..::Football II::..

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Podolski can succeed up front for Arsenal, insists Wenger

The Germany international replaced the suspended Olivier Giroud up front against Manchester United, and his manager is set to stick with him in the central role in upcoming games.Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he intends to persist with Lukas Podolski as a central striker in the absence of the suspended Olivier Giroud.

Podolski has completed the full 90 minutes on just four of his 39 appearances this season, and has been advised to undergo corrective ankle surgery in the summer.

The German forward has played most of his football on the left since moving to the Emirates Stadium last summer, where he is usually deployed for the national team, but he led the line in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

Although Podolski struggled to impose himself in that match, his manager insists that the former Koln man has all the attributes to succeed in the role, with Giroud out for a further two games.

"I believe [he can play up front], he has the qualities because he is a good finisher," Wenger told the club's offical website. "He has a good technique and because we have a game based on very quick combinations I believe he can be a part of that. Overall I am convinced in the coming games he will show it.

"At the moment, yes [I will play Podolski in the middle]. A definite decision has not been made but if there is an opportunity then there is a good chance I will do it."

 

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Hamsik wants to stay with 'extraordinary' Napoli

The Slovakian midfielder says 2012-13 has been a special campaign despite Juventus' likely Serie A title triumph this weekend.Marek Hamsik says he wants to stay with Napoli beyond the summer as the club closes in on a second-place finish in Serie A.

Champion Juventus is just one positive result away from retaining its league crown, with Walter Mazzarri’s men seven points clear of AC Milan in the race to finish second.

Hamsik is impressed by what Napoli has achieved during the campaign and insists he is happy to remain at San Paolo despite speculation of a transfer.

“I’m staying here,” the 25-year-old Hamsik told Sky Sport Italia. “I am happy here and I like Naples. There are no Scudetto regrets. Second place is still a really important achievement.

“We’ve had an extraordinary campaign, but, unfortunately, Juventus have been better than us.”

Earlier this week, Hamsik emphasized the importance of Napoli keeping Mazzarri and star striker Edinson Cavani if the Partenopei are to achieve further success in the years ahead.

 

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Villas-Boas claims to have assurances that Bale will stay at Spurs

The Spurs boss is confident of fending off interest from Europe's biggest names in the Welshman, claiming the club has assured him that it will not sell the sought-after attacker.Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas claims he has been assured by the club that Gareth Bale will remain at White Hart Lane this summer.

"The information that I have from the club, which was mistakenly written about last week, is that the player is here to remain, independent of the objectives of Champions League qualification being achieved or not," Villas-Boas told reporters. "I would be extremely surprised [if he left]. In football anything can happen. It's impossible to predict, but this is the assurance I have had from the club.

"We understand that the more awards the more recognition the player will have, the more media attention, but the club has to move forward by holding onto its best players.

"With the recognition and the further experience that he has had from this year, next year for Tottenham he will be even more assertive."

Real Madrid has been linked with a big-money move for Bale in the summer, but Villas-Boas insists that there is no sum of money that could convince the North London club to part with their star asset.

"Whatever price tag the player has doesn't matter to us because he's our player," Villas-Boas continued. "He's a player we have to hold onto for the remaining seasons to make sure that we reach our objectives and continue to progress as a club."

Real's sporting director Zinedine Zidane recently praised the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year, claiming that he is the footballer who has impressed him the most this season, leading some to suggest that he was paving the way for a move to the Bernabeu.

Villas-Boas was unfazed by such comments, though, merely suggesting that the Welshman should be flattered by compliments from the France legend.

"It's fine, I have no problems with it," Villas-Boas concluded. "In the end it's great for a player of Zidane's dimension to be speaking about Gareth.

"It's good to have that public recognition from someone who has reached the biggest heights of the game."

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson backs Carrick for England after successful Manchester United season

The 31-year-old has endured a stuttering Three Lions career since making his debut more than a decade ago, but his club boss thinks now could be the time for him to make his mark.Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has suggested now may be the time for Michael Carrick to make his mark on the England national team.

