Manchester City vs. Juventus - Europa League Preview
The new contenders for a top 4 slot in English Premier League, Manchester City would be in action Thursday night against the Italian giants, Juventus during a Europa League clash. Roberto Mancini has spent 130 million pounds in the summers to strengthen
the squad, however injuries are something even money can't repair. The City boss is hampered by injuries to a number of his big names, while few would also be making their way back in the team.
The defender, Micah Richards is expected to make a comeback in the all important European tie. He was not in the team due to his Hamstring injury when City had beaten the Premier League champions, Chelsea on Saturday.
The talented right winger, Shaun Wright-Phillips is still out with a knee problem and may face a let fitness test. Meanwhile, the two left backs, Wayne Bridge and Aleksandar Kolarov are also out.
The troublesome Italian striker, Mario Balotelli, who had made his way into Manchester City after a long transfer saga between City and Inter Milan, is already sidelined with a long term injury that would keep him out till November.
Meanwhile, the City manager Mancini is often found in between media criticism with his remarks. This time, he took a shot at his previous job in Italy and said that EPL is far more superior to the Italian League. These remarks as expected sparked hard words
from Italy and Mancini has been on the receiving end of some strong reactions.
Mancini said: "I think the English championship is better than the Italian. They need to bring some big players back. They are not there at the moment." However, even after those words, Mancini said that he had been a Juventus fan when he was a kid. He added
that going back to Turin to manage the “Old Lady” is still a possibility in future.
"Why not, football is like that, " he said. "I have never been an enemy of Juventus. I was a huge fan for years when I was a child so I have great respect for the club and the players. It will be a special match as it is the first time I am coaching an English
team against Juventus.
When asked if he is enjoying his time in England more than home, he said that he is here because of the job and is enjoying every moment of it. But still, he would love to be back home. "Obviously, I miss home as anyone would, but I am happy here. This is
where I am living and working."
During the singing spree in last 2 season, City has signed many big names. One of them is the former Arsenal captain, Patrrick Viera. But, the veteran since coming to east lands has not been able to secure a starting place in the team and is understandably
frustrated. Viera, who had earlier moved to Inter Milan from Juventus, said that: "It has been frustrating. Like everyone else, I want to play more often and be more involved.
"I know how strong the team is, especially in the midfield. I want to play more than one game a month. I will get my chance; I know that because the season is really long. I want to show the manager he can count on me.
Patrick Veira left Arsenal in 2006 due to their lack of trophies while he joined City in Januray this year. He maintained that his team is quite capable of winning silverware this season, and the start that they have had proves that there is enough in the
squad to go all the way. He referred to the big wins against Liverpool and Chelsea and said that if Manchester City can give a game to them, then all they need is consistency and big things are possible.
Viera added: "Every competition is really important because we all want to play. As City have not won a trophy for years, lifting one would be good for the club.”
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