As I wrote in the wake of the win over Scunthorpe, we are more than capable of beating any of the remaining sides in the competition.
Whilst Arsenal's shadow side is not the easiest draw we could have got but home advantage is definitely an important factor and tips the balance in our favour.
Ahead of Sundays game at Birmingham I had the chance to catch up with Kev, who runs the Birmingham City blog 'Joys and Sorrows' to gage the mood ahead of the game and to pose one or two questions about how the season has been going so far.
How has Joe Hart fared this season? Would you like to sign permanently and will that happen?
On the whole I think he has done well. There are mumbles from some fans though, as he has made a few mistakes recently such as against Sunderland last weekend. On the whole though he is a positive keeper and has tremendous potential. I personally would like to see him signed permanently but I'm not sure you will let him go though.
How have you found the Prmeier League? Any surprises or disappointments so far?
I think we've had an ok start. We have had a few tough games, however we have also dropped points we shouldn't have done. As it stands we are gaining a point a game which is ok. No real surprises I guess, just confirmation that the league is now really split into four - the top four, European places, mid-table and those battling to stay up.
From what you have seen, should you stay up? Are you aiming higher?
I think there are 7 or 8 sides who could go down so we have a reasonable chance of staying up. I think the January transfer window could be key though.
What are your thoughts on the takeover? What changes do you see it bringing?
We needed a change. I wasn't one of the board bashers, however they had lost the confidence of the fans. There were lots of broken promises and very little trust. The new guys have brought a new feel to the club. They have responded to criticism regarding ticket prices by reducing the cost for the game on Sunday. They refer to the club as a 'family' - a little cheesy but a nice sentiment. It is early days but I am optimistic things are looking good.
Does Alex McLeish have the backing of the fans?
I'd say just about. He has spent most of this season making us play 4-5-1, which is fine if you have some midfielders to play that but I'm not sure we do. There were plenty of grumbles but he did change to a 4-4-2 against Sunderland and we performed well and the fans were happier.
What are your impressions of us this season? Can we challenge the top four?
I think you are showing the classic signs of a squad still bonding and therefore results like last weekend are happening when you should be winning. Having said that, you have pace, strength and skill throughout the squad.
As time goes on you will be one of the top four. I'm not sure it will be this year though - that will depend on Liverpool and if they pick up. Next season I would be confident you will get a top four spot.
Who or what will be key on Sunday?
A lot will depend on our formation but I'll give you two unsung names. Barry Ferguson is really beginning to look the part as the engine room and Roger Johnson, who has been a superb signing. The back four is far more confident and organised with him in there.
Who should we look out for?
Christian Benitez. He is getting better and better each game. He is quick, and although small he is quite strong. I am sure when he gets his first goal he will become a real key player.
Prediction for Sunday?
1-1.
In addition to last night's victory, a positive was that it was achieved with a number of players who - through injury - had yet to really feature for the side this season.
In his post-match comments, Mark Hughes singled out Roque Santa Cruz and Michael Johnson in particular:
“Roque got a start and a goal as well. I thought his general play was outstanding. He allowed players to flourish around him. I was pleased for him because I think he showed everybody what he is capable of."With Adebayor, Bridge and Toure expected to be fit for the weekend trip to Birmingham, competition for places is really beginning to intensify - something that should sharpen up the focus after dropping points in recent weeks.
“In addition to that Michael has come on and scored an outstanding goal as well and we are delighted with that because for long periods while he was out it was a worry whether or not he could get back to the level of the first team. Now we understand the problem that he had and hopefully he will be able to stay fit and well."
The draw for the quarter-final stage of the Carling Cup will take place this Saturday, and it is an all-Premier League affair and after progressing last night we will face one of the following sides:
Arsenal
Aston Villa
Blackburn
Chelsea
Manchester United
Portsmouth
Tottenham
For all the bad press the competition has received in recent seasons, it is perhaps telling that so many of the 'bigger' sides remain at this stage - even with less than full-strength sides being fielded.
As to who we get? We can beat any of the sides left in, but equally we could go out to any of them. I'm not sure there is a really 'easy' tie you would be hoping for.
Let's get a home draw and take it from there.
With a history of recent slip ups to lower league opposition, there is a tendancy to view fixtures such as last nights with a degree of trepidation, and when we gifted Scunthorpe an equaliser after going ahead so early, there could well have been a sense of foreboding around the stadium.
This season though there has been the first suggestions that the old mentality is being cast aside and rather than Scunthorpe's goal spelling disaster, the exact opposite was true as we went on the front foot and sealed our progression through to the quarter-finals in convincing fashion.
In fact, all three fixtures in the Carling Cup (Crystal Palace and Fulham prior to last night) this season now have been tricky ties that in days past could have caught us out, but all have been navigated in professional fashion.
Every bit of pleasing as the result last night though, must have been the performance of the side which contained a number of changes. Sylvinho and Roque Santa Cruz made their first starts for the club, Vincent Kompany and Michael Johnson returned to the side after long spells out. Stephen Ireland and Shaun Wright-Phillips were back after time on the bench, whilst Vladimir Weiss gained further experience.
Even Benjani was afforded a ten minute spell at the end of the game.
Pleasing then that both Johnson and Santa Cruz were on the scoresheet, with Santa Cruz hopefully gearing up for a full return to fitness in time for when Emmanuel Adebayor is missing through African Cup of Nations duty in January.
Of course we are now through to the quarter-finals of the competition, a stage where we have faltered with some abject displays in recent times. Talk is cheap but we do look a different prospect than previously.
Now would be a good time to show it.
After a very impressive start to the season, the recent three game winless run (although undefeated) has brought one or two frustrations from fans to the fore.
None moreso than the continued form of Micah Richards.
As rapid as his ascent was, coming into the side as a teenager and marking a first team spot as his own before catapulting himself into the international fold, his subsequent decline has been anything but.
After forging a solid looking partnership with Richard Dunne during the early days of Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2007/08, both he and Dunne suffered a dip in form over the remainder of that season. Such was Richards drop off that eventually he was moved back to his original position of right-back during 2008/09 as he struggled to recapture the precocious form of his early days.
Whilst he has shown some promising signs this season, he has yet to truly convince and lost his place in the side to Pablo Zabaleta - not before time in many fans opinion.
Amazingly, there is still talk of him forcing his way into the England reckoning for the 2010 World Cup, but this is at best fanciful thinking. Fabio Capello - who is a shrewd (and very good) judge of a player, clearly does not rate Richards and he hasn't been anywhere near the senior side since the Italian took over from Steve McLaren.
