Thursdays B*l**x (updated)
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:59 amTHE BOLLOX
City fans plan Wembley tribute to Mike Doyle
The former Blues captain, who passed away in 2011, lifted the League Cup when the club last claimed it in 1976 and supporters hope to pay homage.
City fans are planning a tribute to Mike Doyle in Sunday’s League Cup final, to honour the last skipper to lift the trophy.
Supporters are busy spreading the word to ensure that in the fourth minute of the clash with Sunderland - Doyle wore the number four shirt - the late legend’s name will ring around Wembley.
The idea came from City nut Daniel Timperley, who got to know Doyle as his wife worked in The Peaks pub in Ashton-under-Lyne, where the former City star was a regular.
The plan was sparked by the 2011 FA Cup win, when fans honoured Doyle’s former teammate Neil Young, who died during the run to the final.
Daniel originally from Audenshaw but now living in Mossley, said: “I was thinking back to the 2011 cup final, and the spirit of Neil Young.
“When we got to this final, the first image that came into my head was the iconic picture of him wearing the League Cup on his head in 1976.
“So I thought that if 2011 was about the spirit of Neil Young, why shouldn’t this one be about the spirit of Mike Doyle?”
The tweet was picked up by the 1894 Group of fans, who are dedicated to improving the atmosphere at the ground, and has received the backing of the supporters club and former players.
Some fans felt that the club did not pay a proper tribute to their former skipper when he died in June 2011, so Daniel and like-minded fans felt this would show that they remembered.
“I am just a bit too young to remember Mike as a player - I was born in 1982 and my first game was in 1987,” said Daniel. “But my dad is a massive Blue and said Mike and Dave Watson were the two best centre halves he had ever seen.”
The plan is to break into a chorus of “There’s Only One Mike Doyle” after four minutes of the final.
Mike’s son Scott, who is going to the game, was touched by the idea, saying: “It was a bit of a let down that nothing happened after my dad died.
“He was City’s most decorated player, third on the list of all-time appearances for the club, a Mancunian and a City fan, so that was disappointing.
“For the supporters to do this three years on is tremendous, and we do appreciate it. A lot of the people involved only know my dad through knowing their history - only City fans would remember their history in this way, after the transformation of the club.”
Dennis Tueart backs Man City to shade cup final
DENNIS Tueart says he will love reliving old memories at Wembley this weekend where he will be an ambassador for the Capital One Cup.
The former England winger tasted double cup glory in his career, having won the FA Cup with Sunderland in 1973 and then the League Cup with Manchester City in 1976.
Tueart’s spectacular overhead kick for the Blues against Newcastle United was recently voted the best moment in the competition’s 50-year plus history.
And Tueart says that the same chance for glory will fall to Sunderland’s players this weekend.
“A cup final is always special, no matter who you are and you’ve just got to look to take your chance,” he told the Gazette.
“A football career seems can seem like a lifetime when you’re living it but it is only short – eight, 10, or if you’re lucky 12 years at the top – and you have to make the most of it.
“Those cup finals have given me amazing memories and I’m going to love being at Wembley this weekend, like the fans themselves, and I really hope everyone has a great day.
“Of course it is all about winning but just reaching a cup final is an achievement, and this Sunday players who are not there would love to swap places with Sunderland players and supporters who are not there would love to swap places with Sunderland’s too.”
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, Tueart reckons that City are likely to have the advantage this weekend – but he still firmly believes Sunderland’s season can be a success whatever happens.
“It’s a difficult call for me because I’ve got so much feeling for both the clubs and their supporters – the North East and the North West,” said the Tynesider, who was at Sunderland from 1966-74 and City from ‘74-78.
“It’s a contrast between the individual skills that Man City have and the organised team ethic of Sunderland.
“I didn’t think Sunderland would get past Man United in the semi-final but they showed a fantastic attitude and desire to do so.
“They need to show that in the final against City and if they do – well Wigan showed in this final against City last year that it can be done.
“But if I had to be pushed I would think City will shade it.
“Having said that, I watched Sunderland in the league against Manchester City when Sunderland won that day.
“And I’ve also read that Gus has said that apart from Keiren Westwood, he’s now at full strength.
“That’s got to be a big help.
“So I think Sunderland have got what it takes to stay up, and after such a bad start, if they do stay up and can have the memory of reaching a League Cup final at Wembley, then they’ll be able to put that down as a successful season.”
Manchester City join the battle to sign Southampton's Luke Shaw
• City face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United
• Left-back is a Chelsea fan and parents live near Cobham
Southampton's Luke Shaw has attracted the interest of Manchester City and United but Chelsea are favourites to sign him.
Manchester City have identified Luke Shaw as a summer transfer target, with the manager, Manuel Pellegrini, intent on strengthening his options at left-back.
City face stiff competition from Chelsea and Manchester United for the 18-year-old but, with Gaël Clichy having lost his first-team berth and doubts about the defensive abilities of his replacement Aleksandar Kolarov, the Southampton defender represents an attractive, long-term investment.
Chelsea are in pole position, with Shaw being a fan of the club and the training ground in Cobham being close to where his parents live.
Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, 32, has hinted at a summer move to Manchester City despite having already signed a pre-contract agreement with AS Monaco. Mundo Deportivo
Sunderland boss fretting over Capital One Cup line-up for Man City
GUS POYET is fretting over the final two places in his cup final side after already deciding the bulk of Sunderland’s starting XI to face Manchester City.
Poyet claimed after last weekend’s 4-1 rout at Arsenal that he had ripped up his plans for Wembley, following a lacklustre display from Sunderland against Man City’s title rivals.
But after a period of reflection, Poyet has now cemented in his mind the majority of those players who will be handed a starting spot for the Capital One Cup final.
The Sunderland boss says a couple of places are still up for grabs though and they will depend on what he sees from his players on the training ground this week.
Poyet said: “I don’t know the team yet. I would say I know nine who will play, although I’m not going to tell (Man City manager, Manuel) Pellegrini!
“I’ve got eight or nine that I know will play, but there are still a couple of things that will depend on what I see this week.
“It depends how well they do the basics. We need to do the right things all the time and that means every day in training.
“If someone is going through a bad time or bad form, then I’m not going to take any risks in the final.
“You need to look for special players in special positions, and that’s why it’s not that clear.
“We don’t have that (Cristiano) Ronaldo or (Lionel) Messi that you’re going to play whatever.
“But I’ve got an idea of how I want to start the game, and then the rest will depend on the players.”
The striker role is Poyet’s chief selection dilemma, with Jozy Altidore netting just once in the Premier League this season, Steven Fletcher on his way back from an Achilles injury, Nacho Scocco short on match sharpness and Fabio Borini proving to be a success on the left flank.
Poyet is giving nothing away over who will lead the line at Wembley, but he does admit it’s a vital decision for him during the next 72 hours.
“I think the striker is a very important position,” added Poyet.
“I always say that when you’ve got an organised team and you’re fit enough, if you’ve got an outstanding goalkeeper and striker, you’ve got a great chance to get into the top 10.
“That’s the same in any league in the world.
