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Post by Bismarck on Feb 10, 2008 18:11:00 GMT
Manchester United went down 1-2 to Manchester City in the derby clash in the Premiership at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Darius Vassell and Benjani Mwaruwari scored one goal each for the Citizens in the first half. And their contribution was enough for the Citizens to score their first win at Old Trafford in last 34 years, United were only able to reduce the margin of defeat with substitute Michael Carrick striking in the stoppage time.
On the emotionally charged occasion when the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash was remembered with a one-minute silence before the derby kicked off, the Red Devils were left bitterly disappointed as City completed a rare derby double on their illustrious rivals after having beaten them at City of Manchester Stadium earlier this season.
The defeat for United also meant that Premiership leaders Arsenal can take their lead over the defending champions to five points if they win tomorrow against Blackburn Rovers.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, who were missing the suspended duo of Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra, made a confident start to the game and were all out in the attack with skipper Ryan Giggs’ powerful angular shot from left being palmed over the cross bar by Joe Hart.
However, City, who were also without two of their key players in Elano and Corluka due to suspensions, steadily grew in confidence and came up with promising moves towards the midway of the opening half with Martin Petrov being the best player for them.
The visitors stunned United in the 24th minute as Petrov put through a lovely ball for Stephen Ireland but Edwin Van der Sar was too close to be beaten. However, the ball fell to Vassell, whose shot hit the Dutch keeper on his chest.
But Vassell was not to be denied off the rebound as the English striker, who was not closed down by the rival defenders quickly enough, scored with a powerful low shot.
In the 28th minute, Carlos Tevez came close to restoring parity but City keeper Hart brought off a good save to deny the Argentina forward from the top of the 18-yard box.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s grounder was blocked by City skipper Dunne, who also made crucial tackle to deny Tevez earlier.
Zimbabwe striker Benjani, who was on debut for City, made it 2-0 as Old Trafford was stunned for the second time as the former Portsmouth player scored with a glancing header off a Petrov cross in the closing stages of the first half.
City started the second half in a confident fashion and Dietmar Hamann saw his powerful long-range shot being kept out by Van der Sar.
United were running out of ideas up front and Cristiano Ronaldo in particular appeared to be getting too anxious for his own and his team’s good, as City put up a resolute defensive performance in the first quarter of play after the break.
City came up with a notable attacking move on the hour-mark, stretching the Red Devils defence but in the end, Petrov shot from long range swerved out wide of the target.
Dunne made an important intervention to prevent Tevez from reaching the ball first with Hart also charging off the goalline in the 66th minute.
England defender Micah Richards, who has recently signed a new deal at City, showed his prowess as he dispossessed a determined Tevez in the box in the 71st minute.
United first notable chance in the second half came in the 79th minute, but went begging as Giggs’ shot from a tight angle, from the box went across the face of the goal. Tevez saw his shot in the closing minutes, sail over the bar.
In the injury time, Carrick reduced the deficit after Paul Scholes set up the England midfielder.
Teams
Man United: Edwin Van der Sar, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea (Michael Carrick 73), Nemanja Vidic, Oliveira Anderson (Owen Hargreaves 73), Ryan Giggs, Luis Nani (Ji-Sung Park 64), Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Carlos Tevez.
Substitutes not used: Tomasz Kuszczak, Danny Simpson.
Man City: Joe Hart, Michael Ball, Richard Dunne, Nedum Onuoha, Micah Richards, Fernandes Gelson, Dietmar Hamann (Sun Jihai 85), Stephen Ireland, Martin Petrov (Javier Garrido 88), Benjani Mwaruwari (Felipe Caicedo 76), Darius Vassell.
Substitutes not used: Andreas Isaksson, Deiberson Geovanni.
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Post by Bismarck on Feb 11, 2008 19:05:55 GMT
Manchester City’s derby hero, Darius Vassell has said that the goal he scored to send his side on their way to their first win at Old Trafford for more than 30 years, is one of his “most important goals.”
The 27-year-old English striker netted after 24 minutes to stun Manchester United, who had an emotionally charged atmosphere for the home game with the remembrance of the 50th anniversary of Munich disaster being observed.
