Carlos Tevez back playing for Manchester City in two to three weeks – Roberto Mancini

Posted on February 22, 2012 by adminsports

Tevez will be back playing for City in two to three weeks, says Mancini after Porto romp

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said he had 'no problem' with Carlos Tevez and the striker could be considered for selection in 'two or three weeks'.

Tevez said in a statement released by City that he was 'sincerely and unreservedly' sorry for his actions in taking an unauthorised three-month leave of absence from the club. The Argentinian also withdrew his appeal against a fine of six weeks' wages.

Tevez has not played for City since he was accused of refusing to warm up during the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich on September 27. Mancini, at the time, said Tevez was 'finished' at the club as a result and the dispute escalated when the player then flew to Argentina without permission on November 7.

Back at City: Carlos Tevez

No problem: Roberto Mancini

No problem: Carlos Tevez (left) is back at Manchester City with Roberto Mancini

However, after the 4-0 defeat of Porto booked City's place in the last 16 of the Europa League, Mancini said Tevez would be available once he deems him match fit.

The Italian told ESPN: 'One week after Munich I called him to my house and said, “Carlos, apologise to everyone and it's finished”.

'I have no problem. I think he needs two to three weeks to train, then some games.'

City captain Vincent Kompany believes he and his team-mates showed they are in the Europa League to win the competition after they thrashed Porto.

A first-minute goal from Sergio Aguero set City on their way to seal a 6-1 aggregate triumph, with late strikes from Edin Dzeko, David Silva and David Pizarro inflicting further damage at the Etihad.

Kompany told ESPN: 'It was a great victory. I think today showed how serious we are about this competition.

'Four-nil is a great result against the holders of the competition from last season.

Just a minute: Sergio Aguero struck after only 19 seconds against Porto

Impressive: City celebrate knocking the holders out of the Europa League

'I didn't think we were at our best but we did exactly what we needed to.'

Aguero's early goal effectively killed off the tie, another valuable strike from the Argentinian who joined City last summer.

'And this is his first season (at City) as well,' Kompany said. 'He is doing so many great things for the team.'

Pointing out the threat City possess, and the abundance of scoring opportunities they had tonight, Kompany added: 'It just shows we always create chances. The strikers have a lot of fun up front.

'It's good the end of the season is approaching, I don't think our team has ever been stronger.'

Something to prove: Yaya Toure (left) is hungry for a trophy this season

Midfield general Yaya Toure said: 'I think the game today was fantastic. To score early was very important for us.'

Defeat with the Ivory Coast in the African Nations Cup final was a jolt for Toure, and has increased his hunger for a trophy with City.

'It's very important for me,' he said. 'We lost that final against a good team.'

Toure added: 'It's very important for us to win something this year.'

Craig Bellamy: Champions League remains priority for Liverpool

Posted on February 22, 2012 by adminsports

Champions League is Liverpool's No 1 priority, says Bellamy

Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy insists the club's priority remains securing Champions League football and any cup success will be a bonus.

The Reds face the Wales international's hometown club Cardiff, for whom he played last season, in the Carling Cup at Wembley on Sunday.

But the 32-year-old said that while the chance of picking up silverware could not be ignored, it should not detract from the main aim of a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League.

Priorities: Bellamy is relishing the cup final, but recognises need to return to Champions League competition

'The season isn't over for either of us, whichever one loses,' said Bellamy, who admits he does not judge his career on medals won.

'Cardiff have promotion to go for and we have Champions League (qualification) to gun for and we're still in the FA Cup.

'If we lose on Sunday we still have so much to play for this season and it is the same for Cardiff.

'Would we choose Champions League over the Carling Cup I think we would.

'Would Cardiff choose getting to the Premier League over the Carling Cup I think they would as well.

'That is our main objective. That is what we set out for this season. Cup competitions are a big bonus for us but we are looking at the Champions League.

'A win on Sunday might push us forward but if it didn't we still have a lot to play for – and so do Cardiff.'

