Manchester City a piece of cake after madness of River Plate says Manuel Pellegrini

MANUEL Pellegrini smiles when asked about the intense rivalry he is about to experience between his new club Manchester City and champions United.

New City boss Pellegrini believes his experience at River Plate will make handling the United rivalry easy

Rivalry? You’re having a laugh. Manchester derby games will be a stroll in the park ­compared to the infamous clashes in Argentina between River Plate and Boca Juniors.

Pellegrini managed River and their ­“Superclasico” wars with Boca left the normally laid-back, ice-cool Chilean’s blood boiling.

Pellegrini joked the defeated coach was ­virtually a prisoner in his own home for “at least a week”.

Hundreds of furious fans would blockade the River Plate training ground and he would not feel it was safe to drive away until at least three hours after the session had finished.

There are endless fights between the two sets of supporters with Boca fans referring to their River Plate opponents as “chickens”. And the River Plate followers call the Boca boys “little pigs”.

Pellegrini said: “It’s very different. In ­Argentina, River Plate and Boca is crazy rivalry. Not only on the pitch during the 90 minutes.

“It’s the whole week. The whole month. The whole year. Of course, we have an important ­rivalry with Manchester United and we will do our best to beat them.

“But here it is an easier rivalry than at River Plate. Once you have managed in a River-Boca match, you can manage anywhere in the world because of the pressure.

“A coach who has worked in Argentina can work in any part of the world.

“If you lose the Superclasico you can’t go out of your home for at least a week. You have to hide. It’s very difficult to go out of the stadium the same day. And you must stay in the ­training ground at least two or three hours after a session has finished. So  I’m not concerned about the pressure here at City.

“I have had a lot of pressure ­everywhere. I’m used to being ­under pressure.

“The pressure I had at Real Madrid is about the same as at ­Manchester City. I ­definitely think ­Argentina is the worst.”

The rivalry between River Plate and Boca fans lasts all year round

So did he reach out for the worry beads when City chief ­executive Ferran ­Soriano demanded five trophies from him in five years?
Again there was the customary smile as ­Pellegrini said: “I think what Ferran said was that we need to try to win all – but I’m not under pressure if I don’t win five trophies that I will not be safe here.
“It’s not a problem. We will try to win the trophies and we are sure we have the squad to do it.
“We will do our best to do that. I am ­absolutely sure that with the squad we have at City, we can win trophies. It’s a big motivation for me. And it’s very ­motivational to win a ­trophy here in ­Europe. ­Important trophies.”
City failed miserably in the Champions League for two years running under Roberto Mancini so the big question asked of Pellegrini was did he believe he could win Europe’s top prize during his reign.
And the Etihad coach said: “I’m ­absolutely sure about that. I will try to win it. It is very ­important that my team has a ­winning mentality first of all.

“I am here because Ferran and Txiki Begiristain know of what I did in Spain over the past nine years”

Manuel Pellegrini

“Always thinking and ­playing like a big team. I’m not ­comparing with Roberto ­Mancini or with Mark Hughes or with any other coach who has worked here before me.
“But I’m just telling you what I think about the clubs that I want to manage.
“The winning mentality is very important.
“Trying to always play in the opposition’s half. Not just to score a goal and then come back to ­counter-­attack.
“We will try to score ­another goal and to play ­always the same.
“I am here because Ferran and Txiki Begiristain know of what I did in Spain over the past nine years.
“It is very important for me to arrive at City. I’m not the fashionable coach who won the last title last year.
“It’s more important that I’m here at ­Manchester City for the work I did over the last years in Spain and South America. And also for the way that my teams play.”

Manchester City a piece of cake after madness of River Plate says Manuel Pellegrini

MANUEL Pellegrini smiles when asked about the intense rivalry he is about to experience between his new club Manchester City and champions United.

New City boss Pellegrini believes his experience at River Plate will make handling the United rivalry easy

Rivalry? You’re having a laugh. Manchester derby games will be a stroll in the park ­compared to the infamous clashes in Argentina between River Plate and Boca Juniors.

Pellegrini managed River and their ­“Superclasico” wars with Boca left the normally laid-back, ice-cool Chilean’s blood boiling.

Pellegrini joked the defeated coach was ­virtually a prisoner in his own home for “at least a week”.

Hundreds of furious fans would blockade the River Plate training ground and he would not feel it was safe to drive away until at least three hours after the session had finished.

