Premier League: Manchester City bring in an Italian legend; Lucas Leiva aims to stay at Liverpool
Manchester City added another big name to the club, this time in the coaching department. Former Italy International Attilio Lombardo joined the Eastlands on Saturday, to help the club’s coaching department. Both Mancini and Lombardo were teammates when they played their senior career at Sampdoria. Lombardo has also played in Crystal Palace. The Italian has contributed a lot to the youth development in Sampdoria, and has worked with the side after taking retirement. The former winger has also managed FC Chiasso in Switzerland, and followed in the footsteps of David Platt, who joined Manchester City earlier.
The 44 year old Italian is quick to get on with his work, and has already started working with the squad, as Manchester City tours USA in the pre-season campaign. Mancini and Lombardo both formed a formidable partnership back in the day while playing football, and would want to keep the good relationship going and lead the team to success. Mancini hailed his former teammate, and was delighted with the fact that Attilio had joined him. Mancini claimed that he was top class player and the club would benefit from the experience and skill the Italian would provide. He added that Lombardo has always had a winning mentality, which would be important as City looks to challenge the title. He claimed that the former Italy international was excited to be at the club, and loves the English style of play, since he played for Crystal Palace. He made 47 appearances for his time at Palace, scoring ten goals in the 1997-1998 season. He left the English side for Lazio in 1999.
In other news, 23 year old Lucas Leiva has claimed that he wants to stay at Anfield, despite constant speculations linking him away to other clubs. The Brazilian was one of the few consistent players in the Liverpool outfit last season, and admits his love for the club. Many considered him to be the favourite of former club manager Rafa Benitez, and therefore, he has been strongly linked to moves away from Liverpool. However, he vows to prove the speculations wrong, and aims to impress the new manager Roy Hodgson, in order to get more opportunities at Liverpool.
The 2010-11 season would be Lucas’s fourth with The Reds, and the player stated that he was happy at Liverpool. The midfielder hoped to stay where he is, and was happy with whatever time he got to play for Liverpool. Leiva aimed to improve in the next season, just like he has done over the years. The midfielder added that he aims to prove the critics wrong, and vowed to make a name for himself in front of the manager as well as his colleagues. Lucas believed that he had a good season at Liverpool last year, and expects the season to get even better for him this time around. The Brazilian explained that he would have to keep going, improve and show his performances to Hodgson and showcase his quality and talent to everyone. The 23 year old is one of the few first team players currently present with the squad as they train in Switzerland for the pre-season tour. He is, therefore, getting hands-on experience under Roy. Lucas praised the coach’s ability, claiming that the coach’s strength lied with the tactics. Leiva expected the new manager to help everyone out, but pointed out that Hodgson has had vast experience and had worked with some of the biggest clubs. This would help the midfielder develop his skills better, as he hopes to learn a thing or two under Roy.
"I am confident we will have a better season. When there are lots of changes new motivation comes through and I think we can do better. We will do better,” added the 23 year Brazilian. Liverpool play their opening match of the league on 15th August, when they face Arsenal at home.
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