An often remarked view that I get emails about is that Richards has simply 'lost it' - that somehow what propelled him to the heights he reached has deserted him, a lack of mojo and leaving him a redundant shell of the player he once was.
But is this the case? Can a good player simply become bad, or is that too simplistic a viewpoint?
My own thoughts on Richards are that he was never really a 'true' footballer, by that he doesn't have the technique or 'smarts' (concentration, positional awareness) that the top level defenders have.
He possesses amazing physical traits of course (which better suits him to a central role) and a great deal of pace, both of which may well have glossed over his frailties during his career. He is strong in the tackle and capable of bringing the ball out of defence.
Concentration appears to be big issue for him though. There has been more than one goal this season where Richards has been out of position, something you simply cannot afford at this level.
You cannot write a player off of course, and it would be foolish to do so with him - particularly with someone who has the ability and potential Richards has. Lest we forget he is only 21 years of age. But the financial restrictions at the club that helped initially propel him into the starting line up are no longer a constraint, which means that Mark Hughes can afford to be less patient and more ruthless.
Having served his suspension, I expect Pablo Zabaleta to slot back in at right-back and although Richards may replace the injured Toure tomorrow evening (personally I would like to see Vincent Kompany), Richards will likely enough find himself back on the outside looking in, and with a great deal of work required to force himself back into the line-up and to the heights he reached when he first burst onto the scene.
Perhaps trying to dampen some of the criticism aimed at him - particularly in the wake of Sunday's drawagainst Fulham, Mark Hughes has offered support for big money signing Joleon Lescott:
"You have to understand, though, that this is a new back four and the more games Joleon and Kolo [Touré] play together the better they will gel as a pair. Chelsea's back four is rock solid and that comes from the experience of having played together over four or five years. We haven't had that and at times we have had to change around because of injuries or suspensions, but it's only a matter of time.
"What Joleon has is real determination to grow and develop and if you have a player like that it's very easy to work with them. His attitude to work, on a daily basis, is exemplary and I wouldn't just blame Joleon [for the recent defensive lapses]. There will always be lapses of concentration or technical issues but I'm more concerned about cutting out consecutive errors because that's when you generally concede a goal."
Hughes has a valid point of course. Whereas the whole side has undergone a huge shift in both personnel and mentality over the summer, these changes are easier to absorb in the more attacking positions.
In defence, it takes far longer to build an understanding and solidity only comes with the unit playing together over a consistent period.
That is not to absolve Lescott of any criticism though, as there have been one or two basic, fundamental errors from him since his arrival but I don't think there is any doubt that the potential for Toure and Lescott to be a really dominating partnership is there for all to see.
A couple of enforced moves anyway for Mark Hughes tomorrow evening:
"Kolo is not fit, and neither is Martin, while there is a doubt over Wayne and he may well not be involved. Kolo and Martin should hopefully be alright for the weekend, but they are not quite right at the moment.
"They went for scans on Monday and they don't have anything too serious, but Wednesday will be too soon for them."
Whilst players such as Sylvinho, Kompany, Ireland, Johnson, Weiss and Santa Cruz will all be demanding significant playing time - and I would like to see them involved for if nothing else to sharpen the minds of those who have by and large started all season so far, Hughes will stick to his formula of fielding as strong a side as possible:
“I will still field a strong side - there will not be a raft of changes. We want to progress in the competition and it is important we do so.
“We have given the competition the respect it deserves in previous rounds and will do so again. It is a game we want to win, so that will determine our attitude, I would suggest.
“Scunthorpe are a good team and we will give them the respect they deserve. It is a big game for them but it won’t faze them coming to our stadium."
The sidelined Brazilian has been speaking again to radio in his home country:
"I'm very happy about the interest that Barcelona have in me, playing in the Nou Camp it is much easier to be the best player in the world than at City."I'm reluctant to wade too much into this and criticise him given the lack of accuracy there often is in quotes such as these.
"I'm not forcing a hypothetical exit from England and neither do I have problems with my coach."
Some concerns ahead of Wednesday visit of Scunthorpe following the draw with Fulham:
"We will check everyone out today. We have a number of doubts but we have guys who can come in," said disappointed manager Mark Hughes.None appear (thankfully) to be too serious but I would have imagined all three would have seen significant action on Wednesday.
"Martin took a bang on a knee which has been sore for a while now, but hopefully it won't be too serious. Kolo landed on his heel near the end of the game - it's something he has been playing with for quite some time. It has been painful and he got a bang right on the spot again. Hopefully, both injuries will calm down over the next two days."
"Roque was poorly. He came into training on Saturday and wasn't well, and was bad with tonsillitis again at night with a fever."
A pair of young prospects were linked over the weekend with imminent moves to the club. Firstly, Slovenian midfielder Rene Krhin - currently at Inter, who The People suggest is all but a done deal:
Krhin should join Hughes's revolution in the New Year, with City keen to do business now before he costs even more - and possibly appears in the World Cup finals for his country next summer.
Sickening Boss Jose Mourinho has tried to keep Krhin sweet at Inter with a couple of first-team appearances in Serie A and the Champions League, but pals of the star say that City are offering him a huge deal and the chance to develop with them.
Hughes has a lot of quality in his midfield already, but he does not have someone with Krhin's physique on the books and sees the 19-year-old as a first-team squad man immediately and a starter soon after.
Krhin will cost big money because Inter have him under contract for another 18 months but City think they will be successful as they carry on their push to dominate the transfer market.
Whilst The Mail reports Hughes is set to move for Sporting Lisbon centre-half Daniel Carrico:
And Hughes wants to spend heavily again to bring Carrico to the Barclays Premier League.
Carrico's current contract does not expire until July 2013 - but the right-footed defender does have an £18.4m release clause.
Spanish side Atletico Madrid are also keen on Carrico, who has played 13 games for Sporting this season.
It is difficult to know quite how accurate either story really is, and they certainly haven't been widely reported.
However, and despite the money lavished on the squad so far during 2009, I don't think Hughes is ready to stand still with the squad so although there may not be a number of high profile arrivals, there could be one or two for the future added in January.
A theme running through some of the message boards post game - and something I alluded to in my post game thoughts - has been the concern at our defensive performance of late, specifically the manner in which we are conceding and this was something Mark Hughes focused in his post-match interview, and something that wasn't expected given the investment made in that area:
"At set pieces we need to do better in terms of positioning and personnel. We've been caught out a few times but it's not just us. Decent balls in are difficult to defend, though that wasn't the case today."We started really well with four clean sheets but we're conceding now. We're working hard on that. There are areas we need to focus on and we pick the bones out of the games we have played."
