Atletico Madrid and their merry band of resolute warriors

By David Lee Wheatley
@davewh1980

 

Bayern Munich struggled to break Atletico Madrid down in the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final tie, but they’re certainly not the first to do so.

Diego Simeone’s men carved out a 1-0 lead on Wednesday evening to take into the second leg at Bayern’s Allianz Arena next week.

They did it in part due to a wonderful show of individual skill by exciting 21-year-old midfielder Saul Niguez that put Atleti in front, prior to a defensive display full of grit and determination to eventually get the job done.

That result and performance should not have come as a surprise to anyone, not least visiting coach Pep Guardiola, who has now lost on three occasions to Atletico in his managerial career.

The so-called poorer city neighbours of glamorous Real are causing ripples both domestically and in continental competition, which could yet see them claim a hugely significant double this season.

Atletico Madrid boast one the very best defensive units across Europe’s big-five leagues on 16 goals conceded in 35 games played, with only last night’s opponents Bayern having conceded less [14] in that category.

In addition, the Spanish capital side have kept more clean sheets than any other team participating in the continent’s top-five domestic championships, owing to an outstanding 33 shut-outs in 52 all-competition outings.

The Rojiblancos haven’t allowed any goals in 14 of their latest 16 Champions League matches contested at the Vicente Calderon.

A key factor in everything they achieved during their stunning 2013-14 campaign, in which they won La Liga and reached the finale of Europe’s premier competition, was team spirit.

Working hard for the shirt, for each other and also for their popular head coach Simeone was central to their success – and that collective soul has remained under the enthusiastic Argentine.

Alongside an obvious togetherness within the tight-knit Atleti squad, there are several specific traits which allow the Colchoneros to thrive.

Central midfielders Lucas Fernandez and captain Gabi work in tandem to such a degree that they rarely stray more than a few feet away from one another, whilst hunting furiously for the ball.

Their impervious back-line, marshalled superbly by Stefan Savic, have allowed the least amount of shots against them per game [9.6] and made the highest amount of tackles per match [24.5] overall in La Liga this term.   

Former Fiorentina centre-back Savic, who singularly failed to impress during a previous stint at English Premier League outfit Manchester City, has proved to be a stand-out performer since arriving in Spain last summer. His club have not lost any of their 16 matches with the Montenegrin in the starting line-up across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak is the stopper with most shut-outs in a single European Cup season for the Madrid-based club on eight, since Miguel Reina posted seven in 1973-74.

Furthermore, Oblak has repelled the last 16 on-target shots he has been forced to deal with at home in the Champions League, including seven versus Die Roten on Wednesday.

Those combined efforts were in stark evidence at the Calderon during their titanic clash against Bayern, which stopped Guardiola’s free-scoring Bavarians from notching an away goal despite enjoying 74 per cent of possession.

With Barcelona’s sudden wobble at the top of Spain’s Primera Division having left the door ajar for Atleti to clamber back into the title race, plus their heroics in European action, it’s wholly conceivable that this roughhouse group of dedicated footballers could upset the applecart as they have done so many times in the past.

 

And, with the effervescent Diego Simeone kicking and heading every ball as he watches on proudly, who would bet against them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss of Yaya may prove costly for Manchester City

By David Lee Wheatley

Manchester City may possess enough firepower to threaten Champions League last-16 foes Barcelona, but the first-leg suspension of powerhouse Yaya Toure could prove pivotal.

A great deal of water has gone under the bridge since Manchester City and FC Barcelona met at this stage of the same competition 12 months ago, with the Catalans advancing by way of a comfortable 4-1 aggregate margin.

City eventually claimed the Premier League crown, while Barca missed out on honours both domestically and in Europe to rivals Atletico Madrid. Additionally, ex-player Luis Enrique assumed the Nou Camp coaching reins in place of misfit Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino at the end of that campaign.

Normal service seemingly resumed when Barcelona won five out of six Champions League Group F contests to qualify above fancied French side Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, the Citizens faced almost certain elimination having failed to win any of their opening four group encounters.

Astonishingly, Manuel Pellegrini’s men scraped through at the death courtesy of a home win over Bayern Munich and a subsequent away triumph at the Stadio Olimpico against Roma.

