Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson battle for Premier League title on the PlayStation

Posted on March 2, 2013 by adminsports

Revealed! How Mancini and Fergie battled it out for the Premier League title… on the PLAYSTATION

By
Adam Shergold

PUBLISHED:

11:20 GMT, 2 March 2013

UPDATED:

11:20 GMT, 2 March 2013

With Manchester United enjoying a 12 point lead, the Barclays Premier League trophy is surely already adorned in red and white ribbons.

As a result, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini must take the small victories as and when they come – even if they're on the PlayStation.

The Italian has been secretly meeting his adversary Sir Alex Ferguson to play out the title race in virtual reality, as this video footage shows.

Scroll down for video

PlayStation battle: Mancini and Ferguson decide the Premier League title on the City manager's blue console

But even on his blue PlayStation, Mancini can't get the better of his nemesis.

The voyeuristic spoof video is the creation of filmmaker Alison Jackson, who uses uncanny Mancini and Fergie lookalikes.

It's to promote the new limited edition Super Slim PlayStation consoles, available in red or blue depending on your allegiance.

The clip starts with Mancini frantically trying to figure out how City can make up the dozen point gap at the top of the league.

Letting go: Roberto Mancini with the Premier League title last season. His City side must overhaul a 12 point United lead to retain it

As he's tapping away on the calculator and scratching his head, there's a knock at the door.

A gloating Fergie pushes his way in and starts parading around with Mancini's replica Premier League trophy – resplendent in blue ribbons.

The pair decide to battle it out on the PlayStation to determine once and for all who will be champion and get to keep the silverware.

Laughing: Alex Ferguson knows another Premier League title is within reach

And after a rollercoaster match, it's Fergie who emerges victorious, showing an unexpected talent for football sims.

Delighted, the United boss skips out of the Mancini residence with the trophy safely in his possession again – though only after performing a cringe-worthy Gangnam style dance.

Time will tell whether the real title race has the same outcome.

The new Red or Blue limited edition Super Slim PlayStation consoles are available now. Twitter hashtag #RedorBlue

Wrong colour Adam Johnson showed off his customised PlayStation on Twitter this week

VIDEO: Watch the Mancini and Fergie PlayStation spoof

Roberto Mancini demands victory at Aston Villa

Posted on March 2, 2013 by adminsports

Defeat at Villa would be no laughing matter for Man City, warns Mancini

By
Andy Hampson, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

10:52 GMT, 2 March 2013

UPDATED:

12:02 GMT, 2 March 2013

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has told his players their impressive win over Chelsea counts for nothing if they fail to beat struggling Aston Villa on Monday.

The champions have responded well since a dismal defeat at Southampton all but ended their hopes of retaining their Barclays Premier League crown last month.

City thrashed Leeds in the FA Cup and deservedly overcame then third-placed Chelsea 2-0 but leaders Manchester United remain in complete control of title race.

Is that you, Joe Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart sports some fancy dress for Comic Relief

In on it: Midfielder Gareth Barry strikes a pose for the cameras

Support: Jack Rodwell and his team-mates are promoting Red Nose Day by sporting Eighties wigs

Nice do: Right back Pablo Zabaleta shows off his three noses and a suspect haircut

Mancini's men next travel to struggling Villa knowing any they cannot afford to let the intensity drop.
The Italian said: 'For us, it will be important. If we don't beat Aston Villa, it is like we didn't do anything against Chelsea.

'For this reason it is important to beat Aston Villa and afterwards continue to go.

'The season is not finished. It is impossible we can think it is finished now.

'There are 11 games to the finish. It is our job to play all the games 100 per cent and try to win always.'

City and Mancini, of course, have experience of chasing apparent lost causes having memorably fought back to pip United to the title on goal difference last season.

Mancini said: 'I was not strong in mathematics in school, but with 11 games to play – 33 points – everything is possible.

'Last time we won the title from six games to go, eight points (behind). I think everything is possible.'

City captain Vincent Kompany seems unlikely to return to action at Villa Park.

The Belgium defender has missed five games since suffering a calf injury in the FA Cup fourth-round win at Stoke just over a month ago.

It had been hoped the 26-year-old could return against Chelsea but the problem has lasted longer than expected and Kompany has also had trouble in his opposite calf.

Mancini has not yet ruled him out for Monday but the cup quarter-final against Barnsley next week is now looking a more realistic comeback target.

