Man City board lambasted by ex-Premier League chief executive after ‘£5m’ green light

Man City board lambasted by ex-Premier League chief executive after ‘£5m’ green light

Former Everton chief Keith Wyness has accused Man City chiefs of being ignorant of the consequences of raising ticket prices.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted fan groups should be involved with issues such as ticketing and suggested they can make executives “uncomfortable” through protest.

Man City informed fans last month that ticket prices will rise by an average of five per cent for all fans next season.

Supporters responded by raising a banner at the Etihad Stadium accusing the club of “exploiting their loyalty” ahead of their 0-0 draw with Arsenal (31 March) – which led to stewards ordering fans to remove the message from the stands.

Wyness ‘afraid’ for Man City owners after 5% ticket price increase
City announced record-breaking revenue of £713million in their 2022-23 accounts – but their matchday revenue of £72million trailed behind some rivals.

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “The board will have approved this policy, which will have been brought to them by the commercial line.

“They’ll be thinking it’s great because it is another five million or so [pounds] on the bottom line.

“But they haven’t really thought through the consequences.

“Even with this race to get more and more revenue in a competitive environment, the fan has to be considered more.

“I’ve always been a big fan of that.

“I do think fans should be involved in things like pricing. A lot of the groups understand the need for increases, but they want to see it done logically.

“If you go together, you can find the right solution.”

☰

Real Madrid

HE CAN BE ON THE VISIT TO FC BARCELONA

Real Madrid does not rule out Antonio Rüdiger for the Copa del Rey Clásico
PUBLISHED:02.04.2023 23:50H
Antonio Rüdiger was absent at the last minute in Real Madrid’s squad for this Sunday’s match against Valladolid, but his presence in the Clásico against FC Barcelona this Wednesday is not in danger, due to the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals
Tickets for FC Barcelona matches
The Real Madrid did party in the visit of the Real Valladolid (6-0) with a stellar performance of the group of Carlo Ancelotti, but hours before the fear had installed in the breast of the White House by the sudden drop of Antonio Rüdiger to last hour of the announcement of the merengues, that caused that the trainer of Reggiolo gave gone back to his approach, although the plan resulted positively.

In front of the absence of Ferland Mendy by injury and Nacho Fernández by sanction, the most likely was that Ancelotti bet by the couple of head offices of Eder Militao and Antonio Rüdiger, with David Praises displaced to the left side so that Eduardo Camavinga split from the centre of the field, but the absence of the German caused that the Madrid went out with the ’12’ in the left band, a double pivote with Tchouameni and Kroos, beside four forwards. The bet finish being quite hit, because it was a very offensive team, but remained the doubt on the state of the ex of Chelsea.

Carlo Ancelotti descarta the injury of Antonio Rüdiger
Although it still has not subjected to proofs to know the scope of the annoyances that forced him to lose the party of this Sunday in Santiago Bernabéu, from the Madrid descartan that it was something very grave and, in fact, expect that it form part of the announcement to travel to Barcelona for the dispute of the turn of the semifinals of the Glass of Rey, this Wednesday in the Spotify Camp Nou.

In room of press, Ancelotti commented that “we still do not know it but the feeling is that it was much better, almost without pain” and that “the Monday will have a proof I do not understand of knees, but do not think that was serious problem. Walking today walked well, with a small annoyance. It will do him a proof and will value it”.

A Classical of life or death for the Madrid
Ancelotti Expects to have all his players to visit to the FC Barcelona, because it is conscious that it plays a lot and that, if it remains deleted in the Glass of Rey, will be a varapalo for the team because LaLiga is very complicated and in the Champions League is a Russian roulette. They go to contracorriente, after having fallen by the minimum in Santiago Bernabéu (0-1) and would have to do a practically perfect party to trace back the result in the feudo barcelonista.

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Man City star ‘asks about Barcelona transfer’ – and wants Lionel Messi’s No.10 shirt
Bernardo Silva has long been tipped for a transfer to Barcelona and now one of his international team-mates claims that the Manchester City winger wants to make it happen

Bernardo Silva continues to be linked with Barcelona (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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Manchester City star Bernardo Silva is seriously interested in signing for Barcelona, according to Portugal team-mate Joao Felix.

Bernardo, 29, has been continually linked with a move to Barca in recent years, while Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia are understood to be keen. The Portuguese winger signed a contract extension with City at the beginning of this season but only until the summer of 2026, and reports claim that a specific release clause was installed which only Barcelona can activate.

International team-mate Felix, who currently plays for Barca on loan from Atletico Madrid, has now claimed that Bernardo has been asking about life in the city and what it’s like to play for the club. Felix also insists that the City hero wants to inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic No.10 shirt, currently occupied by Ansu Fati, who’s spending this season on loan at Brighton.

Felix revealed in an interview with Spanish outlet Jijantes. “His sister-in-law is here, [he’s asked me] about how things are here, the weather, tax issues… I told him it’s all right for him to come.”

