Moyes: No feud with Mourinho

Moyes: No feud with Mourinho

Published Jul. 28, 2013 3:15 p.m. ET

Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo claims he is suited to the Premier League and insists he's more than a goalscorer.

The summer signing from Sevilla is known as 'The Beast' but the 27-year-old feels he has technical quality to go with the physical threat.

"It makes me laugh when they call me the Beast," Negredo told reporters. "But, yes, I think I am a strong player, who can fight and be physical.

"I think I have some qualities that will suit the Premier League. I think my style suits the game in England, but I also like to believe that I have good technical ability as well.

ADVERTISEMENT

"It was my team-mates who first started calling me the Beast of Vallecas. But it became so popular that the media in Spain also started to use the nickname as well.

"I think I can be both the physical and technical. There are some matches where the physical approach is important and other games where you can show off your skill.

"I like to think I am a player with many qualities. I have a strong all-round game. I am not just a goalscorer, I think I also work hard for the team and play my part in the game."

Negredo is just part of the £90million player investment under new boss Manuel Pellegrini and the Spaniard is anticipating City will be an attacking outfit with the Chilean coach at the helm.

Negredo added: "Mr Pellegrini is known in Spain for the attractive style of his football.

"Whether he was at Villarreal, Real Madrid or Malaga, his teams always played dynamic, attacking football, with style, and I am sure that is why Manchester City wanted him.

"I am also sure it will be even better at City because of the quality of players he now has to work with. The squad is so talented here that there is only one option - to attack."

Mourinho has irritated Moyes by openly stating his interest in signing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

When both clubs were in Bangkok at the start of their pre-season tours of the Far East Mourinho claimed discussion of other club's players was off-limits - only then to say he would be a "hypocrite" if he denied he was a fan of the England international.

That led to talk of mind games between the two managers, which Moyes fuelled when he said "bring it on".

But Moyes insists there is no conflict between the pair, beyond what normally exists between competing managers, and that they have always got along.

"Jose Mourinho is a tremendous manager," said Moyes. "He has done really well in the Premier League.

"Like me, he started doing his coaching badges in Scotland and whilst I wouldn't say I know him that well, I do know him."

And Moyes revealed he offered his sympathies after Mourinho's exit from Chelsea in 2008.

"I remember when he lost his job I wrote him a letter," he said. "So, for people to say there is any feud is wrong.

"Of course, you are going to find two really competitive managers. When our teams play we will both be highly committed to make sure our clubs win.

"But I admire him for how well he has done as a manager."

share