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Bayern Munich 3-2 Stuttgart: Gomez at the double as Bavarians complete treble
Bayern Munich wrapped up the first treble in German football with a 3-2 DFB-Pokal final victory over southern rival Stuttgart.
A Thomas Muller penalty and Mario Gomez's double ensured that the Bavarians made history in 68-year-old Juup Heynckes' final game in charge of the club. Martin Harnik struck twice late on to ensure a nervy finish but the European champion held on.
The match started at break-neck pace and, unsurprisingly, it was Bayern which crafted the first chance, with Arjen Robben swapping passes with Franck Ribery and bearing down on Sven Ulreich, who was able to palm the Dutchman's cross-shot around the post.
Gradually, though, Stuttgart was able to get a foothold in the game and, were it not for some wasteful finishing, the club could well have gone ahead.
Their first sight of goal came just before the 10-minute mark, when Ibrahima Traore peeled off his marker and sent a great ball in towards Alexandru Maxim, but the Romanian youngster was only able to steer a volley inches wide of Manuel Neuer's post.
Bayern looked sloppy and a poor back pass from Javi Martinez almost had Manuel Neuer in hot water but David Alaba scampered across to shepherd the ball away from the looming attackers.
Harnik played in Maxim, who was only denied a sure goal by a brilliant Bastian Schweinsteiger tackle, but Vfb's best chance was yet to come.
A Vedad Ibisevic header took a hefty deflection off Manuel Neuer, who could only parry the ball to Georg Niedermeier a coupe of yards from goal but the former Schalke keeper was able to scramble across and keep it out of the net.
The near miss served as a wake-up call for Bayern, which rallied and soon had two great chances to take the lead. Muller slipped in Alaba, who shot straight at Ulreich when he should have scored. The Austrian youngster found himself one on one minutes later, but elected to square the ball, allowing Stuttgart to clear.
Bayern was left furious on 31 minute when Robben was scythed down by Serdar Tasci, only for the referee to give a corner rather than a penalty, but those protests were soon forgotten.
Soon after, Philipp Lahm charged into the box and went down under pressure from Traore. The official duly awarded a spot kick and Muller stepped up to send Ulreich the wrong way.
Minutes into the second half, Robben slipped the ball into the right-hand channel to Lahm, who squared the it to Gomez. The former Stuttgart striker was left with the simple task of bundling into an empty net.
Bruno Labbadia's men had the wind knocked out of their sails and, soon enough, it was three. Muller got down the right once more and squared it to Gomez, who grabbed his second.
Alaba had a shot charged down second later and Heynckes' side was threatening to run away with it but Stuttgart saved some face with 19 minutes remaining. Gotoku Sakai sent in a cross to Harnik who headed home to muted celebration.
The Austrian soon raced down the right and squared it to Shinji Okazaki and claims for a penalty against Jerome Boateng were waved away before Harnik set up a grandstand finish, lashing home the rebound of his own shot, which Neuer had parried.
Bayern was made to endure a nervous ending to the game but held on to make history.
Bayern Munich wrapped up the first treble in German football with a 3-2 DFB-Pokal final victory over southern rival Stuttgart.
A Thomas Muller penalty and Mario Gomez's double ensured that the Bavarians made history in 68-year-old Juup Heynckes' final game in charge of the club. Martin Harnik struck twice late on to ensure a nervy finish but the European champion held on.
The match started at break-neck pace and, unsurprisingly, it was Bayern which crafted the first chance, with Arjen Robben swapping passes with Franck Ribery and bearing down on Sven Ulreich, who was able to palm the Dutchman's cross-shot around the post.
Gradually, though, Stuttgart was able to get a foothold in the game and, were it not for some wasteful finishing, the club could well have gone ahead.
Their first sight of goal came just before the 10-minute mark, when Ibrahima Traore peeled off his marker and sent a great ball in towards Alexandru Maxim, but the Romanian youngster was only able to steer a volley inches wide of Manuel Neuer's post.
Bayern looked sloppy and a poor back pass from Javi Martinez almost had Manuel Neuer in hot water but David Alaba scampered across to shepherd the ball away from the looming attackers.
Harnik played in Maxim, who was only denied a sure goal by a brilliant Bastian Schweinsteiger tackle, but Vfb's best chance was yet to come.
