Author: dmitriy.vasyura@gmail.com

  • Man City ‘go crazy’ after Guardiola news as they prepare to match transfer record for Germany star

    Man City ‘go crazy’ after Guardiola news as they prepare to match transfer record for Germany star

    Man City transfer target Florian Wirtz

    Man City have taken the lead in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, according to reports.

    The Citizens had made a good start to the new Premier League season with Guardiola’s side winning seven of their first nine matches of the new season.

    However, Man City have now lost four matches in a row in all competitions, including two Premier League defeats, which has seen them drop down to second in the table and Guardiola’s men are now five points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

    Guardiola has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Man City.

    Widespread reports earlier this week claimed that Guardiola has now signed a new one-year contract extension at Man City with the deal to be made official over the next few days.

    The Athletic‘s Sam Lee first revealed the news on Tuesday night, he wrote:

    ‘Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has agreed a new one-year contract extension with the option of an additional year.

    ‘The 53-year-old’s existing City deal was due to expire at the end of this season and, if the new contract is fulfilled, it would take Guardiola to over a decade in charge of the club.

    ‘It had been suggested that Guardiola may leave City at the end of the campaign alongside director of football Txiki Begiristain, whose departure — and the arrival of Hugo Viana from Sporting CP as his replacement — was confirmed in October.’

    MORE MAN CITY COVERAGE ON F365…
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    👉 Postecoglou reveals crucial Tottenham injury ‘doubt’ ahead of their clash with Man City

    And that has given clarity over Guardiola’s future in some much-needed positive news amid the hearing over the club’s alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial fair play rules and speculation that some players could leave.

    Reports in Spain now claim that Man City ‘go crazy’ following the news that Guardiola will stay and are ‘preparing an astronomical offer that could reach 120 million euros (£100m)’ – which would equal the amount they paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish – for Wirtz.

    Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also interested in the Germany international but Man City ‘seem to have taken the lead’ for the Bayer Leverkusen star.

    It is understood that the Premier League champions are ‘willing to offer a contract that not only meets Wirtz’s financial expectations, but also guarantees him a leading role in the team’.

    READ NEXT: Arda Guler to Arsenal? Every Premier League club repeats their best signing

  • Volkswagen workers protest against layoffs and austerity plans

    Volkswagen workers protest against layoffs and austerity plans

    Volkswagen workers protest against layoffs and austerity plans

    Volkswagen employees are protesting against austerity plans and layoffs. The union threatens to strike on December 1 if no agreement is reached on a collective bargaining agreement.

    Volkswagen's trade union and works council are stepping up pressure with a rally of employees. Employee representatives threaten to strike this year if a collective bargaining agreement is not reached soon.

    Writes UNN with reference to Norddeutscher Rundfunk.

    Thousands of Volkswagen employees are protesting against the austerity plans recently announced by the company. In addition, employees are expressing dissatisfaction with the third round of collective bargaining with VW management.

    Thorsten Greger, a negotiator for IG Metall (a trade union representing workers in various industries in Germany), called it a “disgrace” that the highest-paid members of the board of directors in the country have not yet demonstrated any way to overcome the crisis without closing down plants or mass layoffs. This morning, thousands of employees from various VW plants gathered in front of the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg. They expressed their discontent with drums, whistles and loud horns.

    “This is just a premonition of what will happen in December if the company does not take our specific proposed solutions seriously,” Daniela Cavallo, head of the production council, said in a press statement this morning.

    Image

    For reference

    The union submitted a proposal that would save 1.5 billion euros in labor costs.

    The third round of negotiations on the required savings at Volkswagen begins today.

    Xpeng and Volkswagen are creating a project to develop a new electric vehicle architectureJul 22 2024, 06:55 AM • 16356 views

    Will there be a strike soon?

    It is considered unlikely that the two sides will agree on a collective bargaining agreement in this round of negotiations. This means that VW is threatening strikes again for the first time since 2018: IG Metall spokesman Greger said that there would be no more chances of reaching an agreement in November. The peace agreement expires on November 30, so strikes are theoretically possible from December 1.

    Volkswagen to close at least three plants in Germany for the first time in 87 yearsOct 28 2024, 02:16 PM • 13064 views

  • rf threatens Poland over new naTo base, Warsaw reacts

    rf threatens Poland over new naTo base, Warsaw reacts

    rf threatens Poland over new naTo base, Warsaw reacts

    A russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said that the US air defense base in Redzikovo was a priority target for strikes. The Polish Foreign Ministry emphasized the defensive nature of the base and announced the strengthening of NATO's eastern flank.

    russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the U.S. missile defense base in Poland has long been among the possible priority targets for russia. Warsaw responded to the threats by saying that the installation in Redzikowo was purely defensive in nature. It also added that in view of repeated russian threats NATO will have to strengthen air defense of the eastern flank. This UNN reported with reference to RMF24.