“We’ve got better in terms of organisation, understanding the game and playing a certain way. Vito (Mannone) has been great too.
“But last week I challenged the strikers to make the difference.
“They are having chances and it’s up to them to take them.
“We’ll see. It’s a very, very important position - more than anyone thinks - and I need to make the right decision.”
It should be 'easy' for Pellegrini to win the title - Mancini
The former Manchester City boss believes Manuel Pellegrini has it much easier than he did in attempting to lead the club to Premier League glory this season.
Roberto Mancini believes Manuel Pellegrini should find it "easy" to win the Premier League with Manchester City this year.
The Italian helped the Blues to their first league title win in 44 years two seasons ago, as Sergio Aguero's last-gasp goal against QPR saw off neighbours United's challenge.
And Mancini thinks that the mental barrier his team overcame in claiming the crown makes his successor's job far less difficult.
“It's part of the past. I worked really well in Manchester and I am proud of what we did, we changed the history of Manchester," he told Sky Sports.
"Now it's easy to win with City because they changed the mentality three years ago and they have good players - it's not difficult to win.
"City will fight with Chelsea. Chelsea have improved a lot in the last two months, but I think in the end City will win the title."
Mancini and Galatasaray earned a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the first leg of the sides' Champions League last-16 encounter on Wednesday.
Ahead of the game, the former Blues boss claimed credit for Mourinho's 2010 Champions League success with Inter, which came after he had been sacked by the San Siro outfit.
Hollywood star Kevin Hart tucks penalty past England goalie Joe Hart
KEVIN Hart has done what some of the footballing greats are yet to do - score a penalty against England keeper Joe Hart.
As he let the happiness override him, the actor, who stands just over 5ft, jumped for joy and was just about facing up to the 6ft 5inch Manchester City goalie.
In funny footage, the 34-year-old American, who is promoting his new film Ride Along in the UK, told cameramen that he was going to "bang" Joe's "ass" with his spot kick.
He is heard saying: "This is me going up against Joey, A.K.A my cousin."
"The best goalie in the game right now and I'm about to bang his ass.
"I'm about to put it in the goal.
"I suggest you brace yourself Joe."
“I suggest you brace yourself Joe.”
Kevin Hart
Many laughed and others cringed, as the Scary Movie actor prepared for his big moment.
And with one precise kick, Joe was left motionless as the ball travelled into the bottom corner of the goal.
An ecstatic Kevin then couldn't contain his excitement.
The Five Year Engagement star jumped and screamed, repeating: 'Oh my god, this is the best day ever."
But the actor's fun wasn't over.
On his travels, Hart visited the Coronation Street set and met some of the cast.
He tweeted: "There's a Hollywood film star paying a visit to the #Corrie cobbles today…"
Hart fit right in as he poured himself a pint in the Rovers Return and looked like a natural Corrie character.
Maybe there could be a part opening up for the larger-than-life actor in the future?
Penalty VIDEO: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz/3673 ... Kevin-Hart
Atletico Madrid U19 0-1 Manchester City U19
Cole's solitary strike enough to book quarter-final place in UEFA Youth League
Devante Cole scored the only goal of the game but it was enough for Patrick Vieira's side to book their place in the quarter-final of the Under 19 UEFA Youth League.
Devante is the son of former Manchester United, Newcastle and England striker Andrew.
The striker, who has played for England Under 18s, applied a simple finish to Thierry Ambrose's through ball.
Ambrose was starting in his first game at this level, having been promoted by Vieira after impressing in the Under 18s, where he has 16 goals this season.
City did well to silence a loud home crowd and started brightly, creating a good shooting chance just five minutes into the game, but Marcos Lopes couldn't hit the target.
The visitors continued to press but Cole could not quite connect with a Sinan Bytyqi cross that would have led to a goal.
Atletico then had a good chance before Cole converted Ambrose's pass on 24 minutes, firing home to score.
However, within minutes there was almost an equaliser, but thanks to Billy O'Brien pulling off an acrobatic save from a free-kick so the game stayed at 1-0.
Ambrose himself then had a chance and CIty were lucky not to be level when Jony went through on goal just before half-time - but the striker blazed over.
In the second period O'Brien was forced into a couple more excellent moves, while Cole, Ambrose, Bytyqi and Lopes were all guilty of missing decent chances.
Responding to support from their supporters Atletico pushed for a goal, pinning City back inside their own half.
But thanks to some stout defending from Shay Facey - and a bad miss by Atletico midfielder Kunde Malong - City were able to hold on to their narrow lead.
Meet the Manchester City star who will be cheering for Sunderland this weekend
SUNDERLAND FAN: Steph Houghton (right) might play for Manchester City's Women's team, but she will be supporting Sunderland this weekend
HAVE you heard the one about the Manchester City captain who’s supporting Sunderland in this weekend’s Capital One Cup final?
Well, you should have. Because as Sunday’s game approaches, they’re not exactly shy about expressing their red-and-white affinity.
“People have been asking me, ‘Do you have split loyalties?’,” said Steph Houghton, born and raised in South Hetton but now a key member of the newly-assembled Manchester City Women’s side that is expected to take this season’s rebranded Super League by storm. “I tell them there’ll be nothing split about my loyalties on Sunday afternoon.
“We’re part of the same club as the Manchester City men and we train alongside some of the junior players down at the academy, but that all goes out of the window once Sunday’s final begins. I haven’t supported Sunderland all my life to give up now we have the first real chance of actually winning something!”
Houghton’s loyalty is matched by that of her team-mate, Jill Scott, another Sunderland Ladies product who has been attracted to the bright lights of the blue side of Manchester.
Together, the pair have launched a staunch defence of the Black Cats ever since the identity of the two Capital One Cup finalists became clear.
“There’s been quite a lot of ribbing around the club,” said Houghton. “At the City end, everyone’s really excited. I wouldn’t say they’re taking it for granted, but there’s a pretty strong belief that they’re going to win.
“Me and Jill have been defending Sunderland against that. We’ve been trying to talk up our chances, although it hasn’t always been easy.
“A few of us have been lucky enough to get tickets for a few of the Man City games recently, and there have been times when I’ve been sat there thinking, ‘Oh my God, how are we going to stop that?’ You watch Yaya Toure rampaging through the middle and think, ‘What are we going to do against him?’
“But it’s a one-off game and you just never know what’s going to happen. As a Sunderland supporter, you just hope a few strange things happen and you come out on top.”
Houghton’s biggest disappointment is that she won’t be at Wembley in person on Sunday because she flies to Cyprus with the England squad tomorrow ahead of the prestigious Cyprus Cup tournament.
The exact timing of the weekend training sessions is still to be confirmed, but Houghton will be doing all she can to ensure she has a front-row seat when Sunday’s action gets under way at 2pm.
“We’ve been badgering the coaching staff to try to make sure we can see the game,” she said. “They haven’t given us a definitive answer yet, but hopefully we’ll train in the morning and be free in the afternoon.
“It’s a shame I can’t be there, although that hasn’t stopped my phone ringing with people wanting tickets. I thought it might go a bit crazy, but I didn’t really expect anything like this.
