Tag Archives: City

City show title credentials – Kidd

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Manchester City (15/2 to win the Premier League) assistant manager Brian Kidd believes his side proved their title credentials after they beat Newcastle United 2-1 at Eastlands on Saturday.

The Blues took the lead thanks to a penalty from Carlos Tevez who smashed the ball down the centre of the goal.

The Argentina striker was fouled for the penalty however there was some debate whether the tackle was inside the box as the forward ran in on goal.

City’s lead did not last for long as they conceded a goal by Jonas Gutierrez just six minutes after the penalty from Tevez.

The Blues had to work hard in a tightly fought contest and they got their rewards thanks to a great strike from substitute Adam Johnson who cut in from the right wing to fire a shot past Tim Krul.

Kidd was pleased by his side’s effort to win the three points which puts them second place in the Premier League.

He said: “I think that sums us up, if you want to win in the Premier League you have to dig results out.

“We knew we weren’t really at it in the first half. But that was the pleasing thing, because the players responded.

“What is pleasing is that the players have shown that there is substance in the result. You know you’ve got a chance when you’ve got that in the squad,” he added.

City had a slow start to the Premier League campaign after a defeat to Sunderland and draws with Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn.

However the club’s star-studded side look like they are starting to gel in recent games with wins against defending Premier League champions Chelsea and Wigan Athletic.

Kidd believes that City boss Roberto Mancini deserves credit for making the change that helped his side break the deadlock against the Magpies.

He said: “Tactically he changed it two or three times.

“Credit must go to the boss – he went for it. I think his substitutions and tactics proved that.

“We’ve gone second in the league now. Over 38 games you get games like that, that are not for the purists,” he added.

City (13/2 to win the FA Cup) will to continue their good form in the Premier League as they next face Blackpool on October 17 which will be no easy game after the Seasiders pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

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City can buy title says Allardyce

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Blackburn Rovers boss Sam AllardyceBlackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has admitted that Manchester City (8/1 to win the Premier League) could win the title if they can manage themselves in the right way.

Rovers face City on Saturday and they will be up for a tough challenge as they take on the Manchester club’s star studded line-up at Eastlands.

However, the Blues have not had the start to the campaign that many people expected as they have only picked up four points from their opening three games.

City (8/13 to finish in the top four) boss Roberto Mancini is still looking for combinations that work as the highly paid stars battle for first-team places.

Former Blues striker Benjani, who has since joined Rovers, believes that many of the players at his old club are simply there for the high wages they can earn at Eastlands.

However, Allardyce believes that City can achieve great things this season despite having the problem of keeping players happy at the club.

He said: “If he (Mancini) gets it right, as Jose (Mourinho) got it right for Chelsea after the huge amount of spending that Roman (Abramovich) did, and if you look back here with Kenny, he got it right and Blackburn won the Premier League.

“You can buy a league now, obviously Blackburn have proven that, Chelsea have proven that, and you can do it in a short period of time. If you manage the players right and get that team spirit right, then you’ll win anything,” he added.

In financial terms, Rovers and City are polar opposites in the Premier League, with Blackburn struggling to attract big names to Ewood Park. However, one name they did attract is Michel Salgado. The former Real Madrid defender is used to success after spending 10 years at the Santiago Bernabeu and is hoping to help Rovers improve in the Premier League this season.

The 34-year-old has also commented about Manchester City’s hunt for success, which he believes will take some time.

He said: “The difference between Manchester City and Real Madrid is Manchester City so far is a fashion club.

“They have to spend money to battle with the best teams in Europe. Maybe Manchester City in the future can get closer to Real Madrid but now it’s a different story.

“They are signing eight new players every year and that’s a problem. First of all you have to build a team.”

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Cole fires City warning

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Liverpool star Joe Cole misses a penaltyJoe Cole has warned Manchester City that Liverpool will head to Eastlands on Monday full of confidence following their unbeaten start to the season (Liverpool 2/1 to win on Monday – match market).

The Reds have so far won three Europa League qualifying games and almost beat Arsenal with 10 men last weekend only for a freak own goal by goalkeeper Jose Reina to give the Gunners a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Cole has personally endured a somewhat difficult start to his Liverpool career – getting sent off against Arsenal and then missing a penalty on Thursday in the 1-0 win over Trabzonspor – but he says Roy Hodgson’s side are in good shape and will take on big-spending City in fine fettle (Liverpool to win 3-1 – 25/1).

