Edin Džeko Fun Club Blog

Will Edin Dzeko leave Manchester City?

2012-03-21T22:18:00.001+01:00

I expect more from Edin Dzeko: Roberto Mancini

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko may well have to start scoring soon as Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is not impressed by the player’s ability.

The manager expects Dzeko to get his name on the scoring sheet soon, as that was the sole reason for spending 27 million pounds to bring him from Wolfsburg to the City of Manchester Stadium.

“I expect more for Dzeko - he needs to improve. He is a good player. I think he has the same difficulty as (Fernando) Torres at Chelsea because when you arrive in January you don't know your team-mates, it is not easy,” stated the manager.

The striker was unimpressive during City’s 0-0 draw against Aris Salonika in the Europa League despite having two perfect opportunities to find the back of the net.

Dzeko had the opportunity to score in the 16th minute, when he was found by Aleksandar Kolarov on the cross. The striker got his head to the ball but his effort was blocked by goalkeeper Michalis Sifakis in his second try.

Then in the 64th minute, Gareth Barry delivered a perfect ball to Dzeko but his header was well stopped by Sifakis who managed to put the ball over the goal post.

It is important for Dzeko to improve rapidly as everyone likes to deliver the ball to him owing to his height and finishing abilities.

There was another issue regarding City’s performance as team captain Carlos Tevez remained anonymous throughout the game and only had a few touches on the ball in the entire match.

Mancini, however, was content with Tevez’s performance and stated that Tevez cannot score for the entire club and other players would have to share the goal load.

Aris now travels to the Eastlands next week and Mancini had no doubts about the ability of his team.

“I think it will be a different game in Manchester. We played well, we played football and controlled the game. Aris stayed behind the ball. It was a fantastic atmosphere,” stated the manager.

There was some good news for the manager as well, as Italian striker Mario Balotelli has fully recovered from an injury and was impressive in his off-the-bench appearance against Aris. It is expected Mancini might pick the Italian for the FA Cup fixture against Notts County.

How Dzeko thrives out of the spotlight at City

2011-09-15T16:37:00.004+02:00

It was on the sand of Long Beach, California, that Edin Dzeko made his point. On Sunday at the Reebok Stadium, Lancashire, he began to prove his point.
The point in question is that the big Bosnian with the German accent is always better in his second season at a new club.
That was how it was at Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. That is how it was at Teplice, in the Czech Republic, before that.

Dzek that out: Edin Dzeko fires in for Manchester City

Last season at Manchester City, Dzeko was moderate, to say the least.

A MAN OF TWO SEASONS

DZEKO 2011-12

Appearances: 2
Goals: 2
Chances created: 9
Minutes per goal: 85
Shooting accuracy %: 40
Shots to goal %: 40

DZEKO 2010-11

Appearances: 15
Goals: 2
Chances created: 9
Minutes per goal: 423.0
Shooting accuracy %: 47.8
Shots to goal %: 8.7

Against Swansea, he was much better. At Bolton he was the stand-out performer in a liberating and uplifting City attacking performance.
Maybe it is the shift in spotlight that does it. Certainly, the attention being directed at new signing Sergio Aguero and towards City’s pursuit of Samir Nasri has allowed Dzeko to begin his season pretty much in the shadows.
More likely, though, is the mere fact that the Barclays Premier League — or indeed any move to a better level of football — requires a period of adjustment.
‘I was not that surprised at what happened last season,’ said Dzeko when he spoke near Los Angeles on City’s pre-season tour of America.
‘It has been this way before for me. It takes me time to settle when things are different.’
Things were different yesterday — for City and for Dzeko.
City under Roberto Mancini have improved steadily. They haven’t always been the most exciting team to watch, especially last season away from home.

Here, though, was a City team brimming with expression and freedom.

City Striker: Dzeko celebrates

Their full backs, Micah Richards and Aleksandar Kolarov, gave them the width they sometimes lack, David Silva pulled strings that most players can’t even see and Dzeko, along with Aguero, gave them a focal point that rarely failed them.

Dzeko scored a well-taken goal — his third in successive games — after outmuscling Zat Knight, which takes some doing, to shoot powerfully across goal and into the net.

It wasn’t necessarily this that made his contribution so impressive, though.
Shortly after Dzeko joined the club, a member of Mancini’s staff commented on how the striker had impressed with the intelligence of his running, his eagerness to take up wide positions to stretch defences and his dexterity on the ball. Back then all of this was in evidence only on the training ground. In games he struggled to adjust to the pace. Coming on as a substitute in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, for example, he looked at times as though he was running in diving boots. But on Sunday Dzeko brought all this to the table for real.
A Bolton team who never got to grips with the variety of City’s attacking play struggled in particular to cope with the movement of Dzeko and Aguero.

