Manchester City's Joe Hart sweating on his place after costly Cardiff clanger
New boss Pellegrini facing the first big decision of his reign over whether to stick by England's No.1 or give Pantilimon a go
Joe Hart could face being dropped by Manchester City - and still keeping his place as England's No1.
England boss Roy Hodgson, who names his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine on Tuesday, will reassure Hart that his place is secure, even after the City keeper's latest high profile blunder.
But Hart is less certain of his place at club level following his mistake in Man City's shock 3-2 defeat in Wales on Sunday, and Etihad boss Manuel Pellegrini has already warned that he will pick players on form rather than reputation.
Hart's error in Cardiff could see Pellegrini decide to give back-up keeper Costel Pantilimon a chance on Saturday when Hull visit the Etihad Stadium.
That would be a hammer blow for Hart, who knows his club place is under threat - and yet Hodgson is determined to make a public vote of confidence and also give him a gee-up when the squad gathers next week.
Hart's Cardiff gaffe came on the back of his mistake which cost England a goal in their 3-2 win over Scotland at Wembley on August 14.
England's No2 keeper Ben Foster is a major doubt because of an ankle injury, which may mean either Jack Butland or Fraser Forster getting called up to join Hart and John Ruddy in the squad.
Hodgson will also give players in the squad - such as Wayne Rooney or Leighton Baines - special dispensation to leave and negotiate potential transfers, as they will be at St George's Park on deadline day ahead of the World Cup double-header.
Pantilimon conceded just one goal during City's run to last season's FA Cup Final, but was dropped in favour of Hart for the 1-0 defeat by Wigan at Wembley.
The 6ft 8in Romanian seemed destined to leave City to play regularly elsewhere, but Hart's blip has given him renewed hope of some first-team action.
It is understood that Pellegrini persuaded Pantilimon to stay by assuring him he would get his chance if Hart's form dipped enough to warrant a change.
In fairness, Hart was not helped at Cardiff by a makeshift central defensive pairing of Joleon Lescott and Javi Garcia - usually a midfielder - pressed into service with first-choice pairing Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic both out injured.
And while right-back Pablo Zabaleta was also culpable, Hart was all at sea for Cardiff's second, failing to punch the ball clear and allowing Fraizer Campbell to score.
Hart's latest wobble has come at the worst possible time for England.
He was guilty of several high-profile mistakes last season, including goals against Southampton and West Ham last season, when he inexplicably let the ball through his legs on both occasions, and has looked vulnerable again this term.
Although Pellegrini refused to single out Hart for blame following the defeat to Cardiff, midfielder Yaya Toure admitted poor concentration cost the Blues and said they must improve their focus if they are to challenge for the title.
"Obviously, we didn't concentrate enough for the two set-pieces," said Toure.
"After we scored the first goal we lost our concentration. Cardiff were lucky because they scored form two set-pieces and we missed a couple of chances.
"It shows the strength of the Premier League. We must learn from this defeat for the next game.
"Cardiff made life difficult for us. We controlled the game in the first half but and the only thing missing for us was a goal.
"We came up aginast a very strong team who defended well, and tried to counter-attack but they didn't get a lot of chances.
"Now we need to continue to work hard and try to focus on the next game against Hull. A win is very important. It is reminder of how tough this League is. But we are top professionals and we know how to win the next game.
"All the players in the dressing room are very disappointed w elost that way but we have to continue to work hard ahead of the next game.
"It is early days but obviously it is not good to lose points at any time. It is just the beginning and we need to more time to work hard and concentrate for the next game."
Zabaleta admitted the shock defeat to Cardiff was hard to stomach, after being at fault for two of the Premier League new-boys' three goals.
The Mancunians appeared on track for a second consecutive victory in the new season when Edin Dzeko netted in the 52nd minute.
But their defensive frailties were quickly exposed in by the Bluebirds.
First, Aron Gunnarsson fired home a rebound from Campbell's strike.
Then the England striker twice lost Zabaleta to net a pair of headers.
Alvaro Negredo claimed an added-time consolation but the Welsh club clung on and Zabaleta concedes their defending was not good enough.
He said: "It was a difficult game for us, we didn't defend well at the set-pieces and it cost us the result.
"Our defence is a worry. Two goals from set-pieces is hard to take - Campbell was very strong in the air. Obviously we have changed systems, last season we were defending zonal and now it's more marking in the box.