    Details

    A spokeswoman for the russian Foreign Ministry said the launch of the base allegedly "is another blatantly provocative step" that "is part of a long-standing destructive practice of bringing NATO's military infrastructure closer to Russia's borders.

    She accused the United States of actions aimed at allegedly "projecting American power" into territories far from the U.S. territory. According to Zakharova, this is intended to "put forceful pressure on Russia and some other nuclear-armed states.

    Zakharova said that this leads to "an increase in strategic risk" and, as a result, "an increase in the overall level of nuclear threat." Zakharova added that "if necessary," an attack on the base could be carried out using the latest weapons.

    Polish Foreign Ministry response

    Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski stressed that the base in Redzikow was purely defensive in nature.

    It is designed to counter ballistic missiles, especially from those countries that are rogue states. These are countries that base their policies on constant threats to someone, say they will invade someone, and believe that such political plunder is their way of doing politics. If russia repeats its threats, it means that in the future, the U.S. and NATO will have to strengthen air defenses on the entire eastern flank to make such threats unrealistic

    – Vronsky said.

    According to him, the possibility of expanding the base in Redzikowo has already been mentioned by Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ministry of National Defense Vladyslav Kosiniak-Kamysh.

    What is consistent with this statement is that the Russian threats have been going on for a long time and are based on incorrect assumptions and claims that there are nuclear missiles in that location, which is absurd

    – he added.

    Speaking about the future expansion of the Redzikowo base, Wroński noted that there is a general consensus in Poland – both citizens and all political forces – that NATO's eastern flank should have the best air defense. He added that the Defense Ministry could comment on the technical aspects of this issue.

    AppendixAddendum

    On November 13, near the town of Redzikowo in Poland, a new U.S. air defense base was officially opened.

    Merkel admits in her memoirs that she blocked Ukraine's accession to NATO out of fear of RussiaNov 21 2024, 09:56 AM • 14819 views

  • Ukraine first country to face intercontinental ballistic missile use, Ukraine’s Stratcom agency claims

    Ukraine first country to face intercontinental ballistic missile use, Ukraine’s Stratcom agency claims

    Ukraine first country to face intercontinental ballistic missile use, Ukraine's Stratcom agency claims

    Ukraine is the first country in the world against which an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has been used, Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications (Stratcom) said on Nov. 21.

    "We will do everything to ensure that Russia is remembered in history only for its crimes," Stratcom said in a statement.

    Russian forces launched a missile attack on the city of Dnipro earlier in the day, allegedly using a conventional ICBM. The attack injured two people.

    If Russia did use an ICBM against Ukraine, it would be the first use in war of a weapon designed to deliver long-range nuclear strikes.

    The missile was launched from Astrakhan Oblast, a Russian region 740 kilometers (460 miles) from Dnipro, according to Ukraine's Air Force.

    The attack damaged an industrial enterprise, two houses, and nine garages and caused two fires, said Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak. A rehabilitation center for people with disabilities was also damaged, Mayor Borys Filatov said.

    Russia allegedly used the Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne reported, citing unidentified law enforcement sources.

    The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the report.

    President Volodymyr Zelensky said an investigation is ongoing but noted that the missile's "speed and altitude suggest intercontinental ballistic capabilities."

    "It's clear that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground. It's also clear that he is terrified of normal life next to him. A life where people live with dignity," Zelensky said on the occasion of Ukraine's Day of Dignity and Freedom, commemorating the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the EuroMaidan Revolution in 2013-14.

    Russia reportedly launches intercontinental ballistic missile against Ukraine — what we know so farIf confirmed, it would be the first time the Kremlin has used such a weapon in an attack on Ukraine.Ukraine first country to face intercontinental ballistic missile use, Ukraine's Stratcom agency claimsThe Kyiv IndependentChris YorkUkraine first country to face intercontinental ballistic missile use, Ukraine's Stratcom agency claims
  • Kalynowski’s regiment offers to contribute to the exchange fund its soldier, who was handed over to the belarusian authorities

    Kalynowski’s regiment offers to contribute to the exchange fund its soldier, who was handed over to the belarusian authorities

    Kalynowski's regiment offers to contribute to the exchange fund its soldier, who was handed over to the belarusian authorities

    Kalinowski's regiment offers to contribute to the exchange fund its former soldier with the call sign “Patsuk,” who was extradited to belarus by Vietnam. They plan to exchange him for captured russian soldiers.