Now the two sides clash again on Tuesday night a year on from what can only be described as a massively one-sided affair in favour of the Blaugrana, but with many observers openly voicing their belief in City’s ability to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the very first time.

They’ve got Sergio Aguero delivering almost a goal-per-game this term, while David Silva is pulling the strings beautifully, as recently evidenced by a man-of-the-match performance against Newcastle United last Saturday.

However, there is the crucial matter of Yaya Toure’s enforced absence from the first leg, which could tip the balance of the tie in favour of the Catalonian side before they welcome City to the Nou Camp.

Former Barcelona star Toure’s galloping runs, supreme physicality and eye for goal will all be keenly missed by his team-mates who feed off his barnstorming performances.

The 31-year-old has undergone a turbulent spell at the Etihad, with persistent rumours of his unhappiness at the club. But, he remains a potent weapon in their armoury and represents several attributes their Spanish conquerors from last season simply can’t replicate from within their own squad.

Andres Iniesta is still one of the world’s best passers of a ball, while Ivan Rakitic has quickly grown into a key player following his move from Sevilla last summer. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi continues to devastate in between the lines of midfield and attack, with Sergio Busquets undertaking a deep role in helping Barca tighten their grip on possession.

It’s certainly a highly subjective debate, but the likes of Fernando, Samir Nasri, Fernandinho, Jesus Navas and even the fabulous David Silva cannot legitimately claim to be better than their Barcelona counterparts.

What’s more, not one of those aforementioned players offer the beast-like presence of Yaya Toure, who can win a game single-handedly when on top form.

He could well make the difference for Manchester City in the second leg of this glamourous tie once he’s served the last of a three-match ban imposed for his November sending-off against CSKA Moscow, but by then it could be too little, too late.

Follow @davewh1980

Chelsea look to keep PSG in their place

 

 



 



By David Lee Wheatley    @davewh1980

Paris Saint-Germain have another opportunity to glimpse into their potential future when taking on Chelsea for the second year running, a club who represent the blueprint for their own long-term plans.

Chelsea were purchased by Russian Roman Abramovich from long-time owner Ken Bates almost 12 years ago in a deal reportedly worth £140million.

At the time, the Blues had mounting debts of around £80million to contend with and still no Premier League title to show for consistently heavy investment in the playing staff.

That all changed under Abramovich, with Italian manager Claudio Ranieri jettisoned in favour of bright young FC Porto head coach Jose Mourinho after he’d just delivered the UEFA Champions League trophy to the Portuguese giants in 2004 against all odds.

A first top-flight championship in 50 years was secured a year after his arrival at Stamford Bridge, as local mainstays Frank Lampard and John Terry led the Blues to new heights alongside an array of foreign stars.

Mourinho and co defended their title, while two League Cups and an FA Cup were secured before the headstrong boss left amid great acrimony between him and his paymaster.

Even after the Portuguese moved on to Inter, the honours cabinet continued to fill up in the shape of three more FA Cups and a league crown, which completed a celebrated double under Carlo Ancelotti in 2010.

They’d agonisingly missed out on the holy grail of the Champions League under much-maligned Avram Grant in 2008 on penalties under the rainy skies of Moscow, but didn’t deviate from that stated aim and finally became kings of the continent under Roberto Di Matteo in 2012.

A Europa League followed under Rafa Benitez, whose lifting of that cup occurred in spite of public opinion railing against him due to his once-searing rivalry with the west London outfit when in charge of Liverpool.

Up to the present day - with Mourinho back in harness - it appears another Premier League title could be on the horizon, plus a realistic tilt at a second Champions League success should they swipe pretenders PSG aside.

The French capital club wish to emulate those illustrious achievements which define Chelsea’s recent history, while they often cast a keen eye over a selection of the Blues’ best talent including Eden Hazard to go along with their purchase of Brazilian David Luiz last summer.

In fact, they offered the head coaching role at Parc des Princes to current Chelsea supremo Mourinho on two separate occasions in the past, while they have been repeatedly linked to skilful Belgian Hazard and several others in the Chelsea ranks.

They aspire to be just like Abramovich’s beloved Chelsea, but this tie may prove a tad too soon for their burgeoning ambitions to flourish, which is a myth they will do their damnedest to dispel.