Hard worker: Dzeko made some intelligent runs and kept Zat Knight busy

Rarely will the Reebok see two central forwards move so fluently and unpredictably around the field.
Twice in the first half, Dzeko moved out to the left to receive possession and create chances for team-mates.
One low cross to the near post saw James Milner come within inches of scoring and, 10 minutes later, Dzeko moved into a similar area to deliver a perfect chipped cross that Aguero headed inches wide of the post.
Not all forwards have the ability to provide such service. Not all have the inclination to make the effort required to do so.
Since he arrived amid much fanfare last January, there has never been any doubt about Dzeko’s willingness to work. On Sunday in Lancashire, however, he showed us that he has much more to offer than that.

Manchester City - Wigan 3:0

2011-09-11T15:56:00.001+02:00

If the off the field tumult of the previous days had seeped into the conscious of the City playing staff then it certainly didn’t show.

Their imperious, unblemished four-win start to the season continued with a victory over previously unbeaten Wigan.It was the seventh Premier League win in succession for Roberto Mancini’s side equalling a top flight record set under Tony Book – who was watching proudly from the Colin Bell Stand.And it was a victory that took the Blues unbeaten home run in all competitions to 18 making the Etihad Stadium one of English football’s most impregnable fortresses.City owed their latest three points to a heady mixture of guile and industry. There is no doubting that the Blues of this season are more expansive than last season’s version but it is when they have not got the ball and in the execution of the final pass that they are noticeably improved.
There is willingness from the silky, gifted, star-dusted forward phalanx to run all afternoon, fill in holes and generally defend from the front.

"When you have that in your team, allied
to supreme skill, then it makes a huge
difference"

Wigan were gallant to the end but simply outclassed by a side that, for the first time this season, included Carlos Tevez from the start.
The Argentine linked up front with countryman Sergio Aguero and Spain World Cup winner David Silva in a Spanish speaking trio that was too hot to handle.
The Three Amigos struck in the 13th minute when first Tevez, then Silva and finally Aguero all proved too tricky and elusive as they moved the ball between them for the last named to cut a shot back beyond Al Habsi.

By then the Wigan keeper had already produced a decent stop to deny Silva at the foot of the post and within four minutes had thwarted Tevez from the penalty spot after Lopez had produced a tackle on Silva that brought to mind Wigan’s other top professional sports team.

It was a dreadful spot-kick by the former captain who, whisper it in Argentina, seems to have lost the penalty knack.

That would have killed the game at an early stage as would Micah Richards’ flick that hit the underside of the bar before bouncing clear or Vinny Kompany’s header that rattled the post.

At times this game, to continue the Latin theme, resembled a matador playing with a plucky bull. The home side forwards skittered here and there tormenting the visitors with every touch.

The killer blow came in the 63rd minute and it came again from the cultured boot of Aguero who this time was put through by Nasri (on for Tevez) and Silva before another consummate finish.

"That was brilliant but the best was yet

to come five minutes later when Silva

again wove his Merlin magic and put

Aguero through for the master finisher

to tuck his hat-trick into the corner. It

was a mesmeric and joyous moment"

In all their defensive struggles, Wigan’s best attacking moment came on the hour when Hart was forced to save with his foot from Rodallega.

City were though simply in a class of their own and all that without Etihad and Barclays Player of the Month Edin Dzeko who was sat in the bench in the best of company alongside rested and rotated teammates Samir Nasri, Pablo Zabaleta, Mario Balotelli and the returning Kolo Toure.

Four wins from four is a mightily impressive opening for any side but it is the manner, authority and confidence of those victories that will worry Premier League rivals.

Edin Dzeko assist, Misimovic scores late goal to give Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 win over Belarus in Euro qualifier

2011-09-07T17:26:00.000+02:00

ZENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina — A late goal by Zvezdan Misimovic gave Bosnia-Herzegovina a 1-0 win over nine-man Belarus in their Euro 2012 qualifying match in Group D on Tuesday.
Striker Edin Dzeko passed the ball to Misimovic, who shot left-footed into the corner in the 87th minute.
Belarus went down to 10 men before halftime when midfielder Timofei Kalachev received a second yellow card in the 34th for simulation. His first booking came seven minutes earlier for a fierce challenge on Bosnia's Senad Lulic.

Belarus defender Martinovic was also sent off in the 85th following two bookings for fouls on Manchester City striker Dzeko.
Dzeko missed a chance in the first half to put the home team ahead with a header from close range in the 43rd minute which Vitali Trubilo was able to clear.
Belarus played aggressively but failed to create clearcut scoring chances. Yellow cards rained down throughout the match with nine being shown to Belarus players and three to the home side.