There are endless fights between the two sets of supporters with Boca fans referring to their River Plate opponents as “chickens”. And the River Plate followers call the Boca boys “little pigs”.

Pellegrini said: “It’s very different. In ­Argentina, River Plate and Boca is crazy rivalry. Not only on the pitch during the 90 minutes.

“It’s the whole week. The whole month. The whole year. Of course, we have an important ­rivalry with Manchester United and we will do our best to beat them.

“But here it is an easier rivalry than at River Plate. Once you have managed in a River-Boca match, you can manage anywhere in the world because of the pressure.

“A coach who has worked in Argentina can work in any part of the world.

“If you lose the Superclasico you can’t go out of your home for at least a week. You have to hide. It’s very difficult to go out of the stadium the same day. And you must stay in the ­training ground at least two or three hours after a session has finished. So  I’m not concerned about the pressure here at City.

“I have had a lot of pressure ­everywhere. I’m used to being ­under pressure.

“The pressure I had at Real Madrid is about the same as at ­Manchester City. I ­definitely think ­Argentina is the worst.”

The rivalry between River Plate and Boca fans lasts all year round

So did he reach out for the worry beads when City chief ­executive Ferran ­Soriano demanded five trophies from him in five years?
Again there was the customary smile as ­Pellegrini said: “I think what Ferran said was that we need to try to win all – but I’m not under pressure if I don’t win five trophies that I will not be safe here.
“It’s not a problem. We will try to win the trophies and we are sure we have the squad to do it.
“We will do our best to do that. I am ­absolutely sure that with the squad we have at City, we can win trophies. It’s a big motivation for me. And it’s very ­motivational to win a ­trophy here in ­Europe. ­Important trophies.”
City failed miserably in the Champions League for two years running under Roberto Mancini so the big question asked of Pellegrini was did he believe he could win Europe’s top prize during his reign.
And the Etihad coach said: “I’m ­absolutely sure about that. I will try to win it. It is very ­important that my team has a ­winning mentality first of all.

“I am here because Ferran and Txiki Begiristain know of what I did in Spain over the past nine years”

Manuel Pellegrini

“Always thinking and ­playing like a big team. I’m not ­comparing with Roberto ­Mancini or with Mark Hughes or with any other coach who has worked here before me.
“But I’m just telling you what I think about the clubs that I want to manage.
“The winning mentality is very important.
“Trying to always play in the opposition’s half. Not just to score a goal and then come back to ­counter-­attack.
“We will try to score ­another goal and to play ­always the same.
“I am here because Ferran and Txiki Begiristain know of what I did in Spain over the past nine years.
“It is very important for me to arrive at City. I’m not the fashionable coach who won the last title last year.
“It’s more important that I’m here at ­Manchester City for the work I did over the last years in Spain and South America. And also for the way that my teams play.”

Mark Hughes keeps Jermaine Pennant at Stoke

MARK Hughes re-signed Jermaine Pennant for Stoke because he feared seeing the winger ripping the Potters apart for a Premier League rival.

Winger Pennant has been signed back to Stoke after being released during the summer

The ex-Liverpool man, 30, was released by Stoke in the summer after falling out with former boss Tony Pulis and was shipped out on loan to Wolves.

But Pennant strolled back in the front door with a new one-year contract in his hand just a week later.

Hughes said: “I looked at that and thought, ‘Would I be upset if I saw Jermaine Pennant in someone else’s shirt?’

“It didn’t make sense to me to let him leave”

Mark Hughes

“The answer to that was a very clear yes. It didn’t make sense to me to let him leave.”
Ex-England man Pennant said: “I wouldn’t say I have a point to prove because it is not as though I have never played any good football.”

Michael Laudrup on the market for new striker

MICHAEL Laudrup admits he is eyeing one more summer signing.

Laudrup is eyeing up striker Matej Vydra

Swansea have spent £20million on six recruits including a club record £12million fee for Vitesse Arnhem hotshot Wilfried Bony, 24, last week.

But Laudrup is keen to add another striker and has been linked with a loan move for Udinese hitman Matej Vydra, 21.

The Dane said: “We only need one other player – a striker. We want a different type of forward but we are in no rush.

“We only need one other player – a striker. We want a different type of forward but we are in no rush”

Michael Laudrup

“It could take three or four weeks.” Laudrup has told Alan Tate, Kemy Agustien, Luke Moore and Leroy Lita that they are free to leave the Swans.
Central defender Tate, 30, could join Huddersfield on loan, Dutch midfielder Agustien, 26, is attracting interest from Blackpool and Ipswich and strikers Moore, 27, and Lita, 28, are interesting Wigan, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves.

