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Badstuber delight at end of injury nightmare
Holger Badstuber has expressed his joy after making his first competitive appearance for Bayern Munich in almost two years.
The Germany international had been out of action since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in a Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on December 1, 2012.
However, Badstuber made his long-awaited comeback on Sunday, playing 79 minutes of Bayern's DFB-Pokal first-round clash with Preussen Munster.
"First game. Done!!!," the 25-year-old defender wrote on Twitter. "Thankful to be back on the field... It is simply the best!!!"
Badstuber's return is a timely one for Bayern, with Javi Martinez having been ruled out of action with a knee injury sustained in Wednesday's DFL-Supercup loss to Dortmund, and coach Pep Guardiola was in an upbeat frame of mind after his side saw off Preussen thanks to goals from Mario Gotze, Thomas Muller, David Alaba and Claudio Pizarro.
"Thank you to the people here," the Catalan stated. "And congratulations to my players for their professionalism."
Bayern begin the defence of their Bundesliga crown with a game against Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena on Friday.
Holger Badstuber has expressed his joy after making his first competitive appearance for Bayern Munich in almost two years.
The Germany international had been out of action since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in a Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on December 1, 2012.
However, Badstuber made his long-awaited comeback on Sunday, playing 79 minutes of Bayern's DFB-Pokal first-round clash with Preussen Munster.
"First game. Done!!!," the 25-year-old defender wrote on Twitter. "Thankful to be back on the field... It is simply the best!!!"
Badstuber's return is a timely one for Bayern, with Javi Martinez having been ruled out of action with a knee injury sustained in Wednesday's DFL-Supercup loss to Dortmund, and coach Pep Guardiola was in an upbeat frame of mind after his side saw off Preussen thanks to goals from Mario Gotze, Thomas Muller, David Alaba and Claudio Pizarro.
"Thank you to the people here," the Catalan stated. "And congratulations to my players for their professionalism."
Bayern begin the defence of their Bundesliga crown with a game against Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena on Friday.
Manchester United target Rojo apologises for 'unprofessional' behaviour at Sporting
Manchester United target Marcos Rojo has apologised to Sporting following his "unprofessional" fallout with the club.
Louis van Gaal launched a €20 million [£16m] bid for the Argentina defender earlier this week, but saw their approach rejected by the Portuguese outfit.
That prompted Rojo to reportedly miss training on Wednesday in a bid to force the move, but 24-year-old has now apologised for his actions and admitted to acting rashly following the failed bid.
"It was all a misunderstanding, I was a hothead. I'm sorry for what happened because I feel that I was unprofessional," he told the club's official TV station. "Now I will try to correct the situation."Yes, obviously [I trust the club]. The club trusted me when my career wasn't at its best. They gave me an opportunity to play for a top team in Europe. So I thank Sporting and the people who work here.
"I am very fond of this club. They are the ones that will decide my career, and I hope it will be for the best both for me and the club.
"But I want to stress that I'm very happy at the club, and I like the way I'm treated and the care they give me."Rojo and Sporting’s president Bruno de Carvalho reportedly nearly came to blows during a meeting earlier this week, a claim the defender vehemently denies.He continued: "[The claims of violence] are not true. When I saw the papers I was angry, for the way they lied and talked about us.
"I talked to the president this last Friday, we understood each other and I got back on training. Now I’ll play for the first team again, with my team-mates, which pleases me the most."
Manchester United target Marcos Rojo has apologised to Sporting following his "unprofessional" fallout with the club.
Louis van Gaal launched a €20 million [£16m] bid for the Argentina defender earlier this week, but saw their approach rejected by the Portuguese outfit.
That prompted Rojo to reportedly miss training on Wednesday in a bid to force the move, but 24-year-old has now apologised for his actions and admitted to acting rashly following the failed bid.
"It was all a misunderstanding, I was a hothead. I'm sorry for what happened because I feel that I was unprofessional," he told the club's official TV station. "Now I will try to correct the situation."Yes, obviously [I trust the club]. The club trusted me when my career wasn't at its best. They gave me an opportunity to play for a top team in Europe. So I thank Sporting and the people who work here.
"I am very fond of this club. They are the ones that will decide my career, and I hope it will be for the best both for me and the club.
"But I want to stress that I'm very happy at the club, and I like the way I'm treated and the care they give me."Rojo and Sporting’s president Bruno de Carvalho reportedly nearly came to blows during a meeting earlier this week, a claim the defender vehemently denies.He continued: "[The claims of violence] are not true. When I saw the papers I was angry, for the way they lied and talked about us.
"I talked to the president this last Friday, we understood each other and I got back on training. Now I’ll play for the first team again, with my team-mates, which pleases me the most."
Jardim blames referee for Monaco defeat
Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim blamed the referee for his side's 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Bordeaux.
Jardim replaced Claudio Ranieri at the helm over the summer but continues to seek his first competitive point, having watched his side lose 2-1 at home to Lorient last weekend.
