ROUND UP
A real mixed bag of cup final-previews, call-ups and even one or two transfer rumours thrown in for good measure adorn the pages (both paper and pixel) of the media this morning…
Jeremy Cross reports in the Daily Star that Blues’ skipper Vincent Kompany is looking to banish the painful memory of last season’s FA Cup Final defeat to Wigan when City return to the scene of the crime this Sunday in search of their first trophy of the season:
“Kompany admits he was left devastated when City suffered their crushing defeat to relegated Wigan at Wembley.
“But the Belgium ace reckons the pain of that afternoon made him a stronger person and even more determined to make amends.
“He said: “In the back of my mind, I still have the defeat against Wigan last season.
“You realise how precious it is to you and your people. It’s alright saying the FA Cup is this, or the Capital One Cup is this, but it really matters.
““And it doesn’t feel nice to go all that way and then, just before the end, you see it taken away from you.
““There are no hard feelings in the sense that we didn’t deserve it that day, but obviously with the talent we have in this squad, you just want to make sure everyone puts in a performance on the day.
““All I know is that it will be a football game like any other, and I just want the whole team to be at its best on the day.
““Emotionally it was tough, and it was something I took on board. I learned a lot from it. After that game, I have never wanted to win trophies so badly.”
Let’s hope you’ll be doing just that and lifting the Blues’ first League Cup since 1976 on Sunday, Vinnie!
As reported in last night’s City Today, Emyr Huws has been called up to the Wales squad for the upcoming friendly against Iceland. The 20 year old midfielder has impressed during his loan spell at Birmingham this season following making his first team bow at City as a substitute in the FA Cup victory of Blackburn at the Etihad.
The Guardian pick up the story, quoting Wales boss Chris Coleman:
“”He is a young player who deserves his chance. He has done very well through the ranks at Manchester City and now, recently, has really done well on loan at Birmingham City.
“"With Aaron Ramsey still being unavailable, it is a good chance to have Emyr with us and show us what he can do in training."
“"It is a shame we haven't got him [Ramsey] but Arsenal have been fantastic with the information they have given us. Unfortunately he is not going to make this one. Maybe he will be fit a week or two afterwards if all goes well in his rehabilitation."”
The Blues are reportedly on ‘alert’ following Barcelona ‘keeper Victor Valdes admitting that it is his desire to move to the Premier League.
The Mirror’s John Cross reckons that the Spain stopper “is set to leave the Nou Camp this summer and Monaco have been favourites to land the Spaniard on a free transfer.
“But Valdes has told his advisers to sound out potential options in the Premier League.
“The 32-year-old has played 19 times for Spain, despite often finding his path blocked by the likes of Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina in the last few years.
“He has won six La Liga titles, as well as three Champions Leagues with the Catalan side.”
Andy Mitten: Brazil goes nuts for City and United
Ahead of the World Cup kicking off in one of the most football mad countries in the world, Andy Mitten looks at how Manchester's clubs are taking hold.
The small football store in a regional town in southern Brazil has United and City shirts occupying pride of place in the window.
Inside, United’s merchandise is almost as prevalent as that of the local heroes, Gremio and Inter, from the nearby city of Porto Alegre.
They’re not village teams – both have been world champions and play in brand new stadiums with capacities of 60,000 and 56,000.
The store manager explains that he’s sold four United shirts and two City shirts so far this year for just shy of £70 each, adding they that will sell many more in the bigger stores.
If you reverse it, it’s inconceivable that a shop in Preston would offer Gremio or Inter shirts, but while Brazilian footballers are one of the country’s most successful exports, the Brazilian league can’t come close to the global appeal of England’s Premier League.
Only Barcelona and Real Madrid can compete with English clubs.
If there’s been a change in the last five years it’s that City shirts have joined the ranks of football’s biggest on sale all across South America.
United match Barcelona and Real Madrid for distribution, even in Spanish-speaking countries.
