Manchester City's Mario Balotelli answers your questions in #AskMario

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli answers your questions in this City T.V. exclusive via Twitter.

Submit yours here @ Manchester City @MCFC

SAF's post-match interview after United's 6-1 defeat (video)

Sir Alex Ferguson's post match interview after Manchester United lost 6-1 to cross town rivals Manchester City.

Mario Balotelli is F***ing Brilliant (Video)

I woke up this morning and still believed I dreamed that I actually witnessed Manchester United lose 6-1 yesterday to Manchester City. Realizing it actually happened brings a grin to my face wider than the United goal was left open by United's keeper David De Gea. 


City's Manager Roberto Mancini put the onus on his team to go for the win by breaking out of defensive shackles that normally serves as the ethos to his tactical setup, starting Mario Balotelli, Kun Aguero and David Silva. Balotelli opened the scoring with a grass-cutter into the corner form the top of the box, celebrating it by removing his jersey exposing a shirt that read, " Why always me?"All I can say in response is that he's fucking brilliant! Hearing reports that he today is driving around Manchester hi-fiving City fans, just makes me like the man even more. I'am no City fan, but my hatred for Manchester United can not be quelled so this freak result I feel is a once in a life time experience.


Balotelli has received so mush shtick from pundits, fans, mangers- basically anyone involved in world football but for all his faults or short comings, he seems to have finally arrived. The success coming to City seems to have put a smile on the mans face, and he seems to be enjoying his footy. I was once skeptical that he would ever overcome his bad attitude to fulfill his potential, but I can clearly see now that his skills are coming the the floor, and I'am loving watching him as it's refreshing to see some one bringing a little humor to the game when he embrace's his much -maligned persona.

Attack of the Green Laser pens....Champions League action

"Set lasers to stun boys!"

If you watched the Champions League clashes of Chelsea vs. Valencia and Dortmund vs. Marseille you would noticed a sickly green feature on the various players faces and bodies. This is not due to bad fish served at the team hotel, but childish troublemakers shining laser pens into the eyes of the players in both of the games. Having played with them myself I know how far they shine/ how painful they are if pointed into your eyes for a duration upward of 1.5 seconds. Now I don't think Dortmund's keeper Weidenfeller could blame letting Andre Ayew's goal on temporary blindness, but in the case of Solomon Kalou's groping of the ball in box, I would recommend the adverse. I might get some stick from the secret laser society  for not praising their organization, popping up in two different games across Europe. A successful achievement in the plot to annoy the piss out of players, refs and fans alike, the shenanigans  caused by laser wielding hooligans led to plenty of commentary from the match reporters, so I guess mission accomplished.  

Speaking of shenanigans: the players who participated got into the most for this round of CL action were Edison Cavani for his unparalleled forward play, notching the penalty in their match against a brittle Villarreal, and Super Mario Gomez, popping up with two pure poacher goals in the drubbing of a out of sorts Man City. Alexander Frei wasn't to shabby grabbing a brace against Man United, and Ramirez finally looks to be settling into Chelsea's midfield, showing blistering pace allowing him to catch up with his poor first touch. Honorable mentions go to Andre Ayew of Marseille, Marek Hamsik of Napoli, Frank Ribery, and Valencia's goalkeeper Diego Alves who came up with a myriad of peachy  saves defying Chelsea from taking the away win.

Team flops of this round had to be Manchester City, who as a team failed to make any impact whatsoever outside of the first five minutes. Neuer was working on his tan while Joe Hart was going bald over the slack marking that led to both goals. Mario Gomez is as in form as nature allows right now, and he came up with a masterclass in a positional sense, it's got to be that hair! The team looked like one tht has never layed in a European competition- yet the majority of the team has vast experience  playing for other teams that have. That set the adhesive that holds their team of individuals together suffered in the humidity, peeling away to expose the weak foundation that the squad is build on. They just plain and simply looked awful.

