Monday, 27 May 2013

Aguero's holiday snaps: See Man City star try basketball, baseball, and look out over New York from up high

Even though many people criticised Manchester City and Chelsea for going on a post-season tour of America after tiring campaigns, it seems Sergio Aguero still had fun.

The Argentina striker posted this album on his Facebook account, depicting what he got up to in the Big Apple.

He used the the time to turn his hands (literally) to other sports - practising his baseball swing and basketball shots.

Change of scene: Sergio Aguero practises his baseball swing while in New York

Shooting some b-ball: Aguero was a dab hand as he took to the basketball court


Aguero also posted pictures of him looking out over the New York skyline and Central Park, including standing in tourist hotspot Times Square.

It wasn't just a trip to see the sights though - City played Chelsea twice and won both times in St Louis and New York - 4-3 and 5-3 respectively.

While in America the club announced their investment in a new New York ‘sister club’ in Major League Soccer.

And with the revelation that the New York Yankees became involved in talks to be financial stakeholders in New York City FC only in the past fortnight, questions are being asked about just why City have bought into football in America.

New York Times sports business reporter Ken Belson, who revealed the Yankees’ purchase of a quarter share in NYCFC for just $25million, believes City need the Yankees more than vice-versa — hence the relatively low investment by the baseball giants.

What the Yankees will give City is access to their political connections, especially as they search for a site for a $300m stadium.

Tourist: Aguero poses in front of a bridge, and (below) with Javi Garcia and Pablo Zabaleta in Times Square


Belson said: ‘You won’t get a better politically connected and more sport-savvy organisation than the Yankees. When senior officials need to make the case for things to happen for NYCFC, it won’t be City people doing it. The Yankees have very good connections at City Hall.’

Claudio Reyna, the former Manchester City captain who has been appointed NYCFC director of football, says the new club will not be able to use City’s stars.

Obviously City will be focused on winning the Premier League and the Champions League, so they won’t be offering us their top players,’ said Reyna.

‘But we can use their promising youngsters for our team and also to help develop them for City. Also we’ll be using City’s scouting system so that when they are looking for a left back in Serie A or the Bundesliga they could also see someone suitable for us. We will be tapping into all City’s resources.’

Looking down: The view of the New York skyline
Chilling out: Aguero rests and takes in the view from down by the Brooklyn Bridge
Hometime: Aguero and Co have now left America and are on their summer holiday








Sunday, 26 May 2013

Vincent Kompany Dismisses Man City Exit Speculation





Belgian defender insists he is happy at Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has denied speculation that he is looking to leave the club according to Sky Sports.

The Belgian defender has been an integral part of City’s side in recent seasons but is thought to have endured a fractious relationship with former boss Roberto Mancini.

Things reportedly came to a head after Mancini criticised Kompany for appearing for Belgium despite having missed a number of games for City near the start of the year.

Kompany is rumoured to be one of the players who played a pivotal role in Mancini’s ousting from the club by informing City officials of their unhappiness with the Italian’s methods.

The Belgian stopper’s reported dissatisfaction with life at City prompted speculation he could be persuaded to leave the club.

Barcelona are known to be interested in Kompany, who they see as a potential long-term successor to the ageing Carlos Puyol.

Monaco have also been linked with a move for Kompany as they look to build a team capable of challenging PSG on both domestic and European fronts.

But Kompany has insisted he has no intention of leaving the Etihad Staidum and is happy with life at City.

The powerful centre-back insisted he has ‘unfinished business’ at the club.




Manchester City on alert as transfer target Isco admits uncertainty over future

Isco (left) has attracted suitors from across Europe (Picture: Getty)


Manchester City target Isco admits he is uncertain whether his future lies at Malaga.

The 21-year-old playmaker has been a long-term target of Tottenham, while Chelsea have also shown interest in bringing him to the Premier League.

But with the impending arrival of Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium, where he is expected to be announced as Roberto Mancini’s successor, City are now favourites to land the highly-rated youngster.

And Isco himself admits he is unsure whether he will be at the Spanish side next season.

‘We will do what is best for Malaga,’ he said. ‘Nobody knows where my future lies.


Isco (left) could be on his way out of Malaga (Picture: EPA)


‘Right now I am just focusing on the two league games which remain [at home to Deportivo and away to Barcelona] and making sure I am at full strength for next month’s European Under-21 Championship.’

Isco is contracted to Malaga until 2016 and it is expected to take a hefty sum to convince the club to part with their star man.

However, Manchester City, Chelsea and interested party Paris Saint-Germain all have the funds to secure a deal.







Pellegrini quiet on Man City rumor

Manuel Pellegrini, the favourite to succeed Roberto Mancini as manager of Manchester City, has refused to talk about a move to the Etihad Stadium.


Manuel Pellegrini will leave Malaga at the end of the season.


The Malaga coach, who has already confirmed he will be leaving the Primera Division side after next weekend's final game of the season, is focused on Sunday night's match with Deportivo La Coruna and helping Malaga qualify for Europe.

The Chilean has refused to talk about a move to manage City at the end of the Spanish season.

He told a press conference: "I have answered this many times (questions about City).

"Once we have played Deportivo we will see about my future and where I am going. I haven't signed any contract yet.

"Once I have finished here in Malaga - Malaga have qualified for Europe - and completed the match we will see where my future lies.

"But now I will only discuss my present position with Malaga."

City have just completed a two-game post-season tour in the United States where they twice beat Chelsea.

City midfielder Gareth Barry is aware of Pellegrini's pedigree.

He told Sky Sports News: "I don't know too much about him but people who do know him and who have played with him have spoken highly of him so that's good."