The England man, who is suspended for Monday night’s clash, said: “I’ll be cheering the lads on and I think we’ll do a good job.

“We are ready, we are getting stronger.

“It’s been a disjointed pre-season but we are getting fitter and fitter. The players are looking better every day.

“We are going there full of confidence after holding Arsenal to a draw.”

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Milner sets City honours target

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New Manchester City signing James Milner has revealed that manager Roberto Mancini has told him to be prepared to win the Premier League this season (City 8/1 Premier League – outright).

The England international finally completed his protracted move to Eastlands late on Wednesday after a summer of speculation which has dominated the back pages.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the mega-rich club after his reported £24million transfer was completed, a move which saw Stephen Ireland go the other way and join Aston Villa (11/8 – 90 minutes v Rapid Vienna).

The former Leeds and Newcastle midfielder becomes City’s sixth major signing of the summer with Jerome Boateng, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Aleksandar Kolarov and Mario Balottelli having already completed multi-million pound moves to Eastlands.

Milner is likely to have a real battle on his hands to secure a regular starting sport in Mancini’s side, despite having been a vital cog in the Villa machine for the past two years.

However, Milner is adaptable and is able to play anywhere in midfield having featured for Villa and Newcastle out wide and in the centre of the park.

Milner insists the best is yet to come from him and believes this move will stand him a good chance of securing trophies for years to come, including his ultimate goal, the Premier League.

“It didn’t take too much selling by the boss when you see the players who are already here and the plans for the club,” he told City’s official website.

“The last thing he said to me was ‘be ready for the next game’, and then he said ‘be ready to win the Premier League’, and that’s my ultimate aim – that’s what I want to do and why I’m here.

“I’m ambitious and I want to win trophies here. I believe this is a great place to do that and I believe we will do it. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.”

Having only completed his move late on Wednesday Milner will play no part in City’s Europa League play-off clash with FC Timisoara (4/1 – 90 minutes v City) with the rest of the team having flown out to Romania the same day.

Milner is more likely to make his debut in the massive game against Liverpool at Eastlands on Monday night, when City will be looking to lay down a marker against one of their top-four rivals.

Thursday’s European game represents more of a distraction for City than anything else with the club’s owners keen for them to at least secure Champions League football this season.

Even a weakened side City should have too much firepower for their opponents, especially since Timisoara have struggled in recent European outings, scoring nine goals in their last 15 matches.

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Redknapp reveals City snub

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Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has effectively ruled Manchester City out of the Premier League title race this season (City 13/2 – 2010/11 Premier League Outright).

The Spurs chief saw his side held to a goalless draw at White Hart Lane by the Blues in the first game of the campaign and he is not convinced they have enough about them to finish above Manchester United (9/4) or reigning champions Chelsea (6/4f).

City’s mega investment since the takeover of the Abu Dhabi United Group has seen them lavish money on their squad with big-name players like Robinho, Emmanuel Adebayor, Shay Given, Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry just some of the arrivals under Mark Hughes and Roberto Mancini.

But, according to Redknapp, it is not enough for City to be classed as credible title candidates at this moment in time.

“I wouldn’t tip City from what I’ve seen,” said Redknapp. “I wouldn’t say they’ll win the championship.They have a long way to go. Chelsea are a team, Man United are a team.

“They are fantastic teams with people who have been there, done it all and won everything, Champions League winners.

“So I wouldn’t see City finishing above them.”

Spurs’ season continues with a trip to Switzerland for the first leg of the Champions League play-off round against Young Boys on Tuesday night.

Redknapp has been quiet during the summer transfer window in terms of signing players as he looks to get into the Champions League before adding to his squad.

If successful, Spurs will be able to be more ambitious with their targets although they have again been told not to bother bidding for West Ham captain Scott Parker.

Hammers co-owner David Sullivan told the Daily Mail: “I made a promise that I will not sell Scott and I will not, for any amount of money, break that promise to West Ham supporters.

“This is a new era. We are building a bigger, better West Ham and when we make a promise, we honour it.”

The Hammers entertain Bolton on Saturday looking to bounce back from their opening-day mauling at managerless Aston Villa (West Ham 1/7 – To Stay Up).