In this encounter Monaco took the lead through Dimitar Berbatov but then crumbled as goals from Diego Rolan (2), Emiliano Sala and Wahbi Khazri completed a stunning turn around.
Two of those four goals came from the penalty spot and Jardim said the decision of referee Tony Chapron to award the spot-kicks cost his side the game.
"We had a game with two very different halves, a good half of Monaco where we were very well organised and a second half in which the adversary has come back and equalised quickly," he said.
"Then we had two refereeing errors that sealed the match and after that there's been no game. We must continue to work - we will continue to believe in these players.
"I have certainty that their game will get better and also certainty that there will be more mistakes. The French referees are good but there will be more mistakes in the future."
Monaco finished second in Ligue 1 last season but the result leaves them second from bottom of the division after two games.
Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim blamed the referee for his side's 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Bordeaux.
Jardim replaced Claudio Ranieri at the helm over the summer but continues to seek his first competitive point, having watched his side lose 2-1 at home to Lorient last weekend.
In this encounter Monaco took the lead through Dimitar Berbatov but then crumbled as goals from Diego Rolan (2), Emiliano Sala and Wahbi Khazri completed a stunning turn around.
Two of those four goals came from the penalty spot and Jardim said the decision of referee Tony Chapron to award the spot-kicks cost his side the game.
"We had a game with two very different halves, a good half of Monaco where we were very well organised and a second half in which the adversary has come back and equalised quickly," he said.
"Then we had two refereeing errors that sealed the match and after that there's been no game. We must continue to work - we will continue to believe in these players.
"I have certainty that their game will get better and also certainty that there will be more mistakes. The French referees are good but there will be more mistakes in the future."
Monaco finished second in Ligue 1 last season but the result leaves them second from bottom of the division after two games.
Blind quiet on Manchester United transfer speculation
Ajax left-back Daley Blind insists he has heard nothing of rumours liking him with a potential switch to Manchester United this summer.
United are pressing ahead with plans to sign Blind and Fiorentina star Juan Cuadrado as Louis van Gaal looks to bolster his injury-hit squad.
Louis van Gaal is keen to be reunited with the 24-year-old after he played a starring role in the Netherlands' run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Brazil.
Last week Blind told Goal he would find it hard to turn down United if they were to make an approach, but was silent on his future following Ajax's 3-1 Eredivisie win at AZ on Sunday.
"I have nothing to report," Blind told Voetbal Primeur. "I'm happy here."However, Blind refused to rule out the possibility of leaving the Dutch champions if the right club made an approach for his services.
"Certainly I don't need to leave and I am happy with all the support," he added.
"But if a nice club comes, then we'll talk. And then we'll see."
Ajax left-back Daley Blind insists he has heard nothing of rumours liking him with a potential switch to Manchester United this summer.
United are pressing ahead with plans to sign Blind and Fiorentina star Juan Cuadrado as Louis van Gaal looks to bolster his injury-hit squad.
Louis van Gaal is keen to be reunited with the 24-year-old after he played a starring role in the Netherlands' run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Brazil.
Last week Blind told Goal he would find it hard to turn down United if they were to make an approach, but was silent on his future following Ajax's 3-1 Eredivisie win at AZ on Sunday.
"I have nothing to report," Blind told Voetbal Primeur. "I'm happy here."However, Blind refused to rule out the possibility of leaving the Dutch champions if the right club made an approach for his services.
"Certainly I don't need to leave and I am happy with all the support," he added.
"But if a nice club comes, then we'll talk. And then we'll see."
Sevilla agree Banega fee
Sevilla have reached an agreement with La Liga rivals Valencia for the signing of Argentina international Ever Banega.
The 26-year-old playmaker has been at the Mestalla since 2008 but spent last term on loan at Newell's Old Boys in his homeland, featuring 20 times in all competitions and scoring once.
Banega, who also spent a season on loan at Atletico Madrid during his time with Valencia, will move to Sevilla provided he passes a medical and agrees personal terms. "Ever Banega can become a new player of Sevilla FC if he passes the medical tests in the next few hours and the documents are signed," read a statement on Sevilla's website. "Sevilla FC and Valencia reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of the Argentinian midfielder on Sunday afternoon."
Sevilla, last season's Europa League winners, have been active in the transfer market during the close-season, with Banega set to become the eighth arrival as Unai Emery looks to compensate for the losses of Ivan Rakitic and Alberto Moreno, who have joined Barcelona and Liverpool respectively.
Emery has brought in the likes of Barca duo Gerard Deulofeu and Denis Suarez on loan, as well as Grzegorz Krychowiak from Reims.
Sevilla have reached an agreement with La Liga rivals Valencia for the signing of Argentina international Ever Banega.
The 26-year-old playmaker has been at the Mestalla since 2008 but spent last term on loan at Newell's Old Boys in his homeland, featuring 20 times in all competitions and scoring once.