The 31-year-old midfielder has earned just 27 caps in a modest international career, and he was left out of Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad after expressing his reluctance to play a bit-part role. Carrick partnered with captain Steven Gerrard in the center of the England midfield for the most recent World Cup qualifier in Montenegro, though, having been included in every competitive squad since Euro 2012.

The former Tottenham man was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award and included in the Team of the Year after helping United to its 20th Premier League title this season, and his boss thinks he has a lot to offer the national side.

"It depends on what the England manager does with our players and everyone is different," Ferguson told the official United magazine. "Michael’s had opposition from [Frank] Lampard and [Steven] Gerrard for most of that time and they were always the favored ones.

"The England manager kept playing them in the same team, sometimes out wide to make sure they were accommodated. So I think it's been difficult to install himself as a regular player all the time.

"This season, though, he has been phenomenal and along with the developing players Rafael and [David] De Gea, him and [Robin] van Persie have been outstanding."

 

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'My future is at Real Madrid' - Casillas

The Blancos captain has stressed he has no intention of quitting the club and has urged his side to salvage its season by lifting the Copa del Rey.Iker Casillas has moved to quash rumors he is looking to leave Real Madrid, insisting he has no plans to quit the club he joined as a boy.

The Spain captain has failed to regain his place from Diego Lopez in Jose Mourinho's first team ever since suffering a hand injury in January, leading many to speculate that he could seek to end his 22-year affiliation with the Liga giants; however, the 31-year-old has stressed that he has not entertained the idea of seeking a move away from the capital club.

"My future is at Real Madrid. I have a contract with the club and I've been here since I was nine years old. It's been my club for my whole life and it's where I want to be," Casillas told AS.

Mourinho's future remains far less certain, but Casillas says he knows nothing of his boss' situation and is focusing on winning the Copa del Rey.

"You have to ask him about that," Casillas said. "I'm here to collect an individual award and what I'm interested in is giving the Madrid fans something to cheer about.

"Given that this year it wasn't to be in the Champions League, it'll be in the competition we have left: the Copa del Rey.

"What we have to do now is focus on the immediate future: on getting as many points as possible in La Liga for the sake of the club, the team and everything we stand for.

"Then we have to give our all to win the final of the Copa del Rey. It'll be an exceptional final, a game to look forward to, at the Bernabeu; we have to try to win for the supporters, who deserve something to cheer about."

Madrid suffered a 4-3 aggregate defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semifinal, with Liga rivals Barcelona humbled 7-0 over two legs by Bayern Munich, and Casillas vowed to return strongly next season as his side aim for a historic 10th European crown.

"I haven't spoken to them [the Barcelona players]," Casillas said. "It was clear that after losing 4-0 in Munich the second leg was going to be difficult.

"We have to congratulate both Bayern and Borussia Dortmund because they performed well in their ties and they deserved to go through.

"I went up to all my teammates [after the Dortmund match] because they had put in a huge effort and the supporters acknowledged that. Sergio [Ramos], Cristiano [Ronaldo], Diego Lopez, everyone.

"I applaud them all, because they were in with a shout of winning the tie right up until the final whistle. I hugged Sergio because we've known each other for nine years and I think he put in a 10-out-of-10 performance.

"I think we all spoke about it [an all-Spanish final], didn't we? The press too, everyone talked about the possibility of an all-Spanish final. It happened last year as well.

"In the end it wasn't to be and the Spanish teams - us included - will all fight to get to the final next year. We'll give our all to win Madrid's 10th European Cup next season. That's what everyone involved with the club wants."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Heynckes targets historic treble

The 67-year-old is fully confident in Bayern Munich's chances of pulling off an unprecedented coup having already secured the league title and with two finals ahead Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes believes the treble is now a realistic possibility after his side dumped Barcelona out of the Champions League.

Having already secured the Bundesliga with a record-breaking six games to go and a DFB Pokal final against Stuttgart still to come, the 67-year-old is hoping for a clean sweep.

