Roberto Mancini has stated that he has the final say in all Manchester City’s transfer dealings, despite the multi-millions of the club’s owners. The Eastlands side were bought over by Sheik Mansour, but despite this the Italian has the authority over additions to the playing squad.
“I am the ultimate authority, I participate in the life of the club and I organise the schedules for the players,” the ex-Inter Milan coach is reported to have said in The Daily Mail.
“I talk with agents and directors, as the first person they come to. Then, when a deal’s almost done, people from the administrative side become involved. I am fully involved, there is nobody above me, and that is obviously a new thing, but I work in a great club with extraordinary owners,” he concluded.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
City are reportedly closing in on Samir Nasri, having completed the signing of Gael Clichy, but are thought to be worried about new UEFA regulations that state clubs cannot post more than €45m (£40.5m) aggregate losses. These stipulations have serious repercussions, with the threat of removal from the Champions League for teams that do not comply, and may be a key reason for the Manchester club’s reluctance to spend transfer fees equivalent to previous transfer windows.
Dean Austin, hardly a household name at the peak of his playing career, the former Southend, Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Woking defender is most remembered for being number 35 of the Times Online poll of worst footballers to ever play in the Premier League. He now finds himself a coach under George Burley at former club Crystal Palace.
Austin ended his playing career as club captain of Woking after he was unable to obtain a new deal at the end of the 2002/03 season at the age of 33. He had just ensured survival for the surrey club it what was then called the Conference National now the Blue Square Premier Bet Premier. After a brief spell managing in the Conference South he returned to the Football League as a coach with former club Southend United in 2007. Following their relegation the previous season and under the management of Steve Tilson, Austin helped the club achieve a playoff position in League 1 where they were beaten convincingly by Doncaster. Early into the following season he left Roots Hall to become Assistant manager under Brendan Rodgers at Watford. After Watford finished 13th in the Championship in the 2008/09 he followed Rodgers to Reading to take over the helm from Steve Coppell, along with Frank Lampard Senior who filled a football consultant role at both clubs. Austin’s nomadic coaching career continued as he followed Rodgers and Lampard Sr out of the Madejski stadium after Rodgers contract was ended by mutual consent in December 2009. He was to return to football in June of this year as first team coach at financially troubled Crystal Palace.
His appointment appears to be well received with the Eagles faithful. On the official Crysta Palace website comments have been quick to praise their former defender. One saying “Deano has been assistant manager at a couple of clubs and seems to know his stuff, so having him as first team coach looks like a great move.” Fondly remembered at Selhurst Park by some for his reverse clap it looks like he is being welcomed home with open arms to a club where some are proud to refer to his playing days as a talisman like. So perhaps he has found success and appreciation in his new career. And if he were ever to find himself back in the Premier League, this time in the dugout, he may be regarded more highly than the 35th worst player to take to the field in England’s top division.
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Having let their two goal lead go up in smoke at home against Everton, Manchester United go into the biggest ever Manchester derby at risk of losing hold of the title.
Three weeks before this clash Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were eight points in front of their neighbours but a surprise defeat to Wigan and a draw against the Toffees has cost them.
A resurgent Manchester City, buoyed by the return of Carlos Tevez, have slaughtered their opponents, scoring twelve goals on their way to three successive victories and making it four will see them return to the top of the table.
It’s the most important battle between the two sides in living memory and having been humiliated 6-1 at Old Trafford in October, United can’t afford to lose the game for so many reasons.
But with fans and pundits completely underwhelmed by the quality of the champions so far this campaign and some dodgy recent performances there are a lot of things for Fergie to consider if he’s going to win his 13th Premier League title.
Here are five things I believe United need to do if they’re going to stop City’s charge.
Tighten up the defence
With the plethora of attacking players at City’s disposal it is vital for United to keep it tight because any slip-ups will be pounced upon. Jonny Evans has taken advantage of Nemanja Vidic’s absence at the heart of the defence and made the position his own alongside Rio Ferdinand, and only City have conceded fewer goals.
But the backline has looked shaky on a few occasions. Against Everton the defending was abysmal as they failed to get in the right positions or pick up players and with the likes of David Silva always looking to find the gaps it will take an improved and disciplined performance if they’re to avoid another demolition.
Pick Phil Jones over Rafael
The little Brazilian hasn’t been at his best in the last few games and needs to be replaced by Jones. While Rafael offers a better attacking option to United, he leaves United exposed at the back far too often and has cost them points recently.