"We're disappointed to lose but we created enough chances to get at least the point.
"We had the control of ball. We were the better team but didn't defend well and conceded silly goals. Sometimes that happens if football and we have to give credit to them."
With Kompany and Micah Richards both out for a month and Nastastic making the first steps in his recovery from an ankle injury, Garcia slotted into the defence at Cardiff City Stadium.
But Pellegrini appears sure to step up his pursuit of Atletico Madrid centre-back Martin Demichelis.
Zabaleta however, is confident the Sky Blues can learn from their mistakes and respond by earning three points against Hull, another of this season's newly-promoted clubs.
He added: "The manager's told us we need to learn from our mistakes and move on for the next game. We need to move on to the next game and come back stronger to get three points."
Manchester City hopeful of Champions League draw boost
Manchester City will be elevated to second seeds in Thursday's draw for the Champions League group stages if PAOK FC and PSV Eindhoven eliminate higher-ranked opponents in the qualifying rounds over the next 36 hours.
Having suffered a second successive group stage exit last season, when Roberto Mancini's team finished bottom and winless in a group containing Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Ajax, City are currently set to be in Pot Three for this week's draw for the competition.
But with French club Lyon facing elimination following a 2-0 first-leg defeat at home to Real Sociedad and Schalke and AC Milan facing difficult return legs against PAOK and PSV respectively, Manuel Pellegrini's team stand to move up to Pot Two if Sociedad avoid a heavy defeat and Schalke and Milan fail to defeat their opponents.
Lyon, Schalke and Milan are all currently ranked above City and in line for a Pot Two position on Thursday.
However, having been held 1-1 by Greek outfit PAOK in Gelsenkirchen last week, Schalke travel to Greece tonight with the home side playing with the advantage of an away goal.
Milan, meanwhile, face PSV as favourites in the San Siro tomorrow after emerging from the first-leg with a 1-1 draw.
While the odds are against City securing a last minute place in Pot Two, Pellegrini's team would face a far less hazardous route to the knock-out stages if results go their way in the second legs of the qualifying round.
If they remain in Pot Three, City could face the nightmare scenario of a group containing European champions Bayern Munich and Serie A winners Juventus, who will be in Pot Two.
A less daunting outcome in Thursday's draw would see City paired with either Porto or Benfica, both set to be top seeds, Marseille or CSKA Moscow from Pot Two.
Europa League winners Chelsea and Manchester United have both secured a place in Pot One, while Arsenal will also be top seeds if, as expected, they progress to the group stage following last week's 3-0 first-leg victory against Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
Celtic, meanwhile, will be positioned in Pot Four if they can overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Kazakh champions Shakhter Karagandy in Glasgow on Wednesday.
Toure: City will bounce back
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure reckons the Blues will learn their lessons from the Cardiff defeat.
Yaya Toure believes the 3-2 defeat at Cardiff shows how strong the Premier League is this season.
Toure admitted they had ‘lost their concentration’ before allowing Fraizer Campbell to score from two late corners.
And he believes it’s a good early lesson before the title race hots up later in the season.
Toure said: “We opened the scoring but after that we lost our concentration. Cardiff were lucky because they scored from two set-pieces.
“We missed a couple of chances in the second half but the Premier League is very strong. It’s just the beginning and it’s very good to learn. We’ll see what we can do in the next game.
“We played against good opponents, they are a very strong side. They defended well and they tried to counter attack. Now, we need to continue to work hard and try to focus on the next game against Hull. It’s a very important game.
“The Premier League is very tough. For us, we have big competitors and big professionals. We know how to win the next game.
“All the players are disappointed that we lost but we have to keep going and continue to work hard in the next game.
“It’s not good to lose points but it’s just the beginning. We’ve played two games but we need to work and concentrate for the next game.”
Arsenal and City battle it out for Casillas
Arsenal and Manchester City are expected to battle it out for the signature of Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who is edging closer to a departure from Spain
Casillas was left out of the line-up for the second match in succession as Real beat Granada 1-0 away on Monday evening.
The Spain international 'keeper already missed the season-opener at home to Real Betis the previous weekend.
With speculation mounting Manchester City are lining Casillas up as a replacement for Joe Hart, Arsenal, too, are expected to table an offer for the player.