United feel they can do even better globally with their new, yet-to-be-signed merchandise deal which will begin in 2015. But how much better can they do when their goods are already on sale all around the globe?
Brazil has a competitive league which has seen eight different champions since 2000 and many clubs are moving into new stadiums ahead of the World Cup finals.
Should they have been built? Spending £2.25bn on new stadiums in a country where there’s huge room for improvement in education, infrastructure and the health system infuriated many Brazilians.
They love football, but many felt there were more pressing causes.
Protests were prevalent around last year’s Confederations Cup, partly because Brazilians knew the world was watching.
“The protests helped,” says United’s Brazilian defender Rafael, who is unlikely to make his national squad.
“The leaders in Brazil know that they have to change. Before the leaders did what they wanted. Now they have to listen if there are a million people on the street protesting.
“Already there have been changes. There had to be.”
Brazil’s economy has grown exponentially in the last decade. It is the world’s largest exporter of oranges, coffee, sugar, chicken, beef and soybean.
The oil reserves are vast, yet people feel Brazil is missing its chance while their economy is growing, that the money is being squandered.
They’re embarrassed by their airports and what the world will see during the World Cup.
They have little confidence that politicians can do much about their problems.
Record ticket sales for the finals show that people are looking forward to June and discounts for students and the elderly for games in the hugely impressive venues have been popular. Not that all the venues are ready.
“Some stadiums are late but they’ll be finished and the ones I’ve played in are beautiful,” says Uruguay striker Diego Forlan, who lived in Brazil for two years until recently. He also played in the Confederations Cup. “It was great,” he said.
“The people love football and Brazil have an exceptional team under Luiz Felipe Scolari.”
Despite low expectations of the national team, England is third in ticket sales by country after the host nation and the USA.
With flights to Brazil costing around £1,000 for the finals – and that’s before you travel around to see each team play their three group games in three different cities, it’s not cheap. Hoteliers in the 12 host cities have increased their prices – a three-star in Belo Horizonte, where England play Costa Rica, is £200 a night throughout the tournament.
Given the vastness of the country, internal travel will be largely done by air. Wherever supporters end up, be it in beautiful Rio or Manaus in the Amazon, they’ll never be far from seeing a United or City shirt on sale.
Capital One Cup final: Manchester City's Vincent Kompany wants Wembley win
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says their FA Cup heartache of last season will help them ahead of their Capital One Cup final with Sunderland this weekend.
The Belgian central defender insists that their shock defeat by Wigan at Wembley last May is still on his mind.
Now Kompany wants to add the only domestic trophy he is yet to win to his medal collection at Wembley on Sunday.
"In the back of my mind, I still have the defeat to Wigan," he revealed to The Sun.
"If you know the history of City, you cannot say that reaching a final is the low part of your career.
"Emotionally it's tough, and it was something I took on board.
"I learned a lot from it, and that day was all about realising you cannot let your hunger get less - and on that day it became multiplied. It's not a negative, it has been my drive and is possibly the best thing that has happened in that it has given me even more hunger.
"You realise how precious it is to you and your people. It's all right saying the FA Cup is this, or the Capital One Cup is this, but it really matters.
"And it doesn't feel nice to go all that way and then, just before the end, see it taken away from you.
"There are no hard feelings in the sense that we didn't deserve it that day. But after that game, I've never wanted to win trophies so badly."
Kompany insists that despite City being overwhelming favourites, they will not be underestimating Sunderland.
"I am not going to visualise anything - that's too much," he said.
"All I know is that it will be a football game like any other and I just want the whole team to be at its best on the day.
"Obviously with the talent we have in this squad, you just want to make sure everyone puts in a performance.
"I am in the prime of my career and really need to make the most out of it."
West Ham want Rodwell, Valdes eyes Premier League
Manuel Pellegrini will need to fend off interest in two of the younger members of his squad come the summer - find out more in our transfer round-up!