A common theme I have posted about this season is expectation - where victories become a formality. This is what can ultimately separate teams who do, and don't make it to the top four.
Whilst the media focus on defeats (as we have seen with Liverpool recently), too many draws can be equally damaging in terms of ambition. Today's result is of course three draws on the spin now, and whilst a point at Villa Park could be seen as a credible return the results against Wigan and at home to Fulham are undoubtedly points dropped.
Prior to today, we had not dropped any points having led in a game so to let a 2-0 lead slip (and so soon after going ahead) at home is disappointing and a missed opportunity, particularly given results elsewhere over the weekend when a top four spot was up for grabs.
Of most concern is the goals we are leaking. We started off the season looking secure at the back, but it is now six league games (plus one in the Carling Cup) since we shut a side out. The past three games (taking three points from nine) shows the value of this is, and how costly it can be if you don't get it right.
It goes without saying that unless we can remedy this aspect of our game, the heights of our ambition this season will be severely checked.
There's a interview with Gareth Barry in today's Observer by Paul Hayward ahead of the Fulham game, in which he discusses - amongst other things - his summer move. Hayward is clearly a fan, and there is an interesting paragraph that details a recent observation of Barry:
In a recent City home game I began listing the variety of Barry's passes and charting his influence on team-mates in an expensive, attack-minded side. He played the short prod and the sweeping curl to an overlapping colleague; he slid, stroked and clipped the ball on both sides of the pitch; he linked attacking play and tracked back to assist in defensive positions, tackling, screening and looking to start forward moves again with intelligent balls from deep areas.Although Craig Bellamy is taking many of the plaudits as the standout player so far this season, Barry's contribution can be considered every bit as important. The paragraph I took from the article sums Barry's abilities up precisely and I have been hugely impressed with him right from the opening day of the season.
I've posted previously about a changing mentality in this City side, whereby if we are to make a genuine attempt at a top six (or higher) position there needs to be an expectation of achieving victory heading into games - in that the three points become a formality rather than something hoped for.
A home game versus Fulham has to be such a game. They are undoubtedly a useful side - which Thursday nights draw against Roma in the Europa League showed - and have the upper hand over us in recent times. Brede Hangeland looks a towering presence at the back, and perhaps more worryingly, a threat from set pieces. They are a hard working unit and capable of creating opportunities, yet I feel lack a real cutting edge in attack for all their industry.
An advantage for ourselves heading into the game is that they have played twice this week already - Monday night against Hull and then in Europe on Thursday, and as we ourselves experienced last season it is difficult to balance both competitions effectively and we should be the fitter, sharper side on Sunday.
Sides who harbour realistic hopes of success do not drop points in these circumstances and recent form evidences our dominance at home, having won the past six and twelve out of thirteen on home soil.
Team wise, we still have doubts over Bellamy and Toure who both missed out against Wigan whilst Pablo Zabaleta serves a one-match suspension. With Bellamy possibly absent, Hughes may well stick to the 4-4-2 we have seen in recent games, although my preference would be to adopt a less rigid 4-3-3 formation which has served us well at home and offers a more fluid and potent attacking threat.
The Carling Cup tie is proof that Fulham (then with a much changed side) are not to be taken lightly but our home form has been nothing short of superb (and as good as anything in the league) of late and I will take us to win by a margin of 3-1.
Game notes:
From harbouring hopes of a return next week against Scunthorpe, it seems that Robinho is instead set for another couple of weeks on the sidelines:
"He's had a little bit of a setback, and the likelihood is it will be another 10 to 14 days," confirmed Hughes.
"The area where the stress fracture is hasn't healed as quickly as we anticipated.Perhaps it will at least delay some of the undoubted media controversy his return is expected to create for a little longer.
"He could probably join in with the group, but the fear would be if he got a direct bang on that area there's a chance he may re-break the leg.
"So we don't pitch him into those circumstances, and it would be crazy to, so we're going to err on the side of safety.
"We've options, so can cope and give Robi the time he needs. It's important we don't put him at risk."
Mark Hughes mused today on the possibility that Robinho could see a return to action in next weeks Carling Cup tie at home to Scunthorpe:
"There is a possibility that Robi will be on the bench for Scunthorpe, but it might be a bit soon and I don't like to throw players in before they've had games in training or in the reserves.
"We had to throw Vinnie Kompany in because of the circumstances but ideally he'd have had more time, and with the options we've got we can afford to give Robi some more time."
Whilst I have expected changes to the line-up for both of our previous ties in the competition, Hughes has stuck rigidly to his first choice side so far.
This time though we have a number of players who have returned to full fitness but lack match sharpness - Vincent Kompany, Michael Johnson, Roque Santa Cruz and likely Robinho himself. Looking past an opponent can be a dangerous move and the game offers a fantastic opportunity to get through to the last eight, but whilst reserve games can help I'm sure Hughes will be looking at the game as a possibility for these players to taste more competitive action.
Whilst players such as Martin Petrov and Pablo Zabaleta have seen action of late, there are some such as Stuart Taylor, Sylvinho and Vladimir Weiss who have been left kicking their heels on the bench that Hughes could give some time to if he decides to make changes.
Hot on the heels of more Robinho exit rumours comes Guillem Balague's considered view:
The Premier league club have no intention of selling their star player and Barcelona do not have sufficient funds to even consider making a large enough bid that might give City reason to reconsider. Furthermore, the Spanish champions are taking the prospect of Mark Hughes` club becoming a major European player seriously - and are eager to treat City with respect - which is why they have not even considered approaching them over a loan move for a player whom they know City have no desire to sell.I posted last week about how important it is to keep Robinho, and what an asset he can be to the side this season.
Mark Hughes considers Robinho a key player in his plans to progress the club to the next level and City have no intention of letting him go. However, the City boss faces having his man management skills tested to the full as Robinho is excited by the idea of a move to the Camp Nou and has already discussed the prospect with a Barcelona player.
"There are some good teams in the Premier League this year," the Manchester City boss said. "There is a focus on ourselves because we have the ambition to have a good season.
"But the fact there is a threat to the teams who have had those top four places is adding extra pressure.
"You just sense maybe that feeling of invincibility is no longer there. Other teams think they can take points off them."
One of the features of the Premier League so far this season - whilst still at an early stage - is precisely what Hughes references in the article, that some of the perceived invincibility of the 'big four' has diminished, something we have witnessed with the results seen so far this season.