Banega, who also spent a season on loan at Atletico Madrid during his time with Valencia, will move to Sevilla provided he passes a medical and agrees personal terms. "Ever Banega can become a new player of Sevilla FC if he passes the medical tests in the next few hours and the documents are signed," read a statement on Sevilla's website. "Sevilla FC and Valencia reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of the Argentinian midfielder on Sunday afternoon."
Sevilla, last season's Europa League winners, have been active in the transfer market during the close-season, with Banega set to become the eighth arrival as Unai Emery looks to compensate for the losses of Ivan Rakitic and Alberto Moreno, who have joined Barcelona and Liverpool respectively.
Emery has brought in the likes of Barca duo Gerard Deulofeu and Denis Suarez on loan, as well as Grzegorz Krychowiak from Reims.
Valencia 2-1 AC Milan: Rodrigo nets winner to edge out Rossoneri
Valencia completed their pre-season preparations with a morale-boosting 2-1 win over AC Milan at the Mestalla.
Under new coach Nuno Espirito Santo, the hosts looked timid in the opening stages as Milan dictated possession, but they took a spectacular 18th-minute lead after settling into the game.
New signings Rodrigo, Nicolas Otamendi and Andre Gomes all started, but it was Paco Alcacer, a rising star under the previous regime, who broke the deadlock when he pounced on Cristian Zapata's poor square pass before lobbing debutant Diego Lopez from fully 40 yards.
Keisuke Honda drew Milan level 10 minutes later as his 30-yard free-kick flew in via the right-hand post, but the Liga side restored their lead seven minutes before the break when Rodrigo squeezed between a couple of defenders and fired into the bottom-right corner.
The second period lacked the same intensity and flow of the first half, with a host of substitutions from both sides disrupting the rhythm.The game did begin to liven up once more in the final 25 minutes, but neither side could add to the scoring.
Valencia substitute Sofiane Feghouli - on for Alcacer - went close when he skewed a shot wide from 12 yards in the 68th minute, before, at the other end, Jeremy Menez narrowly missed the corner with a shot from the edge of the area.
The best chance of the second half fell to Michael Essien with 12 minutes left, but replacement goalkeeper Yoel turned his header away in acrobatic fashion as Valencia held on to a morale-boosting victory just six days before they start their La Liga campaign at Sevilla.
Valencia completed their pre-season preparations with a morale-boosting 2-1 win over AC Milan at the Mestalla.
Under new coach Nuno Espirito Santo, the hosts looked timid in the opening stages as Milan dictated possession, but they took a spectacular 18th-minute lead after settling into the game.
New signings Rodrigo, Nicolas Otamendi and Andre Gomes all started, but it was Paco Alcacer, a rising star under the previous regime, who broke the deadlock when he pounced on Cristian Zapata's poor square pass before lobbing debutant Diego Lopez from fully 40 yards.
Keisuke Honda drew Milan level 10 minutes later as his 30-yard free-kick flew in via the right-hand post, but the Liga side restored their lead seven minutes before the break when Rodrigo squeezed between a couple of defenders and fired into the bottom-right corner.
The second period lacked the same intensity and flow of the first half, with a host of substitutions from both sides disrupting the rhythm.The game did begin to liven up once more in the final 25 minutes, but neither side could add to the scoring.
Valencia substitute Sofiane Feghouli - on for Alcacer - went close when he skewed a shot wide from 12 yards in the 68th minute, before, at the other end, Jeremy Menez narrowly missed the corner with a shot from the edge of the area.
The best chance of the second half fell to Michael Essien with 12 minutes left, but replacement goalkeeper Yoel turned his header away in acrobatic fashion as Valencia held on to a morale-boosting victory just six days before they start their La Liga campaign at Sevilla.
Enrique keen to make more signings
Luis Enrique has revealed he is keen to make more signings as he continues to rebuild Barcelona in his image.
The former Celta boss has already bought six players since being named Gerardo Martino's replacement in May, with Thomas Vermaelan the latest acquisition after joining from Arsenal last week.
And the spending is showing no signs of slowing, with Enrique admitting he is actively making moves for further reinforcements.
He said: "I haven't ruled out further signings. Neither has the club. Not now and not in the future. We're always open to strengthening and improving the squad."
On Friday Gerard Deulofeu's season-long loan move to Sevilla was confirmed and Enrique was keen to explain his thinking behind allowing the forward to spend a second consecutive campaign elsewhere.
He added: "I gave him his first start, I know him very well and he wasn't going to get the playing time he needs to continue his development. He has to improve several aspects of his game."
The 20-year-old was loaned out to Everton for the entire 2013/14 campaign, but the €88 million signing of Luis Suarez meant his chances of first team football at Camp Nou were slim this term.
Luis Enrique has revealed he is keen to make more signings as he continues to rebuild Barcelona in his image.
