Italy are not scared of the feverish atmosphere they could encounter in Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade, coach Cesare Prandelli said on Monday.
Italy's home qualifier between the sides a year ago was abandoned early on after Serbian fans threw flares on to the Genoa pitch, leading Uefa to hand the Azzurri a 3-0 walkover win.
"We don't have any fears over the game in Belgrade. There will be no sort of problem with their fans," Prandelli told a news conference.
"Serbia need a win and we have already qualified. Let's not speculate on the result, but I expect a good performance."
Serbia are second in Group C and need a win from their penultimate qualifier to fend off the threat of Estonia for a play-off berth for June's finals in Ukraine and Poland.
Despite his side having already topped the group, Prandelli has picked a strong squad and hopes Manchester City's temperamental forward Mario Balotelli is finally showing signs of maturing.
"I have found him to be a bit calmer. I hope he gives me a selection dilemma. This is an important moment for him," Prandelli said.
He added that AS Roma's Pablo Osvaldo, Juventus's Simone Pepe, Fiorentina's Alessio Cerci and Atalanta's Ezequiel Schelotto were pushing to make future squads if Balotelli flopped.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Ronaldo urges Neymar to move to Europe
Brazil legend Ronaldo has asserted that Santos forward Neymar should move to Europe to further his career.
The 19-year-old prodigy is widely expected to leave his homeland after establishing himself as one of the hottest commodities on the transfer market with his displays for club and country, goal.com reports.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have both been credited with an interest in Neymar, who has declared he will not leave Santos before the summer of 2012.
And Ronaldo, who joined PSV at the age of 18, said that his countryman must move to Europe to continue his progression.
"We will see his evolution from the moment he moves to Europe, which will be the most important step in his career," he told Globo.
"He has done everything he can here in Brazil with his talent. I think it would be a shame to limit himself to Brazil only."
The 19-year-old prodigy is widely expected to leave his homeland after establishing himself as one of the hottest commodities on the transfer market with his displays for club and country, goal.com reports.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have both been credited with an interest in Neymar, who has declared he will not leave Santos before the summer of 2012.
And Ronaldo, who joined PSV at the age of 18, said that his countryman must move to Europe to continue his progression.
"We will see his evolution from the moment he moves to Europe, which will be the most important step in his career," he told Globo.
"He has done everything he can here in Brazil with his talent. I think it would be a shame to limit himself to Brazil only."
Benzema ruled out of France qualifiers
France striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier at home to Albania and next Tuesday's game with Bosnia because of an abductor muscle problem.
"The nature of the injury means we couldn't have him for the two matches. He must return to Real Madrid tonight," France coach Laurent Blanc told reporters on Monday but said he did not know if he would call up a replacement.
France lead Group D by a point from Bosnia with just the two home qualifiers left.
"The nature of the injury means we couldn't have him for the two matches. He must return to Real Madrid tonight," France coach Laurent Blanc told reporters on Monday but said he did not know if he would call up a replacement.
France lead Group D by a point from Bosnia with just the two home qualifiers left.
Ancelotti keen on English return with Spurs
Former Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to manage again in England and has hinted he would be interested in the Tottenham Hotspur job if Harry Redknapp takes over England when Fabio Cepello retires after Euro 2012.
Ancelotti, who won the 2003 and 2007 European Cups with AC Milan, was sacked by Chelsea at the end of last term after going trophyless only a year after winning a Premier League and FA Cup double in his debut season.
"In a few months Capello's job will go to an Englishman that will free up a spot at a club. Only big jobs interest me like Liverpool and Tottenham. But I'm not in a rush," the Italian told La Repubblica newspaper on Monday.
"I still have a very strong desire to stay in England. For a coach, it is the ideal country. In Italy it is difficult to get full intensity during a training week, in England it is the opposite. It is difficult to reduce it."
Tottenham's Redknapp is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Capello.
Ancelotti also said Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger's job could be in jeopardy given their poor start to the season while he reiterated long held wishes to one day manage Italy, favourite former club AS Roma and Ivory Coast.
In a long interview which included references to Italian cheese rivalries, wine and his calmness when confronted by a bear on holiday in Canada, Ancelotti also said his time in England made him warm to Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson.
"He is a great person, he is humble, he is part of the history of football but he doesn't show it," he said.
Ancelotti, who won the 2003 and 2007 European Cups with AC Milan, was sacked by Chelsea at the end of last term after going trophyless only a year after winning a Premier League and FA Cup double in his debut season.
"In a few months Capello's job will go to an Englishman that will free up a spot at a club. Only big jobs interest me like Liverpool and Tottenham. But I'm not in a rush," the Italian told La Repubblica newspaper on Monday.
"I still have a very strong desire to stay in England. For a coach, it is the ideal country. In Italy it is difficult to get full intensity during a training week, in England it is the opposite. It is difficult to reduce it."
Tottenham's Redknapp is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Capello.
Ancelotti also said Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger's job could be in jeopardy given their poor start to the season while he reiterated long held wishes to one day manage Italy, favourite former club AS Roma and Ivory Coast.
In a long interview which included references to Italian cheese rivalries, wine and his calmness when confronted by a bear on holiday in Canada, Ancelotti also said his time in England made him warm to Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson.
"He is a great person, he is humble, he is part of the history of football but he doesn't show it," he said.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Ganguly laughs off Afridi`s remark
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday laughed off Shahid Afridi`s remarks that Sachin Tendulkar was uncomfortable against Shoaib Akhtar`s pace.
"Afridi is out of his mind," Ganguly quipped, reacting to the former Pakistani skipper`s claim that he has seen Tendulkar 'tremble' while facing Akhtar, reports PTI.
Ganguly is not surprised at off-spinner Harbhajan Singh`s omission from the upcoming first two ODIs against England.
He is confident that the off-spinner`s return for India`s year-end tour of Australia for a four-Test series.
"He might have been dropped for loss of form. But I am confident that India cannot do without him in the Australia series."
The star off-spinner had a disappointing first Test against England and a stomach injury in the second Test ruled him out of the remainder of the series.
Ganguly also ruled out the possibility of him being the captain of Pune Warriors in next year`s Indian Premier League T20 tournament.
"My role will be that of a mentor-cum-player," Ganguly said about Pune Warriors who will not get the services of former coach Geoff Marsh.
The former Australian batsman has been appointed Sri Lankan head coach.
"Afridi is out of his mind," Ganguly quipped, reacting to the former Pakistani skipper`s claim that he has seen Tendulkar 'tremble' while facing Akhtar, reports PTI.
Ganguly is not surprised at off-spinner Harbhajan Singh`s omission from the upcoming first two ODIs against England.
He is confident that the off-spinner`s return for India`s year-end tour of Australia for a four-Test series.
"He might have been dropped for loss of form. But I am confident that India cannot do without him in the Australia series."
The star off-spinner had a disappointing first Test against England and a stomach injury in the second Test ruled him out of the remainder of the series.
Ganguly also ruled out the possibility of him being the captain of Pune Warriors in next year`s Indian Premier League T20 tournament.
"My role will be that of a mentor-cum-player," Ganguly said about Pune Warriors who will not get the services of former coach Geoff Marsh.
