Monday's B****x

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Monday's B****x

Postby Chinners » Mon Oct 20, 2014 8:05 am

THE BOLLOX

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Man City 4 Spurs 1: What the papers say
See what the papers had to say about Manchester City's 4-1 win over Spurs, with the nation's sports writers waxing lyrical over striker Sergio Aguero.

Manchester City were at their thrilling best in attack against Spurs, even if their old defensive frailties were on display.
You can make the strongest of cases for Yaya Toure, you can use a handful of blue-chip saves in this match to argue Joe Hart’s corner … but the only player who will prove truly indispensable for City this season will be Aguero.
Andy Dunn, Sunday Mirror

Mauricio Pochettino had compared the pleasure of watching Sergio Agüero to listening to classical music. Not Beethoven, he had said, but Mozart. But this was the Ode to Joyless for Tottenham Hotspur as they again capitulated to Manchester City. The aggregate score over their past three meetings is now 15-2 to City. Spurs hit another bum note; they lacked harmony. Instead Agüero conducted a virtuoso performance.
Mark Ogden, Daily Telegraph

In a game of four penalties – only two of them awarded correctly - Aguero scored four goals, might have had seven were it not for Hugo Lloris and dominated a game in which City chose to rest key men for their crucial Champions League clash in Moscow on Tuesday. Not content with that list of achievements, he also surpassed Carlos Tevez as City’s all time Premier League scorer. And yet Pochettino’s despair was legitimate given that Tottenham played well, were the victim of some poor decisions, and had the opportunity to bring the the game back to 2-2 on 61 minutes when Roberto Soldado missed a penalty.
Rob Draper, DSSC on Sunday

By the end, Younès Kaboul’s limitations had been brutally exposed and Federico Fazio, his partner in central defence, had become so flustered that he tugged down Agüero for a red card. Spurs, having conceded three of the game’s four penalties, looked like a side in need of smelling salts and that slightly haunted appearance has become a recurring theme in these fixtures.
Daniel Taylor, The Guardian

On the surface this looks another thumping for Spurs to go with 6-0 and 5-1 in their two meetings last season. But it could have been so different in a symphony of classic Premier League football. Aguero was the lead conductor yet a rollercoaster game had more strings to its bow with five goals, one red card and four penalties — two of them missed, including one which would have put Spurs level at 2-2 after an hour.
Mike McGrath Sun on Sunday

Aguero obviously loves playing against Pochettino's men, having bagged a magnificent seven in the last three games between them while his team-mates as a whole have netted a whopping 15 times. Aguero's four-goal tally means he is now City's highest Premier League scorer - overtaking Carlos Tevez. Joe Hart was a hero, too, on a crazy day that produced four penalties with the England No.1 keeper saving Roberto Soldado's spot-kick but having no chance in denying Christian Eriksen his equaliser.
Steve Millar, Daily Star

He (Aguero) has also overtaken Carlos Tevez as the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League, with 61 goals in just 95 matches. But, despite the scoreline, City and Aguero didn’t have things completely their own way, with England keeper Joe Hart making a string of excellent stops.
John Richardson, Daily Express