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City poised for striker deal

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Roberto Mancini says Mario Balotelli should be a Manchester City (13/8 to be 2010-11 Top North West Club) player this weekend and believes James Milner will move to Eastlands next week.

Balotelli has been a summer-long target for the City boss, who worked with the 20-year-old during his time in charge at the San Siro.

The two clubs have finally agreed a fee for the striker, believed to be in the region of £24million, with Balotelli flying to Manchester for a medical on Friday.

The Italian frontman, who has Ghanaian heritage, scored 28 goals in 86 appearances for Inter since his first-team debut in December 2007.

Balotelli could well be joined by England midfielder Milner (33/1 to be 2010-11 PFA Player of the Year) in the next ‘two or three days’, according to the City manager.

Milner’s future has been the long-running transfer saga of the summer and now looks like it could be finally drawing to a close.

The former Leeds and Newcastle man has been named in Aston Villa’s squad to face West Ham in their Premier League opener on Saturday, but could be wearing a City shirt next weekend.

The Eastlands outfit (1/2 to claim a top-four finish) have offered Villa £18million for the 24-year-old, with Stephen Ireland moving in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

The deal has been reportedly delayed to Ireland seeking a payment to leave City, but it looks like the issues have been ironed out.

Mancini insisted: “We need another two or three days for this situation. We need everyone to be happy.”

As two players head into Eastlands, another could be leaving as Craig Bellamy has been left out of the 25-man squad Mancini has named for the Premier League campaign.

The Wales international admitted last week that he was unsure over his future with the Blues and he now seems certain to leave before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Former City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed that Fulham (18/1 in Premiership Without Top 6 market) are keen to sign Bellamy, whilst Celtic have begun negotiations with the striker’s representatives over a potential switch.

When asked about Bellamy, Hughes admitted: “Yes, I’d be interested in signing Craig. He’s one of the top players in the Premier League.”

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Milner set for City switch

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Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill appears to have conceded defeat over the future of James Milner and the England winger looks set to bolster Manchester City’s top-four hopes by completing a move to Eastlands in the next few days (City 13/10 – Premier League w/o Man United and Chelsea).

Villa were held to a goalless draw by Spanish side Valencia on Friday in their latest pre-season friendly and Milner was left out of the squad with question marks over his future.

The former Newcastle and Leeds star has expressed his desire to join mega-rich City, who are 13/8 to be top north west club this season, ahead of the new campaign and O’Neill is ready to reluctantly accept that outcome.

“We didn’t play him primarily because there could be something happening in terms of the transfer,” O’Neill said after the Valencia game.

“I thought it would be the best thing to do not to play him in case something develops over the weekend or Monday or Tuesday.”

Milner is set to move to Eastlands in a deal that could see City midfielder Stephen Ireland go the other way with the Eastlands club also paying up to £25million for his services.

O’Neill was frank when asked about the situation and admitted it was probably best for all parties for the transfer to now go through as soon as possible.

“I think there’s been fresh contact,” he added. “I couldn’t tell you whether there’s been a renewed offer.

“I think there is something in that there now, yes (getting it concluded quickly). I agree.

“I think that’s for everyone’s benefit really, it’s probably time to get something done if it’s at all possible.”

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Kalou unimpressed by City threat

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Salomon Kalou has slammed Manchester City’s title challenge, claiming Chelsea (13/8 to retain their championship) aren’t worried about the amount of players the mega-rich club are bringing in.

So far this summer Roberto Mancini has spent over £70million on improving his squad, bringing in Yaya Toure, David Silva, Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov.

City’s spending is only likely to increase in the weeks before the transfer window shuts with Inter Milan’s Mario Balotelli expected to complete his move to Eastlands before the summer is out.

Fernando Torres has also been linked with City as they look to capture their first Premier League title.

Since the Abu Dhabi United Group brought City in 2008 the club have spent hundreds of millions on new players without any success to show for their heavy investment.

Last season the club missed out on their overall goal of reaching the Champions League, instead being pipped at the last fence by Tottenham (3/1 to finish in the top four again).

This season Mancini has tipped his side to challenge for the top honour in the Premier League, indicating that this could be City’s breakthrough season.

However, several of City’s rivals have already dismissed their title challenge, claiming that you can’t buy the title.