Michael Laudrup on the market for new striker

MICHAEL Laudrup admits he is eyeing one more summer signing.

Laudrup is eyeing up striker Matej Vydra

Swansea have spent £20million on six recruits including a club record £12million fee for Vitesse Arnhem hotshot Wilfried Bony, 24, last week.

But Laudrup is keen to add another striker and has been linked with a loan move for Udinese hitman Matej Vydra, 21.

The Dane said: “We only need one other player – a striker. We want a different type of forward but we are in no rush.

“We only need one other player – a striker. We want a different type of forward but we are in no rush”

Michael Laudrup

“It could take three or four weeks.” Laudrup has told Alan Tate, Kemy Agustien, Luke Moore and Leroy Lita that they are free to leave the Swans.
Central defender Tate, 30, could join Huddersfield on loan, Dutch midfielder Agustien, 26, is attracting interest from Blackpool and Ipswich and strikers Moore, 27, and Lita, 28, are interesting Wigan, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves.

Chris Benteke: one good season and he's off

WANTAWAY Christian Benteke runs the risk of sitting on the bench all season if he upsets no-nonsense Paul Lambert.

Tek away: Benteke still has a lot to prove

Former Villa striker Stan Collymore has warned the Belgium hitman (left) he could also spoil his World Cup chances by lack of match action.

“Villa’s financial outlay on Benteke isn’t enough to stop Lambert saying, If you start messing us around we will happily leave you out”

Stan Collymore

Benteke is a £25million target for Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs and the race for the forward’s services will hot up after he handed in a transfer request last week.But Collymore insists Villa are under no pressure to sell Benteke, 22, who was a £7m capture from Genk last summer.
Benteke is Belgium’s main striker but Collymore says disciplinarian Lambert will not think twice about freezing him out.
Lambert showed his strength last season by leaving Darren Bent on the bench after a series of run-ins with the striker and a lack of game time could force Belgium boss Marc Wilmots to select Romelu Lukaku ahead of Benteke.
Collymore said: “There is a World Cup coming up next summer and Lambert has a track record that shows, if you cross him, he will leave you on the bench.
“Villa’s financial outlay on Benteke isn’t enough to stop Lambert saying, ‘If you start messing us around we will be quite happy to leave you out’.”

Manchester United's new signing Wilfried Zaha won’t be loan star

MANCHESTER United’s new signing Wilfried Zaha insists he will resist any attempts to send him out on loan.

Zaha was Sir Alex Ferguson's last signing before his departure

Sir Alex Ferguson made the winger his last signing when he paid Crystal Palace £15million for him in January.

And with Zaha, 20, lacking Premier League experience it was thought he might be sent out to a rival team for a year.

United have used the loan system effectively to get their best kids up to speed with midfielder Tom Cleverley joining Wigan and central defender Jonny Evans spending time at Sunderland before becoming first team fixtures at Old Trafford.

But Zaha has no intention of heading off for a season to gain top-flight knowhow.

He said: “I’ve grafted to get here so Manchester United is where I want to stay.

“I’ve moved away from most of my family and friends but it’s progress. Everyone understands that.

Tom Cleverley was loaned to Wigan before becoming a first team fixture at Man United

“I’ve grafted to get here so Manchester United is where I want to stay”

Wilfried Zaha

“I wanted to make the move here because it’s what is best for my career.”
Zaha is determined to become the latest in a line of exciting wingers at Old Trafford.
He added: “I’m going to do my best to continue those traditions.
“The fans see the wingers we have now and the high standard they bring to the team.
“I want to meet those high standards as well.”

Cardiff City sign Denmark's Andreas Cornelius

MALKY Mackay has revealed Cardiff City beat a number of Premier League rivals to land Denmark hotshot Andreas Cornelius.

Cardiff City have paid £8.5m for FC Copenhagen's Cornelius

The top-flight new boys have splashed a club record £8.5million on the FC Copenhagen star, 20 who finished top scorer in the Danish League last season.

But Bluebirds boss Mackay admits he feared losing out on his long-time target after a spate of late interest in Cornelius from both over here and on the continent.

West Ham, Southampton and Aston Villa were also in the hunt for the young striker but Cardiff eventually won the scrap – thanks to some assistance from ­Copenhagen.