"We were convinced that we could reach the final because the team is playing in a magnificent way. We can win the treble," he told FIFA.com."If we look at the whole tie, we have won 7-0. It couldn't be more clear and now we have to enjoy it. We couldn't have imagined that we would win the first leg 4-0 and then the second 3-0.

"We all have a huge hunger for success. We have worked on our outstanding defense and have matured as a group. We are unified and we have goals."

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge went a step further to suggest he was witnessing history being made at the Bavarian outfit.

He said: "This team can rewrite the club's history and I am convinced that we'll do it, they're a determined bunch."

The newly-crowned German champions face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in what will be a dress rehearsal of the Champions League final on May 25.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benfica 3-1 Fenerbahce: (Agg 3-2) Cardozo double propels Eagles to Europa League final

Benfica will play Chelsea in the Europa League final after seeing off Fenerbahce 3-1, to seal a 3-2 aggregate success in a breathtaking semifinal second leg at Estadio da Luz.

Nicolas Gaitan fired the hosts in front after nine minutes, levelling the tie on aggregate in the process before a controversial penalty allowed Dirk Kuyt to equalize soon after.

The hosts, undeterred, continued their enterprising efforts up front, with further goals from Oscar Cardozo enabling them to seal a place at the Amsterdam ArenA on May 15th.

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus made five changes from the side that lost 1-0 in a frenetic first leg in Istanbul last week. Andre Almeida and Enzo Perez returned from suspension, while Salih Ucan replaced the injured Raul Meireles for Fenerbahce.

Given the deficit that the Eagles faced, it was no surprise that the hosts started positively. Oscar Cardozo - ineffectual in last week's clash - brought a good save from Volkan Demirel, before Lima was unable to divert the ball into the net after a brilliant buildup.

Nevertheless, Benfica pulled off its aim of an early breakthrough, amidst a meek opening offered by Aykut Kocaman's men. Lima's mazy run on the right enabled him to pick out the advancing Gaitan, with the Argentine firing the ball superbly in off Volkan's post to level the tie on aggregate inside nine minutes.

Fenerbahce was unusually timid in its approach play, as the Portuguese giant appeared comfortable before a controversial call from French referee Stephane Lannoy. Kuyt's delivery off Ezequiel Garay was deemed a handball by the official, allowing the Netherlands international to slot the ball into the bottom left corner and silence the stadium.

While that priceless away goal provided an unlikely comfort for the visitors, Benfica continued to press, but was denied two penalty appeals - one similar to Fenerbahce's award - as the game turned sour with three bookings handed out in less than five minutes by the beleaguered referee.

But Benfica's perseverance would indeed pay off by virtue of some quick thinking. From a free kick, Perez's incisive pass bamboozled the static Fener defense, and allowed Cardozo to fire the ball past Volkan to lead 2-1 on the night, and within one goal of leading on aggregate.

The attacking tempo unrelenting, both sides continued to advance and seek out another goal to aid their final ambitions. Reto Ziegler's cut-back into Kuyt saw the goalscorer hit the side netting, before Nemanja Matic's measured pass into Cardozo whistled narrowly over Volkan's goal in an utterly breathless first half.

The hosts started the second half with the same intensity, and were unlucky not to have scored again. Cardozo picked up the ball on the edge of the area, but this time, the Paraguay international's strike curled inches wide of Volkan's right post.

The night unfortunately took a turn for the worse just before the hour when Gokhan Gonul was stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious injury, after being caught by Gaitan, and that incident appeared to impact the Turkish side soon after.

From a corner, the undeterred Portuguese side benefited from a favorable deflection as the ball arrived into the path of Cardozo, who fired easily into the net for his 30th goal of the season, as Jorge Jesus' side finally led 3-2 on aggregate.

Fenerbahce's influence waned, though substitute Miroslav Stoch brought off a decent save from Artur in the Benfica goal, but the Lisbon side held on comfortably to book a place in its first European final since 1990, where they will face Rafa Benitez's Chelsea.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea 3-1 Basel (agg. 5-2): Luiz leads Blues to Europa League final

LONDON - Chelsea reached its third European final in six years after winning 3-1 in its Europa League semifinal second leg against Basel.