What has been important for the league is that not only are more perceived as a threat to the top four, but those sides - namely ourselves, Aston Villa and Tottenham - have all got off to good starts to be right amongst the pack. All three of the aforementioned sides do look to have a real confidence about them and a belief that they can crack the top four.
What is important is that with the chasing sides getting stronger, this sees more potential for the established top four sides dropping points and whilst United and Chelsea still look a shade above the rest of the league (primarily due to their consistency), Arsenal and Liverpool look less so.
Equally important though is the requirement to win those games that you should win and I posted a week or so ago that the next six games we faced (beginning with the Wigan one) would be a good test as they are what you would see as winnable ones (plus the Liverpool fixture that could be one to put some space between the two sides), and at the end of that block of fixtures we would be a third of the way through the season.
By then the 2009/10 Premier League should be beginning to take shape and those sides with high hopes will have a better idea of quite what they can achieve over the course of the season.
Mark Hughes probably echoing a lot of views around today:
"We're a bit frustrated, I felt we were quite comfortable in the first half and then switched off at a hopeful long ball that got punted upfield.
The sending-off stopped us in our tracks, we had to regroup and make sure that we were going to take something out of the game. I thought we showed some great qualities, we really did not want to get beaten today and we displayed a good mentality. That has come to the fore time and time again this season."
Vincent Kompany - who made his first appearance of the season yesterday at Wigan - has signed an extension to his current deal:
Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has signed a new five-year deal with the Premier League club that will keep him at Eastlands until 2014.
Kompany, 23, was signed from German side Hamburg in August 2008.
I suppose the news came a little out of nowhere but perhaps - given he was only a year into his existing deal - brings him into a line with some of the bigger earners who arrived this summer. If so, we may be set to see some more restructuring of current deals for other squad members.
In signing the deal, Kompany highlighted the changing nature of the squad from that he found when he arrived last season:
“There has been no speculation (on reports linking him to a move away from the club) from my side because I have just signed the new deal but it is the kind of thing you have to get used to when you play for this club now."
“In the end you just don’t pay attention to the speculation. City’s ambitions are my ambitions and I want to be one of the main players in a very big team. We are now a mature side now and the big improvements this season have been in mentality and professionalism. That is why we are better than we were last season."
And although he faces a fight to get into the starting line up, Mark Hughes clearly sees him as the type of player that he wants to epitomise his squad:
“He has been desperate to get back into action and in fact we have had to hold him back a little since his operation in the summer such was his desire to return to action.
“But that is the kind of lad that he is. He is still only 23-years-old but is so mature in his outlook; that is why I made him captain last season on occasions. He wants to improve, he is ambitious and he is desperate for success. He was one of our most reliable performers last season and it is great that we have been able to secure his services for the next five years. It is another sign of our commitment to young talent. Vincent is a big part of our future.”
Given - Could have done better with the goal but redeemed himself with a fantastic block late on. 6.5
Zabaleta - First yellow was soft but the type of rash challenge we have seen before from him earned him red. 5.5
Bridge - Solid enough but perhaps hadn't fully recovered from the midweek injury. 6
Richards - Back in the middle and although lost out in the build up to the goal was solid enough. Will be back in at right-back next week. 6.5
Lescott - I though his best game for us yesterday. Took on more responsibility with Toure's absence and was a presence both in defence and going forward. 7.5
Wright-Phillips - The 4-4-2 suits him better and he showed good flashes yesterday. Still under pressure though. 6.5
Barry - I thought he was again superb. So much of his work goes largely unnoticed but his presence continues to be a key for us. Tired late on. 7.5
de Jong - Another strong, gritty performance doing the dirty work. Has to be careful with one or two of his challenges though. 7
Petrov - Another start, another goal. Hughes praised his effort and he is doing all he can to warrant a starting spot. 7.5
Adebayor - Worked hard again and got into good positions. Sacrificed following the sending off of Zabaleta. 7
Tevez - An excellent performance, full of energy and effort - particularly when we down to ten men. Looks to be one of the first names down on the team sheet. 7.5
Subs:
Kompany - First appearance of the season and looked composed in the centre of defence. 6.5
Ireland - A fleeting appearance and didn't get much opportunity to make an impact. 6
Santa Cruz - No time for an impact. n/a
Given the circumstances leading upto the game (preperations hampered through injury and an international break) and then during the ninety minutes itself (going a goal down on the stroke of half-time and then playing the final half an hour with ten men) a point can be seen as a very good return.
It is, I suppose, a measure of the current sides mentality that we came away with a point rather than empty handed, and also a sign of the ambition and expectation there is that there is also a sense of frustration to not come away with all three-points.
Having gone behind on the stroke of half-time to a goal I thought contained four mistakes on our part - losing out on the initial header, Richards beaten to the ball, Given not dealing with the shot effectively enough and finally, being second to the follow up - we got back into the game at exactly the right time with a neat finish from Petrov that Wigan will feel they should have done better to clear.
The second half was an entertaining one to watch and had plenty of tension following Zabaleta's sending off, which despite the soft first yellow card was inevitable after the rash challenge he has a habit of committing. It would have been interesting to see if we indeed would have gone on to win the game with a full compliment of players.
This is not to say it was a backs to the wall job as whilst we looked resolute in defence, we had possession and carved out opportunities but were unable to get that one quality chance which could have taken the points.
I was impressed with Wigan though I have to say. Whilst defensively they can be exposed they have plenty of spark and pace going forward. It will be no surprise to see them knock of one or two of the more fancied sides throughout the season, although a lack of a goalscorer will limit their ambition.
Hughes again opted for a 4-4-2 line-up, leaving Ireland on the bench and I'd argue allows Wright-Phillips's more opportunity. Whilst we look a more compact and tight side my preference is for a 4-3-3 which affords more flexibility and attacking threat. I can see why Hughes prefers to start away from home with the more defensive set-up (with the option of switching if the game demands) but that is twice in succession we have gone behind on our travels. Perhaps a little less caution would have yielded a greater return than the two points we have managed.
There is a lengthy article in the Mail today with Joleon Lescott in which he covers quite a wide number of topics. Of most interest perhaps, in discussing his move to the club he says:
‘Moving to City was one of the best days of my life because it was something I wanted,’ he says. ‘It wasn’t about the money. I remember hearing that one of the coaches at Everton, someone I’d worked with every day, had said that about me and I thought, “How can you say that when you know me as well as you do?”. Believe me, I had a great contract at Everton. I didn’t need any more. But City represented a chance to achieve real success faster than it was going to happen at Everton.