Mackay, who has made only one signing so far this summer, said: “Cornelius has great potential and is a very good capture for the club. We tracked him all last year. But by Christmas he was in such good form we really didn’t think we had much chance because top clubs in Europe were watching.

“Cornelius has great potential and is a very good capture for the club”

Malky Mackay

“We were in competition internationally with another club and then three Premier League clubs moved in to try and take him as well. But we were able to do things quickly and I have to give a special mention to Copenhagen. They were tremendous – ­efficient, professional and friendly.”
Cornelius is sure he can cope with the pressure of his price tag. He said: “The price tag is definitely a motivation. All Danish players want to be in the Premier League.”

Cardiff City sign Denmark's Andreas Cornelius

MALKY Mackay has revealed Cardiff City beat a number of Premier League rivals to land Denmark hotshot Andreas Cornelius.

Cardiff City have paid £8.5m for FC Copenhagen's Cornelius

The top-flight new boys have splashed a club record £8.5million on the FC Copenhagen star, 20 who finished top scorer in the Danish League last season.

But Bluebirds boss Mackay admits he feared losing out on his long-time target after a spate of late interest in Cornelius from both over here and on the continent.

West Ham, Southampton and Aston Villa were also in the hunt for the young striker but Cardiff eventually won the scrap – thanks to some assistance from ­Copenhagen.

Mackay, who has made only one signing so far this summer, said: “Cornelius has great potential and is a very good capture for the club. We tracked him all last year. But by Christmas he was in such good form we really didn’t think we had much chance because top clubs in Europe were watching.

“Cornelius has great potential and is a very good capture for the club”

Malky Mackay

“We were in competition internationally with another club and then three Premier League clubs moved in to try and take him as well. But we were able to do things quickly and I have to give a special mention to Copenhagen. They were tremendous – ­efficient, professional and friendly.”
Cornelius is sure he can cope with the pressure of his price tag. He said: “The price tag is definitely a motivation. All Danish players want to be in the Premier League.”

Liverpool start the pre-season programme right against Preston

PHILIPPE COUTINHO has been Liverpool’s top shirt-shifter this summer – shirts with his name on the back outselling even skipper Steven Gerrard.

Coutinho scored the first goal against Preston with a penalty

A few more will fly off the shelves this week after the cultured Brazilian got Liverpool’s pre-season programme off to a winning start at Deepdale.

Coutinho, who ended last season so impressively after his £8.5million switch from Inter, picked up where he left off.

He slid home a 12th-minute penalty after being tripped by former Red John Welsh to spark a stroll in the sun for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Young striker Jordan Ibe rapped in a second from 20 yards, Raheem Sterling rounded keeper Declan Rudd to score the third – and £7m summer signing from Celta Vigo, Iago Aspas, bent in a beauty.

“The goals gave Liverpool The Shankly Shield – a prize to commemorate the 100th birthday later this year of the legendary Liverpool manager and Preston player”

The goals gave Liverpool The Shankly Shield – a prize to commemorate the 100th birthday later this year of the legendary Liverpool manager and Preston player.
New £9m goalkeeper Simon Mignolet played 80 minutes and said: “I am pleased. We played a solid game.
“What you want is a clean sheet and a couple of goals and that is what we got today so there are positives. It can only give us a boost.”

Raheem Sterling scored the third goal against Preston

Liverpool start the pre-season programme right against Preston

PHILIPPE COUTINHO has been Liverpool’s top shirt-shifter this summer – shirts with his name on the back outselling even skipper Steven Gerrard.

Coutinho scored the first goal against Preston with a penalty

A few more will fly off the shelves this week after the cultured Brazilian got Liverpool’s pre-season programme off to a winning start at Deepdale.

Coutinho, who ended last season so impressively after his £8.5million switch from Inter, picked up where he left off.

He slid home a 12th-minute penalty after being tripped by former Red John Welsh to spark a stroll in the sun for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Young striker Jordan Ibe rapped in a second from 20 yards, Raheem Sterling rounded keeper Declan Rudd to score the third – and £7m summer signing from Celta Vigo, Iago Aspas, bent in a beauty.

“The goals gave Liverpool The Shankly Shield – a prize to commemorate the 100th birthday later this year of the legendary Liverpool manager and Preston player”

The goals gave Liverpool The Shankly Shield – a prize to commemorate the 100th birthday later this year of the legendary Liverpool manager and Preston player.
New £9m goalkeeper Simon Mignolet played 80 minutes and said: “I am pleased. We played a solid game.
“What you want is a clean sheet and a couple of goals and that is what we got today so there are positives. It can only give us a boost.”