A Vedad Ibisevic header took a hefty deflection off Manuel Neuer, who could only parry the ball to Georg Niedermeier a coupe of yards from goal but the former Schalke keeper was able to scramble across and keep it out of the net.
The near miss served as a wake-up call for Bayern, which rallied and soon had two great chances to take the lead. Muller slipped in Alaba, who shot straight at Ulreich when he should have scored. The Austrian youngster found himself one on one minutes later, but elected to square the ball, allowing Stuttgart to clear.
Bayern was left furious on 31 minute when Robben was scythed down by Serdar Tasci, only for the referee to give a corner rather than a penalty, but those protests were soon forgotten.
Soon after, Philipp Lahm charged into the box and went down under pressure from Traore. The official duly awarded a spot kick and Muller stepped up to send Ulreich the wrong way.
Minutes into the second half, Robben slipped the ball into the right-hand channel to Lahm, who squared the it to Gomez. The former Stuttgart striker was left with the simple task of bundling into an empty net.
Bruno Labbadia's men had the wind knocked out of their sails and, soon enough, it was three. Muller got down the right once more and squared it to Gomez, who grabbed his second.
Alaba had a shot charged down second later and Heynckes' side was threatening to run away with it but Stuttgart saved some face with 19 minutes remaining. Gotoku Sakai sent in a cross to Harnik who headed home to muted celebration.
The Austrian soon raced down the right and squared it to Shinji Okazaki and claims for a penalty against Jerome Boateng were waved away before Harnik set up a grandstand finish, lashing home the rebound of his own shot, which Neuer had parried.
Bayern was made to endure a nervous ending to the game but held on to make history.
Barcelona 4-1 Malaga: Blaugrana blitz Boquerones to equal Liga points record
Barcelona faced minimal opposition from a limp Malaga side as it triumphed 4-1 in a comfortable outing at Camp Nou.
It only took David Villa three minutes to get his team off the mark, with Cesc Fabregas and Martin Montoya making it three inside of sixteen minutes. Andres Iniesta added another as the hosts brought a record-breaking season to a close and not even a superb volleyed goal from substitute Pedro Morales could take the shine off an immensely satisfying evening for the Catalans.
Barca got its chase for a century of points off to the perfect start as it opened the scoring after just three minutes.
A scything through-ball from Iniesta picked out Pedro's diagonal run in from the right and he coolly rolled the ball across the box to offer Villa the simplest of finishes.
The tempo soon slowed in the searing Catalan heat, but with the Blaugrana monopolizing the ball it did not take long for them to add to the score.
With 14 minutes on the clock Fabregas picked up the ball wide on the left and carried it in side, skipping past Diego Lugano and playing a give-and-go with Iniesta. Running across the box, the former Arsenal man then strutted past Weligton before firing the ball past the helpless Wilfred Caballero.
Two minutes later the hosts grabbed their third when, as the ball was only partially cleared from a corner, Montoya lashed a sweetly-struck half volley that arrowed across goal and into the net.
The Catalan giants soon settled back into a rather pedestrian tempo and on the half hour mark los Boquerones almost pulled one back.
A great run from Joaquin initiated a move which saw his team shift the ball smartly out to the left, but a slight deflection off of a stretching Gerard Pique stopped Julio Baptista from rounding off the move with a goal.
Another impressive move early in the second half almost resulted in a goal when Isco released Baptista with an impossible pass from the top of the box. Jose Pinto got down to keep the Brazilian's effort out and Pique was on hand to help him out by clearing Joaquin's follow-up effort off the line.
But Barca heeded its warning and instantly took the ball up the other end and added a fourth. Iniesta was afforded far too much space in a central position, 25 yards from goal, and he punished the opposition by curling a wonderful shot inside the post.
Isco came agonizingly close to getting his team on the scoresheet moments later, but with 57 minutes played Morales succeeded where his teammate failed by emphatically volleying in at the near post from a Jesus Gamez cross.
Malaga was desperate to ensure that that goal was not just a consolation but six minutes later Morales could not match his previous finish, rolling the ball wide of the post after a tidy move involving Isco and Joaquin.
The Blaugrana were guilty of being overly elaborate in the final third throughout the closing stages and Pinto was forced into a spectacular save to stop Baptista from cutting the deficit with an attempt from distance.