But the Red Devils were left bitterly disappointed at the end of the game as they were beaten 2-1 by Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side after Benjani increased the lead for City and Michael Carrick could only score a consolation goal in the stoppage time for the hosts.
Vassell said on the club’s official website: “Probably one of the most important goals I have scored – so far. It will certainly go into the memory bank for me to smile about when I am retired.
“We wanted to counter attack them and try to get a goal on the break and thankfully I managed to do that. Going a goal up at Old Trafford is a great feeling."
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Post by Bismarck on Feb 13, 2008 13:03:22 GMT
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson feels striker Valeri Bojinov is still “not ready for the first team” but he is optimistic midfielder Michael Johnson has a chance to be ready for Everton clash.
Bojinov, who had been out with a cruciate ligament injury since August, and Johnson, who was sidelined since mid-December with abdominal injury, both played in the reserves game on Monday with Eriksson watching.
“Bojinov is not ready for the first team yet,” Eriksson said on the club’s official website.
“I don’t know how many weeks he will take but Monday night was good for him. He played for 20 minutes, scored a nice goal and you can see that he’s a real football player.
“He understands the game, he’s technically very good and sees things when trying to link up with team mates. It’s like having a new signing but I doubt very much that he would be ready for Everton. But he’s got a big smile on his face now, he’s very happy.”
“Michael did very well for 45 minutes, and the positive is that he had no discomfort afterwards. The reserves have another game next week, so I hope he’ll have more than 45 minutes then,” added Eriksson.
“I hope he has no setbacks, and if things go as I think he would be ready for Everton.
“In football you never know, but it looks like we’ll have most of the players available for
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Post by Bismarck on Feb 14, 2008 16:14:01 GMT
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was boosted with the return of Nery Castillo who got back to training after his recovery from a shoulder injury.
The 23-year old winger picked up the injury in an unusual fashion during the FA Cup replay against West Ham United.
The Blues boss has stated that the Mexican international who is at City on a one year loan from Shakhtar Donetsk, has restarted full training.
Sven says, “Our medical people have told me that Nery is allowed to do everything with the senior squad including physical contact and tackling, which is good news.
“It has not been easy for him working with the fitness coaches all the time.”
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Post by Bismarck on Feb 18, 2008 11:16:00 GMT
Manchester City have rewarded Dietmar Hamann for his good form this season by extending his deal until the end of the 2008/2009 campaign. The 34-year-old German midfielder has been a major part of the club's challenge for a European place.
He was lauded for his display in the recent 2-1 win at Manchester United, which left City only three points off the fourth Champions League spot.
City signed Hamann on a free transfer after he left Liverpool in July 2006.
He had initially moved to England's top flight when he was signed by Newcastle from Bayern Munich in 1998 and spent a season at St James' Park before switching to Anfield.
He helped Liverpool to their 2005 Champions League triumph - coming on as a second-half substitute as the Reds came back from 3-0 down to eventually beat AC Milan on penalties.
Hamann was at Liverpool for seven years and made 283 appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals.
He agreed to a switch to Bolton before changing his mind and moved to City, who paid the Reebok Stadium outfit compensation, in July 2006.
His first season under Stuart Pearce was interrupted by injury but he has prospered since Sven-Goran Eriksson took over as City manager in July 2007.
Hamann has made 28 outings during the present campaign compared to 19 last season.
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Post by Bismarck on Feb 20, 2008 10:12:12 GMT
Aiming to finish amongst qualifying places for Europe, Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson will be happy to see young strikers Daniel Sturridge and Felipe Caicedo amongst the goals.
18-year-old Sturridge continued his fine form as he scored a brace in a 3-0 win in a Pontin's League fixture against Preston North End.
Ecuadorian international Felipe Caicedo, who joined City in January from Basel, scored his first goal for City in his first full 90 minutes.
City, who are seventh in the league table, host fourth-place Everton in Monday night Premiership clash, with the race to grab European berth heating up.
