Rafael Benitez
Rafa Benitez has laughed off speculation that he had a bust-up with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard during the FA Cup defeat by Reading.
But, speaking ahead of a crunch Premier League game on Wednesday night against Tottenham Hotspur, Benitez brushed off the rumours of a falling-out with the influential midfielder.
“We have been joking about the rumours in the media that there was a fight,” said the Liverpool boss.
Gerrard will miss the visit of Spurs due to a hamstring injury, while Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson are also absent.
Daniel Agger could be available after a groin complaint as Benitez provided the latest update on the club’s injury situation.
Cold hands of new coach Roberto Mancini has managed to bring Manchester City inhabiting four big steps after successfully winning the fight against Blackburn Rovers in a 4-1 landslide score hero Carlos Tevez who contributed three goals.
This is the City of fourth victory in four games since dealt with Mancini. These additional three points to make City surged to a big four sequence positions, the position of the target at the beginning of their minilal this season.
Mancini said the team would not talk too much about the title associated with distance from the head of the league, Chelsea are still relatively far: seven points and four points from Arsenal who are in third position. However, he would dare to speak after two months in advance.
“We’re not going to see the standings for the time being. There are 17 action that must be lived and we will see later on. We’re just going to talk about the standings at one or two months,” he said.
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Patrick Vieira claims Manchester City could still compete for Premier League title when delivering himself in front of City fans at Eastlands.
French defensive midfielder has signed a deal worth £ 100,000 from Inter Milan with a contract for six months.
Vieira admitted the move was partly motivated by a desire to secure his position in the French squad ahead of the World Cup in June. “I hope that the club will also give me a chance to return to the French national team,” he added.
33-year-old player was going to wear number 24 and going back to make his debut against Blackburn Rovers on Monday at Eastlands.
Carlo Ancelotti has no new injury concerns in preparing for an important month in the Premier League even without Didier Drogba.
According to the manager, Nicolas Anelka has returned from hamstring injury. So with Deco and Jose Bosingwa remain in the list of players.
“We are in good condition, Anelka ready to play and we are confident to do their best and to win. January will be an important month and we sure can make the best of this month.”
“Anelka is a very important player for us, he showed can play with Drogba and without Drogba. He played the first games in the Champions League without Drogba and done very well. For us it is very important to have him in this period.” he closed the conversation.
Manchester United captain Gary Neville has not decided to retire at age 34 this year, although many developing rumors about it.
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson said Neville decided to hang the shoes at the end of this season is a lie news.
“I do not know where these rumors come from,” said Fergie. “Gary has not made any decisions and we have not made any decision.”
Neville has made 13 appearances for the Red Devils this season, but more exposed to injury.
“I always tell my players when you will make decisions about your future, make sure you do it in summer. You do not make decisions like we talked about in the middle of the season. That’s nonsense,” he explained.