Jones won’t offer the same attacking prowess but can get forward when possible and more importantly his defensive abilities will offer a lot more security and assurance which has to be a positive when lining up against the likes of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez.
[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]
Keep Tevez quiet
After five months in the wilderness, the former Red Devil has come back to Eastlands and had a monumental impact in kick-starting their floundering season. A goal against West Brom was followed by a hat-trick against Norwich City and now even the most positive United fan will be concerned that the Argentinean will have a big part to play in this title decider.
Tevez usually has a good game against his old employers too which makes his reappearance even more daunting, so keeping him out of the game will be vital.
Win the midfield battle
With the crossing strength of both sides, the battle for power in the middle of the park will be key and in particular David Silva versus Paul Scholes.
The Spaniard was sublime earlier in the season and although his form has dropped since then, he is one of the best midfielders in the world.
At the same time, United’s ageless midfielder has once again led them towards the league title and if they do hang on for the title, they can thank him for getting them there.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
However, Silva’s on-ball skills and creativity will cause havoc for United’s defence, and as his high assist count testifies to, will be a huge factor in City’s attacking chances throughout the match.
Both players will be looking to find the gaps and turn defence into attack and their own personal battle could be a sublime sub-plot to the game, so the victor of their contest will probably be on the winning side.
Get Valencia involved
The Ecuadorian has been brilliant for United this season. Perhaps the side’s best player this term, his pace, power, determination and crossing have been a revelation having started the season behind Nani and Ashley Young in the pecking order. His industrious style will be vital against City in an attacking and defensive way. If Valencia is given plenty of the ball he’ll be happy to run down the line and take Gael Clichy towards his own goal in the process. And without the ball, his willingness to put in a shift for the side will have him tracking back after the French full-back when necessary, something that Nani can hardly be relied upon to do.
Valencia doesn’t have the flicks and tricks that the Portuguese has but you always get 100% and in games of this importance, that’s what counts.
What do you think United need to do to stop City? Or should City be thinking about stopping United? Tell me on Twitter @jrobbins_journo.
Theo Walcott is anticipating off-season developments at Arsenal, as coach Arsene Wenger starts to plan a title challenge in 2011-12.Arsenal fell short on all fronts last season, finishing fourth in the English Premier League.
They also lost the Carling Cup final to Birmingham and exited the Champions League and FA Cup against Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.
Wenger has hinted that he may finally alter a strict policy of youth development and instead pay sizeable transfer fees in an attempt to strengthen the squad.
And the buzz of big-money recruitment has forward Walcott intrigued.
“We need to keep hold of our best players and the boss has said that he is going to spend as well,” Walcott said.
“To add to the team is going to be crucial, I’ll be interested to see who comes and goes.”
Walcott was out of action for over a month between September and October last year, and also succumbed to more injury problems at different times throughout the season.
Nevertheless, the former Southampton man was reasonably satisfied with his contribution to the Arsenal cause.
“Personally I was quite happy with my season, even though I missed 13 weeks,” Walcott said.
“Hopefully I can have an injury-free season next year and it will be a good battle for us.”
“There’s a lot of teams like Manchester City and Liverpool coming into the frame now. So the Premier League will not be easy next year.”
On the international scene, Walcott began England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on Saturday, which ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw for the hosts.
Walcott knows the team must improve during their last three matches in Group G to secure a route to next year’s finals in Poland and Ukraine.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
And his own place in the team is far from assured, with Aston Villa’s Ashley Young coming off the bench to score the equaliser at Wembley.
“It’s been a long time without any smiles in the England team,” Walcott said.
“We have great potential, the manager is giving opportunities to younger players to develop and come through the system … Like Jack (Wilshere), who’s had a great season and stamped his place in the England team as well.”
“No-one’s place is guaranteed, it’s great to see a lot of competition.”
The noises from NESV this week, with regards to the long term plans at Anfield, has brought a mixed response among Liverpool supporters. One aspect that will have pleased all fans though was Henry’s claim that there will be no January departures for any of their stars, in response to all the recent speculation.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag blogs which has included…£30m splurge to save Liverpool, the brains behind the Reds lucrative deals and Inter look to hijack Liverpool bid.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week.
Featured Articles of the week
Liverpool’s Top 10 Transfer Bargains Of All Time
Are these the worst Liverpool Kits of our time?