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Post by Bismarck on Feb 21, 2008 20:35:25 GMT
Manchester City skipper Richard Dunne has said that his fellow defenders have adapted well to the different tactics that Citizens manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has instilled.
The City defenders have been highly noted for their confidence on the ball this season and the skipper insists that it is the continental approach that the manager and Hans Backe have instilled since they arrived at the club that has made the difference.
“That’s the way the continental managers like their teams to play,” Dunne declared in an exclusive interview on MCFCTV.com. “We went through a period where we weren’t so confident of having it at the back, but Sven wanted us to have the ball.
“He likes to watch football like that and we enjoy it this way, maybe it’s a bit risky at times but it’s the way the Manager believes is the one to push the club forward. Everyone’s pleased to play like this.”
On the international front Dunne commented that the English fans need to accept their new style of playing instead of getting frustrated, with their patient approach to the match, as they did in England’s win over Switzerland.
“I think so. Every football fan in Britain and Ireland expects to get the ball up into the box as quick as possible, get it around the exciting areas rather than people knocking it around in midfield and at the back.
“But the countries that win the top trophies are the best footballing teams and the ones that keep the ball the best, so it’s up to us, and City have tried it that way this season and it’s worked really well so far.”
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Post by Bismarck on Feb 22, 2008 23:57:48 GMT
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is happy to keep teenage striker Felipe Caicedo as an option on the bench as the January-signing settles into life in the English game.
The 19-year-old Ecuadorian international, whose only appearance for Eriksson’s side so far has come against Manchester United, scored his first goal for City in Pontin’s fixture recently.
"Even though he has a little bit of international football under his belt it might take time before we see the real Felipe Caicedo," Eriksson told the club's official website.
"But you can see that he is a good player, he has a good left foot and is very strong. We'll give him some time and he will probably sit on the bench to jump in every now and then."
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Post by Bismarck on Feb 25, 2008 12:19:41 GMT
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that he would not have lost any of his players from the 5-1 win at Newcastle United, for next Saturday’s clash against Fulham.
Left-back Patrice Evra and centre-back Nemanja Vidic failed to last full duration at St James’ Park yesterday, due to sickness and calf problem, respectively. However, Ferguson does not feel there is any concern on the fitness front.
"Patrice wasn't feeling very well. He was sick at half-time so we took him off," said the Red Devils boss.
"Then Vida came off. I think he's okay ? hopefully it's just a calf strain."
The Red Devils are just three points behind the Premiership leaders Arsenal with 11 games to go.
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Post by Bismarck on Feb 27, 2008 19:08:58 GMT
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is not happy with Martin Petrov for getting himself sent off for a kick-out at Leon Osman in the Premiership defeat to Everton.
The Bulgarian winger, who has been a key player for City since his summer arrival, will now miss the games with Wigan, Reading and Tottenham.
"It needs more than just a word from me with Martin now because we lose him for three games and that is hard for us,” said Eriksson in the Mirror.
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Post by Bismarck on Feb 27, 2008 19:22:14 GMT
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra is set to return to his native Thailand tomorrow, according to reports in the Far East.
Thaksin could face arrest after he returns to his homeland for the first time in 17 months, with corruption charges against him still outstanding. He was deposed as prime minister in September 2006 by a military coup.
It is reported that Thaksin expects to be bailed so he can open negotiations about his frozen assets with the government formed by some of his political allies in December.
Sitha Tivaree, who was a spokesman for Thaksin's ruling party, has travelled to Hong Kong to meet Thaksin today.
'I have no detail about Khun Thaksin's return on Thursday. But I will definitely travel with him back to Bangkok tomorrow,' he told The Nation, a Thai newspaper.
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Post by Bismarck on Mar 1, 2008 2:06:38 GMT
Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Manchester City can go on to be on the same footing as Manchester United in the future if the resources are there, and revealed that the club owner Thaksin Shinawatra has an ambition.
After the former Thailand Prime Minister took over the Eastlands club, Eriksson was named the manager and a large number of players arrived at the City of Manchester Stadium in the summer.
The former England boss got the team to perform admirably as the players gelled quicker than first thought, and City are now competing to qualify for Europe next season and a Premiership double over their more illustrious city rivals, United, has given them a lot of boost.
