Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is hopeful that the deal to bring Aston Villa's James Milner to the club will be finalised in the next couple of days.
The 24-year-old England international is expected to head to Eastlands, with Stephen Ireland leaving the Citizens to join Villa as part of a deal worth a reported £24million.
Mancini told reporters:"I hope we can close it either today or tomorrow.
"I think that Milner is a good player, an English player which is important. I think that Milner can play in different positions.
"We have today and tomorrow to close the deal."
Meanwhile, Mancini is confident that recent signing Mario Balotelli will prove to be a success in England following his arrival from Internazionale.
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The 20-year-old forward has gained a reputation for being hard to handle, but Mancini added:"All of us are said to be bad boys when we are young, but I have worked with Mario before and he is a normal person.
"He is young player, only 20 years old, who can do a lot in the Premier League. He has all the qualities needed to become a fantastic player."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Steve Kean has stated that he will meet with disgruntled Blackburn Rovers fans in the near future, and has also admitted he has a list of players that he would like to bring to Ewood Park in January.
A 3-1 defeat to Stoke at the weekend saw the Lancashire club slip to the bottom of the Premier League, and the team’s fans are frustrated and worried about the side’s form.
A section of the club’s faithful have petitioned to have the Scottish coach removed from his post, and were further incensed when the manager was handed a new contract last week.
Kean understands the supporters’ concerns, and is willing to meet them to discuss the best way forward for the struggling club.
“I will always take direction from other people at the club more qualified than me to organise something like that,” the 44-year-old told Sky Sports.
“But if it is going to happen, then I would be available to do that. Possibly they might want access and want to know a little bit more about what is going on at Ewood.
“I think there has been a lot of suggestion that they would like to know a little bit more about the organisation and the running of the club.
“That is not my department, but I’m happy to talk on the football side,” he stated.
Rovers are in need of January reinforcements, and Kean has admitted that he has a wish-list of players that he will show to owners Venkys ahead of the transfer window.
“We’ve got a list and I will get a meeting with the owners in the next three or four days.
“Hopefully we will be bringing in fresh faces and some quality in the window to complement what we have already got,” he concluded.
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Blackburn take on Cardiff in the Carling Cup quarter finals on Tuesday night.
Lille extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to five points after they won 2-1 at Brest as title rivals Stade Rennes dropped points on Saturday.The league leaders made the trip to Stade Francis Le Ble expecting a win, with the hosts having fallen dramatically from their spot at the top of Ligue 1 earlier in the season.Prior to Saturday’s match, they had dropped out of the top half and won just two matches from their last 12, a stark contrast to Lille who have been recording victories with ease in recent times.But they were made to work for the win on Saturday, especially when Benoit Lesoimier converted Jonathan Ayite’s assist after 19 minutes to give Brest a surprise lead.Lille got a goal back seven minutes before half-time through Yao Gervinho before the league’s top-scorer, Moussa Sow, scored shortly after the restart to net his 19th Ligue 1 goal for the club this season.Sow’s side held on for all three points and they were given a bonus when Stade Rennes could only manage a point, albeit in a 1-1 away draw with third-placed Lyon.Lille’s challengers met at the Stade de Gerland in an exciting game of football, headlined by Kevin Theophile Catherine’s 87th-minute equaliser for the visitors which cancelled out Bafetimbi Gomis’ first-half goal for Lyon.Rennes came from behind to get the point despite the sending off of Colombian Victor Hugo Montano, who was given his marching orders with 25 minutes remaining.In other matches, second-from-bottom Lens stunned Montpellier with a 4-1 away win.Goals inside the first half from Kanga Akale, Sebastian Roudet and a Joris Marveaux own goal handed Montpellier a 3-0 lead at the break and despite Garry Bocaly’s 57th-minute strike for the hosts, any chance of a comeback were wiped when Issam Jemaa scored five minutes later for Lens.Bordeaux scored two goals in the last 10 minutes claim a 2-2 draw at Valenciennes, thanks to late finishes from Jussie and Mickael Ciani.Gael Danic had scored twice to give Valenciennes the lead but they failed to hold on and have now gone five Ligue 1 matches without a win.An Ireneusz Jelen double helped Auxerre to a 2-0 home win over Sochaux while two of the top-half sides, Lorient and Saint-Etienne, played out a goalless draw.Mauro Cetto’s 93rd-minute own goal gave Nice a point against Toulouse in a 1-1 draw, with Cetto’s late intervention ruling out Federico Santander’s 27th-minute opener.