One giant leap: Hart puts in some work in training earlier this week

Weight of expectation: Joleon Lescott powers through his session at the Carrington gym

Mancini said: 'Vinny is getting better in this moment.

'We hope we can recover him for the next game. We will try for Aston Villa for Monday but it is difficult because he did not train with the team, he trained with the physio.

'We hope for the FA Cup. The calf is a difficult injury because you think you are okay and then you have a problem. The calf is a strange injury.'

Former Villa midfielder Gareth Barry should be fit to face his old team after two games out with an ankle injury.

Mancini said: 'He has trained with the team the last two days and I think he will be ready.'

Meanwhile, the City players pitched in to do their bit for Comic Relief. Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Jack Rodwell and Barry donned suspect Eighties haircuts and put on red noses to show their support for the cause.

Samir Nasri could quit Manchester City for PSG

Posted on March 2, 2013 by adminsports

EXCLUSIVE: Unsettled Nasri is PSG target as City midfielder plots exit

By
Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED:

22:30 GMT, 1 March 2013

UPDATED:

00:23 GMT, 2 March 2013

Paris Saint-Germain are set to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding Samir Nasri’s future with a big-money summer swoop.

Manchester City sources have indicated to Sportsmail that the France international is keen to explore the option of leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer after a breakdown in his relationship with Roberto Mancini.

Nasri is said to have been shocked and angered by his manager’s decision to criticise him publicly last week.

Down in the dumps: Samir Nasri could quit Manchester City for PSG

Samir Nasri

And news of Nasri’s anger has alerted PSG sporting director Leonardo, who is a known admirer of the Frenchman.

The Brazilian failed in an attempt to snatch Nasri from under City’s noses when he left Arsenal in 2011.

And the mega-rich club want to revive their interest in Nasri when the summer transfer window re-opens, with the player said to be ‘more than open’ to the move.

PSG’s riches mean they will have no
problems matching Nasri’s current 170,000-per-week wages, though City
will want to recoup as much of the 24million paid for the attacking
midfielder as possible.

Whether or not Mancini remains at the City helm beyond the end of the season, will be a factor when Nasri decides his future.

But with champions City keen to lower
their wage bill significantly this summer, selling Nasri is
unquestionably an attractive option for them.

Unhappy: Roberto Mancini was publicly critical of Nasri last week

Manchester City's Samir Nasri jokes around in the dressing room during training

Rafa Benitez press conference: Chelsea manager defiant

Posted on March 1, 2013 by adminsports

Rafa responds! Defiant Benitez insists he wants the fans to back him and the team

: West Brom 1 Chelsea 0 (Gareth McAuley, 82)

The Portuguese was supposed to be given the freedom to overhaul an ageing squad, but with a place in the top four and Champions League football slipping from Chelsea's grasp, Villas-Boas was given his marching orders in early spring. Di Matteo was brought in and delivered the FA Cup and Champions League trophies.

ROBERTO DI MATTEO

November 17, 2012: West Brom 2 Chelsea 1 (Shane Long, 10, Peter Odemwingie 50; Eden Hazard 39)

After leading Chelsea to a first Champions League title while interim boss, the Italian's permanent appointment was short-lived. A 2-1 loss at the Hawthorns, the team's first away defeat of the league season, was followed by a European defeat at Juventus which sealed Di Matteo's fate and saw Benitez drafted in.

Jack Rodwell: I was surprised Manchester City bid for me

Posted on February 27, 2013 by adminsports

I was surprised City signed me, admits Rodwell as he reveals injury hell

through injury, but the youngster’s concerns were not limited
to his hamstrings after City made their move last summer.

Familiar face: Rodwell contests with future team-mate David Silva last season

Manager Roberto Mancini warned that
he had to improve while England boss Roy Hodgson expressed a fear that
he would spend much of the season on the bench at his new club. It did
not help when Rodwell’s misplaced passes led to City conceding goals
against Southampton and Borussia Dortmund in his first few games.

Asked if he was surprised at the
transfer, he said: ‘I was a little bit, yes, because of the injuries –
it was a good surprise though.

‘I’d seen the German doctor
Muller-Wohlfahrt a couple of months before City came in so I felt I was
fit at the time but I obviously wasn’t. I probably didn’t do enough work
after getting treated by him which I know now.

‘I don’t really think about the price
tag or anything like that. When you’re on the pitch you can’t think
about what the fans are thinking. It’s natural when you’ve spent that
much money and you’ve won the league last year, you do expect a little
bit of something in return.