Is Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero the best in the Premier League?
The False Nine’s editor column returns as James Dutton assesses the true value of Sergio Aguero, and looks back at a fascinating international break…
The Premier League has undoubtedly lost a little of its stardust over the last two seasons. The departures of Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez to La Liga have shorn the country’s greatest export of its two most globally acclaimed star players.
The summer arrivals of Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Alexis Sanchez were welcome steps in the right direction for a league which prides itself on being The Best In The World™. But perhaps the league’s shining light was already staring us in the face?
Is it time to recognise that Sergio Aguero is the best footballer in the Premier League? This is not just in response to the four goal burst on Saturday that blew away Tottenham Hotspur away from home yet again. The regularity of injuries that curse the Argentine striker mean it is very easy to overlook his outstanding ability.
But he has the productivity to back it up as well. Despite managing only 95 Premier League games in three years, he has scored 61 goals. He arrived with a bang in August 2011, two goals and an assist as a substitute in a 4-0 win over Swansea; one of the great Premier League debuts. Earlier this year Aguero became the fifth-fastest footballer to a half-century of Premier League goals, leaving him alongside such illustrious company as Andy Cole, Alan Shearer, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Fernando Torres.
Quite where he’ll lie come the end of his career in England isn’t quite so easy to foresee; hopefully he will be remembered for more than his dramatic title-winning goal in 2012. He’s a prolific goalscorer, whose all-round game often transforms that of those around him, and the team itself. Injuries have caused him to be under-appreciated so that when Manchester City’s most influential players are cited, the Argentine is often overlooked for the more regularly visible talents of Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany and David Silva.
City last played Tottenham in January, where Aguero marmalised the Spurs defence in a rampant 45 minute display before pulling his hamstring. His strike to open the scoring was his 15th league goal of the season – he only scored twice more, against West Brom and Everton in the last few weeks of the campaign.
It was the ninth successive game in which Kun had scored, and underlined City’s charge to the top of the table that night. Had Aguero stayed fit to the season’s end, would it be that Aguero was not so susceptible to injury, they surely would have wrapped the league up earlier than the final day of the season.
He’s a footballer who not only picks up injuries easily, but who struggles to shake off the rustiness when he returns. After the White Hart Lane injury, he returned for the Capital One Cup final against Sunderland, where he was ineffective before being replaced before the hour mark.
After picking up another injury against Barcelona in the Champions League, he returned for City’s trip to Anfield in April as a second-half substitute. Manuel Pellegrini’s side had the run of Liverpool, David Silva had hauled City level at 2-2 and the away side looked far the likelier to come away with three points.
Sensing the turning tide, Pellegrini went for the jugular, substituting Edin Dzeko for Kun. The switch should have been an inspired one, but instead it stifled the visitors. Aguero was off the pace, didn’t get a shot on goal and cut off City’s second-half momentum. Liverpool forced their way back in the game, with Aguero providing little of the attacking zest that Dzeko had, and triumphed 3-2.
This is not to say that Aguero is a charlatan or a fraud. He is deservedly among the greats of the Premier League right now. But we will probably never know how great he could be on a consistent basis. There is far more to injuries than missing game time. It’s the psychological effect and the conditional effect, and Aguero suffers from it more than most.
Some can pick up straight away, but Aguero showed last season that injury could easily disrupt his rhythm. In 2013-14 the Argentine completed only five 90-minute league matches, but already four this season. Keeping him fresh and injury free remains ever important for Pellegrini; and with only three strikers to choose from the need has never been greater. The longer he stays injury free, the more his form builds, and the more chance City have of catching Chelsea at the top of the table; like the task at hand, it is a big ‘if’ for a player with such an unfortunately questionable injury record.
Nine goals in eight Premier League games so far this season are testament to his importance to Manchester City, and this should be the year he finally rises ahead of the other greats.