The former Australian batsman has been appointed Sri Lankan head coach.
Harbhajan omission baffles Akram
Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram wants gutsy off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to play Ranji Trophy and come back hard for the Australian tour in December.
"It is definitely a surprise for me that he is not in the team. He was expected to be fresh and eager to do well. I am all for youngsters but Harbhajan is only 31. He does not deserve this after just two or three bad series," Akram said in an exclusive conversation from Bangalore, reports ESPNstar
The off-spinner, who is currently leading the Mumbai Indians in Nokia Champions League Twenty20, missed the major part of the England tour due to a mysterious stomach illness. However three weeks back, Harbhajan declared himself fit for the lucrative T20 tournament.
The feisty operator has taken just 17 wickets in 17 ODIs this year at less than impressive average of 41.29. But Akram feels that Harbhajan is a class act and has a lot more to offer during a difficult phase in Indian cricket.
"Experience matters a lot. He has been a good servant to the Indian team for 15 years. He bowled really well in the World Cup. His batting too is an asset. I just hope this axing is a wake-up call for him and I am sure he is going to return. I have full faith in him, both as a cricketer and as a fighter," said the former Pakistan skipper.
The 45-year-old Akram added that Team India will benefit greatly from Harbhajan's guile and experience when they tour Australia later this year.
"He would need to continually play cricket in order to make it to the big series against Australia. Currently he is excelling in his role as leader of a depleted Mumbai Indians team. He will surely derive a lot of confidence from their performance. He should play a couple of games in Ranji Trophy as well. I expect him to make a comeback very soon," said Akram.
With Harbhajan dropped, Team India will field a depleted bowling attack with Praveen Kumar being the most experienced of the younger lot. Akram fears this will put enormous pressure on Praveen.
"Praveen will be under a lot of pressure. He is an excellent new ball bowler. He was unplayable in England but these Indian wickets will be different. Had India played Varun Aaron in England on helpful tracks, his confidence would have been sky high going into this series. But there is a risk that he may be punished on Indian flat tracks against a strong England team. That may shatter Aaron's confidence," concluded Akram.
"It is definitely a surprise for me that he is not in the team. He was expected to be fresh and eager to do well. I am all for youngsters but Harbhajan is only 31. He does not deserve this after just two or three bad series," Akram said in an exclusive conversation from Bangalore, reports ESPNstar
The off-spinner, who is currently leading the Mumbai Indians in Nokia Champions League Twenty20, missed the major part of the England tour due to a mysterious stomach illness. However three weeks back, Harbhajan declared himself fit for the lucrative T20 tournament.
The feisty operator has taken just 17 wickets in 17 ODIs this year at less than impressive average of 41.29. But Akram feels that Harbhajan is a class act and has a lot more to offer during a difficult phase in Indian cricket.
"Experience matters a lot. He has been a good servant to the Indian team for 15 years. He bowled really well in the World Cup. His batting too is an asset. I just hope this axing is a wake-up call for him and I am sure he is going to return. I have full faith in him, both as a cricketer and as a fighter," said the former Pakistan skipper.
The 45-year-old Akram added that Team India will benefit greatly from Harbhajan's guile and experience when they tour Australia later this year.
"He would need to continually play cricket in order to make it to the big series against Australia. Currently he is excelling in his role as leader of a depleted Mumbai Indians team. He will surely derive a lot of confidence from their performance. He should play a couple of games in Ranji Trophy as well. I expect him to make a comeback very soon," said Akram.
With Harbhajan dropped, Team India will field a depleted bowling attack with Praveen Kumar being the most experienced of the younger lot. Akram fears this will put enormous pressure on Praveen.
"Praveen will be under a lot of pressure. He is an excellent new ball bowler. He was unplayable in England but these Indian wickets will be different. Had India played Varun Aaron in England on helpful tracks, his confidence would have been sky high going into this series. But there is a risk that he may be punished on Indian flat tracks against a strong England team. That may shatter Aaron's confidence," concluded Akram.
Smith returns to competitve cricket
South Africa Test captain Graeme Smith, batted for the first time in a competitive match since undergoing a knee operation in July.
Smith was ruled out of the Cape Cobras squad for the Champions League to complete rehabilitation on his knee, which he injured while playing for the Pune Warriors in April this year, ESPNcricinfo.
Smith collided with Rahul Sharma while fielding against the Kochi Tuskers Kerala and had to bat with a runner, a practice that has subsequently been outlawed, later in the match.
He played two more games for Pune but left the competition before its completion. Smith complained of discomfort after that, went under the knife and started batting against the hard ball in mid-August.
It was only on Saturday that Smith was able to get some game time, during a 20-over match for Claremont Cricket Club against Belville in Cape Town.
He occupied the crease for seven overs and scored 20 runs, including two fours. "It was great to be back in the middle," Smith said.
"I hit some nice straight and cover drives and it was also important to start running sharply between the wickets again."
He is due to play another T20 game for Claremont next weekend and may turn out for his provincial side Western Province midweek.
There is no opportunity for Smith to play franchise cricket because the Cobras' first fixture of the season is on October 13, the same day as South Africa begin their series against Australia.
Smith stepped down as T20 captain in August last year and as ODI captain after World Cup but remains available for selection in all three formats.
His presence will be a much-needed one after AB de Villiers, who named Smith's successor in limited-overs formats, broke his finger and was ruled out of the T20 and ODI series.
There has been some talk of Smith returning to the captaincy, but that seems unlikely with Hashim Amla, the appointed vice-captain, waiting in the wings.
Smith was ruled out of the Cape Cobras squad for the Champions League to complete rehabilitation on his knee, which he injured while playing for the Pune Warriors in April this year, ESPNcricinfo.
Smith collided with Rahul Sharma while fielding against the Kochi Tuskers Kerala and had to bat with a runner, a practice that has subsequently been outlawed, later in the match.
He played two more games for Pune but left the competition before its completion. Smith complained of discomfort after that, went under the knife and started batting against the hard ball in mid-August.
It was only on Saturday that Smith was able to get some game time, during a 20-over match for Claremont Cricket Club against Belville in Cape Town.
He occupied the crease for seven overs and scored 20 runs, including two fours. "It was great to be back in the middle," Smith said.
"I hit some nice straight and cover drives and it was also important to start running sharply between the wickets again."
He is due to play another T20 game for Claremont next weekend and may turn out for his provincial side Western Province midweek.
There is no opportunity for Smith to play franchise cricket because the Cobras' first fixture of the season is on October 13, the same day as South Africa begin their series against Australia.
Smith stepped down as T20 captain in August last year and as ODI captain after World Cup but remains available for selection in all three formats.
His presence will be a much-needed one after AB de Villiers, who named Smith's successor in limited-overs formats, broke his finger and was ruled out of the T20 and ODI series.
There has been some talk of Smith returning to the captaincy, but that seems unlikely with Hashim Amla, the appointed vice-captain, waiting in the wings.
Knight Riders stay alive with big win
Kolkata Knight Riders stayed alive in the tournament with a show of desperation in the field, accuracy with the ball, and aggression with the bat.