Rafael Benitez’s team proved too strong for the Swiss minnows over the two matches and an aggregate victory of 5-2 reflected the difference in quality between the sides.

Chelsea’s place in the final, against Fenerbahce or Benfica in Amsterdam on May 15, leaves the English club on course for its second European trophy in two years.

The Europa League lacks the prestige of its richer, hallowed cousin, the Champions League, but victory in the Netherlands in 13 days would add considerable gloss to what has been a patchy, often poisonous, campaign.

Chelsea’s progress to the final also goes some way to atoning for exits at the semifinal stage in this season’s Carling Cup and FA Cup.

Basel’s manager Murat Yakin suggested before the match that his team needed a “small miracle” to progress, and halfway through the second leg an upset was possible.

Mohamed Salah’s crisp finish for Basel in first half added time leveled the scores on aggregate and put the tie in the balance.

But close-range finishes from Fernando Torres and Victor Moses, followed by an exceptional David Luiz strike, stretched Chelsea’s advantage to three goals and ended the hopes of the Swiss visitors.

Frank Lampard, who began the evening only one goal behind Bobby Tambling’s Chelsea record of 202, came close on several occasions to extending his haul, but, to the dismay of the home support who were willing him to score, he was unable to quite do so.

Nevertheless, Lampard had the consolation of leading his team to the final in the absence the benched John Terry, who made way for Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic to be paired at the back, with David Luiz retained in midfield for the third consecutive game.

The resting of Juan Mata, who was named on Monday in the PFA team of the year, illustrated Chelsea’s confidence in extending its proud record of never having lost a home semifinal leg in European competition.

Rafael Benitez was shouting out instructions from the dugout but, in the first half, it was the name of Jose Mourinho that was on the lips of the Chelsea supporters.

The former boss is set to replace Benitez at the end of the season and the denizens of The Shed and the Matthew Harding Stand made it clear, as they chanted the Portugese’s name in the first half, where their allegiances lie.

Chelsea threatened whenever it attacked but failed to convert the many chances that came its way in the opening period. Lampard hit the post with a half-volley, and Victor Moses, Eden Hazard and Ramires all squandered presentable opportunities to open the scoring.

But it was not completely one-way traffic. As it demonstrated in its quarterfinal win over Tottenham, Basel is dangerous on the counterattack.

Imposing No9 Marco Streller almost scored a wonder goal, connecting perfectly with a left-foot volley that whistled just wide of Petr Cech’s left hand post. Minutes later, Valentin Strocker got a shot on target but his effort was tamely directed straight at Cech.

Just as it appeared the first half would end goal-less, a fluent exchange of passes from Elneny and Streller put Salah through on goal and he finished with aplomb.

Before the nerve strings could really begin to tug, Chelsea ended any hopes of an upset with three goals in quick succession after the break.

In the 50th minute, Torres scooped the ball into the net after Lampard’s shot from the edge of the box was parried by Sommer in goal.

Moments later, Moses added Chelsea’s second following a powerful run into the box, a neat exchange with Torres and then a finish after collecting a fortuitous rebound.

At the hour mark, Luiz added some sheen to the win with an absolutely delightful left-footed curler from outside the penalty area. The finish, which arced beautifully around a defender and into the top corner, is a strong argument for keeping the Brazilian in midfield.

 

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Liverpool unveil their brand new kit for next Season​

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Bale wins Football Writers' award

congratz bale

 

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Manchester United vice-chairman Ed Woodward: No major overhaul of squad

 

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Podolski can succeed up front for Arsenal, insists Wenger

 

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[මුගටියා]

Manchester United may look to sign 'one or two', says Sir Alex Ferguson

• 'Tweak is the right word,' says manager of champions
• 'Any time we ask for money from owners they have delivered'

Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Friday 3 May 2013 10.57 BST

Although the Premier League trophy has not been collected yet, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is already planning for next season.

On Thursday, the executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward indicated there was no need for United to spend huge amounts of money this summer. Ferguson agrees, hinting there have been times this year when he has been trying to manage too many players.