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CITC receive new funding for their One City disability programme
City in the Community are proud to announce it is enhancing its disability sport provision for young people in Manchester, thanks to the support from BT Sport’s The Supporters Club and the Premier League.
Marking the announcement, our newest addition, midfielder Frank Lampard took part in a special documentary feature on the work of City in the Community for BT Sport which is available here> http://sport.bt.com/video-0136381440198 ... 4932093001
In the film, former England player Lampard took part in a wheelchair football coaching session and met a group of inspiring participants who’ve taken part in the sessions for the past three years.
The “One City” initiative will work with 1,000 young people with disabilities, providing them with free access to football provision.
Other activities it’ll fund will include a schools programme delivered to specialist support schools in Manchester, powerchair football and disability awareness courses aimed at breaking down barriers when it comes to the subject of disability.
Having recently recruited an apprentice who’ll help deliver the sessions, the project will also engage with ten disabled volunteers per year.
The Supporters Club and the Premier League are forming a partnership that aims to provide funding to strong, innovative, social change programmes delivered by Premier League clubs/community projects focused on improving the lives of young people.
Lampard said: “It’s been a real privilege to see first-hand one of the invaluable programmes City in the Community is delivering in Manchester.
"Seeing the smiles on the faces of the young people is a true testament to the impact they are having.”
Mike Green, Head of City in the Community, said: “Manchester City is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, diversity and respect across all its activities.
"We are passionate about empowering lives through football; providing opportunities for all is a big part of the work we do every day in Manchester.
"This funding will allow us to not only enhance our disability sport provision but engage with even more local people.”
The Supporters Club has raised over £3 million from BT Sport customers and BT since it was launched in June 2013.
This has been used to fund 19 sport-inspired community projects – ten in the UK and nine overseas, with over 90,000 people now signed up to the initiative

Joe Hart proves that it's not just about Sergio Aguero for Manchester City.
It would be untrue to say that Sergio Aguero's goal-scoring feats Saturday against his favourite foe, Tottenham Hotspur, had grabbed all the headlines, but how does one not lead with the story of a striker so good he can afford to miss a penalty and still bag four in a single match? If there was a media outlet not leading with variations on a classical music theme, they were few and far between.
Aguero, the modern-day Manchester variety of El Pibe, those famous Argentine forwards brought up in Buenos Aires and destined to become the heartbeat of their respective sides, was peerless as a one-man football spectacle at the weekend. Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Aguero have all followed the Diego Maradona example, rising to grow into global monsters of their sport.
If we agree that City are lucky to have perhaps the best advocate of the modern-day goal-getter in Aguero, they should also thank their lucky stars that they have a goalkeeper with the shot-stopping ability and positional sense of Joe Hart. His performance against Tottenham would have earned him across-the-board man of the match awards on any other occasion than this, Aguero's day of days.
Born and bred in the genteel surroundings of Shrewsbury, a town more noted for its Tudor oak-beamed houses and parties of puzzled mallard bobbing on the River Avon, Hart may not have had the upbringing of his South American teammate. Nevertheless, steel resolve and the timing of a sniper were very much in evidence in the Etihad six-yard boxes against a feisty and brave Tottenham.
Indeed, in a match where Spurs were on the verge of getting a decent foothold on more than one occasion, it could be said that Hart's contribution was every bit as essential as the exploits of the stocky man wearing the blue No. 16 at the other end of the field.
While the little Argentine was hoisting himself to the top of City's all-time Premier League scoring charts, two ahead of Carlos Tevez's 58, the big Englishman was making sure Spurs' own scoring run against City remained on the modest side of threadbare.
Joe Hart's save of Roberto Soldado's penalty was a pivotal moment in Manchester City's 4-1 win over Spurs.
Hart's first critical moment came with the game still goalless and Spurs making decent inroads toward the breakthrough. With young Ryan Mason, who would go on to be thwarted by Hart on a number of occasions, getting an early sight of the whites of the goalkeeper's eyes, Hart spread himself and made a super save with his leg.
Again with the visitors about to sound the Etihad alarm bells with a penalty to square things up 2-2, Hart dived full length to pat away Roberto Soldado's spot kick, a big stretch and a strong palm to the striker's well-placed effort.
While the timing of these two saves were genuinely critical to the eventual flow of the game, the big goalkeeper did not content himself with that, going on a personal mission to keep out Mason in particular, building a one-to-one challenge almost as fascinating as that between the shooting boots of Aguero and the lava hot gloves of Hugo Lloris at the opposite end.
After receiving his fair share of criticism for -- among other things -- a lack of concentration at the critical moment and a whiff of occasional over-confidence, it is only fair to say that here the City 'keeper was exemplary, bossing the area with some thrusting interventions, punching well and long when necessary and using his feet to thwart a surprisingly upbeat Tottenham side, who refused to take their annual pasting lying down.
Hart suffers from the need to keep himself attentive behind one of the tightest of Premier League defences, but -- on this occasion -- neither Vincent Kompany nor Martin Demichelis were in top form against the marauding efforts of Christian Eriksen in particular, meaning the City goalkeeper had plenty of opportunities to show us all what he can really do.
It is the eternal problem for the goalkeeper of a side that spends most of its time either in comfortable possession of the ball or attacking with the verve and dynamism displayed by Aguero, James Milner and the jet-heeled Jesus Navas, to maintain his focus and not let himself slip into some deep seated reverie. With 10, sometimes 15 minutes passing between meaningful participation in the game, this is a challenge not many other goalkeepers in the Premier League have to face up to.
Hart may still be dealing with this conundrum in his own way, but it can certainly be said that, on occasions like this, when the opposition attacks are coming thick and fast, his ability between the sticks for City is of the very highest order. His task now it to maintain that level of form through a difficult and meandering campaign on four fronts.