Hart, England's international 'keeper, has been criticised for recent poor showings for both club and country.
Arsenal meanwhile, remain unconvinced of Wojech Szechny's ability to consistently perform between the sticks.
Man City linked with Australia A-League team buyout
Manchester City could be about to spend almost £9m buying out an Australia A-League side, Western Sydney Wanderers, ESPN has reported.
A report from the Australian Financial Review claims that City are one of two Premier League teams interested in purchasing the Wanderers, who were only formed in 2012 and won the league title at the first attempt. The Wanderers’ league victory saw them qualify for the grand final, where they were beaten by Central Coast Mariners.
City would have to pay £8.7m to take full control of the Wanderers, who are currently owned by Football Federation Australia. The governing body has asked UBS to find a buyer for the franchise before October, when the new season is due to start.
If City were to invest in the team it would be the second such move by the former Premier League champions, who recently announced a partnership with the New York Yankees to create a new Major League Soccer franchise, New York City Football Club. There are however understood to be a number of Australian groups keen on taking on the Sydney team.
Martin Demichelis is precious for Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City
ATLETICO MADRID have given Manuel Pellegrini the green light to sign Martin Demichelis after targeting Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld as the Argentine’s replacement.
Martin Demichelis has told bosses at Atletico Madrid that he wants to make the move to Manchester
Pellegrini is desperate to strengthen his defence and has seen two bids for Portugal star Pepe rejected.
Now he has targeted Demichelis, 32, who played for him at Malaga.
Atletico are demanding £5m, despite signing him on a free transfer just two months ago.
But Demichelis has made it clear to Atletico he wants to move to the Etihad, despite his recent arrival at the club.
Pellegrini needs to strengthen his squad before the transfer deadline next week
City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain has told Atletico he will look elsewhere unless they lower their asking price and a deal could be reached later this week.
“Atletico’s move for Alderweireld has encouraged City bosses to wait for a breakthrough in their pursuit of Demichelis”
Pellegrini will be without captain Vincent Kompany for up to a month due to a groin injury and is keen for the club to step up efforts to land Demichelis before this weekend’s Premier League match with Hull.
Ajax have rejected Atletico’s bid for Alderweireld, but an improved offer for the Belgium international is expected. If successful it would open the door for Demichelis to join Pellegrini’s men.
Manchester City’s John Guidetti entertains teammates with underwear dancing routine
John Guidetti hasn't played for Manchester City since starting a League Cup match in September 2010, and since returning from a season-long loan at Feyenoord, the Swedish striker is trying to get noticed.
Instead of impressing coaches on the training field, however, the 21-year-old is alerting colleagues to his existence by dancing in the changing rooms wearing a goalkeeper jersey, wig, gold medallion, baseball cap and no shorts.
Equally anonymous City goalkeeper Richard Wright filmed the crazy shape throwing, which ironically takes place under a large inscription that says "pride."
The high-pitch cackling in the background is Micah Richards, who sounds like Ricky Gervais being tickled by a hyena.
It's a pretty cringeworthy video, but at least it's not as embarrassing as the dancing Miley Cyrus did at the weekend.
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Kolo Toure: Bargain of the summer?
The Ivorian has been fantastic value for money so far at Anfield
Free transfers aren't exactly the most exciting of prospects in the summer window, but, Liverpool may just of unearthed a gem in former Manchester City centre-half Kolo Toure.
Liverpool announced the signing of Kolo Toure from City on July 1 after the Ivorian agreed to join the Reds on a free. Toure spoke of his joy of the chance to re-ignite his personal career at Anfield and relished the chance of being able to prove he's still one of Europe's top centre-backs.
With the retirement of club legend Jamie Carragher leaving a major void in Brendan Rodgers' defensive line the Irishman was more than happy to announce not only a quality centre-half, but an experienced head to the Liverpool group.
Despite his footballing life hitting rock bottom after a potentially career ending drug scandal involving his wife's diet pills, Toure returned to the City squad and proved he still had what it took to compete with the best.
Since his return from the drug ban, Toure has rekindled his career but this time round he'll be wearing Liverpool red, and with only two games gone of the 13/14 campaign, the defender really looks the part.