Malaga must now hope other results go its way, as well as an appeal to lift the suspension from continental football imposed on them, if it is to qualify for next season's Europa League. Barca, meanwhile, finished its campaign with 100 points, equaling the league record set by Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid last season.
Barcelona faced minimal opposition from a limp Malaga side as it triumphed 4-1 in a comfortable outing at Camp Nou.
It only took David Villa three minutes to get his team off the mark, with Cesc Fabregas and Martin Montoya making it three inside of sixteen minutes. Andres Iniesta added another as the hosts brought a record-breaking season to a close and not even a superb volleyed goal from substitute Pedro Morales could take the shine off an immensely satisfying evening for the Catalans.
Barca got its chase for a century of points off to the perfect start as it opened the scoring after just three minutes.
A scything through-ball from Iniesta picked out Pedro's diagonal run in from the right and he coolly rolled the ball across the box to offer Villa the simplest of finishes.
The tempo soon slowed in the searing Catalan heat, but with the Blaugrana monopolizing the ball it did not take long for them to add to the score.
With 14 minutes on the clock Fabregas picked up the ball wide on the left and carried it in side, skipping past Diego Lugano and playing a give-and-go with Iniesta. Running across the box, the former Arsenal man then strutted past Weligton before firing the ball past the helpless Wilfred Caballero.
Two minutes later the hosts grabbed their third when, as the ball was only partially cleared from a corner, Montoya lashed a sweetly-struck half volley that arrowed across goal and into the net.
The Catalan giants soon settled back into a rather pedestrian tempo and on the half hour mark los Boquerones almost pulled one back.
A great run from Joaquin initiated a move which saw his team shift the ball smartly out to the left, but a slight deflection off of a stretching Gerard Pique stopped Julio Baptista from rounding off the move with a goal.
Another impressive move early in the second half almost resulted in a goal when Isco released Baptista with an impossible pass from the top of the box. Jose Pinto got down to keep the Brazilian's effort out and Pique was on hand to help him out by clearing Joaquin's follow-up effort off the line.
But Barca heeded its warning and instantly took the ball up the other end and added a fourth. Iniesta was afforded far too much space in a central position, 25 yards from goal, and he punished the opposition by curling a wonderful shot inside the post.
Isco came agonizingly close to getting his team on the scoresheet moments later, but with 57 minutes played Morales succeeded where his teammate failed by emphatically volleying in at the near post from a Jesus Gamez cross.
Malaga was desperate to ensure that that goal was not just a consolation but six minutes later Morales could not match his previous finish, rolling the ball wide of the post after a tidy move involving Isco and Joaquin.
The Blaugrana were guilty of being overly elaborate in the final third throughout the closing stages and Pinto was forced into a spectacular save to stop Baptista from cutting the deficit with an attempt from distance.
Malaga must now hope other results go its way, as well as an appeal to lift the suspension from continental football imposed on them, if it is to qualify for next season's Europa League. Barca, meanwhile, finished its campaign with 100 points, equaling the league record set by Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid last season.
Real Madrid 4-2 Osasuna: Benzema beauty sees Mourinho bow out as Blancos boss with a win
Jose Mourinho brought the curtain down on his tumultuous three-year reign as Real Madrid manager with a 4-2 triumph over Osasuna in its La Liga finale at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
The Portuguese was the center of attention long before kickoff, with throngs of photographers swarming to get a glimpse of the 50-year-old on the touchline, and first-half goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Michael Essien set him on his way to a winning send off.
Osasuna threatened to spoil the occasion with second-half strikes from Roberto Torres and Alvaro Cejudo to restore parity, but Karim Benzema put the hosts back in front before a late Jose Callejon effort sealed a victorious end to a disappointing Blancos season.
Cristiano Ronaldo was one of a number of first team players missing through injury and suspension, as the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Callejon and goalkeeper Jesus were pushed into the starting XI.
Osasuna fired an early warning shot in Madrid’s direction moments after kickoff when Joseba Llorente found space at the far post to angle just wide of the goal.The visitors went even closer after a quarter of a hour, Llorente involved once again by picking out Emiliano Armanteros from the wing, but his header was met in spectacular fashion by Jesus, who tipped around the post expertly.
