Lescott Admits Lack of Football Could Cost Him Trip To Brazil

  Joleon Lescott has admitted that losing his place in the Manchester City side, may well have cost him his place in the England squad for next summer’s World Cup.

  Having made his senior debut in a 3-0 win over Estonia in 2007, he has been a regular in the English national team ever since.  However, losing his place in the Manchester City starting line-up  has had a knock on effect, after making only two appearances for his country since the turn of the year.

     When asked about his chances of reinstating himself in the England squad, he replied, “It does not look like I am going at the minute. I have not been in the last few squads, so it is going to be hard. But if I am playing for city and we are progressing in the Champions League and the title race, then there might be a place for me. I have not given up.”

  The frustration for Lescott is that when Vincent Kompany is fit, there is only realistically one spot open in central defence, with Matija Nastasic and Martin Demichellis both competing with him for it. And with Lescott in the final year of his contract, he may not have too many opportunities to earn himself an extension. “It is hard not playing. No professional enjoys it and I am no different. It is not great not playing in the last year of my contract. The situation is not ideal, but I just have to try to play well when I am given the opportunity.”

   The success Lescott has helped bring to Manchester City has made him a firm favourite among the City faithful, however he may be forced to leave the club in the summer and the fact he is in the final year of his contract means he will have few opportunities. Lescott said, “I want to stay, that is the main thing. But the club have not approached me yet, so I don’t know what the situation is with them  I am not just going to leave a club for the sake of it, but at the end of the season I would have to. So nothing can happen now. I can’t speak to any clubs, and no clubs can approach me. But when that opportunity comes, if it does come in January, I will have to look at that.”

  While Lescott will probably not be going to the World Cup, Hart definitely will even though it may not be as Manchester City’s first choice keeper. Lescott, who is one of the England keeper’s closest friends, said: “Joe is obviously a world class keeper, and when you have a dip in form you are going to be scrutinised. It cost him his place in the team but I am sure when he gets back playing consistently he is going to perform at the highest level again. Every player has to come through tough periods like this. Joe is no different and I would not expect anything less.”

   Despite starting 123 successive games for Manchester City, his recent performances have led to his replacement in the team. “He will be stinging from this. He wants to play every game, we all do. I don’t think he will be proud that he is not playing. Everyone was watching because he is Joe Hart. He has made himself that name and that character. No matter what, he will be scrutinised because he is England’s number one. I think he will prove to the world that he is as good as anyone out there.”

 

  

Hart Still Out of Favour With Pellegrini

  Manuel Pellegrini has promised that Joe Hart still has a future at Manchester City, amid speculation that he could be replaced or sent out on loan in the January transfer window. Since returning from Birmingham City on loan, Joe Hart has been a permanent fixture in Manchester City’s squad. However, a string of high profile mistakes, both for club and country, have cost him his place in the starting XI. Romanian international goalkeeper, Costel Pantillimon has impressed hugely since replacing Hart, leaving manager Manuel Pellegrini with a headache over his selection.

  Pellegrini has already confirmed that Hart will start in goal for Manchester City in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Czech side Viktoria Plzen. When questioned on whether Hart would be making a return to the squad for Sunday’s game at home to Swansea, the Chilean replied, “That’s a question for next Saturday. On Wednesday he will start then the next game we'll talk about who will start playing. The important thing for Joe is he will play on Wednesday and we hope he will have a very good performance.”

  Recently, Manchester City have been linked with a winter move for the likes of Victor Valdez and Iker Casillas, amid speculation Joe Hart could be sent out on loan for the remainder of the season. Rumours which Pellegrini, was quick to deny. He said, “There is a lot of news about five, six, seven goalkeepers that we want to buy but it's not true. Of course he stays. There is no chance for Joe Hart to go out from this squad in January.”