"He has always said he wants to create one of the biggest clubs, not just in the Premier League but in the world," said Eriksson on skysports.com.
"There is a massive way to go, but I'm happy that he talks in that way because that shows he has ambition. If he wants, let's give it a go.
"It's realistic that we can be on the same footing as Manchester United in the future if the resources are there. Remember that Chelsea were a good team but only started to compete with United and Arsenal when Roman Abramovich came in.
"That was a huge scale of investment but Thaksin wants to do that."
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Post by Bismarck on Mar 1, 2008 2:14:16 GMT
Manchester City, who are aiming to qualify for Europe next season, will take on Wigan Athletic, who are battling to keep themselves away from the relegation zone, in the Premiership at the City Of Manchester Stadium on Saturday.
Sven-Goran Eriksson's side, who have won just two of the last 10 league matches, are currently in the eighth place, while Steve Bruce's outfit are currently 14th, but just four points above the drop zone.
City defender Micah Richards is still recovering from his knee operation, while winger Martin Petrov starts a three-match ban after he got a red card against Everton.
Vedran Corluka and Elano are likely to be included starting eleven, while Michael Johnson can be considered after recovering from an abdominal problem.
Latics boss Steve Bruce has no new injury worries with defender Ryan Taylor the only absentee with a rib injury.
City will be keen to get back to winning ways after their home loss to the Toffees on Monday night, while the Latics will be confident after having won their last game 2-0 against the Rams and Bruce may name an unchanged side.
Teams
Man City (from): Hart, Onuoha, Corluka, Dunne, Ball, Ireland, Hamann, Johnson, Fernandes, Elano, Benjani, Vassell, Isaksson, Castillo, Caicedo, Garrido, Jihai, Geovanni, Sturridge.
Wigan (from): Kirkland, Edman, Granqvist, Palacios, Sibierski, Kilbane, Heskey, Koumas, Brown, King, Aghahowa, Valencia, Boyce, Scharner, Bramble, Olembe, Bent, Skoko, Melchiot, Pollitt.
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Post by Bismarck on Mar 4, 2008 13:10:18 GMT
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has expressed happiness on the positives from the draw with Wigan at the weekend, and has also urged his side to start scoring goals when they take on Reading next.
The Citizens have not scored in their last two games, which were home games that ended in a 2-0 defeat against Everton last Monday and a goalless draw against the Latics at the weekend.
On the positive side, 20-year-old midfielder Michael Johnson returned after his abdominal problem, and played well against the Latics. There was praise also for forward Felipe Caicedo and Nery Castillo from the Swede.
“It was good to see Michael playing 90 minutes and performing so well, and afterwards he reported no pain which is also good news,” said Eriksson on the club’s official website.
“He surprised me a little bit because he looked so sharp after such a long time out.
“I also think Felipe Caicedo did well, you can see he is a good footballer, and Castillo is also doing better and better. So there were positive things but now it is up to us to lift our heads for Reading and start scoring some goals.”
The former England boss also kept the side in high spirits as he fired them up for the battle for a place in Europe next season.
“We are not showing the signs of giving up, but we need to keep positive and I want us to keep fighting until the last day. Different results for the teams around us could change everything as well,” he added.
“Opponents know us better now, they don’t come here to play open football which makes life more difficult for us. We will just have to live with that for the rest of the season, so we’ll just have to keep working and find a solution.”
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Post by Bismarck on Mar 4, 2008 13:10:46 GMT
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has got across the message over to Elano to be ready to deal with the knocks and bruises in the English game.
The Brazilian playmaker, who has been a key player for City since his summer arrival, has struggled a bit when the opposition have got physical with Sheffield United (in FA Cup) and lately Wigan Athletic unsettling the 27-year-old.
While Elano has looked off-colour in recent weeks, City have also failed to sparkle on a consistent basis in this time, and Eriksson feels there is a connection between the two.
“That may be too simple, I remember the games from early this season when he was allowed to do his thing, but there was no chance of that against Wigan,” the Swede told the club’s official website.