Despite the positivity from Osasuna, the match still struggled to get off the ground, with both teams doing little to really push the tempo beyond a pedestrian level.
Madrid finally showed signs of life 25 minutes in when a mazy run from Luka Modric saw him beat two players, but he was stopped at the last by Ruben, just before he was about to pull the trigger.
But Jesus was soon called into action again, reacting well to keep out Llorente’s low shot, after another Osasuna attacking move caused problems for the hosts.The visitors looked far better bets to grab the first goal, but instead, it was Madrid who would strike first with 10 minutes remaining in the half.Angel Di Maria played an excellent flick into Higuain’s path, which freed the Argentine forward to place a smart finish past Asier Riesgo.
Osasuna barely had time to regain its composure before the hosts struck again, Essien arriving first to Mesut Ozil’s corner to nod home – with the Ghanaian immediately making his way to embrace Mourinho on the touchline.Madrid came close to extending its lead minutes into the second half, as Ozil saw a close range effort saved by Riesgo after combining excellently with Benzema inside the area.
But in the 53rd minute, Osasuna was back in the game, when Torres cut in from the right, evaded the attentions of Alvaro Arbeloa, and lashed a shot into the far corner to get his side off the mark.Callejon attempted to respond in kind with a low effort that was beaten away by Riesgo, but with just over an hour played, Madrid would see its two-goal lead evaporate as Osasuna leveled the match.
David Timor set things in motion with a purposeful run and cross from the left which Manu Omwu flicked into the path of Cejudo, who planted a firm header into the top corner.However, parity did not last for long. With 21 minutes remaining, Benzema sent Madrid back in front, collecting Ozil’s pass at the top of the box, shrugging off Ruben and firing expertly into the back of the net.
With stoppage time looming, Callejon put the finishing touches on the game by getting on the end of a scintillating counterattack to finish off the season on something of a high.
Jose Mourinho brought the curtain down on his tumultuous three-year reign as Real Madrid manager with a 4-2 triumph over Osasuna in its La Liga finale at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
The Portuguese was the center of attention long before kickoff, with throngs of photographers swarming to get a glimpse of the 50-year-old on the touchline, and first-half goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Michael Essien set him on his way to a winning send off.
Osasuna threatened to spoil the occasion with second-half strikes from Roberto Torres and Alvaro Cejudo to restore parity, but Karim Benzema put the hosts back in front before a late Jose Callejon effort sealed a victorious end to a disappointing Blancos season.
Cristiano Ronaldo was one of a number of first team players missing through injury and suspension, as the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Callejon and goalkeeper Jesus were pushed into the starting XI.
Osasuna fired an early warning shot in Madrid’s direction moments after kickoff when Joseba Llorente found space at the far post to angle just wide of the goal.The visitors went even closer after a quarter of a hour, Llorente involved once again by picking out Emiliano Armanteros from the wing, but his header was met in spectacular fashion by Jesus, who tipped around the post expertly.
Despite the positivity from Osasuna, the match still struggled to get off the ground, with both teams doing little to really push the tempo beyond a pedestrian level.
Madrid finally showed signs of life 25 minutes in when a mazy run from Luka Modric saw him beat two players, but he was stopped at the last by Ruben, just before he was about to pull the trigger.
But Jesus was soon called into action again, reacting well to keep out Llorente’s low shot, after another Osasuna attacking move caused problems for the hosts.The visitors looked far better bets to grab the first goal, but instead, it was Madrid who would strike first with 10 minutes remaining in the half.Angel Di Maria played an excellent flick into Higuain’s path, which freed the Argentine forward to place a smart finish past Asier Riesgo.
Osasuna barely had time to regain its composure before the hosts struck again, Essien arriving first to Mesut Ozil’s corner to nod home – with the Ghanaian immediately making his way to embrace Mourinho on the touchline.Madrid came close to extending its lead minutes into the second half, as Ozil saw a close range effort saved by Riesgo after combining excellently with Benzema inside the area.
But in the 53rd minute, Osasuna was back in the game, when Torres cut in from the right, evaded the attentions of Alvaro Arbeloa, and lashed a shot into the far corner to get his side off the mark.Callejon attempted to respond in kind with a low effort that was beaten away by Riesgo, but with just over an hour played, Madrid would see its two-goal lead evaporate as Osasuna leveled the match.