The former Celta boss has already bought six players since being named Gerardo Martino's replacement in May, with Thomas Vermaelan the latest acquisition after joining from Arsenal last week.
And the spending is showing no signs of slowing, with Enrique admitting he is actively making moves for further reinforcements.
He said: "I haven't ruled out further signings. Neither has the club. Not now and not in the future. We're always open to strengthening and improving the squad."
On Friday Gerard Deulofeu's season-long loan move to Sevilla was confirmed and Enrique was keen to explain his thinking behind allowing the forward to spend a second consecutive campaign elsewhere.
He added: "I gave him his first start, I know him very well and he wasn't going to get the playing time he needs to continue his development. He has to improve several aspects of his game."
The 20-year-old was loaned out to Everton for the entire 2013/14 campaign, but the €88 million signing of Luis Suarez meant his chances of first team football at Camp Nou were slim this term.
Pellegrini pleased with Manchester City attitude
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was delighted to see his side start their Premier League title defence with a win.
City passed a difficult first test by beating a well-organised Newcastle United side 2-0 thanks to goals from David Silva and Sergio Aguero on Sunday.
And with three of their next four games pitting them against title rivals Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, Pellegrini was understandably pleased to begin in such fashion.
"I think it's always important to start the season winning, especially at a place like St James' Park," Pellegrini told reporters.
"It was so important for me to have the attitude from the players right from the beginning to the end of the game."
Pellegrini then played down suggestions the game had taken on added importance due to the challenging start his side have been handed.
He added: "We're not thinking about the start of the season. We were just thinking about Newcastle. Now we can think about Liverpool.
"All of the teams have to play against all of the other teams home and away. We started with a win and now we can see if we can win the second one."
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was delighted to see his side start their Premier League title defence with a win.
City passed a difficult first test by beating a well-organised Newcastle United side 2-0 thanks to goals from David Silva and Sergio Aguero on Sunday.
And with three of their next four games pitting them against title rivals Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, Pellegrini was understandably pleased to begin in such fashion.
"I think it's always important to start the season winning, especially at a place like St James' Park," Pellegrini told reporters.
"It was so important for me to have the attitude from the players right from the beginning to the end of the game."
Pellegrini then played down suggestions the game had taken on added importance due to the challenging start his side have been handed.
He added: "We're not thinking about the start of the season. We were just thinking about Newcastle. Now we can think about Liverpool.
"All of the teams have to play against all of the other teams home and away. We started with a win and now we can see if we can win the second one."
Guardiola applauds 'professional' Bayern
Pep Guardiola said he could only congratulate his Bayern Munich side for a professional display after they dispatched Preussen Munster 4-1 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.
The cup holders ran out comfortable winners against their 3. Liga opponents thanks to goals from Mario Gotze, Thomas Muller, David Alaba and Claudio Pizarro on Sunday.Amid late drama, Preussen pulled one back through a Rogier Krohne penalty before Robert Lewandowski missed a spot-kick, having been hauled down by Marc Heitmeier.
Preussen defender Heitmeier was sent off for the foul to cap off a disappointing day the hosts, and Guardiola was left satisfied with the efforts of his players.
"I congratulate my team for their professionalism," said the Spaniard.
"Until the Gotze goal, Munster were better than us. After the goal we were better and in the second half we were much better. Therefore, I am satisfied. "But you have seen that we still need time."Ahead of their Bundesliga opener against Wolfsburg on Friday, Guardiola revealed that Bayern were keen to add to their squad, having been hit by a long-term injury to Javi Martinez.
The Bundesliga champions have been linked with Roma defender Mehdi Benatia recently and Guardiola said the club would explore their options in the market.
"If there is a transfer possible, it would be good," he continued."If it is not possible, we will continue to work with the players that we have."
Pep Guardiola said he could only congratulate his Bayern Munich side for a professional display after they dispatched Preussen Munster 4-1 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.
The cup holders ran out comfortable winners against their 3. Liga opponents thanks to goals from Mario Gotze, Thomas Muller, David Alaba and Claudio Pizarro on Sunday.Amid late drama, Preussen pulled one back through a Rogier Krohne penalty before Robert Lewandowski missed a spot-kick, having been hauled down by Marc Heitmeier.
Preussen defender Heitmeier was sent off for the foul to cap off a disappointing day the hosts, and Guardiola was left satisfied with the efforts of his players.
"I congratulate my team for their professionalism," said the Spaniard.
"Until the Gotze goal, Munster were better than us. After the goal we were better and in the second half we were much better. Therefore, I am satisfied. "But you have seen that we still need time."Ahead of their Bundesliga opener against Wolfsburg on Friday, Guardiola revealed that Bayern were keen to add to their squad, having been hit by a long-term injury to Javi Martinez.
The Bundesliga champions have been linked with Roma defender Mehdi Benatia recently and Guardiola said the club would explore their options in the market.