Man Utd legend’s twin sons sign first professional contracts with club after quitting Man City

Pep Guardiola facing first summer exit as Man City star considering future
The Atletico loanee also believes that Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo, who’s on loan at Barcelona from City until the end of the season, can help make Bernardo’s potential move a success. “If I were Deco (Barcelona’s sporting director) for a day I would sign Bernardo Silva without a doubt,” Felix explained.

“Have you seen him play? He’s even better as a person. He’s from Cancelo’s generation. Now players last until they are 35-36 years old. [But] I don’t think Manchester City will make it easy.

“For €50million (£42.8m) I would bring him, and for €60-70m (£51.4m-£60m) he’s worth it. He would like to wear the number 10. It’s a very important number at the club, you can’t give it to just anyone, you have to be careful. It’s my favourite number, but I’ve never worn it.”

Your turn! Should Bernardo Silva leave Manchester City and sign for Barcelona? Let us know in the comments section.

Joao Felix has told Bernardo Silva details about life in Barcelona ( Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Bernardo may’ve committed his short-term future to City back in August, but he’s already opened up on where he’d like to play before he retires – and Felix should be aware that it’s not Barcelona. Speaking to CNN Portgual last November, Bernardo confirmed: “I want to return to Benfica. If the club wants me at the time, obviously things will happen.”

Having signed the 29-year-old from Monaco for what now looks a bargain £43m in 2017, boss Pep Guardiola doesn’t want to lose him. Guardiola remarked after City’s recent FA Cup victory over Newcastle: “Everybody loves him and we want him. He’s really important for us.”

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Ian Wright
Jamie Carragher says there’s one thing Jurgen Klopp does at Liverpool that no other manager can do better.

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Liverpool have returned to the top of the Premier League table after battling to a 3-1 win over Sheffield United at Anfield on Thursday night.

On paper, the Reds were heavy favourites against a team at the foot of the Premier League table and looking destined for an immediate return to the Championship.

However, Liverpool didn’t blow the Blades away. Not on the scoresheet anyway. They boasted 83 percent of possession, but for a while, they struggled to break their opponents down.

The Reds did take the lead in the first half, but were pegged back just before the hour mark and needed a moment a magic to get back in front in the 76th minute of the game.

Alexis Mac Allister fired home a ferocious effort from the edge of the box to make it 2-1, after which Cody Gakpo rounded off the scoring to make all three points safe.

Prior to Mac Allister and Gakpo’s goals, Darwin Nunez had opened the scoring on 17 minutes, but an unfortunate Conor Bradley own goal got the Blades back into the game in the 58th minute.

What did Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp do against Sheffield United that was so effective?
Since the five substitutions rule came into play in the Premier League, Klopp has been eager to make the most of it. And it has certainly made an impact for the Reds.

A Sky Sports article from 7 March noted how, at the time of writing, Liverpool had made 119 substitutions and 22 goals came from those who came off the bench.

On Thursday, Klopp made some inspired substitutions, with Gakpo and Curtis Jones adding the energy the Reds needed to break the Sheffield United resistance.

In addition, Andrew Robertson – who also came off the bench – provided the assist for fellow substitute Gakpo to make it 3-1.

Jamie Carragher took to X after the game to praise Klopp for being “better than anyone” else in making game-changing substitutions.

Another job well done for Liverpool, who return to the top of the Premier League table.

With each of the top three having played 30 league fixtures, the Reds are now top on 70 points, while Arsenal are second on 68 and Manchester City are third on 67.

Klopp and co are next in action on Sunday, when they head to Old Trafford for one of the most hotly-contested fixtures in the English calendar, Manchester United v Liverpool.

Watch Chelsea vs Man Utd Premier League goals highlights,Man United left with tears 😞

LIVE🛑Watch Chelsea vs Man Utd Live stream Here, perfect goal from C.Gallagher

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Chelsea vs Man United: All you need to know
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Chelsea versus Manchester United is one of the great heavyweight bouts of the Premier League era. Ahead of the latest meeting between the two teams, club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton detail all you need to know.

Neither side is currently where they would like to be. The unusual 8.15pm Thursday kick-off at Stamford Bridge will bring to a close matchweek 31 – the penultimate full set of midweek fixtures this season – and neither is in the top four.

However, unbeaten in nine games over 90 minutes in all competitions, the Blues are poised five points behind seventh-placed West Ham United with up to three games in hand over the Hammers and all clubs in between.

There was no disguising the lost opportunity against 10-man Burnley for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who slipped to 12th after recent results. Football offers quick routes to redemption, though, and the prospect of exorcising our longest-ever winless league run against the Red Devils is just that.

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POCH’S PRESS CONFERENCE 🎙️
Mauricio faces the media ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Man United at Stamford Bridge…

The results of Erik ten Hag’s sixth-placed side have often eclipsed their performances – across west London at Brentford on Saturday they were denied what would’ve been a fourth stoppage-time winner by an even later equaliser.

To banish those demons, Chelsea must end our worst current track record against any league opponent. We have not taken all three points from United in a dozen meetings home or away, losing five.

However, only one of United’s previous nine league outings in the capital has ended in victory (including that draw at Brentford), and they’ve lost four of the last six.