David Timor set things in motion with a purposeful run and cross from the left which Manu Omwu flicked into the path of Cejudo, who planted a firm header into the top corner.However, parity did not last for long. With 21 minutes remaining, Benzema sent Madrid back in front, collecting Ozil’s pass at the top of the box, shrugging off Ruben and firing expertly into the back of the net.
With stoppage time looming, Callejon put the finishing touches on the game by getting on the end of a scintillating counterattack to finish off the season on something of a high.
Heynckes to reveal future on Tuesday
The 68-year-old leaves the Allianz Arena with his name firmly etched in the record books and will announce his next move in the coming days.Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes will reveal his future next Tuesday, after completing an historic treble with a 3-2 win over Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final on Saturday.
Goals from Thomas Muller and Mario Gomez enabled die Roten to survive a late scare as their cup opponents pulled two back on Saturday, allowing Heynckes to hoist his third trophy at the end of a remarkable season.
"This is an emotional moment. I'll give a final press conference this Tuesday, then I'll say something about my future, whether I'll continue or not," Heynckes told Sky after the match.
"The team gave me the best possible present today. This treble is unique. The decisive factor was the team spirit. Everyone stood together to support each other."
Sports director Mathias Sammer weighed in with his compliments of the coach's triumph.
"Heynckes is now getting the recognition he deserves," Sammer said. "He has a distinguished clarity in terms of planning, meticulousness, diligence and wisdom."
And FCB CEO Karl-Heinze Rummenigge was on hand to conclude: "Heynckes has done a great job and delivered a magnificent season. Even the great team of the '70s didn't achieve the treble."
The 68-year-old leaves the Allianz Arena with his name firmly etched in the record books and will announce his next move in the coming days.Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes will reveal his future next Tuesday, after completing an historic treble with a 3-2 win over Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final on Saturday.
Goals from Thomas Muller and Mario Gomez enabled die Roten to survive a late scare as their cup opponents pulled two back on Saturday, allowing Heynckes to hoist his third trophy at the end of a remarkable season.
"This is an emotional moment. I'll give a final press conference this Tuesday, then I'll say something about my future, whether I'll continue or not," Heynckes told Sky after the match.
"The team gave me the best possible present today. This treble is unique. The decisive factor was the team spirit. Everyone stood together to support each other."
Sports director Mathias Sammer weighed in with his compliments of the coach's triumph.
"Heynckes is now getting the recognition he deserves," Sammer said. "He has a distinguished clarity in terms of planning, meticulousness, diligence and wisdom."
And FCB CEO Karl-Heinze Rummenigge was on hand to conclude: "Heynckes has done a great job and delivered a magnificent season. Even the great team of the '70s didn't achieve the treble."
Pellegrini due to hold talks with Manchester City
The Chilean confirmed he will meet Etihad officials to discuss becoming Roberto Mancini's successor following a 4-1 defeat to Barcelona in his final game in charge of Malaga.Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that he will sit down with Manchester City to discuss the vacant managerial role at the Etihad Stadium.
Goal understands the Chilean already has a verbal agreement with the club, but he has publicly stated that he will now talk to City about signing a contract to replace Roberto Mancini.
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/85/t...o-confirm-pellegrini-appointment?ICID=PP_2890
The 59-year-old's tenure as Malaga boss ended in a 4-1 loss to Barcelona on Saturday, and after the game he confirmed he has agreed to speak to the Premier League runner-up.
"When I reach an agreement I will tell you. I have an agreement to start conversations with Manchester City," he told reporters. "Some rumors will be right, others won't, but I have kept my focus on Malaga until now.
"Now the league is over we will start from Monday to look forward and to see where my future lies."After an emotional farewell, the former Real Madrid and Villarreal manager admitted it will be hard to say goodbye to Spanish soccer.
"It is going to be hard for me to leave Spain after nine years," he continued. "It's a country that has treated me marvelously well. An important era of my life ends, and my future will surely take me to another country."
The Chilean confirmed he will meet Etihad officials to discuss becoming Roberto Mancini's successor following a 4-1 defeat to Barcelona in his final game in charge of Malaga.Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that he will sit down with Manchester City to discuss the vacant managerial role at the Etihad Stadium.
Goal understands the Chilean already has a verbal agreement with the club, but he has publicly stated that he will now talk to City about signing a contract to replace Roberto Mancini.