The Bosnians picked up their game in the second half, though, with Dzeko providing the major threat.
He had a strike disallowed in the 55th minute and set up two easy chances for Misimovic, who missed both, before the two players combined to produce the winner in the closing minutes.
"We played with patience," Misimovic said.
Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Safet Susic said the match was difficult but "we just had to win and we did."

___
Lineups:
Bosnia: Asmir Begovic, Boris Pandza (Zvezdan Misimovic, 45), Sasa Papac, Elvir Rahimic, Edin Dzeko, Mensur Mujdza, Adnan Zahirovic, Sejad Salihovic (Semir Stilic, 19) Senad Lulic, Senijad Ibricic (Ermin Zec, 64), Haris Medunjanin.

Belarus: Yuri Zhevnov, Aleksandr Kulchiy, Aleksandr Martynovich, Timofei Kalachev, Vitali Trubilo, Sergei Kornilenko (Stanislav Dragun, 72), Anton Putilo, Sergei Kislyak, Pavel Sitko (Andrei Voronkov, 77), Dmitri Verkhovtsov, Igor Shitov.

Edin Dzeko will be captain in game against Belarus

2011-09-06T01:30:00.000+02:00

Selector of BiH Team Safet Susi

Selector Safet Susic at today's press conference, confirmed earlier stories, that unlike the match in Minsk, on the ground to be made certain changes, as well as tomorrow in Zenica, the Bilino Field captain of our football team will Edin Dzeko.

- There are no secrets, tomorrow will be the goal to stand Begovic.When I had talked to him I said that to me for four matches ahead of us need all the available goalies, and will fit tomorrow Begovic on goal. - Safet Susic said.

- Instead of Emir Spahic captain will wear tomorrow Edin Dzeko, and we will think whether we want it back later, our former captain. - Joked with the Pope who was sitting at a press conference Emir Spahic and Haris Medunjanin.

- There are still some doubts regarding the last line. Convenient to ten players I'm sure that will play a single place makes me worry. That Sasa Papac in top shape I would have no doubt, and he would be a safe solution for stopersku position, but as yet I am not sure how the last line of the final look tomorrow. Talon and Mravac will certainly play together, and maybe even play on Rahimić stoperskoj position, but we'll make a final decision tomorrow. - Said Susic.

However, as already reported, coach Susic is the closest solution in the form of composition Begovic, Lulić Mujdža, Papac, Talon, Rahimić Zahirović, Medunjanin, Misimovic, Salihović, Dzeko.

Manchester City: Turnaround In The Form of Edin Dzeko

2011-09-05T01:50:00.000+02:00

A charity bet was placed on Twitter during pre-season between a Manchester City fan and a Manchester United fan. The bet concerned City’s Bosnian striker Edin Dezeko, signed for £27m in January 2011. The City fan was convinced that Dzeko would get 20 goals in all competitions in the upcoming season, with ease. The United fan scoffed at the thought, and a bet resulted.

It should be of little surprise that three games into the season (four if you count the competitive friendly that is the Charity Shield), Dzeko is flourishing. Six goals in three games tells the story, with goals in his last 5 games. That 20-goal target seems much closer already.

Edin Dzeko has set the league on fire already this season!

Fans are quick to write off players that do not perform immediately. The fact is that players, especially when they move across countries, take time to settle – their wage packet and transfer fee is irrelevant. And what’s more, Dzeko has been here before.

Edin Dzeko was born in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, on 17 March 1986, and he and his family had to cope with the Bosnian war rampaging through the country when he was only six. He recalled: “It was a hard time for everyone in the country. There wasn’t much to eat, not really enough for three meals a day. I was very afraid every day. We were always having to hide when shots rang out or bombs fell. You could get shot at any time. I cried a lot in those days. Thank God the war is in the past.“

He was raised in at a time when the Bosnian capital was under a four-year siege from Serbian troops during the break up of Yugoslavia. When Bosnia-Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia, 18,000 Serbs encircled the city in a bid to take control of part of the state. An estimated 10,000 people were killed or went missing during those four years, around 1,500 of them being children. Dzeko’s family home was destroyed in the battle, which made Sarajevo too dangerous for youngsters wanting to practise their football skills. However, Dzeko is quoted as saying that the war made him much stronger mentally. And this strength has served him well ever since. It came as little surprise that in November 2009, Dzeko became Bosnia’s first UNICEF ambassador.

When Dzeko arrived at Zeljeznicar as a lanky 13-year-old in 1999, he was given the dismissive nickname ‘Kloc’, derived from the Bosnian slang term for a lamp post. It was the start of a career of upsetting the odds, of making people eat their words. This season has been no different.