    The Kastus Kalinowski Regiment proposes to add its former soldier, who was handed over to belarus by Vietnam the day before, to the exchange fund's lists to exchange him for russian prisoners. This is stated in the regiment's statement, UNN reports.

    Regarding the extradition of a former fighter to belarus. It is not known whether this was a KGB special operation, but the incident shows that the authorities are particularly "compassionate" towards those former members of the Armed Forces of belarus who chose the side of good. Although all volunteers, without exception, are under great threat. That is why, until the moment of victory, Ukraine is the safest country for legionnaires

    – said the regiment.

    Polk also denied the information that the GUR banned volunteers from entering Ukraine, noting that these issues are within the competence of the SBU and the State Border Guard Service.

    The Kastus Kalynowski Regiment calls for the ex-fighter to be included in the exchange fund and exchanged for captured russian soldiers at the earliest opportunity

    – added to the regiment.

    Recall

    A 34-year-old soldier of Kalinowski's regiment with the call sign "Patsuk" was detained in Vietnam and transferred to minsk.

    Lithuanians with dual citizenship of Russia or Belarus may be banned from military serviceNov 4 2024, 11:48 PM • 20432 views

  • Downing Street: British intelligence agencies are “urgently” checking Ukraine’s claim that Russia used ICBM

    Downing Street: British intelligence agencies are “urgently” checking Ukraine’s claim that Russia used ICBM

    Downing Street: British intelligence agencies are “urgently” checking Ukraine's claim that Russia used ICBM

    British intelligence agencies are checking information about Russia's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on the Dnipro River. Western sources have not yet confirmed the use of this type of missile.

    A spokesman for the British Prime Minister said that British intelligence services are "urgently" examining reports that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraine during the attack on Dnipro. UNN reports this with reference to The Guardian.

    Details

    "As you can imagine, the situation is developing rapidly, and I don't want to get ahead of our intelligence agencies who are urgently looking into these reports, but if true, it would obviously be another example of serious, reckless and escalating behavior on the part of Russia, and it would only strengthen our resolve," said spokesman Kier Starmer, speaking anonymously but for the record.

    Putin was trying to raise the stakes with an intercontinental missile, there will be no surrender of Ukraine – NSDC CDCNov 21 2024, 12:34 PM • 7677 views

    Addendum

    The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia fired an intercontinental ballistic missile and eight other missiles, shooting down six X-101s.

    A Western official told ABC News that the West does not confirm the use of an intercontinental ballistic missile by the Russian army against Ukraine.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that today Russia used a new Russian missile against Ukraine. All the characteristics – speed, altitude – of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Expert examinations are underway.

  • Hungary deploys air defenses near Ukraine, cites war escalation after US allows strikes in Russia

    Hungary deploys air defenses near Ukraine, cites war escalation after US allows strikes in Russia

    Hungary deploys air defenses near Ukraine, cites war escalation after US allows strikes in Russia

    Hungary is deploying air defense systems near the Ukrainian border, citing increased risks after the West allowed the use of long-range weapons inside Russian territory, Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky said on Nov. 20.

    The minister ordered the deployment of air defense systems in the country's northeastern regions, saying that "the war has entered its most dangerous phase."

    Szalay-Bobrovniczky attributed this escalation namely to the easing of restrictions on Ukrainian strikes with Western arms and linked it to Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval of an updated nuclear doctrine.

    This decision comes after two Russian missiles were shot down on Nov. 17 in Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine's westernmost region bordering Hungary and home to an estimated 75,000 ethnic Hungarians.

    On that occasion, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that it was necessary to "strengthen efforts to bring peace" as "each day brings with it the risk of escalating war."

    Budapest has consistently criticized and obstructed Western military support for Ukraine, claiming it would lead to an escalation, and has maintained warm ties with Moscow throughout the full-scale war.

    Previously, Russian drones and missiles launched during strikes on Ukraine have crossed into the airspace of other countries, namely Poland, Latvia, Romania, Moldova, and Belarus.

    The latest development in Hungary follows a series of increasingly strong resolutions by Ukraine's Western allies.

    After U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged that the Biden administration would bolster support for Kyiv before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden on Nov. 17 allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles to strike deep inside Russian territory.

    Ukraine reportedly used ATACMS missiles to strike a Russian military arsenal in Bryansk Oblast on Nov. 19 and allegedly also used U.K.-supplied Storm Shadow on Nov. 20, marking the first instance of these weapons being used on Russian soil.