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/85/t...o-confirm-pellegrini-appointment?ICID=PP_2890
The 59-year-old's tenure as Malaga boss ended in a 4-1 loss to Barcelona on Saturday, and after the game he confirmed he has agreed to speak to the Premier League runner-up.
"When I reach an agreement I will tell you. I have an agreement to start conversations with Manchester City," he told reporters. "Some rumors will be right, others won't, but I have kept my focus on Malaga until now.
"Now the league is over we will start from Monday to look forward and to see where my future lies."After an emotional farewell, the former Real Madrid and Villarreal manager admitted it will be hard to say goodbye to Spanish soccer.
"It is going to be hard for me to leave Spain after nine years," he continued. "It's a country that has treated me marvelously well. An important era of my life ends, and my future will surely take me to another country."
Abidal: I will always carry Barcelona in my heart
The defender bid farewell to Camp Nou on Saturday, with Tito Vilanova leading the tributes to the departing Frenchman.Eric Abidal says Barcelona will always have a special place in his heart after playing his final game for the club in a 4-1 win over Malaga on Saturday.
The 33-year-old took to the pitch for a short cameo in place of Gerard Pique for what would be his final appearance, after confirming earlier this week that he would be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer.
After taking a lap around the stadium to salute the supporters after the final whistle, the France international underlined how their faith was instrumental in recovering from his liver transplant.
"I want to thank all of you for the support all those years. They have been six incredible years, and many thanks to the Catalan people," Abidal affirmed to reporters after the match. "I will always carry you in my heart. Now I want to invite my cousin, Gerard, to receive your applause, he deserves it more than I do."
Blaugrana coach Tito Vilanova also revealed the dilemma the club was faced with not to renew Abidal's contract, but that the decision had been taken in good faith.
"The only thing I can say is that it was a tough one. It hurt us to take it. We won't find a player like him so easily," the Spaniard confirmed earlier on Saturday.
"We talked about it many times and in the end we came to the conclusion that we came to. I really hope that he can go to another club and show that he can still play at a high level. We hold him in high esteem."
Abidal joined the Liga champion in 2007 and leaves with two Champions League winners medals and four Liga titles to his name.
The defender bid farewell to Camp Nou on Saturday, with Tito Vilanova leading the tributes to the departing Frenchman.Eric Abidal says Barcelona will always have a special place in his heart after playing his final game for the club in a 4-1 win over Malaga on Saturday.
The 33-year-old took to the pitch for a short cameo in place of Gerard Pique for what would be his final appearance, after confirming earlier this week that he would be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer.
After taking a lap around the stadium to salute the supporters after the final whistle, the France international underlined how their faith was instrumental in recovering from his liver transplant.
"I want to thank all of you for the support all those years. They have been six incredible years, and many thanks to the Catalan people," Abidal affirmed to reporters after the match. "I will always carry you in my heart. Now I want to invite my cousin, Gerard, to receive your applause, he deserves it more than I do."
Blaugrana coach Tito Vilanova also revealed the dilemma the club was faced with not to renew Abidal's contract, but that the decision had been taken in good faith.
"The only thing I can say is that it was a tough one. It hurt us to take it. We won't find a player like him so easily," the Spaniard confirmed earlier on Saturday.
"We talked about it many times and in the end we came to the conclusion that we came to. I really hope that he can go to another club and show that he can still play at a high level. We hold him in high esteem."
Abidal joined the Liga champion in 2007 and leaves with two Champions League winners medals and four Liga titles to his name.
Chairman: Richards and Zabaleta to be given new Manchester City deals
The club's chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, says the two defenders are important assets which must remain at the Etihad because they represent the "core foundation" of the team. Manchester City defenders Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta are to be presented with new contracts, according to the club's chairman.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak revealed that he hopes the pair can extend their current deals at the Etihad Stadium in the near future.
The club's chairman, who handed fresh contracts to Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero recently, believes the duo are integral to the future success of his side and says they must be kept together because they represent the core of the team.
"There are other players coming soon - Zabaleta, Micah Richards," Al Mubarak told the club's official website. "We'll make sure these players stay part of the future at City because they are really the core of this team.
"As much as we need to continue to invest in this team we also need to invest in the core foundation of the team, which is these players."