Dzeko joined Bosnia and Herzegovina Premier League side FK Zeljeznicar and made his debut in 2003, starting out as a midfielder and scoring five goals in 40 games in two years at the club. He moved to Czech club FK Teplice in 2005, and was later loaned out. When Teplice offered €25,000 for him, a Zeljeznicar director admitted he and the rest of the board broke out the champagne. “We thought we’d won the lottery,” he said. But his time in the Czech Republic saw him being converted to a striker – an effective switch, as he went on to be named the best foreign striker and finish second in the golden boot race in the 2006-07 season. Dzeko’s goals caught the eye of VFL Wolfsburg manager Felix Magath, who took the striker to the Bundesliga for 4 million euros. He started brightly, with five goals in the first twelve matches, but was less successful in the second half, ending his first season in Germany with eight goals in 28 games.

But yet again, Dzeko’s determination shone through, and as he settled properly – the goals followed. The season before last, Dzeko became half of the most successful strike-force in Bundesliga history alongside Brazilian frontman Grafite, beating Gerd Mueller and Uli Hoeness’s record from 1972-73. Dzeko notched 26 of the pair’s 54 goals which helped propel Wolfsburg to the Bundesliga title. He finished the season with a flourish as well, scoring two hat tricks – the first one coming in just 13 minutes.

Such form saw him named Bosnian Footballer of the Year for 2009 and 2010. And like any top striker, a nickname is essential –he is known in his homeland as the “Bosnian Diamond”.

And so at City the same pattern emerges – a slow start, followed by an explosion of goals. And whilst he might have not have scored a hatful of goals in the 2010/11 season, he certainly scored important ones. His goal against Notts County in the FA Cup saved City from elimination, and they went on to win their first trophy in 35 years. His goal against Blackburn helped secure a slender 1-0 victory and all but secured a Champions League place, whilst a last-day goal against Bolton helped secure 3^rd place, thus avoiding a Champions League qualifying game.

Lack of goals told only half the story however. Dzeko appeared at first to have been bought without a consideration of how he would fit into the team. His style didn’t seem to fit into Mancini’s preferred formation of one up front with Silva in the hole, and he struggled to form an understanding with Tevez, a player who dropped back and roamed a lot, and was undoubtedly selfish with the ball (like many top strikers).

This season, it’s doubtful that there has been some amazing transformation behind the scenes that has caused this turn in form. Having settled and with a full pre-season behind him, playing in a system that suits him better, goals were always going to follow. After all, he is a prolific striker for his country too, scoring nine goals in the 2010 World Cup qualifying group, thereby finishing as the second best scorer, tied with Wayne Rooney. The signs are there that he seems more relaxed on the pitch. His touch, close control and movement have all improved, compared to last season. He is playing with a smile, and like any striker, scoring a couple of goals can lead to a purple patch on the pitch – confidence is everything.

The addition of Sergio Aguero seems to have helped also, the two forming an instant partnership on the pitch, and the addition of Samir Nasri gave him something in the last match against Tottenham that he thrives on – crosses. As long as Roberto Mancini continues to play to his strengths, there is no reason why he cannot become a huge success at Manchester City football club. The reason for his success is fairly simple – he was given time to succeed in the first place.