  However, aside from Wednesday’s game with Viktoria Plzen, there was no indication as to whether Joe Hart would be making a return to the side any time soon. With Hart’s positioning and decision making coming under such scrutiny in recent months,  and Costel Pantillimon proving he is more than up to the job in goal, Pellegrini may feel it is too much of a risk to bring him back so soon.

   Joe Hart’s mistakes have been costly for Manchester City on numerous occasions over the past twelve months, most recently allowing Fernando Torres a last gasp winner at Stamford Bridge. This, along with a below par performance at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and errors against Sweden, Scotland and Germany for his country, suggest that complacency may have crept in, for a man who was not long ago, considered to be among the best in his trade.

  The managers’ apparent lack of backing will be another blow for Joe Hart, whose place in England’s World Cup squad is far from certain.  With the likes of Norwich City’s John Ruddy, and Celtic’s Fraser Forster snapping at his heels, Hart will want to ensure as much game time as possible to prove his worth to the England boss.  He will certainly have to impress the manager and fans alike, if he is to eradicate the memory of his mistakes, and convince everyone he is England’s, and Manchester City’s number one choice.

 

Manchester City and Juventus agree Tevez deal

  Italian side Juventus have agreed a £12million fee with Manchester City for Argentinian striker Carlos Teves. The initial fee is believed to be around £10million with that rising to £12m with add-ons. 

  The move comes after months of speculation over the Argentine's future, and infamous disputes with former manager Roberto Mancini, and back room staff.

  Since his move from rivals Man United in the summer of 2009, Teves has become a firm fan favorite despite his tribulations and has scored 73 goals in all competitions. He leaves the club with an F.A.Cup winners medal and another Premier League title to add to his collection.

  Teves is expected in Turin on Wednesday for a medical with the Italian champions. With Teves in the final year of his contract, City could save up to £27m when the fee is combined with wages and bonuses.

Allemagne-nited

  

  Over the past, let's say seven or eight years, 'The Premier League,' has been widely considered to be the most elite of all European leagues, if not in the world... The standard of football in England's top division has certainly increased over the past ten years, in what was already a highly competitive and diverse division. However in recent times, due to certain clubs being lucky enough to be invested in heavily, the number of clubs vying for the top prize has increased. The 'Top Four', previously consisting of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and United, seems to have been eradicated somewhat, with Spurs becoming an ever improving force over the past few seasons, and Man City having the extreme fortune, of being the recipients of an extreme fortune.

  This has lead to a huge influx of players from all over Europe, and the quality of English clubs becoming evermore healthier. Seemingly as a result, the Premier League has bulked itself up to become more than just a top four, with the rest of the pack on the brink, but a truly competitive league where any side can make an impact. However, there is one league in Europe that seems to not only be advancing as a federation, but as a force in Europe, and with an ever increasing market on a global scale: The Bundesliga.

   Since the Bundesliga was formed in 1962, Bayern Munich have always been the predominant force, with a record twenty-three titles, and are a club who have always been a side reckoned with in Europe. The 2012/13 season was a huge success for Bayern, who came away with a phenomenal four trophy haul, and since winning their fifth Champions League title in May, their admiration around the globe has rocketed.  Bayern have earned high recogntion, and reinstated themselves as a major power in Europe. 

  They are now considered to be one of the greatest followed clubs on the planet. Past players such as Franz Beckenbauer. Gerd Muller, Stefan Effenberg, and Oliver Khan, have helped provide the club with a rich history, yet it is the young, and old, experienced talent of present that is making Bayern Munich more of a global brand today. The likes of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have certainly made the club what it is today, and with them being among the best players in the world, all eyes are on them. However, it is not just Bayern Munich that has attracted all the interest.
  Clubs such as Wolfsburg, Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen have all had trouble financially in the past, but are once again forming a solid top half of the table in the Bundesliga, and are starting to challenge the top two. The second of these of course being Borussia Dortmund. At the turn of the century, Dortmund became the first, (and so far, the only) club to be publicly traded on the German stock market. Since then, Borussia Dortmund have had a few good seasons in the Bundesliga after almost fading into obscurity within the league. Since this dip in form however they have created a fortress at the Westfalenstadion, and continue to build upon their success in Germany, and Europe. Dortmund are just another club in the Bundesliga who is expanding on their global market, bringing in top players from around the globe, and is rapidly gaining international appeal. 
  Just as the Premier League has its' predominant forces, the Bundesliga has its' own. But it is becoming ever more apparent that the German elite, are perhaps expanding. 