‘I feel as though the fans saw a little bit more of me (against Chelsea) but there’s still a lot more to come in my opinion.’

Roberto Di Matteo airbushed from Chelsea history – club remove Champions League picture

Posted on February 27, 2013 by adminsports

Di Matteo airbrushed from Chelsea history as club remove Champions League picture featuring former boss

By
Neil Ashton

PUBLISHED:

22:58 GMT, 26 February 2013

UPDATED:

02:13 GMT, 27 February 2013

Before: This picture featuring Roberto Di Matteo has been replaced

Roberto di Matteo has been airbrushed out of Chelsea’s Champions League history after the club replaced his image on an iconic wall at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s history-making manager, sacked last November by owner Roman Abramovich, was pictured on the West Stand wall with the rest of the squad and their trophies at the start of the season.

Di Matteo has now been replaced by a huge image of Chelsea’s players and coaching staff — minus the manager — celebrating the club’s first European Cup triumph in the Allianz Arena.

And Chelsea supporters, who often take souvenir pictures next to the giant poster, have been left stunned by the decision.

The
new image is one of the few in existence with the team and coaching
staff celebrating their triumph without Di Matteo present.

The
popular Italian led Chelsea to their first European Cup last May, but
was brutally axed following a 3-0 defeat at Juventus in November.

The original picture of the squad was in
place at the start of the season, but Di Matteo has only just been
removed.

After: This is the picture which you can find at Stamford Bridge now, not featuring the former manager

Gone and forgotten: Di Matteo led the Blues to double cup success before being ousted

He was still in place when Chelsea played Wigan at Stamford
Bridge on February 9, but had gone by the time they faced Brentford in
an FA Cup fourth-round replay on February 17.

Although the club insist the change was made because Di Matteo is no longer Chelsea manager, they are still using pictures of other departed stars in the new image outside Stamford Bridge.

Didier Drogba, who struck the winning penalty against Bayern Munich last May, is in the front row with Chelsea’s players.

Troubled times: Interim boss Benitez has failed to lift the gloom at Stamford Bridge

Florent Malouda, banished to training with the academy players in his final year and told he will never play for Chelsea again, is also in the frame.

Jose Bosingwa, who joined QPR in the summer on a free transfer, is another former player captured on the image, which has a prominent place just by the stadium’s entrance.

Chelsea last night pointed out that Di Matteo is pictured with the FA Cup in another area of the concourse.

Manchester City prepare to sell Edin Dzeko, Maicon and Joleon Lescott

Posted on February 22, 2013 by adminsports

Dzeko, Lescott and Maicon head for City exit as Mancini prepare fire sale to fund move for Fellaini

By
Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED:

23:21 GMT, 21 February 2013

UPDATED:

02:06 GMT, 22 February 2013

Manchester City want to significantly slash their wage bill this summer with a ruthless clear-out.

The current Barclays Premier League holders have already begun the process of making their salary expenditure more cost-effective from next season by instructing a number of third-parties to find buyers for a host of players this summer.

Newly-appointed director of football Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano have made it a top priority to streamline the club’s wage bill.

On his way: 27m striker Edin Dzeko could be heading for the City exit

Under threat: Joleon Lescott has also fallen out of favour this season

Edin for the exit: Dzeko and Joleon Lescott are among those set to leave City this summer

Players City are committed to offloading this summer are Maicon, Joleon Lescott, Edin Dzeko and Scott Sinclair.

The futures of Gareth Barry, Javi Garcia, Aleksandar Kolarov and Samir Nasri are also under review ahead of the summer shake-up.

Furthermore, City will make an instant 15million annual saving once Roque Santa Cruz, Wayne Bridge and Kolo Toure’s contracts expire at the end of the season.

Samir Nasri

Gareth Barry

Disappointing: Samir Nasri has never justified his City salary, while Gareth Barry is rapidly declining

The Etihad Stadium club will also look to use their unwanted stars as makeweights in their attempts to sign fresh blood.

The imminent clear-out is, in part, to ensure the club fall into UEFA’s financial fair play guidelines, but also designed to give the club more leeway in terms of wages in the transfer market this summer.

City will look to make at least two significant purchases, with Napoli forward Edinson Cavani, who has a 52million release clause, already identified.