“Sides make sure they stay close to him, and the treatment they give him is not the nicest, but it’s another thing that both the team and Elano himself have to live with because he is too good a player to be left alone.
“He took a knock from (Michael) Brown in the first half (against Wigan), then when he tried a diagonal ball in the second half he felt a muscle pushing a little bit. We don’t know how bad it is, but the muscle has not ‘gone’ as such so it’s not a serious injury. But for next weekend I don’t know yet.”
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Post by Bismarck on Mar 4, 2008 13:11:16 GMT
Manchester City have hit back at reports about a possible ban for Benjani Mwaruwari, telling the BBC to apologise to the Zimbabwean forward.
The reports in the media originated after the BBC's late-night Inside Sport programme, which suggested that the option of banning Zimbabwean athletes from competing in Britain is being discussed, as part of a new strategy to put pressure on Robert Mugabe's regime.
Club spokesman Paul Tyrrell said on City’s official website: “This is the worst type of scare story which shows a lack of editorial integrity from the programme makers and although we are pleased that the BBC have today been quickly distancing themselves from the claim regarding Benjani, it is important to make the position crystal clear regarding his ability to live and work in the UK.
“The player last month received a three and half year work permit from the Home Office to play for Manchester City. We have been assured work permits are non-negotiable.
“The programme makers and the BBC should apologise to the player immediately.”
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Post by Bismarck on Mar 10, 2008 15:01:31 GMT
Manchester City’s young striker, Felipe Caicedo has revealed that he has ambitions of winning trophies.
The 21-year-old Ecuadorian international joined Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side from FC Basel in January.
"I have ambitions of course. In the next four years I want to score goals, win games and trophies with Manchester City,” he told the club’s official website.
"I love Manchester City because it is a big club with fanatical supporters, and I would love to give more to the club and the fans."
"I always liked the Premier League because I used to watch it on television in Ecuador. It was always my dream to play at the highest level in football and I always intended to play outside my country," he continued.
He added: "Sven Goran Eriksson was a huge influence in my decision to come and play for Manchester City. In every team you can learn something from somebody and this team is no exception. I’m sure I will learn lots from the coaches, players and especially the manager."
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Post by Bismarck on Mar 12, 2008 10:44:29 GMT
Manchester City defender Micah Richards has revealed he is in with a shout for a comeback ahead of the schedule.
The 19-year-old England international has been out after undergoing a knee operation and was tipped to miss action for six weeks. However, he has expressed satisfaction with his progress ahead of the schedule.
"I had the operation nearly two weeks ago and things are looking good. Hopefully, I could be back even sooner than the six weeks," Richards told The Manchester Evening News.
"The operation was something that couldn't be avoided. I played in the derby at Old Trafford with it hurting and in the second half picked up an ankle knock as well so I was a wreck by the end of the game.
"After the Everton match the knee was swollen like a balloon and I couldn't carry on really. The medical advice was to get it done before the end of the season and that is what I did. It is for the best in the long term.
"I hate missing games, especially at such a crucial time but I will be giving it 100 percent to be fit as soon as I possibly can. I will be back and I will be back with a bang!"
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Post by Bismarck on Mar 13, 2008 19:28:30 GMT
Sven Goran-Eriksson is hoping that Manchester City skipper Richard Dunne will win his fitness battle in time for City’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Eastlands on Sunday.
Dunne was substituted in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat away to Reading after injuring his knee and sustaining a deep gash in his leg during a challenge with Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt.
The Manchester City manager has been full of praise for his club captain and expects him to do his best to be fit for the match against Spurs, who will be ready to prove a point after the loss on penalties to PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Cup last night.
“Richard is a tough guy,” said Eriksson, “and if there is any chance he can play against Spurs then he will do.
But the former England head coach realises that his team, who after a great start to the season, have recently slipped to ninth in the Premier League table, have lost form of late, with the lack of goals just part of the problem as City continue to strive for a European Cup place next season.
“Not only have we not scored recently, we have conceded some easy goals and we need him and the others, to be fully fit,” continued Eriksson.