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John Guidetti to look for Premiership football elsewhere
The 22-year-old who is currently spending a loan at Scottish champions Celtic, has been a City player since July 2007. The takeover of Arabs some time later influenced his disregarding from the senior team whilst Roberto Mancini was in charge at the Etihad.
John has had an interesting youth career, firstly playing in a Swedish local club Brommapojkarna, later to join two clubs in Kenya, where his father worked as a teacher for several years. Upon his return to Scandinavia and the ex-club, Guidetti established himself in the u21 team of the Stockholm setup.
Major European clubs faced fight for the wonderkid in 2007 who had just played two matches on a senior level for the Allesvenskan squad. In summer of the same year, the Citizens sealed deal with the then 15-year-old, beating Roma, Internazionale, Lazio and others who were eager to sign the lad.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, who was City's short-term manager in the 2007-08 season, got quickly impressed by the part-time youth national team player, due to scoring 13 goals in the same number of matches for the u18's.
The Swede went even further when he scored a hat-trick versus Burnley while making a debut for the reserve team. Roberto Mancini had been very pleased with how he progessed and was apparently ready to hand him first-team opportunity.
Despite praises, the forward was loaned out to the club where it all began. IF Brommapojkarna, the largest football club in Europe with over 3000 players, took Guidetti for a three-month loan in which he made eight caps, following by three goals and four assists.
When he came back, Mancini was happy to make him a starter. Guidetti was included in a pre-season tour in the United States, where he debuted in a friendly against Sporting Lisbon, entering the game from the bench.
Two months later, in September 2010, the talent made full competitive debut in a West Bromwich Albion clash in the third round of League Cup. Fans agreed Guidetti did a proper job by making an assist, but he was given no further chances and eventually, had to move on loan to Burnley and later Feyenoord.
The Netherlands was where he found top form. Showing excellent offensive ability, the splendid striker made top of the goalscorers list with 20 goals in 23 games. That kind of performances earned him Sweden debut in late February 2012.
Feeling sick of constantly being left out, next loan came only in January of this year. Guidetti joined Stoke City because of not participating in any of Manchester City matches in a year-and-a-half period. Unfortunately, that didn't help him either - he failed to score even one for the Potters in six Premier League performances.
Nevertheless, the latest loan to Glasgow could make Pellegrini reconsider youngster's current position in the club crowded with top class strikers. With three goals in five games, an introduction to the fans from Scotland was superb. Should John wait for a chance at Manchester which might never come or is it time to sign for someone who 'll give him everything what he has deserved over the years?