“Thankfully, I’ve been able to sort things out for most of my family, but I think I probably need to leave the country just to get a bit of peace from all the calls and texts.”
The Cyprus Cup, which is the highest-profile women’s international tournament behind the World Cup and European Championships, pits England against Italy, Finland and Canada, and offers Houghton an opportunity to reprise the proudest moment of her career, which came last month.
Having started out in the Northern Division with Sunderland in 2002, the 25-year-old achieved the highest accolade in the women’s game when she was awarded the England captain’s armband for the recent friendly with Norway.
New England boss Mark Sampson is yet to decide on his permanent skipper, but given her vast experience and standing in the game, Houghton would appear a logical choice.
That would be quite an achievement for the personable full-back, who did much to raise the status and profile of women’s football in this country thanks to her goalscoring heroics for Team GB in the 2012 Olympics.
“It was a massive honour to be captain, and something I’ll never forget,” she said. “It’s a bit of a new era, with a new-look team, but we’re all really excited about what the future might hold.
“The new manager wants us to be positive with the ball and play a high-pressure game, and that’s something we’re all really keen to buy in to. We played Canada in the final of last year’s Cyprus Cup, and beat them 1-0, so this year’s competition will tell us a lot about where we are.”
Once the tournament is over, thoughts will turn to the new-look Super League, which will feature Manchester City in the top-flight, and both Sunderland Ladies and Durham Women in the second division, for the first time.
Like the men’s side, Manchester City have plundered some of the best talent in the country to assemble a team that should sweep all before them. A nice position to be in then, but also one that brings its pressures.
“We’ve got a really exciting side,” said Houghton, who skippered City in the first half of their opening pre-season friendly this month. “We’ve got Karen Bardsley, who’s England’s number one keeper, Jill Scott, who’s probably the best box-to-box midfielder in the country, and Toni Duggan, who’s the brightest young player in the game.
“But some of the other teams have really strengthened too, so we won’t be taking anything for granted. We want to win trophies, and I’m sure the men’s team would say exactly the same. I’ll be cheering them on in every competition they play in this season – except one. This Sunday, I’m Sunderland through and through.”
[spoiler]Scarlet Bouvier ... MCFC sweetie
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Champions League power rankings: English trio drop places following first leg defeats
Following the last-16 first legs, Miguel Delaney gives his assessment of where the contenders stand in the pursuit of European football's top prize
For all the understandable excitement about the return of the Champions League, the vast majority of the second legs already feel very flat. It’s difficult to think of a season where so many of the last-16 tieswere so one-sided at the half-way point.
The nature of those results has led to a lot of discussion about the disparate quality of different leagues, but it probably says much more about the disparity between the super clubs and the rest. In a few cases, one or two of those clubs have been unfortunate to come up against another. So, where do they lie in the latest power rankings?
Don't forget the power rankings are done in order of anticipated likelihood to win the competition and qualify for the next round, taking into account both long-term results and recent performances.
The root of them is that too much should never be read into any single result.
1. Bayern Munich (no change, 2-0 win v Arsenal)
It was Arsene Wenger who first described Bayern Munich as “super favourites” for this season’s Champions League, but also his Arsenal team that first made them look less than super human. Sure, Manchester City eventually put it up to them in the final group game, but that was a peculiar contest in which it still felt like things were already decided - despite the closeness of the final score and table.
By contrast, that first half-hour at the Emirates was probably the most intense and tense period of Champions League football this season. For 10 minutes, most conspicuously, Bayern looked badly rattled and very much on the ropes. That hasn’t really been the case since... well, the last 10 minutes of their second leg against Arsenal last season. That, however, could be as ominos as the magnificent manner in which Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos eventually overran Wenger’s side here.
For all Arsenal’s talk of building on that game away to Bayern last season, the Germans have said they learned just as much. They tightened up elements that helped them to eventually trample Juventus and Barcelona on the way to the 2013 final. It will be telling whether this match has the same effect. Will it illustrate a way to properly attack Bayern, or will it merely mean they shore up one of the few remaining weaknesses? That could be key. Otherwise, they remain on course to retain this trophy.
2. Real Madrid (up one, 6-1 win v Schalke)
In a week of one-sided ties, Real Madrid provided the most crushingly emphatic win. While most of the other super-clubs just swept opposition away, the Spanish side simply used Schalke as a canvas. In the process, they produced some stunning and vivid images - not least those involving Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It all points to the understated manner in which Carlo Ancelotti is fine-tuning an overwhelming team. Alongside victories such as this, you only have to look at the long unbeaten run that has taken them to the top of the Spanish league. It could yet take them back to the Champions League final. Real, on this evidence, are going to require some stopping.
3. Barcelona (down one, 2-0 win v Manchester City)
It may seem unusual and somewhat unfair for Barca to drop down a place after a dominant win away to one of the best sides in Europe, but there was still something just a little off about it all.
For a start, as in the Arsenal-Bayern game, it would have been much informative and engaging had we not witnessed a juncture red card. Instead, the tie was suddenly opened up for Barca, who duly closed out a win. Before then, though, Tata Martino’s were struggling to prise City apart and it was arguably the English side that had the superior chances. It was almost as if all the old stuff about “sterile domination” was suddenly proven.
Under Pep Guardiola, it was often genuinely a case of opposition sides only putting forth blanket defences. Here, there wasn’t quite the same imagination about pulling it away. Barca controlled the ball and the territory but never quite controlled to the pace to the point of really making City panic. It was if they needed that extra dimension or simply Leo Messi to do something.
In the end, that happened, as the Argentine's lightning reactions eventually caused that anxiety in Martin Dimechelis. The crux of their campaign, however, could be whether Martino can eventually offer that extra level or Messi can provide it consistently enough. A player of his quality is, after all, the one thing even Bayern don’t have.
4. Borussia Dortmund (no change, 4-2 win v Zenit St Petersburg)
After so many ructions, and so many questions, there was a finally a sense that Jurgen Klopp’s team had found something of a groove in Europe again. This win was more of the sort of energy we associated with Dortmund over the past two years, and they clearly retain that unshakable mentality. That means that, even if they are not quite the same force with the loss of the likes of Mario Goetze, they will remain one of the most dangerous sides.
5. Chelsea (no change, 1-1 draw v Galatasaray)
It was far from the perfect performance by the end, and could really have been a much better result, but the 1-1 draw in Istanbul was still very much a positive outcome. That reflects a truth of Chelsea’s campaign, and why they have always been the best equipped of the English to go furthest in the Champions League. Jose Mourinho has developed an impressive capacity to always do the minimum required, as this game displayed. Sure, they didn’t win it, but it’s still Galatasaray that have it all to do in the second leg. Mourinho should ensure Chelsea do enough. Few can match his tactical preparation.
6. Atletico Madrid (up one, 1-0 win v AC Milan)
This was not Diego Simeone’s side at their best but that perhaps illustrates why they best fit the old description of dark horses. Atletico still got the result they needed. They are hugely difficult opposition and no-one will want to face them.