As the head of the team, the coach is accountable. When a team under-performs, as England did in this summer’s World Cup, then questions are asked and fingers are pointed. As soon as England were dumped out against Germany, people were calling for Capello’s head, claiming he was too much of a disciplinarian and that his over-controlling system was paralysing the players with fear of mistakes. While some of this may be true, and certainly the coach or manager of a team must take a huge load of the flack, Capello was not the sole reason for England’s failure in South Africa, and should not be made the scape goat.
The English media will not let Fabio Capello forget what happened this summer – regardless of the fact that constant reminders will hinder the rebuilding process – and it is something that will be raised at every possible opportunity. Within a month in the press, Capello went from England’s saviour to their downfall. England’s array of highly paid superstars severely underperformed and there was a witch-hunt to try and discover the reason. Fatigue was muted as a possible reason but that didn’t explain why other players and nations who had also had long, hard seasons managed to perform better. What was different about England? The apparent answer? Capello’s ruling fist. Previously considered a refreshing change to Steve McClaren calling everyone Wazza, Stevie and JT and pretending to be everyone’s best mate, Capello’s strict policies regarding almost all the player’s behaviour was now suddenly a big problem. Players should be allowed to ‘go and have a beer’, not be cooped up in hotel rooms.
In truth, England’s preparation and build up to the tournament was virtually perfect. There were injuries to the likes of Rio Ferdinand, but in terms of training, conditioning, and their base in South Africa, it was as good as it has ever been. There were also effectively the same players on the pitch that had got the team there in the first place. But as much as a manager picks and shapes his team, and alters players and systems during the course of a match, he cannot account for players simply not performing. Fabio Capello can do nothing about Wayne Rooney not being able to control a pass, or John Terry not knowing where to position himself from a goal-kick, or Rob Green not being able to catch a ball with his hands.
Along with the tournament’s passing, the latest England squad and now Capello’s comments about no longer wanting to pick David Beckham, the media is constantly trying to quench its thirst for the next Capello sound bite that will make him look either disrespectful, naïve or incompetent. Rather than analysing what were dreadful performances by the players, and sympathising with what Capello had to deal with, there has become this obsession with trying to put the man down. Capello is still one of the world’s best managers, that fact has not changed, and so the last thing the media should be trying to do is drive him out. Yes there should be answers from Capello, and yes he underperformed also, but he is only a figurehead of what is a pretty disastrous set-up in terms of player development and club v country politics. There are few managers in the world as good as Capello and so rather than make him the media scapegoat, perhaps we should lower our expectations somewhat and get behind him, rather than set out to destroy him.
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Manchester City defender Micah Richards has admitted that he is devastated at exclusion from the latest England squad, but has pledged to continue to do well at club level to show Fabio Capello his worth.
The Italian coach has largely ignored Richards during his tenure, and seemingly prefers Glen Johnson, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling at right back over the Etihad Stadium man.
Despite the snub, Richards intends to train hard and try to force himself into Capello’s Euro 2012 plans.
“Jones and Smalling have been doing well for Manchester United; if the manager wants to give them a chance it is up to him, there is no point in me moaning about it,” he told Mirror Football.
“I know what I’ve got to do – keep working hard – and that’s what I’ll do.”
Richards’ omission seems odd given his personal form and that of his club, but the defender has pledged to answer Capello’s call should it come.
“I must be doing something right. In seasons gone by I have not been playing my best. Now I’ve started off well and we are top of the league.
