

Tevez is still in Argentina having flown back 2 Buenos Aires on November 8 without the club's permission. He is still defying their orders 2 return & face disciplinary proceedings, while City r considering legal action, but will wait until the situation is resolved until they make a decision over how 2 deal with him.

[joew2005]

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Mancini plays down UCL hopes
November 25, 2011

Roberto Mancini will not give up on ManC's Champions League challenge but claims they r not good enough 2 win the competition.

Despite huge investment in2 their squad, the Premier League leaders now face an uphill task 2 reach the knockout stage of Europe's premier club competition aft a shattering defeat @ Napoli on Tuesday.

Mancini's side must now beat Bayern Munich in their final Group A fixture & hope already-eliminated Villarreal can claim their 1st points of the competition against Napoli 2 progress.

Mancini said: ''We hope we can beat Bayern Munich & Napoli can lose a point @ Villarreal but I think we should be realistic. I don't think we hv a team 2 win the Champions League becos Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, (AC) Milan r maybe better & they hv more experience than us in the Champions League.''

City will drop in2 the Europa League if results go against them in the last round of group games on December 7.

Mancini is philosophical abt tat prospect & has dismissed suggestions the 2nd-tier competition could be a hindrance 2 his side's domestic title bid.

The Italian maintains he was not disappointed with his side's performance @ the Stadio San Paolo earlier tis week, just the result.

He said: ''I hope we can stay in the Champions League but if we go in2 the Europa League we will try to win it. It is not like the Champions League but 4 us it is an important trophy.

''I hope we can stay, becos aft the Champions League (group stage) it is strange. If you go in2 the 2nd stage maybe you can meet APOEL Nicosia or Bayer Leverkusen & you can go thru - but I don't know wat can happen. We did everything & I think we did a good game.''


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Cavani cools City talk
November 25, 2011

ManC target Edinson Cavani has cooled talk of a move 2 the Etihad Stadium, the Uruguay striker insisting he is happy @ Napoli, 4 now.

City r tracking the 24-year-old, who is idolised by the San Paolo faithful, as r Chelsea & French giants PSG. However, Cavani says he has yet 2 fulfil all his goals @ Napoli, & he 1s 2 bring them success b4 making a possible move 2 the Premier League or elsewhere.

"It's an honour 2 know there r many important coaches who r interested in me," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "These r managers who only coach prestigious clubs. I'll probably be fine working with them.

"But 4 the moment, Napoli is best 4 me. The fans show affection & make me feel important. I m enjoying the moment & 1 2 win with tis shirt.

"Thinking tat we r following in the footsteps of [Diego] Maradona & Careca [Antonio de Oliveira Filho] is something very beautiful, it's the greatest satisfaction."

Despite being settled in Italy, Cavani - whose contract runs until 2016 - says moving 2 a different league would not faze him.

"I feel ready 4 anything," he added. "I'm not afraid of anything & I don't fear comparisons. Who knows, 2morrow there could also be an option other than Napoli, we will see in the future."

[joew2005]

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Beckham: City hv 'no chance'
November 28, 2011

4mer ManU star David Beckham has played down ManC's hopes of winning the Premier League title tis season.

Big-spending City r unbeaten so far & currently sit 5 points clear of the defending champions aft only 13 games, having hammered them 6-1 @ Old Trafford last month.

However Beckham, 36, thinks tat experience will ultimately decide where the trophy finishes up @ the end of the campaign.

"I don't think ManC hv a chance,'' he told reporters. ''Tis season they hv got a good team & hv some good players, but ManU hv more experience & know how 2 win a championship."

Beckham's MLS winning LA Galaxy team r in Jakarta 2 play a local side as part of their Asian tour, but the midfielder was coy abt his own future when pressed on claims he could join either AC Milan or PSG 1s his contract expires in January, saying only: "I hv a big decision 2 make."


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Milan 1 Tevez 4 free
November 28, 2011

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has revealed tat any big-name signings made during the January transfer window will only be on loan.

Milan hv been linked with ManC outcast Carlos Tevez aft his agent Kia Joorabchian met with Galliani & Milan's transfer director Ariedo Braida @ the Rossoneri's head office on Thursday 2 discuss a deal.