"Tweak is the right word," he said. "We maybe look at one or two bodies to come in. You have to remember we have a lot of young players we expect to improve. We have to take that into consideration. We also have to consider the ages of some players and protect that part.

"In the main, we know where we are. We are comfortable. We have [fantastic strength in depth]. That is the area where we don't want to confuse ourselves, otherwise you end up with too many players and trying to keep them all happy. It has happened a few times this season."

Big-name players have been linked with United, though, most recently Robert Lewandowski, Radamel Falcao and Gareth Bale. And, after reporting record third-quarter results, Ferguson is confident the Glazer family will deliver if he needs a marquee signing.

"Any time we have asked for money from the owners they have delivered," he said. "That will apply itself this year. There is no doubt about that."

United have already completed the signing of the Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who remained at his parent club on loan and is presently embroiled in a promotion fight. And it is clear other targets are being monitored.

"Your scouting goes on for a full season, sometimes two seasons," Ferguson said. "You want to see how someone does the next season. That is the process we go through. We have some ideas where we are going. Hopefully we can conclude them."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Subotic: Lewandowski should stay at Dortmund

The Serbianl hopes the prolific attacker will not leave BVB this summer and says his side do not feel any pressure ahead of the Champions League final
Neven Subotic has urged his Borussia Dortmund teammate Robert Lewandowski to stay at his current club amid ongoing speculations linking him with a summer move.

The Poland international's current contract with BVB is due to expire in the summer of 2014, and the 24-year-old has already told the club that he will not sign a new deal and wants to move elsewhere at the end of this season.

Clubs such as Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City have all shown an interest in signing Lewandowski in the past few months, with the Bavarians sitting in pole position to secure his services.

However, Subotic remains hopeful that Lewandowski will stay put for at least one more season.

"I obviously hope that Robert will stay here. We all know that Robert does a good job at this team. He always scores here," Subotic told Bild.

He added, "For me, he has been the best striker around in Europe this year. His development this season has been phenomenal."

Subotic then went on to discuss the upcoming Champions League final against Bayern Munich and stressed that BVB do not feel any pressure as they have already exceeded expectations.

"This is the first time we have made it to the final with this team. We have already outdone ourselves. It would be the cherry on the cake if we win the final," he explained.

"Realistically speaking Bayern are under a lot more pressure. They lost the final at home last season and will want to make amends now."

The Champions League final at Wembley takes place on May 25.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

QPR owner Fernandes not convinced of swift Premier League return

The owner of the relegated west London club believes his side may have to accept a two or three season wait in the Championship before it bounces back to the top fligh.QPR owner Tony Fernandes believes the club may have to wait "two or three seasons" before making a return to the Premier League following relegation from the top flight.

The west London club was relegated after it drew 0-0 with Reading last weekend, but Fernandes has warned fans that any hopes they had of an immediate promotion could be fanciful.

"It might take us two or three seasons," he told BBC Sport. "We may have to [play the long game]. And there are a couple of things that we're looking at. Do we invest in lots and lots of young players like Aston Villa?

"We have to go for the long term, we may not come up straight away.

"But we'll get the infrastructure of the players right. We've got everything else right in terms of the brand, in terms of the exposure, the plans for the training ground, the stadium. We've just got to get that player infrastructure right."

In a statement released on the club's website earlier this week, Fernandes had been particularly critical of certain players at the club and how their attitudes were not acceptable throughout the course of the season.

In his statement, Fernandes said: "It's heartbreaking for me when we lose. I don't want to go out, I just want to stay at home.

"I haven't said it throughout the season because it wasn't right to be said, but it hurt me when I saw some of the players who didn't feel the way I felt.

"And in fact, in their case, it should be worse because this is their job, it's their life. It was probably the low point for me when I saw the reaction of some of the players."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United may look to sign 'one or two', says Sir Alex Ferguson

• 'Tweak is the right word,' says manager of champions
• 'Any time we ask for money from owners they have delivered'

Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Friday 3 May 2013 10.57 BST

Although the Premier League trophy has not been collected yet, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is already planning for next season.