Bellamy said he is relishing every moment of his return to Liverpool and intends to savour what remains of the time he has left at the highest level.

Plenty to play for: Bellamy knows Liverpool's season isn't decided on Sunday

He readily admits his single season at Anfield in 2006-07 left him feeling he had unfinished business with the club and so he jumped at the chance to rejoin on a free transfer from Manchester City in the summer.

Bellamy has already started to make up for lost time with a string of performances which have arguably made him the Reds' best player this season.

And despite having to carefully manage his fitness situation, ageing knees and all, he is finding his second spell on Merseyside much more enjoyable.

'It has been good. It is nice playing with such good players and being at this club,' added the Welshman, who has declared himself fit after a back spasm required an injection which ruled him out of last weekend's FA Cup win over Brighton.

'With Kenny (Dalglish) behind me I have just felt so relaxed and got on with my football and training as much as I can.

Winning return: King Kenny could lift silverware in his first full season back at Anfield

'I try to enjoy it as much as I can because this won't be around forever. I am very fortunate to realise that while I am still playing and I take every day as it comes.'

Another player looking to make the most of his first club appearance at Wembley is captain Steven Gerrard.

The England midfielder has played at the stadium numerous times for his country but Sunday will be the first time he has led out his boyhood club there, after a year which has been beset by groin and ankle problems.

Dalglish expects the 32-year-old to lead from the front as he has done so many times in past, most notably in their last two victories in finals in the 2005 Champions League and the FA Cup win a year later.

'I think he is a tremendous influence on everyone but each individual has a part to play,' said the Reds boss.

'He is the skipper of the club and that gives him added responsibility. For Steven it is reward for him as well with the problems he has had with injury.

'But Carra (Jamie Carragher) has been here as long as Steven and has been a fantastic servant to the club.

'He might not wear the armband but he is equally influential. There are a lot of people around the place who can help with their experience which will stand the other boys in good stead.'

Samir Nasri: Carlos Tevez should say sorry and help Manchester City again

Posted on February 21, 2012 by adminsports

Just say sorry, Carlos! Nasri issues Tevez plea in bid to boost City's trophy charge

Samir Nasri has urged Carlos Tevez to apologise to manager Roberto Mancini so that he can help Manchester City in their quest for glory.

City face Porto on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League and are top of the Barclays Premier League.

But Nasri believes City's challenge for silverware would be boosted further if the Argentine rebel returns to duty.

Just say sorry, Carlos: Samir Nasri wants Tevez and manager Roberto Mancini to resolve their dispute

Tevez reported back to the club’s training ground last week after spending more than three months in Argentina without the club’s permission.

The 28-year-old was given his own fitness programme and did not meet Mancini before the Italian flew to Portugal for last week’s Europa League clash with Porto.

With City not in action last weekend, Mancini then gave his players some time off after the Porto game and did not fly back to Manchester with the squad.

Nasri admitted he hopes the situation can be resolved and that Tevez can rejoin the push for the Premier League and Europa League titles.

The Frenchman said: 'I didn’t speak to Carlos.

'I think he is an important player for us and for every team in Europe, because he has quality.

'I don’t know what happened. If he has to apologise, then he has to do it and then he will be in the squad, because we need players of his quality to win the league and the Europa League.

'After that it is for the club and Carlos to deal with.'

Altogether now: City are preparing to take on Porto for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League

Mancini refused to say whether he has met or intends to meet the striker.

He said: 'There is a meeting tomorrow – against Porto.'

Mancini has previously said Tevez must apologise for the events of the past four and a half months before he will consider him for selection again.

Tevez has not played for City since he was accused of refusing to warm up during the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich last September.

The Argentinian flew back to South America in November and hoped to secure a move during last month’s transfer window.

With no transfer materialising, he returned to City to fight for his place but caused further controversy by claiming Mancini treated him 'like a dog' in a TV interview.

Mancini last week denied he ever treated Tevez badly and said he would not speak about the player for the next three months.