    Other Western allies have expressed their position on their own supplied weapons.

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Nov. 18 that Paris "remained open" to allowing Ukraine to use French long-range missiles to strike military targets inside Russia, reported Le Monde.

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that she "understands" the U.S. response to Russia, but Rome makes a "different choice" and focuses on air defenses for Ukraine.

    Polish FM criticizes Hungary for supporting Russian aggression“I would like to understand the reasons why Hungary does not want to help Ukraine, which is fighting for freedom, and wants to assist the aggressor in this conflict,” Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told reporters on Nov. 18.Hungary deploys air defenses near Ukraine, cites war escalation after US allows strikes in RussiaThe Kyiv IndependentAbbey FenbertHungary deploys air defenses near Ukraine, cites war escalation after US allows strikes in Russia
  • Large-scale air alert in Ukraine due to threat of ballistic missile attack

    Large-scale air alert in Ukraine due to threat of ballistic missile attack

    Large-scale air alert in Ukraine due to threat of ballistic missile attack

    An air alert has been declared in Ukraine, and people are urged to take shelter. The Air Force warns of the threat of ballistic missile attacks.

    An air alert has been declared in the capital. This was reported by the Kyiv City State Administration , according to UNN.

    ATTENTION! Air raid alert in Kyiv!!!
    We ask everyone to go to civil defense shelters immediately

    – the statement said.

    Add

    The Air Force informed that there is a threat of ballistic missile use, and an air alert has been declared for the area.

    Air defense has intensified in KyivNov 20 2024, 03:54 AM • 104615 views

  • Guardiola demands Man City make ‘historic offer’ for key star with ‘special clauses’

    Guardiola demands Man City make ‘historic offer’ for key star with ‘special clauses’

    Man City boss Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland

    Pep Guardiola wants Man City to tie down Erling Haaland to a new contract after sorting his own future, according to reports.

    The Citizens made a good start to the new Premier League season under Guardiola with seven wins from their opening nine matches.

    However, Man City have now lost their last two Premier League matches in the Premier League, and their last four in all competitions, with Guardiola’s side struggling without Spain international Rodri in the middle of the park.

    But Man City fans received a boost this week with widespread reports claiming that Guardiola has ‘agreed a new one-year contract extension with the option of an additional year’.

    There have been a number of off-field distractions over the last few months, including the case into their 115 charges over alleged breaches of financial fair play rules, and the news that Guardiola is set to sign a new deal will be a huge relief.

    Another issue has been the future of some players at Man City with star striker Haaland being linked with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

    But reports in Spain now indicate that Haaland’s future is likely to be intertwined with Guardiola’s after the Catalan boss resolves his short-term plans.

    Guardiola ‘has made his priorities clear: to retain the Norwegian striker at all costs, even if this means breaking the team’s financial schemes to protect him with a star contract’.

    Barcelona ‘see him as the perfect heir to lead their attack in the long term’, while Real Madrid and PSG are also interested but ‘Haaland’s continuity has become the main objective for Guardiola’.

    MORE MAN CITY COVERAGE ON F365…
    👉 Man City FFP: Pundit reveals verdict that he’s ‘heard’ as City face claims from ‘outside the Premier League’
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    Guardiola ‘has taken matters into his own hands and has demanded that the club act quickly to ensure that Haaland does not give in to the temptations of the market’ and now Man City ‘have already put a historic offer on the table: a renewal that would make the Norwegian one of the highest-paid players in the world’.

    It is claimed that the new Haaland contract will contain ‘special clauses that would reinforce his commitment to Guardiola ‘s project’.

    With Man City now five points adrift of leader Liverpool in the Premier League, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith reckons it is not going to be the Citizens’ year.

    Smith told AceOdds: “Yeah, it’s difficult. Liverpool, you could say, have they had a big test yet? but they’ve played Chelsea, Villa, and Arsenal, and haven’t lost to any of them. They’ve got City coming up, I know that, and I think they’ve got Newcastle away and somebody else away.

    “They’ve got Man City on the 1st of December at home and that’ll tell us more about where they are. There’s still a question mark over Arne Slot’s Liverpool, but he’s answered all the questions so far. I don’t know.

    “For City to win it five times on the track would be unbelievable without Rodri. You have to feel that this year’s going to be the one where they’re not going to lift it. Given that, Liverpool are nine points ahead of Arsenal, you’re thinking, well, I don’t think a team’s overturned that deficit. At the moment, you’d say Liverpool.”

    READ NEXT: The ridiculous stats of Erling Haaland: More Champions League goals than Neymar