Should they falter this time around, they will undoubtedly continue recruiting a plethora of the greatest players on the planet, meaning it won’t be too long before they finally grab glory at the top table of European football to go with a solitary Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996 - won only two years before London upstarts Chelsea emerged victorious in the very same competition.

David Luiz out to halt Chelsea's Champions League charge

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley  @davewh1980

 

 

Brazilian defender David Luiz will line up against former club Chelsea for Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 determined to knock his old club out of the competition.

 

27-year-old Luiz won the trophy with Chelsea in 2012 by virtue of victory over Bayern Munich in the final, and would love to add another winners’ medal to his collection with the French big-spenders.

The South American has experienced a turbulent few months having suffered the embarrassment of a 7-1 loss to Germany at the World Cup in his homeland before moving to the French capital in a £50 million deal.

 

He was also named in the best XI at the World Cup, while topping off his first six months at the Parc des Princes with a nomination for FIFPro Team of the Year announced at the Ballon d’Or awards evening in January.

 

 

Luiz’s performances have largely been very good, as PSG strive to retain the French title they claimed last term. However, they sit in third place as part of a titanic three-way tussle for the championship along with leaders Lyon and Marseille after 25 matches.

He’s featured in 19 of those league outings so far, while starting every one of PSG’s Champions League group F games, as they advanced in second spot behind Barcelona.

 

“I hope this is the year we win it,” said a typically jovial Luiz at the pre-match media conference alongside boss Laurent Blanc.
 

“We have an amazing team, but it is not easy to win the Champions League.

 

“We need to be strong and play an amazing first leg because it will be decided there.
 

“I want to qualify, like I did last year but now I want to qualify for PSG.”

 

Of his former colleagues, Luiz rates them highly.
 

“They are stronger this year,” he explained.

 

“They understand more the philosophy of Jose Mourinho and in his second year it is easier to pass the message.
 

“And they have players joining with amazing quality like Diego [Costa] and [Cesc] Fabregas.”

 

Two late goals from struggling visitors Caen surprisingly hauled the scores level on Saturday in the Parisians’ latest domestic outing after the fancied hosts streaked into what appeared to be an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Injuries are piling up for manager Blanc heading into Tuesday’s game, who will certainly have to do without the services of Yohan Cabaye, Marquinhos, Serge Aurier and Lucas Moura.

Meanwhile, doubts remain over the availability of Blaise Matuidi, Javier Pastore and Maxwell, who will all be evaluated during training on Monday.

 

Have Manchester City finally learned how to succeed in Europe?

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley   @davewh1980

 

Manchester City looked dead and buried in Champions League Group E after four winless matches, but they somehow turned it around in spectacular fashion to make it through to the last 16 for a second successive season.

Manuel Pellegrini looked to have resigned himself to Manchester City’s European fate when his charges claimed a solitary point from a feisty double-header with CSKA Moscow.

A shock 2-1 loss to the Russian outfit on match-day four left City almost out of the competition and requiring wins against German giants Bayern Munich and Italians Roma to give themselves any chance of qualification.

Not many observers foresaw a turnaround - Pellegrini included. However, a dramatic 3-2 home victory over Bayern, orchestrated by Sergio Aguero, handed the Citizens an unexpected lifeline.

Yet, they needed to journey over to the Eternal City and grab all three points in order to avoid elimination. Furthermore, they had to complete the task without talismanic Aguero and respected captain Vincent Kompany through injury, plus midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure who was ruled out due to suspension.

Meanwhile, magical playmaker David Silva was also forced to warm the bench as he continued his recovery from a knee injury - the omens did not appear good.
Roma went for the jugular from the outset in a decidedly chilly Stadio Olimpico, but were denied time and again by the inspired Joe Hart in City’s goal.

Gervinho broke free on a number of occasions, with one low shot in particular tipped brilliantly round the post by Hart. Greek defender Kostas Manolas was also unfortunate to see a goalbound header diverted by the slightest of touches from the visiting ‘keeper onto the upright.

In the group’s other showdown, Bayern had taken an 18th-minute lead at home to contenders CSKA, who also began the evening level on points with Roma and Manchester City. The match had suddenly become a do-or-die play-off between the two teams going head-to-head at the Olimpico.