Ian Cheeseman blogs: Three Days To Remember
If you ever had any doubt about the direction City are going in, then there were three days that should have told the story, better than I can – Thursday 16th October to Saturday 18th October 2014, and I was lucky enough to witness (almost) all of it!
On Thursday I drove down to Wycombe’s Adams Park to commentate on Manchester City v Arsenal in the FA Women’s Superleague Continental Cup Final. I’d been to Wycombe before, to see football league games featuring Bury and Oldham Athletic, indeed I’d also been there to see City play in a league game, and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss any of them.
This time was a first for me though. I’d attended a few of the City women’s games, but I hadn’t commentated on any, although I did do an England game a few years ago in Warrington, but this was City.
Alongside me for the evening was Gillian Coulthard, capped over a hundred times by England, a true legend of the game. She’d driven down from Castleford, and I must admit I feel a fellowship with Yorkshire folk, and she didn’t let me down, she was a fantastic sidekick and great company.
The game was tremendous, two evenly matched teams, and I remember commenting early on, that the style of football City were trying to play had the same philosophy as the Men’s senior team, the Elite Development Squad and the U19s.
I’d been disappointed to see Betsy Hassett on the bench, she’d impressed me in previous games, but the eleven who wore the sky blue, did so with great distinction.
Toni Duggan led the line with selfless commitment, more used to the glory or scoring, she kept the Arsenal defenders busy. In central midfield Jill Scott enhanced her “box-to-box” reputation with great energy and the “woman-mountain” Steph Houghton organised and held the Gunners at bay with style.
The goal was perfection, the tireless Krystle Johnston crossed onto Izzy Christiansen’s head for a glorious winner, in front of a crowd of just under 4,000. All the players played their part, and rightly celebrated in style at the end. What an honour to see Manchester City complete a trophy treble in 2014.
Less than 48 hours later I was at the Etihad Stadium to see the girls parade their trophy before the boys put on a masterclass against Spurs. Sergio Aguero, in particular, was unplayable, supported by an inspired Joe Hart and the always impressive David Silva, and the rest!
There were moments of imperfection in defence, which were highlighted later on Match of the Day, but I love the footballing philosophy running through the club, which says it’s about playing with a smile on your face and entertaining.
Spurs played their part in that Premier League game too, and during the first half Eriksen was almost as unplayable as Aguero, and you know what, I might be a Blue, but I enjoyed Tottenham’s contribution to a wonderful game of football too. They didn’t come to park the bus, created good chances and can consider themselves unlucky to be on the end of a 4-1 scoreline.
In between those games was Friday 17th October, my Dad’s birthday. I sang happy birthday down the phone to him.
I’ve always considered 17 to be my lucky number, for a few reasons, my Dad’s birthday helps, but it’s a number that crops up in my life, not least on 17th October 2001 when the head of Radio Manchester told me I was to be the station’s new City reporter, a month later I commentated on my first game in the job, 17th November 2001.
Before that I’d done other games, commentated on City matches on the club video, but now I had my dream job – the Best Job in the World, and from 16th to 18th October 2014 I was reminded why – not that I really needed reminding!
Next up is a very different experience, CSKA Moscow v City. I was there a year ago, so it’s not the game or the ground or the City of Moscow I’m talking about, it’s the fact it’ll be played in a near empty stadium. As a fan I’d feared such a game, now as a journalist I’m guaranteed entry but I have huge sympathy and understanding for the fellow obsessives who will be desperate to get into the Khimki Arena for the game.
I’ll be in touch with them and their stories and of course I’ll be providing full match commentary on the game on Tuesday from 5pm UK time, with Gary Owen adding his expert comments back at Media City, so make sure you listen on 95.1FM, DAB or outside Greater Manchester on mcfc.co.uk – it’ll be like Millwall away all over again – I even told Joe Hart the story of the “we’re not really here” celebrations at the Den that night when Kevin Horlock and the gang applauded the empty away end, after the goals.
Here’s hoping there’s more of that in Russia!