7. Paris Saint-Germain (up three, 4-0 win v Bayer Leverkusen)
A team that have undeniably moved from that status of an awkward draw for the dominant sides, to the tier just below them. PSG may not be the real deal yet, but they are getting impressively close, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic especially manipulating every margin so magnificently.
8. Olympiakos (up six, 2-0 win v Manchester United)
They didn’t exactly have to be spectacularly motivated to beat a stricken Manchester United, but the point is that they did every individual job well enough to fully take advantage. Now, they will have no fear about the return, even if few other sides will in turn fear Olympiakos.
9. Galatasaray (up two, 1-1 v Chelsea)
For the first half of their tie with Chelsea, it seemed like Jose Mourinho was expertly proving a point to Roberto Mancini after the comments about the 2010 Champions League. By the end of the game, though, the Italian had seemingly disproved a common argument about himself. The Galatasaray boss may have got his starting approach atrociously wrong, but he had the bravery and the intuition to rectify it and completely turn the game. It could have won it, and Galatasaray were belatedly brilliant, but it at least ensures this is one of few ties still in the balance.
10. Manchester City (down four, 2-0 defeat v Barcelona)
As much as Barcelona eventually made City look second-rate in the first leg, this tie still feels like it has more potential than most to turn. If Manuel Pellegrini’s side rediscover their evident attacking verve, and if they can get the first goal, the tone and dynamic will change. City are one of the few with the quality to raise a tie to that kind of level. There is also the laxness of Barca’s defence. Sure, the fact the Catalans will dominate possession will in all likelihood put them through - but City are well capable of still putting it up to them. At the very least, this will probably still have some level of interest.
11. Manchester United (down two, 2-0 defeat v Olympiakos)
The most damning aspect of this defeat for Manchester United was that, in their most important game of the season so far, the English champions offered their worst performance. This dismal display was the consequence and combination of everything wrong with the David Moyes regime so far. It was like an English side in Europe in the mid-90s.
At the very least, all of that means that United have yet another “most important game of the season”: the second leg. As such, they also have an opportunity to rectify these mistakes. Similarly, there is a chance that a team as moderate as Olympiakos will crumble under the lights of Old Trafford; that the unique European atmosphere of the ground will properly inspire the likes of Wayne Rooney. That is eminently possible. It also sums up where the team are that they are effectively looking to such intangibles.
12. Arsenal (down four, 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich)
It is not because of Arsenal's performance or result that they have dropped so low, but only because they face such awesome opposition. Weighing it up, you would think Arsene Wenger's side now have a minimum chance of going through, but there is some hope if they can maximise the lessons of the first 10 minutes at the Emirates. The real regret should be that, in the group stage, they let the opportunity to play a more forgiving team.
13. Milan (up two, 1-0 defeat v Atletico Madrid)
Milan have partly moved up by default, and the atrocious defeats suffered by other sides, but it also shouldn’t be overlooked that this was one of their best performances of the seasons and so improved. It sums their fall, though, that it still wasn’t sufficient to even claim a safe 0-0 draw. The performance should give some hope for the second leg, but not much more than that given how few sides in European Cup history have overcome a first-leg home defeat.
14. Zenit St Petersburg (up two, 4-2 defeat v Borussia Dortmund)
Unlike so many easily-dismissed first-leg sides, Zenit managed to land a punch on their opposition. They also conceded more, and it’s difficult not to think we’ll see more of the same in the second leg.
15. Bayer Leverkusen (down three, 4-0 defeat v Paris Saint-Germain)
Yet another thrashing, in what has been painfully educational campaign.
16. Schalke (down three, 6-1 defeat v Real Madrid)
Pointless to say much, since Real rendered them irrelevant
Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra, 32, could follow defensive partner Nemanja Vidic to Inter Milan at the end of the season after the Italian club opened talks with the Frenchman. Daily Express
Everton have beaten Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool to the signature of 15-year-old Irish prodigy Stephen Kinsella from Templeogue United. TalkSHIT
Liverpool are lining up a £5m bid to sign Bojan Krkic, 23, from Barcelona. The Spain striker is currently on loan at Ajax Amsterdam. Daily Mirror
Atletico Madrid have made Tottenham's Roberto Soldado their number one target for the summer, as the 28-year-old striker struggles in the Premier League following his move from Valencia. TalkSHIT
Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, 37, says Aston Villa want him to leave in the summer. Daily Star
Tottenham full-back Kyle Naughton will leave White Hart Lane this summer because the 25-year-old wants to be used as a right-back rather than on the left side of defence. Daily Mirror
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 27, has paid tribute to captain Steven Gerrard for his instrumental role in ensuring the Uruguayan stayed at Anfield. Four Four Two
Meanwhile, the club's in-form midfielder Jordan Henderson, 23, says he has to be told when to stop training as he likes to do extra sessions. Daily Star
European football's governing body Uefa may allow television companies to broadcast the on-field exchanges between match officials. Daily Telegraph
Manchester United players are 'bemused' by manager David Moyes' tactics, especially his insistence that the central midfielders stay behind the ball. Times
Manchester United's owners, the Glazer family, retain faith in Moyes despite the Scot's difficult start at Old Trafford. Guardian
Wolfsburg and Croatia striker Ivica Olic, 34, says he has held talks with Stoke over a possible summer switch to the Britannia Stadium. Daily Mirror
Former Wales assistant coach Raymond Verheijen has criticised a "desperate" Manchester United for handing Wayne Rooney a new contract and believes Dutch striker Robin van Persie should leave Old Trafford if he wants to win trophies. Evening Standard
In the wake of their Champions League defeat at Olympiakos, Van Persie, 30, has criticised his Manchester United team-mates for a lack of service as it is revealed goalkeeper David De Gea played the most passes to the Dutchman. DSSC
The Red Devils will block any attempts by Van Persie to leave Old Trafford in the summer. Daily Telegraph
Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj, 19, has turned down the chance to represent Kosovo at international level. Daily Star
A number of Championship sides have threatened the Football League with a legal challenge over financial fair play (FFP) rules. Guardian
Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin - who has been targeted by Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham - is now unlikely to move to the Premier League after the 27-year-old said he wants to stay with the Italian club for the rest of his career. Daily Express
New Fulham manager Felix Magath decided to send Ryan Tunnicliffe, 21, and Larnell Cole, 20, out on loan to Wigan and MK Dons respectively after holding just one training session with the club. DSSC
Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 21, has been lined up to replace Valdes at Barcelona in the summer.
AS.com
Bayern Munich sports director Matthias Sammer says Barcelona target Thomas Mueller, 24, is not for sale. Marca
Juventus will rebuff any bid from Paris Saint-Germain for their 20-year-old French midfielder Paul Pogba. Tuttosport
One Direction fans were less than impressed by pop star Louis Tomlinson's debut for Doncaster Rovers reserves last night. Tomlinson, 22, came on as a second-half substitute but incurred the wrath of some in the 5,333 crowd by failing to sign autographs afterwards. Independent
One frustrated Manchester United fan has taken his feelings on manager David Moyes to a new level by having 'Moyes Out' tattooed on his body. Metro
Scotland's new away kit for their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign has been widely criticised on social media for its colourful design. Independent
MORE BOLLOX SOON
City fans plan Wembley tribute to Mike Doyle
The former Blues captain, who passed away in 2011, lifted the League Cup when the club last claimed it in 1976 and supporters hope to pay homage.
