Pellegrini vows to add further to City squad
The Chilean has already brought in Fernando Reges, Willy Caballero and Bruno Zuculini this summer, but wants to strenghten other positions.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has pledged to search the transfer market until the deadline falls in a bid to bolster the Blues squad.
City are still hoping to tie up a deal for Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala, but unless there is drastic progress that move is still a way off.
And with Alvaro Negredo now out for up to three months with a broken foot and Sergio Aguero's fitness a concern, Pellegrini may feel the need to bring in striking re-inforcements.
The transfer activity is even more likely to be outgoing, with Micah Richards, Javi Garcia, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair all part of the US touring party but who could well be playing their football elsewhere next season.
Pellegrini told a press conference in Kansas City: "The squad is not finished. We’ll see it out to the last day and use the opportunity to change our squad. We will decide if we need another [player] or not.
That’s very important for us in these friendly matches. We are seeing different things. Maybe some players will [transfer] out of our squad, but we have more than one month to decide."
Football director Txiki Begiristain, the man behind most of City's tansfer deals, was at Sporting Park on Tuesday to watch the players run through their paces.
But with the International Champions Cup to follow, including games against AC Milan, Liverpool and Olympiacos at least, there will be plenty of opportunity to look at potential targets at close quarters.
Manchester City Under-21s walk off pitch after alleged racist abuse by opponent
Patrick Vieira sanctioned walk-off after Manchester City's French midfielder, Seko Fofana, was allegedly targeted by HNK Rijeka player in Croatia
Manchester City are to pursue talks with the Croatian Football Association on Wednesday after the club’s under-21 team walked off the pitch during the first half of a friendly against HNK Rijeka following alleged racial abuse towards the French midfielder Seko Fofana.
Patrick Vieira, the coach of City’s elite development squad, is understood to have sanctioned the decision to withdraw the players from the pitch in Novigrad after discussions with coaching staff and club officials.
Fofana, 19, was sent off for retaliating to alleged comments made by a Rijeka player, an incident which prompted the walk-off. In a statement issued following the game on Tuesday night, City said: “Manchester City’s EDS under-21 game with HNK Rijeka has today been cancelled due to an alleged incident of racial abuse toward the club’s young midfielder, Seko Fofana by a member of the opposing team.
“Following an alleged incident in the latter stages of the first half, a decision was taken by the management staff to withdraw the City team from the field of play and cancel the game. Club representatives in Croatia and in Manchester are liaising with officials, the match organisers and the Croatian Football Association to pursue this matter further.”
It was the fourth episode of racism towards City players in recent years. In February 2012, former City forward Mario Balotelli was the victim of racial abuse during a Europa League tie against FC Porto in Portugal, which led to the home team being fined £16,700 by Uefa.
Uefa also punished CSKA Moscow last October following racist chanting directed towards Yaya Touré during a Champions League fixture in the Russian capital. CSKA were fined £42,800 and ordered to close a section of the Khimki Arena.
This March, EDS forward Devante Cole was allegedly spat at and subjected to racial abuse during a Uefa Youth League fixture against Atlético Madrid in Spain. Atlético were fined €10,000 (£7,900) by Uefa and ordered to partially close their youth stadium.
The City hierarchy are in Kansas City on the first leg of the club’s summer tour of the United States, but efforts will be made on Wednesday to fully establish the events surrounding the incident involving Fofana in Croatia.
HNK Rijeka issued a statement on their website: “Manchester City coach Patrick Vieira entered the field, something was discussed with the referee, and then to the amazement of a well-filled stadium he took his team off the pitch. What are the reasons? They are known only to him.”
Sporting KC vs. Manchester City: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
Manchester City begin their preparation for the International Champions Cup with a friendly against MLS outfit Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, looking to build some momentum ahead of the star-studded tournament around the U.S.
Currently sitting top of the MLS Eastern Conference, Sporting KC are the ideal opponents for City to kick off their U.S. tour, and they’ll fancy their chances of producing a scalp against the Premier League champions.
Here, we look ahead to what’s set to be a mouth-watering affair at Sporting Park, as the champions of America and the champions of England lock horns.
Venue: Sporting Park, Kansas
Date: Thursday, July 24 (UK) / Wednesday, July 23 (US)
Time: 2 a.m. BST/9 p.m. ET
TV Info: ESPN (U.S. only)
Live Stream: ESPN Player (U.S. only)
Though City harbour one of the best squads in world football, some of their best and brightest won’t be featuring against Sporting on Wednesday.
As the club’s official website revealed, players that took part in the World Cup in Brazil won’t be touching down in the States until July 24, leaving City to field a weakened side against the MLS champions.