Joleon Lescott confident of getting back in the England fold and still pains over bewilderment before Manchester City exit
His beanie hat may be slightly askew but Joleon Lescott is talking straight. For the first time since leaving Manchester City last summer he opens up about his disappointment at the manner in which his successful five-year spell ended.
Lescott is still confused by decisions made by Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini to omit him from their line-ups, most crushingly from last season's Capital One Cup final, and how a lack of action hampered his chance of cementing an England place.
This is not to suggest he is gloomy. Chatting after training with West Bromwich Albion he is quite the opposite. Lescott is back playing regularly and enjoying the responsibility that comes from being an experienced figure in a side of humbler aspirations
He has not given up that desire to play for his country again, either. 'I still feel I could have played more games last season but it wasn't to be,' he says. 'My decision was to go somewhere I could play more regularly and since I have been fit I have done that.'
The omens are good for West Brom’s Joleon Lescott on Monday night. It’s almost exactly three years to the day since the defender was in Manchester City’s team as they thrashed local rivals United 6-1 at Old Trafford. Lescott even set up a goal for Edin Dzeko.
Knee and calf niggles prohibited his involvement at the start of this campaign but he has been a source of strength in Alan Irvine's team for the past three games.
Manchester United provide the opposition on Monday and the prospect of facing Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie and Angel di Maria is enough to have any defender checking whether the hamstrings feel a bit tight.
Not Lescott. He relishes a duel with such adversaries. He was, after all, in the City side that won 6-1 at Old Trafford three years ago this week. Later that season he was also in the defence that secured a 1-0 win over United which had even greater significance.
A fortnight later Lescott lifted the Premier League trophy, having played 31 Premier League matches. He held the trophy again in May but this time after only 10 league appearances. 'I got a medal,' he says. 'It was still really enjoyable, it just didn't feel the same.' It is notable that Lescott's greater frustration came from being left out for the Capital One Cup final. 'I played every minute, captained the semi-final, then not playing (in the final) was the hardest part.'
Pellegrini did not explain why Martin Demichelis would be starting instead. 'He just read out the team and my name wasn't there', Lescott remembers. 'We won and then he explained why he didn't pick Joe (Hart). It was because Pantsy (Costel Pantilimon) had played more minutes. I was like, 'If that's the reason for him, why isn't that a reason for me?'
That bewilderment can be traced back to the summer after City won their first Premier League title. Lescott played every minute of England's Euro 2012 campaign, scoring against France, but returned to find Mancini questioning his mentality. 'I heard an interview with Roberto Mancini saying I had lost confidence,' recalls Lescott. 'I thought that was strange because we had won the league, I had gone to the Euros, scored, and I didn't think my confidence could get any higher.'
He went on to play 33 times that season but more frequently from the bench. Pellegrini took over and his trust in Demichelis, despite the Argentine's initial struggles, pushed Lescott further to the sidelines. 'A manager has no allegiance to a player they haven't bought,' says Lescott. 'They think, 'He's from the old team. If I don't pick him, he's not going to be seen as my mistake'.'
When it came to moving on, Lescott liked speaking to Hull City manager Steve Bruce but chose Irvine, with whom he worked at Everton. There was no £22million fee this time but there was pressure to perform nonetheless. 'When I was injured I was gutted for him (Irvine),' says Lescott. 'He said, 'Take your time. I don't want you 80 per cent fit sitting on the bench.' That was a weight off my shoulders. Now we're showing what he's been working on in training.'
Victories over Tottenham and Burnley preceded a narrow defeat at Liverpool. Lescott believes, at 32, he could get back into the England reckoning if this promising start grows. He was on the bench for a friendly in Brazil last year but has not been in Roy Hodgson's squad since.
'After the Euros I got the feeling (Gary) Cahill was going to be the next focal point and it was an opportunity for someone to play alongside him. I felt it was mine to stake a claim but it was stop-start at City. I've only played three games this season (so) for me to say I should be back in the squad would be disrespectful. If I continue to play the same level up to the next international then hopefully I will be closer.'
Lescott also offers an interesting analysis of United's defensive troubles. 'Centre halves have to play together as a partnership,' he says. 'Van Persie and Falcao can play off the cuff and win the game. As a defender you can't. I can't suddenly just go into midfield and think, 'That was great' because my mate at the back could be being roasted. Once United get that unit playing regularly they will be fine.'
Lescott argues that against United it will be easier to defend because knowing the calibre of the opponent focuses the mind and guards against lapses. 'That side of it will be fun,' he smiles before denying that a repeat of Leicester City's 5-3 victory would be satisfactory — 'Even if we win, I wouldn't be happy conceding three.'