With rain lurking in the background, the Knight Riders won the crucial toss but had to deal with an aggressive start from Colin Ingram and JJ Smuts, reports ESPNcricinfo.
However, led by Brett Lee and Jacques Kallis with the ball, they fielded superbly to allow only 67 runs in the last nine overs. Lee went for just 25 off his four overs, including nine runs off the 17th and 19th overs.
The sub-par total of 155 was always going to take some defending on a skidding surface flanked by short boundaries and a damp outfield. And with the in-form Kallis and Gautam Gambhir, and Manvinder Bisla playing some scintillating shots, it seemed like the Warriors would need outside intervention.
It arrived, in the form of rain, but by then nine overs had been bowled and the Knight Riders were 22 ahead of the par score. That not only brought the Knight Riders, who have now played all their league matches, two points, but also a boost in their net run-rate.
The game was won and lost in the last nine overs of the Warriors innings. Ingram, through some stylish aerial hitting, and JJ Smuts, through muscular blows, had put Warriors on course for a defendable total. But both efforts needed finishing touches, which never came.
JJ Smuts tried to power his way through at the start, and in spite of all his efforts managed a strike-rate of just 106.97 during his 46.
He played 17 dot balls. It is usually difficult to argue against an innings of 61 off 47, but on Saturday there were elements of Ingram's game that weren't up to scratch. He missed out on converting ones into twos, running the first one slowly despite having hit slightly wide of the fielders.
He let Shakib Al Hasan get away with a few full tosses. Towards the end he struggled to accelerate. At one stage he wanted to walk off even after edging Lee short of the keeper, only to be asked to come back. He scored two couples, and his last 14 deliveries brought him 11 runs.
Ideally Ingram would have wanted to kick on after his impressive start. He began with sixes off Kallis, Yusuf Pathan and Shakib. The third of those made its way to the press box, on the third floor at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. It was going swimmingly for Warriors then: that six took the score to 77 for 1 in the 10th over, with two set batsmen looking to launch.
Both batsmen hit a boundary each in the next over, but in the following overs they got stuck. Ingram hit three full tosses for ones, JJ Smuts toe-ended a short ball to mid-off, and with a new batsman at the crease the Knight Riders sneaked in a few quiet overs. Ryan ten Doeschate, Manoj Tiwary and Lee were electric in the outfield to assist their bowlers.
Kallis came back in the 16th over with 28 scored off the preceding four overs, and turned the screws further. Just four came off his accurate over, and Lee followed it up with wide yorkers to concede just five off the 17th. Mark Bouhcer scooped his good friend Jacques Kallis for back-to-back fours to take Warriors to a fighting total, but soon followed it up by dropping Kallis.
In the form that he is in, you don't drop Kallis. Boucher's good high catch to send Bisla back was hardly amends. Both batsmen had hit a six each by then, and the Knight Riders had raced away to 35 in the fourth over.
That wicket was followed up by a misfield that allowed Gambhir to get going with a four through mid-off. Kallis and Gambhir proceeded to loot 42 off the next five overs, matching each other short for shot. Gambhir was dropped too, when Kelly Smuts couldn't hold on to a high catch at deep cover. That mistake capped off an unsatisfactory night for the Warriors in every department.
With rain lurking in the background, the Knight Riders won the crucial toss but had to deal with an aggressive start from Colin Ingram and JJ Smuts, reports ESPNcricinfo.
However, led by Brett Lee and Jacques Kallis with the ball, they fielded superbly to allow only 67 runs in the last nine overs. Lee went for just 25 off his four overs, including nine runs off the 17th and 19th overs.
The sub-par total of 155 was always going to take some defending on a skidding surface flanked by short boundaries and a damp outfield. And with the in-form Kallis and Gautam Gambhir, and Manvinder Bisla playing some scintillating shots, it seemed like the Warriors would need outside intervention.
It arrived, in the form of rain, but by then nine overs had been bowled and the Knight Riders were 22 ahead of the par score. That not only brought the Knight Riders, who have now played all their league matches, two points, but also a boost in their net run-rate.
The game was won and lost in the last nine overs of the Warriors innings. Ingram, through some stylish aerial hitting, and JJ Smuts, through muscular blows, had put Warriors on course for a defendable total. But both efforts needed finishing touches, which never came.
JJ Smuts tried to power his way through at the start, and in spite of all his efforts managed a strike-rate of just 106.97 during his 46.
He played 17 dot balls. It is usually difficult to argue against an innings of 61 off 47, but on Saturday there were elements of Ingram's game that weren't up to scratch. He missed out on converting ones into twos, running the first one slowly despite having hit slightly wide of the fielders.
He let Shakib Al Hasan get away with a few full tosses. Towards the end he struggled to accelerate. At one stage he wanted to walk off even after edging Lee short of the keeper, only to be asked to come back. He scored two couples, and his last 14 deliveries brought him 11 runs.
Ideally Ingram would have wanted to kick on after his impressive start. He began with sixes off Kallis, Yusuf Pathan and Shakib. The third of those made its way to the press box, on the third floor at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. It was going swimmingly for Warriors then: that six took the score to 77 for 1 in the 10th over, with two set batsmen looking to launch.
Both batsmen hit a boundary each in the next over, but in the following overs they got stuck. Ingram hit three full tosses for ones, JJ Smuts toe-ended a short ball to mid-off, and with a new batsman at the crease the Knight Riders sneaked in a few quiet overs. Ryan ten Doeschate, Manoj Tiwary and Lee were electric in the outfield to assist their bowlers.
Kallis came back in the 16th over with 28 scored off the preceding four overs, and turned the screws further. Just four came off his accurate over, and Lee followed it up with wide yorkers to concede just five off the 17th. Mark Bouhcer scooped his good friend Jacques Kallis for back-to-back fours to take Warriors to a fighting total, but soon followed it up by dropping Kallis.
In the form that he is in, you don't drop Kallis. Boucher's good high catch to send Bisla back was hardly amends. Both batsmen had hit a six each by then, and the Knight Riders had raced away to 35 in the fourth over.
That wicket was followed up by a misfield that allowed Gambhir to get going with a four through mid-off. Kallis and Gambhir proceeded to loot 42 off the next five overs, matching each other short for shot. Gambhir was dropped too, when Kelly Smuts couldn't hold on to a high catch at deep cover. That mistake capped off an unsatisfactory night for the Warriors in every department.
Brazil, FIFA to meet Monday on legal dispute: paper
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff plans to meet the president of soccer's world governing body on Monday to resolve a legal dispute over the 2014 World Cup, the Estado de S. Paulo newspaper reported.
FIFA has asked Brazil to suspend several laws while it hosts the World Cup, including one that requires theatrical and sports events to provide half-price tickets to people over 65, the paper reported on Saturday.
The laws, FIFA says, threaten to increase the governing body's costs, reduce its ability to protect its brands and sponsors' trademarks and to saddle FIFA with other legal liabilities, Estado said, citing Orlando Silva, Brazil's sports minister.
Rousseff plans to meet FIFA President Joseph Blatter in Brussels on Monday and is ready to compromise on a series of FIFA complaints, Silva told the newspaper.