Edin Dzeko excited Sergio Aguero partnership Manchester City

2011-09-04T16:08:00.003+02:00

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko is excited by the prospect of playing alongside club record signing Sergio Aguero. Aguero, a ?38million summer buy from Atletico Madrid, came off the bench to score twice and set up another goal in a sensational debut appearance on Monday. The Argentina forward's heroics turned what might have been a laboured season-opening Barclays Premier League win over promoted Swansea into a 4-0 rout at the Etihad Stadium. Double act: Edin Dzeko is looking forward to partnering Sergio Aguero (left) Dzeko, a costly acquisition himself at ?27m last season, is yet to make a major impact at the club but is convinced of the merits of Aguero's arrival despite increased competition. The Bosnian said: 'It's amazing for a new player to come on for the last 30 minutes and score two goals. 'I am very happy for him, but I am also happy for City in getting a player like him - he can only help us in the future. 'And he is not even 100 per cent fit yet. In the next games he can only get better and better. 'He scored twice when not fit, so we can't wait to see what he is like at 100%. 'Every good player is welcome to our team as we want to win titles.' With Carlos Tevez looking increasingly likely to stay at City - beyond one more transfer deadline day at least - and Mario Balotelli to return if side issues are addressed, Dzeko is under pressure for his place. Hot shot: Aguero (centre) grabbed two goals on his debut against Swansea The 25-year-old struggled for goals last season after his arrival from Wolfsburg in January but has been lifted by a fine strike in last week's Community Shield and the opener against Swansea. Dzeko added: 'The beginnings have always been slow for me, and that was the case at City, but this year I feel fit and I feel very good. I feel much better than last season. 'For every player it is important to be fit and have a good pre-season behind him. This summer I have done everything with the team and that makes you feel better. 'I want to improve in every game, but I have started the season well. I try to do my best in every game to help the team.' Balotelli, who had run-ins with manager Roberto Mancini during the club's pre-season tour of North America, was an unused substitute on Monday. The ?24m Italian had also been criticised for heading straight down the Wembley tunnel after being taken off during the Community Shield against Manchester United. Battle: Mario Balotelli (left) faces a fight for his place in the City team Despite those apparent problems, Mancini insists there are no major issues. He said: 'Mario has his position. For me Mario is an important player but I have always said he needs to improve. He is an important player for us, like Edin, like Aguero, like Carlos.' Meanwhile, Sir Bobby Charlton believes Manchester United are well placed to retain the Barclays Premier League title but expects an 'exciting' battle with a Sergio Aguero-inspired Manchester City. Sir Alex Ferguson's side were less convincing than their rivals as they began their quest for a record-extending 20th title with a 2-1 win at West Brom on Sunday, but United legend Charlton is confident enough. Charlton, 73, said: 'He is marvellous, Alex. I don't know how he does it. 'Every year he comes up with something different - change of coach, change of players - he is just fantastic. We are there again, ready for the 20th.' Ambassador: Sir Bobby Charlton on a visit to the Laureus Urban Stars project He added: 'Yes, I saw City. I watch all the football. The new lad's played really well. He'll be a hero. 'He is a class act and Manchester City have the wherewithal to get all the best players. But we shall see - it is getting exciting.' One early worry for United has been the form of new goalkeeper David de Gea. The Spaniard, signed from Aguero's former club Atletico Madrid in the summer, was criticised after conceding twice in the Community Shield earlier this month and was also at fault for West Brom's goal at the weekend. The 20-year-old has a tough task to fill the void left by the retired Edwin van der Sar but Charlton is convinced he will come good. Charlton said: 'He is a great goalkeeper and we knew about that when he was coming. Doubt: David De Gea has made a stuttering start to his Manchester United career 'But you have got to remember he has arrived in a strange city, a strange country where they don't speak the same language and they are more passionate about football than anybody, even in Spain. 'But Alex will work his magic and the staff will work their magic, and he will be one of the great players by the end of the season, definitely.' Ferguson has also freshened up his side following the retirements of Gary Neville and Paul Scholes by bringing in Ashley Young and giving a chance to a number of youngsters. Charlton believes Ferguson, who will this year celebrate 25 years in charge at Old Trafford, has made the correct calls again. He said: 'I am really impressed with them. 'I think Alex surprised a lot of people by fielding a team like he did initially but he is always right. I don't know why, but he always is.

Edin Dzeko: Players join Manchester City for the glory, not for the money

2011-09-03T09:40:00.000+02:00

Edin Dzeko has claimed that top players are attracted to Manchester City by glory and not money.

Roberto Mancini's team demolished Tottenham 5-1 at White Hart Lane on Sunday with a display that will have sent shudders through the rest of the Premier League.

Dzeko scored four goals and combined to lethal effect with £23 million City debutant Samir Nasri, who set up three goals after finally completing a protracted move that had angered Arsenal fans who accused the Frenchman of greed.

"Everyone when they speak about Manchester City only talks about how we spend money," Dzeko said. "Of course, we spend but other teams spend as well. I think we showed today what we can do. When you play football like that, it is amazing and everyone wants to play football like that.

"Samir Nasri showed today he will be fantastic for us. He set up the first two for me and will be fantastic for us."

Nevertheless, the striker, who has scored seven goals in four games this season, insists there is more to come from a side that have won new admirers for the manner in which they have won all three of their league games.

Dzeko said: "We can play even better and we want to improve every game. You can always play better, even though I feel very happy because we played like a fantastic team. To win 5-1 away to Tottenham is something."

The former Wolfsburg striker, who revealed that the match ball will take pride of place at his home in Bosnia, believes City are benefiting from the competition within the squad. Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli were among the substitutes who did not figure on Sunday.

"Nobody is guaranteed to start," explained Dzeko. "That is why we are very strong. We don't have only 11 good players. We have 22 or even more. There could be more than 60 games this year and everybody will get a chance."

Dzeko said he never gave up hope of making a big impression at City despite a troubled start at the club following his £27m January transfer. He scored just two league goals last season and only six in total as he struggled to nail down a regular starting place.

"The beginning was hard and I know that. I said before that I wanted to have pre-season with the coach and the team. Now I know the league better and everything," he added.

"I feel quite strong and better than last season. I never felt I had made the wrong move. It all felt right after we won the FA Cup for the first time in 35 years. It was something amazing for me and for the club."

