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Manchester City Midfielder Nigel de Jong: I Do Not Regret World Cup Tackle On Spain’s Xabi Alonso
Dutchman also defends City owner’s hands-off approach...
| Bet: | Returns: | Porto £24.00 | Draw £32.00 | Manchester City £27.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Porto £25.00 | Draw £33.00 | Manchester City £28.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Porto £27.50 | Draw £32.50 | Manchester City £23.75 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Porto £25.00 | Draw £33.00 | Manchester City £28.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Porto £24.50 | Draw £32.00 | Manchester City £26.50 |
|
Sep 5, 2010 8:30:00 AM
By Zahi Sahli
Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong insists he does not regret his 'kung-fu kick' on Spain’s Xabi Alonso in this summer’s World Cup final.
The Manchester City man inadvertently kicked the midfielder in the chest in the first half of the match, earning a yellow card, and referee Howard Webb has since admitted he should have sent the Dutchman off.
But De Jong is quoted as saying by The Mirror: “I don’t regret anything. I never intended to hurt him. And after such a great World Cup I came back in the dressing room of Manchester City as a different player. Well, that’s how it felt.
“I had just played in the final of the World Cup. It gives you a different status. The lads at City said they were impressed with the Dutch team’s performances out there in South Africa. That was really nice.’’
De Jong has quickly shifted his focus to Manchester City and believes that the Eastlands club must target the Premier League title this season.
He continued: “What makes it really hard for us, is that every team we play, sees us as the big favourite for the title. We are now a hot item in England only because our club have spent such a lot of money on new players. I am not saying they hate us in every stadium, but I do feel there is a tremendous amount of jealousy.
“I really think we must compete with Chelsea and Manchester United this season. Two years ago a new owner arrived here. Last year we laid the foundation, this year we have to fire from all cilinders. We must go and win trophies.
“We can’t expect it to be a smooth ride. United and Chelsea are established teams. Their players know exactly what it takes to win the league.’’
City’s summer revolution in the transfer market means there is competition for places for first-team places and new recruitment Yaya Toure’s arrival was tipped to severely hinder De Jong’s regular football chances.
But both players are currently operating in the same midfield and the Dutchman believes their partnership will flourish.
He said: “I see Yaya more as a central midfield player than a defensive midfield player. He has an attacking mind. I think together we can form a great partnership in midfield. It will be like a strong block.
“Besides, I have always been a regular player in the first team and I expect that will stay like that.”
De Jong feels he can be a stabilising factor for the team this year as so many new faces attempt to settle in at Eastlands.
“Vincent Kompany and I are the only two players who have been with this club before the sheik arrived,” he said. “So I think I am a player with a lot of experience at the club.’’
City owner Sheik Mansour has only attended one match for his club earlier this season since buying the club.
However, the 39-year-old billionaire didn’t meet the players but De Jong has defended the Sheikh, saying that he has a distinct way in which he works.
He ended: “I don’t think that is abnormal. The sheik has installed people at the club who take care of everything on his behalf. That is the way he works. I do know what he looks like, as I have seen pictures of him before. When he was shown on the large screen in the stadium, he was not a complete stranger to all the players.’’
The Manchester City man inadvertently kicked the midfielder in the chest in the first half of the match, earning a yellow card, and referee Howard Webb has since admitted he should have sent the Dutchman off.
But De Jong is quoted as saying by The Mirror: “I don’t regret anything. I never intended to hurt him. And after such a great World Cup I came back in the dressing room of Manchester City as a different player. Well, that’s how it felt.
“I had just played in the final of the World Cup. It gives you a different status. The lads at City said they were impressed with the Dutch team’s performances out there in South Africa. That was really nice.’’
De Jong has quickly shifted his focus to Manchester City and believes that the Eastlands club must target the Premier League title this season.
He continued: “What makes it really hard for us, is that every team we play, sees us as the big favourite for the title. We are now a hot item in England only because our club have spent such a lot of money on new players. I am not saying they hate us in every stadium, but I do feel there is a tremendous amount of jealousy.
“I really think we must compete with Chelsea and Manchester United this season. Two years ago a new owner arrived here. Last year we laid the foundation, this year we have to fire from all cilinders. We must go and win trophies.
“We can’t expect it to be a smooth ride. United and Chelsea are established teams. Their players know exactly what it takes to win the league.’’
City’s summer revolution in the transfer market means there is competition for places for first-team places and new recruitment Yaya Toure’s arrival was tipped to severely hinder De Jong’s regular football chances.
But both players are currently operating in the same midfield and the Dutchman believes their partnership will flourish.
He said: “I see Yaya more as a central midfield player than a defensive midfield player. He has an attacking mind. I think together we can form a great partnership in midfield. It will be like a strong block.
“Besides, I have always been a regular player in the first team and I expect that will stay like that.”
De Jong feels he can be a stabilising factor for the team this year as so many new faces attempt to settle in at Eastlands.
“Vincent Kompany and I are the only two players who have been with this club before the sheik arrived,” he said. “So I think I am a player with a lot of experience at the club.’’
City owner Sheik Mansour has only attended one match for his club earlier this season since buying the club.
However, the 39-year-old billionaire didn’t meet the players but De Jong has defended the Sheikh, saying that he has a distinct way in which he works.
He ended: “I don’t think that is abnormal. The sheik has installed people at the club who take care of everything on his behalf. That is the way he works. I do know what he looks like, as I have seen pictures of him before. When he was shown on the large screen in the stadium, he was not a complete stranger to all the players.’’
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Until next time, this is LIVE commentator Stephen Crawford signing off.
From everyone here at Goal.com, thanks for joining us!
We've had two tremendous matches today, so lets hope the intensity keeps up in the next clashes!
Until next time, this is LIVE commentator Stephen Crawford signing off.
From everyone here at Goal.com, thanks for joining us!
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Full story HERE
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(Strange... it looked pretty easy from where I was sitting, but hey.)
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“If Louis van Gaal turns out to be the new coach, I won't go.”
“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly wasn't.
(Strange... it looked pretty easy from where I was sitting, but hey.)
“I do not think it's over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan was also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.
“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.
Van Bommel went on to talk about a possible move to PSV in the future, but was quick to point out his terms for the move.
“I've spoken with PSV, but we don't have an agreement yet. The club has to decide what they want.
“If Louis van Gaal turns out to be the new coach, I won't go.”
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