They include some prohibitions on alcohol sales and rules that grant low-cost tickets to students and youth, the newspaper said. She won't suspend the Elderly Persons' Statute or consumer protection laws, it reported.
Rousseff's office would not confirm or deny a meeting. Brazil's sports ministry and FIFA's media department did not return phone calls Saturday.
FIFA's complaints come after criticism of delays in the construction or repair of stadiums and the expansion of public transport facilities for the World Cup. Allegations have also been rising about cost overruns and corruption related to the World Cup and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
FIFA 2014 World Cup sponsors include Adidas, Coca-Cola, Sony, Anheuser-Busch InBev's Budweiser unit and McDonald's and Visa.
The World Cup Bill being debated in Congress, for example, fails to provide sufficient penalties to companies and individuals who sell pirate goods or infringe trademarks, it said, citing Silva.
The penalties are three months to two years in jail or a fine, which FIFA considers "innocuous," Estado reported.
FIFA has asked Brazil to suspend several laws while it hosts the World Cup, including one that requires theatrical and sports events to provide half-price tickets to people over 65, the paper reported on Saturday.
The laws, FIFA says, threaten to increase the governing body's costs, reduce its ability to protect its brands and sponsors' trademarks and to saddle FIFA with other legal liabilities, Estado said, citing Orlando Silva, Brazil's sports minister.
Rousseff plans to meet FIFA President Joseph Blatter in Brussels on Monday and is ready to compromise on a series of FIFA complaints, Silva told the newspaper.
They include some prohibitions on alcohol sales and rules that grant low-cost tickets to students and youth, the newspaper said. She won't suspend the Elderly Persons' Statute or consumer protection laws, it reported.
Rousseff's office would not confirm or deny a meeting. Brazil's sports ministry and FIFA's media department did not return phone calls Saturday.
FIFA's complaints come after criticism of delays in the construction or repair of stadiums and the expansion of public transport facilities for the World Cup. Allegations have also been rising about cost overruns and corruption related to the World Cup and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
FIFA 2014 World Cup sponsors include Adidas, Coca-Cola, Sony, Anheuser-Busch InBev's Budweiser unit and McDonald's and Visa.
The World Cup Bill being debated in Congress, for example, fails to provide sufficient penalties to companies and individuals who sell pirate goods or infringe trademarks, it said, citing Silva.
The penalties are three months to two years in jail or a fine, which FIFA considers "innocuous," Estado reported.
Bayern held, Dortmund win
Leaders Bayern Munich stumbled to a goalless draw at Hoffenheim on Saturday, ending their 10-game winning streak in all competitions but opening a three-point lead at the top.
Bayern, who have now kept a clean sheet in 11 consecutive games, have 19 points. Werder Bremen, second on 16, meet Hanover 96 on Sunday.
Hoffenheim kept Bayern, looking sluggish following their 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, in check and came close twice through Ryan Babel.
Champions Borussia Dortmund bounced back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Olympique Marseille by beating promoted Augsburg 4-0, a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick lifting them up to fourth with 13 points.
The Polish striker scored from close range on the half hour and added his second a minute before the break when he pounced on a defensive error by Gibril Sankoh to notch his fourth goal of the season.
Dortmund keeper Roman Weidenfeller made a spectacular save from Sankoh's penalty just after the restart before a charging Mario Goetze latched on to a Lewandowski pass and flicked the ball over the Augsburg keeper for the third.
Lewandowski completed the rout with a glancing header in the 78th minute.
Third-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach lost ground with a 1-0 defeat to Freiburg and remain on 16 points.
Bayer Leverkusen snatched a 2-1 win against VfL Wolfsburg with Eren Derdiyok scoring the goal of the day with a bicycle kick in the 65th minute.
Earlier Wolfsburg's Mario Mandzukic had beaten his marker in the air to head in the equaliser after Gonzalo Castro had given the hosts a first-half lead.
Stefan Kiessling added a third five minutes from time to help Leverkusen move up to seventh on 13 points.
Bayern, who have now kept a clean sheet in 11 consecutive games, have 19 points. Werder Bremen, second on 16, meet Hanover 96 on Sunday.
Hoffenheim kept Bayern, looking sluggish following their 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, in check and came close twice through Ryan Babel.
Champions Borussia Dortmund bounced back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Olympique Marseille by beating promoted Augsburg 4-0, a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick lifting them up to fourth with 13 points.
The Polish striker scored from close range on the half hour and added his second a minute before the break when he pounced on a defensive error by Gibril Sankoh to notch his fourth goal of the season.
Dortmund keeper Roman Weidenfeller made a spectacular save from Sankoh's penalty just after the restart before a charging Mario Goetze latched on to a Lewandowski pass and flicked the ball over the Augsburg keeper for the third.
Lewandowski completed the rout with a glancing header in the 78th minute.
Third-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach lost ground with a 1-0 defeat to Freiburg and remain on 16 points.
Bayer Leverkusen snatched a 2-1 win against VfL Wolfsburg with Eren Derdiyok scoring the goal of the day with a bicycle kick in the 65th minute.
Earlier Wolfsburg's Mario Mandzukic had beaten his marker in the air to head in the equaliser after Gonzalo Castro had given the hosts a first-half lead.
Stefan Kiessling added a third five minutes from time to help Leverkusen move up to seventh on 13 points.
Tevez's No 32 shirt allocated to reserve goalie
Carlos Tevez's No 32 shirt was allocated to reserve goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon when Manchester City played at Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League on Saturday, another indication that he is unlikely to play for City again.
City fans also displayed banners saying 'Tevez Out' aimed at the 27-year-old Argentine striker.
Tevez was missing at Ewood Park, serving a two week club suspension for allegedly ignoring manager Roberto Mancini's instructions to come on as a 56th minute substitute against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.
City lost that game 2-0 but bounced back on Saturday with a 4-0 win over Rovers with goals from Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli, and substitutes Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic, who both scored their first goals for the club.
City are level on points with champions Manchester United at the top of the table, both unbeaten with 19 points from seven matches, though United are in first place with a goal difference of plus-19 compared to City's plus-18.
Following Tuesday's incident in Munich, Mancini said Tevez would never play for the club again and his City career 'was finished' as far as he was concerned.
The club have started an inquiry and suspended him for the maximum two weeks allowed under Premier League rules.
But the fact Saturday's official team sheet showed his shirt number was allocated to 24-year-old Romanian international goalkeeper Pantilimon, who has made one appearance for City in the League Cup against Birmingham City, was a telling point.
City's assistant manager David Platt told Sky Sports: "We needed to concentrate totally on this game.
"From having the day off on Wednesday after coming back from Munich, we came in on Thursday and put everything to bed -- the performance and everything else that went with it.
Asked if City's lawyers were preventing him talking about the Tevez situation, Platt replied:
"Unfortunately for many many reasons, we can't really go into that. We just want to concentrate on what is happening out on the pitch and fortunately that was what we have done today."
The only blot on an otherwise good afternoon for City was that Argentine forward Sergio Aguero injured his groin, but might not miss any matches for City with the international break coming up next weekend.