"If there is a transfer possible, it would be good," he continued."If it is not possible, we will continue to work with the players that we have."
Paris Saint-Germain confirm Thiago Motta broken noseParis Saint-Germain have confirmed Thiago Motta suffered a broken nose when he was headbutted in the tunnel by Bastia's Brandao on Saturday.
PSG ran out 2-0 winners at Parc des Princes, with Lucas Moura and Edinson Cavani scoring the goals, but the Ligue 1 clash was marred by an incident as the players made their way to the dressing rooms.Video footage showed Brandao waiting for Motta in the tunnel following the full-time whistle, with the ex-Marseille man appearing to headbutt the PSG midfielder in the face.
Motta, who was then held back by a host of team-mates and club staff, was subsequently shown with a bloodied nose and PSG revealed that what they described as an "assault" resulted in a broken nose for the Italy international.
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had earlier called for Brandao to be banned for life.
The club also confirmed that star forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Dutch full-back Gregory van der Wiel suffered injuries against Bastia.Ibrahimovic's diagnosis following his 16th-minute substitution was a strain to an abdominal muscle, while Van der Wiel has suffered a fracture to a vertebra after receiving a knee to the back from Brandao.
No timescale has been put on the players' returns, but the news will undoubtedly come as a blow for coach Laurent Blanc.
Barclays Premier League 2014.08.18 Fixture
Barclays Premier League 2014.08.18 Fixture
Burnley Vs Chelsea
'€95m buys us eight players, but Madrid two players' - Simeone
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has once again claimed that the biggest difference between his side and city rivals Real Madrid is their respective budgets.
Both sides have spent over €100 million this summer, but while the Spanish champions recruited several players, including Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic, only James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Keylor Navas arrived at the Bernabeu.
"We've got seven or eight players with €95m, they bought two with €95m," Simeone told the press before the two teams' Supercopa clash on Tuesday.
"There's a little difference. But the club has always had this creativity. We are forming the group, but the group is not just 11 players but 18 or 20."
Simeone went on to say that his side would cope without Diego Costa, who joined Chelsea this summer after firing Atleti to La Liga.
"The team structure will not change," the Argentine declared. "The intent and agression will be the same because it comes from the core. That gives us the stability to keep going with the same idea."
Atleti lost the Supercopa de Espana last term to Barcelona on away goals and Simeone is keen to make amends this time out against Madrid.
"[The Supercopa] is more about money than it is real - it's two games at the start of the season that television pays for," he argued. "A final is a final, not two finals.
"Last year we were close. Now we have to make a major effort."
Atletico travel to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night for the first leg of the Supercopa, before hosting Madrid at the Vicente Calderon on Friday's decider.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has once again claimed that the biggest difference between his side and city rivals Real Madrid is their respective budgets.
Both sides have spent over €100 million this summer, but while the Spanish champions recruited several players, including Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic, only James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Keylor Navas arrived at the Bernabeu.
"We've got seven or eight players with €95m, they bought two with €95m," Simeone told the press before the two teams' Supercopa clash on Tuesday.
"There's a little difference. But the club has always had this creativity. We are forming the group, but the group is not just 11 players but 18 or 20."
Simeone went on to say that his side would cope without Diego Costa, who joined Chelsea this summer after firing Atleti to La Liga.
"The team structure will not change," the Argentine declared. "The intent and agression will be the same because it comes from the core. That gives us the stability to keep going with the same idea."
Atleti lost the Supercopa de Espana last term to Barcelona on away goals and Simeone is keen to make amends this time out against Madrid.
"[The Supercopa] is more about money than it is real - it's two games at the start of the season that television pays for," he argued. "A final is a final, not two finals.
"Last year we were close. Now we have to make a major effort."
Atletico travel to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night for the first leg of the Supercopa, before hosting Madrid at the Vicente Calderon on Friday's decider.
Manchester City open to selling Nastasic, Richards, Sinclair & Guidetti
Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that Manchester City are looking to offload Matija Nastasic, Micah Richards, Scott Sinclair and John Guidetti this summer.
Goal reported in July that Nastasic has attracted interest from Roma, Inter and Fiorentina and Pellegrini admits that the Premier League champions have received offers for the 21-year-old, who is now considered the club's fifth-choice centre-back.
"Matija needs to play. We already have important players here with four full-backs, [Martin] Demichelis, [Vincent] Kompany, [Eliaquim] Mangala and [Dedryck] Boyata," Pellegrini told the press.
"So we will see in the next few days what happens with Nastasic. He is an important player but he has offers and I think the best thing for him is to play.
"We will see what happens but we have until the end of August to see what kind of offers we get for Matija.
"That also goes for Micah Richards, who didn't want to continue here because he wants to play more - he had a contract to renew but didn't want it."
Richards is desperate to leave City, with one year remaining on his contract, and is expecting the Premier League champions to lower their €8.75 million asking price with Liverpool, Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle having shown interest this summer.
