Footy Speak

You have tons of money to play with. You have a desire to reap instant benefits for your club. You are given around 60 days to get your team sorted out and improve upon – You buy players. Given practically unlimited cash to play around, you put a price on anyone you feel the need for and offer astonishing amounts of money to the club the player currently plays for and you secure his services – all in hope of becoming one of the top teams overnight.

As much as it sounds to be a scenario on any of the popular Football Manager games, it isn’t. This is exactly what is happening with Manchester City. Over the past month, Manchester City have bought Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry, Santa Cruz, Adebayor – and a few more “fringe” players too. The problem, with such an assembly of stars is something that has been pointed out time and again – they may not have the desire to play for the team and that they will in many cases be only concerned about their pay packets, bonuses etc.

Many critics have been pointing out the performances of Robinho, who incidentally was the first big name player to be a part of the Man City project, as a case in point. In the past season, his performances away from home were pretty average and his attitude became suspect. His apparent lack of interest seemed to spread across the squad with players like Stephen Ireland and others beginning to look as though they felt they were bigger that the club itself.

What critics haven’t been successful in pointing out is that having such an assembly of players will also have an impact on the club in the long run as many youngsters may not get enough opportunity to showcase their talent and if and when they do, there might be considerable pressure on them to perform or perish getting released out of their contracts or have themselves loaned out to smaller clubs, which in effect might just put an end to their career hopes. Thus, many players may not come through the ranks for Manchester City and they might have to look at buying stars rather than having the pleasure of producing them and nurturing them.

What the money, and thus the desire to see quick results would also mean, is that the club is likely to go through a phase of instability depending upon their performances over the first few weeks of the new season. The manager, Mark Hughes would probably know that his future hangs in the balance and in the event of him not producing the desired results, the owners of the club may not hesitate before sacking him. This kind of instability will do City a lot more harm than good.

But then, as the old adage goes, if you live by the sword, be prepared to die by it.

Subject to a medical, Carlos Tevez of Manchester United (or was he??) has agreed to move down the road, to Manchester City. He has agreed personal terms with the club and is said to have signed a five year contract. His new club are currently pre-seasoning in South Africa and Carlos Tevez will fly out to meet them and join in the fun!

“It is terrific news,” Mark Hughes said. “Carlos is an international player of the highest class who possesses all the attributes that will help drive this club forward.”

The Argentinian striker spent the last two years with City’s local rivals Manchester United, where he scored 34 goals in 99 appearances – many of which saw him come off the bench.

“He is not only outstanding technically but he is a reliable goal scorer and someone who will contribute fully to the team ethic,” Hughes added. “He gives us another exciting, attacking dimension.

“I cannot wait to welcome him to City.”

Prior to his stint at United, Tevez made his name during spells with West Ham, Corinthians and Boca Juniors. He has also won over 50 international caps for Argentina.