The £30m splurge that might just save Liverpool
–
Other Liverpool Blogs
Is blaming Rafa Benitez a little short sighted?
Liverpool’s Greatest British XI Of Our Time?
Liverpool’s bold NEW transfer policy
How long before Liverpool let wonderkid off the leash?
EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool in bad transfer rumour shocker
Has Roy Hodgson let his talisman down?
The REAL brains behind Liverpool’s deals
Inter look to hijack Liverpool and Man United with January bid
Click on PAGE 2 to see the BEST LIVERPOOL ARTICLES around the Web this week
Best of WEB
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Who is that bloke apparently upsetting all of our players? – Live4Liverpool
Roy Of The Ravers – Kopblog
Inside a disaster – Keith Salmon’s moving chapter on Hillsborough – This is Anfield
Iain Macintosh: Don’t blame Benítez – Guardian
THREE Issues that need to be resolved sooner rather than later – Live4Liverpool
Chelsea have defied the odds to come back from a deficit against Napoli in the Champions League, beating the Italian side 4-1 after extra-time on Wednesday night.
The west London club were 3-1 down from the first encounter in San Paolo, but fought back bravely with support of the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Didier Drogba opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half, before captain John Terry doubled their lead early in the second half.
Gokhan Inler pulled one back for the visitors, but a Frank Lampard penalty forced the game into extra time. With penalties looming, Branislav Ivanovic proved to be an unlikely hero, popping up with the winning goal after 105 minutes.
Skipper Terry heralded the win as one of the best during his career at Stamford Bridge, and hit back at the team’s critics.
“This could top them all, for sure,” the England defender told ITV.
“The lads put in a great display, really solid, really resilient, with the firepower going forward.
“We proved we’re a team tonight. That desire, that togetherness. We showed what Chelsea are made of,” he stated proudly.
Frank Lampard was equally as impressed by the team’s performance, and applauded match-winner Ivanovic and the way he took his goal.
“We’re just happy to be in the hat. We’ll enjoy tonight and wait and see. If we play with that ability and desire, we can take on anybody.
“He (Ivanovic) finished it unbelievably, like a striker really. He deserved that, he was fantastic on the night and was a symbol of the determination we showed the way he played.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“It was important we showed a desire and spirit to keep ourselves in the competition. It’s been a difficult season but a performance like that can change things for us,” he stipulated.
The draw for the quarter-finals will be made on Friday in Nyon; the other teams in the mix are Barcelona, Real Madrid, Marseille, APOEL, Benfica, AC Milan and Bayern Munich.
Wigan Athletic retained their English Premier League status on the final day of the season with a 1-0 victory at Stoke’s Britannia Stadium.Roberto Martinez’s men knew a win on Sunday would ensure top-flight football for a seventh successive season at the club.
But the visitors made a disappointing start and were outplayed by Stoke in the first 45 minutes.
Tony Pulis’ men had the ball in the back of the Wigan net after 15 minutes, only for Jonathan Walters to be rightly ruled offside.
Moments later a Rory Delap throw caused havoc in the visitors’ defence, and goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi was forced to make an excellent save from an instinctive shot by Kenwyne Jones.
Wigan were left chasing the ball for most of the first half and created no real opportunities to score the goal they desperately needed.
Following the break the visitors came out a better side and started to push into the Stoke half.
Just after the hour mark Connor Sammon forced City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic into a save.
A few minutes later Begovic also denied Tom Cleverley with the substitute through on goal.
Wigan finally made the breakthrough in the 78th minute when their striker partnership combined to give them the lead – Charles N’Zogbia supplied the perfect cross for Hugo Rodallega to head home the most important goal in the Latics’ season.
With other results going against Martinez’s men in a tension-filled afternoon, a draw would not have kept Wigan in the top-flight.
There was a frantic end to the game – Stoke had a penalty appeal turned down, and then Wigan had to endure five minutes of added time.
Despite Stoke’s best efforts they could not get an equaliser, allowing the Wigan players and fans to celebrate their survival at the final whistle.
Everton captain Phil Neville believes Australia international Tim Cahill is the club’s talisman.
The midfielder scored the opening goal in Sunday’s 2-0 Merseyside victory against Liverpool, a result that lifted David Moyes’ side up to mid-table.