On Thursday, the executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward indicated there was no need for United to spend huge amounts of money this summer. Ferguson agrees, hinting there have been times this year when he has been trying to manage too many players.

"Tweak is the right word," he said. "We maybe look at one or two bodies to come in. You have to remember we have a lot of young players we expect to improve. We have to take that into consideration. We also have to consider the ages of some players and protect that part.

"In the main, we know where we are. We are comfortable. We have [fantastic strength in depth]. That is the area where we don't want to confuse ourselves, otherwise you end up with too many players and trying to keep them all happy. It has happened a few times this season."

Big-name players have been linked with United, though, most recently Robert Lewandowski, Radamel Falcao and Gareth Bale. And, after reporting record third-quarter results, Ferguson is confident the Glazer family will deliver if he needs a marquee signing.

"Any time we have asked for money from the owners they have delivered," he said. "That will apply itself this year. There is no doubt about that."

United have already completed the signing of the Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who remained at his parent club on loan and is presently embroiled in a promotion fight. And it is clear other targets are being monitored.

"Your scouting goes on for a full season, sometimes two seasons," Ferguson said. "You want to see how someone does the next season. That is the process we go through. We have some ideas where we are going. Hopefully we can conclude them."

Patta

Aniwa signs 2kakwath oneara Aluth CEO kiwwa widiyata giyoth kanna thamai wenne

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real want Jav in Ronaldo Deal

REAL MADRID will demand Javier Hernandez in any cash-plus-player deal for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester United had hoped to tempt the Spanish giants with an offer of £65million plus Nani. But Real want Hernandez and are set to bid £25m even if a deal for Ronaldo falls through.

Qatari-backed Paris Saint-Germain have already bid £80m for Ronaldo — the fee United sold him for in 2009. And Premier League champs United are one of the few clubs that could afford the 28-year-old megastar.

Yesterday they reported record income of more than £92m for the first three months of 2013.

And while vice-chairman Ed Woodward insists there will be no overhaul of the squad, United are encouraged by Ronaldo’s preference for a return to Old Trafford if he does leave Real. Hernandez could clinch the deal but United boss Alex Ferguson wants to hold on to the Mexican. Fergie understands his striker’s frustration after only seven league starts this season.

But he said: “There is no reason to think this is not the place for him.
“We hope he feels he has made a contribution. “He has scored 16 goals and his enthusiasm to play is always there.”

Fergie is also linked with swoops for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski and Atletico Madrid’s Radamel Falcao.

 

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City 'face fight for Fernandinho'

Roberto Mancini believes Manchester City could face competition from several of the world’s top clubs to sign Fernandinho.
The City manager is an admirer of Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazil international midfielder but feels it will be difficult to lure him to the Etihad Stadium because a shortage of high-class players means elite clubs are chasing the same targets.

Shakhtar manager Mircea Lucescu has warned City that Fernandinho will not be allowed to leave for less than his £42.3 million (€50 million) release clause, while the FA Cup finalists reportedly value the 27-year-old at £17 million.Mancini said: “We can talk about Fernandinho. Fernandinho is a good player, but he plays for Shakhtar.

“I don’t think there are a lot of good players around the world. There are also four or five top teams who want to buy good players. It could be difficult.”The manager hopes City will be able to conduct their transfer business earlier this summer than last, when four of their five major deals were finalised on transfer deadline day.

But when asked about the club’s plans in the market, he referred to speculation that he would be replaced by Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho or Manuel Pellegrini.
He asked: “You want to speak with me, with Pellegrini, with Guardiola, with Mourinho, with who? My strategy is only one - to get the second position and try and win the FA Cup.”

Guardiola is certain to manage Bayern Munich next season, while Mourinho may return to Chelsea.And Mancini is expecting a tougher title race next year. He added: “I think that it is important that next year there will be four or five teams who can play for the title. Not only two, like in the last two years.

“It is better for the championship. I think next year will be stronger than this year probably. We hope Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal can play for the title.”