City fans are planning a tribute to Mike Doyle in Sunday’s League Cup final, to honour the last skipper to lift the trophy.
Supporters are busy spreading the word to ensure that in the fourth minute of the clash with Sunderland - Doyle wore the number four shirt - the late legend’s name will ring around Wembley.
The idea came from City nut Daniel Timperley, who got to know Doyle as his wife worked in The Peaks pub in Ashton-under-Lyne, where the former City star was a regular.
The plan was sparked by the 2011 FA Cup win, when fans honoured Doyle’s former teammate Neil Young, who died during the run to the final.
Daniel originally from Audenshaw but now living in Mossley, said: “I was thinking back to the 2011 cup final, and the spirit of Neil Young.
“When we got to this final, the first image that came into my head was the iconic picture of him wearing the League Cup on his head in 1976.
“So I thought that if 2011 was about the spirit of Neil Young, why shouldn’t this one be about the spirit of Mike Doyle?”
The tweet was picked up by the 1894 Group of fans, who are dedicated to improving the atmosphere at the ground, and has received the backing of the supporters club and former players.
Some fans felt that the club did not pay a proper tribute to their former skipper when he died in June 2011, so Daniel and like-minded fans felt this would show that they remembered.
“I am just a bit too young to remember Mike as a player - I was born in 1982 and my first game was in 1987,” said Daniel. “But my dad is a massive Blue and said Mike and Dave Watson were the two best centre halves he had ever seen.”
The plan is to break into a chorus of “There’s Only One Mike Doyle” after four minutes of the final.
Mike’s son Scott, who is going to the game, was touched by the idea, saying: “It was a bit of a let down that nothing happened after my dad died.
“He was City’s most decorated player, third on the list of all-time appearances for the club, a Mancunian and a City fan, so that was disappointing.
“For the supporters to do this three years on is tremendous, and we do appreciate it. A lot of the people involved only know my dad through knowing their history - only City fans would remember their history in this way, after the transformation of the club.”
Dennis Tueart backs Man City to shade cup final
DENNIS Tueart says he will love reliving old memories at Wembley this weekend where he will be an ambassador for the Capital One Cup.
The former England winger tasted double cup glory in his career, having won the FA Cup with Sunderland in 1973 and then the League Cup with Manchester City in 1976.
Tueart’s spectacular overhead kick for the Blues against Newcastle United was recently voted the best moment in the competition’s 50-year plus history.
And Tueart says that the same chance for glory will fall to Sunderland’s players this weekend.
“A cup final is always special, no matter who you are and you’ve just got to look to take your chance,” he told the Gazette.
“A football career seems can seem like a lifetime when you’re living it but it is only short – eight, 10, or if you’re lucky 12 years at the top – and you have to make the most of it.
“Those cup finals have given me amazing memories and I’m going to love being at Wembley this weekend, like the fans themselves, and I really hope everyone has a great day.
“Of course it is all about winning but just reaching a cup final is an achievement, and this Sunday players who are not there would love to swap places with Sunderland players and supporters who are not there would love to swap places with Sunderland’s too.”
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, Tueart reckons that City are likely to have the advantage this weekend – but he still firmly believes Sunderland’s season can be a success whatever happens.
“It’s a difficult call for me because I’ve got so much feeling for both the clubs and their supporters – the North East and the North West,” said the Tynesider, who was at Sunderland from 1966-74 and City from ‘74-78.
“It’s a contrast between the individual skills that Man City have and the organised team ethic of Sunderland.
“I didn’t think Sunderland would get past Man United in the semi-final but they showed a fantastic attitude and desire to do so.
“They need to show that in the final against City and if they do – well Wigan showed in this final against City last year that it can be done.
“But if I had to be pushed I would think City will shade it.
“Having said that, I watched Sunderland in the league against Manchester City when Sunderland won that day.
“And I’ve also read that Gus has said that apart from Keiren Westwood, he’s now at full strength.
“That’s got to be a big help.
“So I think Sunderland have got what it takes to stay up, and after such a bad start, if they do stay up and can have the memory of reaching a League Cup final at Wembley, then they’ll be able to put that down as a successful season.”
Manchester City join the battle to sign Southampton's Luke Shaw
• City face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United
• Left-back is a Chelsea fan and parents live near Cobham
Southampton's Luke Shaw has attracted the interest of Manchester City and United but Chelsea are favourites to sign him.
Manchester City have identified Luke Shaw as a summer transfer target, with the manager, Manuel Pellegrini, intent on strengthening his options at left-back.
City face stiff competition from Chelsea and Manchester United for the 18-year-old but, with Gaël Clichy having lost his first-team berth and doubts about the defensive abilities of his replacement Aleksandar Kolarov, the Southampton defender represents an attractive, long-term investment.
Chelsea are in pole position, with Shaw being a fan of the club and the training ground in Cobham being close to where his parents live.
Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, 32, has hinted at a summer move to Manchester City despite having already signed a pre-contract agreement with AS Monaco. Mundo Deportivo
Sunderland boss fretting over Capital One Cup line-up for Man City
GUS POYET is fretting over the final two places in his cup final side after already deciding the bulk of Sunderland’s starting XI to face Manchester City.
Poyet claimed after last weekend’s 4-1 rout at Arsenal that he had ripped up his plans for Wembley, following a lacklustre display from Sunderland against Man City’s title rivals.
But after a period of reflection, Poyet has now cemented in his mind the majority of those players who will be handed a starting spot for the Capital One Cup final.
The Sunderland boss says a couple of places are still up for grabs though and they will depend on what he sees from his players on the training ground this week.
Poyet said: “I don’t know the team yet. I would say I know nine who will play, although I’m not going to tell (Man City manager, Manuel) Pellegrini!
“I’ve got eight or nine that I know will play, but there are still a couple of things that will depend on what I see this week.
“It depends how well they do the basics. We need to do the right things all the time and that means every day in training.
“If someone is going through a bad time or bad form, then I’m not going to take any risks in the final.
“You need to look for special players in special positions, and that’s why it’s not that clear.
“We don’t have that (Cristiano) Ronaldo or (Lionel) Messi that you’re going to play whatever.
“But I’ve got an idea of how I want to start the game, and then the rest will depend on the players.”
The striker role is Poyet’s chief selection dilemma, with Jozy Altidore netting just once in the Premier League this season, Steven Fletcher on his way back from an Achilles injury, Nacho Scocco short on match sharpness and Fabio Borini proving to be a success on the left flank.
Poyet is giving nothing away over who will lead the line at Wembley, but he does admit it’s a vital decision for him during the next 72 hours.
“I think the striker is a very important position,” added Poyet.
“I always say that when you’ve got an organised team and you’re fit enough, if you’ve got an outstanding goalkeeper and striker, you’ve got a great chance to get into the top 10.
“That’s the same in any league in the world.