The 30-year-old free-scoring former Millwall star has now found the net five times against the Reds and has the impressive record of 60 goals in just over 200 appearances for Everton.
Neville said of Cahill:“I don’t think we should ever take him for granted. I look back at great players who’ve played for this club and Duncan Ferguson is one that stands out for me and Tim is right up there with him now.
“He’s our talisman and he’s the one who flies back from Australia and gets out onto the training field and plays in the derby.
“The only surprise is that he played it in with his foot and not his head. I think that is his first goal with his foot for Everton for a long time.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Leandro Damiao has confirmed that Tottenham have made a bid for him, but rumours that Paris-Saint Germain are set to enter the race for his signature are unfounded.
The Internacional forward has a long list of European suitors after impressive domestic performances have catapulted him into the Brazil national squad.
The South American marksman has stated that Harry Redknapp’s men have made an offer to his employers, but that at this stage there has been no contact from PSG.
“All that I know is that Tottenham made an offer, but no offer from PSG,” Damiao told Telefoot, translated into English by The Daily Mail.
“I didn’t have any contact with Leonardo. I just know him from World Cup 1994. Ronaldinho with PSG, it was super.
“Who knows? Perhaps that I will be one day there. Everyone dreams of this club. But, we should not go more quickly than the music.
“In July, if there is a proposal we will discuss about it. But for now, I think just about my club and Copa Libertadores,” he concluded.
Spurs are thought to be in the market for a new goalscorer due to the uncertainty over Emmanuel Adebayor’s future, with Marseille hitman Loic Remy also a possible target.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Commentators and pundits are always keen to tell us that the International game has lost its edge over domestic and European football. But, without a doubt if I could only watch one game a year it would be the World Cup final every time. International football is the arena where players test themselves to the highest degree. The pressures that come with representing your nation far outweigh the pressures of domestic and European football. Thos simple fact got me thinking: all the medals in the world seem to pail into insignificance if you haven’t been called up to your senior International squad. Here are five players that have never been called up by their nation, and I am sure you will agree, if these players never received a cap, the standard can’t be that bad.
Steve Bruce
Formed one of the strongest defensive partnerships Manchester United and arguably the Premier League have ever had but Steve Bruce was never seen to have the ability to cut it for England. It is one of the true injustices in football that a man who played 309 times for Manchester United and won three Premier League titles was never considered for the England side. Sure, England had some great defenders in the 80′s and 90′s but somehow it seems wrong that he never got a chance in the side. However, his domestic career was hardly bad so I am sure he cant take some solace from that.
Steed Malbranque
This midfielder who has played over 200 times in the Premier League has never been considered good enough to play for the French national team. Without a doubt the French team has had some of the greatest players in world football but to never be capped is very strange. It’s especially queer, considering that during his time at Tottenham the midfielder was good enough to play for most international sides as his technique and craft was as good as anyone in the Premier League.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’right’]
Sylvain Distin
Sylvain Distin has always been considered a defender that is as solid as a rock. Distin is sure on the ball, good in the air and a threat in the opposition’s box but he has never been capped by the French national team. Very strange indeed considering he played 178 times for Manchester City and has been in sides that have won both the French Cup and the FA Cup. Surely there was a friendly match or a qualifying match somewhere along the line in which a French manager could have given Distin a chance to showcase his talents on the International scene.
Mikel Arteta
Most fans in the Premier League would want Mikel Arteta in their side. He is a player that would offer so much to any team – even Spain. He has a good eye for goal and his imagination, flair and intelligence have made him a star in the Premier League. Yet he has never been capped at full International level. Spain were not always the all conquering side that they are now, and four or five years ago Arteta should have won a few caps at least for Spain. Ivan Campo was capped four times and Arteta has not received one. There is something very wrong with that statistic.
Tony Coton
Without a doubt, Tony Coton has to be the most unfortunate goalkeeper in recent memory. He was simply born into the wrong era, he had to see the end of Peter Shilton’s days and witness the rise of David Seaman. He was a better goalkeeper than most of the ‘keepers England have had since David Seaman, he was just born in the wrong era. It is a shame for a goalkeeper that represented Manchester City 163 times and there can be no doubt that Tony Coton is one of the finest goalkeepers never to be capped at senior international level. Since retiring, Tony Coton become one of the top goakeeping coaches in the world but an injury and subsequent operations limited Coton’s involvement at Manchester United.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Feel free to add any others in the comments below…