City fans also displayed banners saying 'Tevez Out' aimed at the 27-year-old Argentine striker.
Tevez was missing at Ewood Park, serving a two week club suspension for allegedly ignoring manager Roberto Mancini's instructions to come on as a 56th minute substitute against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.
City lost that game 2-0 but bounced back on Saturday with a 4-0 win over Rovers with goals from Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli, and substitutes Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic, who both scored their first goals for the club.
City are level on points with champions Manchester United at the top of the table, both unbeaten with 19 points from seven matches, though United are in first place with a goal difference of plus-19 compared to City's plus-18.
Following Tuesday's incident in Munich, Mancini said Tevez would never play for the club again and his City career 'was finished' as far as he was concerned.
The club have started an inquiry and suspended him for the maximum two weeks allowed under Premier League rules.
But the fact Saturday's official team sheet showed his shirt number was allocated to 24-year-old Romanian international goalkeeper Pantilimon, who has made one appearance for City in the League Cup against Birmingham City, was a telling point.
City's assistant manager David Platt told Sky Sports: "We needed to concentrate totally on this game.
"From having the day off on Wednesday after coming back from Munich, we came in on Thursday and put everything to bed -- the performance and everything else that went with it.
Asked if City's lawyers were preventing him talking about the Tevez situation, Platt replied:
"Unfortunately for many many reasons, we can't really go into that. We just want to concentrate on what is happening out on the pitch and fortunately that was what we have done today."
The only blot on an otherwise good afternoon for City was that Argentine forward Sergio Aguero injured his groin, but might not miss any matches for City with the international break coming up next weekend.
Barca lose Fabregas for three weeks
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas sustained a hamstring injury during training on Saturday and will be out of action for around three weeks, the European champions said.
The former Arsenal captain was left out of Barca's squad to play Sporting Gijon in La Liga on Sunday, joining Andres Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez and Ibrahim Afellay on the club's injury list.
Fabregas had been included in Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad on Friday for their Euro 2012 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Scotland over the next two weeks.
The former Arsenal captain was left out of Barca's squad to play Sporting Gijon in La Liga on Sunday, joining Andres Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez and Ibrahim Afellay on the club's injury list.
Fabregas had been included in Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad on Friday for their Euro 2012 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Scotland over the next two weeks.
Carroll and Suarez on target for Liverpool
Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez scored to give Liverpool a comfortable 2-0 win at Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday after the home side were controversially reduced to 10 men after only 23 minutes.
Referee Martin Atkinson showed what appeared to be a harsh red card to Jack Rodwell for what looked to be a legitimate challenge on Suarez, with the defender winning the ball fairly, but clipping the Uruguayan as his momentum carried him forwards.
Rodwell fiercely protested his innocence and walked off reluctantly, but his dismissal helped tip the balance Liverpool's way. As well as their two goals they also missed a penalty and hit the crossbar in the first half.
Carroll scored his first league goal of the season, and only his third league goal since his 35 million pounds move from Newcastle United in January, after 71 minutes and he took it well, sweeping home Jose Enrique's cutback into the bottom corner.
Suarez wrapped up the points for Kenny Dalglish's team when he took advantage of some slack Everton defending to score his fifth goal of the season in all competitions eight minutes from time.
Dalglish was back at Goodison as Liverpool's manager for the first time since he famously resigned after an epic 4-4 FA Cup draw there in 1991. He said his side had deserved to win.
"We were very professional. When you play against 10 it's easy to lose your concentration and be complacent and we didn't do either," he said.
"Everyone played very well, Andy's off the mark with a league goal, and although Dirk missed a penalty it did not affect him and that's great credit to him. It was a good result for us."
Liverpool had two good chances to establish a lead in the closing minutes of the first half.
The first came after 44 minutes when Everton defender Phil Jagielka tripped Suarez to concede a penalty, but Everton escaped going behind when Tim Howard dived low to his left to save Dirk Kuyt's spot-kick.
Three minutes later Charlie Adam lashed a swerving 20-metre shot that hit the bar.
Liverpool dominated for most of the second half and moved into the top four of the Premier League table, at least until Newcastle United faced Wolverhampton Wanderers later in one of the afternoon's five other matches.
Referee Martin Atkinson showed what appeared to be a harsh red card to Jack Rodwell for what looked to be a legitimate challenge on Suarez, with the defender winning the ball fairly, but clipping the Uruguayan as his momentum carried him forwards.
Rodwell fiercely protested his innocence and walked off reluctantly, but his dismissal helped tip the balance Liverpool's way. As well as their two goals they also missed a penalty and hit the crossbar in the first half.
Carroll scored his first league goal of the season, and only his third league goal since his 35 million pounds move from Newcastle United in January, after 71 minutes and he took it well, sweeping home Jose Enrique's cutback into the bottom corner.
Suarez wrapped up the points for Kenny Dalglish's team when he took advantage of some slack Everton defending to score his fifth goal of the season in all competitions eight minutes from time.
Dalglish was back at Goodison as Liverpool's manager for the first time since he famously resigned after an epic 4-4 FA Cup draw there in 1991. He said his side had deserved to win.
"We were very professional. When you play against 10 it's easy to lose your concentration and be complacent and we didn't do either," he said.
"Everyone played very well, Andy's off the mark with a league goal, and although Dirk missed a penalty it did not affect him and that's great credit to him. It was a good result for us."
Liverpool had two good chances to establish a lead in the closing minutes of the first half.
The first came after 44 minutes when Everton defender Phil Jagielka tripped Suarez to concede a penalty, but Everton escaped going behind when Tim Howard dived low to his left to save Dirk Kuyt's spot-kick.
Three minutes later Charlie Adam lashed a swerving 20-metre shot that hit the bar.
Liverpool dominated for most of the second half and moved into the top four of the Premier League table, at least until Newcastle United faced Wolverhampton Wanderers later in one of the afternoon's five other matches.
Messi-Ronaldo debate useless: Figo
Luis Figo believes it is not right to compare Barcelona star Lionel Messi with Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi netted a brace in Barca's 5-0 Uefa Champions League win over BATE Borisov on Wednesday to equal Ladislao Kubala in the club's goal-scoring charts with 194 goals.
Messi just needs another 42 goals to beat Cesar Rodriguez's tally of 235 to become the club's all-time leading goal-scorer while Ronaldo continues to be no slouch himself in front of goal for Madrid.
However, Figo, who currently works as an ambassador for Inter Milan, thinks it would be a futile task to sit down and compare the two players.
"It is not right to compare them [Ronaldo and Messi]," Figo told FCInternews.it, reports ESPNstar.
"I like watching both of them when they play, why ask which one is the best?
"It's like when you eat something, why choose one meal, when you can try both?
"Both [Cristiano] Ronaldo and Messi are different players, they have different personalities."
Figo, who played for both Madrid and Barcelona during a stellar career, recently rejected reports of a return to the Bernabeu as part of their technical staff.
Messi netted a brace in Barca's 5-0 Uefa Champions League win over BATE Borisov on Wednesday to equal Ladislao Kubala in the club's goal-scoring charts with 194 goals.