Raheem Sterling scored the third goal against Preston

Branislav Ivanovic to stay at Chelsea

BRANISLAV Ivanovic is ­staying at Chelsea after being told by Jose Mourinho he is a major part of his plans.

Ivanovic is to turn down opportunities at Barcelona to stay at Stamford Bridge

The Serbian defender, who scored the winner in the Blues’ Europa League Final triumph over Benfica in May, had been a summer transfer target for ­Barcelona.

But after returning for pre-season training last week Ivanovic held talks with the Chelsea boss and was ­immediately assured that he is a ­wanted man at Stamford Bridge.

And the idea of working with a coach of Mourinho’s calibre and standing clearly beats the prospect of joining La Liga champions Barcelona.

Ivanovic, 29, said: “We had our first meeting with Mourinho. He looks very impressive and that’s pleasing.

“With him Chelsea will act as a team, but we will also improve individually. Mourinho is very important for the club and for the fans.”

A £9.5million buy from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008, Ivanovic is now ­hoping to finish his career with the Premier League outfit.

A source close to the player added: “All being well, Branislav would like to be a Chelsea player for the remainder of his playing days at the highest ­level.

“He is definitely staying at Chelsea. He loves Mourinho’s style and is keen to play for the new coach.

“He has been told that he does have a future at the club and, while there was the possibility of him ­going to Barcelona, he is happier staying in ­London.”

Chelsea manager Mourinho believes Ivanovic's versatility is an asset to the club

Over the last five years, Ivanovic has become a firm favourite with the Blues’ fans for his ­consistent no-nonsense style of defending – and ability to score vital goals.
And Mourinho believes the player’s versatility – he can slot in easily at either ­full-back or centre-half – is another important asset for his Chelsea squad.
Meanwhile, Kevin De ­Bruyne hopes to show why new coach Mourinho ­believes it is time he stepped out of the shadows and ­became a regular starter.
The Belgium ­international midfielder, 22, is ready to hit the ground running on the club’s pre-season Asia tour.
Mourinho has made it clear that all the players start under him with a clean slate – and that is why he recalled De Bruyne from an 18-month spell at German outfit Werder Bremen. Hitman Romelu ­Lukaku has also been recalled from a year on loan at Premier League rivals West Brom.
De Bruyne said: “The manager said he has a lot of confidence and brought me back because he ­believes in me.
“I have to show that on the pitch but it is nice when the trainer has confidence in you. I have to work hard and see what happens in pre-season.
“After training you can have a good laugh but in the session he likes discipline and wants everybody ­working hard on the field.”
Like Manchester United and Arsenal, Chelsea are making the most of some lucrative promotional opportunities while in the Far East.
There they will play matches in ­Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta before then heading to the United States.

“Ivanovic has become a firm favourite with the Blues’ fans for his ­consistent no-nonsense style of defending”

In America they will take part in the Guinness International Champions Cup, along with Everton, Inter ­Milan, Real Madrid and LA ­Galaxy.
Chelsea open the tour against Singha All-Stars this Wednesday and De Bruyne added: “The tour of Asia will be ­difficult for us, with the heat and the ­humidity.
“But we will see what happens and we just have to ­prepare ­ourselves well for the season.
“We have a lot of young ­players and it will be good to go on tour and stay ­together – and get to know each other. It should be fun.”
Czech Republic ­defender ­Tomas Kalas, 20, is another who will step up into the first-team group ­following his spell at Vitesse.
Looking ahead, Mourinho expects big things in the future and said: “The best ­period for this team lies in the future.
“They are very young and it is in five, six or seven years’ time that this team will have the best time of their careers.”

Martin Jol's wait for Fulham FC bumper pay out

FULHAM manager Martin Jol is waiting to see where he stands after the sale of the Craven Cottage club.

Khan do: Martin Jol

New owner Shahid Khan has bought the cottagers for £150million from Mohamed Al Fayed.
Khan has a personal wealth believed to be £1.7billion from making lorry bumpers.
And Jol is waiting to see if he is given money to spend - or shown the door.
The feeling is Jol will be given time to press ahead with his plans for the club - bringing down the age of the team and staying in the Premier League.
But bookies William Hill cut his odds to next boss for the chop to 8-1. Al Fayed transformed the club - now effectively debt-free - during his 16 years in charge.
Fulham reached the Europa League Final three years ago and last season finished 12th in the league.