It took an hour of mainly withstanding Roma’s marauding breakaways until the away outfit gained a foothold in the game through a stunning shot from the left edge of the box by Samir Nasri that cannoned in off the inside of a post, thus leaving Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis grasping at thin air.

The hosts then sacrificed defensive duties almost entirely in a bid to claw their way back into the contest, but that policy eventually fell foul of a City counter which unlikely goalscorer Pablo Zabaleta finished off to gleefully wrap up his side’s advancement to the knockout phase.

Manchester City have largely struggled to repeat their domestic form of recent years on the European stage, but the professionalism which characterised Wednesday night’s performance suggests they may finally be getting to grips with what it takes to attain success in the continental arena.

 



Today's Latest News 18th Sept: Italian Football

By David Lee Wheatley  @davewh1980  @fluent_football

Juve one step away from Pochettino

Argentine starlet Tomas Pochettino is set to join Juventus in the next transfer window, with an agreement said to be in place and an official announcement set to arrive shortly.

Pochettino, who is yet to make a single first-team appearance for Boca Juniors, was spotted in a youth tournament that took place in June and Juve have kept him under close observation since.

The hope at Juventus was that it’d be possible to continue monitoring his development further before plunging in to buy, but they must act now to ward off rival interest from Verona.

The Italian champions jumped in first before Verona could move on a deal and now it appears only the signatures are missing on the official documents before the signing in pronounced.

A midfielder likened to current Bianconeri star Arturo Vidal because of his grit and technical characteristics, Pochettino is a youngster with a bright future ahead of him.

Efforts are already underway to secure an EU passport for the Boca youth player.

Injury woes for Roma

Juan Manuel Iturbe and Davide Astori both suffered injuries during Roma’s resounding Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow last night.

Argentine Iturbe opened the scoring that eventually led to a 5-1 routing of the Russians, but has incurred a problem with his right quadricep that will require assessment over the coming days.

Additionally, central defender Astori is also headed for the treatment table thanks to a twisted right knee.

The news represents a major headache for Coach Rudi Garcia, who is already without the services of another defender Leandro Castan due to a painful ear infection.

Garcia will need to wait patiently for more clarity from the medical team before he can know for sure how long he’ll be without the pair.

De Jong: ‘We need our fans’

Nigel De Jong has spoken of the challenge facing his side at the San Siro when they meet champions Juventus on Saturday night.

Milan go into the match on the back of an astounding 5-4 away victory at Parma last weekend, which has given them renewed hope of achieving much more than last season’s dismal showing.

“They are the favourites for the title. For us it is important to confront the strongest team,” remarked De Jong.

“We arrive at this game with great confidence. We must believe we can beat them, but to do that, we must focus from the first to the last minute, not to mention that we have in front of us those who have won the last three championships.

“There will be a full stadium and a great atmosphere. For this, we need our fans so much.”

There’s also the small matter of Juve Coach Massimiliano Allegri’s return to his old club to add extra spice to the contest.

Of Juventus, De Jong picked out one particular threat: “My friend Carlitos Tevez. He is a formidable striker.”

Ronaldinho suffers debut nightmare

Former Milan forward Ronaldinho missed a penalty on his debut for Mexican side Queretaro amid great fanfare surrounding his first appearance.

One goal down in the Cup tie with Tigres at home with an hour of the match gone, a foul on the left-hand side of the box resulted in a penalty award for the hosts.

Excitement in the crowd was at fever pitch while the Brazilian legend stood waiting to take the kick.

He ran up with purpose, but ballooned the ball high over the bar to leave his new team still trailing 0-1.

The 34-year-old has certainly seen better days, even if his fitness level is not yet up to the standard required of him and it was indeed an awful penalty attempt.

The scoreline remained the same until the end to send Queretaro crashing out of the competition.

Menez: ‘We want to win’

French forward Jeremy Menez has been talking about his aspirations ahead of the huge Milan-Juve clash this weekend.

Menez, a scorer of three goals in two games including a sublime back-heel at Parma, wants to help Milan recover the Italian title.

Speaking of the challenges ahead, Menez said: “Milan-Juve is a great game where everybody expects.

“We hope to experience a moment like at Parma. It would be nice win again 5-4!

“Juventus? It’s a great team with great defenders.

“It’s up to us find a way to score goals, because three wins out of three would be great.”