“We’ve got better in terms of organisation, understanding the game and playing a certain way. Vito (Mannone) has been great too.
“But last week I challenged the strikers to make the difference.
“They are having chances and it’s up to them to take them.
“We’ll see. It’s a very, very important position - more than anyone thinks - and I need to make the right decision.”
It should be 'easy' for Pellegrini to win the title - Mancini
The former Manchester City boss believes Manuel Pellegrini has it much easier than he did in attempting to lead the club to Premier League glory this season.
Roberto Mancini believes Manuel Pellegrini should find it "easy" to win the Premier League with Manchester City this year.
The Italian helped the Blues to their first league title win in 44 years two seasons ago, as Sergio Aguero's last-gasp goal against QPR saw off neighbours United's challenge.
And Mancini thinks that the mental barrier his team overcame in claiming the crown makes his successor's job far less difficult.
“It's part of the past. I worked really well in Manchester and I am proud of what we did, we changed the history of Manchester," he told Sky Sports.
"Now it's easy to win with City because they changed the mentality three years ago and they have good players - it's not difficult to win.
"City will fight with Chelsea. Chelsea have improved a lot in the last two months, but I think in the end City will win the title."
Mancini and Galatasaray earned a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the first leg of the sides' Champions League last-16 encounter on Wednesday.
Ahead of the game, the former Blues boss claimed credit for Mourinho's 2010 Champions League success with Inter, which came after he had been sacked by the San Siro outfit.
Hollywood star Kevin Hart tucks penalty past England goalie Joe Hart
KEVIN Hart has done what some of the footballing greats are yet to do - score a penalty against England keeper Joe Hart.
As he let the happiness override him, the actor, who stands just over 5ft, jumped for joy and was just about facing up to the 6ft 5inch Manchester City goalie.
In funny footage, the 34-year-old American, who is promoting his new film Ride Along in the UK, told cameramen that he was going to "bang" Joe's "ass" with his spot kick.
He is heard saying: "This is me going up against Joey, A.K.A my cousin."
"The best goalie in the game right now and I'm about to bang his ass.
"I'm about to put it in the goal.
"I suggest you brace yourself Joe."
“I suggest you brace yourself Joe.”
Kevin Hart
Many laughed and others cringed, as the Scary Movie actor prepared for his big moment.
And with one precise kick, Joe was left motionless as the ball travelled into the bottom corner of the goal.
An ecstatic Kevin then couldn't contain his excitement.
The Five Year Engagement star jumped and screamed, repeating: 'Oh my god, this is the best day ever."
But the actor's fun wasn't over.
On his travels, Hart visited the Coronation Street set and met some of the cast.
He tweeted: "There's a Hollywood film star paying a visit to the #Corrie cobbles today…"
Hart fit right in as he poured himself a pint in the Rovers Return and looked like a natural Corrie character.
Maybe there could be a part opening up for the larger-than-life actor in the future?
Penalty VIDEO: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz/3673 ... Kevin-Hart
Atletico Madrid U19 0-1 Manchester City U19
Cole's solitary strike enough to book quarter-final place in UEFA Youth League
Devante Cole scored the only goal of the game but it was enough for Patrick Vieira's side to book their place in the quarter-final of the Under 19 UEFA Youth League.
Devante is the son of former Manchester United, Newcastle and England striker Andrew.
The striker, who has played for England Under 18s, applied a simple finish to Thierry Ambrose's through ball.
Ambrose was starting in his first game at this level, having been promoted by Vieira after impressing in the Under 18s, where he has 16 goals this season.
City did well to silence a loud home crowd and started brightly, creating a good shooting chance just five minutes into the game, but Marcos Lopes couldn't hit the target.
The visitors continued to press but Cole could not quite connect with a Sinan Bytyqi cross that would have led to a goal.
Atletico then had a good chance before Cole converted Ambrose's pass on 24 minutes, firing home to score.
However, within minutes there was almost an equaliser, but thanks to Billy O'Brien pulling off an acrobatic save from a free-kick so the game stayed at 1-0.
Ambrose himself then had a chance and CIty were lucky not to be level when Jony went through on goal just before half-time - but the striker blazed over.
In the second period O'Brien was forced into a couple more excellent moves, while Cole, Ambrose, Bytyqi and Lopes were all guilty of missing decent chances.
Responding to support from their supporters Atletico pushed for a goal, pinning City back inside their own half.
But thanks to some stout defending from Shay Facey - and a bad miss by Atletico midfielder Kunde Malong - City were able to hold on to their narrow lead.
Meet the Manchester City star who will be cheering for Sunderland this weekend
SUNDERLAND FAN: Steph Houghton (right) might play for Manchester City's Women's team, but she will be supporting Sunderland this weekend
HAVE you heard the one about the Manchester City captain who’s supporting Sunderland in this weekend’s Capital One Cup final?
Well, you should have. Because as Sunday’s game approaches, they’re not exactly shy about expressing their red-and-white affinity.
“People have been asking me, ‘Do you have split loyalties?’,” said Steph Houghton, born and raised in South Hetton but now a key member of the newly-assembled Manchester City Women’s side that is expected to take this season’s rebranded Super League by storm. “I tell them there’ll be nothing split about my loyalties on Sunday afternoon.
“We’re part of the same club as the Manchester City men and we train alongside some of the junior players down at the academy, but that all goes out of the window once Sunday’s final begins. I haven’t supported Sunderland all my life to give up now we have the first real chance of actually winning something!”
Houghton’s loyalty is matched by that of her team-mate, Jill Scott, another Sunderland Ladies product who has been attracted to the bright lights of the blue side of Manchester.
Together, the pair have launched a staunch defence of the Black Cats ever since the identity of the two Capital One Cup finalists became clear.
“There’s been quite a lot of ribbing around the club,” said Houghton. “At the City end, everyone’s really excited. I wouldn’t say they’re taking it for granted, but there’s a pretty strong belief that they’re going to win.
“Me and Jill have been defending Sunderland against that. We’ve been trying to talk up our chances, although it hasn’t always been easy.
“A few of us have been lucky enough to get tickets for a few of the Man City games recently, and there have been times when I’ve been sat there thinking, ‘Oh my God, how are we going to stop that?’ You watch Yaya Toure rampaging through the middle and think, ‘What are we going to do against him?’
“But it’s a one-off game and you just never know what’s going to happen. As a Sunderland supporter, you just hope a few strange things happen and you come out on top.”
Houghton’s biggest disappointment is that she won’t be at Wembley in person on Sunday because she flies to Cyprus with the England squad tomorrow ahead of the prestigious Cyprus Cup tournament.
The exact timing of the weekend training sessions is still to be confirmed, but Houghton will be doing all she can to ensure she has a front-row seat when Sunday’s action gets under way at 2pm.
“We’ve been badgering the coaching staff to try to make sure we can see the game,” she said. “They haven’t given us a definitive answer yet, but hopefully we’ll train in the morning and be free in the afternoon.
“It’s a shame I can’t be there, although that hasn’t stopped my phone ringing with people wanting tickets. I thought it might go a bit crazy, but I didn’t really expect anything like this.