Liverpool have always built from good foundations at the back. Past generations have seen world class centre-half's brace the Kop; Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher, Alan Hansen just a select few of former fan favourites. And with Rodgers looking to fire his Liverpool side right back to the top, Kolo Toure may just be central to his plans.
Toure enjoyed a successful pre-season campaign, getting himself back to full fitness and ensuring he's as sharp as possible for one of the most important seasons he'll play in his career. Rodgers has been absolutely delighted with the developments Toure has made and has kept faith with the Ivorian, naming him in consecutive league games, resulting in his side maintaining an unbeaten record and keeping two vital clean sheets.
Alongside Liverpool vice-captain Daniel Agger, Kolo has flourished and has proven his critics that he is still a top draw defender despite his age.
Christian Benteke, one of the Premier League' most in-form forwards, was unable to break through the Liverpool back line and that was simply down to the graft Toure put into marking the Belgian completely out of the game.
If Toure can maintain his outstanding form throughout this crucial Liverpool season he'll surely remain in high regard with the Premier League faithful, and keep his world class reputation up as one of the Premier Leagues' all time greats in his position.
With Rodgers adding Simon Mignolet and Aly Cissokho to the Liverpool back line as well as Kolo Toure, he will be more than content with his defensive options and the foundations Liverpool have built at the back may prove vital to their push for Champions League football.
Pellegrini eyes Rami raid before window shuts
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini could swoop for Valencia defender Adil Ramil to shore up his leaky defence before the transfer window shuts.
Mamuel Pellegrin i could be forced to turn his attention to Valencia defender Adil Rami if Atletico Madrid refuse to lower their asking price for Martin Demichelis.
City are keen to add another centre-half to the squad before the transfer deadline on September 2 after injuries to Vincent Kompany , Micah Richards and Matija Nastasic.
Argentinian defender Demichelis is the preferred option for both Pellegrini and director of football Txiki Begiristain. He only left Malaga on a free transfer this summer but Atletico are reported to be demanding as much as £4m for the ex-Bayern Munich man.
City value Demichelis, who is understood to be keen on a move to the Etihad, at closer to £2m and are ready to offer the 32-year-old a two-year deal, a year more than the contract he signed with Atletico.
However, if a compromise can’t be reached in the next six days Pellegrini is ready to make a move for Rami.
At 27-years-old, he is five years younger than Demichelis and City are willing to push the boat out a little further.
The France international, who started Valencia’s first two games of the season, said this summer he is keen on a move to a ‘bigger club’ and could be available for around £7m.
City are also prepared to reject any offer for Richards out of hand amid reported interest from Arsenal. The 25-year-old is yet to play this season as he continues his comeback from a hamstring strain.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Gareth Bale and Real Madrid expect the 24-year-old's world-record £86m move from Tottenham to go through despite the forward being forced to return to London from his weekend trip to Spain. Daily Telegraph
However, there are reports that the Bale transfer has been stalled by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy because he is frustrated with the manner of Real's approach. Daily Mirror
Manchester United have been told they have a chance of landing the Wales international, but it will cost £125m to sign him. Sun
Manchester United will make a £20m bid for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 25, before the champions' game against Liverpool on Sunday. Daily Telegraph
Striker Karim Benzema, 25, playmaker Mesut Ozil, 24, and winger Angel Di Maria, 25, could all be sold to Premier League clubs by Real. Their sales would fund the Spanish side's moves for Bale and 26-year-old Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. Daily Mirror
Ozil and Di Maria are Arsenal targets, but any deal depends on Bale moving to Real Madrid. Daily Telegraph
Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye, 27, has decided he wants to move to Arsenal.