“As I’ve said before, it’s up to Capello. If he wants to give me a shout I am always there.
“I have improved, twice, three times since the first time I played for England. I’ve still not been given a start under this England manager, so I’ve not been able to show what I can do.
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“I know my form has to be right for City before he can pick me, but if he gives me my chance I am sure I can take it with both hands, just like I did before,” he concluded.
England’s victory against Wales has given Fabio Capello some respite from his critics after an impressive display in Cardiff. Frank Lampard has come out and hailed the Italian’s tactics and believes that they are capable of anything.
In the papers there have been a mix bag of stories that include Wenger issues Wilshere warning; Welbeck to decide on future, while Mike Ashley slashes Newcastle’s wage bill.
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Terry: anthem boos inspired England – Daily Telegraph
Loans offer cheap fix but can be a pain – Observer
Lampard hails Capello’s tactics – Daily Telegraph
Capello: Stop the laser fools targeting my players – Daily Mail
Moyes is a target for struggling Aston Villa – Daily Mail
Wenger issues Wilshere a sobering warning -Mirror
Mike Ashley slashes Newcastle United’s crippling wage bill – People
Welbeck to decide on future – Sky Sports
Lehmann in line for recall after Wenger leaves Almunia hanging – Independent
Manchester United set to make an £8m move for Charlie Adam – Daily Mail
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Dalglish adds Barcelona winger to summer wish list – Mirror
Sulley Muntari tips Harry Redknapp to boss England – People
Yossi Benayoun has stated, in no uncertain terms, that Rafa Benitez was the single reason he left Liverpool. The Israeli midfielder has signed a four and a half year deal with Chelsea and this weekend accused Benitez of trying to ‘break’ him as a player.
“Everyone asks me why I left Liverpool,” said Benayoun. “There is only one reason – Rafa Benitez. If I played well, I never felt he gave me credit. When I scored, I still expected to be out of the team the next game. On two occasions early last season, against Fulham and Lyon, the fans booed when I was subbed. They thought I was playing well but Benitez told me he was surprised the fans booed because I was not good enough.”
Benitez’s man management came under scrutiny during his time in England with many commenting that his calculated and mechanical style stifled players who were more receptive to encouragement and motivation. Benayoun went on to claim that Benitez intentionally tried breaking his confidence as a player and intimated the same thing happened to Spanish winger Albert Riera:
“He tried to destroy my confidence. You can’t treat a player like this and expect him to be happy. I don’t want to speak on behalf of other players at Liverpool, but people know what happened to Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso. It was the same for me. Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera.”
Whilst there is no smoke without fire and repeated criticisms of Benitez’s man management can lead us to safely assume he doesn’t put an arm around his players when they’re down, we shouldn’t conclude that Benayoun’s words paint the whole picture (or even if his reported words are the truth, depending on your level of cynicism with regards to our country’s press). The only discernable truth about the situation is that this is a prime opportunity to criticise Benitez; he’s left England and Benayoun has secured a move to the current champions, Chelsea. But my question is why didn’t Benayoun seek a move earlier? And is a four year deal at Chelsea really the choice that optimises his playing time?
I do feel Benayoun was not utilised as often as he could have been in his last two seasons at Liverpool but I cannot completely subscribe to the idea that a manager – any manager – would intentionally seek to break a player’s confidence and thus damage their future as a top flight professional. Many of Liverpool’s players commented that Benitez had a style of management that took some getting used to i.e. he didn’t shower individuals with praise after good performances. This did not stop Alonso, Mascherano, Gerrard, Torres, Reina and Carragher to all excel under his stewardship, though. Benayoun, like Babel and Riera, suffered more because he could not sustain a place in the starting XI and whether that is down to managerial preference or objective output will remain a mystery to most of us.
There’s certainly some truth in his sentiments but his circumstance as a squad player makes it a little easier to blame Benitez outright.