The second flop of the week Is actually a two parter, but both team wear yellow. The sub(par)marine yellow of Villarreal and the Gelb(yellow) of Dortmund. Villarreal I thought might be a surprise package in the so called group of death which includes Napoli, Munich and City, yet judging on results so far I'd reckon their hyde will be scared by whips come advancement time. They looked terrible going forward, with Nilmar lacking confidence and touch he made Nil impact on proceedings, whilst Giuseppe Rossi like the little engine that could, chugged his way to relevance, but couldn't break the deadbolt of Inler and Cannavaro. 

Dortmund played 10 times better than they did against Arsenal a fortnight ago, and all they got was a 3-0 defeat. Goetze looked lively yet he was left to forage for himself. Hummels and Subotic made some uncharacteristic mistakes in the back with a slip from Subotic leading the Marseilles first goal, and a poor back header from Hummels granting Remy the chance to run, chest and volley past Wiedenfeller in goal for the second. Like Man City, Dortmund look a team a bit overwhelmed by the task of vying in the Champions League. 

For a full summery of results and scorers hit the link. The Link 

A Little Carling Cup Action

Last night Liverpool faced Championship side Brighton, where the re-emergance of Capt. Stevie G was the crowing moment in their 2-1 win. Gulf of class aside, Brighton put in a good showing creating a flurry of chances in the second half, forcing the Reds onto the back foot. A goal from Craig Bellamy in the first half gave the Reds a slender lead that looked threatened by the likes of Buckley and Craig Noone. Liverpool hit the bar 3 times, the most notably was Bellamy's 35 yarder that moved more than a Uhaul  truck. Brighton looked dangerous, maybe chalking some of it down to Liverpool plateauing abit, but chances where created and until Kuyt sured up the lead, I was worried. Gerrard came on with a bout 25 minutes to go, getting right into the thick of it, arguing with the ref with the dodgy haircut within seconds. He should start against Wolves at the weekend, bumping Charlie Adam to the bench. Liverpool weren't the only club to bring a high profile player off the bench, as Brighton capped new signing, and former Spanish International Vicente. 

Following up on debuts and re-introductions Owen Hargreaves made his debut appearance for Man City against cup holders Birmingham, scoring a cracking goal- that hopefully is the starting point of his recreation process.

Sergio "Kun" Aguero signs deal with Puma

If you are a nerd like me, you would have noticed Sergio Aguero sporting some shiny new- lizard green cleats in yesterdays Champions League clash with Napoli. An odd sight compared to his normal jet black colored choice of footwear, tickled my interest as to why the sudden change. Aguero has signed a new long-term deal with Puma to which the German company has stated: 


" We’re pleased to announce that Sergio ‘Kun’ Agüero, the South American goal machine has made his second big move of the season, signing a long-term deal with PUMA! The Argentinean international will wear our Speed line of boots, beginning this evening with the v1.11 as Manchester City take on SSC Napoli in their historic first UEFA Champions League game. Trotting out in their signature signature v1.11 boots Aguero put in a fine showing, catching the eye of myself, which is not to hard to do when wearing high-ligter green kicks

A Brief Champions League Review.

I have to toot my own horn a little as we end the first 2 days of the Champions League group stage, by saying that my " good"game selecting qualities were quite successful, recommending people to follow one vs. others. After consuming seven games in the last two days, my eyes have uncrossed allowing me now to report on the action, action that left me shaking starting with Pato's 25 second goal to Kolarov's free-kick. 


The best games on display this week were Napoli v. Manchester City, Lille v. CSKA Moscow, Barcelona v.  AC Milan and Chelsea v. Leverkusen.


Champions League Game of the day 9/14

Napoli and Man City's rendezvous resulted in a fantastic battle, both sides trying to get a foothold in the so-called group of death. This spectacle served as an advert for counter attacking football, with Napoli's striking dynamo Edison Cavani, putting it through Joe Harts wickets for the first goal. after a sweeping move started by Napoli defender Christian Maggio. Maggio had a really good game in defense and attack, starting the break that let to the goal with a burst from the back.  Man City controlled most of the possession and their equalizer came in the form a free kick that Kolarov curled in with fantastic style. 1-1 was a good result for both teams being somewhat virgins to the competition, setting up Villarreal as the whipping boy's in a tough group that includes Bayern Munich. Bayern's match with Villarreal was a game that sank the Yellow Submarine without much retaliation. Looking toothless in attack, Giuseppe Rossi looked like he was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart -in his clubs' attack, linking poorly with Nilmar, and Cani. The defense of Carlos Marchena and the midfield were unable to cope with the German clubs pace-ier player's, though news signing Cristian Zapata had a great game. Bayern had their way 2-0.