Newcastle will make an opening offer of £8m to Wigan for midfielder James McCarthy. The 22-year-old is being lined up as a replacement for Arsenal target Cabaye. DSSC
Roma forward Erik Lamela, 21, will complete his £30m club-record move to Tottenham in the next 24 hours. Daily Star
Sunderland have agreed a loan deal for Inter Milan midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic, 25, but fear Everton could scupper the move. Daily Express
Aston Villa, Cardiff, Newcastle and West Ham are among the clubs tracking Ipswich's 23-year-old defender Aaron Cresswell. Daily Star
Cardiff have made a £6m bid for Iceland striker Alfred Finnbogason. The 24-year-old scored 28 goals for Dutch side Heerenveen last season. Sun
Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay also wants to sign Barcelona striker Isaac Cuenca, 22, on a season-long loan, but will have to battle it out with several Spanish clubs. Daily Mirror
Norwich are close to securing a season-long loan deal for Atalanta winger James Troisi. The 25-year-old Australian began his career at Newcastle, but never made an appearance in the first team. DSSC
Crystal Palace want to sign QPR midfielder Joey Barton, 30, and Reading winger Jimmy Kebe, 29. DSSC
Paris St-Germain have made a £34m offer for Barcelona winger Pedro, 26. The Spaniard is currently in contract negotiations with the Catalans. Le10 Sport
Manchester United and Barcelona are watching Porto's French centre-back Eliaquim Mangala, 22. Marca
Ajax have rejected an offer from Atletico Madrid for Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld, 24. ABC
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has urged England to rest midfielder Jack Wilshere, 21, for the World Cup 2014 qualifier against Moldova. Guardian
West Brom fear Hart's rival for the England starting spot, Ben Foster, could be sidelined for some time with an ankle ligament injury. The 30-year-old was forced off in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Everton. Birmingham Mail
Gonzalo Higuain's Napoli career has literally got off to a rocky start after the 25-year-old Argentina striker slipped on rocks and injured his jaw while relaxing on the island of Capri. Metro
GOLDEN BOLLOX 27-8-2013
Roberto Mancini defends Manchester City spending policy
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has defended the club's transfer policy after spending around £125m on players over the course of the summer.
There has also been criticism of City's wage levels with Yaya Toure believed to be earning more than £200,000 a week.
Mancini told BBC Sport: "[Manchester United boss] Sir Alex [Ferguson] has spent a lot of money in the past.
"Not this year, but in the past I think United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool were like us this year."
City's football administrator Brian Marwood, speaking on a special programme on the men from Eastlands on BBC Radio 5 live before their Europa League tie on Thursday, echoed Mancini's comments, adding: "No-one condemned Manchester United or Chelsea for the money they've spent, because they bought quality."
Since Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan bought City in September 2008, the club has spent more than £300m on a host of new players.
This summer alone, Mancini has signed James Milner (£26m), Aleksandar Kolarov (£16m), David Silva (£24m), Jerome Boateng (£10m), Mario Balotelli (£24m) and Yaya Toure (£24m).
The City manager, who was also interviewed for BBC Radio 5 live special, added: "This year we bought good young players.
"Only Yaya is 28, the other players are aged 24 or 23 and a good investment for the club."
Not all of Sheikh Mansour's millions are being ploughed into the first team though.
Marwood explained: "We are fortunate to have owners who are prepared to invest in the whole of the club and it's not just for now, it's for the future.
"There has been a good conveyor belt of players coming through the academy over the years and we are proud of what we've done since it was started.
"We want to maintain our heritage in terms of the academy and producing good young footballers."
Earlier in August Ferguson, without identifying any one club, accused some of Manchester United's rivals of going on a "kamikaze" spending spree.
Without mentioning Ferguson, Marwood added: "A lot of people are misinformed, they form opinions without knowing the true facts.
"It's become laughable, some of the comments about our football club. We are comfortable in terms of what we set out to do and the direction we are heading.
"We've seen [at other clubs] a lot of people come and very quickly go and leave a trail of destruction.
"Sheikh Mansour, [chairman Khaldoon] Al Mubarrak and those involved want to be in it for the long haul. They want to put a structure in place they can enjoy for a number of years."
Marwood also confirmed that Shay Given would be staying at Eastlands.
The Republic of Ireland international, who was widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League last season, has been kept out of the side by Joe Hart so far this season.
Marwood said: "He's going to fight for his place. It's a bit strange for him because he's been number one for a long time.
"But the club is trying to build a squad that is capable of challenging for every competition we play in this year.
"Last year we got cruelly exposed because we had two goalkeepers out injured and we had to go and find a keeper to play in our last three games when we fighting for a Champions League place."
City hold the current British transfer fee record, having spent £32.5m on bringing in Robinho from Real Madrid in 2008 - although the Brazilian is looking to move away from Eastlands.
However, Ferguson paid Tottenham £30.75m for striker Dimitar Berbatov in 2008, while Chelsea splashed out £30.8m to sign Andriy Shevchenko from AC Milan in 2006.
WAG OF THE DAY
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