Palmer celeb Newcastle H GettyImages 2076474877
Chelsea defeated the last two visiting league teams who were above us in the table – Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United.
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Chelsea will be aiming to claim a first home league win against Manchester United for seven years tonight.

Taking on board the message from leading light Cole Palmer about the need to sharpen up in both boxes would help. Pochettino has also demanded more hunger, energy and individual responsibility out of possession.

While netting 14 times in the past five matches across all competitions the Blues, often through defensive lapses, have conceded two goals on each occasion and drawn twice.

Becoming a unit that is harder to play against would go a long way to solving the Londoners’ issues – no side has handed more shooting opportunities to opponents through defensive actions (22 shots).

The Blues have broken the deadlock in nine of our 14 league games at the Bridge, eight of those openers coming in the first half, and have so far outscored United in the top-flight by 49 goals to 40.

Gusto is not expected to be kept out by the injury he suffered against Burnley
Gusto is not expected to be kept out by the injury he suffered against Burnley
In selection news, Ben Chilwell misses out again through illness, but it is hoped Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto and Robert Sanchez will all be fit to feature. Chukwuemeka’s line-breaking qualities could be crucial against a United side that leaves gaps between midfield and defence.

Meanwhile, Palmer netted in our 2-1 loss at Old Trafford and has the chance to become the first Blues player to score against the Mancunians home and away in a league campaign since Juan Mata in 2012/13.

Goal contributions in all competitions 2023/24
Goals

Assists

Total

Cole Palmer

16

12

28

Nicolas Jackson

12

4

16

Raheem Sterling

8

8

16

Conor Gallagher

4

7

11

Enzo Fernandez

7

2

9

Mykhailo Mudryk

6

2

8

Malo Gusto

0

8

8

Noni Madueke

5

1

6

Axel Disasi

3

0

3

Thiago Silva

3

0

3

Christopher Nkunku

2

0

2

Benoit Badiashile

1

1

2

Carney Chukwuemeka

2

1

3

Levi Colwill

1

1

2

Moises Caicedo

0

2

2

Marc Cucurella

1

0

1

Ben Chilwell

0

1

1

Reece James

0

1

1

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Catch all the Unseen angles from Chelsea’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Burnley at Stamford Bridge.

Opposition scout – Man United
Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, centre-backs Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez, and forward Anthony Martial will not be in Ten Hag’s plans tonight, while winger Amad Diallo is available after suspension.

Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire, who saw out the disappointing conclusion at Brentford, have returned to training but Diogo Dalot is likely to remain at right-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka staying on the left.

Cobham graduate Mason Mount has returned from injury and opened his goals account for the Red Devils against the Bees, but seems unlikely to start. Mount used to initiate pressing at Chelsea and critics have noted United’s struggles when not in possession, moving to recover the ball as individuals rather than in concert.

Only Sheffield United, Luton Town and West Ham have allowed more shots on goal in the league than Ten Hag’s team (495). Yet a number of their players have had successful seasons, not least dynamic teenager Kobbie Mainoo and fellow central midfielder Scott McTominay, who has contributed key goals throughout the campaign.

Former Blue Mount scored his first United goal on Sunday
Former Blue Mount scored his first United goal on Sunday
That has been vital for Ten Hag, as Casemiro has not been the influence he was last season and the team has still depended much on Bruno Fernandes’ playmaking. Chelsea will be wary of livewire Alejandro Garnacho’s mischief on the flank and Rasmus Hojlund’s old school physical presence in the box – they thrive when given space.

Yet few United forwards offer the complete support service to their defensive colleagues and full-backs can be left stranded upfield. The Blues will hope to hurt the visitors with rapid breakaways to exploit the gaps.

The history
From a record crowd of 67,000 for a 1-1 promotion clash on Good Friday 1906, through Matt Busby imitating the ‘guard of honour’ for champions Chelsea in 1955, or those Sixties images of George Best evading Ron Harris’ sideswipes, to the nip-and-tuck title chases of 2004-2013, Chelsea versus Manchester United has been one of football’s biggest draws.

In recent years the Mancunians have had the better of those meetings and are unbeaten in seven visits to the Bridge across all competitions.

Last season a cagey affair exploded into life in the dying moments. In the 87 minute, McTominay grappled Armando Broja at a corner and Jorginho sent David De Gea the wrong way from the spot. Graham Potter’s team could not hold out though, and when Casemiro latched onto a speculative Luke Shaw cross, Kepa Arrizabalaga could only palm onto a post, the ball then crossing the line.

2MINS Chelsea 1 1 Man Utd EPL 2022 23play video
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HIGHLIGHTS: CHELSEA 1-1 MAN UNITED
Highlights from Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

The Blues’ most recent Premier League win over Man Utd at Stamford Bridge was back in November 2017, Alvaro Morata scoring the only goal under Antonio Conte.

Chelsea have lost only two of the 31 Premier League games against United when we’ve opened the scoring (16 wins, 13 draws).

Shooting boots
Against Burnley, Palmer became the first Chelsea player to score in a fifth successive league match at the Bridge since the one and only Eden Hazard in December 2014. He is now also the youngest-ever Blue