Menez then set his sights on his own personal objectives that he would like to achieve.

“I want to score more than ten goals (this season) in Italy,” he stated.

“There is (also) the European Championships in France and it would be nice to play in front of our fans.”

Vidal should make Juve bench

Arturo Vidal is set to make a return to the Juventus squad for Saturday’s crunch meeting with Milan following injury.

Massimilano Allegri stated his belief today that the Chilean box-to-box midfielder should be available to him, if only from the substitutes’ bench in the beginning.

Vidal missed Juve’s 2-0 victory over Udinese and also their win by the same scoreline in the Champions League against Malmo due to a persistent knee injury.

Allegri will hope Vidal doesn’t suffer a recurrence of the problem, which has hampered him throughout pre-season and into the new campaign.

It’s likely that Pereyra, Marchisio and Pogba will start in the middle of the park at the San Siro, with Vidal an option later on in proceedings.

Meanwhile, talisman Andrea Pirlo will continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury without featuring on Saturday.

Dani Alves to say his goodbyes

Barcelona right wing-back Dani Alves is reportedly very close to leaving Camp Nou for pastures new in the summer.

The Brazilian international star’s contract with Barca runs out next summer and is unlikely to be renewed, with Head Coach Luis Enrique looking to take the team in another direction.

Alves doesn’t fall into the future plans of the new man in charge and therefore is likely to move on at the expiration of his current deal.

Speaking to Marca, Alves announced: “My contract expires in 2015 and it was a mistake to extend it for another year.”

That pronouncement will alert both Manchester City and long-time suitors Juventus to the possibility of a switch at the end of the campaign.

Of course, talks can official begin from January should a player be out of contract that summer, so expect a rush of offers to begin flooding in for Alves throughout the winter period.

Llorente: ‘We complement each other’

Fernando Llorente believes he and Carlos Tevez are the perfect partnership on and off the pitch for Juventus.

The 29-year-old Spaniard feels they have reached an understanding which means that Juve now have one of the best strike partnerships in Italy.

“Tevez? For our gameplay, we complement each other to the fullest,” said Llorente of his pairing with the Argentine star.

“We both speak Spanish and this helps a lot.

“He doesn’t yet speak Italian very well, and therefore it is an advantage to play with me.”

Both will be looking to continue their good form together when facing Milan on Saturday, on the back of Tevez’s two-goal show in the Champions League against Swedish side Malmo.

Today's Latest News: Italian Football

By David Lee Wheatley @davewh1980  @fluent_football

UEFA offer Inter safety assurances

Inter’s clash with Dnipro in Ukraine on Thursday is set to go-ahead without any problems after UEFA offered broad assurances over safety in the war-torn country.

Though the security alert will remain high surrounding the fixture, UEFA has confirmed that the situation in the capital Kiev is back to normal following tensions over the past few months in Ukraine.

The European governing body understands the risk areas to be elsewhere and so feel happy for the Europa League tie to take place as scheduled on Thursday at the Olympic Stadium in the Ukrainian capital, the risk having been minimised by their decision to move the game from Dnipro to Kiev’s national venue.

Inter will travel from Malpensa this morning before training at the stadium in preparation for their opening group F game tomorrow evening.

Club officials will also take part in a safety briefing with the relevant parties this afternoon to discuss the situation in greater detail.

Totti eyes Giggs’ European record

Roma’s legendary captain Francesco Totti is aiming to surpass the record for the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history when taking on CSKA Moscow this evening.

Manchester United’s recently retired wing wizard Ryan Giggs currently holds the title of eldest goal-getter in the competition, a standard which stands at 37 years and 289 days.

That strike came in United’s clash with Benfica on 14 September 2011 and he’s held on to the accolade ever since.

However, should Totti score tonight or at anytime throughout the tournament into the future, he would claim the credit from his illustrious peer, as he is now aged 37 years and 355 days.

It’s an added incentive for the Roma leader and talisman in what represents his club’s first attempt at Champions League participation since 2011.

Balotelli grabs first Liverpool goal

Azzurri star Mario Balotelli got off the mark last night when in Champions League action for new club Liverpool following a summer move from Milan.

Balotelli has briefly shown flashes of his potential in the opening rounds of the Premier League, but was on hand to put the Merseysiders into the lead eight minutes from time against stubborn Bulgarian newcomers Ludogorets.