Targeted: Roberto Mancini hopes to recruit Marouane Fellaini

Manager Roberto Mancini will also look to add a box-to-box central midfielder to his ranks, with Everton’s Marouane Fellaini viewed as a leading candidate.

It is understood the Toffees are aware of City’s growing interest in the Belgium international, but are unwilling to make a decision on his future until the end of the season.

City would be willing to stretch to 23million to land Fellaini, who is also a long-term target for Chelsea, in the summer and have already earmarked young striker John Guidetti as a sweetener in the deal. Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama is also a target for City.

Roberto Mancini challenges Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero to score goals to win the Premier League

Posted on February 18, 2013 by adminsports

Now win us the title, Sergio! City boss Mancini challenges Aguero to score goals to catch rivals United

By
John Edwards

PUBLISHED:

18:20 GMT, 17 February 2013

UPDATED:

10:16 GMT, 18 February 2013

Roberto Mancini challenged Sergio Aguero to score the goals to wrestle the Barclays Premier League title from favourites Manchester United.

After seeing Aguero score twice in a 4-0 FA Cup win over Leeds, Mancini backed his striker to spearhead a late charge for the championship.

In the Cup spirit: Roberto Mancini is not giving up on winning the title just yet

‘I hope Sergio will be like this from now to the end of the season, because if he is and our other strikers continue to score then the championship is not finished,’ he said.

With Malaga’s former Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini the latest to be linked with his job at the Etihad Stadium, an unlikely second successive title should be enough to save Mancini from the growing threat of being sacked.

‘It is possible we could be 15 points behind by the time we face Chelsea next Sunday, but I think we should always be confident in ourselves,’ Mancini added.

‘There was a stage where we lost seven points in three games and that can happen to other teams as well.

At the double: Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manchester City cruised past Leeds

‘So, even when we’re 12 points behind at this moment, we should believe it can be done. At this moment, United deserve to stay there because they have been better than us and scored more goals, but this win against Leeds can influence what we do for the rest of the season and spark us into life.

‘We have been unlucky with injuries this season, but Gareth Barry should be ready for Chelsea, and we hope we have Vinny Kompany for that one as well. We will see tomorrow or Tuesday about Javi Garcia, but I don’t think it’s big problem with him, either.’

Three and easy: Carlos Tevez celebrates with Aguero and David Silva after scoring City's third goal

Neil Warnock completes a year in charge of Leeds on Wednesday, but had to contend with some travelling fans calling for his head.

‘I’m going to have to get used to that, but no-one wants it and I don’t think I deserve it after the year I’ve had here,’ he said.

‘The fans are so desperate to get back in the big time and when they see the opportunity gradually fading, the manager has got to be the scapegoat.

Spot on: Aguero scores a 15th-minute penalty against the Championship side

‘If we don’t go up, I think everyone knows I’m not going to be here. My contract is up at the end of the season, and there’s no way I want to stay in the Championship next year.

‘The further from promotion we get, the more the club will be looking out to see what they are going to do. Could I go before then I have spoken to them (the owners) at great length. If they think it will help them then I’m not against it — I think whatever is best for Leeds United really.’

Feeling the heat: Manager Neil Warnock is under pressure from Leeds fans

Manchester City eye summer swoops for Napoli"s Edinson Cavani and Celtic"s Victor Wanyama

Posted on February 14, 2013 by adminsports

EXCLUSIVE: 52m Ed boy! City to break record for Napoli ace Cavani and also eye Bhoys star Wanyama

By
Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED:

21:37 GMT, 13 February 2013

UPDATED:

21:37 GMT, 13 February 2013

Manchester City are ready to begin a 60million-plus overhaul of their squad with summer moves for Napoli’s Edinson Cavani and Celtic’s Victor Wanyama.

Manager Roberto Mancini and football director Txiki Begiristain have recognised the need to freshen up the under-performing Barclays Premier League champions and will offload at least four players to help satisfy the demands of UEFA’s financial fair play guidelines.

City opened talks over a move for Napoli’s prolific forward Cavani last month and were initially put off by his 52m release clause.

Top target: Manchester City want to buy Napoli's Edinson Cavani in the summer

However, with Chelsea in pole position for Atletico Madrid’s Colombian superstar Radamel Falcao, City have returned to the Uruguay international and are prepared to break the British transfer record to sign him.

Cavani is currently Serie A’s leading scorer with 18 goals, helping his club to second place, five points behind leaders and the defending champions Juventus.