Milan r looking 2 reinforce their attacking line with Italy striker Antonio Cassano ruled out indefinitely aft undergoing a heart procedure earlier tis month.

"Whoever comes 2 Milan in January will be on loan 4 free, with an option 2 make tat stay permanent," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Tevez? We will see, there's time. Probably if we had not had Cassano's situation, we would remain as we r.''

It is believed City would demand a sizeable fee 2 take their unsettled striker on loan, with Italian media suggesting Milan may hv 2 pay upward of €5 million 2 secure a temporary deal.


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Juventus "not interested" in Tevez deal
November 28, 2011

Serie A leaders Juventus hv ruled themselves out of the running 2 sign rebel ManC striker Carlos Tevez.

Tevez, who is currently AWOL in Argentina, is expected 2 leave City during the January transfer window following his well-publicised fall-out with the club.

The striker's agent, Kia Joorabchian, held talks with AC Milan last Thursday & has claimed tat other Italian club's r interested in signing Tevez, with the Bianconeri thought 2 be amongst them.

However, Juventus insist they will not be making a move 4 the 27-year-old Argentina international.

"Tevez is a player tat doesn't interest us," Juve sporting director Giuseppe Marotta said. "Absolutely not, we're not interested.

"If we were 2 make an attacking signing we'll stay calm & evaluate wat 2 do."

Tevez has fallen out of favour @ City & fled 2 Argentina without the club's permission aft being charged with misconduct & fined 2-weeks' wages following his refusal 2 warm-up against Bayern Munich in September.

In the summer, a deal of around £38 million, including add-ons, was agreed betw City & Tevez's former club Corinthians, only 2 collapse due 2 the Brazilian outfit's inability 2 come up with a payment schedule tat suited the Blues hierarchy.

[screamer]

I like what I am seeing at the EPL Table every week...

no other team on top...

[Persistent Lee]

Man City will be new EPL champion this season

[joew2005]

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Corinthians back in for Tevez
December 2, 2011

Corinthians president Andres Sanchez insists the Brazilian club r still interested in signing Carlos Tevez 4 the 2012 season.

Tevez was the subject of a £40 million bid betw his former club & ManC in the summer, but the deal fell over b4 the close of the transfer window. The Argentina international has since been linked with Serie rivals Inter & AC Milan, but Sanchez is confident the Brazilian club can lure the striker back 2 the Estadio do Pacaembu, despite last month suggesting their pursuit of Tevez was over.

"If Tevez leaves Europe, he comes 2 Corinthians. How much would we pay? I don't know," Sanchez said.

"He never had a problem @ Corinthians. They pulled him out of here, so I don't hv any problem with it. And I don't speak alot with him.

"But everything is different @ Corinthians. He knows the club & if he leaves Europe, he will definitely come back here."

City hv repeatedly stated they will not sell the want-away striker 4 less than his market value, believed 2 now be worth around £25 million. Tevez is still in Argentina having flown back 2 Buenos Aires on November 8 without ManC's permission.

[joew2005]

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

Milan given green light over Tevez
December 5, 2011

AC Milan hv been given permission by ManC 2 open talks with striker Carlos Tevez, according 2 the Italian club's vice-president Adriano Galliani.

Tevez, 27, is expected 2 seal a move away fr City when the transfer window reopens on January 1 aft falling out with manager Roberto Mancini following a disagreement @ the Allianz Arena in September.

The Argentina international has not featured 4 the club since allegedly refusing 2 warm up ahead of an introduction 2 the field of play, as City trailed Bayern Munich 2-0 in Champions League Group A.

It has subsequently been suggested Milan could target Tevez on a loan deal in January, aft Antonio Cassano was sidelined 4 around 6 months following heart surgery, & Galliani has fuelled those rumours.

"Tevez is a City player," Galliani said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "The English club has authorised us 2 speak 2 his agent but we haven't spoken directly 2 City yet.

"We don't know wat City 1. I prefer not 2 speak 2 much abt Tevez, otherwise his price will go up & tis is not good."

When asked abt Milan's winter transfer window activity, Galliani said: "If any1 arrives, it will be a striker as our aim is 2 cover the place of the injured Cassano."

Tevez returned 2 his homeland last month without City's permission & is yet 2 report back 2 training.