John Guidetti earns Sweden call to boost Euro 2012 hopes

Posted on February 21, 2012 by adminsports

England beware… Sweden to unleash City wonderkid Guidetti ahead of Euro 2012

Sweden are ready to unleash Manchester City wonderkid John Guidetti on the international scene, hoping the teenage strike sensation can become their secret weapon when they take on England at Euro 2012.

The 19-year-old striker has been in sensational form during his loan spell at Dutch giants Feyenoord, scoring 18 goals in 17 games.

And that form has put Guidetti in contention to make his debut for his country when they play Croatia at the end of the month.

Call-up: Manchester City wonderkid John Guidetti has been in superb form for Feyenoord

Matt Fortune

Despite his sending off at the weekend for a second bookable offence after removing his shirt as he celebrated scoring, Sweden coach Erik Hamren insists the Bayern Munich target has matured and earned a spot in the squad alongside AC Milan superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the game in Zagreb on February 29.

Hamren said: '18 goals in 17 matches speaks for itself.'

Leon McKenzie jailed over fake letters to police over speeding

Posted on February 21, 2012 by adminsports

Ex-Premier League striker McKenzie jailed over fake letters to police in bid to dodge speeding convictions

Former Premier League striker Leon McKenzie has been sent to prison for six months for sending bogus letters to avoid speeding convictions.

McKenzie, who played for Norwich in the top-flight, was jailed at Northampton Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting six charges of attempting to dodge speeding fines between 2008 and 2010.

It comes after McKenzie revealed to Sportsmail in December that he attempted to commit suicide towards the end of this career after suffering from depression.

Jailed: Leon McKenzie arrives at Northampton Crown Court for sentencing

The 33-year-old was sentenced after admitting sending the letters to Northamptonshire police.

The letters – that claimed to be from a fictional garage in London – said his car was off the road when he was caught speeding.

Claire Howell, prosecuting last year, said that each time McKenzie received a notice of intended prosecution, he sent a letter claiming mechanics were working on his car when it was ﬂashed by speed cameras.

He was supported in court by his uncle – the former world boxing champion Duke McKenzie, former So Solid Crew rapper MC Harvey and PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle.

Judge Richard Bray said: 'A custodial sentence is necessary for this type of offence which strikes right at the heart of justice. It would completely send out the wrong message if I did not hand out a custodial sentence.'

McKenzie, who retired from professional football in December, was also handed a 18-month driving ban.

On his attempted suicide, McKenzie told Sportsmail: 'I was in a place where I didn't want to be and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I wanted to end it, to end the pain. I got a bottle of Jack Daniel's, a load of sleeping pills and anti-inflammatories and must have knocked back 40 tablets.'

Gary Speed Memorial: Alan Shearer books private plane

Posted on February 21, 2012 by adminsports

Shearer books private plane to fly Speed's former team-mates to memorial game for tragic pal

Alan Shearer is hiring a jet to fly 25 of Gary Speed's former team-mates to Cardiff to be at the Welshman's memorial game.

Wales will remember the former national team boss, who died in November after apparently committing suicide, in a match against Costa Rica.

Tragedy: Gary Speed was found dead at his home in November last year

Speed made his international debut against the Central American side in 1990 and went on to win 85 caps. He was appointed manager in late 2010.

The former midfielder also starred for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United and was close friends with Toon legend Shearer.

Remembered: Wales will face Costa Rica in memory of Gary Speed

The former England striker, according to The Sun, has organised a plane to take Speed's ex-team-mates from the north of England down to Wales for next Wednesday's match.

Speed was found at home by his wife Louise early on Sunday November 27. His death, at the age of 42, shocked the football community.

Close: Alan Shearer and Gary Speed were friends from their Newcastle days

Michael Owen sells half share of Brown Panther

Posted on February 21, 2012 by adminsports

United striker Owen sells half share in Brown to Black

Manchester United’s Michael Owen has sold a half-share in his St Leger runner-up Brown Panther.

Owen will now share the Royal Ascot winner he bred with Andrew Black, joint founder of betting exchange Betfair and a partner in the striker’s Cheshire stable.