The most notable absentees include City’s Argentinian contingent, Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta and Martin Demichelis. Additionally, Brazil midfielder Fernandinho, new signing Bacary Sagna and captain Vincent Kompany will be absent throughout City’s entire time in America.
Those that exited the World Cup at the group stage—Joe Hart, James Milner, David Silva, Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko—will join up with City on tour, but it won’t be until after Wednesday’s friendly.
However, manager Manuel Pellegrini still has a star-studded squad at his disposal at Sporting Park, with the likes of Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas and summer signings Fernando and Willy Caballero all set to play a part.
One man that won’t be flying stateside, though, is striker Alvaro Negredo, who faces time on the sidelines with a broken foot, according to BBC Sport.
The Spaniard took to Instagram to deliver a message to City fans regarding his injury, saying:
"I want to let you know that its going to be hard for the next few months. I fractured my 5th metatarsal and will be out a few months. I will be back stronger than ever."
With Negredo out and City’s firepower incredibly limited, Sporting KC can really go for it on Wednesday, and they’ll be sure to do just that.
They’re certainly coming into the match in the right form to do so, too, with SoccerWay revealing that Kansas City have lost just one of their last eight matches, winning six during that spell.
Victory over LA Galaxy on Saturday rather summed up how SKC have been playing lately, holding firm to win 2-1 in a closely fought encounter.
Midfielder Benny Feilhaber was the star of the show against the Galaxy, scoring the opening goal and putting together a sublime performance to boot.
After winning the MLS’ Player of the Week award for his exploits, Feilhaber spoke to Sporting KC’s official website and reflected on both his and the team’s strong form:
“It is exciting, because the recipients of the award usually means their team won that week. Obviously it is more important that almost all of our players are back and healthy. We are in good form and it feels great to contribute to the team.”
Feilhaber and Co. will be looking to continue their promising run at Sporting Park on Wednesday, and it would be far from surprising to see them do the business against a weakened City side.
If they do find a way past Pellegrini’s men, they’ll claim the Champions’ Shield, giving them the momentum and confidence they need to push for domestic silverware in the MLS.
Manchester City 'buy trophies' and will never be as popular as Manchester United, according to Mikael Silvestre
Man City 'buy trophies and 'shut the door' on youth players, says Silvestre
Balance of power shifted last season after United finished 22 points behind
But Silvestre believes that City will never be as popular as his former club
Manchester City will never be as popular as United because of the way they 'buy trophies' and 'shut the door' on youth players, according to Mikael Silvestre.
The balance of power in Manchester shifted to City last season after they won the Barclays Premier League and finished some 22 points ahead of their local rivals.
After spending hundreds of millions of pounds, City have won two league titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup since Sheikh Mansour took over in 2008.
Silvestre, who played for United for nine years, believes City's spending is bad for the game as it has stopped youth players being able to challenge for a place in the first-team.
'They just buy trophies,' Silvestre told Press Association Sport at an event organised by United's official time-keeper Bulova.
'United are all about growing players. City buy multiple stars and shut the door to the youth system.
'United have more courage. They are a club with a family spirit.Those who come through the ranks absorb the mentality, the history of the club so they show the heritage in their performances.'
UEFA imposed a record 60million euro fine (£49million) on City after they broke Financial Fair Play rules last season.
The club is growing in popularity across the globe, but Silvestre thinks they are still some way behind United.
The former defender believes football fans across the globe have been put off supporting City because of their hefty spending.
'The way they do their business, it doesn't get people to support them,' Silvestre said.
'They might win trophies here and there but they won't gain support. I have been travelling a lot for United in the last six months.
'I have been to Asia, and the support there is unbelievable and honestly City is nowhere near that.'
United and City will compete in the International Champions Cup in the United States over the next two weeks.
Fans have been stationed outside United's hotel hoping to get a glimpse of their heroes ever since United landed in LA last Friday.
Silvestre thinks that shows just how big the club are Stateside.
'Ten years ago you would come to the States and you would have some quiet time, but that's not the case anymore,' the Frenchman said.
'Now you can't walk by yourself in New York or any other major city and not be recognised.'