"We were not conceding soft goals in the first half of the season, which is why we had so many good results."
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Post by Bismarck on Mar 25, 2008 14:29:01 GMT
Barcelona striker Giovani dos Santos’ father Zizinho has disclosed that Manchester City have shown interest in the talented 18-year-old Mexico international.
“There is interest from Manchester City,” Zizinho told Mexican newspaper El Universal.
"However, I cannot give more information now as Giovani's agent is the one in charge of all this, it's him who is dealing with negotiations.
"I can't say for sure if Giovani will go to another team. There are still games to play in La Liga and while there are he's only thinking about Barcelona.
"We don't want to get ahead of ourselves, there is interest but first he has to concentrate on Barcelona."
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Post by Bismarck on Apr 2, 2008 19:57:39 GMT
Manchester City players have been given a reprieve despite their poor performance in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to struggling Birmingham City, as manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is set to hand them another chance when Chelsea visit the City of Manchester Stadium this weekend.
"We will not be experimenting, I will play the best team," Eriksson told the Manchester Evening News.
"If I should judge on the Birmingham game I could change nearly all of the team but you don't do that, you have to give them another chance.
"The important thing is that we change our mental approach to the games that are remaining because we didn't get that right at Birmingham."
Eriksson also revealed that the players whose future is almost over at the Eastlands club, have been informed of the summer plans.
"Some of them we have spoken to. We had a meeting about the future of several players and the numbers we might need to bring in," he added.
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Post by Bismarck on Apr 5, 2008 11:23:36 GMT
Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson has warned Chelsea not to expect an easy ride in the Premiership clash at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday.
The England U-21 international is preparing to give the west-Londoners a ‘run for their money’ after the reverse fixture earlier this season had seen Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side hammered 6-0 at Stamford Bridge.
“Six-nil was embarrassing - I was embarrassed after the game - but it won't happen this time,” he told the club's official website.
“It was strange because nobody could see it coming. I think at the time we were third in the league and to get beaten like that, I just don't know how it happened because they only had six chances and we were unlucky.
“We'll have to give them a run for their money, work as hard as we can and hopefully we can get a result. Even a draw would lift our confidence.”
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Post by Bismarck on Apr 11, 2008 0:26:46 GMT
Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov is all set for a reserves outing against Liverpool, and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is positive that the Bulgarian international can come back for the first-team before the season ends.
The 22-year-old has been on the sidelines due to a cruciate ligament injury, which he picked up in August against Manchester United.
Eriksson said: “If you had asked me a week ago, I would have said ‘maybe’, but as of now I believe he will play before the end of the season.
“On Tuesday he had an excellent training session, the best I have seen since he got injured.
“This Thursday the reserves play Liverpool, and he will take part in that, maybe for the last 20 or 30 minutes. He was much better this week than last, it’s looking much better for him.
“He’s doing everything in training now, he’s still far away from being 100% but it would be great for him, mentally, if he could get one more taste of the Premier League this season. I’m sure he wishes it was not ending so soon.”
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Post by arover on Apr 15, 2008 11:47:52 GMT
All kinds of rumours flying around at the moment that Sven is going to be fired by the dodgy Thai at the end of the season.
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Post by Bismarck on Apr 17, 2008 10:32:58 GMT
Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel revealed that he may have to move away from the City of Manchester Stadium in search of regular football.
The 21-year-old lost his first-team place to Joe Hart after starting the season as the number one choice for Sven-Goran Eriksson's side. He then joined Cardiff on loan followed by a temporary move to Coventry.
"I spoke to Sven last week and explained to him that I want to play first-team football," said the Denmark U-21 international.
"He said that he can't promise me that, so if I am honest it looks like my future might not be at City.
"I have got three years left on a good contract so I could bide my time, but I am a footballer and I want to play. It is as simple as that.
"The future is exciting. I could go anywhere in Europe to play my football: Spain, Italy or stay here in England.
"I am looking forward to it but for now I am not thinking about that. I am a Coventry player at the moment and my job is to help Coventry to be safe (from relegation)."