The free scoring match between Lille and CSKA, was one I had a gut feeling about. One of those games you look at, knowing full well it's not the glamorous of glamour ties, yet salivating over the prospect. 2-2  in a attack heavy game, proved me right justifying my lack of sleep for the up coming day.

Nasri signs for City and it's OFFICIAL. Sorry Arsenal...

A move that has been coming like the floods of the apocalypse for Arsenal, waters blue like the shirts of the aggressors. Truth is Arsenal has no one to blame but them selves. Failing to strengthen in the closing transfer window,  intent seems at an all time low. Much shit has been hurled at the N. London club of late and harsh it may be, but it's somewhat deserved. The departure of Fabregas, slow opening to the Premier league season, and most of all the lack of urgency in signing new players, much needed at the Arsenal. 


In Nasri's defense, the allure of a rich club  on the rise is about as attractive as coke is to Adrian Mutu, how could he say no? He has stated the move is fueled by the desire to win trophies, and if the case leaving the Arsenal is the right move. Losing the in the Carling Cup final to Birmingham last year might have been the final straw for the silky frenchman, but what ever it was he's free and clear now. 


It pains me slightly to see, not for Arsenal, but for Nasri. It can go two ways in my mind. The winning mentality seeming to be growing at City can inspire Nasri, pushing him on to new heights and earning the name of the "new Zidane." This may result, or he will be over shadowed by the likes of Silva, Yaya, and  El Kun Aguero. I was so excited to see him move the the EPl from Marseille, and he couldn't have landed at a better club that Arsenal. He slots right in, with his style, passing and pace. Having to play around Fabregas, the departure of the Spaniard should have been Nasri's clue to step-up, take the reign's and run that club, but alas he has elected to exit stage left. 

United lifts shield for 15th time.

The title of  community shield, did not connotate a defense display by both Manchester club's, as each team went for the throat, and an thrilling opening to the new season.  The final game, capping off of the pre season ended emphatically with a Manchester derby, that had almost everything. A rip-roaring start, shenanigans from Balotelli , goals, and bone-crunching tackles.  Both teams were off  to the races from the start as United looked much the better side, pinning City back for most of the first half. The sky blues' had trouble coping, racking up 5 yellow cards in the first half. Yet, when Phil Dowd blew for the break, City was up 2-0. United's  new boy David De Gea looked an easy target in goal,at fault for the goal's as he failed to come for a lofted ball from a set-peice, finding the expansive fore-head of Joleon Lescott, for the first. The Spanish youngster did all but redeem himself after being caught flat-footed on a Dzeko blast from outside the box. For United's dominate showing, they failed to reap the rewards.  
The game seemed a tale of two halves when early in the second United equalized off the boot of Chris Smalling, connecting to the end of  Ashley Young's  cross. The wind where in United's sails, as once again City looked out-classed for the second as Nani scored after some  ticky-tacky play, that gave meaning to Geometry.  The game looked set to for penalties, until a stoppage time clearance from Rooney landed at City defend Vincent Kompany's feet, but a bounce in United's fortune, evaded the Belgian, and landed right in the path of  the on-rushing Nani, putting him clear in on goal, making it 3-2 United. United seal their 15     Community Shield trophy, and well deserved of their play.


Though the class of the clubs' looked slightly unbalanced, City gave it a good running, and be it early, the project on the blue side of Manchester, looks one to pay dividends. It seems every season English fan's alike bill the upcoming season as the most exciting, but it's true, this season does seem something special. Will City  announce themselves as a title challenger? Can Chelsea plus new manager AVB keep up? Will Arsenal struggle for a Champions' League spot? Can Liverpool get back into the top four? All tantalizing question that  will be answered come the business end of the campaign

Balotelli Hotdog's, gets benched.

Mario Balotelli's attempt at a audacious back-heel represents what's wrong with these friendlies.