Messi just needs another 42 goals to beat Cesar Rodriguez's tally of 235 to become the club's all-time leading goal-scorer while Ronaldo continues to be no slouch himself in front of goal for Madrid.
However, Figo, who currently works as an ambassador for Inter Milan, thinks it would be a futile task to sit down and compare the two players.
"It is not right to compare them [Ronaldo and Messi]," Figo told FCInternews.it, reports ESPNstar.
"I like watching both of them when they play, why ask which one is the best?
"It's like when you eat something, why choose one meal, when you can try both?
"Both [Cristiano] Ronaldo and Messi are different players, they have different personalities."
Figo, who played for both Madrid and Barcelona during a stellar career, recently rejected reports of a return to the Bernabeu as part of their technical staff.
Liverpool win Merseyside derby
Andy Carroll scored his first league goal of the season while Luis Suarez added a late second to give Liverpool a comfortable 2-0 win at Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.
It was the third league goal only that Carroll has scored for Liverpool since his 35 million pounds move from Newcastle United in January and he took it well, sweeping home Jose Enrique's cutback into the bottom corner.
Suarez wrapped up the points for Kenny Dalglish's team when he took advantage of some slack Everton defending to score his fifth goal of the season eight minutes from time.
Everton were forced to play for more than an hour with 10 men after referee Martin Atkinson showed what appeared to be a harsh red card to defender Jack Rodwell for a challenge on Suarez.
Liverpool also missed a first half penalty when Tim Howard saved Dirk Kuyt's 44th minute penalty.
It was the third league goal only that Carroll has scored for Liverpool since his 35 million pounds move from Newcastle United in January and he took it well, sweeping home Jose Enrique's cutback into the bottom corner.
Suarez wrapped up the points for Kenny Dalglish's team when he took advantage of some slack Everton defending to score his fifth goal of the season eight minutes from time.
Everton were forced to play for more than an hour with 10 men after referee Martin Atkinson showed what appeared to be a harsh red card to defender Jack Rodwell for a challenge on Suarez.
Liverpool also missed a first half penalty when Tim Howard saved Dirk Kuyt's 44th minute penalty.
Manchester pair neck-and-neck at top
Manchester City's tough week ended on a high note on Saturday when they won 4-0 at Blackburn Rovers to maintain their unbeaten start in the Premier League and stay level on points with Manchester United at the top of the table.
They sent Blackburn crashing to their biggest defeat of the season with second half goals from Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli and substitutes Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic who both scored their first goals for City.
It was their first match since their Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich on Tuesday when Carlos Tevez allegedly refused manager Roberto Mancini's instructions to come on as a substitute and their delight at the end was in stark contrast to the gloom that has hovered around the club since then.
Champions United also maintained their unbeaten start with a 2-0 home win over Norwich City thanks to second half goals from Anderson, who scored with a header, and Danny Welbeck which gave them a club record 19th successive home league win.
United, who were far from convincing and could easily have fallen behind to any number of Norwich chances including one that hit a post, stay top on goal difference from City with both teams taking 19 points from their opening seven games.
United have a goal difference of +19 compared to City's +18.
United manager Alex Ferguson agreed Norwich made it difficult for his side, telling Sky Sports: "I thought we were far too slow in the build up in the first half but we changed things around in the second and we dominated, but the thing about that kind of game is when you dominate and don't take your chances you're liable on the counter-attack, but we deserved to win it in the end."
In the day's lunchtime kick-off, Liverpool won 2-0 at Everton in the 185th Merseyside league derby with late goals from Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. Everton played for more than an hour with 10 men after Jack Rodwell was sent off in the 23rd minute.
The dismissal was a controversial one because Rodwell played the ball cleanly and made minimal contact with Suarez as the momentum of his body carried him forwards, but referee Martin Atkinson showed him an instant red card.
Everton manager David Moyes said afterwards he was disappointed that a foul was given, never mind a sending off.
"It's not for me to criticise the referee, but he probably ruined this game of football today," he told Sky Sports.
THIRD PLACE
Newcastle United maintained their surprisingly good start to the season to remain unbeaten after seven matches following their 2-1 win at Molineux to inflict a fourth consecutive league defeat on Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Newcastle won with goals from Demba Ba, his fourth in two games, and Jonas Gutierrez to climb to third after their best start in 17 years and they will stay there at least until Chelsea play at bottom-placed Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.
Wolves had a late goal ruled out when a linesman, wearing a cap to shade his eyes from the sun, ruled that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up, although it appeared he might have got his call wrong.
Aston Villa, also unbeaten with two wins and five draws from their opening games, sent Wigan Athletic to a fourth successive league defeat and down to 17th with a 2-0 win at Villa Park.
Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent were on target for Villa who ended the day in sixth place.
Sunderland drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion after trailing 2-0 inside the opening five minutes at the Stadium of Light.
Steve Morison and Shane Long gave West Brom the early initiative but Sunderland were level with two quick goals of their own midway through the first half from Nicklas Bendtner and Ahmed Elmohamady.
FANS PROTEST
Manchester City were the highest scorers of the day with their four at Ewood Park, but their afternoon was marred when Argentine striker Sergio Aguero limped off in the first half with a groin injury.
He will now join his compatriot Tevez on the sidelines, but for totally different reasons following Tevez's suspension from the club for Tuesday's incident.
While the game ended well for City it was another unhappy afternoon for Blackburn, who are one off the bottom, with fans staying behind after the final whistle with banners and posters demanding the sacking of manager Steve Kean.
It was the second time in two weeks fans protested against the manager, but he told Sky Sports afterwards: "I hope they change because we are working hard.
"I know they are frustrated, we, the staff and players are as well, but I say, stick with us we will turn this around. We've got a lot of bright young players, but we are in a difficult moment."
Four matches are scheduled for Sunday with Bolton hosting Chelsea, Fulham playing Queens Park Rangers, Swansea City hosting Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur facing Arsenal at White Hart Lane in the always eagerly-awaited north London derby.
They sent Blackburn crashing to their biggest defeat of the season with second half goals from Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli and substitutes Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic who both scored their first goals for City.
It was their first match since their Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich on Tuesday when Carlos Tevez allegedly refused manager Roberto Mancini's instructions to come on as a substitute and their delight at the end was in stark contrast to the gloom that has hovered around the club since then.
Champions United also maintained their unbeaten start with a 2-0 home win over Norwich City thanks to second half goals from Anderson, who scored with a header, and Danny Welbeck which gave them a club record 19th successive home league win.
United, who were far from convincing and could easily have fallen behind to any number of Norwich chances including one that hit a post, stay top on goal difference from City with both teams taking 19 points from their opening seven games.
United have a goal difference of +19 compared to City's +18.
United manager Alex Ferguson agreed Norwich made it difficult for his side, telling Sky Sports: "I thought we were far too slow in the build up in the first half but we changed things around in the second and we dominated, but the thing about that kind of game is when you dominate and don't take your chances you're liable on the counter-attack, but we deserved to win it in the end."
In the day's lunchtime kick-off, Liverpool won 2-0 at Everton in the 185th Merseyside league derby with late goals from Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. Everton played for more than an hour with 10 men after Jack Rodwell was sent off in the 23rd minute.
