Media round-up: Friday, 21st October
By Ric Turner, Fri 21 October 2011 07:50
This weekend's Manchester derby dominates today's headlines. According to The Guardian Mario Balotelli insists there will be no personal grudge between himself and Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford on Sunday. "I don't have anything against him," he said. "He is a great player. I didn't ever speak to him [at Wembley]. I was just celebrating, but not against them [United supporters]. I showed him the shirt of City and obviously he got angry with me. For me, what happened on the pitch stayed on the pitch and now we are friends like before. Or we respect each other anyway. I'm going to give him the handshake before the game like I give to everyone."
The Manchester Evening News report that Micah Richards believes Manchester United are "a bit frightened" of City. "United now know, much as they won't say it, that we are a genuine threat to them," the 23-year-old defender said. "To get that banner down is quality - we have got the last laugh. We are not going out and saying we will win this game or that game, but they call us the noisy neighbours. I think they're a bit frightened."
The Mirror and The Daily Mail report that City have made a "dramatic climbdown" over Roberto Mancini's claims that Carlos Tevez refused to play against Bayern Munich. None of Mancini's back room staff have been able to confirm their manager's version of events, meaning that Tevez will face a lesser charge of refusing to warm up.
The Mail goes on to claim that Corinthians are interested in a cut-price £20m deal for the striker in January. Director of football Edu is quoted as saying "It is difficult to talk about a price to say if he is worth it or not. City have said Tevez must stay out of the club for a month. Mancini said that he does not want him back. We will hope to resolve his situation."
Elsewhere The Mirror report that City are tracking Lille winger Eden Hazard, although Arsenal remain favourites to sign the player.
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