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News
Manchester City round-up: Juventus defender addresses rumours; Zabaleta backs under-fire goalkeeper; teenager ready to take chance
Manchester City target and Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has spoken out today about his future at the Italian giants after a recent fall-out with manager Massimiliano Allegri.
The 29-year-old centre-back was left out of Juventus’ Champions League squad for their trip to Porto a fortnight ago after an on-screen clash with Allegri during the Turin side’s Serie A victory over Palermo last month.
that Bonucci – highly-rated by Pep Guardiola – has reconciled with the Juventus manager and spoken out about rumours linking him with a move to the Premier League.
According to the report, the Italian said:
“I don’t know if the boss will go to the Premier League, but I am owned by this club and the club will decide whether or not to sell me. I hope to honour the contract.
“I clarified things face to face with Allegri, I accepted his decision, I will pay for a dinner for the team next week. Things are now even better than they were before.”
Bonucci returned to the Juventus squad for their 3-1 victory over rivals Napoli in the Coppa Italia first leg during the week.
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has defended under-performing goalkeeper Claudio Bravo after the Chilean came into criticism for his performance during the midweek FA Cup win.
Bravo allowed Huddersfield midfielder Harry Bunn to slip the ball underneath his body to give the visitors a shock lead – and the Etihad crowd responded angrily to the 33-year-old summer signing.
This goal was the ninth shot that Bravo had conceded in 14 shots on target faced, but fellow South American Zabaleta has said Bravo will overcome his troubles and succeed in the Premier League.
, the City defender said:
“We know Claudio, it’s not easy when you come to England. We’re a team, we support each other. We know exactly what he can do for the team and that’s it. We know how good he is and sometimes it is just about confidence. His distribution with the ball has been really good tonight.”
Bravo has been openly criticised since his £15 million summer move to the Etihad from Spanish giants Barcelona and has recently lost his spot as City’s number one to Willy Caballero.
One player who did impress on the Etihad pitch on Wednesday night was 19-year-old midfielder Aleix Garcia, who made his first start for the Citizens since October.
City manager Pep Guardiola decided to deploy the teenager in a holding midfield position for the visit of Huddersfield and he duly impressed with a range of good passing and composed decision-making.
about his performance, Garcia said:
“It wasn’t difficult because I am used to playing in that position since I arrived at City. I really like that position because the manager gives me a lot of confidence and a lot of freedom. I just try to play my game. If I have the opportunity, I’m going to try to show the manager he can count on me.”
The Spaniard’s selection on Wednesday was his seventh appearance this season – and his second consecutive inclusion in City’s FA Cup squad – as he looks to break into the first-team.
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