The dismissal was a controversial one because Rodwell played the ball cleanly and made minimal contact with Suarez as the momentum of his body carried him forwards, but referee Martin Atkinson showed him an instant red card.
Everton manager David Moyes said afterwards he was disappointed that a foul was given, never mind a sending off.
"It's not for me to criticise the referee, but he probably ruined this game of football today," he told Sky Sports.
THIRD PLACE
Newcastle United maintained their surprisingly good start to the season to remain unbeaten after seven matches following their 2-1 win at Molineux to inflict a fourth consecutive league defeat on Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Newcastle won with goals from Demba Ba, his fourth in two games, and Jonas Gutierrez to climb to third after their best start in 17 years and they will stay there at least until Chelsea play at bottom-placed Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.
Wolves had a late goal ruled out when a linesman, wearing a cap to shade his eyes from the sun, ruled that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up, although it appeared he might have got his call wrong.
Aston Villa, also unbeaten with two wins and five draws from their opening games, sent Wigan Athletic to a fourth successive league defeat and down to 17th with a 2-0 win at Villa Park.
Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent were on target for Villa who ended the day in sixth place.
Sunderland drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion after trailing 2-0 inside the opening five minutes at the Stadium of Light.
Steve Morison and Shane Long gave West Brom the early initiative but Sunderland were level with two quick goals of their own midway through the first half from Nicklas Bendtner and Ahmed Elmohamady.
FANS PROTEST
Manchester City were the highest scorers of the day with their four at Ewood Park, but their afternoon was marred when Argentine striker Sergio Aguero limped off in the first half with a groin injury.
He will now join his compatriot Tevez on the sidelines, but for totally different reasons following Tevez's suspension from the club for Tuesday's incident.
While the game ended well for City it was another unhappy afternoon for Blackburn, who are one off the bottom, with fans staying behind after the final whistle with banners and posters demanding the sacking of manager Steve Kean.
It was the second time in two weeks fans protested against the manager, but he told Sky Sports afterwards: "I hope they change because we are working hard.
"I know they are frustrated, we, the staff and players are as well, but I say, stick with us we will turn this around. We've got a lot of bright young players, but we are in a difficult moment."
Four matches are scheduled for Sunday with Bolton hosting Chelsea, Fulham playing Queens Park Rangers, Swansea City hosting Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur facing Arsenal at White Hart Lane in the always eagerly-awaited north London derby.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
PREVIEW Borisov ready for close encounter with Barca
BATE Borisov midfielder Filipp Rudik expects an otherworldly experience on Wednesday when he plays against Barcelona in the Champions League at a sold-out Dinamo Stadion in Minsk.
The Group H clash is one of eight matches across the continent featuring four other former Champions League winners -- the pick of which features Olympique Marseille at home to Borussia Dortmund in Group F.
Holders Barcelona, having conceded a last-minute equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw with AC Milan in their opening group match at the Nou Camp, will be anxious to take all three points against the champions of Belarus.
BATE began their campaign with a low-key draw at Czechs Viktoria Plzen but things are about to get a little more exciting for Rudik and his team mates.
"Because I have never met creatures from outer space before," Plzen said when asked what was so special about the prospect of a close encounter with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and David Villa.
"I wanted to play against Barcelona and luck was on my side in the draw," the 24-year-old added on UEFA's website (www.uefa.com).
Porto, European champions in 2004 and 1987, travel to Zenit St Petersburg in the early kickoff in Group G while seven-times champions Milan host Plzen in the other Group H game.
Chelsea continue their quest for Champions League glory at Valencia in Group E with new signing Juan Mata facing his former club while fellow Londoners Arsenal host Olympiakos in Group F.
The Group H clash is one of eight matches across the continent featuring four other former Champions League winners -- the pick of which features Olympique Marseille at home to Borussia Dortmund in Group F.
Holders Barcelona, having conceded a last-minute equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw with AC Milan in their opening group match at the Nou Camp, will be anxious to take all three points against the champions of Belarus.
BATE began their campaign with a low-key draw at Czechs Viktoria Plzen but things are about to get a little more exciting for Rudik and his team mates.
"Because I have never met creatures from outer space before," Plzen said when asked what was so special about the prospect of a close encounter with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and David Villa.
"I wanted to play against Barcelona and luck was on my side in the draw," the 24-year-old added on UEFA's website (www.uefa.com).
Porto, European champions in 2004 and 1987, travel to Zenit St Petersburg in the early kickoff in Group G while seven-times champions Milan host Plzen in the other Group H game.
Chelsea continue their quest for Champions League glory at Valencia in Group E with new signing Juan Mata facing his former club while fellow Londoners Arsenal host Olympiakos in Group F.
"Finished" Tevez denies refusing to play
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez denied on Wednesday he had refused to come on as a substitute in their Champions League match against Bayern Munich and said he is ready to play on for the club.
Manager Roberto Mancini told reporters that the Argentine had ignored his instruction to warm up early in the second half of Tuesday's 2-0 defeat in Germany and that Tevez was "finished" while he was manager.
Tevez, who has found controversy follow him from club to club, sought to placate City fans whom he has already angered over the past year with his open desire to leave the club.
"There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood," he said in a statement, according to local media.
"I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich.
"They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club. In Munich on Tuesday, I had warmed up and was ready to play.
"This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play. Going forward, I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."
If Mancini sticks to his guns, Tevez's words will fall on deaf ears at a club whose patience he has tested several times.
Last December he put in a transfer request that the club turned down, while he lodged another at the end of the season citing family reasons.
He made scathing comments about Manchester on an Argentine chat show in June, saying the city "has nothing" and is "very expensive" and that he was "never going back to Manchester, not even on holiday".
'DISGRACE TO FOOTBALL'
He nevertheless returned after a planned move to Brazilian club Corinthians fell through but was stripped of the club captaincy and found himself relegated to the bench as compatriot Sergio Aguero was paired with Edin Dzeko up front.
It is a major fall from grace for the player who won City fans hearts with his work rate and goals after a controversial move across the city from Manchester United in 2009.
His arrival in the blue side of the northwest English city created a storm when City posted a giant 'Welcome to Manchester' billboard following his defection.
It was a sign of things to come and also the latest in a chain of headline-grabbing issues that Tevez has been at the centre of during his time in England.
His first English club West Ham United were fined for breaking rules on third-party agreements regarding player transfers when signing him from Corinthians in 2006.
There followed a protracted legal battle with Sheffield United, who sued West Ham for the cost of relegation saying the Londoners should have faced the drop instead because they should have been given a points deduction as well as the fine.
After two years, the clubs settled out of court. In the meantime, Tevez joined Manchester United in another controversial deal involving more player ownership issues.
He then upset United fans by moving down the road to City.
That transfer provided Tevez with a platform he never had at United to be the team's main goalscorer and it looked like the flow of controversy around him might have been stemmed.
He became popular with City fans and even last season finished joint top scorer in the Premier League despite his wish to leave the club.
What happens next remains to be seen as Mancini said he would be talking to the club's owner Sheikh Mansour, who is likely to be unimpressed by the widespread criticism from the footballing world and British media of the player.