Owen said: ‘During the last few months I have received numerous offers, culminating in one I could not refuse.

Sold: Michael Owen has sold half his stake in Brown Panther

'Prior to accepting, I informed Andrew of my decision and offered him first refusal to buy 50 per cent. I am delighted he accepted.’

Trainer Tom Dascombe is planning a racecourse comeback for Brown Panther in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester’s May meeting.

Dascombe said: ‘He got outpaced in the St Leger because the ground was too quick and I am keen to campaign him at a mile and a half.’

Didier Drogba denies undermining Andre Villas-Boas

Posted on February 21, 2012 by adminsports

It's no big deal! Drogba denies undermining AVB with tunnel teamtalk

Didier Drogba has rubbished suggestions he had sought to undermine Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas by giving a half-time team talk during the club's FA Cup clash with Birmingham.

The aftermath of Saturday's 1-1 fifth-round draw saw Blues boss Villas-Boas react furiously to the insinuation star striker Drogba had circumvented his authority before coming off the bench at Stamford Bridge.

Denial: Drogba has rubbished reports he tried to undermine manager Villas-Boas

Drogba sought to clarify the matter ahead of night's Champions League game at Napoli, explaining he was merely delivering a pep talk in the tunnel on top of Villas-Boas' usual half-time duties.

The 33-year-old, who is set for a recall, said: 'I want to make things clear – the manager made a speech at half-time, and after that, I think he's got some leaders in the team, in the squad. We're here to help him.

Big thing out of nothing: Drogba hit back at Monday's press conference

'We were just trying to bring the team up. We did what the manager wanted us to do and tried to apply what he was saying. Nothing more.

'People are making a big thing out of nothing.'

Villas-Boas' post-match eruption was not surprising considering he had admitted two days earlier that some of his players no longer backed his project.

Previous Chelsea managers have cited player power as being partly behind their sackings but Drogba insisted the squad took collective responsibility for results.

He said: 'Chelsea Football Club is responsible for the results, and I think we all have to play our game. The players have to play their game.'

Drogba admitted he and his team-mates could feel nobody else believed in them amid what is their worst campaign since the Ivorian joined the club.

But he was adamant Chelsea could turn things around in a difficult Champions League game, just as they did three months ago.

Tuesday's last 16 first leg may be their first official knockout European tie of the season but Chelsea have already faced one do-or-die clash, December's final Group E game against Valencia.

Drogba inspired them to victory that day in what was his and the club's best performance under Villas-Boas.

He said: 'We've been in a difficult situation the last few weeks, few months, but in the past we always found the strength to play these games and to win them.

'Like when we were in trouble against Valencia but won the game and qualified.

'Tomorrow we have to do a good game, a big game, and make a good result because there's a second leg at Stamford Bridge.'

Arsenal want Robin van Persie to sign new deal

Posted on February 21, 2012 by adminsports

Arsenal desperate to hold talks with Van Persie over whopping new deal

Arsenal are ramping up their efforts to sign talisman Robin van Persie to a new record-breaking contract.

Sportsmail understands the Holland international would prefer to wait until the end of the season before holding talks over a new deal.

But the Gunners board are eager to start discussing the Gunners captain’s future and will attempt to open talks within the next few weeks.

Up in the air: Robin van Persie is in no hurry to sign a new deal at Arsenal

Van Persie is happy to listen to the club’s proposals over a deal extension, but, as it stands, is not prepared to commit himself to a new long-term contract until the end of the season.

Sportsmail revealed in October how Arsenal were preparing a club-record four-year contract worth in the region of 18million (90,000-per-week) to keep Van Persie.

But the club could push the boat out even further such is Van Persie’s importance to Arsene Wenger’s side.

Champions League qualification will have a massive bearing on Van Persie’s decision, as will the promise of new summer signings after the club’s disappointing season.