Manuel Pellegrini's thoughts will be consumed by the Capital One Cup final clash with Sunderland at the weekend - but the transfer rumour mill never stops.
And it seems the Chilean has a lot to ponder if these latest links are to be believed.
We start with the news that highly-rated San Lorenzo forward Angel Correa could be on his way to City. The 18-year-old features regularly in the Argentine top flight and has caught the eye of a number of European clubs as a result.
Meanwhile, the Blues are prepared to go head-to-head with Liverpool for the signature of Victor Valdes when he leaves Barcelona, despite Joe Hart finding his best form again of late.
City's youth academy was boosted on Monday by the news that Emyr Huws has received a call-up to the Wales senior squad. But it has now emerged that Tottenham hope to sign the young midfielder.
And finally, a departure for Jack Rodwell could be on the cards, with West Ham keen on the former Everton star.
Manchester City Scout Highly Rated Argentine prodigy Angel Correa
Manchester City scouts visited Buenos Aires to watch San Lorenzo’s Angel Correa on Wednesday night, who has drawn serious interest from Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal and Napoli.
Manchester City scouts were in Argentina on Wednesday evening to watch San Lorenzo youngster Angel Correa in action. Manchester City are apparently ready to rival Atletico Madrid for the signing of the youngster tipped to be the next Sergio Aguero. Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United and Napoli are all keeping tabs on the highly rated youngster. Atletico Madrid have reportedly already made a bid for the wonderkid.
City’s representatives were at San Lorenzo’s game in Buenos Aires against Argentinos Juniors. San Lorenzo won 0-2 and Correa got both the assits to his name.
The 18-year-old Argentine can play as a striker or in a more withdrawn role and is widely considered as one of the hottest young prospects in South America. The 18 year old has a great and impressive first touch and control. He is an intelligent player who carries great awareness with him. The fact that he has been likened with Sergio Aguero only boosts that.
He is mostly operated as a second striker, but sometimes plays on the flanks. He is equally comfortable in both the positions. He terrorizes his defenders because of his intelligence as he knows exactly what to do when. He has great control on the ball and does not give it away easily. His vision, intelligence and awareness make him a handful to deal with. The fact that he is so young only makes the prospect of adding him to the ranks of a club more tempting.
Marcelo Tinelii, the owner of the club spoke highly of Correa:
“Correa, for me, is the best player in Argentine football, the future.
Manchester City face the fiercest competition from Atletico who are very serious in their pursuit of the 18 year old. Diego Simeone is a big admirer of the player. He was asked at the beginning of the winter transfer window if he would prize the Argetine away in winter itself and bring him to Madrid. The Atletico coach said:
“I am not right on top of the movements. I know he is an important player, but today we are just thinking about the boys that are here at the moment.”
However, the fact that they have already lodged a bid proves their ambitions in wanting to atain the signature of the player. It also was reported that Atleti were planning to arrange a deal through agent Jorge Mendes to rope the teenager in from Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side
Marcelo Tinelli, meanwhile, is not in a hurry to sell and is unlikely to be convinced to sell for anything less than £10million.
San Siro giants pursue Blues defender
Inter Milan have renewed their interest in Manchester City defender Karim Rekik, [football] direct news understands.
The Dutch teenager has impressed during a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven in his homeland, where scouts from the San Siro giants have been keeping tabs on his progress.
Centre-half Rekik will still have three years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium when the transfer window reopens and as yet there is no indication as to whether boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to keep him in Manchester.
A source close to the club confirmed Inter’s desire to take him to Italy on a permanent basis rather than a loan deal.
He has made only just two appearances for his parent club, in a League Cup clash with Birmingham City three years ago and in the Premier League against Reading in 2012.
Rekik has represented Holland at under-17 and under-19 level and is highly-rated at the Etihad Stadium.
Toure: Premier League is a game of leapfrog
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has said that he feels the title race this year in the Barclays Premier League is closer than ever, and has likened it to a game of leapfrog, according to the Daily Mail.