Guidetti, meanwhile, spent the second half of last season on loan at Stoke City but Feyenoord coach Fred Rutten admits that the Dutch club are keen on a move.
"So we have three or four players extra - Scott Sinclair and John Guidetti are also important players but I don't like to have so many in the squad," Pellegrini continued.
"I think 22 players is enough and they are all players who have a lot of quality. It is good for them to play."
Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that Manchester City are looking to offload Matija Nastasic, Micah Richards, Scott Sinclair and John Guidetti this summer.
Goal reported in July that Nastasic has attracted interest from Roma, Inter and Fiorentina and Pellegrini admits that the Premier League champions have received offers for the 21-year-old, who is now considered the club's fifth-choice centre-back.
"Matija needs to play. We already have important players here with four full-backs, [Martin] Demichelis, [Vincent] Kompany, [Eliaquim] Mangala and [Dedryck] Boyata," Pellegrini told the press.
"So we will see in the next few days what happens with Nastasic. He is an important player but he has offers and I think the best thing for him is to play.
"We will see what happens but we have until the end of August to see what kind of offers we get for Matija.
"That also goes for Micah Richards, who didn't want to continue here because he wants to play more - he had a contract to renew but didn't want it."
Richards is desperate to leave City, with one year remaining on his contract, and is expecting the Premier League champions to lower their €8.75 million asking price with Liverpool, Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle having shown interest this summer.
Guidetti, meanwhile, spent the second half of last season on loan at Stoke City but Feyenoord coach Fred Rutten admits that the Dutch club are keen on a move.
"So we have three or four players extra - Scott Sinclair and John Guidetti are also important players but I don't like to have so many in the squad," Pellegrini continued.
"I think 22 players is enough and they are all players who have a lot of quality. It is good for them to play."
Wenger 'desperate' to reach Champions League group stage by beating Besiktas
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is "desperate" to beat Besiktas and reach the Champions League group stage for a 17th successive season.
For the second year running the Premier League side have been drawn against Turkish opposition in the play-off round, with Wenger hoping to repeat last season's 5-0 drubbing of Fenerbahce.
Besiktas comfortably beat Feyenoord 5-2 on aggregate to reach this stage and the Gunners boss has concerns about the recovery time afforded to his squad ahead of Tuesday's game following their Premier League exploits, though but he remains convinced that the importance of the tie will ensure that his players are fully focused.
"We are desperate to do it because we want to play in the Champions League and we know how big these games are," Wenger told the club's official website.
"We had to give a lot [against Crystal Palace] - hopefully we will recover and be ready for Tuesday night.
"No matter what it costs, we want to go through. We have always a difficult draw; we had Fenerbahce last year, this time we have Besiktas. It's difficult."
Whether Laurent Koscielny will make the trip remains uncertain after Wenger revealed that a foot problem had flared up following the win over Palace.
If he is not fit then Per Mertesacker could be rushed back into action, having been given an extended break along with countrymen Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski after their World Cup triumph.
"We will assess Koscielny on Monday," Wenger added. "If he's fit and capable to play, we play him.
"It was our plan to bring the Germans back in contention for Everton [on Saturday] but, in case of emergency I will take Mertesacker."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is "desperate" to beat Besiktas and reach the Champions League group stage for a 17th successive season.
For the second year running the Premier League side have been drawn against Turkish opposition in the play-off round, with Wenger hoping to repeat last season's 5-0 drubbing of Fenerbahce.
Besiktas comfortably beat Feyenoord 5-2 on aggregate to reach this stage and the Gunners boss has concerns about the recovery time afforded to his squad ahead of Tuesday's game following their Premier League exploits, though but he remains convinced that the importance of the tie will ensure that his players are fully focused.
"We are desperate to do it because we want to play in the Champions League and we know how big these games are," Wenger told the club's official website.
"We had to give a lot [against Crystal Palace] - hopefully we will recover and be ready for Tuesday night.
"No matter what it costs, we want to go through. We have always a difficult draw; we had Fenerbahce last year, this time we have Besiktas. It's difficult."
Whether Laurent Koscielny will make the trip remains uncertain after Wenger revealed that a foot problem had flared up following the win over Palace.
If he is not fit then Per Mertesacker could be rushed back into action, having been given an extended break along with countrymen Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski after their World Cup triumph.
"We will assess Koscielny on Monday," Wenger added. "If he's fit and capable to play, we play him.
"It was our plan to bring the Germans back in contention for Everton [on Saturday] but, in case of emergency I will take Mertesacker."
Luis Enrique is Barca's most important signing, says Bartomeu
Barcelona presisdent Josep Maria Bartomeu believes that Luis Enrique will prove to be the club's most impressive acquisition this summer.
The Catalans have splashed out on the likes of Luis Suarez, Thomas Vermaelen, Jeremy Mathieu, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo during the close-season.