Both Napoli and Cavani’s representatives are aware of City’s intention to pursue the 25-year-old during the summer transfer window. But Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also poised to bid.

Star man: Cavani has proved to be a star in the Champions League

Mancini missed out on signing Robin van Persie from Arsenal last summer and has bemoaned the fact ever since.

City have fallen 12 points behind neighbours Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League title race.

And the club’s hierarchy are determined not to miss out on another top target.
City will help offset their outlay by selling 25m-rated striker Edin Dzeko in the summer.

The 26-year-old Bosnia forward is wanted in Italy and Germany and is keen to kickstart his career after playing a supporting role this season.

In demand: A number of clubs have had their eye on Victor Wanyama

He will be followed by other big-name sacrifices as City also look to bring in a new centre back and defensive midfielder.

Meanwhile, Celtic powerhouse Wanyama was watched by City scouts on Tuesday night against Juventus and they were joined in the crowd by representatives from Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Kenyan, who impressed despite playing the second half with an injured ankle, has also been watched by Manchester United.

He is valued at 10m, however the 21-year-old has only 16 months left on his contract and will be eager to join City’s all-star squad.

Roberto Mancini vows to make Manchester City changes

Posted on February 11, 2013 by adminsports

If you're not willing to fight, then you're out! Mancini fires warning to City players after losing ground on United

By
Martin Ziegler, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

11:08 GMT, 11 February 2013

UPDATED:

11:22 GMT, 11 February 2013

Roberto Mancini is ready to wield the axe on his Manchester City squad and has warned his players he will only pick those who are ready to fight every inch of the way for the rest of the season.

Mancini was furious at the limp manner of City's 3-1 defeat at Southampton at the weekend which now leaves the reigning champions 12 points behind leaders Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League with 12 games left.

Mancini said he will make significant changes for the FA Cup fifth-round visit of Leeds on Sunday.

Thumbs up: Roberto Mancini put his disappointment to one side whilst watching Sampdoria take on Roma yesterday

Thumbs up: Roberto Mancini put his disappointment to one side whilst watching Sampdoria take on Roma

He told the Manchester Evening News: 'I am sure we will change that, because I will change players next week.

'I only want players who are ready for the fight in the last 12 games.

'I am very angry with a lot of my players, and very disappointed at the performance, because it is impossible to play the way we did.

Down (and out): Manchester City are now 12 points adrift of United in the race for the Premier League title

'We didn't fight for every ball. We can't always win by playing well – that is normal. Sometimes we play well and win, but you also need to be able to win because you fight for every ball, and fight against an opponent who also wants to win the game.

'Every team that plays against us treats it like a Champions League final, but we should know this, it is normal.

'We now have 12 games left, (we) need to do well in the Premier League, and we have the FA Cup – there are games left and we can do better. We need to finish the season the way we did last year.'

Blow: Joe Hart conceded three goals as City were soundly beaten by Southampton on Saturday

Carlos Tevez is expected to return to City this week after a family problem, and Vincent Kompany should also be available again, as will Matija Nastasic and Kolo Toure who were not risked after late returns from international duty.

Mancini branded the fixture demands caused by the international fixtures 'ridiculous' but did not hold his defenders – including midfielder Javi Garcia in a makeshift centre-back role – responsible for the Southampton defeat.

He added: 'The fixtures are ridiculous sometimes, as we played on Saturday and then had six players who came back on Friday, and five who came back Thursday night.

'Sometimes it is impossible. 'Nastasic came back Friday and Kolo came back three or four days ago – plus the last time Javi Garcia played there, he played really, really well.

'On Saturday we played well in defence, but the problem was that we didn't give the defenders any help. They were left to play alone, and we conceded two goals the like of which I have never seen in my life.'

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Tag Archives: roberto

Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson battle for Premier League title on the PlayStation

Roberto Mancini demands victory at Aston Villa

Samir Nasri could quit Manchester City for PSG

Rafa Benitez press conference: Chelsea manager defiant

Jack Rodwell: I was surprised Manchester City bid for me

Roberto Di Matteo airbushed from Chelsea history – club remove Champions League picture

Manchester City prepare to sell Edin Dzeko, Maicon and Joleon Lescott

Roberto Mancini challenges Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero to score goals to win the Premier League

Manchester City eye summer swoops for Napoli"s Edinson Cavani and Celtic"s Victor Wanyama

Roberto Mancini vows to make Manchester City changes