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Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
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On Saturday, Germany Manager Joachim Loew visited London to watch Per Mertesacker, one of Low’s choices at centre back for the national team. He won’t have been impressed at the quality of the defending on show between Chelsea and Arsenal in their eight goal thriller. Perhaps ‘Jogi’ would have benefitted from staying to watch Saturday’s action in Germany.
No doubt Loew will hear good reports of Marco Reus’ performance against Hannover. His decision to call up Gladbach’s finest to the national team last month is looking increasingly vindicated. There has been little streaky about the form of the man whose hair resembles that of a skunk. He continues to flourish under Lucien Favre with free reign behind the lone striker. This caught out Mirko Slomka’s side (who are?) as Reus notched a double in a tight 2-1 success reigniting Monchengladbach’s Champions League bid after three outings without a victory.
Elsewhere, the national team coach could have probably predicted the outcome in Munich as Bayern bounced back imperiously from last week’s defeat in Hannover. Nuremberg were the latest team to be dominated, something which almost every visitor has to endure at the moment when coming to the Allianz Arena. It only took Mario Gomez 85 seconds to Bayern to open their account in this game and from then on, it was the usual procession.
Bayern’s nearest challengers prior to the weekend were Borussia Dortmund. Their manager, Jurgen Klopp was born in Stuttgart but there was no happy return for the Dortmund boss. Borussia could not overcome Stuttgart at the Mercedes-Benz Arena as they drew 1-1 in a well contested game. This meant they dropped to third with Schalke overcoming Hoffenheim 3-1 with Werder Bremen staying in touch with an away victory at Mainz.
If Loew was searching for entertainment then he would have been well advised to visit Wolfsburg on Saturday afternoon. Hertha Berlin came to town and produced a clinical performance winning 3-2 in an exciting match. Markus Babbel’s team’s determination ultimately shone through and Felix Magath must be wondering what he has to do in order to ignite his second managerial reign at Wolfsburg.
Loew still managed to get his fill of Bundesliga before he left for London as he ventured to South West Germany on Friday night. Last year’s runners up Bayer Leverkusen travelled to bottom club Freiburg where he saw his former captain Michael Ballack inflict further pain.
Nevertheless, how impressed Joachim Loew will have been with Mertesacker in a match where his side conceded three is questionable. Judging what he saw on Saturday and the action he missed, the 51-year-old coach would have been better off staying put in the Bundesliga last weekend.
Matchday 11 Results:
Freiburg 0-1 Leverkusen
Bayern Munich 4-0 Nuremberg
Schalke 3-1 Hoffenheim
Stuttgart 1-1 Dortmund
Wolfsburg 2-3 Hertha Berlin
Gladbach 2-1 Hannover
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Sir Alex Ferguson knows when his players need his protection. In the wake of Wayne Rooney’s off the ball scuffle with James McCarthy at the weekend, Ferguson has recognised the need to defend a player who could have been banned for three matches if referee Mark Clattenburg had deemed his actions to have not been sufficiently dealt with during the course of Saturday’s game at the DW Stadium.
Ferguson condemned a newspaper campaign to have his talismanic striker “electrocuted” but even as he uttered the words, he must have known his player would go unpunished.
Enraged Wigan fans were being forced to ask themselves; was referee Mark Clattenburg ever going to concede that he did not see the McCarthy incident? The idealists at the FA may suggest so, but, regardless, if Clattenburg didn’t believe Rooney’s elbow deserved a straight red card then should he even be refereeing at the highest level?
Of course, the FA deciding to ignore Rooney’s petulance, is hardly breaking precedent. I was absolutely amazed to hear Steven Gerrard’s off the ball punch on Michael Brown last season was ignored, in the same way his swearing at referee Andre Marriner was swept under the carpet. Both times the defence that the referee had seen and dealt with the issue at the time was trotted out for the media.
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Although the evidence is often compelling, I have always found it difficult to buy into the concept that referees deliberately give decisions in favour of the so called ‘bigger’ clubs. These incidents do happen – decisions given and not given at crucial times, but I cannot honestly say this is a conscious decision at the time by the man in black made to avoid backlash from a Ferguson or an Arsene Wenger.