However, Bartomeu is certain that the new coach, recruited from Celta Vigo after Gerardo Martino resigned at the end of last term, will make the biggest impact at Camp Nou.
"Luis Enrique has been our most important signing of the season," the Blaugrana supremo said in a speech at Barcelona's 35th Supporters Club Congress.
"He was the first signing of this 'promised revolution' we were going to issue this summer.
"We already knew him as a player and also as the reserve-team manager. Luis Enrique provides us with passion, leadership and also hard-working sacrifices."
Bartomeu also reaffirmed his delight at the purchase of Suarez and revealed that the Uruguay international had wanted to move to Catalunya for some time.
"We made an effort because we want to have a competitive team," he added. "Luis Suarez is so excited to be here. He was wanted to play for Barca for many years."
Suarez is set to make his first appearance for Barca on Monday in the Joan Gamper trophy match against Leon, but he remains banned from competitive clashes until the end of October.
Barcelona presisdent Josep Maria Bartomeu believes that Luis Enrique will prove to be the club's most impressive acquisition this summer.
The Catalans have splashed out on the likes of Luis Suarez, Thomas Vermaelen, Jeremy Mathieu, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo during the close-season.
However, Bartomeu is certain that the new coach, recruited from Celta Vigo after Gerardo Martino resigned at the end of last term, will make the biggest impact at Camp Nou.
"Luis Enrique has been our most important signing of the season," the Blaugrana supremo said in a speech at Barcelona's 35th Supporters Club Congress.
"He was the first signing of this 'promised revolution' we were going to issue this summer.
"We already knew him as a player and also as the reserve-team manager. Luis Enrique provides us with passion, leadership and also hard-working sacrifices."
Bartomeu also reaffirmed his delight at the purchase of Suarez and revealed that the Uruguay international had wanted to move to Catalunya for some time.
"We made an effort because we want to have a competitive team," he added. "Luis Suarez is so excited to be here. He was wanted to play for Barca for many years."
Suarez is set to make his first appearance for Barca on Monday in the Joan Gamper trophy match against Leon, but he remains banned from competitive clashes until the end of October.
Beckenbauer: Reus would be great at Bayern
Franz Beckenbauer believes that Marco Reus will leave Borussia Dortmund for one of Europe's giants in a year's time and added that he would fit in well at Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old, with CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge strongly suggesting that the Bundesliga champions could look to activate his release clause, which will reportedly drop to €25 million next summer.
Beckenbauer certainly expects the Germany international to depart Signal Iduna Park sooner or later.
"I can imagine him at Bayern very well," the former West Germany international told Bild.
"If you can get a player of his class, you need to try it. If he doesn't go to Bayern in 2015, he will probably go to another big club like Real Madrid or Manchester United.
"Dortmund will probably not be able to hold on to him. I can understand why Dortmund don't like discussion about Reus."
Dortmund reacted angrily to Bayern's comments about Reus' release clause but Beckenbauer feels it was not too much of an issue.
"The amount of the release clause probably wasn't a big secret," he argued. "Every interested party probably knew it."
Franz Beckenbauer believes that Marco Reus will leave Borussia Dortmund for one of Europe's giants in a year's time and added that he would fit in well at Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old, with CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge strongly suggesting that the Bundesliga champions could look to activate his release clause, which will reportedly drop to €25 million next summer.
Beckenbauer certainly expects the Germany international to depart Signal Iduna Park sooner or later.
"I can imagine him at Bayern very well," the former West Germany international told Bild.
"If you can get a player of his class, you need to try it. If he doesn't go to Bayern in 2015, he will probably go to another big club like Real Madrid or Manchester United.
"Dortmund will probably not be able to hold on to him. I can understand why Dortmund don't like discussion about Reus."
Dortmund reacted angrily to Bayern's comments about Reus' release clause but Beckenbauer feels it was not too much of an issue.
"The amount of the release clause probably wasn't a big secret," he argued. "Every interested party probably knew it."
Tottenham plan €21m Schneiderlin bid
Tottenham will make another attempt to prise Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton as their pursuit of the midfielder goes down to the wire.
Goal understands that Mauricio Pochettino remains determined to land his former player and has sanctioned a bid of around €21 million.
Spurs are confident that Schneiderlin is still determined to make the move to White Hart Lane, despite playing the full 90 minutes against Liverpool on Sunday after it had initially been suggested that he would pull out of training and matches.
However, Southampton are refusing to grant the Frenchman an easy exit from St Mary's Stadium, with manager Ronald Koeman reiterating that he is not for sale.
Speaking after the 2-1 defeat at Anfield, where Schneiderlin was denied a late equaliser only by an outstanding Simon Mignolet save, Koeman explained that he had no concerns about the France international's commitment.
"He’s a player of Southampton," the Dutchman told reporters. "He wants to play for us – he changed his mind and his mentality last week.