The latest player to come out and do so is Kalou, who believes that money doesn’t always equal success.

He said: “Just because you bring in 10 new players every year doesn’t mean you are going to finish top of the table.

“City did the same thing last season and finished fifth and I am not sure if they’ll be any stronger this time.

“Spending a lot of money on new signings doesn’t guarantee anything. City have to remember there are still teams like Chelsea, (Manchester) United, Liverpool and Arsenal who will always be at the top.

“And this year we will all be up there fighting for the title again.”

While Kalou is adamant City (9/2 Premier League winners) won’t be able to buy the title it wasn’t so long ago that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich ploughed large sums of cash into the Blues to help them win their first Premier League crown.

However, this year the Blues have cut back on their spending, so far only bringing in Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool to strengthen their first team.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has backed his current squad to do the business again next season having seen them do the domestic double in the last campaign.

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Redknapp considers City raid

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Tottenham Hotspur (3/1 to finish in the top four) boss Harry Redknapp could look to Manchester City in a bid to add to fresh faces to his squad ahead of the Premier League season.

Spurs could have a busy campaign if the club manage to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League and a big and competitive squad will be key to his team’s chances of success this term.

Redknapp has had attempts to sign West Ham United captain Scott Parker and former Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole fail in this transfer window.

The former Hammers manager believes that he could pick up a couple of good players from City this summer.

The Eastlands club continue to be the big spenders in the Premier League as they push for Champions League qualification themselves having been beaten to fourth spot in the top flight by Spurs last season.

With a growing squad the Blues (9/2 to win the Premier League) will be looking to offload player no longer required at the Manchester club and Redknapp will be looking to capitalise on this.

He said in The People: “One or two walk through the door and it gives everybody a lift. I hoped Joe Cole would have done that if he’d come here but I think there are one or two out there who would do the same – maybe from Manchester City.

“I reckon there’s two or three players out there where you don’t have to spend any real money on. I think there will be a lot of loans about, because teams are going to loan people out just to get them off the wage bill.

“City look like they might have to do that with one or two because they’ve got a big squad so it will be interesting,” he added.

Stephen Ireland could be one of those player who will be service to requirements at Eastland but Redknapp believes that players valuation of around £11m is too much for Spurs to spend on that kind of player.

The manager at White Hart Lane is dealing with problems in the club’s defensive personnel with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate both dealing with long term injury issues.

He said: “At the moment Jonathan Woodgate is struggling, Ledley’s come back but his knee’s not great, so we’ve got to be careful.”

Spurs will begin their Premier League campaign against City at White Hart Lane on August 14 in one of the big matches from the opening day of the season.

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Mancini closes in on City targets

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Manchester City (9/2 to win the Premier League) boss Roberto Mancini believes the club are closing in on their big transfer targets ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

City have been strongly linked with Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli and Aston Villa midfielder James Milner during the off-season.

The Eastlands club have already added to a squad which looks like one of the strongest in the Premier League on paper.

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng and David Silva are three of the big signings that have joined the club this summer.

Mancini is also hoping that the former Real Madrid playmaker Robinho, who left City on loan last season, will return to the club for the Premier League campaign.

He said: “The situation is that Robinho will finish his contract with Santos. After that he will stay in Brazil for another week, play for the national team and after that he will return to Manchester City.”

The Blues boss has stated that whether or not Robinho stays at the club is up to the player, but the manager will hope the player returns after the 26-year-old performed well at this summer’s World Cup.

City have been trying to bring in former Leeds and Newcastle star James Milner to the club after the midfielder had a strong campaign with Aston Villa (7/1 to finish in the top four) last season.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill has stated that the two clubs are at a stalemate over the valuation of last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year, but he does not know whether their key man will be at Villa Park at the start of the season.

O’Neill said: “The latest stage of play seems to be Man City feel as if they have gone as far as they want to, but we will wait with baited breath on that one.

“I think obviously the overriding opinion of all Villa fans is that they would love James to stay at the football club. But as I speak here now at this minute, my honest opinion, I cannot guarantee that but we will see.”

Speculation has suggested that Milner would welcome a move to the Premier League’s big spenders as they push for a top four finish in the league.

City will begin their campaign against Tottenham as they look for revenge against the London side, who beat them to the final Champions League place last season.

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