Talisman: Van Persie has been Arsenal's stand out player this season

Van Persie’s existing deal expires at the end of next season and Arsenal could be forced to sell their prolific striker this summer if he refuses to sign a new deal.

Meanwhile, Wenger has already begun his plans for a summer overhaul by making three first-teamers available for transfer.

Mega-rich Anzhi Makhachkala will make one last effort to land Andrey Arshavin before Friday’s Russian transfer deadline.

Anzhi, who are managed by Guus Hiddink, failed in an attempt to sign Arshavin on January 31.

Heading home Andrey Arshavin (right) could move to Russia this week

But Wenger is open to selling the Russian international this week, though it is understood the forward would prefer to make a decision on his future in the summer.

South Korean international Ju-young Park has been told he can leave the club on loan – just six months after his 5million arrival from Monaco.

Park has played just six minutes of Premier League football for the Gunners since his move – his only goal coming in a Carling Cup win over Bolton in October.

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has also been told he can leave on loan as he looks to keep his dreams of playing for Poland in Euro 2012 alive.

Rafa Benitez could replace Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea

Posted on February 21, 2012 by adminsports

EXCLUSIVE: Benitez in frame to replace AVB if Chelsea's stock continues to plummet

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is high on Chelsea’s list of candidates to replace Andre Villas-Boas until the end of the season if Roman Abramovich loses
patience with his coach.

Villas-Boas will find himself in a precarious position if things go badly at Napoli in the Champions League.

With his team fifth in the Barclays Premier League and facing a tricky FA Cup replay at Birmingham, Villas-Boas’s debut season at Chelsea continues to go from bad to worse.

In the frame: Rafa Benitez could replace Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea

Abramovich has also
considered Fabio Capello but was told that the former England manager would not be interested in a short-term position.

Benitez is believed to be open-minded and would be immediately available, having not worked since leaving Inter Milan at the end of 2010.

The Spaniard, 51, has a good track record at big clubs and a good history
in the Champions League, the trophy Abramovich covets above all others.

Benitez is also thought to be capable of inspiring 50million misfit striker
Fernando Torres, having brought the best out of his fellow Spaniard at Liverpool.

Villas-Boas remains confident that his job is safe, claiming Chelsea have changed their policy which has seen seven different managers in less than nine years under Abramovich.

Up against it: Villas-Boas has struggled in his debut season in the Premier League

Villas-Boas said: ‘Speculation is
normal given the cultural past of this club but there’s a different
perspective now. There’s a clear indication that there’s a change in the
way we approach the projects for the future.

‘We have great belief in what we will
do next year. That doesn’t take away any responsibility for what’s
happening now. We can do well in the Champions League and the FA
Cup. But we had a three-year project to change not only the team, but
the culture and structure of the club.’

With Chelsea’s chief executive Ron
Gourlay and chairman Bruce Buck in the room, Villas-Boas added: ‘These
words would be more valuable coming from the top. I cannot keep saying
them, but as the voice of the club, I will continue to perpetuate this
message because this is what we believe in.’

Big night: Chelsea face a tough game at Napoli in the Champions League

Chelsea have also been encouraged to think about Valencia’s Unai Emery and Marcelo Bielsa of Athletic Bilbao.

John Terry and Ashley Cole, on their
way back from injuries, travelled to Naples and trained in the San Paolo
Stadium last night. Terry seemed confident of being fit but Villas-Boas
said: ‘John is a major doubt but Ashley has more chance.’

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Tag Archives: striker

Carlos Tevez back playing for Manchester City in two to three weeks – Roberto Mancini

Craig Bellamy: Champions League remains priority for Liverpool

Samir Nasri: Carlos Tevez should say sorry and help Manchester City again

John Guidetti earns Sweden call to boost Euro 2012 hopes

Leon McKenzie jailed over fake letters to police over speeding

Gary Speed Memorial: Alan Shearer books private plane

Michael Owen sells half share of Brown Panther

Didier Drogba denies undermining Andre Villas-Boas

Arsenal want Robin van Persie to sign new deal

Rafa Benitez could replace Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea