Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has emphasised his confidence for the new season by hailing his squad as the best in the Premier League.
Pellegrini, who took charge at the Etihad Stadium this summer, has inherited a squad that has been bolstered by the signings of Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic for a combined near-£90 million cost.
Pellegrini gave his opinions on stage during a question and answer session for fans at the club’s season launch party in Manchester city centre.
The Chilean said: “I think we have the best squad in England.
“We bought four important players, we already had a very good team and with these four players I think we improved a lot.”
Heart sign Engelaar
Melbourne Heart have signed Dutchman Orlando Engelaar as their marquee player.
The 33-year-old will arrive in Victoria on a free transfer after ending a four-year stay at PSV Eindhoven earlier this year.
John Aloisi has backed his new signing to make a significant impact on the A-League.
“I am confident that Orlando will be one of the most accomplished midfielders that has come to play football in Australia,” Aloisi said.
“The club has worked hard for a number of seasons to attract a player who can dominate and control matches from midfield and we believe that we have found that player.”
Agudelo to join Stoke in January
United States striker Juan Agudelo has agreed to join Stoke City in January from Major League Soccer side New England Revolution, the Premier League club said.
The 20-year-old has been capped 17 times for his country, scoring twice, and has scored 14 goals in 64 MLS appearances for New England, Chivas USA and the New York Red Bulls.
He has signed a pre-agreement, joining up with them when his contract expires on January 1.
Agudelo will become the fourth US international at Stoke, joining Geoff Cameron, Maurice Edu and Brek Shea.
McClean takes cut to join the Latics
Owen Coyle has revealed new-boy James McClean took a pay cut to join Wigan Athletic.
The Ireland international completed a deal in excess of £1 million when he moved to the Latics from Sunderland earlier this week.
McClean is in contention to face Manchester United in tomorrow’s Community Shield.
“He took a drop in salary to come, such was his desire to play football,” said Coyle.
“That was fantastic to see in a young man. All too often in football, finance is the motivation for some players.”
Pirlo keen to extend his career
Andrea Pirlo is prepared to see out the rest of his career with Juventus as long as he remains a key member of the team.
The 34-year Italy international will be out of contract at the end of the season following his free transfer from Milan in 2011.
“I’ll certainly play on, we’ll just have to see where,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I’ve already spoken to the club and we’ll meet again at the end of the season.
“Juventus are my priority, but I don’t want to be a weight for anybody. The years pass, but it is not written that I have to stay here just because I am called Pirlo.
“I want to feel important and a part of the side’s success... other-wise I’ll leave.”
Hull chief adds Tigers to club name
Hull City owner Assem Allam has confirmed the club will be formally renamed Hull City Tigers from the start of the new season.
The move, which runs the risk of stoking resentment among fans, will do away with the Association Football Club (AFC) moniker which has been part of the Yorkshire club’s name since their formation in 1904.
Revealing the move in the Hull Daily Mail, Egyptian-born businessman Allam said: “Hull City is irrelevant.
“My dislike for the word ‘City’ is because it is common. City is also associated with Leicester, Bristol, Manchester and many other clubs.
“I don’t like being like everyone else. I want the club to be special.”
Desire to return is immense – Milito
Inter striker Diego Milito can’t wait to make his comeback as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
After suffering a cruciate ligament injury earlier this year, the Argentine forward said he is gradually regaining his fitness and showing progress.
“I am improving slowly,” he told Inter Channel.
“I’m working hard, but after so many months out, the desire to return is immense.
“The team is growing all the time. Icardi and Belfodil are the future of this team. But I still hope I can contribute.”