Manchester City won't have it easy against Dynamo Kiev, warns Txiki Begiristain

Kampusbet  ~   "  Manchester City won't have it easy against Dynamo Kiev, warns Txiki Begiristain "

Agen CasiNo  ~   Manchester City chief Txiki Begiristain has warned Dynamo Kiev will be difficult for the Blues.

City fans are happy at being paired with Dynamo in the last 16 of the Champions League after drawing Barcelona in the previous two seasons. 

But Dynamo knocked City out of the Europa League in 2011 in the only time they have met and Begiristain was keen to dampen the euphoria around the draw. 

He claims Sergei Rebrov's side, who finished second behind Chelsea in their group, will pose a stern test for City as they bid to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

It's never easy," said City's director of football. "They've shown they have a good side by beating Porto and drawing with Chelsea.

"It's going to be difficult for us, but the most important thing is that we show we're improving in this competition and we'll fight to get to the quarters.

"The weather sometimes doesn't help, but we have to be ready. At least we play in England - it's not the same, but it's close. We're ready to try and improve in this competition and grow."

Bandar Judi Online CasiNo  ~   City's 2-1 aggregate defeat four years ago was memorable for a couple of classic Mario moments and Balotelli had to come in the first leg in Kiev, which Roberto Mancini's side lost 2-0, because he was allergic to the grass.

The controversial Italian striker was then sent off in the return at the Etihad for a karate kick on Goran Popov.

City supporters are angry they cannot attend the first leg on February 24 because UEFA have ordered that Kiev must play behind closed door s due to their fans' racist behaviour. 

The move will only increase City fans' dislike of UEFA and they experienced the same situation in Russia last season when CSKA Moscow's supporters were banned, yet hundreds still managed to get into the stadium.

Begiristain claims City must focus on events on the pitch and not underestimate Dynamo.

"They are a strong side," said the Spaniard. "They will play football and it's 11 v 11.

"It's going to be tough. They will want to show people they're strong, that they are fighting for something. They're in the last 16 so we know they are good.

"We are getting experience, which is important. We are improving."

Branislav Ivanovic hoping improved form can earn him a new contract at Chelsea

Kampusbet  ~   "  Branislav Ivanovic hoping improved form can earn him a new contract at Chelsea "

Agen SbobeT  ~   Branislav Ivanovic is hoping a Chelsea revival will boost his chances of staying at Stamford Bridge.

The Serbian defender’s contract runs out at the end of the season and he has yet to be offered a new deal.

Ivanovic – who will be 32 in February – acknowledged that his start to the season reflected the indifferent performances of the team.

But a 2-0 Champions League win over Porto lifted morale and boosted confidence ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with high-flying Leicester at the King Power stadium.

I know I didn’t start the season well but I am back," said Ivanovic.

“I hope the results will be good for the team. In that case I will be good as well. I hope and I think we will have time to speak about my future. “

He also knows that at Leicester he will be up against the front man who has been the sensation of the season – Jamie Vardy.

Bandar Judi Online SbobeT  ~   “He is doing really well. His confidence is high, “ said Ivanovic. “ The good thing about him is he never stops. He is always in movement which for a defender is very difficult to stop.”

Ivanovic then joked about one way to subdue Vardy. Asked if he would have to kick him, he laughed and said:” If this helps – yes! 

"Some of the strikers don’t like it when you kick. You kill their confidence. Vardy at this moment is running a lot and it is making the space for the other players as well.”

And Ivanovic is convinced the season can still be a fruitful one for the defending Premier League champions. “I think this season – as every season here – is so long. The good thing about us is we can still change it. We can make a good season."

Fellow defender Cesar Azpilicueta accepted that Chelsea must show more defensive resilience and have been working on how to plug a leaky defence.

“Something had to change," said Azpilicueta. “We were letting in two goals a game ad you cannot keep asking the strikers to score three goals."

Mark Hughes says Gary Neville is lucky to get Valencia job: "It's not what you know it's who you know"

Kampusbet  ~   "  Mark Hughes says Gary Neville is lucky to get Valencia job: "It's not what you know it's who you know "

Agen MaxbeT  ~   Mark Hughes believes an old pals act landed former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville the coveted manager's job at Valencia.

The La Liga outfit made a surprise move for Neville, who makes his debut in a crucial Champions League qualifier against Lyons tonight.

Stoke boss Hughes, who played with Neville at Old Trafford for three years in the early 1990s, says the move to the Mestalla was forged closer to home in Manchester.

Valencia owner Peter Lim and Neville are pals as a result of their stake in FA Cup giant-killers Salford City.

Hughes has no qualms with the friendly leg-up, but warns Neville has to get grips with all things Spanish if he is to make a mark.

The Stoke boss added: "There is a reason Gary is getting the opportunity he is getting, because of the ownership."

"Sometimes it's not what you know it's who you know that gives you a foot in the door. I am pleased he has gone ahead and grasped it. Why wouldn't he?

Bandar Judi Online MaxbeT  ~   It ticks a lot of boxes as a coach and manager, he's abroad, they're going to be in the Champions League, if he does well, that will enhance his career.

"Those are the things he will have to understand, the culture of the place as well. There are a lot of elements you have to factor in."

Neville cut his coaching teeth as part of Roy Hodgson's coaching set-up with England and reckons jumping in with both feet holds no fears

“I don’t know if it’s dangerous but I don’t feel anxious at all,” he said.

“Maybe that’s good, maybe that’s bad. I don’t know as I’ve never been in this position before.