New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been told he can break the world transfer record as he looks to bring players to Old Trafford this summer. Guardian
United have been made aware that Real Madrid's 26-year-old midfielder Angel Di Maria is available for transfer following the Spanish club's signing of 23-year-old attacking midfielder James Rodriguez from Monaco. Independent
Arsenal have agreed a £3m fee with Nice for 25-year-old Colombia international goalkeeper David Ospina. Guardian
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants to sign Arsenal target, right-back Javier Manquillo, 20, on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid. Sun
Spanish club Atletico Madrid are targeting two Arsenal players in attacking midfielder Santi Cazorla and left-back Nacho Monreal, both 29. Daily Telegraph
Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, 22, after talks with Real Madrid's 27-year-old midfielder Sami Khedira stalled. Daily Star
Tottenham and Arsenal are said to be showing interest in 23-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Douglas Costa. The Brazilian has refused to travel back to Ukraine because of political unrest in the region. Independent
Striker Divock Origi, 19, is on his way to the United States to seal a £10m move to Liverpool - but will remain at Lille for another season. Daily Express
The potential return of Didier Drogba, 36, to Chelsea could lead to 21-year-old forward Romelu Lukaku leaving the club, with Everton his most likely destination. Daily Telegraph
Southampton are set to launch a second bid for Celtic keeper Fraser Forster, 26, after having an initial offer turned down. Daily Echo
Everton are reported to be closing in on the signing of 18-year-old Belgian striker David Henen from Anderlecht. Liverpool Echo
Inter Milan are keen on a move for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, 26, after being told Manchester City's Stevan Jovetic, 24, is not for sale. Sun
Hull City are in talks to sign Cameroon international defender Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik, 25, from French club Rennes. Sky Sports
Fulham boss Felix Magath has not ruled out selling goalkeeper David Stockdale, 28, to Championship rivals Brighton this summer. TalkSHIT
Forward Lionel Messi, 27, sounded out Arsenal last season about a move while he was negotiating with Barcelona over a new contract. DSSC
Former Chelsea coach Paul Clement, now assistant manager at Real Madrid, says new Blues signing Filipe Luis, 28, will be a better left-back for the club than 33-year-old Ashley Cole, who left Stamford Bridge to join Roma. Times
Manager Jose Mourinho says he wants Chelsea to dominate the new season - and stay at the top for the next decade. Daily Mirror
Hull City midfielder Jake Livermore, 24, is confident Europa League football can be a help and not a hindrance as Hull City prepare to make their European debut next week. Hull DSSC
Luis Suarez, 27, has left Barcelona to avoid the media circus surrounding his arrival from Liverpool. Daily Star
FA chairman Greg Dyke says Fifa boss Sepp Blatter is "like Kim Jong-un", the North Korean leader. Daily Mirror
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 28, is eager to start Louis van Gaal's first match in charge of the club against LA Galaxy on Thursday, despite only beginning pre-season training four days ago. Times
Manchester United are preparing an offer of £39m for Juventus's 27-year-old Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal. Tuttosport
German club Eintracht Frankfurt have ended talks with Arsenal over the transfer of Danish forward Nicklas Bendtner because of the 26-year-old's high salary demands. Le Figaro
Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp has rejected speculation about defender Mats Hummels and midfielder Marco Reus, both 25, moving to Manchester United and Bayern Munich respectively . Bild
Atletico Madrid are unable to match Chelsea's £13m asking price for Fernando Torres, even though manager Diego Simeone is very keen to sign the 30-year-old striker. As
Barcelona midfielder Xavi will remain at the Nou Camp until June 2015 after holding last-minute talks with manager Luis Enrique. The 34-year-old midfielder had been linked with a move to Major League Soccer club New York City and Al Arabi of Qatar. Mundo Deportivo
AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, 23, has posted a video of himself on Instagram reading the autobiography of 32-year-old Paris St-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic while ironing.
QPR's 35-year-old defender Rio Ferdinand seems pleased fellow centre-back Steven Caulker, 22, has joined him at the club, tweeting: "I've only been here a few days myself but a warm welcome to Caulker, quality signing."
Meanwhile, Tottenham's 23-year-old winger Andros Townsend appears impressed with QPR's new-look defence posting: "Wow Caulker and Rio Ferdinand in the same team! Not many centre-back partnerships better than that."
Roma left-back Ashley Cole, 33, gets things off his chest on Twitter, saying in a series of messages: "Before I signed at Roma people were killing me about (possibly) playing (in the USA), saying it's for the money and easy lifestyle, I choose to play in a more demanding place and team and people still feel the need to moan. How about you just worry about your team and I'll worry about mine."
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, 23, has posted a photograph of himself on Twitter with former Reds Devils midfielder David Beckham under the caption: "With a legend!"
With a pre-season friendly against the New York Red Bulls looming, Arsenal's players attempt to blend in with the locals by having a go at their best "New Yoick" accents. ESPN FC
Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is set to reveal his true feelings about David Moyes's 10-month reign at the club in an updated autobiography to be released later this year. Daily Express