Manchester City Striker Edin Dzeko Wins Barclays Player of the Month For August

2011-09-02T15:55:00.000+02:00

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has been awarded the Barclays Player of the Month award for August, it’s just been announced. The Bosnian striker has started the new campaign like a house on fire with a whopping six goals in three games, including four terrific strikes on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur (including a postage stamp solo effort as a fourth) that has helped his club reach joint top of the league, alongside rivals Manchester United.

Speaking of United, their impressive start to the season along with the introduction of a new blood of talent in Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverly and which was capped off with a 8-2 mauling against Arsenal on Sunday, has meant Sir Alex Ferguson has won the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month for August. He beat out City boss Roberto Mancini who likewise could have been a candidate.

Dzeko dreaming of Golden Boot

2011-09-02T13:03:00.001+02:00

In-form Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko says winning the Golden Boot this season would be a dream come true, although it isn't on his mind just yet.

The Bosnian international netted four times as City routed Tottenham on Sunday, to add to the goals he scored against Swansea and Bolton.
And, when taking into account his strike in the Community Shield, Dzeko already has as many goals in four appearances this season then he had previously scored for City in the last campaign.
It has certainly been quite a turnaround for the 25-year-old, who saw the £27 million paid to sign him from Wolfsburg in January called into question after a relatively poor return last term.
But Dzeko has now gone some way to answering his critics, and has thanked manager Roberto Mancini for keeping the faith.

Lescott: City targeting title

2011-09-01T09:48:00.001+02:00

Joleon Lescott has set his sights on helping Manchester City to Barclays Premier League title glory and believes Edin Dzeko can provide the goal-power and threat that eluded him last season.
Lescott is currently preparing for England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Bulgaria in Sofia on Friday but the pre-match focus was inevitably on City - and Dzeko - after their flying start.

Roberto Mancini's side have won their opening three league games and Dzeko has weighed in with six goals after a disappointing introduction following his £27million January move from Wolfsburg.
Lescott, who helped City demolish Tottenham 5-1 on Sunday, said: "To win the league, that has to be the aim. We feel we can win every game that we play.

"That's not going to happen but we feel, if we can win the majority of games, then we'll do well come the end of the season.
"It's only the early part of the season. We know we've still got a long way to go. There will be games we don't play as well, and we will lose games, but we've got a fantastic squad."

Edin Dzeko making fun of Mario Balotelli ;-)

2011-08-31T13:38:00.000+02:00

Tottenham Vs Manchester City 1-5 - Edin Dzeko Samir Nasri Interviews

2011-08-30T01:21:00.000+02:00

Edin Dzeko believes there is much more to come from Manchester City after hammering Tottenham 5-1 at White Hart Lane.

Dzeko scored four times as he and debutant Samir Nasri helped put Spurs to the sword with a ruthless display of attacking football. Nasri supplied the crosses for Dzeko to score his first two goals and he also played his part in the run up to Sergio Aguero's strike, which made it 4-0 with half an hour to go.

Younes Kaboul headed home a consolation goal for Tottenham, but the afternoon belonged to Dzeko, who clinched his hat-trick with the last kick of the match.
"I think the last time I scored four was for Wolfsburg in Germany," he told ESPN. "Today was something special for me - to score four goals in the Premier League is fantastic.
"I think we're getting better and better. I hope we can improve in the next game and try to win every game."

Nasri added: "This is a tough place to win. I had a good game but the most important thing is we won 5-1 and sent out a signal to other clubs. This is just start of the season, it's important to keep our confidence, but I'm convinced we have a great team here and can win things."

City manager Roberto Mancini admits today's rout will have raised expectations amongst the fans, but was quick to remind them the season has only just begun.
"We played a really good game against what is a fantastic team," he said. "I was always sure Dzeko would score a lot of goals for us, he always scored in Wolfsburg.

"The only thing I'm disappointed with is that we conceded. I think we need to pay more attention in this situation. This is a very long season and it's important that we started well. The next games will be very hard because now everyone thinks we will score three or four goals, but that is impossible."

Tottenham 1-5 Manchester City: Sensational Edin Dzeko hits four goals as Roberto Mancini’s side demolishes Spurs

2011-08-29T19:34:00.000+02:00

An Edin Dzeko-inspired Manchester City has gone top of the Premier League with a 5-1 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

The Citizens dominated much of the game and can thank Dzeko for his part in the victory as he scored four, with new signing Sergio Aguero also getting himself on the scoresheet while Younes Kaboul scored the consolation for Spurs.

The match enjoyed a lively opening as both sides looked to get plenty of shots on goal in the opening exchanges as Samir Nasri, Aaron Lennon and Edin Dzeko all tried their luck in first few minutes.
From the opening five minutes it was clear the goalkeeper’s were going to be in for busy afternoons, as were the respective defensive backlines.