Since Christmas the Premier League has been incredibly tight, with each side separated by only a few points, with Chelsea in first, one point ahead of Arsenal, three ahead of Manchester City who have a game in hand, and 4 ahead of Liverpool. All this means the slightest dropping of points can see a side pull away or drop into the realms of fourth place only.
Rivals
Toure described the race as ‘fascinating’, stating that: ‘This year it won’t come down to many points, it’s like a game of leapfrog’. This comment holds true because in recent weeks, we have seen Arsenal resume the leadership they had throughout September and October, then being usurped by Chelsea following their win at City, and now City can return to the top of the table when they play Sunderland later this month.
This, in the words of the African footballer of the year, has made the Premier League ‘great’ this season for all those who love the beautiful game.
Mental Aspect
Toure has said that this season it will come down to the mental aspect in the Premier League this season. ’Chelsea have Mourinho there’, and then ‘Arsene Wenger’s there with players who have a lot of experience of the English League and at the moment they want to prove it’. He then added ‘There’s also Liverpool and you shouldn’t forget Tottenham’.
While it is certainly one of the most even races in recent Premier League history, Toure will surely be confident his side can win it.
[spoiler]Claudine Keane - wife of Robbie Keane
[/spoiler]Striker Thierry Henry, 36, wants Galatasaray's former Chelsea frontman Didier Drogba, 35, who is out of contract at the end of the season, to join him at the New York Red Bulls. Daily Star
Drogba says he would think about a return to Chelsea if asked by Blues boss Jose Mourinho. Sun
Manchester United boss David Moyes has made Roma defender Mehdi Benatia, 26, his top summer transfer target. Daily Express
Bayern Munich bosses have told Manchester United midfield target Toni Kroos, 24, that he is going nowhere this summer. Daily Star
Bacary Sagna, 31, wants a three-year, £100k-a-week contract to remain at Arsenal beyond this season. Daily Mirror
Barcelona and Arsenal have joined Manchester City in monitoring San Lorenzo forward Angel Correa, 18. DSSC
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says he has no intention of selling striker Diego Costa, 25, to Arsenal or Chelsea this summer, and is not interested in a player exchange involving on-loan goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 21. Daily Express
Wigan boss Uwe Rosler wants to sign Fulham midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe, 21, on loan just weeks after the youngster moved to Craven Cottage. Daily Mirror
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, 25, has been given an extended break by manager Arsene Wenger in an attempt to recharge his batteries. Daily Mirror
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger, 29, is fighting for his future at Anfield after being substituted 63 minutes into Sunday's 4-3 Premier League win over Swansea. Daily Express
Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky, 33, says the Gunners can win trophies again and would not have signed a new contract if he did not believe it. Sun
Jose Mourinho has reacted angrily after reports emerged in France of the Chelsea manager making disparaging remarks, delivered in what he considered to be a private conversation, over the quality of the forwards at his disposal. Guardian
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino admits he would like to manage Paris St-Germain one day, having spent three years there as a player. Daily Star
England boss Roy Hodgson will advise his players not to travel as far as Las Vegas for any pre-World Cup trip such as the holiday Wayne Rooney took before Euro 2012. Daily Telegraph
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says his "exceptional" side have progressed much faster than he expected when he was appointed. Sky's Talkshit
Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's future is in doubt after the club cancelled a planned warm-weather trip to Abu Dhabi. Times
Midfielder Lewis Holtby, 23, says Fulham must adapt quickly to new manager Felix Magath's uncompromising methods if they want to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Evening Standard
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, 30, says the Champions League is so wide open this year that 10 of the remaining 16 teams have a chance of lifting the trophy. Independent
Borussia Dortmund fans will be offered tea and hot pies by hosts Zenit St Petersburg to help them combat the cold as they queue to enter the Petrovsky Stadium for Tuesday's Champions League last 16 tie. Metro
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