‘At City it’s just brilliant, the way the dressing room has gelled. I think it’s the sheer sense of excitement among all the lads, this feeling that we can achieve things and not just in the future but straight away. You can sense the excitement among the fans, too. They are enjoying watching players like Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor as much as I’m enjoying
playing and training with them.’
It is a very candid and in-depth article with Lescott and well worth a read.
I was trying to assess Lescott's contribution to the side so far since his arrival, and ultimately thought it around 6/10 so far - by no means disappointing but equally he is yet to really assert or impose himself in the side in the manner hoped.
Contrast perhaps with Kolo Toure who looks as though he has been in the side for an eternity and his visibly improving with every game, yet to be fair to Toure he arrived after the season had begun (thus having no pre-season) and had to deal with very acrimonious circumstances surrounding his departure from Everton so perhaps it will take more time for him to fully integrate into the side.
That said, he has shown enough I believe to suggest he will have a successful season (and beyond), and given that he arrived effectively arrived as a replacement for Richard Dunne, I'm still very much of the opinion that it was the right move to make.
One of the common themes from press conferences and interviews with Mark Hughes this season has been his satisfaction with the current make up of the squad. This time he is praising the application and attitude to the training sessions:
City's boss also admitted that not every player in the squad he inherited last year was able to rise to the challenge of his demanding regime - but there is no dissent in the camp today.Whilst Hughes wouldn't be averse to adding a player or two in January if he felt they would really benefit the side, he has again reiterated that the influx of players we saw in the summer (or even last January) will not be repeated (something that JPB has a good post on).He said: "Some players found it more difficult to embrace what needed to be done. You give them opportunities but if they can't or won't step up to the plate, there's no point them being here.
"We've bought players who see what's in place, what we do in preparation and recovery, and they accept that as the norm. They embrace it without question. They just see it as the Man City way."
Speaking about the key presence that Given has become since his signing from Newcastle last January:
"Shay's been more than I could have hoped for in terms of his presence on the field.Given's performance has far exceeded that I expected since his arrival, and I don't think there can be any debate as to the value of his signing and that he brings more to the side than Joe Hart did.
"He's got a calming influence on the back four. That's made a marked difference to the way the guys in front of him have been able to defend.
"It comes from knowledge of the game. It comes from knowing when you need to take the sting out of games and when you need to build momentum.
"That starts from Shay and he has a great understanding, because of the Premier League experience that he has."
In his press conference today, Mark Hughes dismissed rumours linking Robinho with a move away from the club and predicted good things ahead this season - and echoes what I wrote earlier today:
"There's always speculation and noise surrounding Robi. Read the interview and the vast majority of his comments are positive ones about Man City and what's happening here."He made a real impact last season and scored goals for us under difficult circumstances when the team was not playing consistently well. He was one of the few shining lights last year.
"He's not been able to do it in recent weeks but that's the only frustration we have sensed here. That will hopefully be resolved in the next seven to ten days and he's back playing."
"We're not in the process of taking outstanding players out of the team. We want to bring in outstanding players to complement the outstanding ones we already have. We don't want to move Robi or anybody else out of the squad. We're looking to build, we're not looking to dismantle."
It's a good job the club revamped the medical facilities last season as the treatment room is a crowded place currently:
"We have a couple of doubts. Kolo has not trained since Villa due to the bang on the heel he received there, and Craig Bellamy has a little bit of stiffness in his groin. He did not finish training on Thursday and will not train today.
"We're hopeful on Zabaleta but there is not a guarantee that he will be fit and well. Nigel de Jong is a little bit sore, and Martin Petrov also won't train today because of a sore knee."
Sunday's trip to Wigan has the banana-skin written all over it. Going up against a side we have been woeful against since they came into the Premier League, struggling with injuries and coming off international week.
That said, there is a reason Hughes added so much depth to the squad, and if we are to have any ambition this season it is games like this season where you need to come away with the points.
A big test awaits.
Ignoring the rumour and speculation that has been floating around this week, Mark Bowen has been discussing the return of Robinho and warned that he faces a fight for his place:
"He's a naturally-fit guy who doesn't carry a lot of weight, so once he's back training with the group it doesn't take him much time to be right. Once he comes back he'll be ready to put in the side.Robinho's comments that were reported this week have fuelled talk that a January move may well be imminent, and he certainly didn't appear to discount the possibility:"But Robi is no different from any other player in the squad in that he will be fighting for a place when he regains his fitness. Anybody who watches top-level football knows that is always the case now, and we are no different.
"Things can change so quickly though - a week is a long time in this game. An injury or two and you're back in the side, and then it's up to you to make sure that you stay there. People might be asking how Robi is going to get back in given Craig's form, but things do change."
"Of course I would like to play for Barcelona, who wouldn't? We could really enjoy ourselves. It would be a pleasure to play alongside [Lionel] Messi, my compatriot [Dani] Alves, Xavi, [Andrés] Iniesta, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, everyone. They are a great team. I have played against them and I know all about their quality. But until now I have only been able to play with them on the PlayStation."However it is worth noting that he also qualified the comments by stating his commitment is to City, and that he sees good times ahead:
"Pep Guardiola's side is truly spectacular. It is an honour that a coach like Guardiola speaks highly of me, for him to rate me as highly as I have read that he does. I genuinely appreciate it, from the bottom of my heart."
"I'm concentrating on doing the best I can for City. We're thinking big now. We have built a very strong side that has aspirations of winning the Premier League with [Carlos] Tevez, [Emmanuel] Adebayor, [Joleon] Lescott and [Gareth] Barry."Given the imminent nature of Robinho's return which could see a spell on the bench given the form of others who have shined in his absence, and that you sense media focus is now beignning to turn a little towards the January window I doubt we have seen or heard the last of reports and stories such as those seen this week.
>>mcfc.co.ukSeveral City stars will be casting their minds forward to next summer's World Cup after the final round of qualifying games on Wednesday night.
Shaun Wright-Phillips bagged his fifth goal for his country as England eased to a 3-0 win over Belarus at Wembley. He gave a good account of himself despite playing on the left flank, and he was joined in the starting line-up by Wayne Bridgeand Gareth Barry, who helped set up Peter Crouch’s fourth-minute opener.