In The World Football Challenge match of Manchester City vs. LA Galaxy, misunderstood Italian International Mario Balotelli attempts a circus-like kick, in which he fails miserably, ending in him being subbed and scolded for his actions. Akin to the reaction's of his team mates I am astounded at his decision making??? Ever since he has emerged as an Internationally known player, Balotelli has evoked many emotions among fans, players and managers, most of all shock. Their is NO denying, he has incredible natural talent especially for his age, but the same couldn't be said about his behavior. No one seems to understand him. Is it a troubled life, I couldn't say? But what he has exposed today is that these friendlies aren't helping anyone. 


European teams flock to the US summer training, the pay-out and for global brand expansion.  For the MLS: teams get to lock horns with the best in the world, hopefully gaining invaluable experience, not to mention selling large amounts of tickets in the process. Good deal? in theory...but what Balotelli has exposed, in combination with Man United's 7 goals against the Sounders, serves the question: Are these friendlies helping or hindering the game in this this country.


Attracting these world powerhouses puts American butts in seats, but when fans see their team get annihilated  7-0, what is that doing to progress the game. Results like this makes me wonder (if I was a new fan), why should I waste my time watching a mediocre league, supporting a mediocre team, in that mediocre league, when the talent elsewhere operates on a totally different level. The talent gap is made apparent, and today it turned disrespectful with Balotelli besmirching the competition, then shrugging his shoulders. Do the math.

Transfer Talk 7/21/11

American Midfield Alejandro Bedoya  completes his move to Scottish side Rangers, pending a work permit, announced via twitter. Bedoya will join fellow American Maurice Edu at Ibrox come January of 2012, once the swedish season has ended. Ranger's are a team always in contention for a Scottish title, so if Bedoya establishes himself in the team, he will maybe get a taste of silver ware.

Reports today: Alexis Sanchez has signed for Barcelona pending official announcement. Once the most talked about transfer of the summer, it had hit the back-burner the last couple of weeks, until  current club Udinese announced  that the Chilean international is on his way to the Camp Nou, for a reported 26 million euro's, cash + 11 million in bonuses. 

Carlos Tevez's transfer to Corinthians has fallen through, with the Brazilian club announcing they cannot sign the bullish forward, deeming it "impossible." This leaves Tevez stuck at City until another offer comes in. At this point in proceedings the Argentine has to go. If he stay's at Manchester, when he clearly doesn't want to be there the potential for boiling points with club and manager increases 10 -fold.

Man City agrees to a 45 million pound offer from Corinthians for Carlos Tevez.

Carlos Tevez has been linked with move away from Eastland's for sometime now, but this offer marks the only to surface so far this summer. If he were to leave, it would be to some City supporter's chagrin, but on a whole it would probably be better for the club, and player. There is no doubting Tevez's talent, scoring 43 goals in 63 appearances for City, scoring 20 last year crowning him joint top scorer. He's a bulldog on the field continuously working hard for the team, always giving 110%. On the flip-side he has a bit of a attitude and is renowned as a mercenary, willing to play for any club, kiss any badge, if the price is right. Personally I don't think he will move to Corinthians, and If he did  I would be disappointed. Call me selfish, but I would like to see Tevez mucking it up in one of the top European leagues, not in the Brazilian league which is rather hard to view. My wish may come true as  I have heard reports Tevez has also been linked with a move down to the  south of Spain, with Malaga reportedly  offering 50 million euro's for the Argentine. Moving to a club like Malaga would be a perfect fit for Tevez, It's a club starting a new dynasty with a bundle of new signings, someplace where Tevez could make his mark on a club that's in transition, and possibly take them to a Europa League spot next year. A move to Spain could possibly make Tevez feel more comfortable, in a nation that speaks his native Spanish, an issue during his time in England. Tevez has also been linked with a move to Italy, as Juventus  being possible suitors. It is pretty clear that he will leave Manchester this summer but to where...is unsure? All I can say is that his impact at City will be missed next year but with the talent like Edin Dzeko, and David Silva, I am sure they can cope.

Man City's stadium now Etihad stadium

Manchester City's stadium has been renamed Etihad stadium from " the City of Manchester Stadium" due to their ten-year partnership with Etihad Airways.