Retired: Al Fayed

“Now is the right time for me to retire and spend more time playing football with my grandchildren. "I am sad but proud of our achievements. I am very grateful to Fulham's fans, the most incredible fans in the world”

Mohamed Al Fayed

Such is Al Fayed's popularity that more than 1,000 Fulham fans have already signed a petition to rename the Riverside Stand the Mohamed Al Fayed Stand.
He said: "Now is the right time for me to retire and spend more time playing football with my grandchildren.
"I am sad but proud of our achievements. I am very grateful to Fulham's fans, the most incredible fans in the world.
"They have given me their support and affection whenever they have seen me at home games.
"I would never let them down. I have passed the club to a talented, honest and highly capable man."
Pakistan-born Khan is president and owner of Flex-N-Gate, the 14thlargest North American car parts supplier. He is also the owner of NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars.
Khan said: "My priority is to ensure the club and Craven Cottage each have a viable and sustainable Premier League future that fans of present and future generations can be proud of.
"We will manage the club's affairs with prudence and care, with youth development and community programmes as fundamentally important elements of Fulham's future."

Joe Kinnear targets Porto defender Rolando for Newcastle

JOE KINNEAR is due back at his Newcastle desk tomorrow – and Porto defender Rolando will be on the transfer agenda

In demand: Rolando

The controversial return of former boss Kinnear as director of football has gone down like a lead balloon with Toon fans.

Kinnear had to apologise for a series of gaffe-littered interviews on his arrival.

And he came under attack for taking a holiday last week, only days after officially starting his job – despite the break being booked before his appointment.

Newcastle need striker reinforcements but Kinnear is also ready to discuss a move for Rolando who is attracting interest from Everton

“Both Newcastle and Everton have their sights on the player valued at £5million”

The Portuguese international, 27, had a loan spell with Napoli last season when he was also wanted by QPR.
Rangers boss Harry Redknapp was so keen to do a January deal that he made a personal flight to try to lure him to Loftus Road.
But the Cape Verde-born centre-back didn’t fancy the prospect of Championship football.
Now Toon and the Toffees have their sights on the player valued at £5million.
Kinnear has been handed control of football affairs at St James’ Park, with particular focus on recruitment.
Boss Alan Pardew wants Kinnear to deliver Aston Villa misfit Darren Bent.
The ex-Sunderland man, 29, played under Pardew at Charlton. Pardew is also interested in QPR’s French striker Loic Remy, 26, who almost joined Toon in January.

Pellegrini: I’ll splash more Man City cash

MANUEL PELLEGRINI tasted defeat in his first game as Manchester City manager – then vowed to splash the cash before the end of the month.

Manuel Pellegrini lost his first game in charge

The new Blues chief has set his sights on major attacking additions – with Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, 27, and Fiorentina front-man Stevan Jovetic, 23, both in his sights.
Pellegrini has confirmed that Maicon is on his way out of the Etihad Stadium, less than a year after the Brazilian defender, 31, joined from Inter Milan for £3.5m.
The right-back, who made just 13 appearances for City, has been left at home and could be on his way to Roma for £4m.
“We are working on new players that can arrive at Manchester City,” said Pellegrini.

“We are working on new players that can arrive at Manchester City...we need two or three more players”

Manuel Pellegrini

“We are not in a hurry to bring them now but we are clear that we need two or three more players. Maicon didn’t come here to pre-season and he will not stay in the squad.
“It’s difficult to say a date but before July finishes I think we will have more players.”
City only started pre-season training a week ago and Pellegrini fielded a different team in each half, with Fernandinho making his debut.
New-boy Jesus Navas, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta have all yet to link up with Pellegrini’s squad.
Edin Dzeko has been told he has a future at City but the Bosnian spurned three cracking chances.
Ten minutes into the second half Mame Niang crashed in a header. Then sub Kermit Erasmus guided a low effort past Costel Pantilimon to double the lead.
Pellegrini, whose side face AmaZulu in Durban on Thursday, said: “I’m not worried and this is what we expected.”

Ryan Giggs on a double mission at Manchester United

RYAN GIGGS says he is ready to take on a twin role at Manchester United next ­season.