It was a fine finish from the ex-Inter and Manchester City man, with a scrappy battle for the ball on the edge of the area resulting in Balotelli emerging in possession and putting it away neatly with the outside of his right foot.

The visitors shocked the whole of Anfield when hauling themselves level just into injury time, but were shattered by a late, late winner by captain Steven Gerrard from the penalty spot to hand ‘Super Mario’ and his teammates a winning return to the elite European competition.

Getting back on the goal trail will provide a little nudge in the direction of new Italy coach Antonio Conte after the former Juve boss left the 24-year-old out of his squad for the recent clashes with Holland and Norway.

Malmo star Konate accuses Lichtsteiner

Malmo left-back Pa Konate has accused Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner of hitting him deliberately in the private parts during the second-half of last night’s Champions League game.

The tie was locked at 0-0 at the time and Swiss international Lichtsteiner is under suspicion for his alleged actions.

“The images speak for themselves,” said Konate.

“I was on the ground and he hit me with force.

“I tried to ask him what he was doing, but he just stared without saying anything.

“I didn’t think to react, but maybe I should do that.”

Stills of the incident shared widely on social media after the event certainly seem to back-up the claim by the 20-year-old Swede.

It remains to be seen if any retrospective action can be taken against Lichtsteiner if at all possible.

Juve’s right-back had a splendid game otherwise, looking especially dangerous when going forward.

Michu set for bench role against Sparta

Napoli’s on loan forward Michu is expected to feature from the bench tomorrow in the Europa League fixture at San Paolo.

The Spanish striker moved from Premier League outfit Swansea City during the summer, but has struggled to impose himself in Naples early on.

His fitness is not at the optimum level required as yet and he will have to settle for a watching brief against Czech side Sparta Prague.

Michu will hope for the call from Benitez during the game in an effort to convince for the Azzurri after an injury-plagued campaign with Swansea last time around.

An ex-Rayo Vallecano player, Michu enjoyed a wonderful first season with the Swans when hitting 18 league goals in 35 appearances. However, he only managed 17 Premier League games throughout 2013/14, scoring on just two occasions.

Despite doubts over Higuain’s ability to make the game, it is likely to be Zapata and De Guzman ahead of Michu in the pecking order, as Rafa Benitez looks set to make major changes from the side which lost disappointingly to Chievo at the weekend.

Seedorf case could reach court

Milan and their former head coach Clarence Seedorf are heading for a potential court case over compensation for the Dutchman’s contract, which runs until 2016.

Talks between both parties have failed to resolve the dispute and a lawsuit beckons if the two are unable to come closer to an agreement soon. Since June 9 when talks began, there have been very few steps forward and now the conversation appears to have reached stalemate.

Seedorf was sacked at the end of last season from his first coaching role and replaced at the helm by Milan youth coach and ex-teammate Filippo Inzaghi.

The Rossoneri legend answered the call of his beloved Milan by accepting the coaching position and giving up his playing career with Brazilians Botafogo at the same time. However, less than six months later it had turned sour and Seedorf was given his marching orders.

On one hand there is Milan, who initially agreed to pay a salary of around €2.5m per year gross, adding up to €5m left outstanding on his deal. On the other there is Seedorf, who had the door closed on him abruptly at the San Siro and won’t give up a single penny.

Even the Italian Labour Minister Tiziano Treu has become involved in the process and he paints a gloomy picture: “We hope for an amicable solution that satisfies both parties, but the last meeting did not go very well and as things stand there is a high risk it will end up in court.”

Mancini denies Lokomotiv contact

Roberto Mancini has moved to deny circulating rumours of his supposed contact with Russian outfit Lokomotiv Moscow over their head coach position.

The Italian left Galatasaray after the end of last season, stating that the club’s ambitions had been different when he initially took over. That statement was seen as a swipe at Gala’s transfer policy, which he felt inhibited his ability to take the Turkish side on to new heights.

Many links have surfaced throughout the last few months, including to the Italian national team and Napoli most recently with Rafa Benitez’s future appearing uncertain.

More speculation suggesting he was interested in becoming coach at Lokomotiv came about in the last few days and Mancini quickly moved to deny such talk.