Richards suffered an injury-hit season after picking up a knee problem in late October which ruled him out for the majority of the campaign.
Zabaleta, meanwhile, enjoyed a impressive year in his colleague's absence, earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
The club's chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, says the two defenders are important assets which must remain at the Etihad because they represent the "core foundation" of the team. Manchester City defenders Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta are to be presented with new contracts, according to the club's chairman.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak revealed that he hopes the pair can extend their current deals at the Etihad Stadium in the near future.
The club's chairman, who handed fresh contracts to Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero recently, believes the duo are integral to the future success of his side and says they must be kept together because they represent the core of the team.
"There are other players coming soon - Zabaleta, Micah Richards," Al Mubarak told the club's official website. "We'll make sure these players stay part of the future at City because they are really the core of this team.
"As much as we need to continue to invest in this team we also need to invest in the core foundation of the team, which is these players."
Richards suffered an injury-hit season after picking up a knee problem in late October which ruled him out for the majority of the campaign.
Zabaleta, meanwhile, enjoyed a impressive year in his colleague's absence, earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
Arbeloa blames Madrid players for Mourinho exit
The right back has launched an attack on the players for not putting the club ahead of their own interests this season.Alvaro Arbeloa has slammed his Real Madrid teammates and says they are responsible for Jose Mourinho's exit.
The Portuguese won La Liga last season but has endured a turbulent campaign marred by alleged feuds with several of his players.
Barcelona coasted to the league title and Madrid was knocked out of the semifinals of the Champions League, before losing to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, all of which culminated in the announcement this would be Mourinho's last season in charge of the club.
After he ended his tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu with a 4-2 win over Osasuna, Arbeloa hit out at the Blancos squad for contributing to his departure.
"The responsibility is everyone's," the 30-year-old told reporters. "We lacked maturity in difficult situations. Mourinho has always put Real Madrid ahead of him. He often damaged his image for the sake of this club, but the players cannot say the same. Starting with me, I look first for myself, then the club, like many others. It's a shame we could not have won more titles. Mourinho has won wherever he has been and with perhaps the best squad he has lead, won the fewest things.
"We lost hope of catching Barcelona after the set-backs of the first month. By September we never believed we could win, with the gap being so many points. It was a shame not to have fought till the end. I think it has been a turbulent season, especially at the end. There were many who did not agree with the coach and while that was respectable, we should have put the fans first in these three years."
Mourinho leaves Madrid having lifted La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Supercopa in his three years at the club.
The right back has launched an attack on the players for not putting the club ahead of their own interests this season.Alvaro Arbeloa has slammed his Real Madrid teammates and says they are responsible for Jose Mourinho's exit.
The Portuguese won La Liga last season but has endured a turbulent campaign marred by alleged feuds with several of his players.
Barcelona coasted to the league title and Madrid was knocked out of the semifinals of the Champions League, before losing to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, all of which culminated in the announcement this would be Mourinho's last season in charge of the club.
After he ended his tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu with a 4-2 win over Osasuna, Arbeloa hit out at the Blancos squad for contributing to his departure.
"The responsibility is everyone's," the 30-year-old told reporters. "We lacked maturity in difficult situations. Mourinho has always put Real Madrid ahead of him. He often damaged his image for the sake of this club, but the players cannot say the same. Starting with me, I look first for myself, then the club, like many others. It's a shame we could not have won more titles. Mourinho has won wherever he has been and with perhaps the best squad he has lead, won the fewest things.
"We lost hope of catching Barcelona after the set-backs of the first month. By September we never believed we could win, with the gap being so many points. It was a shame not to have fought till the end. I think it has been a turbulent season, especially at the end. There were many who did not agree with the coach and while that was respectable, we should have put the fans first in these three years."
Mourinho leaves Madrid having lifted La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Supercopa in his three years at the club.
De Gea: Casillas is the best keeper in the world
The Spain Under-21 captain lavished praise on his compatriot and believes the national side can overcome a different group in this month's Euros David de Gea says Iker Casillas is "the best in the world" and believes the Real Madrid skipper will recover from this season's problems.
The Spain veteran fell out of favor with outgoing Santiago Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho, who started choosing Antonio Adan over the club captain in December 2012.