"He is a disgrace to football," former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness, now a television pundit, said. "The owners need to get him as far away as possible because that type of behaviour can spread."
Manager Roberto Mancini told reporters that the Argentine had ignored his instruction to warm up early in the second half of Tuesday's 2-0 defeat in Germany and that Tevez was "finished" while he was manager.
Tevez, who has found controversy follow him from club to club, sought to placate City fans whom he has already angered over the past year with his open desire to leave the club.
"There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood," he said in a statement, according to local media.
"I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich.
"They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club. In Munich on Tuesday, I had warmed up and was ready to play.
"This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play. Going forward, I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."
If Mancini sticks to his guns, Tevez's words will fall on deaf ears at a club whose patience he has tested several times.
Last December he put in a transfer request that the club turned down, while he lodged another at the end of the season citing family reasons.
He made scathing comments about Manchester on an Argentine chat show in June, saying the city "has nothing" and is "very expensive" and that he was "never going back to Manchester, not even on holiday".
'DISGRACE TO FOOTBALL'
He nevertheless returned after a planned move to Brazilian club Corinthians fell through but was stripped of the club captaincy and found himself relegated to the bench as compatriot Sergio Aguero was paired with Edin Dzeko up front.
It is a major fall from grace for the player who won City fans hearts with his work rate and goals after a controversial move across the city from Manchester United in 2009.
His arrival in the blue side of the northwest English city created a storm when City posted a giant 'Welcome to Manchester' billboard following his defection.
It was a sign of things to come and also the latest in a chain of headline-grabbing issues that Tevez has been at the centre of during his time in England.
His first English club West Ham United were fined for breaking rules on third-party agreements regarding player transfers when signing him from Corinthians in 2006.
There followed a protracted legal battle with Sheffield United, who sued West Ham for the cost of relegation saying the Londoners should have faced the drop instead because they should have been given a points deduction as well as the fine.
After two years, the clubs settled out of court. In the meantime, Tevez joined Manchester United in another controversial deal involving more player ownership issues.
He then upset United fans by moving down the road to City.
That transfer provided Tevez with a platform he never had at United to be the team's main goalscorer and it looked like the flow of controversy around him might have been stemmed.
He became popular with City fans and even last season finished joint top scorer in the Premier League despite his wish to leave the club.
What happens next remains to be seen as Mancini said he would be talking to the club's owner Sheikh Mansour, who is likely to be unimpressed by the widespread criticism from the footballing world and British media of the player.
"He is a disgrace to football," former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness, now a television pundit, said. "The owners need to get him as far away as possible because that type of behaviour can spread."
Tevez denies he refused to play in Munich
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has denied he refused to play in Tuesday's Champions League Group A match against Bayern Munich, media reports said on Wednesday.
"There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood," the 27-year-old Argentine international said in a statement, according to Sky Sports.
Manager Roberto Mancini said the unsettled striker was "finished" as a Manchester City player after refusing to go on as a second-half substitute in the English side's 2-0 defeat.
However, a contrite Tevez insisted he had not defied the manager's orders.
"I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich," he continued.
"They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club. In Munich on Tuesday, I had warmed up and was ready to play.
"This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play.
"Going forward, I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."
"There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood," the 27-year-old Argentine international said in a statement, according to Sky Sports.
Manager Roberto Mancini said the unsettled striker was "finished" as a Manchester City player after refusing to go on as a second-half substitute in the English side's 2-0 defeat.
However, a contrite Tevez insisted he had not defied the manager's orders.
"I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich," he continued.
"They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club. In Munich on Tuesday, I had warmed up and was ready to play.
"This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play.
"Going forward, I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."
Kaka resurgence good news for Real and Mourinho
Real Madrid sit comfortably on top of Champions League Group D following Tuesday's 3-0 win at home to Ajax Amsterdam but the resurgence of Kaka is perhaps an even more pleasing development for coach Jose Mourinho.
The 29-year-old Brazil playmaker has mostly been a shadow of the man who won the World Player of the Year award in 2007 since he joined from AC Milan at the end of the 2008-09 season for a fee of almost 70 million euros ($95.4 million).
He has suffered a series of injuries and needed knee surgery after last year's World Cup but his match-winning performance against Ajax, when he scored the second goal and had a hand in the other two, suggested he is getting back to his best.
The boyish grin has returned to his face and he was given a rousing ovation by the Bernabeu faithful when he was substituted with around 15 minutes left as Real made it two wins from two in Europe's elite club competition this season.
"He has had a really bad time," Mourinho's assistant Aitor Karanka, standing in for his suspended boss, told a news conference.
"For those of us who have kept faith in him, seeing the look of happiness he has had on his face for a while now is very satisfying," he added.
"A great player like him, and considering what he has been through, deserves to be happy again."
Before Tuesday, Kaka had shown glimpses of his old self in pre-season games and in the first few rounds of La Liga and he scored the fifth goal in their 6-0 drubbing of Real Zaragoza on the opening weekend of the Spanish domestic season.
Up to now, Mourinho has generally picked Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil ahead of the Brazilian and there were unsourced reports Kaka was set to leave Real in the close season for around half what he cost the Spanish giants.
Real captain Iker Casillas said the team were thrilled that he appeared to have turned a corner.
"We know what a class player and person he is and we have faith in him," the Spain goalkeeper told reporters after the Ajax game.
"He is committed to himself, to his team mates and to the team," he added.
"We want him to be what he was before but we know what the press is like. If he has a less-brilliant match he'll be criticised again."
The 29-year-old Brazil playmaker has mostly been a shadow of the man who won the World Player of the Year award in 2007 since he joined from AC Milan at the end of the 2008-09 season for a fee of almost 70 million euros ($95.4 million).
He has suffered a series of injuries and needed knee surgery after last year's World Cup but his match-winning performance against Ajax, when he scored the second goal and had a hand in the other two, suggested he is getting back to his best.
The boyish grin has returned to his face and he was given a rousing ovation by the Bernabeu faithful when he was substituted with around 15 minutes left as Real made it two wins from two in Europe's elite club competition this season.
"He has had a really bad time," Mourinho's assistant Aitor Karanka, standing in for his suspended boss, told a news conference.
"For those of us who have kept faith in him, seeing the look of happiness he has had on his face for a while now is very satisfying," he added.
"A great player like him, and considering what he has been through, deserves to be happy again."
Before Tuesday, Kaka had shown glimpses of his old self in pre-season games and in the first few rounds of La Liga and he scored the fifth goal in their 6-0 drubbing of Real Zaragoza on the opening weekend of the Spanish domestic season.
Up to now, Mourinho has generally picked Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil ahead of the Brazilian and there were unsourced reports Kaka was set to leave Real in the close season for around half what he cost the Spanish giants.
Real captain Iker Casillas said the team were thrilled that he appeared to have turned a corner.
"We know what a class player and person he is and we have faith in him," the Spain goalkeeper told reporters after the Ajax game.
"He is committed to himself, to his team mates and to the team," he added.
"We want him to be what he was before but we know what the press is like. If he has a less-brilliant match he'll be criticised again."
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