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Get Pep! Man City target Guardiola to replace Manuel Pellegrini despite Man Utd admission
PEP GUARDIOLA is still wanted by Man City – despite admitting he has eyes for bitter rivals United.
The Bayern Munich coach, 48, revealed last week that he would love to become Old Trafford boss when he quits the Bundesliga.
But Guardiola occupying the United hotseat won’t happen – if City get their way and lure him to The Etihad first.
Although the Spaniard snubbed City’s offer – and one from Chelsea – to come to England 18 months ago, he has remained top of the Premier League champs’ future wish list.
And they are not concerned by recent reports claiming the ex-Barcelona coach fancies a job with the neighbours more than with them.
For starters, there is no guarantee the United post will be available at the right time for Guardiola.
Much depends on how Louis van Gaal’s Red Devils reign unravels.
Should the Dutchman revive the glory days, he will not be going anywhere until the end of 2016-17 – at the earliest.
That would give City a window of opportunity to strike for Guardiola once he is back on the managerial market.
Few expect him to stay in Munich beyond May 2016 when his current deal ends.
Indeed, some reckon that exit may come sooner if an uneasy relationship with the Bayern board fails to improve.
Meanwhile, City boss Manuel Pellegrini is under growing pressure with his club’s Champions League challenge once again in danger of early collapse.
A poor result at CSKA Moscow this week would all but kill off their dreams of reaching the knockout stage.
And if that happens Pellegrini, 61, who has less than two years left on his deal, is likely to get the boot next May as City chiefs start the search for his successor.

Spoiler: Show/Hide
Spoilbox

Real Madrid have no interest in signing Liverpool's Raheem Sterling, 19, insists manager Carlo Ancelotti just days before the sides meet in the Champions League. (DSSC)

Ancelotti has also told Manchester United to forget about re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo as he is "100% certain" the 29-year-old will stay at Real Madrid. (Sun )

Liverpool are set to sign Marseille forward Andre Ayew, according to reports in Ghana. The 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer so would be available on a free transfer. (Daily Star)

But Everton are also interested in signing Ayew, along with fellow Premier League clubs Hull, Swansea and West Ham. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United hope to beat Arsenal and Chelsea to the signing of German international midfielder Sami Khedira, 27, from Real Madrid. (Daily Star)

United are also planning a £15m bid for Torino full-back Matteo Darmian, 24. He can play on either side of the back four and is seen as an alternative to Barcelona's Dani Alves, 31. (Daily Express)

Brazilian defender Dani Alves, 31, does not have a deal in place to join Manchester United and is still in talks with Barca over a new contract. (DSSC)

Tottenham are lining up a £10m January bid for Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski, 29, who is yet to start a Premier League game this season. (CaughtOffside.com)

Bolton Wanderers are lining up a loan swoop for Norwich City striker Gary Hooper, 26. (Bolton News)

Former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he tried to sign Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, 34 when he was manager of AC Milan between 2001 and 2009. (Daily Express)

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, who turned 60 on Sunday, says he is calm over the lack of a new contract at Upton Park. (Independent)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says it is "impossible" that his team can remain undefeated in the league for the whole campaign. (Guardian)

England manager Roy Hodgson left early from Liverpool's win over QPR on Sunday. He missed the late flurry of goals and avoided a meeting with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers. (Daily Telegraph)