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Post by Bismarck on Apr 21, 2008 18:50:12 GMT
Manchester City have reportedly got into an agreement to sign CSKA Moscow's Brazilian striker Jo in the close season.
According to the guardian.co.uk, Sven-Goran Eriksson, who had been looking to bolster his attack in January, kick-started his planning for the next season with club owner Thaksin Shinawatra backing the £20m deal for the 21-year-old.
Jo, who has featured for his country once, has been an impressive player with a towering presence enabling him aerial advantage, along with speed and a fine technique, and as such the Russian outfit recently had dismissed the speculation of the City interest.
It has also been reported that Brazil manager Dunga will help in facilitating a work permit for Jo if he is not granted one by the Home Office and an appeal has to be made.
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Post by Bismarck on Sept 19, 2008 13:23:21 GMT
Brazil striker Ronaldo has again claimed he is in talks with Manchester City and believes it is a "big possibility" he could soon be playing in the Premier League.
The out-of-contract 31-year-old reckons he is within two to three months of a return to competitive action after being sidelined since February with a knee-ligament injury.
City, who are close to finalising a takeover by the Abu Dhabi-based United Group, confirmed on Tuesday they had spoken to Ronaldo and his representatives but would not be looking to sign the player.
However, Ronaldo claims the switch could still be on and that a move to England is uppermost in his thoughts.
"Yes, it is a big possibility," he said, when asked by French daily L'Equipe if he was tempted by playing in the Premier League.
"Manchester City are in the process of putting in place an unbelievable project, with some great players.
"A project which is long term but which could get immediate results because City want to topple the existing order of world football.
"We are in the process of talking to them. So we will see."
The Brazilian, who believes his recovery from his knee injury is going "marvellously well", has played down fears about his fitness.
"People can say what they want," he added. "Let's just say I am above my usual weight, but that is normal. That isn't surprising - I have gone five months without training.
"There is nothing illogical about putting on a few kilos. They can say what they want, it doesn't bother me.
"I am going to continue to work hard and to look to reach my goal, to get back playing football. Like before."
Ronaldo also revealed an interest in playing in the French league, with Paris St Germain - a club that has taken in a number of high-profile Brazilians such as Ronaldinho and Rai - his preferred destination.
"I have never received an offer from a French club, (but) I would love to," he said.
"I love Paris. I have a flat there and I often go over there.
"PSG are currently in the process of building something beautiful. They have recruited some good players and they have built a team capable of winning the title."
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Post by arover on Sept 19, 2008 14:44:27 GMT
Brazil striker Ronaldo has again claimed he is in talks with Manchester City and believes it is a "big possibility" he could soon be playing in the Premier League. The out-of-contract 31-year-old reckons he is within two to three months of a return to competitive action after being sidelined since February with a knee-ligament injury. City, who are close to finalising a takeover by the Abu Dhabi-based United Group, confirmed on Tuesday they had spoken to Ronaldo and his representatives but would not be looking to sign the player. However, Ronaldo claims the switch could still be on and that a move to England is uppermost in his thoughts. "Yes, it is a big possibility," he said, when asked by French daily L'Equipe if he was tempted by playing in the Premier League. "Manchester City are in the process of putting in place an unbelievable project, with some great players. "A project which is long term but which could get immediate results because City want to topple the existing order of world football. "We are in the process of talking to them. So we will see." The Brazilian, who believes his recovery from his knee injury is going "marvellously well", has played down fears about his fitness. "People can say what they want," he added. "Let's just say I am above my usual weight, but that is normal. That isn't surprising - I have gone five months without training. "There is nothing illogical about putting on a few kilos. They can say what they want, it doesn't bother me. "I am going to continue to work hard and to look to reach my goal, to get back playing football. Like before." Ronaldo also revealed an interest in playing in the French league, with Paris St Germain - a club that has taken in a number of high-profile Brazilians such as Ronaldinho and Rai - his preferred destination. "I have never received an offer from a French club, (but) I would love to," he said. "I love Paris. I have a flat there and I often go over there. "PSG are currently in the process of building something beautiful. They have recruited some good players and they have built a team capable of winning the title." pooe spewing from his mouth.
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