Ryan Giggs has been appointed as player-coach of Manchester United

The veteran Old Trafford star will break new ground after agreeing to join new boss David Moyes’ ­backroom team.
It means Giggs, 39, will get more involved in team meetings rather than assist Moyes with his work on the training ground.
But he also believes he still has a big contribution to make on the pitch – his hunger for success not ­sated after 22 years as a United player and 13 ­Premier League ­titles.

“Every year is a bonus to me. Take last season when we won the league, that ­feeling you have after the hard work you put in – winning that trophy makes it all worthwhile”

Ryan Giggs

Giggs, in Australia on United’s pre-season tour, said: “Crazy, aren’t I? But I’m enjoying it just as much as I did 20 years ago, it’s that simple.
“Every year is a bonus to me. Take last season when we won the league, that ­feeling you have after the hard work you put in – winning that trophy makes it all worthwhile.”
Giggs accepts there is a balancing act to perform, even though his twin role is not entirely new.
A year ago Stuart Pearce asked him to do a very similar thing for the Great Britain Olympic squad.
It is a life after football Giggs is taking admirable care to prepare for, even flying to Turkey this ­summer to work further on his coaching badges.
However, for now his time will need to be ­managed very carefully.
“I am excited about it personally and it has worked well so far,” the Welshman added.
“But it is about getting the balancing act right because I am still ­playing.
‘‘There is not a big emphasis on coaching at the moment.
“The manager likes to coach and there is Jim Lumsden, Steve Round and Phil Neville.
“It is more looking ­behind the scenes and seeing how everything works. It is completely different from playing.
“Even though I’ve been playing for 20-odd years I’m seeing the other side of it, and some of it has been a real education.”
Giggs has been spoken of as a potential United manager, even though he has never managed at any level.
With Neville and Nicky Butt also on board, and Paul Scholes mulling over a backroom role, the core of the side that brought United so much success down the years remains a major influence as the club looks to life after Sir Alex ­Ferguson.
Big changes afoot for Reds and Blues

Christian Benteke faces the chop from Paul Lambert

WANTAWAY Christian Benteke runs the risk of sitting on the bench all season if he upsets no-nonsense Paul Lambert.

Christian Benteke runs the risk of being left on the bench all season

Former Villa striker Stan Collymore has warned the Belgium hitman he could also spoil his World Cup chances by lack of match action.

Benteke is a £25million target for Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs and the race for the forward's services will hot up after he handed in a transfer request last week.

But Collymore insists Villa are under no pressure to sell Benteke, 22, who was a £7m capture from Genk last summer.

Benteke is Belgium's main striker but Collymore says disciplinarian Lambert will not think twice about freezing him out.

Lambert showed his strength last season by leaving Darren Bent on the bench after a series of run-ins with the striker and a lack of game time could force Belgium boss Marc Wilmots to select Romelu Lukaku ahead of Benteke.

“There is a World Cup coming up next summer and Lambert has a track record that shows, if you cross him, he will leave you on the bench”

Stan Collymore

Collymore said: "There is a World Cup coming up next summer and Lambert has a track record that shows, if you cross him, he will leave you on the bench.

"Villa's financial outlay on Benteke isn't enough to stop Lambert saying, 'If you start messing us around we will be quite happy to leave you out'."

Lambert has shown his strong side when leaving Darren Bent on the bench after a series of arguments with the striker

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Niall McGinn on fire as Aberdeen score friendly win over Huntly

NIALL McGinn grabbed a hat-trick for Aberdeen in their 4-1 win at Huntly but it was former home hero Eddie Copland who upstaged Russell Guild on his testimonial day.

Niall McGinn was upstaged by Eddie Copland

Derek McInnes' side romped to victory thanks to McGinn's treble and a Scott Vernon goal.

“I can only thank Derek and the lads for helping make this such a special day for me.”

Russell Guild

But it was Copland - who retired at 42 - who brought the house down on Guild's big day with a surprise substitute's appearance against the Dons.
Guild, who netted a 60th minute penalty, said: "I think Eddie got one of the biggest cheers of the day when he came on!
"I didn't mind at all - it was great to have past players like him on the bench. Eddie is a Huntly legend.
"It was nice to score in my testimonial. I can only thank Derek and the lads for helping make this such a special day for me."

Luis Suarez opens door to Arsenal move

ARSENAL are preparing another improved bid for Liverpool ace Luis Suarez.

Luis Suarez: Where will he end up?