At the weekend I overheard a fan ask Alan Green on BBC radio if he thought that referees were intimidated by having a well-known or charismatic manager standing on the touchline. Green, never short of a controversial opinion, said that he did although that in the Rooney case Clattenburg hadn’t simply opted out of sending the Manchester United man off because he was being watched by the player’s manager.
Nevertheless, the bitter taste of the wrong verdict being reached remains. To help with this sense of injustice, open and cut cases such as this one should certainly be susceptible to retrospective action by the FA. Referee accountability is not something that is in keeping with the ‘Respect’ campaign, but in this situation all involved are on the opposite end of nothing but derision.
The FA will defend their actions to the hilt, claiming that the organisation’s by-laws dictate that their hands have been tied by the referee’s post match report. In reality, this debate has been going on for years – if those in charge of the association really wanted to amend their processes, there have been enough instances in the past to highlight this blind-spot.
Even when it comes to looking at hearing decisions the organisation have made, strange inconsistencies have been opened up. Roy Keane was given a five match ban for his career ending tackle on Alf-Inge Haaland, something that appeared ridiculously lenient when Ben Thatcher was banned for eight matches for his violent but no more malicious challenge on Pedro Mendes.
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I suspect no one is surprised by the FA’s statement on the Rooney incident, nor are they surprised by articles of this ilk highlighting the hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the organisation. The sad and frustrating element of this case is that these instances will continue to occur – simply relying of referee discretion is idealistic and naive. When we as a nation condemn FIFA for their strange decisions and inflexible rules, it might be best to remember instances like this before the rest of the football world point out the flaws in our own system.
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Luis Fabiano has said that he wants a move to Manchester United or AC Milan. The Sevilla striker who is currently at the World Cup with Brazil feels the time is right to move on and join a big club.
The 29-year-old has been one of Europe’s most sought after strikers for some time now and would be a good signing for most clubs, but the question is would he be the right fit for Man United and is he even needed?
Currently United currently posses an abundance of attacking talent in Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf, Federico Macheda, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez. Rooney’s future is safe at the club without question; Berbatov has been linked with moves away after two un-prolific seasons at Old Trafford. Owen is very injury-prone and the rest are young and un-tested so a number of them could be sent out on loan. Therefore there would be space for Fabiano in the team but you feel that probably either Michael Owen or Berbatov might have to leave the club on a permanent basis.
As to what he can bring to United’s forward line Fabiano is a good finisher and if it wasn’t for a debateable handball has scored arguably the best goal at the World Cup so far; he is a strong forward as well capable of leading the line and is also very good with his head. Despite these attributes opinion seems to be divided amongst United fans as to whether they want him at the club, some want Berbatov to leave and for him to come in as his replacement. They believe that Fabiano can work upfront with Rooney similar to how Louis Saha formed a good partnership with him. However others are not to keen because he is set to turn 30 this year and they are wary of his temperament and sometimes lazy attitude.
Judging by the forums some fans would seem to prefer Luis Suarez arriving at the club after an impressive World Cup for Uruguay so far; however his price-tag will surely be very inflated and as Fabiano only has one-year remaining on his contract with Sevilla he could prove to be the cheaper option.
At times Fabiano has flattered to deceive, especially early on in his career, however his overall goal-scoring record for Brazil is very good with 27 goals in 40 games and for Sevilla he has done well scoring 94 goals in 190 games in the past few seasons.
Despite some uncertainties over Fabiano he has proved himself capable of scoring goals and as long as he curbs his temperament he could be a very good player for Manchester United. They will be reluctant to overpay for his services though and if they can land him for around £15m then they can see it as a good a bit of business. Luis Fabiano is definitely a player who can make the difference and a partnership with Wayne Rooney could be lethal.
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Click on image below to see the BRAZILIAN babes at the World Cup
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