The Portguese coach then refused to reinstall Casillas in the first team upon his recovery from a hand injury in 2013 as he stuck by January signing Diego Lopez.
De Gea, who left La Liga for Manchester United in 2011, told Europa Press: "At the end of the day, this is football and it’s quite normal for anyone to go through difficult moments - and it’s something you can learn from.
"We are talking about the best goalkeeper in the world and although I don’t know what went on with the coach, I do know that he will get over this – for the person he is and the quality he has. He will be back playing and playing well; and when he does, all of this will blow over."
De Gea was part of the Spain Under-21 side which were crowned European Championship winners two years ago and he hopes his experience can help lead them to glory again this month.
"We have had a couple of training sessions and everything seems to be going well," he continued. "As a group, we have known each other for several years and although we know that we have been thrown in a difficult group, we feel confident while realizing that it is not going to be easy.
"As one of the older players, I can lend my experience to the younger members of the squad. I tell them that they may only get the chance to play this fantastic tournament once - twice if they are lucky. I just tell them to enjoy it and try to give the best of themselves because it’s such a special competition."
Spain will face Netherlands, Germany and Russia in Group B and De Gea thinks he and his teammates have drawn the short straw against the most difficult opposition in the Euros.
The ex-Atletico Madrid shot-stopper added, "All of them are tough opponents, they are probably the three strongest teams in the tournament and all of them have players who also play with their respective senior sides so it’s not going to be easy for us."
Higuain: I have decided to leave Madrid
The striker scored in what now looks set to have been his final game at the Santiago Bernabeu, in a 4-2 win over Osasuna.Gonzalo Higuain has revealed that he has decided to leave Real Madrid this summer.
The Argentine opened the scoring before Michael Essien doubled the score not long afterwards, though two goals early in the second half pulled Osasuna back into the tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Karim Benzema and Jose Callejon ensured that the scoreline looked more comfortable than the performance suggested and Higuain, whose celebration was extremely muted following his strike, says a change of scenery is needed ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
"I feel like my time here has come to an end," he told reporters after the match. "I need a change of scenery. The decision has been made."
Despite being strongly linked with a move to Italian power Juventus, the striker says he has more than one offer to pick from.
"I want to go where I can prove myself really," he said. "I have several offers, want a change of scenery. I hope that [Madrid] does the best for me and for themselves.
"I was never given anything here, I always had to fight for the death. I came for 12 million euros but I think I will sell for more."
Higuain, 25, currently has a contract until 2016 with the capital-based club.
The striker scored in what now looks set to have been his final game at the Santiago Bernabeu, in a 4-2 win over Osasuna.Gonzalo Higuain has revealed that he has decided to leave Real Madrid this summer.
The Argentine opened the scoring before Michael Essien doubled the score not long afterwards, though two goals early in the second half pulled Osasuna back into the tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Karim Benzema and Jose Callejon ensured that the scoreline looked more comfortable than the performance suggested and Higuain, whose celebration was extremely muted following his strike, says a change of scenery is needed ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
"I feel like my time here has come to an end," he told reporters after the match. "I need a change of scenery. The decision has been made."
Despite being strongly linked with a move to Italian power Juventus, the striker says he has more than one offer to pick from.
"I want to go where I can prove myself really," he said. "I have several offers, want a change of scenery. I hope that [Madrid] does the best for me and for themselves.
"I was never given anything here, I always had to fight for the death. I came for 12 million euros but I think I will sell for more."
Higuain, 25, currently has a contract until 2016 with the capital-based club.
International Friendly Fixtures 2013.06.02
International Friendly Fixtures 2013.06.02
Lesatho Vs Southafrica
Ireland Vs Georgia
Ukraine Vs Cameroon
USA Vs Germany
Brazil Vs England
Hoduras Vs Israel
Lesatho Vs Southafrica
Ireland Vs Georgia
Ukraine Vs Cameroon
USA Vs Germany
Brazil Vs England
Hoduras Vs Israel
Full Time
Brazil 2 Vs 2 England
Brazil Goal(s)
Fred 57'
Paulinho 82'
&
England Goal(s)
Chamberlain 67'
Rooney 79'
Brazil 2 Vs 2 England
Brazil Goal(s)
Fred 57'
Paulinho 82'
&
England Goal(s)
Chamberlain 67'
Rooney 79'
- Status