The Gunners offered £30m for the hitman last week but Liverpool immediately turned it down.
But now they are set to move again - and Suarez has hinted he WOULD join the Gunners.
The 26-year-old Uruguayan ace wants Champions League football and to be at a club that are challenging for the title.
Arsene Wenger has been given £70m to spend to get the Gunners doing just that.
Suarez said: "If I receive an important offer to progress my career, I will study it.
"Some clubs have asked about me but I hand questions over to my agent. I am no stranger to rumours.
"I always want to improve. That's why I left Ajax for Liverpool.

Luis Suarez starred for Uruguay at the Confederations Cup

“It is hard to view the Premier League every week with never a chance of winning it”

Luis Suarez

"But this club needs to fight to enter the Champions League and, when it doesn't happen, it damages the morale of any player. So I've suffered.
"It is hard to view the Premier League every week with never a chance of winning it."
Real Madrid remain the favourites to sign Suarez, who has again reiterated his displeasure at the English press.
Suarez has found himself in hot water after being banned for racial abuse of Patrice Evra and for biting Branislav Ivanovic.

Luis Suarez will sit out the first six games of the season after biting Branislav Ivanovic

He said: "The English media do not understand me. The controversies with Evra and Ivanovic were decisive. There are always extra questions when people analyse me.
"After the Evra incident, it was very difficult to convince people about the 'real' Luis Suarez. Things had improved but then the incident involving Ivanovic was another blow.

Luis Suarez's antics have caused controversy at Anfield

"Had that not happened, perhaps I would have been regarded as the best Premier League player last season."
Arsenal are also interested in Gonzalo Higuain, Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas.

Manchester United miss out on Thiago Alcantara

MANCHESTER UNITED have missed out on signing Barcelona playmaker Thiago Alcantara.

Thiago Alcantara is set for Bayern Munich

“FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich have reached an agreement over the transfer of the player Thiago Alcantara”

Barcelona statement

The Spain international, 22, was tipped to become David Moyes' first big signing at Old Trafford.
But Champions League winners Bayern Munich have nipped in and agreed a deal to bring Thiago to Germany.
There he will link up with ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola, who is embarking on his first season at the Bayern helm.
A fee of £21.6m has been agreed between the two clubs, as well as a commitment to hold a friendly by 2017.
United are short of midfield options following the retirement of Paul Scholes - but Moyes will have to look elsewhere to strengthen.
Thiago had found first-team opportunities hard to come by at the Nou Camp, with Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Xavi all above him in the pecking order.
And with next year's World Cup round the corner, Thiago was keen to get regular football to boost his chances of starring for Spain.

Our mock-up of what Thiago would have looked like donning a United shirt

“FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich have reached an agreement over the transfer of the player Thiago Alcantara”

Barcelona statement

A Barcelona statement read: "FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich have reached an agreement over the transfer of the player Thiago Alcantara to the German club for a total of 25 million (euros).
"This agreement also includes holding a friendly match between the two teams, which will be played in the next four years."

Thago was captain of Spain Under-21s at the European Championship

Thiago had a lack of first-team opportunies at Barcelona

ottenham prepare £20m bid for Christian Benteke with Arsenal and Chelsea waiting in wings

TOTTENHAM will this week lodge a £20m bid for Aston Villa's wantaway striker Christian Benteke.

Christian Benteke's goals helped keep Aston Villa in the Premier League

The Belgium hit-man, 22, wants to leave Villa Park for a bigger club after battling relegation last season.
Spurs can offer him Europa League action and, crucially, regular first-team football.
That will be a huge factor in any possible deal as Benteke wants minutes under his belt to be in the best possible shape ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
Villa want £25m for Benteke, who netted 19 Premier League goals last season.
And the striker knows that if a big-money offer isn't on the table and Benteke sulks, boss Paul Lambert isn't afraid to freeze him out.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have both mulled over a move for the giant striker, with the Blues considering a Demba Ba plus cash swap move.

Lambert is not happy with Benteke's conduct

Benteke has his eyes set on representing Belgium at next year's World Cup

“Lambert has a track record that shows, if you cross him, he will leave you on the bench”

Stan Collymore

However, Benteke fears he wouldn't get the starts he needs at Stamford Bridge.
Spurs have already splashed out a club-record fee of £17m on Paulinho and money could prevent a possible deal for the Villa striker.
However, Andre Villas-Boas is understood to be trying to raise funds by selling Emmanuel Adebayor.