  The Spanish premier division is fairly segregated whereas true quality and average sides are concerned, as are the current Italian and French leagues, and they are entirely dependent and expectant of just a select few sides on success in Europe. 

  Over the next couple of seasons, expect to see a lot more from the Bundesliga representatives, and do not rule out another all German final next year in the Champions League. German football is once again on the rise... Die Zukunft ist hell...

  

Di Canio Resigns As Swindon Boss

 

  Paolo Di Canio has resigned as manager of Swindon Town, claiming his position had become "untenable",and cited " a number of broken promises".

  The former West Ham forward claimed that he considered his resignation over a week prior to last Friday's meeting with the prospective new owners. Following these discussions he says he decided to stay on as manager, only to make a U-turn over his decision after discovering the deal was still yet to be confirmed by both parties.
  The club has responded by putting coach Fabrizio Piccareta in temporary charge of the club.
   In a statement the club said, "We are also disappointed that the sale of the Club has yet to be approved, but we hope the outstanding issues with the Football League will be resolved within a short period of time."
   The 44-year-old Italian was appointed Swindon boss in May 2011, and secured their promotion to League One, becoming League Two champions in the process, in his first season in charge. The former West Ham, Celtic, and Sheffield Wednesday striker thus far steered Swindon to sixth this season in England's third tier.

                                                                        * * *
You can see some of Paolo Di Canios' finest moments, in our Videos of the Week section, click the tab!!!

                                                                        * * *

Ramadel Falcao Happy To Stay Put

 

  In demand Atletico Madrid star Ramadel Falcao, has voiced his own opinions on his future, amid media speculation linking him with a move elsewhere.

 The 27-year old Columbian international has attracted the attention of Europe's elite, with Premier League champions Manchester City being among the favourites.

  However in a recent interview, the in-demand forward spoke of his decision to move to Spain, 18 months ago, and of how he intends to stay, seeing it at his best option.
  "I have a contract with Atletico for three more years, therefore that's the best option," he told El Mundo Deportivo.
  "I have come to one of the big clubs in Spain, in a very important league that is more well-known on the world stage than any I was in with my previous clubs," he added.
  "It has allowed me to grow as a footballer, to become known in other parts of the world. It has been a very positive step."
  It seems that for now, Falcao is currently happy with life in Madrid, with his Atletico side four points above rivals Real, yet trailing Barcelona by 12 points. La Liga has been good for Falcao, presenting him the stage upon which to raise his profile to superstar level, but you wonder if the club can afford to turn down the bids they may receive for the forward.

Mario Balotelli Agrees AC Milan Deal

Man City forward Mario Balotelli has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal with Italian giants AC Milan.
   The madcap Italian has become something of a burden for Man City manager Roberto Mancini, with his squad becoming increasingly unhappy with his treatment of the striker.
   Balotelli will fly to Milan, for a medical on Wednesday. AC Milan director Umberto Gandini, has confirmed a fee has been agreed with the Manchester club, and that the striker will sign until 2017, with the fee believed to be around £19m (rising to 22m with add-ons).
   The move comes just days after a training ground spat between the 22 year old and Mancini, and is one that will be welcomed by the vast majority of Manchester's blue side.
  The trials and tribulations of Italy's finest have been a great source of entertainment over his brief spell in the English top-flight, yet his talents have yet to be truly witnessed, or even recognised by himself.
  Yet it seems after all, Balotelli has been sold in light of form rather than off-the-field antics. But with a lot of potential yet to fulfil, forget him at your peril...