Vladimir Weiss helped Slovakia book their automatic progress to South Africa when they beat Poland 1-0 in Chorsaw. City’s young winger was booked in the 58th minute, but Slovakia’s win saw them top the group despite the close attentions of Slovenia. In the same group there was disappointment for Ryan McGivern and Northern Ireland, whose goalless draw with the Czech Republic, combined with results elsewhere, meant that there was no chance for them to slip into the play-off places.
Shay Given celebrated his 100th cap for the Republic of Ireland with a clean sheet against Montenegro at Croke Park. The Irish must now wait for Friday’s draw to find out which seeded team they will face in next month’s two-legged play-off for a place in South Africa next year. Elsewhere in Ireland’s group, Martin Petrov scored twice in Bulgaria’s 6-2 win over Cyprus in Sofia, but the win came too late to affect the top end of the group table.
Carlos Tevez was a late substitute in the narrow win over Uruguay that saw Argentina squeeze into the final automatic qualification spot from the South American group.
Europe (Uefa): Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland.
Play-offs: Portugal, Greece, Slovenia, Russia, Bosni-Hercegovina, Ukraine, France, Ireland.
North America (Concacaf): Mexico, United States, Honduras.
Play-offs: Costa Rica.
South America (Conmebol): Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina.
Play-offs: Uruguay.
Africa (CAF): Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa (hosts). And... three from Cameroon/Gabon, Tunisia/Nigeria, Algeria/Egypt.
Asia (AFC): Australia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea.
Asia/Oceania (OFC): one from New Zealand v Bahrain play-off - first leg (Bahrain) 0-0, second leg on 14/11/09/
With the squad we now possess it could be a busy summer ahead for our squad, and plenty of interest in watching the tournament with the following players possibly in action:"I've gotten used to 4-3-3. I've not played 4-4-2 for four or five seasons, and my game has to be different in that system. Last year I was bombing forward into the box."Now I have to adjust, and it will make me a more rounded player eventually. I have to play with more discipline, especially when Gareth Barry gets forward, but I feel like I'm getting there.
"I do like to get forward, but it's just different rather than frustrating. I want to be as complete a player as possible, so I will benefit. It's not an easy change to make after a few seasons, but I'm up for the task. It's better for the team, that's the important thing."
His second-half substitue appearance at Villa prior to the international break was considered to be a return of form somewhat for Ireland, who has struggled at times this season in the adjusted role he has been handed.
Putting the reigns on Ireland has been a by-product of the increase in attacking threat that we added during the summer, as playing with a central striker and two support players it is inconceivable that one of the midfield trio can then operate in such an advanced role that Ireland did during 2008/09 when there was far more responsibility upon him given the paucity of attacking options.
Whilst Hughes now has a host of options in all positions and will utilise the squad, he seems intent by and large to persist with the current formation that has brought success so far this campaign.
Could this mean Ireland becomes expendable to the starting eleven? Unthinkable perhaps given his stunning form from last season where he really should have been a stronger candidate for the overall Premier League player of the season, but such is the competition there now is for places in the side he is no longer certain of being a regular starter - particularly if (and it maybe a big if) Michael Johnson returns to the fitness and form he displayed at the start of 2007/08 as arguably he would be a better fit for the role that Ireland has been handed this season.
Thanks to Blue Days for the nod towards this article in The Times which states we have agreed to pay £800,000 to Leeds in compensation for the signing of George Swan and Louis Hutton:
Manchester City have agreed to pay about £800,000 in compensation to end their row with Leeds United over the signing of two teenagers.
The Coca-Cola League One club were unhappy that City had lured Louis Hutton and George Swann, both 14, from their Thorp Arch academy this summer.
Ken Bates, the Leeds chairman, wrote in a recent match-day programme that a deal had been agreed, but did not announce the sum. City, who were not been accused of breaking any regulations, have not made any announcement. But the compensation fee is important because it could be used as a benchmark by lower-league clubs in similar cases.
Leeds rejected City’s initial offer of £70,000 for the pair, citing that they were awarded an initial payment of £600,000, rising to £1.55 million, by a tribunal for the transfer to Everton of Luke Garbutt, a 16-year-old defender. In the wake of the ruling, Shaun Harvey, the Leeds chief executive, said that Premier League clubs should lose points if they are found to have poached players.
I posted about this a couple of weeks when the story about the pair, and at the time neither club released details of the agreed fee.
I can't vouch for the veracity of The Times article, as there are now sources or comments within the story and no confirmation from either ourselves or Leeds regarding any agreement. In addition, neither the MEN or Yorkshire Evening Post are carrying anything either which does beg the question as to where The Times sourced their information from.
As with all fees though that are paid for Academy players, the question of worth is an impossible one to call at such an early age. They could go on to get 100 international caps and the amount paid is next to nothing, or they could sink without trace and never play a game in which case the amount paid seems exorbitant.
What is clear is that the competition involved in both signing these players and for them to make the grade is getting tougher all the time and you do get the feeling that a large number of these players who make these sort of moves are ultimately going to fall by the wayside.
From guardian.co.uk:
Manchester City are considering a formal link with the French club AC Arles-Avignon, according to the Ligue 2 club's president. Jean-Marc Conrad claims he has met representatives from the Premier League club several times, with a view to agreeing a partnership, and that more talks are set for Thursday.However, Conrad said the clubs were far from agreeing a deal. "At present we have met several times but nothing has yet been settled," Conrad told Le Dauphiné Libéré. "We have agreed that Manchester City representatives will come visit our facilities, this will happen on Thursday. But it is still too early to talk about a partnership."
Arles-Avignon were promoted from the third division last season and are currently eighth in Ligue 2. If a deal were to be agreed it could see City farm out their young players to the French club, while friendlies between the two clubs would also be organised.
Get ready for the press to scream 'controversy':
"Robi is not far away, he’s probably got about 10 more days and then he can be back in the group,” reported manager Mark Hughes who has spent the weekend reading rumours that he is about to sell the British record signing.
“He’s working every day, we’re trying to get him back as soon as we can but with a bone injury there is a certain length of time to give it the injury."
Given the form of Craig Bellamy (and indeed Martin Petrov) the starting position on the left hand side looks a long way off for Robinho at this stage.
This of course does afford Hughes the luxury of easing Robinho back into the fray rather than being forced to rush him back (which may well have happened at times last season) before he is quite 100%.
A lot of the focus (myself included) in the media and on the blogs has centred around the likelihood of Robinho getting back into side at the expense of Bellamy, but it would be unwise to assume that is the only position he is capable of featuring. The patchy form of Shaun Wright-Phillips could see him move across to the right-hand side of an attacking trio, or even play off Emmanuel Adebayor in a more central looking position.