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle, 29, used to pretend he was Alan Shearer and celebrate like the former Saints, Newcastle and England forward. (Southern Daily Echo)

Marseille manager Marcelo Bielsa sat on scolding coffee during his side's victory over Toulouse and burned his backside in what might be the greatest vine this weekend. (Daily Mirror)

Millwall have denied rival fans from having the satisfaction of seeing their players wearing a pink kit by cross referencing votes on a poll for fans to choose their new away strip. (DSSC)

However, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti insists the club do not need to sign Sterling because they already have some of the best young players in Europe. (Sun)

Real are preparing a January bid for Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj, 19, with the Spanish giants ready to offer as much as £23m. (Caughtoffside.com)

Newcastle United could offer striker Andy Carroll, 25, an end to his West Ham misery by moving to re-sign him in January. (Daily Star)

Newcastle want to cut short summer signing Jamaal Lascelles' loan to Nottingham Forest as they continue to leak goals. The 20-year-old defender signed for the Magpies in the summer before he rejoined Forest. (Express)

Arsenal have opened discussions over a £6.4m deal for 21-year-old Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Marcelo Brozovic. (Mail on Sunday)

Arsenal are also tracking the progress of Ipswich defender Tyrone Mings, 21, who was playing non-league football two years ago. (Express)

Burnley striker Danny Ings, 22, is ready to see out his contract and leave Turf Moor in the summer, with Newcastle, Stoke and Aston Villa all interested in the former Bournemouth player. (DSSC)

Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson, 30, is prepared to move abroad after rejecting a one-year extension to his contract. The England full-back would have had to take a significant cut in his £120,000-per-week wages. (Mirror)

Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen, 22, is set for contract talks as he prepares to commit his future to White Hart Lane. (Mirror)

Former Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay appears unlikely to face any charge of misconduct from the Football Association as the investigation into former head of recruitment Iain Moody nears its conclusion. (Telegraph)

Louis van Gaal says he will encourage youngsters such as Luke Shaw and Phil Jones to play in the European Under-21 Championships in the Czech Republic next summer. (DSSC)

Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson, 30, believes team-mate Raheem Sterling is being punished for being honest over his fitness after England boss Roy Hodgson said the forward told him he was "tired". (Sunday Mirror)

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, 43, is still wanted by Manchester City, despite admitting he would love to manage Manchester United. (Daily Star)

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp, 67, has been told he needs to make some "big calls" to save his job at Loftus Road. (Telegraph)

Manchester United midfielder Daley Blind, 24, says his world has gone "crazy" since moving to Old Trafford. (Sun)

Hull City manager Steve Bruce, 53, might have been disappointed after his side conceded a late equaliser at Arsenal, but that didn't stop him hopping on public transport as he travelled to Manchester to celebrate West Ham boss Sam Allardyce's 60th birthday.

Jose Mourinho needed only two words to sum up why his Chelsea side did not succumb to defeat at Crystal Palace - as they did in March - scribbling "big balls" on a pad of paper. (DSSC)


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Re: Monday's B****x

Postby sheblue » Mon Oct 20, 2014 11:20 am

A poor result at CSKA Moscow this week would all but kill off their dreams of reaching the knockout stage.
And if that happens Pellegrini, 61, who has less than two years left on his deal, is likely to get the boot next May as City chiefs start the search for his successor.


So if we loose tomorrow that's it then, by bye Manuel.....heaven above.
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Re: Monday's B****x

Postby Original Dub » Mon Oct 20, 2014 2:35 pm

The way the media talk about our managers shows total disrespect.

Look at how shite Moyes was. Utterly, utterly shiiiiiiiiiite.
And he was never spoken about like that - "given the boot".

Have some respect a double winning manager you shower of cunts.
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Re: Monday's B****x

Postby Dameerto » Tue Oct 21, 2014 3:35 am

I know it's in the bollox, but that story about Johnson putting money as his main priority really sums up what he's about to me.
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