"He was tired in the last 10 minutes but he is a good player and he is important for us."
Following a summer of big-name departures from the south coast that has brought over €100m in transfer fees to the club, Southampton do not need to cash in on Schneiderlin and are reluctant to let another of their major assets go.
The player has claimed that he has a gentleman's agreement with the club to allow him to leave and Southampton's resolve could be tested by Spurs' final attempt to sign him.
Tottenham lead the race to capture Schneiderlin after the 24-year-old rejected an offer from Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger refused to offer any guarantees of a starting role at the Emirates Stadium, something that is believed to be more likely in Pochettino's side.
Spurs could allow Sandro to leave White Hart Lane if they are successful in their pursuit of Schneiderlin, with Napoli among the Brazilian midfielder's admirers. Sandro was not in the squad who beat West Ham 1-0 on Saturday.
Tottenham will make another attempt to prise Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton as their pursuit of the midfielder goes down to the wire.
Goal understands that Mauricio Pochettino remains determined to land his former player and has sanctioned a bid of around €21 million.
Spurs are confident that Schneiderlin is still determined to make the move to White Hart Lane, despite playing the full 90 minutes against Liverpool on Sunday after it had initially been suggested that he would pull out of training and matches.
However, Southampton are refusing to grant the Frenchman an easy exit from St Mary's Stadium, with manager Ronald Koeman reiterating that he is not for sale.
Speaking after the 2-1 defeat at Anfield, where Schneiderlin was denied a late equaliser only by an outstanding Simon Mignolet save, Koeman explained that he had no concerns about the France international's commitment.
"He’s a player of Southampton," the Dutchman told reporters. "He wants to play for us – he changed his mind and his mentality last week.
"He was tired in the last 10 minutes but he is a good player and he is important for us."
Following a summer of big-name departures from the south coast that has brought over €100m in transfer fees to the club, Southampton do not need to cash in on Schneiderlin and are reluctant to let another of their major assets go.
The player has claimed that he has a gentleman's agreement with the club to allow him to leave and Southampton's resolve could be tested by Spurs' final attempt to sign him.
Tottenham lead the race to capture Schneiderlin after the 24-year-old rejected an offer from Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger refused to offer any guarantees of a starting role at the Emirates Stadium, something that is believed to be more likely in Pochettino's side.
Spurs could allow Sandro to leave White Hart Lane if they are successful in their pursuit of Schneiderlin, with Napoli among the Brazilian midfielder's admirers. Sandro was not in the squad who beat West Ham 1-0 on Saturday.
Dzeko set for new Manchester City contract, confirms Pellegrini
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko is set to extend his contract with the club, manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed.
Goal exclusively revealed on Sunday that the Bosnian and Joe Hart are to be the next first-team pair to have their futures at the Etihad Stadium secured, after a busy summer of consolidation from the Premier League champions.
Dzeko played the majority of City's 2-0 Premier League win over Newcastle on Sunday, setting up David Silva for their first goal with a sublime backheel, and Pellegrini says that the performance showcased why they want him to stay.
The Chilean told the press: "He finished last season playing very well and was one of the best players in this game. He worked hard and won a lot of aerial duels. It was a complete game from him.
"It's not strange for me to see him play like that - he finished last season playing very well. He has grown. He's a team player.
"I'm very happy for him. That's why he is renewing his contract here - he has a very important duty in our team.
"I don't think it's 100 per cent finished but, yes, he will renew his contract. He's a very important player for us."
Stevan Jovetic played alongside Dzeko from the start at St James's Park, with Sergio Aguero coming on to score the late second, while Alvaro Negredo is out injured – and Pellegrini says that all four are key figures for his team.
"It is important that we have four top strikers because we have so many games in four competitions," he noted.
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko is set to extend his contract with the club, manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed.
Goal exclusively revealed on Sunday that the Bosnian and Joe Hart are to be the next first-team pair to have their futures at the Etihad Stadium secured, after a busy summer of consolidation from the Premier League champions.
Dzeko played the majority of City's 2-0 Premier League win over Newcastle on Sunday, setting up David Silva for their first goal with a sublime backheel, and Pellegrini says that the performance showcased why they want him to stay.
The Chilean told the press: "He finished last season playing very well and was one of the best players in this game. He worked hard and won a lot of aerial duels. It was a complete game from him.
"It's not strange for me to see him play like that - he finished last season playing very well. He has grown. He's a team player.
"I'm very happy for him. That's why he is renewing his contract here - he has a very important duty in our team.
"I don't think it's 100 per cent finished but, yes, he will renew his contract. He's a very important player for us."
Stevan Jovetic played alongside Dzeko from the start at St James's Park, with Sergio Aguero coming on to score the late second, while Alvaro Negredo is out injured – and Pellegrini says that all four are key figures for his team.
"It is important that we have four top strikers because we have so many games in four competitions," he noted.
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