At the very least, he could be an excellent impact player to come off the bench to potentially change a game.
With a break in league proceedings due to the current round of international fixtures, Mark Hughes has taken the opportunity to reflect on the start the side has made to the season, and is clearly of the belief that the players he has brought to the club have helped create a stronger mentality amongst the squad:
"A lot of questions that were being asked of us before a ball was even kicked. Would we gel early as a team? Would the egos in the dressing room be able to be managed? There were a number of things that kept being asked in the media and elsewhere, but I think that we have answered each and every one of them."We know that there’s a long way to go and we are conscious of that, but we are pleased with our start. We needed that to happen, we needed people to settle down and see what we were trying to do. I think that it’s now being realised that the people we have brought to the club have made us stronger physically, technically and mentally, which was a key thing for me.
"It was inevitable that our results would improve, and now we have to make sure that we are consistent for the whole of the season. Given the squad’s quality, I see no reason why we can’t be."
And Hughes also looked ahead to the remainder of the season:
"It’s a long old season, and it’s difficult to focus if you look at a block of 38 games. What you have to do is break them into more manageable sections, then you can focus for a certain amount of games. You can then take a look back, review and focus on the next bit.
"It’s easier to overcome a long season like that, and we do that as a matter of course. It's something I have always done that in all the jobs I have been in, and the Villa game was the end of our first phase. Our review of that has been very good, and what we have to do now is make sure is that the one ahead of us is as successful as the one we have just completed.
"We know what we are capable of, we’ve shown glimpses in games where we have been outstanding. But, I don’t think we have played for the full 90 minutes as yet. That’s exciting, because we know there is more to come."
I have been impressed with Hughes so far this season, and he is handling the raised expectation levels well, and what is clear is that the squad that has been assembled is better placed than previous versions to last the course of a long season rather than tail away by Christmas.
With Hughes talking of breaking the season into blocks, a glance at our forthcoming fixtures sees our next six games as follows; Wigan (a), Fulham (h), Birmingham (a), Burnley (h), Liverpool (a), Hull (h). These are clearly a winnable set of games and should we emerge from them with a similar return that we saw from the first six we will be extremely well placed heading into December and the next block.
'Everything seems to make sense to me on the pitch at the moment,' he said. 'Everything just seems to be going the way I want it to.'I'm with familiar faces, people I would trust with my life and when you are comfortable like that, you would give everything for them. The rest just comes off the back of that.
'I've been with Mark Hughes since I was 16. If anyone knows me as a player, it's him. He doesn't do anything special for me before a game. I just know where I am. Sir Bobby Robson did the same for me. He looked to get the best out of each individual. Some managers don't do that. Others do.
'It's not that I feel especially appreciated at Manchester City. I just know where I am. The manager pulled me in at the start of the season and straightaway said, "I'd back you against anyone. I know what you are like. If you are fit, I'd put my money on you, so just go out there and get your place".
At that moment, I knew I was part of it. It didn't matter who came into the club. I'm feeling confident and comfortable. I can really give it a go. Being with outstanding players inspires you to a level, too. It's been a pretty rewarding period after the hard work I've had to get to this stage, with the injuries I've had.'
Bellamy's form this season has been nothing short of sensational, with it clear his confidence is at his peak. Seemingly, he is a very demanding player in terms of the standards he expects from a club and his team-mates and knowing Hughes from various stages of his career feels comfortable with him and bought into the vision Hughes had for the club.
His signing was not a universally popular one, and most commentators expected his stay to be a short one and that he would be jettisoned as soon as Hughes had an opportunity to splash serious money.
What has been proven is that not only does Bellamy warrant his place in the side at present, he clearly looks to be an integral part of the future of the club - which could see some of his more illustrious team-mates moving on instead.
The hamstring injury which ruled him out of Argentina's games during the current international break appears to be serious enough to cast doubt over his participation next Sunday at Wigan:
"He's been with the Argentinian FA who have checked him out, as after the game last Monday he said that he had felt something with the last kick of the game.If he does miss out, it will be interesting to see the performance of Micah Richards, who will need to put in a big performance to wrestle the position back.
"He'd felt a slight strain in the hamstring, but he needed to travel to Argentina to get it verified.
"It's a disappointment for him. Argentina have two crucial games and he wanted to be part of that, but it wasn't to be.
"He's played very well of late and that was flagged to the powers that be in Argentina. It would have been great for him to get the recognition for his good form, but it is unfortunate that he's going to miss out.
"He'll be back today and once we get him scanned hopefully it will not be as bad as feared at the moment, but as it stands you have to say that there is a real doubt that he would be available for our game at the weekend."
Bad news for Pablo Zabaleta, who will miss out on an opportunity to make his debut (and press his claims for a World Cup spot should Argentina qualify) due to a hamstring injury suffered at Aston Villa:
It is not a major injury, but I am not likely to be able to play. Sometimes, it is down to luck, I usually don't have these problems, but it is frustrating for me. There is nothing I can do.'Even worse however is that due to FIFA rules, he has to be assessed by the national team, meaning a ludicrous situation where he has made lengthy round-trip which no doubt involved the briefest of stays in his home country:
City have not complained about the FIFA rule, but Hughes did say, as his players prepared to depart for various parts of the globe: "Everybody these days has to turn up. Pablo has to fly to Argentina but he will probably be on the first flight back."Ironically, the injury comes after a situation where the AFA requested both Zabaleta and Carlos Tevez be rested from the Aston Villa game ahead of the international fixtures.
Martin Petrov shows a nice line in sarcasm in this interview conducted whilst he is away on international duty:
"I wanted to save my energy to win some jitball matches during Bulgaria training sessions," Petrov said sarcastically to explain why he did not play against Villa.
Petrov, who joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2007, ran to the bench to celebrate his goal by pointing to his shirt and number.
"No, I didn't do it for him (Hughes). I did it for my wife because she forgot my number", Petrov told reporters on Wednesday at the Vasil Levski national stadium, hinting at his limited opportunities at City."
Perhaps it is a sign of our arrival of a footballing force that we have to be on guard whenever international week comes around against players being 'misquoted' or 'taken out of context'.
In all seriousness though, it does highlight an issue that is unlikely to go anyway anytime soon - particularly with Robinho edging back towards fitness and the superlative form of Craig Bellamy, and he saw himself back on the bench after an impressive start against West Ham.
