The Chilean boss spent three years at the Etihad and won three major trophies — including a Premier League title in his first season. Before moving to England, Pellegrini established himself as a top level boss following a successful ten-year period in Spain. He established Villarreal as a relative force in Europe by leading them to the Champions League semi-finals and quarter-finals. Pellegrini moved to Real Madrid in 2009 and signed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso. The 96 points amassed in La Liga that season were not enough to overhaul Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona who were crowned champions, finished on 99. Pellegrini was ruthlessly sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho after just one season at the … [Read more...]
Aaron Ramsey believes Wales can spring surprises at Euro 2016
Wales’ 58 years of waiting finally comes to an end tomorrow when they play their first game of the tournament against Slovakia. And the Arsenal midfielder says his club boss thinks they can ruffle a few feathers in France. “He said we could be pretty dangerous so hopefully that proves to be right,” said Ramsey. “He’s a wise man.” The 25-year-old midfielder usually finds himself watching major tournaments while on his summer holidays, while many of his Gunners’ team-mates play for their countries on the highest stage. But this time he has been able to join in with the dressing room excitement in the build-up to the finals in France as 58 years of waiting comes to an end against Slovakia tomorrow. “Normally I’m on holiday now,” he said. “When the … [Read more...]
Arsene Wenger hails N’Golo Kante as speculations linking in with the Gunners continues
N'Golo Kante has been hailed by Arsene Wenger, fuelling speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Arsenal. Arsene Wenger heaped praise on Leicester City midfielder N'Golo Kante as Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for the France international. The 25-year-old reportedly has a £20million release clause in his contract and has been heavily linked with the Gunners, as well as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain after starring in Leicester's shock Premier League title success. Arsenal boss Wenger did little to dampen the speculation with a ringing endorsement of Kante's quality, describing him as a rare talent, with the player set to decide on his future once Euro 2016 is over. "I admire and like N'Golo Kante a lot - it gives you ideas," he told … [Read more...]
Liverpool Gaffer Jurgen Klopp willing to give Balotelli a chance at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp wants Mario Balotelli to attend club's preseason training The 25-year-old, who joined Liverpool for £16m in 2014, scored just one goal in his 20 top flight appearances for the Serie A giants. Unsurprisingly Milan decided not to make his San Siro stay permanent, leaving the 25-year-old to return to Merseyside with his future very much up in the air. But according to GazzettaWorld , Klopp is willing to give Balotelli a chance to prove himself ahead of the former's first full season at Anfield. The enigmatic striker is said to have been called to pre-season training, which commences on July 2. Report say also Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola could still push for a move away from Liverpool after his client made his desire not to return … [Read more...]
Inter Milan considering Bastian Schweinsteiger loan deal from Manchester United
The arrival of Jose Mourinho could force the German out of Old Trafford despite only joining the Red Devils last summer for €9m Manchster United’s Bastian Schweinsteiger could be set for a loan move to Inter , after it was claimed that Jose Mourinho is willing to let the 2014 World Cup winner leave Old Trafford. Having identified this as a potential signing, Serie A coach Roberto Mancini is now plotting a possible move for the ball-playing midfielder, who only made 18 Premier League appearances for Louis van Gaal’s side last season. Mancini is expecting a busy transfer market for the Nerazzurri this summer, as the Italian tactician looks to strengthen his Inter side ahead of next year’s crucial campaign. The Nerazzurri could obtain Schweinsteiger on an … [Read more...]
Barcelona considering Chelsea’s Ceazar Azpilicueta as replacement for Alves
Barcelona are keen to add Chelsea defender Ceazar Azpilicueta to their ranks as they set for the departure of Dani Alves to Juventus. The Spanish champions are desperately considering their defensive options as officials work to avoid a mini crisis in manager Luis Enrique's back line. Dani Alves is tipped to leave and Marc Bartra have already departed the club, while Douglas, Adriano and Thomas Vermaelen may all follow suit. That is according to Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim both Javier Mascherano and Aleix Vidal could also leave the Nou Camp during the summer transfer window, and that would leave Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Jeremy Mathieu as they three remaining defenders. According to the report, Enrique will set about restructuring his defence … [Read more...]
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte interested in Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly
Napoli are keen on retaining their commanding centre-half, although Kaildou Koulibaly is now expecting to leave the Stadio San Paolo. Kalidou Koulibaly is contemplating a summer transfer away from Italian side Napoli and has criticised the club’s inertia in arranging a potential contract renewal. Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has already lined up a potential move for the Senegal international, as he aims to bolster his defence in a proposed €30 million deal. However, Napoli are reluctant to sell their star defender, although Koulibaly remains disappointed in how the club have handled the recent situation. “I still have three years left on my contract with Napoli after experiencing two good years and there are offers on the table,” Koulibaly told … [Read more...]