“Thankfully, I’ve been able to sort things out for most of my family, but I think I probably need to leave the country just to get a bit of peace from all the calls and texts.”
The Cyprus Cup, which is the highest-profile women’s international tournament behind the World Cup and European Championships, pits England against Italy, Finland and Canada, and offers Houghton an opportunity to reprise the proudest moment of her career, which came last month.
Having started out in the Northern Division with Sunderland in 2002, the 25-year-old achieved the highest accolade in the women’s game when she was awarded the England captain’s armband for the recent friendly with Norway.
New England boss Mark Sampson is yet to decide on his permanent skipper, but given her vast experience and standing in the game, Houghton would appear a logical choice.
That would be quite an achievement for the personable full-back, who did much to raise the status and profile of women’s football in this country thanks to her goalscoring heroics for Team GB in the 2012 Olympics.
“It was a massive honour to be captain, and something I’ll never forget,” she said. “It’s a bit of a new era, with a new-look team, but we’re all really excited about what the future might hold.
“The new manager wants us to be positive with the ball and play a high-pressure game, and that’s something we’re all really keen to buy in to. We played Canada in the final of last year’s Cyprus Cup, and beat them 1-0, so this year’s competition will tell us a lot about where we are.”
Once the tournament is over, thoughts will turn to the new-look Super League, which will feature Manchester City in the top-flight, and both Sunderland Ladies and Durham Women in the second division, for the first time.
Like the men’s side, Manchester City have plundered some of the best talent in the country to assemble a team that should sweep all before them. A nice position to be in then, but also one that brings its pressures.
“We’ve got a really exciting side,” said Houghton, who skippered City in the first half of their opening pre-season friendly this month. “We’ve got Karen Bardsley, who’s England’s number one keeper, Jill Scott, who’s probably the best box-to-box midfielder in the country, and Toni Duggan, who’s the brightest young player in the game.
“But some of the other teams have really strengthened too, so we won’t be taking anything for granted. We want to win trophies, and I’m sure the men’s team would say exactly the same. I’ll be cheering them on in every competition they play in this season – except one. This Sunday, I’m Sunderland through and through.”
[spoiler]Scarlet Bouvier ... MCFC sweetie
[/spoiler]Champions League power rankings: English trio drop places following first leg defeats
Following the last-16 first legs, Miguel Delaney gives his assessment of where the contenders stand in the pursuit of European football's top prize
For all the understandable excitement about the return of the Champions League, the vast majority of the second legs already feel very flat. It’s difficult to think of a season where so many of the last-16 tieswere so one-sided at the half-way point.
The nature of those results has led to a lot of discussion about the disparate quality of different leagues, but it probably says much more about the disparity between the super clubs and the rest. In a few cases, one or two of those clubs have been unfortunate to come up against another. So, where do they lie in the latest power rankings?
Don't forget the power rankings are done in order of anticipated likelihood to win the competition and qualify for the next round, taking into account both long-term results and recent performances.
The root of them is that too much should never be read into any single result.
1. Bayern Munich (no change, 2-0 win v Arsenal)
It was Arsene Wenger who first described Bayern Munich as “super favourites” for this season’s Champions League, but also his Arsenal team that first made them look less than super human. Sure, Manchester City eventually put it up to them in the final group game, but that was a peculiar contest in which it still felt like things were already decided - despite the closeness of the final score and table.
By contrast, that first half-hour at the Emirates was probably the most intense and tense period of Champions League football this season. For 10 minutes, most conspicuously, Bayern looked badly rattled and very much on the ropes. That hasn’t really been the case since... well, the last 10 minutes of their second leg against Arsenal last season. That, however, could be as ominos as the magnificent manner in which Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos eventually overran Wenger’s side here.
For all Arsenal’s talk of building on that game away to Bayern last season, the Germans have said they learned just as much. They tightened up elements that helped them to eventually trample Juventus and Barcelona on the way to the 2013 final. It will be telling whether this match has the same effect. Will it illustrate a way to properly attack Bayern, or will it merely mean they shore up one of the few remaining weaknesses? That could be key. Otherwise, they remain on course to retain this trophy.
2. Real Madrid (up one, 6-1 win v Schalke)
In a week of one-sided ties, Real Madrid provided the most crushingly emphatic win. While most of the other super-clubs just swept opposition away, the Spanish side simply used Schalke as a canvas. In the process, they produced some stunning and vivid images - not least those involving Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It all points to the understated manner in which Carlo Ancelotti is fine-tuning an overwhelming team. Alongside victories such as this, you only have to look at the long unbeaten run that has taken them to the top of the Spanish league. It could yet take them back to the Champions League final. Real, on this evidence, are going to require some stopping.
3. Barcelona (down one, 2-0 win v Manchester City)
It may seem unusual and somewhat unfair for Barca to drop down a place after a dominant win away to one of the best sides in Europe, but there was still something just a little off about it all.
For a start, as in the Arsenal-Bayern game, it would have been much informative and engaging had we not witnessed a juncture red card. Instead, the tie was suddenly opened up for Barca, who duly closed out a win. Before then, though, Tata Martino’s were struggling to prise City apart and it was arguably the English side that had the superior chances. It was almost as if all the old stuff about “sterile domination” was suddenly proven.
Under Pep Guardiola, it was often genuinely a case of opposition sides only putting forth blanket defences. Here, there wasn’t quite the same imagination about pulling it away. Barca controlled the ball and the territory but never quite controlled to the pace to the point of really making City panic. It was if they needed that extra dimension or simply Leo Messi to do something.
In the end, that happened, as the Argentine's lightning reactions eventually caused that anxiety in Martin Dimechelis. The crux of their campaign, however, could be whether Martino can eventually offer that extra level or Messi can provide it consistently enough. A player of his quality is, after all, the one thing even Bayern don’t have.
4. Borussia Dortmund (no change, 4-2 win v Zenit St Petersburg)
After so many ructions, and so many questions, there was a finally a sense that Jurgen Klopp’s team had found something of a groove in Europe again. This win was more of the sort of energy we associated with Dortmund over the past two years, and they clearly retain that unshakable mentality. That means that, even if they are not quite the same force with the loss of the likes of Mario Goetze, they will remain one of the most dangerous sides.
5. Chelsea (no change, 1-1 draw v Galatasaray)
It was far from the perfect performance by the end, and could really have been a much better result, but the 1-1 draw in Istanbul was still very much a positive outcome. That reflects a truth of Chelsea’s campaign, and why they have always been the best equipped of the English to go furthest in the Champions League. Jose Mourinho has developed an impressive capacity to always do the minimum required, as this game displayed. Sure, they didn’t win it, but it’s still Galatasaray that have it all to do in the second leg. Mourinho should ensure Chelsea do enough. Few can match his tactical preparation.
6. Atletico Madrid (up one, 1-0 win v AC Milan)
This was not Diego Simeone’s side at their best but that perhaps illustrates why they best fit the old description of dark horses. Atletico still got the result they needed. They are hugely difficult opposition and no-one will want to face them.