And if these further comments are any evidence, his disquiet may grow further as the season progresses:
"When they give me a chance I give my best," he added. "I think I've shown that I deserve a place in the starting line-up but it's up to him (Hughes).
"It's not a pleasant (situation). I'm a professional and I'm observing my obligations but it doesn't rest well with me."
Off The Post off the post Gareth Barry’s homecoming welcome at Aston Villa
Lescott out of England squad - Manchester City - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News
Shay Given condemns 'unfair' Aston Villa fans for baiting Gareth Barry | Football | guardian.co.uk
When Saturday Comes - The Half Decent Football Magazine - To celebrate or not to celebrate?
For all their flair, it will be best to ignore the odds on City for a while - Times Online
Much praise has been heaped on Richard Dunne following his opening goal in Monday night's 1-1 draw for his refusal to celebrate the goal, out of respect for the City fans - who in turn clearly conveyed their feelings and regard for him throughout the game.
The 'non-celebration' has been something the press have focused on recently, and always in comparison to Emmanuel Adebayor's infamous celebration after scoring against Arsenal, and Carlos Tevez appeared apologetic after scoring for us against West Ham.
Are we not in danger though of this issue being treated somewhat excessively though? To be disrespectful to fans who held you in high esteem is one thing - however there was clearly no danger of Dunne 'pulling an Adebayor' (although you have to admit that would have been some sight to see) so would City fans' view of Dunne be any different had he celebrated his goal along with his team mates (rather than the slightly awkward situation that we saw of them celebrating around him) in front of the Villa fans, as he would celebrate any other goal?
Would he stand accused of being disrespectful, or see his standing and reputation with City fans diminished?
The reaction that he received after scoring against us, and throughout the game as a whole, suggests otherwise.
Given - A quiet evening all round with barely a save to make. 6
Zabaleta - Tough night against the impressive Young. Held firm for the most part though. 6.5
Bridge - Looks to be gaining in confidence with each game. His forward play particularly impressive. 7.5
Toure - Looks far from past it. As cool and calm on the ball as Keith Curle was. 8
Lescott - A solid performance against a difficult front pairing. 7
de Jong - Performed well again before being forced off. A bad tackle on Ashley Young though. 7
Wright-Phillips - In and out of the game. May well be set to spend some time on the bench. 6
Barry - Not as impressive as previous games. Perhaps the occasion weighed on his mind. 6.5
Bellamy - The star of the show. Getting better all the time and the spark for our attacks. 8.5
Adebayor - Proved his value to the side but his spell on the sidelines showed late on. 7.5
Tevez - Again full of energy and running, but not enough in the vital areas. 7
Subs:
Ireland - A welcome return to form and should find himself back in the line-up. 7.5
Santa Cruz - His long spell out is showing as he struggles to adapt back into the game. 5.5
I noted in a recent post that so often, goals from set pieces can be the difference maker in Premier League games.
And at half time last night this looked to be the case. Two very evenly matched sides in terms of personnel and outlookwere seperated by a Richard Dunne (didn't you know it) header from a corner. As much as we have improved ourselves in this facet, we are still worryingly leaking goals in this area too.
It had been an open half, with the attacking prowess of both sides on display, yet neither side able to open up the other to create sufficient quality chances. Villa I thought 'won' the first half, their energy, tempo and relentless pressuring of our players did not allow us to settle and for large periods we struggled to control the game.
The second half saw us improve however, and were fully deserving of the point we ultimately came away with. Perhaps it was the (forced) introduction of Stephen Ireland for Nigel de Jong, or that the once again excellent Craig Bellamy saw more of the ball and became a real creative outlet.
In the preview, it stated that when scoring first we had won every game so far this season. Away from home, particularly at tough places such as Villa Park things are not always going to go your way, so not only was it pleasing to come from behind after the break to earn a point, but the mentality the side showed to achieve it - something that suggests the flakiness of previous City sides has been consigned to the past. No lack of belief or being bereft of idea, there was a constant purpose and desire to get something from the game - again, expectation rather than hope.
In fact, at 1-1 we looked the side most likely to go on and take the points but that would perhaps have been unfair on a Villa side who on the evidence, like ourselves, do look well equipped to challenge the established order of the top four.
From The Yorkshire Evening Post:
Leeds United have settled their dispute with Manchester City over the transfer of two 14-year-old players from Thorp Arch to Eastlands.United were pursuing City for compensation after seeing teenagers George Swan and Louis Hutton leave their academy to move to Manchester earlier in the year, and the matter has been resolved through what the Elland Road club called an "amicable private agreement".
It is a measure of our start this season that heading into this game - whilst a tough fixture - it is with a sense of expectation for the victory, rather than merely hoping to come away with the win.
Both sides (along with Tottenham and Everton) were installed as favourites at the start of the season for the Europa League places and to potentially challenge the top four. Whilst we have made undoubted progress since the end of 2008/09, it is fair to say Villa's has been less so.
Yet, this is perhaps a measure of quite how good a season they had last time around and it is easy to dismiss (with much focus on ourselves and Tottenham) the start they have had to the season following their opening day loss at home to Wigan as they have flown under the radar somewhat.
In this article on the official site, Mark Hughes talked about the fact we are not competing in Europe this season could well turn out to be a positive over the course of the season:“There was a disappointment at the end of last season
Whilst the squad we have this season is far and better shaped to deal with the extra demands of the Europa League, there aren't many who would suggest Hughes is wrong on this.
because we weren’t able to qualify for Europe, but it could have been a blessing
in disguise. We had an intense week last week, but we came through that with
flying colours.
“If we had had to face a European tie on the Thursday that
could have compromised us going into the Villa game, but we haven’t.
“The
positives are that we are fresh, we were able to give the guys a little bit of
time off to recover from their exertions on Monday and we are in good shape.
We’re pleased with the rest from that point of view.”
The Europa League for the 2009/10 season is even more enlarged than during 2008/09, but it is not simply just a case of the additional games you are faced with that is an issue.
The relentless nature brings with a constant grind that has a knock on in terms of preparation, something that Stephen Ireland readily acknowledged in an interview earlier this season. With a vastly changed squad this time last year, he believed that the UEFA Cup campaign impacted on the changes Hughes was trying to implement at the club.
Similarly, with an overhauled squad again this summer, playing a dozen or more games in Europe my well have had a detrimental effect , and we may well not have enjoyed the start to the season we have made, or even more importantly, the chance to build on it over the remainder of the season which will hopefully see a return to European football, when, a further twelve months down the line the squad will be in a far stronger position to deal with it.