“Obviously I’ve been a coach with England and I don’t feel anxious before England games either. 

Maybe I did as a player a little bit but as a coach I’ve never felt that way working under Roy Hodgson with England and I don’t feel that way today.”

Glen Hoddle: "Manchester City lack quality in depth"

Kampusbet  ~   " Glen Hoddle: "Manchester City lack quality in depth "

Agen Klik4D  ~   Glenn Hoddle has claimed that Manchester City did not do good enough business in the summer transfer window to ensure that they have adequate cover when key players are missing through injury.

City face Borussia Monchengladbach in their final Champions League group game on Tuesday evening as they look to pip Juventus to the top of Group D, and though Yaya Toure have returned to the side after injury, Manuel Pellegrini is still without stars such as Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.

Without key players, City have slipped from the top of the Premier League table and have lost three of their last five matches in all competitions, and Hoddle believes that they did not sign well enough in the summer to boast the necessary strength in depth within their squad.

Bandar Judi Online Klik4D  ~   "For me, with [David] Silva and Aguero not playing and Kompany and Toure hving been missing, without that spine the club not bought well," Hoddle told BT Sport.

"They have bought well with the top, top players that they have got, they have been magnificent. But I saw them against Stoke City and the players that are just on the periphery that have got to come in at times when these guys are injured are just not good enough."

City will win Group D if they beat Monchengladbach and Juventus fail to win against Sevilla in the group's other fixture on Tuesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson on Cristiano Ronaldo's house: "It was made for the best player in the world"

Kampusbet  ~   "  Sir Alex Ferguson on Cristiano Ronaldo's house: "It was made for the best player in the world "

Agen TangKasneT  ~   Sir Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo's house was "made for the best player in the world, there's no doubt about that".

The former Manchester United manager gave Ronaldo his big break in football, bringing him to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.

He developed into one of the world's best players at United, scoring 118 times in 292 appearances and playing a huge role in the club winning nine trophies during his six seasons there.

Ferguson and Ronaldo retained a strong relationship following the Portuguese's transfer to Real Madrid in 2009 and he recently went for dinner at his house in Spain.

"I've never known anyone like him, honestly," Ferguson told business students at Stanford University in California.

Bandar Judi Online TangKasneT  ~   "The gym is about half the size of this [pointing to the Stanford School of Business lecture hall], he's got everything in it.

"He's got two pools; a hot pool and a cold pool. He's got an ice room at minus 160 degrees where he goes in for 10 minutes after every game. It's just unbelievable."

Ronaldo is the current holder of the FIFA Ballon d'Or and is up for the 2015 award alongside Barcelona rivals Lionel Messi and Neymar.

He is, however, an outsider to hold on to the gong, with Messi the clear favourite to win the award for the fifth time.

Louis van Gaal says: "I don't know why fans shout attack, attack, attack" after Man United's latest bore draw

Kampusbet  ~   " Louis van Gaal says: "I don't know why fans shout attack, attack, attack" after Man United's latest bore draw "

Agen Casin(_)  ~    Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal was left confused at fans chanting for his side to attack more during their draw with West Ham.

The Red Devils drew for the third game in succession as they failed to find a way past the injury-hit Hammers , who also had a host of chances themselves. 

They have now played in six goalless encounters this term with fans showing their frustrations throughout.

And Van Gaal accepts they need to do more with the decent opportunities they get during the game after having a staggering 21 shots on goal and hitting the target just once.

"I am pleased with the performance but when you create that many chances you have to score," said the Dutchman.

Scoring is not only about composure but also a lot of luck, in my opinion. I'm not so worried but we need to get over this period.

Bandar Judi Online Casin(_)  ~   "My players created a lot more chances than in recent matches but we didn't do the most important aspect of football.

"I don't understand that they are shouting attack, attack, attack because we are the attacking team and not West Ham United."

United lost Morgan Schneiderlin and Paddy McNair to injuries during the Old Trafford stalemate.

Schneiderlin limped off just before the break with a hip problem before McNair failed to return after half-time, replaced by debutant Guillermo Varela. 

With a crunch Champions League tie against Wolfsburg coming up in midweek, Van Gaal conceded both may miss out.

"I hope they can play on Tuesday but it's a big question mark."

Capital One Cup semi-final dates revealed with Liverpool heading to Stoke on January 5

Kampusbet  ~   "  Capital One Cup semi-final dates revealed with Liverpool heading to Stoke on January 5 "

Agen SbobeT  ~    The dates of the Capital One Cup semi-finals have been announced - with Stoke City set to host Liverpool on January 5.

The Reds emphatically booked their place in the last four of the competition on Wednesday as they hammered Southampton 6-1, with a fit-again Daniel Sturridge finding the net twice.

 

On a hugely pleasing night for boss Jurgen Klopp, young striker Divock Origi netted his first goals for his new club as he hit a hat-trick to add to Jordon Ibe's second ever goal for the Reds.

The reward for Klopp's side is a two-legged showdown with Mark Hughes' men who eased past Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 on Tuesday.

Bandar Judi Online SbobeT ~   The Potters will now host Liverpool on Tuesday January 5 in an 8pm kick-off, with the return leg later that month on the 26th.

In the other semi-final, Premier League leaders Manchester City will head to Goodison Park as they meet Everton on January 6, in another 8pm kickoff.

Manuel Pellegrini's men breezed past Championship side Hull City 4-1 at the Etihad on Tuesday, while Roberto Martinez's charges brushed aside Middlesbrough 2-0 at the Riverside.

City will host the Toffees on January 27, with the final set to take place on Sunday February 28th.