7. Paris Saint-Germain (up three, 4-0 win v Bayer Leverkusen)
A team that have undeniably moved from that status of an awkward draw for the dominant sides, to the tier just below them. PSG may not be the real deal yet, but they are getting impressively close, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic especially manipulating every margin so magnificently.
8. Olympiakos (up six, 2-0 win v Manchester United)
They didn’t exactly have to be spectacularly motivated to beat a stricken Manchester United, but the point is that they did every individual job well enough to fully take advantage. Now, they will have no fear about the return, even if few other sides will in turn fear Olympiakos.
9. Galatasaray (up two, 1-1 v Chelsea)
For the first half of their tie with Chelsea, it seemed like Jose Mourinho was expertly proving a point to Roberto Mancini after the comments about the 2010 Champions League. By the end of the game, though, the Italian had seemingly disproved a common argument about himself. The Galatasaray boss may have got his starting approach atrociously wrong, but he had the bravery and the intuition to rectify it and completely turn the game. It could have won it, and Galatasaray were belatedly brilliant, but it at least ensures this is one of few ties still in the balance.
10. Manchester City (down four, 2-0 defeat v Barcelona)
As much as Barcelona eventually made City look second-rate in the first leg, this tie still feels like it has more potential than most to turn. If Manuel Pellegrini’s side rediscover their evident attacking verve, and if they can get the first goal, the tone and dynamic will change. City are one of the few with the quality to raise a tie to that kind of level. There is also the laxness of Barca’s defence. Sure, the fact the Catalans will dominate possession will in all likelihood put them through - but City are well capable of still putting it up to them. At the very least, this will probably still have some level of interest.
11. Manchester United (down two, 2-0 defeat v Olympiakos)
The most damning aspect of this defeat for Manchester United was that, in their most important game of the season so far, the English champions offered their worst performance. This dismal display was the consequence and combination of everything wrong with the David Moyes regime so far. It was like an English side in Europe in the mid-90s.
At the very least, all of that means that United have yet another “most important game of the season”: the second leg. As such, they also have an opportunity to rectify these mistakes. Similarly, there is a chance that a team as moderate as Olympiakos will crumble under the lights of Old Trafford; that the unique European atmosphere of the ground will properly inspire the likes of Wayne Rooney. That is eminently possible. It also sums up where the team are that they are effectively looking to such intangibles.
12. Arsenal (down four, 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich)
It is not because of Arsenal's performance or result that they have dropped so low, but only because they face such awesome opposition. Weighing it up, you would think Arsene Wenger's side now have a minimum chance of going through, but there is some hope if they can maximise the lessons of the first 10 minutes at the Emirates. The real regret should be that, in the group stage, they let the opportunity to play a more forgiving team.
13. Milan (up two, 1-0 defeat v Atletico Madrid)
Milan have partly moved up by default, and the atrocious defeats suffered by other sides, but it also shouldn’t be overlooked that this was one of their best performances of the seasons and so improved. It sums their fall, though, that it still wasn’t sufficient to even claim a safe 0-0 draw. The performance should give some hope for the second leg, but not much more than that given how few sides in European Cup history have overcome a first-leg home defeat.
14. Zenit St Petersburg (up two, 4-2 defeat v Borussia Dortmund)
Unlike so many easily-dismissed first-leg sides, Zenit managed to land a punch on their opposition. They also conceded more, and it’s difficult not to think we’ll see more of the same in the second leg.
15. Bayer Leverkusen (down three, 4-0 defeat v Paris Saint-Germain)
Yet another thrashing, in what has been painfully educational campaign.
16. Schalke (down three, 6-1 defeat v Real Madrid)
Pointless to say much, since Real rendered them irrelevant
Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra, 32, could follow defensive partner Nemanja Vidic to Inter Milan at the end of the season after the Italian club opened talks with the Frenchman. Daily Express
Everton have beaten Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool to the signature of 15-year-old Irish prodigy Stephen Kinsella from Templeogue United. TalkSHIT
Liverpool are lining up a £5m bid to sign Bojan Krkic, 23, from Barcelona. The Spain striker is currently on loan at Ajax Amsterdam. Daily Mirror
Atletico Madrid have made Tottenham's Roberto Soldado their number one target for the summer, as the 28-year-old striker struggles in the Premier League following his move from Valencia. TalkSHIT
Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, 37, says Aston Villa want him to leave in the summer. Daily Star
Tottenham full-back Kyle Naughton will leave White Hart Lane this summer because the 25-year-old wants to be used as a right-back rather than on the left side of defence. Daily Mirror
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 27, has paid tribute to captain Steven Gerrard for his instrumental role in ensuring the Uruguayan stayed at Anfield. Four Four Two
Meanwhile, the club's in-form midfielder Jordan Henderson, 23, says he has to be told when to stop training as he likes to do extra sessions. Daily Star
European football's governing body Uefa may allow television companies to broadcast the on-field exchanges between match officials. Daily Telegraph
Manchester United players are 'bemused' by manager David Moyes' tactics, especially his insistence that the central midfielders stay behind the ball. Times
Manchester United's owners, the Glazer family, retain faith in Moyes despite the Scot's difficult start at Old Trafford. Guardian
Wolfsburg and Croatia striker Ivica Olic, 34, says he has held talks with Stoke over a possible summer switch to the Britannia Stadium. Daily Mirror
Former Wales assistant coach Raymond Verheijen has criticised a "desperate" Manchester United for handing Wayne Rooney a new contract and believes Dutch striker Robin van Persie should leave Old Trafford if he wants to win trophies. Evening Standard
In the wake of their Champions League defeat at Olympiakos, Van Persie, 30, has criticised his Manchester United team-mates for a lack of service as it is revealed goalkeeper David De Gea played the most passes to the Dutchman. DSSC
The Red Devils will block any attempts by Van Persie to leave Old Trafford in the summer. Daily Telegraph
Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj, 19, has turned down the chance to represent Kosovo at international level. Daily Star
A number of Championship sides have threatened the Football League with a legal challenge over financial fair play (FFP) rules. Guardian
Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin - who has been targeted by Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham - is now unlikely to move to the Premier League after the 27-year-old said he wants to stay with the Italian club for the rest of his career. Daily Express
New Fulham manager Felix Magath decided to send Ryan Tunnicliffe, 21, and Larnell Cole, 20, out on loan to Wigan and MK Dons respectively after holding just one training session with the club. DSSC
Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 21, has been lined up to replace Valdes at Barcelona in the summer.
AS.com
Bayern Munich sports director Matthias Sammer says Barcelona target Thomas Mueller, 24, is not for sale. Marca
Juventus will rebuff any bid from Paris Saint-Germain for their 20-year-old French midfielder Paul Pogba. Tuttosport
One Direction fans were less than impressed by pop star Louis Tomlinson's debut for Doncaster Rovers reserves last night. Tomlinson, 22, came on as a second-half substitute but incurred the wrath of some in the 5,333 crowd by failing to sign autographs afterwards. Independent
One frustrated Manchester United fan has taken his feelings on manager David Moyes to a new level by having 'Moyes Out' tattooed on his body. Metro
Scotland's new away kit for their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign has been widely criticised on social media for its colourful design. Independent
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