Whether Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is disguising City praise as a plea to strengthen his own squad is unclear, but his comments have been picked up by a number of media outlets, including RTE.
They write:“Conte has warned Chelsea’s hierarchy that Premier League champions Manchester City can dominate English football.
“With five fixtures remaining, City can still break Chelsea’s record points tally of 95, as well as those they still hold for goal difference and goals scored.
“Conte has repeatedly been critical of what he considers a lack of investment that has undermined his and his team’s defence of the Premier League title.
“The Italian cited City’s ambition and willingness to continue spending and backing their manager Pep Guardiola as a reason they will continue to excel.
“Conte is widely expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, and he said: ‘Manchester City is one club that can continue to dominate, to win. Not only in England but also to fight for the Champions League.
‘They have the possibility to do this; it is a very strong club, they have an important squad with great players and are a club that want to invest and improve. There are a lot of things that are right.
‘They have dominated this season and it’s right to compliment them on winning this league; this league is not simple to win.
‘The way they did it was incredible. They did a great job on and off the pitch; they were very well prepared for the season. I like the way they improved the team and the squad.’
Next up, one of those ‘can’t see it happening’ stories;
It would be a transfer that would cause a seismic reaction in one half of Manchester but it’s just journalistic mischief, surely?
The Daily Star have pointed to Betfair slashing the odds of United’s Marcus Rashford swapping red for blue this summer, with Chelsea also in the hunt for the talented youngster.
The report reads: “Manchester City and Chelsea have emerged as shock favourites with the bookies to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford
“There has been talk of Rashford considering his future this summer after falling down he pecking order at Manchester United.
“And bookmakers Betfair have priced Chelsea and Manchester City (both 10/1) as joint-frontrunners for Rashford’s signature.
“Premier League rivals Tottenham (20/1) and Arsenal (25/1) are also in the running, along with La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona (both 50/1).
“Rashford has only started 15 of United’s 33 league outings this season as he competes with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard for a starting spot.”
READ: Five Blues in PFA Team of the Year
WATCH:: Champions back in training
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker has echoes what many of his team-mates have been saying in the past few days – that the Blues now need to go on and win three or four titles in succession to join the ‘greats’.
Newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City need to continue winning trophies if they want to be regarded among the great teams of English top-flight football, defender Kyle Walker has said.
‘There is still a lot of room for improvement,’ England international Walker told BBC Radio 5 live. ‘I have read some articles that say we need to win things continuously for a number of years before we are classed as a great team.
‘Every single one of us wants to be recognised as one of the greatest teams to play in the Premier League.’
And finally…
‘Outrage’, ‘unfair’ and ‘disgusting’ – that’s what Liverpool fans have reportedly been saying about the PFA Team of the Year.
Why? Because Robert Firmino wasn’t included in this year’s XI – but Sergio Aguero was.
Fox Sports take up the story: “The PFA’s Premier League team of the year has been revealed, and inevitably, not everyone is pleased with the elections.
“Runaway champions Manchester City dominate the side with five players, while golden boot leaders Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane get the nod - joined in a front three by Sergio Aguero.
“Astoundingly, its Aguero’s first selection in the representative side with the Argentine finally rewarded for another prolific campaign but his inclusion, at the expense of Liverpool star Roberto Firmino, has irked fans. And perhaps they’ve got a case.
“Liverpool fans have raged on Twitter after their striker was snubbed, suggesting the decision was ‘an absolute disgrace,’ ‘absolutely unbelievable’ and even ‘criminal.’
It goes on, but after seven years of being one of the nation’s most consistent performer, three Premier League titles and 199 goals – not to mention 30 this season – all we can say is his place in this particular XI is long overdue.
Just as Sergio has had to do, Firmino may have to wait a while longer for the recognition of his peers - and if he keeps doing what he’s doing, his inclusion will no doubt happen in PFA Teams of the Year to come.
But Sergio has earned his spot....
Back with more gossip and rumour tomorrow...