“I wanted to refute rumours about alleged contacts with Lokomotiv Moscow, a club that I respect very much," he said.

“These are unfounded rumours. I have never been contacted and I have no intermediary in Russia who deals with my interests.

“Since 2009 I’ve been represented by lawyer Silvia Forini.

“Beware anyone who uses my name to get free publicity.”

Mancini will undoubtedly be a sought-after figure for any club looking to hire when considering his impressive record with Inter and Manchester City in particular.

Sirigu opens door to Balotelli

Azzurri goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu has been speaking on the possibility of a return to the national team ranks for Mario Balotelli following his recent omission form the squad.

Fresh from signing a new deal last week with French champions Paris Saint-Germain, the former Palermo stopper had some advice for his comrade when also recalling Italy’s World Cup failure.

“Mario seeks fame,” he explained.

“He’s supposed to be a symbol. If he’d scored against Costa Rica then he would be a hero.

“There was no quarrel in the dressing room.

“Mario is exuberant. He should concentrate on doing well on the field and meet the new (Conte’s) requirements.”

Sirigu was second-choice keeper in Brazil behind Gianluigi Buffon, but featured in the Azzurri’s only victory of the tournament against England in the opening match when his experienced colleague was ruled out through injury.

Lucescu: Watch out for Dnipro

Former Inter coach Mircea Lucescu says his former club would do well not to take victory for granted when meeting Dnipro tomorrow evening.

The team will travel to Kiev today for their Europa League clash, which was moved to the Ukrainian capital in response to safety concerns.

Lucescu, now head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk based within a city embroiled in such turmoil currently, thinks Dnipro will provide a stern test of the Italians’ mettle.

“Dnipro have players capable of hurting opponents, attacking very well on the flanks,” he said.

“It’s a tough team with character, pressing, always giving everything and well organised."

Having been in charge of the Ukrainian side since 2004, the 69-year-old veteran knows the Nerazzurri's opponents inside-out and feels Inter should be very careful in their approach to the upcoming Europa League clash.

His words certainly hand a stark warning to Inter: don’t make the mistake of underestimating Dnipro.

Bayern gear up for trophy tilt

By David Lee Wheatley

The Thursday signing of Xabi Alonso sent out a statement of intent suggesting Bayern Munich are ready for another assault on Champions' League glory following the desperately disappointing end to last season when falling to Real Madrid in the semi-final of the same competition.

Pep Guardiola has been sourcing a replacement for Toni Kroos most of the summer, who moved on to Real Madrid after a hugely successful World Cup campaign. Though the head coach had to wait until the Bundesliga season began before securing a worthy signing in Kroos' place, it could be argued that an upgrade has actually been installed in the centre of the park with the £8m purchase of the recently-retired Spanish international.

Alonso may be 32 now, but age is no barrier to a classy player of his type, who utilises his brain and passing ability more than any pace that he may have had. The ex-Liverpool star could indeed keep playing on at the highest level for many years to come and Bayern will reap the rewards of that projected longevity.

Along with the midfielder, Bayern have recruited a top-class goalkeeper in the shape of Pepe Reina to cover for the highly impressive Manuel Neuer. Additionally, Borussia Dortmund goal-getter Robert Lewandowski and powerful Roma defender Mehdi Benatia also joined up over the course of the transfer window to bolster a squad which certainly appeared a little jaded when suffering the demoralisation of heavy defeat against Real last April.

Robert Lewandowski got off the mark in competitive football for his new club in yesterday's 1-1 draw away to tough opponents Schalke, while Xabi Alonso made a tidy 68-minute debut appearance. The stats showcased what the Basque-born World Cup winner brings to any team in which he features with more touches during the match than any of his new team-mates, but Bayern struggled to create a great amount of opportunities.

However, Alonso will get fitter, while Lewandowski and Thomas Muller shall undoubtedly plunder many goals throughout the campaign in a burgeoning and potentially potent partnership.

Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery will again be absolutely crucial on either wing and with Mario Gotze gradually becoming more influential, too, it should be a very exciting season for Guardiola's men as they attempt to retain the German domestic title and regain their grip on the Champions' League crown.

Xabi Alonso will be at the heart of everything they eventually achieve and may make Real's directors feel massively regretful over their decision to sanction his switch to the Allianz Arena.

Twitter: @davewh1980