Can Man City launch title assault?
December 7, 2010 - 0:0
Another day, another row. Things at Manchester City may not be quite as extreme as that but, it appears, they are not far off.
City skipper Carlos Tevez was involved in a touchline spat with manager Roberto Mancini when he was substituted in the 90th minute of the 1-0 victory over Bolton on Saturday as signs of strain and stress were evident once again among the blue half of Manchester.It followed a training-ground bust-up between Mario Balotelli and Jerome Boateng in the build-up to the game and a recent on-pitch row between Vincent Kompany and Emmanuel Adebayor in the 2-1 defeat by Wolves.
Bolton striker Kevin Davies witnessed Saturday's altercation at close quarters and was distinctly unimpressed. He criticised Tevez's petulant conduct and questioned the team unity among Mancini's expensively assembled side.
""Seeing Tevez reaction to being subbed assures me there is problems within at City, great players individually but as a team?"" Davies said on Twitter.
""If you have a problem is best to sort out behind closed doors rather than making an issue in front of millions.
""I think if you are being subbed it is the managers decision and also you should show bit of respect to the player coming on.""
He added: ""There seems to be problems there, they do not seem to even celebrate goals together?""
However, while Davies raises some valid points, the dichotomy of City's situation is that, despite their problems, which also include certain players voicing plans to leave for more first-team football, they are only three points off the top of the Premier League table.
And, while any sign of disgruntlement will be pounced upon considering the riches they boast and the money they have spent, their position does make you wonder what they might be able to achieve if there is a considered effort from the squad to pull in the same direction.
Mancini prefers to see recent signs of tempers fraying as evidence of the passion and desire among his players. If he can channel that into the same concerted direction, his side might become an even stronger force for their Premier League rivals to fear.
But which way will City go?
(Source: BBC)