The potential of the City attack really shone through in just the seventh minute as Nasri and David Silva linked up masterfully as the Frenchman played a clever flick back to the diminutive Spaniard, but Brad Friedel managed to save his attempt and Sergio Aguero couldn’t control the rebound.
In the 12^th minute, the City attack once again showed ominous signs of what might be as Nasri, Silva and Aguero all participated in a lovely free-flowing passing move before eventually playing Dzeko, but the big Bosnian scuffed his shot well wide.

With 26 minutes gone, Gareth Bale, who, until then had barely had a touch in the match, really should have given the hosts the lead as Lennon picked the Welshman out at the back post following a clever link-up with Vedran Corluka, but with just Hart to beat, the Wales international put his effort high and wide.

City did eventually take the lead in the 34^th minute, however, as Aguero and Nasri linked up well before the former Arsenal man played in a delightful cross with his left foot where Dzeko was waiting to prod the ball goalwards, leaving Friedel with no chance.
The hosts came within inches of equalizing just five minutes later as Bale drove in a volleyed cross with amazing precision, but Peter Crouch’s header went wide of the top corner by a matter of centimeters, and how they were made to pay for the miss.

City effectively went straight down the other end and extended its lead as Dzeko doubled his tally through a quite fantastic header as he managed to nod Nasri’s ball back across the goal leaving Friedel with no chance.

It took just under 10 minutes for the first chance of the second half and it was Dzeko who came close as he headed towards goal from the edge of the box,
Minutes later, Dzeko grabbed his hat-trick as he stroked home a Yaya Toure’s across-goal pass. It was the easiest possible way to seal a hat-trick, but it was nothing less than he deserved and City wrapped up the three points with over half hour to play.

Just shy of the hour mark, City picked up its fourth goal of the match as Aguero beat Michael Dawson with amazing ease on the left side of the penalty area before placing his shot into the top far corner with his left foot. City was looking quite remarkable by now and was living up to Harry Redknapp’s comments about the club having a better squad than Barcelona as it laid down a marker to the rest of the Premier League, showing that it means business.

Spurs did get one back with 24 minutes to go as Kaboul rose highest from a Van der Vaart corner and buried a header past Hart in the City goal, but it would only be a consolation.
Seconds before the final whistle, Dzeko scored his fourth of the day, finding the top far corner from some 25 yards with a brilliant finish leaving Spurs wondering what had happened over the past hour and a half.

About Edin Dzeko

2011-08-29T16:20:00.000+02:00

Edin Džeko (Bosnian pronunciation: [ˈɛdin ˈdʒɛkɔ]) (born 17 March 1986) is a Bosnian association football player who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester City and the Bosnian national team. He was named Bosnian Footballer of the Year for 2009 and 2010. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, he is known as the "Bosnian Diamond"

Early career

Džeko made his debut at FK Željezničar, playing as a midfielder between 2003 and 2005, but with little success. He was widely regarded as too tall, and with poor technical abilities. Džeko's coach at the time though, Jiri Plišek, saw his potential and when Plišek returned home to the Czech Republic, he advised FK Teplice to buy him. Željezničar accepted a bid of just €25,000 for Džeko, prompting one of the Bosnian club's directors to say, "[we] thought we won the lottery". He had a loan spell with Ústí nad Labem in 2005, during which he scored six goals in 15 games. Later that year, he moved back to FK Teplice, playing there until 2007. With 13 goals in 30 games, he was the top scorer of the Gambrinus liga in the 2006–07 season. Due to his excellent performances, then manager Felix Magath of VfL Wolfsburg signed him for €4 million.

Wolfsburg

After transferring to Wolfsburg, Džeko was an immediate hit, scoring five goals and recording three assists in 11 games. He was also named by Sportal as the best striker in the first half of the 2007–08 Bundesliga season. During his first season in Germany, Wolfsburg finished in fifth place, qualifying for a UEFA Cup spot for the 2008–09 season. Džeko finished the 2007–08 season with eight goals and seven assists in 17 games started.

After Wolfsburg acquired fellow Bosnian international Zvjezdan Misimović, Džeko's performance was explosive in the second season. Despite a slow first half of the season, Wolfsburg found their form and won their first Bundesliga title. In May 2009, Džeko scored a hat-trick against TSG Hoffenheim and another hat-trick against Hannover 96 just two weeks later, contributing towards a very strong finish to the 2008–09 season. He finished with a total of 26 league goals and 10 assists in 32 league matches. His goal tally was second only to teammate Grafite, with whom he formed the most successful strike duo in Bundesliga history. In the DFB-Pokal, he scored six goals in two matches, and in the UEFA Cup, four goals and two assists in eight matches. These performances resulted in him being given the Bundesliga Players' Footballer of the Year award. Despite attracting interest from Milan, Džeko decided to stay, renewing his contract until June 2013.
He scored his first UEFA Champions League goal on 30 September 2009 against Manchester United in a 2–1 defeat at Old Trafford.He was one of 30 players nominated for the 2009 Ballon d'Or.He was top scorer of the Bundesliga in the 2009–10 season with 22 goals scored.
On 28 August 2010, Džeko became the top league scorer in the club's history with 59 goals in 96 appearances, surpassing Diego Klimowicz who scored 57 goals in 149 games.

Manchester City

After heavy speculation, Roberto Mancini, manager of Manchester City, confirmed on 3 January 2011 that a fee of £27 million (€32 million) had been agreed with Wolfsburg for Džeko, which was City's second highest transfer figure, after Robinho's £32.5 million (€42.5 million) move from Real Madrid in 2008. The transfer fee was the sixth highest in the English Premier League.Also, the sum broke the Bundesliga record departure transfer fee, Bosnian record transfer fee, as well as that of any player from ex-Yugoslavia. The previous ex-Yugoslav record stood for more than a decade – the transfer fee paid by Real Madrid to Fenerbahçe for Elvir Baljić in 1999 (€26 million).

Following his medical exam in London he travelled to Manchester on 5 January, and on 7 January, Džeko was confirmed as a Manchester City player, joining the club on a four and a half year deal.He made his debut for the club in a 4–3 win over Wolves on 15 January in which he set up Yaya Touré for the third goal of the match. Džeko marked his FA Cup debut on 30 January 2011 with the equalising goal in Manchester City's fourth round match against Notts County which ended in a 1–1 draw.In the replay on 20 February, Džeko again scored, helping Manchester City progress to the next round in a 5–0 romp. Džeko scored twice against Aris Thessaloniki within four and a half minutes at the City of Manchester Stadium in the second leg of the last 32 of the Europa League on 24 February 2011.
On 25 April 2011, Džeko scored his first Premier League goal with a right footed finish against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. This was the only goal of the game in a 1–0 win for Manchester City His second league goal (sixth in all competitions) came on 22 May, the last day of the 2010–11 season against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.
Although his first season in the Premier League has fluctuated, Džeko has scored important goals against Notts County to advance in the FA Cup, Blackburn Rovers to all-but-secure a fourth spot in the league for Manchester City, and finally a goal against Bolton Wanderers that guaranteed City third spot and automatic qualification into the group stage of the UEFA Champion's League.
Džeko started his second season with City by scoring the team's second goal in a 2–3 defeat against rivals Manchester United in the FA Community Shield. Džeko started and scored in City's first game of 2011–12 Premier League season, a 4–0 win over Premier League newboys Swansea City. He added to his tally in the 2nd game of the season with a goal in a 3-2 away win over Bolton

International career

Džeko's first appearance for his home country came with the Bosnia and Herzegovina national under-19 football team. He was also part of the under-21 team and played in the play-offs hosted in the Netherlands in 2007. Bosnia's first challenges in this competition were Armenia and Norway. They beat Armenia 3–2 and tied with Norway 1–1, qualifying for the playoff against the Czech Republic. In the first leg, Bosnia lost 2–1; in the second, the game ended in a 1–1 draw. Džeko scored one goal in the tournament.
He made his senior debut against Turkey on 2 June 2007. It was a memorable debut for the player, with a volleyed goal from the bench to the penalty area during the first half stoppage time. The goal levelled the score at 2–2 and Bosnia went on to win 3–2. He scored nine goals in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying and finished as the second best scorer in UEFA qualification, tied with England's Wayne Rooney, both behind Greek striker Theofanis Gekas' 10 goals.
On 28 March 2009, Bosnian sports commentator, Marjan Mijajlović, named Džeko the Bosnian Diamond during a game versus Belgium in Genk in which he scored a remarkable goal.

UNICEF Ambassador

In November 2009, Džeko became Bosnia's first UNICEF ambassador.He has since visited several schools in poor areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina and helped children who have had traumatic experiences related to the war in Bosnia and other situations^.

Personal life

Džeko was born into a Bosniak family. His family consists of father Midhat, mother Belma and sister Merima. He stated that his family was always supportive throughout his career, especially his father, who took him to training sessions while he was at FK Željezničar. His father also played professionally in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Džeko is multilingual, speaking four languages fluently: Bosnian, Czech, German and English.
Džeko stated that AC Milan has always been his favorite club and Andriy Shevchenko his favourite player. In his home in Sarajevo, he still has an AC Milan jersey with the number 7 (worn by Shevchenko while at the club) on the wall in his room.